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How You Can Seek Out The Ancient Treasures Of Ankara

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 04:43:00 +0000

// Although often overlooked for Istanbul, the other more prominent and picturesque Turkish city, Turkey’s capital city Ankara still offers plenty of sights and attractions for visitors. Despite the cities appetite for development, there are plenty of reminders of Ankara’s past scattered throughout the city. Evidence of Byzantine, Hellenistic, Hittie, Ottoman, Phrygian and Roman times remain and seeking these out is worth the exploration. The Ankara Citadel, also known as the Hisar, is the most famous of Ankara’s landmarks and is one of the best viewpoints in the city. Dominating the capital’s skyline from its hilltop, looming 978 metres above the city, this ancient fortress was the birthplace of the original town, established in Hittite times, almost 3000 years ago. Inside the walls you will discover a cobblestoned, labyrinth-like ancient Turkish village, which will easily enthrall you for a few hours. Another striking monument to add to your list of things to do in Ankara is the Anitkabur, the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk. Anitkabur was the founder of the Turkish Republic and this imposing building is a powerful icon of Turkey’s independence. Spend some time wondering along the Road of Lions and through the Ceremonial Plaza, visit Ataturk’s tomb in the Hall of Honour and learn about the significance of the ten symbolic towers. Afterwards, enjoy the quiet in the Peace Park, surrounding the monument. Other Ankara landmarks that are worth a visit include the Roman Baths and some of the city’s beautiful Mosques, including the largest and newest, the Kocatepe Mosque and the Haci Bayram Mosque. To delve further into the fascinating history of Turkey and Ankara, there are several must-see museums that you should add to your itinerary, one of them being the Ethnography Museum. Located near Ankara Castle, its displays are dedicated to the cultures of both historic and current societies that have shaped Turkey. Just next door is the State Art and Sculpture Muse... Read more

90s Inspired Style: High-Waisted Jeans

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 15:41:00 +0000

// Remember the high waisted jeans which were so hot back in the 1990s? They are back again and are becoming one of the hottest looks for this autumn. When they are worn well, high waisted pants can be very flattering. That is because rather than the waistband resting around your hips like low-rise jeans, it fits around your natural waist which is the smallest part of your abdomen. This helps to create the sexy feminine silhouette of an hourglass figure. However, you must be careful when wearing high-waisted jeans because there is always the risk that you will stray too far into mom-jean territory and just look dorky. If your jeans do not fit well or are not the right shape for your body, they can actually accentuate your hips and unfortunately make you look wider than you really are. If you want to rock this retro 90s style in the most flattering way, here are some tips to keep in mind: First of all, make sure that you have found jeans which fit well and do not sag or stretch in the waist, bum or crotch area. It is crucial that the jeans are not too tight on you. You might want to try to squeeze into a size too small to make yourself look slimmer, but it will have the opposite effect as your flesh is squeezed out of the top of the jeans. If you are wearing flared jeans, pair them with high heels or wedges in order to visual elongate the look of your legs. When wearing the skinny leg style, lean girls can wear flats and curvy girls should wear heels to balance out their proportions. If you choose to wear this style of jeans you should tuck in your top, or you will lose the effect of the slim waistline. Bodysuit blouses work well with this style because they will not result in any bulky fabric bulging around the waistline. Accessorize the jeans with a skinny belt to draw attention to your small waist. Good things come in small packages, but if you are short will Read more

