What if you haven’t seen your one, true love in a very long time? How would your daily life be affected without their presence around you every day?

Would you be lonely, alone, bored, or miserable? Your heart might feel as if it’s missing a piece and only that person who is your other half can complete it.

That’s what it is like for many men and women who have spouses, boyfriends, and girlfriends who are away fighting for this country’s freedom.

Many service men and women leave behind loved ones every day. They go to other countries and fight for the protection of us and others.

They put themselves in danger each and every day. They fight when many of us would not and for that they are heroes.

The best part for any hero and their loved one is when their tour is over…when they are coming back home to the one they love most. The wait and anticipation of their arrival and of seeing them again is too much!

The excitement is is seeping from every wide smile and joyous tear. And once their plane lands and you run into their arms are you complete once again.

That’s what it is like for many. But what if your boyfriend were to surprise you with more than just returning home? What if he were to surprise you with a marriage proposal?!

For one young lady, this is exactly what happened!

Such a sweet and happy ending!

It is really a surprise of a lifetime and moment to cherish forever! Reunited at last and with a marriage proposal on top of that! Well that just take the icing on the cake!

Let’s remember how important fighting men and women are to us and never forget what they do for all of us. This post is sponsored by the Travel Channel.

Barcelona, Spain, is know for its many cultural, historical, and artistically renowned people past and present. It was once home to great artists, dancers, musicians, architects, politicians, and many more, and still is home to new and exciting up comers today.

The people of Barcelona breathe life into this two-thousand year old city. They are the ones that bind this city together.

Barcelona is a gorgeous city, full of life, passion, and people. It is a rich city to explore and visit; to visit for a week or stay for a month.

It is a tourist’s city.

Barcelona is a tourist’s city, as it is prime for walking, biking, or just leisurely relaxing at an outdoor cafe. With much to see and do, it can overwhelm anyone.

I suggest looking where to stay in Barcelona beforehand so once you arrive you can just let the city take you where it may.

If you feel adventurous and bold, let the wind and the city take you where it may.

Walk and bike and hop into a taxi and just explore. But don’t forget one of the most important things while visiting this beautiful city…FOOD!!

This city is known for its outstanding food and snacks, coffee, wine, and so much more!

From Tapas to the ever modern Catalan cuisine, Barcelona has so much to offer.

Breakfast is usually a coffee and pastry. Coffee in Barcelona is not your usual cup o’ joe, rather they are strong solo shots of espresso or perhaps a coffee con leche, which is half coffee, half steamed milk.

Or if you want something a little more indulgent try to the yummy churro, dipped into thick, rich chocolate.

Lunch is usually taken later in the day around 4pm. Although, if hungry in between there are many places that offer snacks and things like empanadas or tapas. Tapas are just small usually savoury filled deep fried snacks. Lunch, however, is considered the biggest meal of the day.

So perhaps skip that snack and bring a hungry stomach! Lunch or your main meal usually hors d’oeuvres.   Many veggie side dishes and a meat entree like beef, chicken or seafood. Veggies could be anything from garbanzos to asparagus, or tomatoes and bread. Olives and cheese could be offered. Many different options for many different eaters.

Dinner is taken late in the evening around 9pm or later. It is smaller than lunch but similar or same things are served. Especially for tourists, eating differently than what you’re used to can be strange, but try it you might like it!

I personally cannot eat that late and don’t get as hungry later so I skip dinner when traveling. I do, however, make room for dessert!

Dessert in Barcelona can be anything from flan, to a chocolate pastry, to a fried custard and fruit. With many sweet options it can be hard to choose. So don’t! Try them all! You won’t regret it.

Barcelona is not just a city to see the sights, it is a city full of food and friendly people that make these delicious things. Try anything and everything you can.

And when you are too full and have to go home, remember to come back to savour the deliciousness of it all. When in Barcelona don’t forget to enjoy the ride and let the smell of food take you where it may!

The internet changed the way we handle money. From credit cards to online payments, everyone nowadays now uses the online world in some form to handle, accept or transfer money.

Mobile card readers are now enabling companies and individuals to accept money from anywhere, on the go.

All such card readers, not surprisingly, transmit and transfer data to their online servers in order to handle the transactions.

We’ve all spent tons of time going into bank locations and online stores to handle money. Over the last 5 years everything has shifted focus to websites.

You can manage your money online, you can transfer money to others, and you can also even receive money out of the blue from people you do business with online, all using a simple email address as your bank account number.

In reality, even if you’ve a mobile card reader, you’re still doing the transactions online. The same is the case with loans, like with cashwindow.co.uk. You can collect cash in stores or have it deposited directly into your bank account, though everything is still done online.

Google has been pushing its Google Wallet onto all Android users slowly. Soon more people will be able to use their phones to pay for anything anywhere. How soon, though?

Only time will tell. One thing is certain, though: the future of online payments is going to be all online. And it is going to be all mobile.

In a region that features one of the largest livestock markets in the world, one may expect to find a relatively paltry selection of Oklahoma restaurants offering vegetarian and vegan options.

