Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Jake Paul & Amanda Serrano Will Headline MSG in August

 amanda serrano

Following the cancellation of his bout versus Tommy Fury on December 18, 2021, scheduled to be held in Tampa, Florida, Jake Paul and his Most Valuable Promotions have now confirmed the rescheduling of this grudge match set to take place on August 6 at Madison Square Garden.

Jake Paul is a social media star turned boxer who's been widely criticized for his hand-selected opponents with zero connection to the boxing world as well as non-existent pro records. However, critics could be silenced if he can defeat Fury, who was forced to pull out of the initial meeting in December due to a broken rib. But now, as of last week, both parties have reached an agreement to see the British boxer travel to America for the second time in his professional career.

Tommy is the brother of world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, and he'll notably be the first legitimate boxer with a winning record that Paul has faced. The Englishman recently fought Daniel Bocianski (10-1), and he'll be the most difficult challenge for the YouTuber's in-ring tenure thus far.

The deal didn't arrive without its fair share of drama, including his family's inability to travel and his persistence in drug testing. Paul announced the bout confirmation on Twitter. He posted a fight poster with the caption: "Okay, people, he grew a set overnight. It's official; I'm taking this little Fury's head off. Amanda Serrano and I dual main-event at the Mecca of boxing."

Fury also took to social media with his own response to the contract signing: "The contract has been signed. I don't need a team to get this job done; now the drug testing has been signed, there are no issues. See you at the press conference."

But things just took a turn for the worse this morning, and now the fight might be in jeopardy. Tommy Fury was denied entry into the US while getting ready to take a flight at Heathrow airport to attend the press conference this Wednesday. The press conference has officially been cancelled. Fury called it “a massive shock to me and my whole team,” and said they were working on resolving the situation. Tommy’s half-brother Tyson Fury was reportedly denied entry to the U.S. recently as well, due to past connections with Daniel Kinahan, whose alleged crime cartel is the target of coordinated action between Irish, British, and American law enforcement.

Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury

As the United States is enjoying its first year as a nation with almost every state supplying legalized sports betting to some extent, we should expect the Ohio-born Paul to have a big following at the sportsbooks with his undefeated record and multiple knockout victories.

Surprisingly, Caesars Ohio and other sportsbooks have received significant betting action on Tommy Fury to walk away as the victor. Currently, Fury is -200, with an implied probability of 66.67% to win the bout versus Jake Paul in August. Earlier this month, Paul and Fury were both -110, but Paul has since dropped to +150 in the previous two weeks.

Since Paul began his boxing venture in January of 2020, he's built a 5-0 record with wins over AnEsonGib, former NBA star Nate Robinson, former MMA champion Ben Askren, and former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley (twice). Fury, who is a trained boxer in his fighting prime, is an entirely different opponent from what Paul has faced thus far. 23-year-old Fury boasts an 8-0 record with four career knockouts.

Puerto Rican southpaw

The Co-Main Event

Amanda Serrano, the Puerto Rican southpaw - who burst onto the scene with significant help from Paul's promotion – will join the YouTuber in a dual main event where she'll face the current interim champion, Brenda Carabajal.

Serrano will be defending her featherweight WBC, WBO, and IBO titles versus the mandatory challenger in Carabajal. Serrano became familiar with Madison Square Garden on April 30 when she faced Katie Taylor, a fight regarded as the biggest fight in the history of women's boxing.

Eddie Hearn Leak

Despite the dramatized contract signing, rival promoter Eddie Hearn commented on his knowledge of the bout happening last month. Hearn doesn't work with Paul or Serrano, but he co-promoted the undisputed lightweight bout between Taylor and Serrano earlier this year.

"I don't represent them, but I hear that fight [Paul vs. Fury] is happening August 13, so you might see it," Hearn told reporters, admitting that he wants to see the YouTube star stopped for the first time in his career. "Both are very limited, but as long as it's a competitive fight, it doesn't really matter.

"Jake Paul is a strange one, but I like what he's doing for boxing. I did Amanda Serrano vs. Katie Taylor with him, and it was great fun; it was a big success, he's putting the work in, and he's not terrible. But it will be a pleasant day when someone chins him.

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Humidors: Keeping Cigars Well-seasoned All Season

 cigar humidor

Food is preserved through refrigeration. Leather is kept supple and shiny through regular conditioning. The mummies of ancient Egypt were preserved by being rubbed with special oils and then wrapped in cloth. But how do you preserve your pricey, hard-to-come by Puerto Rican cigars? Why, with the use of a humidor, of course! A humidor is used to control how much humidity surrounds cigars and other tobacco products.