Ramp Up Your Style At Work

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:53:00 +0000

// With more and more professional women in the public eye these days, the face of business has definitely changed. However, gone are the days when a powerful women needs to dress like Margaret Thatcher or have the shoulders of her jacket so padded she resembles an American line-backer to be taken seriously. With successful businesswomen such as Karren Brady and the late Anita Roddick proving you can be smart, glamorous, quirky (and even sexy) while still kicking butt in the corporate world, why not take some inspiration and give your work wardrobe a boost? While many of us may think we have our work style figured out already, there can be no harm in ramping things up and injecting some current trends into your office wear. Of course, different industries have different dress codes so there isn’t a set formula that will work for everyone. However, most women that work in the corporate world are likely to own either a trouser or skirt suit. Teamed with a crisp, fitted white shirt, it is fair to say this is definitely one of the classic business looks for females. However, why not play around with it and look for masculine cut blazers and ankle grazing skinny trousers in chic charcoals, neutrals or perhaps even a daring purple? Or ditch the suit jacket and opt for a fitted pencil skirt in soft black leather on your bottom half? Even a more sombre suit can pop when paired with the right accessories – look for bold watches and classic handbags with a twist. Dresses are another staple of a women’s work wardrobe. Don’t feel limited to conservative shifts in dull colours though, why not embrace the resurgence of 50s glamour (thanks to shows such as Mad Men) and look for floral prom dresses or a cute polka dot or checked shirtwaist? These dresses are not only functional for work but the shape and style are all about celebrating a women’s figure. And the 50s look isn’t limited to just dresses, think pussy bow Read more

Add New Season Style To Your Old Season Wardrobe

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:40:00 +0000

// It’s probably the worst part about being a fashionista – knowing that one day that gorgeous new item you just bought won’t be quite as fashionable. Is there any way around it? Well, with some items probably not, but with some others, you bet there is. While some items from previous style collections just stop working after a certain amount of time, some items can work flawlessly within a whole new style set. It really just depends on the individual piece of clothing, and what’s in fashion at any given time. Instead of giving your entire wardrobe a makeover this season, why not think about what’s re-usable and just peppering it with some new items? For instance, floral prints look like they’ll prove popular once again this Autumn and Winter. Because this look has been around for a little while now, there’s every chance you’ll have some staple items that’ll work well with the trend in your wardrobe from last season. Think about it, if you’ve got a pair of hi tops (which most women do!) they’ll work pretty well with a new floral blouse, team the look up with a pair of dark tights which you’re likely to have anyway and you’re on to a winner! That’s just an example of casual wear though; one of the best parts about the Autumn and Winter season is the number of parties that it incorporates. From a fashion perspective this usually presents both good news and bad news – plenty of chances to impress with what you’re wearing, but plenty of prospective expense keeping yourself in the latest party wear! Well, the good news on that front is that it’s far easier to re-use older items as part of a glam outfit than many people think. Think about it, when was the last time little ... Read more

Matching Your Footwear To Your Outfit: AW12 Guide

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:25:00 +0000

// When dressing to impress, it is important to get your look right from head to toe. After all, a pair of shoes can make or break your outfit in the style stakes. With some great trends coming out this season, it may be time to have a rethink on your footwear to make sure you keep up to date with the fashion pack. Of course, when the weather turns colder there are certain styles of footwear that are relegated to the bottom of the wardrobe or under the bed until pedicure season rolls around again. It is fair to say that your flip flops are going to be taking a back seat and instead, you will be digging out your boots, block heels and trainers. So what looks should you be channelling to ensure you stay one step ahead? One of the key trends in AW12 is the gothic look – think more along the lines of Lisbeth Salander than Morticia Addams though! With layers of textured black all over the catwalks, this is a strong and dramatic style - leather trousers, lace tops and dark lips are all musts. For daytime footwear to accentuate such an outfit, try a pair of tough looking biker boots with black jeans and for evenings look for a pair of wild studded or spiked shoes with a metal heel to embrace your inner gothic dominatrix. Military is making a welcome come back this AW, however it is more sophisticated than ever with sharp tailoring and chic colour palettes being all the rage. Metallic heels in silver or gold give this look a real feminine twist, particular when they’re twinned with a green oversized cape coat and a pair of straight legged khaki trousers. For a more muted take on the trend, wear a fitted dress with some brass button detailing and pair of brown or black knee high boots.

