Add these 6 lovely bookstores to your travel-later plans

Lovely bookstores worldwide cover image

As Stephen King rightly quotes, “Books are a uniquely portable magic.”

Books are famous for having a unique spell that draws us in and keeps us hooked. Book lovers everywhere can fall in love with a story from the first page and spend days captivated by the world they’ve been drawn into and the stories the authors are creating.

Bookstores themselves have also become portals to our access, creating a location where you can disappear into the racks with your favourite book and enjoy that little safe space you’ve made.

If that resonates with you, you must check out these stunning bookstores worldwide for some ideas on your next getaway when travel resumes.

#1: Seoul Book Bogo, South Korea

This former warehouse is now home to one of the largest collections of books and used books in Seoul. The symmetrical space features curved bookshelves and beautiful open-air spaces with racks that stretch up high to the ceilings.

Each and every book here is unique, from independent publishers to personal collections donated by celebrities, bestsellers, and more. And yes, it’s one of the filming locations for the famous drama, Hotel Del Luna.

#2: Book and Bed, Japan

 

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Book and Bed makes the phrase ‘curl up with a good book’ more realistic than ever. This “accommodation bookshop” lets you read and buy books that you love and welcomes you to stay in the hostel if you would like.

The fusion bookstore and hostel offer you over 1,700 books to choose from in both Japanese and English. Can’t read Japanese? Fret not as there are specific genres in English translations available as well.

Beds are placed directly behind bookshelves, so you can simply reach out to grab a book and read yourself to sleep.

#3: Yangzhou Zhongshuge, China

 

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Plunge into a world of literary magic by visiting Yangzhou Zhongshuge, an underground tunnel-like room with reflective surfaces and curved structures to create an endless mirrored space that almost looks like still water.

The Chinese bookstore features mood lighting, starry twinkling lights, and a designated children’s space with colourful walls. Even if you don’t like to read, this place makes an excellent location for the gram or TikTok.

#4: Livraria Lello, Portugal

This grand and ornate bookstore stands out immediately as a beautiful work of old architecture and literary sanctuary.

Tucked into a city on the coast of Portugal, this neo-gothic masterpiece boasts a stained-glass ceiling, elaborated wood carvings, and ladders to the highest bookshelves. It fits in perfectly with the cobblestone streets and medieval atmosphere of the larger Porto neighbourhood surrounding it.

Oh right, did you know that this bookstore was even rumoured to be an inspiration for Harry Potter for J.K. Rowling? Rowling treaded Livraria Lello when she lived in the city in the 1990s.

#5: El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Argentina

 

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El Ateneo Grand Splendid was formerly a beautiful performing arts theatre in the heyday of Argentinian performing arts!

Later a cinema, the elegant bookstore still has its original frescoed ceiling, theatre boxes and balconies, red stage curtains, and even the same elaborate decorations and carvings from the past.

As you grab your next great read, allow someone to serenade you live on the piano. Sip a cuppa or waltz through the splendid space for an experience you will remember for a long time to come.

#6: Shakespeare & Company, France

 

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Known for hosting famous writers and readers for about seventy years, Shakespeare & Company in France is a must-visit, picturesque bookstore on every book lover’s list. To be specific, it’s sited right in the heart of Paris.

Go beyond the whimsical green walls, and you will time travel to a display of some of the world’s most famous collections of books. From Voltaire to Ernest Hemingway, this bookstore has kept pieces of literary history alive within its walls since the 1950s.

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Benefits Of Natural Ingredients On The Skin

Whether you are fighting breakouts or trying to regain your youthful glow, good skin care products can help you improve the appearance of your skin. Your skin routine is only as good as the products you use. High-quality and natural products are safe and efficient. It may come in different formulations for sensitive skin and other skin issues. Nonetheless, here are some of the ingredients that you can find in your kitchen!

#1: RICE WATER

Rice water is the water left after you cook the rice. It has been believed to be helpful in promoting a healthy-looking hair. Its earliest known use was over 1,000 years ago in Japan. Today, rice water gained popularity as an ingredient in skin treatment. I, for one, am using a Korean skin cleanser with rice water.

Rice water helps in soothing your skin and in protecting it from the harmful sun’s rays. Many websites recommend rice water for skin irritation caused by Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS). Moreover, it can be used to lighten the skin and reduce dark spots. A lot of commercial products incorporate rice water in their soaps, toners, and creams. In fact, a 2016 study showed that it was an effective sunscreen when combined with other plant extracts.