Not Just Another Box

At first glance, a cigar humidor may look like an ordinary box. Made of wood, its interior is often carved out of beautiful Spanish cedar. A humidor is far from being just another box, however. While mainly utilized as storage, it may also be used for maintaining and aging cigars. It may even be used as furniture or a valuable family heirloom that is passed from one generation to the next.

The Perfect Humidity

The ideal humidity range for storing cigars is 68% to 72%. This is at room temperature, which is usually about 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit. A humidor typically includes a hygrometer to measure how much humidity is inside the box. Then, it maintains its optimal range of humidity by inserting or removing moisture on the inside.

The Time to Season

So, you bought yourself or your friend a humidor. Should you immediately stash your cigars inside it? The answer is no. New humidors and humidors that have not been used for a long period of time must first be seasoned. A humidor adds humidity to the cigars’ environment. If you were to skip this step, the cigars would dry out because the wood would absorb their moisture. As previously mentioned, cedar is usually used as a cigar humidor's interior.

Seasoning Humidor

Why should you season your cigar humidor? Well, seasoning gives the humidor an atmosphere akin to the tropical weather where the majority of cigars are produced. To season humidors, follow these carefully and step by step:

1. Soak a new sponge in distilled water. Do not use soap or scents. Additionally, do not use tap water because it contains minerals that could damage the humidor.

2. Wipe all of the exposed wood. This includes the inside lid and the dividers. Make sure not to use a fraying cloth or paper towels because these could damage the wood.

3. Spray the sponge with additional distilled water. Then, put it inside the cigar humidor, on top of a plastic bag. The plastic bag is necessary because it keeps the sponge from touching the wood directly.

4. After the humidifying tool is filled, it must be wiped down. Then, for about half an hour, it should rest on a hand towel.

5. With the wet sponge and the humidifying tool inside, close the humidor lid and let it sit overnight.

6. The following day, refresh the humidifying tool. Also, if the sponge is only somewhat dry, more distilled water must be added.

7. Let the humidor sit for another evening. Afterwards, take out the plastic bag and sponge.

In a world where cigars are as prized as jewelry, South American cigars are the Roles Royce of tobacco products. Keep your cigars well-protected inside a seasoned cigar humidor to ensure that your investment will not go up in smoke.

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Electric And Hybrid Cars

 electric cars

Why Electric Cars?

We all know that something needs to be done about the state of our environment. After all, if we continue the trend that we have started of polluting and damaging the world around us, it may not be able to continue to provide us with the healthy elements we require for a healthy life. But solutions to the environmental issues are few and far between. Take our transportation situation, for example. We have become a society that is increasingly dependent on the use of cars to get around, as our world and neighborhoods have become bigger and more spread out. But cars are known polluters, and the cost of gas is beginning to limit the distances that we want to drive. We need a solution to this dilemma, and two of the possibilities that scientists are studying are electric and hybrid cars.

Electric cars run on an electric motor that is powered by a battery or series of batteries. These batteries need to be recharged periodically, usually after 50-100 miles of use. While this type of vehicle is very environmentally friendly because it produces almost no pollution, the fact that is must be recharged so frequently makes it a very inconvenient choice for many car owners. The other problem is that the recharging process has traditionally been a long and inconvenient one for the average car user. This is why you haven’t seen too many electric cars on the road at this point. However, by combining the electric and hybrid cars, you can create an automobile that is non-polluting and fuel efficient.

Hybrid or Electric

When it comes to electric and hybrid cars, the latter may be the more desirable choice for the large majority of car owners. While both the electric and hybrid cars use less fuel and emit less pollution, the hybrid cars are designed to go longer distances with less maintenance in between. This means that you can reap the benefits of using less fuel, which is a huge savings today when you consider the high cost of gasoline, with a vehicle that is much more convenient to use. Hybrid cars combine the ease of a small gas engine with an electric motor that is capable of recharging itself. You end up with a cleaner vehicle that can go longer distances on less fuel. The electric motor aids in the acceleration process, and also enables the car to turn itself automatically off and back on at stops, saving plenty of fuel for maximum efficiency.

While both electric and hybrid cars fit the bill when it comes to environmental friendliness, the hybrid car may be the vehicle of choice when it comes to convenience and ease of use. Consider a hybrid car for your next family vehicle and count the many benefits that you will receive.

Sunday, June 19, 2022

How to Leave Your Worries Behind on Your Next Trip

 

Have you ever been on vacation, pleasantly enjoying yourself – when suddenly, your phone rings? Or you receive an urgent work email? It can be all too easy to let the stress of our work lives trickle into relaxation time. Sometimes we might even return from a vacation and not feel recharged at all.