For the more romantic among us, floral is still the biggest print of the season. Oriental inspired blossom prints in deep wine hues and jewel tones are going to be popular again, and cute heeled Read more

Take The Stress Out Of Moving Home

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:28:00 +0000

// Whether you are moving from on flat to another, moving out of your parents' house for a place of your own, or changing houses, moving home can involve a number of stumbling blocks. It's best to make sure you are prepared for the move, and don't end up costing yourself money in the long run. While some of the issues with changing home can seem like a nuisance, they are all very important if you want peace of mind and a quiet life after you settle in. To ensure you cover all the areas that need sorted out, be well ordered and make a checklist or else some other aid for memory. The issues you should make sure to resolve early include essentials such as; utility bills, change of address for bills and your new neighbors. One of the most overlooked areas when moving home is sorting out the utility bills. To avoid racking up late fees and other charges, make sure to handle this as soon as you can. This can be especially difficult if the previous occupants have been lax with their own payments. If you don't make it clear that a change of occupier has occurred you may find yourself dealing with the legacy of other peoples unpaid bills. This is something you definitely want to avoid, as it can cause trouble down the line. One of the first steps in moving into a new property should be to ensure that you inform the energy company that you are a new occupant. It might also be worthwhile looking into a new supplier, as there might be a deal that is better suited to your financial situation. While taking care of your utility issues, it is also definitely worth the effort ensuring that you have informed all relevant parties about your change of address. Your mobile phone company, your friends and family, your work, all examples of organizations and people who might need to be able to contact you at your home address. The sooner you let them know you have moved home, the less chance for confusion or mis-communication. It can be a pain to do, but once you have, you... Read more

Staying Safe On The Internet

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:10:00 +0000

// The internet offers a number of very exciting options, and is an invaluable tool for individuals, private organizations and governments. The wealth of information and range of options the internet provides in unparalleled, however it also presents a number of key risks. The foremost of these is identify theft and computer fraud. It is inevitable that you will have to make available some of your personal information if you want to use the full range of options that the internet provides. The key to staying safe is ensuring that your information is not stolen by any malicious parties. There are a few key guidelines to follow if you want to make sure that your internet browsing is safe and secure. Firstly, above all else is it important to get a good and reliable firewall and virus protection system. If you are browsing the internet there is the chance that you may encounter malicious software which is designed to steal your personal information or else otherwise undermine the integrity of your computer. The best way to combat this is to get good virus protection software which will scan your downloads and monitor the pages your browse, helping to keep you from accidentally downloading a program which may contain a virus or Trojan. Make sure that the software you select is well recommended and reviewed. Key aspects of a good virus protection system include up to date virus definitions and modern scanning software. Though it is important to have good virus protection, it is the human element that needs most monitoring. While you are browsing the internet it is important for you to be careful and to only access sites that you know to be legitimate. Most of the time access to your personal details is gained by a mistake that you make. This can be entering personal information into a website you don’t full trust, or simply setting a password that is easily guessed. Another common mistake that people make is using the same username and password for multiple d... Read more

With Train Fares Set To Soar In 2013, Look Online For The Best Deals

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:40:00 +0000

// The announcement of an impending 6% hike in train fares in 2013 may make many of you wonder about the option of rail travel. However, for most commuters, it remains the most convenient and reliable form of transport. Buying one’s ticket 10-12 weeks ahead of your journey will shave pounds off the total cost. Investigate the various booking sites and choose carefully to avoid the extra expense of debit and credit card charges as well as delivery costs for your ticket. Rail journeys are one of the very best ways to see the world and with so many different countries competing strongly in train travel, there are many trips to choose from. The Trans-Siberian railway journey encompasses incredible panoramic scenery as well as a chance to experience the traditional way of life in this part of the world. With May through September being the peak travel times for tourists, due to the long daylight hours and the warm weather, travelling in the winter months is a good option as well; the carriages are heated and the scenery is possibly even more spectacular. Your trip may look something like this: London to Brussels on the Eurostar and then a connecting high-speed train to Cologne with the Russian daily sleeper-car getting you to Moscow in 2 days. Or if you live further north in Scotland, take a ferry to Holland, then catch the direct Amsterdam-Moscow sleeper-car. There are many tracks to Russia that will get you to the exciting expanse of Siberia and beyond. The Moscow to Beijing via Mongolia is reputably the most interesting route to follow as it takes in the Gobi Desert over a 4700 mile-long journey. Another alternative is Moscow to Beijing, via Manchuria, a distance of 5600 miles. If you are planning to take a weekend away and you want to travel by train, make sure you check outtrain fares as early as possible and book sooner rather than later to get the best price. Even if you are only travelling a short distance you can still make savings by booking in ad... Read more