#2: TEA BAGS

Used tea bags can be used to reduce puffy eyes, to remove dark circles, to act as toner, and to scrub your skin. The caffeine content in tea helps to shrink blood vessels underneath the skin and further reduce dark circles around the eye. Simply wet two tea bags and place them on your eyes. Keep it in place for five to ten minutes. Do this regularly to reduce puff eyes and to lighten the dark circles.

Secondly, you may use your tea bag or tea leaves as a toner. The astringent properties of tea make it a great toner. Start by wiping a tea bag over your face. Then, wipe it away with a clean towel. Lastly, you can re-use the tea bag as a scrub. Cut it open and use it as a scrub. Wash it off with water and moisturize afterwards. The antioxidants present in the tea bags will help your skin feel smooth and soft.

#3: RAW HONEY

Raw honey is honey that has not been pasteurized or processed. It has higher levels of nutrients and minerals than processed honey. However, it may not be as safe to eat. You can use the raw honey for your skin instead. Honey contains natural enzymes that may remove dead cells on the skin. This is the reason why it can act as a natural exfoliator for your skin.

#4: LEMON

Lemon is a well-rounded ingredient that has antioxidant, antifungal, astringent, and brightening qualities. Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which helps reduce skin damage and pre-mature aging. Due to its high pH levels, lemon can also decrease oil on the skin and reduce inflammation. Not to mention, lemon contains acids that have the ability to naturally lighten the skin. Applying lemon on your skin may help lighten your acne scars and age spots.

#5: SALT WATER

Sea salts can act as a great exfoliant that opens pores for a deeper clean. It also allows your skin to better absorb moisturizers and increases blood circulation. If you have sensitive skin, salt water should be used for your body and not on your face.

#6: SUGAR SCRUB

I have been a fan of sugar scrubs ever since I used in on my lips. It can be used for your face too. The smaller particles make sugar easier on the delicate skin. Be very gentle when you are using the sugar scrub on your face.

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Begin by rubbing the sugar scrub with your hands in small circles without applying too much pressure. You do not need to dissolve it first. Simply, rub it on the skin and wipe it off. How nice is that!

Sources: 1, 2, 3 & 4

 

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5 best multitasking beauty products under S$55

innisfree-black-tea-youth-enhancing-line

2020 has gone by in a flash, and we’ve already marched into March. Just because the earth is slowly completing its revolution around the sun doesn’t mean that you have to look older by the day.

There are many beauty products out in the market that have been developed to work alongside your routine. Whether you’re looking to fix up your skin as you focus on your tasks approaching the end of the 1st quarter of 2021, or you’re looking for that special glow, there are affordable options for you.

Here are the five best multitasking beauty products under S$55 that won’t break your bank.

#1: Fresh Beauty Kombucha Cleansing Treatment

FRESH Kombucha Cleansing Treatment

Price: S$36

This treatment isn’t your average cleanser. It’s a beauty multitasker that harnesses different products’ power and concentrates it all down into one affordable bottle. 

Along with the classic feature that naturally wipes the impurities, makeup, and pollution away, you will also get an added boost of 24-hour triple pollution defence against outdoor and indoor digital light.

Perhaps most unique about this cleanser is how it repairs your skin at the cellular microbiota level with a natural ingredient called prebiotic insulin. Sourced from chicory roots, it has properties that will help balance your skin.

#2: AHC Age Defense Real Eye Cream for Face

AHC Age Defense Real Eye Cream for Face 40ml

Sale Price: S$40.80

We all know that Korean skincare products are some of the best available. That’s why you should pay attention to AHC’s eye cream, a 2-in-1 product that works to anti-age your eyes and face.

What’s even better is that it is clinically proven to reduce 7 wrinkle types in precisely 7 days. You don’t have to wait seven days, however, to feel hydrated instantly. For an extra touch of luxury, you can enjoy the newly added gold in its formula.

#3: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask EX Sleeping Microbiome™

LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask EX Sleeping Micro Biome™

Price: S$45

When it comes to hard work, our bodies deserve a good rest. Luckily, Laneige has come up with its Water Sleeping Mask EX, which is sure to bring you refreshing hydration and texture while you get your shuteye.

The new version of the iconic mask comes with unique ingredients like squalene, Sleeping Microbiome™, and a probiotic complex that will ensure restoration and the utmost health of your skin’s condition.