Don’t Check Your Email

Without even realizing it, all people who have smartphones are often and constantly checking and rechecking messages. Even when they don’t want to be! Make some firm boundaries with yourself and with your cell phone while on vacation. Turn off email notifications entirely if you have to – or even just temporarily uninstall the app. If you’re worried about work emergencies, in the direst of circumstances, you might want to consider instructing your coworkers to call you if they absolutely have to. On the other hand, if there is no potential situation where you might be needed for an emergency, instruct your job to not call you either. Leave the digitized stress behind.

Try Relaxing Activities

Even if the everyday logistics of stressful life stay behind and your work doesn’t contact you, what good is that if your vacation is stressful? In some ways, some small stress is unavoidable. It might be stressful to plan the trip, when deciding what to do, when actually traveling – even more so if you have kids to wrangle. Thus, it’s important to plan activities that really relax you. Relaxation comes in many different forms. You might want to get a professional massage. A spa treatment by the beach can help you relax. Even just sleeping or watching TV in your hotel room can be the right answer. Make sure to balance the stressful activities with whatever will help you rest and energize.

Practice Mindfulness

This one is just a good tip for life. But if you find yourself completely unable to stop the anxiety of normal life from seeping through the cracks, you might want to start on vacation. This is especially true if you return from vacation feeling unfulfilled or like you’ve wasted your time. Basic meditation is simple and effective. Even just taking a moment to breathe deeply, feel the earth and the wind, and to let your blood flow can work wonders.

This is a process, and that’s okay. It’s going to take time to learn to leave your worries behind. But by practicing mindfulness, relaxing activities, and healthy boundaries, you can come out the other side feeling completely new.

Check out this article on what to know before going scuba diving!

Friday, June 17, 2022

6 Foods You Must Try in Puerto Rico

 Lechon

Ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay - Puerto Rico. An excellent way to start. I'd rather leave the emotion marinating somewhere around the chest/soul area. But I can't; I'm here to tell you all about this magnificent country. Oh. Wait. Puerto Rico is not a country. It's not a country?! No, sir/madam. Extraordinary, isn't it? Puerto Rico is actually governed by the U.S. It's what we call "commonwealth ."But nothing about it is common (unless we categorize exceptionality as something fairly ordinary). Dating all the way back to 1493. and Christopher Columbus, this Caribbean paradise is considered the world's oldest colony. "Land of the Valiant and Noble Lord" or - Borikén was Puerto Rico's initial identity in the Taino language (Indians). Another fun fact - Puerto Rico is an archipelago with two additional main islands: Culebra and Vieques (+ numerous uninhabited cays and islands). Paradise? Undoubtedly. And the food? Heavenly. These are our six foods you must try in Puerto Rico. Eat like a Boricua.

Cocina Criolla

Welcome to Creole food paradise. Disclaimer: not your standard American version. This authentic Creole cuisine is an entirely different animal. Although the United States has immensely influenced Puerto Rico's food scene, its authenticity still prevails. So, what's the difference, and what is cocina Criolla (creole cooking)? Any American will immediately (and involuntarily) associate it with the state of  Louisiana. - It's everything but. Spanish-speaking islands drew their inspiration and culinary identity exclusively from Spanish Americans of European descent. So, whenever you're eating an authentic Puerto Rican dish, remember its well-kept secret: Caribbean food + traditional European recipes - equals 100% ecstasy.

Narrowing down the list of awesomeness

It's hard. It's almost impossible. If you don't speak Spanish, I recommend the following game: Be it a restaurant or just a random food joint; walk-in, close your eyes and play the good old darts with your index finger; wherever you land on the menu - order it. You can thank me later. Now, on to our six must-tries. (One of the most romantic things to do in Puerto Rico is dining with your darling. In the Caribbean, love goes through the stomach. Painfully accurate.)

1. Alcapurrias

This beachside heavenly appetizer, this little deep-fried fritter, is everything when you're out exploring the beautiful coastal line of Puerto Rico. It's your favorite meat-packed fuel. The dough (or "masa") is made from grated green bananas, and taro root called yautia. It is then stuffed with meat and a whole lot of love, then placed in a sea grape leaf to form the desired shape before deep-fried until golden-brown. The best-known version of alcapurria is with ground beef, but you can opt for a second favorite - crab meat. Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, alcapurrias are grab-to-go Caribbean gold.

2. Mofongo

Ask any Boricua how they feel about this dish. Taíno and African influences are prevalent. Deep-fried plantain (picked green) is mashed with olive oil, garlic, and spices in a wooden pilon. The paste is then formed into a shape of an edible plate (clever design!) and served with meat. Various meat. This side dish can be served with chicken, octopus, crab meat, vegetables, or other seafood. It can also be served as a main dish, depending on how hungry you are. Our experts from DubaiIPT praise this Puerto Rican delight, as plantains contain above-average amounts of vitamin C.