The Best UK Shopping Locations

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:23:00 +0000

// Fortunately for avid shoppers with time restraints, good transport links to the cities and towns will enable them to access most of the popular stores and market places in a few days. The streets of Oxford, Regent, Jermyn, Bond and Mayfair are overflowing with iconic department stores, boutiques featuring international brand names and luxurious, exclusive British labels. Carnaby Street, an area made up of 12 streets, offers an eclectic mix of urban chic and retro fashion whilst Covent Garden Market delights shoppers with arts and crafts. Look out for Vivienne Westwood’s store, original home to the 70’s punk rock era of fashion in King’s Road whilst in Knightsbridge, the regal landmarks of Harvey Nichols and Harrods pay homage to all things British. Notting Hill, with its world-famous Portobello Road Market, is also a shopper’s paradise. Consider treating yourself to a made-to-fit suit from Saville Row and prepare to be amazed at your quality investment. Last but not least, visit Jo Malone’s Canada Square store in Canary Wharf for some essential perfume supplies. Picking out treasures in Scotland won’t be hard, simply because the Scottish culture is so rich and steeped in tradition. Perhaps wrap up a few cashmere sweaters for your family back home or buy a few lengths of tartan to remind you of your travels. Whiskey aficionadas will revel in the almost never-ending varieties of Scotch and a happy day could be spent ‘trying before buying’ at one of the many tasting areas within the liquor stores or distilleries. Glasgow stands out of the crowd with a gem of a shopping centre, Buchanan Galleries. This is conveniently sited by rail and bus stations and over 80 stores should keep visitors happy. Head over to Falkirk next and explore its 26 shopping streets. The High Street is dedicated to pedestrian shoppers and there are 2 main shopping centres, namely The Howgate and Callendar Square filled with all the well-known stores. With so many treasure troves to ex... Read more

Guide To Manchester Tourist Spots

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 13:18:00 +0000

// When most people think of visiting the United Kingdom as a tourist the first places that spring to mind are London and Edinburgh but other areas should not be discounted. The North of England houses some of the best things to do and Manchester has a host of tourist attractions for you to visit but what makes the city different is there is a lot to keep youngsters entertained too. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Manchester’s Delta Force paintball; just make sure you’ve brought plenty of soap with you on your travels. Those who prefer a bit more culture in their breaks might want to check out the variety of libraries in Manchester. The John Ryland's Library is steeped in history but still operates today. There is also a variety of museums including the Museum of Science and Industry which has galleries spread across five historic buildings and the Manchester Museum, home to an array of natural treasures. An extra bonus is that museums are usually free to enter. Another place that is certainly free to entre but perhaps not traditionally classed as a tourist spot is Manchester’s famous Trafford Centre. Thousands of people flock to this shopping mecca with over 200 stores inside and 11,500 free parking spaces on site. It even provides entertainment and events including book signings; flash dances and sport on big screens to keep the men entertained and give you peace to shop. If you manage to take in all that in one day you’ve earned a well deserved break so why not find a nice Manchester hotel and grab some food while you decide how to spend the rest of the evening. Manchester has an array of entertainment venues including one of the best known in Britain, the MEN Arena has a capacity of 23,000 and can cater for everything from big bands to live sport. Of course there are also smaller less modern places to spend the evening. You could head to the Manchester Opera House which has been around since 1912. It was renovated in 2003 and now plays host ... Read more