Even if you don’t get the recommended eight hours of sleep, this Laneige mask will guarantee you look like you did. Worth every penny, isn’t it?

#4: Innisfree Black Tea Youth Enhancing Ampoule Special Set

Black Tea Youth Enhancing Ampoule Special Set

Price: S$51

Tea has so many health benefits that make it a perfect drink. Now, imagine the properties of tea inside your skincare.

Just as you might envision, the Jeju Black Tea inside Innisfree’s Ampoule Special Set comes with a special Reset Concentrate™ that attacks the five classic signs of skin fatigue.

If you’ve ever experienced dullness, texture issues, sensitivity and would love better overall skin, the youth-enhancing ampoule products will be perfect for that glow you’ve been searching for. 

#5: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

GLOW RECIPE Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

Price: S$52

Speaking of glow, there’s nothing better than giving our skin a natural radiance and brightness. That’s why this skincare and makeup hybrid from Glow Recipe excels beyond all expectations to give your skin that dewy look.

You can choose to use it as a primer, a highlighter, or a foundation mixer to give you an entirely desirable reflective complexion. Rest assured that this beauty multi-tasker comes without mica, glitter, or grey cast.

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5 Things To Consider Before Pursuing Graduate Studies

While employers highlight the importance of soft skills such as emotional intelligence and resilience, many in-demand jobs require higher education credentials.

I, for one, am looking for ways to better myself. Getting a master’s degree is one option. It has been a dream of mine to get a master’s degree. However, resources were not in my favor. Things changed when the pandemic came. I had the luxury of time as I was mainly working from home. This decision needs to be taken seriously. When deciding whether you must take a master’s degree or not, consider these factors.

#1: THE REASON WHY YOU ARE DETERMINED TO GET A MASTER’S DEGREE

Getting a master’s degree will enable you to follow your passion. It does not necessarily have to be closely associated with your bachelor’s degree. You have the power to carve your path.

Moreover, getting a master’s degree is a way to buy yourself some time. For students who are not sure of their career path, graduate studies may provide a safety net for the next couple of years. This should not be your primary reason. Choose to pursue it, if it would be better for your career. For instance, getting a master’s degree in education will help you to get promoted from your teaching position. It will build a bridge to the next step of your career.

#2: THE TRUE COST OF GRADUATE STUDIES

Be honest when it comes to your financial capabilities. Studying further is not cheap. Ask the registrar or the program adviser of the university you are eyeing on regarding their fees. Know if there are scholarships or other forms of financial aid schemes.

Remember that it is cheaper to complete your master’s degree using online courses. Some courses even provide free resources. There is a plethora of content available, at no cost, to the general public.

#3: THE LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

Ask yourself how hard it is to get a master’s degree compared to your bachelor’s degree. You see, undergraduate programs involve tackling simpler topics. Graduate studies are more structured and complex. The amount of preparation required for the tests and classes is higher than before. You need to study beyond what your lecturers have taught.

#4: THE CHANCES OF SALARY INCREASE

It is no secret that people who have completed higher education are generally paid more money than those who do not. While a 25% increase in earnings is the average increase people see, attending the top MBA programs can boost your salary by as much as 60-150%. Equipping yourself with knowledge can help increase your earning potential.

#5: THE LOCATION OF THE SCHOOL

Given the current situation, you must access whether the location of the school will affect your lifestyle choices. It is difficult to travel and relocate at this time. Most graduate students have families. Thus, it makes relocation a difficult option. Think about the location of the school when searching for master’s degree programs.

Image credits: pixabay.com

Are you studying overseas or locally? Are there online schooling options? You need to decide on the best location for you.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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Quirky accommodations worldwide to add to your travel bucket list

Dog Bark Park Inn B&B, United States

Are you ready to enjoy a fun and memorable vacation? Are you bold and prepared for an adventure a little off the beaten path?

Well, not quite yet with the ongoing pandemic. Staycations will do for now, but there’s nothing wrong with looking forward to “vaccine passports”. We’ve searched the globe looking for some of the most interesting, weird, and just plain quirky accommodations around the world.

Let’s venture forward right away!

#1: Dog Bark Park Inn B&B, United States

Dog Bark Park Inn B&B cover image

Price: from S$170+/night

Idaho might not be on your radar as a vacation destination. Still, this American state boasts beautiful mountain landscapes and tranquil recreation areas – not to mention some of the best potatoes on earth.