3. Bacalaitos

Codfish fritters. God. Heaven is a place on Earth with these babies sunbathing in your hand. So simple yet magical beyond comprehension. Beach kiosks flaunt bacalaitos alongside alcapurrias. They know what they're doing. Salted codfish is shredded and mixed with all-purpose flour and milk or water. Pretty straightforward dough stuff. But then, there's adobo seasoning. And parsley. Mhm. Mouthwatering goodness takes a form of a delicate pancake. Their shape is flat and circular, but they can range in size. Many places sell Alcapurrias, but not all sell bacalaitos. Why? Because it takes skills to make these cloud nine babies.

4. Arroz con Gandules

Hey, these are six foods you must try in Puerto Rico. We cannot NOT talk about one of the most important national dishes of Puerto Rico, their pride and joy. It's rice, right? How intricate can it be? - Hold my fork. This is no ordinary rice, it's rice with pigeon peas, and there isn't a family table in Puerto Rico without "pernil" (roasted pork) and arroz con gandules come Christmas. Turkey-gravy analogy. It's that important. It's a hearty meal; it's grandmother's love, it's comfort food. It's a support system. Rice is smothered in delicious sofrito sauce (Puerto Rican sofrito), olives, and red peppers.

5. Pastelón

Do we have any Italian cuisine lovers here? Prepare your world for a savory earthquake. This is Caribbean lasagna reaching new gastronomic heights. Care to guess the main ingredient? Plantain, correct! 10 points. Ground beef seasoned with oregano, olives, cumin, tomato sauce, and sofrito. This perfect mixture is then placed between heavenly layers of thinly sliced plantains, and to the oven it goes. Oh, and it's topped with grated cheese. Really good cheese. Good people of Italy, it looks like you've got yourself a nemesis. So, if you're visiting Puerto Rico, heads up: exercise when traveling to this country is mandatory. To be fit during your stay, one HIIT session a day will keep you in shape.

6. Tembleque

Sweet tooth hour. Coconut everything. We've all been acquainted with the notorious, the one and only - Piña colada. (or should I use the plural?) Anyhow, it's Christmas time again. And it's coconut milk pudding time. So, what is Tembleque? It's simply one of the most important sugar pillars of Puerto Rico. If we were to translate its name, it would mean: Tremble. Or jitter. How exciting. And how tasty. And simple: fresh coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and just a tad bit of salt and cinnamon. It doesn't take much to make pure magic. Pair it with one of the world's finest coffee beans.

P.S.

Once you go Creole, you never go back. If there's any advice I can give you about the foods you must try in Puerto Rico, it's this: Try everything, try it everywhere. From kiosks to fine dining, I promise you; it will be impossible to tell the difference. It's Puerto Rico.

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

It's So Easy Being Green

 Green Home Improvements

With oil and natural gas prices rocketing, stoking terror of long, cold and and expensive winters, a renewed interest in keeping heating costs under control has has been sparked. Homeowner's have an ignited passion in understanding energy saving methods. If you're in this boat, stuck in cold waters, here are some tips for energy saving tricks of the trade.

If you're living in a home with a furnace that's more than 20 years old, you may have already attempted the "buy a sweater" method of keeping warm. This is certainly one approach, but these days upgrading your home's conditioning system is a much better option, and will bode well for you in the here and now, and in the long term, should you decide sell your home. More and more, homebuyers are looking for homes with energy efficient systems already in place. So, think of these upgrades as a long term investment in the resale value of your home, as well a cost efficient and green alternative to your current conditioning system.

Now, with that old choker of a furnace huffin' and puffin' away, guaranteed it's not as efficient as it could be, no matter what fuel type it uses. The newer gas furnaces are mid-efficiency (78-82%) or high efficiency (89-96%). Although the higher efficiency products can cost up to $1000 more than the mid-efficiency products, extra costs will be re-couped in a couple years, as they will burn less fuel. And, you'll be the greenest frog on the block, sending less harmful emissions out into the atmosphere. "It's so easy being green", murmured Kermit, once he upgraded his furnace.

With oil furnaces, there are again, much more efficient products on the market as of late. But, a oil furnace does need to partner with a good chimney, and so this may be an additional cost to keep in mind

Take note, it's still the case that electric heat is more expensive than oil and gas, although a smart combination of central woodstove heat, supplemented by electric heat can be cost efficient.

Let it Flow: Change Your Filters!