And with the major secondary industries being oil and petroleum, one may think it just as unlikely to find businesses there devoted to eco-friendly practices.

But both of these assumptions are untrue, as OKC features a healthy assortment of vegetarian and vegan restaurants devoted to sustainable eco-friendly business models.

Here are three of the best:

1. Matthew Kinney—Located at Classen Curve

   A premiere upscale restaurant and specialty shop hub at the intersection of Classen and Western, Matthew Kinney’s restaurant passes on the chef and owner’s love of a raw, organic lifestyle, as translated by culinary delectables.

   Operating under the philosophy of sustainable living and raw, vegan ingredients, Matthew Kinney offers a menu chocked full of diverse, healthy treasures.

   Appetizers include squash soup, sesame kelp noodles, and beet carpaccio, with a salad offering of tuscan kale, wild arugula and other classics. The main menu features an heirloom tomato lasagna, red beet gnocchi, wild mushroom tamales, and several others.

   Matthew Kinney also serves alcoholic beverages, smoothies, tea, coffee and great desert offerings, such as tiramisu, wild plum carpaccio, chocolate ganache tart and more.

   For an upscale meal comprised of vegan, organic materials, check out this green gem of the heartland.

2. Picasso’s Cafe

   Nestled in the heart of the Paseo Art District, Picasso’s Cafe prides itself on its uniquely creative and eclectic atmosphere which seeks to do a but more than just serve food.

   This cafe is about celebrating life itself and the wide variety of arts and crafts practiced by the area’s citizens.

   All the more fitting that its menu offers a diverse selection of foods for all tastes, including a vegan pizza with dairy-free cheese, chicken-fried portabella steak with soy gravy, eggplant lasagna, vegan chili and vegan deserts. Picasso’s Cafe is one of those rare spots where a culturally vibrant venue happens to sell great food.

3. Coolgreens

   This restaurant was created under the premise of offering diners a unique, contemporary atmosphere devoted to local sustainable agriculture, reclaimed wood, recycling, energy efficiency, and organic produce.

   It also turns out some amazing grub, featuring made-to-order salads, vegan flatbread pizzas, couscous, soups, and frozen tart parfaits, juices and smoothies. Owned by native Oklahomans Tom Wolfe, Marc Silver, and Allan McMurrain, Coolgreens is devoted to healthy food that is produced sustainably.

   Consummate dining spot for any eco-conscious vegetarian.

These three restaurants rise to the top of any discussion concerning vegetarian/vegan options in OKC.

Especially when you consider their efforts to foster alternative, creative, and sustainably eco-friendly communities, these three venues deserve special accolades.

When one thinks of Italy, you might think of pasta, gelato, ancient architecture, amazing renaissance art, and a love for life.

Italy is a beautiful country with much to offer in its bustling cities and quiet villages and towns. One of the more famous and prominent cities in Italy would be Venice.

Venice was built upon small islands and thus is surrounded by water.

It is a fascinating and interesting city to visit. With so many things to do and see in Venice one might be overwhelmed at trying to do it all.

Don’t you worry I’m here to help you! Here are my top 3 things to do and see in Venice:

1) Take a Gondola Ride

Venice

A gondola ride is a nice way to relax and take in the sights of Venice. It can be a little pricey around 100 euros per ride, but again as I said before it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Relaxing with your sweetheart on a gondola or laughing and seeing the sights with your friends, riding in a gondola is exciting and romantic.

After your gondola ride you might want to check out a yummy gelato shop or enjoy a delicious Italian meal.

2) Try some new Italian dish or Gelato

Italy is known for their amazing foods! Pizza, pasta, espresso, and gelato are just to name a few. With so many things to choose from it can be hard.

But remember choose something you like or perhaps something you have never tried before. Being on holiday in a place like Venice, remember you’re their to have an experience of a lifetime. So go ahead try that insanely delicious looking gelato and enjoy yourself!

After experiencing a new tasty dish, perhaps you might want to retreat to your comfortable and cozy Venice apartment, which are very easy to find and book using popular services like Oh-Venice. Equipped with everything you need, you might not want to go out, but I assure you should.

You do not want to miss some of the amazing art Venice has to offer.

3) Visit a Venetian Art Museum or Cathedral

Venice is city full of art and many different cathedrals and basilicas. One in particular that you should visit is the St. Mark’s Basilica.

It showcases a prime example of Byzantine architecture. It was first built in 828 and has since been rebuilt a few times due to fires and such.

This basilica has beautiful mosaic ceilings made of many different coloured stones and tiles. Another important thing to see while visiting this basilica is the Horses of St. Mark which came from Constantinople from the fourth crusade.

Also a museum to visit is the Murano glass museum. Murano glass is a Venetian speciality and is absolutely gorgeous.

Venice is a city full of romance, art, history, and so much more. A holiday would not be complete without doing these 3 simple things.

They maybe very basic things to do, but you will not be disappointed in the beauty Venice has to offer.

What are some things you would like to do or see on your holiday to Venice?

There are few places quite like London in the world, with the right history of the city as well as its current magnificent state there are many reasons to visit.