This is all nice enough, but Idaho also happens to host one of the unique hotels out there: the Dog Bark Park Inn B&B. The Airbnb accommodation is situated on the edge of Cottonwood.

If you have ever dreamt of living with a giant beagle, this is the right holiday space for you. This Airbnb offers guests two bedrooms, one bathroom, a balcony with a view, and a friendly wag.

#2: SiloStay, New Zealand

SiloStay, New Zealand

Price: from S$220+/night

Next up, we have this special accommodation in the shape of a silo. Do you know what a silo is? It is a structure used in agriculture to store grain or fermented feed.

SiloStay is sited in Little River, near Christchurch, New Zealand. It is built with green technology and eco-friendly systems throughout the location and conveniently located a short walk from the Little River Rail Trail. You’re just a stone’s throw away to an art gallery and a local cafe.

Guests will be housed in rooms that come with a kitchenette, electric blankets, and satellite television. SiloStay is a unique place for travellers to unwind after a long day of enjoying all that Christchurch offers.

#3: Huilo Huilo Montaña Mágica Lodge, Chile

Huilo Huilo Montaña Mágica Lodge, Chile

Price: from S$240+/night

The South American nation is home to the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, a natural wonderland in the heart of the forest. There, visitors can stay at the Huilo Huilo Montaña Mágica Lodge. 

Unlike an ordinary vacation space, the Montaña Mágica Lodge is built to blend in with the landscape. Shaped like a mountain and covered in natural vegetation, this lodge is absolutely distinctive.

While it may look like part of the wilderness and shabby outside, don’t judge the book by its cover. The accommodation features a spa & wellness centre and an indoor pool. By booking a stay here, you can chill out in your cosy room and enjoy soothing garden views with daily breakfast.

#4: V8 Hotel Classic Motorworld Region Stuttgart, Germany

V8 Hotel Classic Motorworld Region Stuttgart, Germany

Price: from S$250+/night

If an escape to the forest isn’t for you, perhaps this particular listing in Germany is more appealing. The hotel sits right in Böblingen, a town of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. You will be within a 30-minute drive to Stuttgart.

Boasting some of Germany’s sophisticated cultural attractions such as ballet and opera, Stuttgart hosts some of the top sights, including the Mercedes Benz Museum and Porsche Museum.

There’s no more attractive place for car lovers to stay in Böblingen than the V8 Hotel Classic Motorworld. This 4-star hotel is a masterwork of Bauhaus design and features an automotive theme. Guests can sleep in beds made from classic cars and enjoy uniquely themed rooms. 

If you can’t afford to drive in luxury, sleep in it.

#5: Dasparkhotel, Austria

 

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Price: from S$440+/night

Dasparkhotel is a unique new hotel venture just a 15-minute drive from Linz. You may wish to pack light as the Dasparkhotel is quite minimalist in design. Guests will stay in cosy, barrel-shaped rooms that were previously used as sewage pipes.

It is furnished with a mattress, storage, a lamp, and a power outlet for your devices. Travellers wishing to see the River Danube up close and personal won’t be disappointed when staying at the Dasparkhotel Ottensheim. That’s because the rooms face out to a creek flowing into River Danube.

It’s hard to imagine a weirder place to stay than in a recycled drainpipe! But we’re not yet done with our list.

#6: The Caves, Jamaica

The Caves, Jamaica

Price: from S$900+/night

Have you taken a vacation to the Caribbeans? Jamaica is one of the finest countries in this beautiful region, and we’re saving the best for the last. The setting at The Caves is uniquely close to the ocean and a perfect retreat for couples.

Unwind in your private cottage, wander down to the resort’s bar made from two limestone caves, or relax and soak in their cliffside hot tub. Take the stairs down to the water and enjoy the magnificent view of the ocean, or take a walk to Seven Mile Beach to swim and watch the sunset.

Or you can also enjoy a round of golf at the nearby Negril Hills Golf Club or head to the Kool Running Waterpark just a 15-minute drive away. There’s no better way to enjoy Jamaica than The Caves.

Final Thoughts

We can’t travel at the moment, but travel will resume someday.

The next time you’re planning your holiday, consider staying at one of these weird but refreshing accommodations. Chain hotels and resorts can be comfortable, but memories made at these quirky and unique locations will last you a lifetime!

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