Whether disposable or washable, all forced-air heating/cooling systems use filters. And, these filters need to be maintained and changed. Some filters require monthly changes while other last up to three months, and much depends on the conditions within your home. A dirty filter will restrict air flow and with clogged filters you're blocking heat that would otherwise be keeping you toasty warm. Do yourself a favor and keep on top of the regular changing of your heat filters. This is a pretty easy way to boost your energy efficiency and cut costs.

Pump it up: Install a Heat Pump

Air source heat pumps are the most common and they are generally used with a back-up heating system. In terms of function a heat pump works by extracting heat from the outside and bringing it in, (in heat mode), and by removing heat from the inside of the house and releasing it outside. ( in cooling mode).

The king of heat pumps, though, are ground and watersource, or geothermal. And while the initial investment may be great, the saving will be substantial in the long run. These pumps will use 25-50% less energy than conventional conditioning systems.

At the end of the day, another simple method to help with soaring heat bills, is to keep an eye on the set temperature levels in your house, What is normally described as room temperature is around 68 Fahrenheit (20 degrees celsius). Of course, only you can decide where to set the dial. But, if you'd rather avoid the " put on a sweater" method of winter energy conservation, you might consider investing in an improved conditioning system that'll bring you warmth today, and will be a smart investment in the re-sale value of your home.

Sunday, June 12, 2022

How to Travel in Style on Your Next Trip

 How to Travel in Style on Your Next Trip

Travel is one of the greatest joys available to us in our lives. Exploring the world and the diverse cultures that occupy it brings with it understanding and joy that nothing else can bring. But traveling isn’t always comfortable or, well, fun. If you don’t plan properly, you could be stuck traveling in uncomfortable accommodations from transportation to lodging and everything else. Traveling style requires a bit of planning, but it is a lot easier than you might think. Here are a few tips to help you to travel in style on your next trip.

Fly First Class

The first tip that will help you to travel in style on your next trip is to fly first class on your next trip. The longer your flight is going to be, the more important flying in first class is, as you will be spending significantly longer on your airplane. With limited leg room, storage space, and comfort in economy, and business class not being much better, first class is the only way to be truly comfortable on your trip. With better food, more space, better accommodations, even additional perks and benefits like lounge access and priority boarding, flying first is the best way to fly.

Rent a Nice Car

Once you have made it to your destination, you are going to need a way to get around. Renting a nice car is critical if you want to truly travel in style. Driving around your travel destination in a beautiful, comfortable, and fun to drive car can make even simple transit during your vacation a joyful part of your trip. Convertibles let you better take in the view as you’re driving. If you are traveling to a place with nice weather, you should consider renting a nice convertible to stay in style.

Stay in a Nice Hotel

The final step to tying in style on your next trip is to book a nice hotel for your stay. There are all sorts of budget hotels out there across the globe, but when it comes to your hotel amenities you really do get what you pay for. In order to relax and enjoy your vacation you need to sleep somewhere comfortable, safe and luxurious. Plus, luxury hotels also offer plenty of their own perks and benefits which can take your trip to the next level.

Traveling is one of the best parts of life. Make sure that you are planning properly to get the most from your vacations. Follow these three tips to travel in style on your next vacation.

Check out this article on 6 things to see and do in Puerto Rico!

Friday, June 10, 2022

The Best Facial Care Regimen For Beautiful Skin

 

Taking great care of your facial skin is easy once you establish the right routine, and sticking to a regular cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing schedule can help you achieve a flawless, smooth complexion that glows with health. Every person’s skin is unique, so developing your facial care regimen will be likely to require some trial and error. Knowing thoroughly what different kinds of products do, and what your skin type needs, can help you create the ultimate skin care plan custom designed for your individual complexion.

The first thing to consider when choosing skin care products and coming up with your treatment plan is your skin type. If you often notice flaking, find your skin is easily irritated, or feel that you are prone to premature wrinkles, you probably have a dry skin type. If you are vulnerable to acne and blemishes, or find that you constantly need to powder your nose to keep shine at bay, you have an oily skin type. If, like many people, you have pimples and grease in some areas and irritation and flaking in others, you have combination skin, which usually requires the most individualized care.

Keep your skin type in mind when buying the four products that will make up your skin care routine. You will need a cleanser to use twice daily, an exfoliant to use a few times per week, a moisturizer to use as needed, and one intensive treatment for weekly use. The cleanser should wipe away dirt, makeup, and excess oil, and will keep your pores free of clogs. The exfoliant will slough away dead skin cells that can cloud your visage, and exfoliating will help keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant. The moisturizer will tackle dryness, redness, and irritation so that you can maintain a silky smooth texture and a fresh, dewy look. The intensive treatment should be a commercially available or homemade mask that will tackle your biggest skin problem.

For your cleanser, look for a product free from alcohol or other potentially drying agents, and choose the gentlest product possible. It should be strong enough to cut through excess grease, but not so strong that it strips your face of the natural oils that keep it resilient. Your exfoliant should be especially designed for facial skin, the most delicate skin on the body, so don’t try to make your body scrub do double duty on your face. The moisturizer you pick must be non-comedogenic to keep your complexion clear, and should be water based for maximum effectiveness. Use your moisturizer only when you notice redness or dryness. For people with dry skin this may mean applying a thin layer after every cleansing, but for others it might mean occasional spot treatments. Use a mask treatment once a week for a luxurious, deeply penetrating solution to your skin problems. You can find a mask recipe or premixed product for any issue under the sun, so whether your dominant skin trouble is acne, dryness, or visible wrinkles, or if your skin is in great shape but could use an infusion of nutrients, you will be able to find a treatment ideal for your skin.

Caribbean Soaps Jabones Artesanales

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

The Most Romantic Things to Do in Puerto Rico

 Sea landscape of Fajardo, Puerto Rico

If you're planning a honeymoon or just a romantic weekend getaway, Puerto Rico might be your ideal choice. The tropical surroundings, golden-sand beaches, and luxurious hotel accommodations make the perfect setting to spend a few lazy days lounging around with your significant other. But that's not all this island has to offer. The island of Puerto Rico is also filled with endless opportunities for those couples who enjoy a little more adventure. So, whether you're a beach bum or an adrenaline junkie, you're guaranteed to find something you like on the island. In the rest of this article, we'll cover some of the most romantic things to do in Puerto Rico that will make your vacation memorable.

Horseback Riding at the Beach

While beach horseback riding may seem basic and overdone, there's no disputing the romantic attraction of having a sunset ride with your loved one down the island's most beautiful beaches. Even if you're both beginners at riding, this activity will make for a magical experience you will never forget. And, think of all the beautiful pictures you can take with your partner that you'll look back on in the years to come!

There are a few spots on the island that provide this service. One of them is in Aguadilla, and it offers daily trips across the island's most beautiful beaches and forests. The tour lasts around two to three hours and includes a stop where you can hike or swim in the water.

People riding horses on the beach Horseback riding on the beach will make you feel like you’re in a fairytale.

Hike To A Waterfall

For those outdoorsy couples, one of the most romantic things to do in Puerto Rico is to hike through a tropical rainforest to one of several semi-private waterfalls. There are plenty of hiking paths to choose from, or, if you stay long enough, you can explore all of them. Mount Britton Trail is very popular among tourists and is less than a mile-long hike through the jungle and past a few small waterfalls. This hike is unique because it ends at a centuries-old stone watchtower with beautiful views of the island. On the other hand, couples can also enjoy a trail to Puerto Rico's tallest falls, La Mina Falls, a 35-foot waterfall with a crystal-clear swimming hole beneath it.

Hiking is a great way to explore and get to know the island, especially if you are considering making it a home. According to relocation specialists at U. Santini Moving and Storage, it's best if you visit the place you want to move to ahead of the actual moving day. That way, when you finally move to Puerto Rico, you'll be more familiar with the surroundings.

Day Trip to Culebra

For a genuinely romantic getaway with your special someone on your trip to Puerto Rico, consider spending a day on the neighboring island of Culebra. This island is one of Puerto Rico's hidden gems that should make it to your list of places to see and visit while on vacation. During your stay on this tranquil tropical island, you can explore and enjoy a variety of natural sites and pristine locations. Or, you lie on the famous Flamenco beach and go swimming now and then.

What's convenient is that there are multiple easy ways to get to Culebra. You can book yourself and your loved one a short flight to the island or take a ferry from Fajardo. Either way, the journey will be more than worth it.

Trees in the forest Hiking in Puerto Rico is a great way to explore the island

Learn Salsa Dancing

If you've never taken a dance lesson in your life, a romantic weekend in Puerto Rico is a great place to start. There are numerous workshops on the island that offer a fun, judgment-free environment to learn how to salsa. You can find exclusive yet affordable, couple-only workshops that last up from one to two hours. Learning to salsa dance together is a great way to start your night. Moreover, it's an exciting way to reignite the flame between you and your significant other. Finally, learning a skill together is something that will stick with you for the rest of your life.

Spend A Day at A Beach

Even though you can probably spend the day with your loved one at home on the beach, there's nothing quite like a romantic afternoon on the shores of Puerto Rico. Whether you're looking for a peaceful, secluded area to unwind with your partner or prefer the conveniences of neighboring resort amenities, Puerto Rico has lots of options for you.

Furthermore, when you're spending your day at the beach, laying around and sunbathing aren't your only options. If you're looking for a bit of adventure, you can try out some water sports with your significant other. If you have never tried surfing, snorkeling, or even scuba diving before - now's your chance!

A couple lying on their surfboards on the water, representing romantic things to do in Puerto Rico. 
A day at the beach is always a good idea, no matter how you spend it

Moving To Puerto Rico

During your romantic getaway, don't be surprised if the magical beaches and landscapes of Puerto Rico steal your heart and you wish you never have to leave. If you decide to make the island your home and move to Puerto Rico, there will be a long list of things you'll have to consider. One thing that is almost certain is that you won't be able to do it all by yourself. An international move from the USA to Puerto Rico can be quite a challenge if you've never done something like that before. To make your relocation easier, you'll need to hire a US-based team to help you move. By picking reputable international movers, you can assure your belongings will be in good hands.

Final Thoughts

If you're planning a vacation with your partner, Puerto Rico is a great choice for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon for numerous reasons. For starters, the island is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes you've ever seen. It's the perfect spot to get away from the city and relax. Moreover, there are plenty of romantic things to do in Puerto Rico. You can go horseback riding on the beach at sunset and learn salsa dancing at night. Depending on your definition of romance, those activities can vary. Either way, you can find whatever suits you and your partner best. If you want to spend days exploring the tropical forests of Puerto Rico with your partner and not get tired of the beautiful sights, you can do that too!

Monday, June 6, 2022

How to Make Your Retirement in Puerto Rico Comfortable

 

Retirement is a time of unmatched opportunity. Without the limitations of working or needing to actively earn a living, life is full of exciting and incredible options and ideas that are more than doable if you put your mind to it. In fact, many retirees decide to get really adventurous and move somewhere new and tropical, like Puerto Rico for their retirement years. But living in a new place during retirement can be tricky, especially a place like Puerto Rico. Here are a few ways to make your retirement in Puerto Rico as comfortable as possible.

Pick a Good Location

The first thing that you have to do to make your retirement in Puerto Rico comfortable is to choose a good location on the island. Depending on your wants during retirement you may be attracted to different parts of the island. Places like San Juan, Dorado, and Rio Mar are popular choices for expat retirees on the island looking for a new home. Make sure to avoid settling down in unsafe areas, as there are some to be aware of. The Pearl is one of the most dangerous areas of the island, and it is best for retirees to avoid the area.

Plan Your Healthcare Needs

Another crucial thing to make your retirement in Puerto Rico as comfortable as possible is to plan your healthcare needs ahead of time. If you are retiring in a new place like Puerto Rico, you want to make sure you know where you will get your medical treatment and how you will pay for it. You will need insurance to cover not just your healthcare needs but also potential end-of-life care. Medicare can cover much or all of the costs of hospice care. Just make sure you know what your plan is for your health when you move and if you plan to come back to the mainland if something happens.

Prepare For Culture Shock

The final thing that you need to do to make retirement in Puerto Rico as comfortable as possible is to prepare for the culture shock of living in a new place. Puerto Rico is going to have a totally different language, culture, way of life, and style of living than where you are used to. During retirement this can be a challenge if you aren’t aware of it and ready to take it on.

Retirement can be a time to adventure, which is why many seniors choose to move to Puerto Rico when they retire. But making this leap requires some thought. Do these three things when retiring in Puerto Rico to make your time there as comfortable as possible.

Check out this article on what to know about driving in Puerto Rico!

Friday, June 3, 2022

How to Spot a Good Car Lease

 

Leasing has been lauded as your cheapest ticket to keep up with the industry’s hottest vehicles and trends. The jury, however, is still out on leasing: with the industry long on hype and short on detail, it is difficult to distinguish between a genuinely good deal and a downright up-selling exercise.

So how do you spot a good deal?

First, you need to find out if there are any down payments on the lease. A down payment refers to the lump sum amount that you pay upfront, either in cash, non-cash credit or trading allowance, to reduce your monthly payment. You should think twice before putting money down on a lease: not only are you getting a rough deal, as you’re essentially forfeiting the general rule of leasing: not putting any cash upfront, but the money is not recoupable at the end of your lease. There is another big disadvantage: in the event of your car getting damaged or stolen, you insurance and the gap cost will not cover the loss.

Mileage Limit

Most leasing companies allow you a limit of 45,000 free miles over the length of a 3-year lease. This may seem like a good deal at first sight, but when you consider it only comes to 15,000 miles over a 12 month period it’s not difficult to foresee why it might be difficult to stay within this limit. Even people working from home have little trouble putting 15,000 miles on their cars. If you exceed the mileage limit, the penalty for each excess mile can be as high as 20 cents. This can add up quickly over the length of your lease: an additional 4,000 miles a year over the length of a 3-years lease contract, will end up costing you an extra $2,400 in excess mileage charges! Be realistic about your mileage needs, especially if you have to regularly commute over long-distances, before you sign the contract. Consider padding the miles that you expect to use since it is less expensive to contract for the extra before you sign than it is to pay the extra charges at end of your lease.

Sales Tax

Sales tax is usually capitalized and added to the monthly payments. However, some dealers choose not to include it in their calculations to drive the advertised lease payments even lower. What they do instead is state in the small print that the monthly payment excludes “sales tax”. Make sure you carefully read the fine print for any extra, hidden costs not included in the advertised monthly payment. Unscrupulous fees that typically slip through the cracks include sales tax, registration and title fees.

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Should you Learn the Ukulele or the Cuatro? What are the Differences?

 cuatro_de_puerto_rico

Picking up a new instrument can be the start of a great hobby. For a more experienced musician, a new instrument may be a way of expanding their knowledge or trying to capture a new sound. 

Not everyone wants to play the guitar or the bass. Although a stringed instrument might still appeal. The ukulele has been growing in popularity in recent times, but then perhaps you would prefer something a little different in your neck of the woods. 

According to WorldData, Puerto Rico received 4 million tourists in 2020, and many of them will have enjoyed seeing and hearing some live music performances. Some of those performances would have included an instrument known as the cuatro. 

The cuatro is sometimes confused for a ukulele, or considered to be similar. But, is it really, and could the cuatro be your new instrument of choice, or should you go for a ukulele instead? 

Where does the cuatro originate from?

It may be no secret to you that the cuatro is the national instrument of Puerto Rico. And if you take time to immerse yourself in the culture of Puerto Rico, and listen to the local music you will no doubt hear the sounds of the cuatro. 

However, the cuatro is not exclusive to Puerto Rico and has its roots elsewhere in some ways. The cuatro is a name given to a group of stringed instruments that originated in Latin America. It could be said that they derive from the Spanish guitar originally. 

Cuatros differ in shape and size, a little like ukuleles are available in a variety of shapes and sizes now. 

Are there similarities with the ukulele?

The similarities between a ukulele and a cuatro will depend on which type you are inspecting. It may depend on which country you are in too. For instance, it is typical to find a four-stringed cuatro in Venezuela and a ten-stringed instrument in Puerto Rico. A ukulele will typically have just 4 strings, though an 8 string version is available. 

The original Puerto Rican cuatro is known as an antigua. This instrument has four strings. The southern cuatro has 4 orders which amount to 8 double strings. The moderno has 10 double strings or 5 orders. 

According to Statista, 1.5 million ukuleles were sold in 2020. Figures for the cuatro are somewhat harder to come by, but as it is the national instrument of Puerto Rico, and played in other Latin American countries, it can be assumed that sales are healthy, if only in that particular region. 

Physically they can be very similar, but there is one distinct difference. 

Are these instruments very different?

The cuatro is rarely known outside of its native home but has a unique sound worth discovering. The ukulele is an instrument that is known for the sweet music that can be made from it. 

Playing chords on the ukulele can bring images of Hawaii and tropical beaches. The cuatro has slightly different tuning to the ukulele, even the four-stringed version. While they can be tuned the same way, ie GCEA, the A string will be tuned an octave lower on the cuatro, while the C will be tuned an octave lower on the ukulele. 

You can play the cuatro as a ukulele though. But to do this, the strings must be switched for proper ukulele strings. 

Are the cuatro and the ukulele instruments easy to learn?

One reason that the ukulele is such a popular instrument is that it is easier to learn than some other instruments, such as the guitar. Learning some ukulele chords can be as simple as copying an online tutorial, or watching a YouTube video. 

Other reasons that ukuleles are popular is because they are inexpensive, accessible, and lightweight. They can be carried around easily. 

It is said that to get to a comfortable beginner’s level on the ukulele would take between 3 and 6 months. The cuatro is said to take a similar length of time to get to grips with. As with any instrument, the amount of practice you put in will determine your progression. 

Which instrument should you choose?

There is no definitive answer that would suit every musician here. You would have to go with your heart as you should when choosing any new instrument. What you could consider is whether you want to take on the unique sound of the cuatro, and learn an instrument that is rarely seen outside of Latin America? Or do you want to play the sweet sound of the ukulele? 

Summary

If you are headed here on vacation, then you should try to see live music at one of the many events that Puerto Rico has to offer. If you manage to do this then you may get to see a cuatro being played live and up-close. 

Once you have witnessed the sound of the national instrument of Puerto Rico, the argument may be settled for you.