Just with everything else London has a some of the best casinos in the world for people to visit, some have lots of history while other may be newer but are just a fun to go to for other reasons.

Depending on if you visit those casinos based in Mayfair you will get the most luxurious experience possible, but if you are looking for a more laid back approach you might want to visit a casino based in the Soho side of town. But there is one thing you can be sure of and that is that you will always have fun when looking for a casino in London.

One of the most famous casinos in London is Maxims Casino Club, found in the higher class part of town of Kensington and Chelsea.

Built in 1862 this casino was “A house built for gentlemen by gentlemen” and it shows as you walk in the doors and just see how spectacular the interiors really are.

They provide all the different types of games that you would expect in a casino, in real life or online in http://www.mobilecasino.mobi, and after you can eat in their restaurant as well.

Another well-known casino in London is situated right next door to the Mayfair hotel and actually has a special entrance for the hotel goers, this casino is called The Palm Beach and like Maxims offers an incredible experience for anyone who visits.

There is everything that you could ever ask for when going to a casino with great games and an even better atmosphere too.

So next time you are looking to visit London why not check out a few casinos and enjoy yourself.

Norman Peires is the founder of a massively successful luxury holiday provider. You may not have heard of him, but having met him, he is hard to forget. A wealthy business mogul, you’d be forgiven for assuming Peires is a hard-nosed and intimidating character. On the contrary, Peires is an extremely charismatic and likeable man who has his priorities in check and doesn’t take his success for granted.

Sitting comfortably in one of the living rooms of the Peires residence in Buckinghamshire, it’s apparent that he has led a successful life. However, as Peires continues to build his empires around the globe, he is obviously not preoccupied by wealth. Throughout our time with the mogul, as well as discussing his charity work, he frequently mentions his five children. It became very clear he is a very devoted father to all five.

As well as caring for the wellbeing of his children, Peires considers passing on his business knowledge a privilege. He tells us, “I have the joy of talking to my children about their businesses” – and that advice has paid off! All five of the children have become successful in their own rights.

“I feel so great that they come to me for business advice, if they need an injection of enthusiasm or direction,” he says.

His eldest son, Grant, has a major role in running the travel company that Peires founded, and has a hand in the business since he was a teenager. Guy, Peires’ second son, has worked all over America as a cinematographer and is the founder of Guy and a Girl Productions based in New York. His acute business acumen has also been passed down to daughter Jenna who opened her own clothes shop, Me & Moo, with her mother in Australia. Stepdaughter Maxine has a prosperous landscaping business in Malibu, and stepson Justin is the founder of a well-known property firm in London.

Even with children living all over the globe, Peires and his wife, Lorna, tells us “our lives revolve around our children”.

And the wealth and success hasn’t gone to Peires’ head. When we asked him what advice he gave to his children he told us: “Just live, be happy if you’ve got the money, and don’t make a nuisance of yourself. There’s nothing to prove, just be happy.”

The world of Norman Peires doesn’t revolve around financial success, but the happiness of his wife and children. Lorna is Norman’s third wife, and you can tell instantly that they are very much in love after nearly 25 years. The couple have been married for the length of Norman’s other marriages put together.
Norman’s eyes light up when he talks about Lorna: “We’re not together because of children; we want to be around each other. Lorna is the best thing that has ever happened to me”

Norman Peires completely contradicts the ruthless businessman stereotype that comes with running a global empire. From spending only a few hours with Peires, it’s clear that his family is the achievement he feels most proud of.

Food and fashion are very similar. Both are made to look beautiful, both are most appreciated when the highest quality products are used, and both experience strong seasonal trends.

Just like clothing styles, food goes in and out of fashion. Many restaurants offer seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients that naturally grow at that time of year, but certain foods are deemed ‘trendy’ and start popping up all over the best restaurants in the country.

So, what ingredients will you see making their way onto menus across the country this year?

Well, I’ll give you a hint: a beef casserole with horseradish makes this classic winter dish so 2013.

Yep, that’s right. Horseradish is one booming trend at the moment. This pale, knotted vegetable (which looks a lot like a tree root) is part of the mustard family and adds a peppery hit to a dish.

This is just one way to incorporate a fashionable ingredient into your everyday cooking.

Looking for ways to jazz up your dinner party recipes or reinvent your usual breakfast? Here are some other trends that are appearing this year:

A whole ‘nother egg

Chickens have had their time. Now, it’s the duck’s turn to step up and show you what it’s got. These larger, feathery animals produce eggs with a depth of flavour much more impressive than a chook’s. Their richness lends itself to baking, as does their ability to make everything they’re cooked in ‘fluffier’. Using duck eggs, your cakes will never be richer, moister or as fluffy. They’re also great in waffles, finished with a sprinkling of Schwartz cinnamon and sugar.

Yum. Just a point to remember: don’t scramble them – it’s a waste of their flavour.

Beet out the juice

Juice cleanses are all the rage now, and it appears that beets are an ingredient you should include. Apparently, a glass of beetroot juice a day can reduce your blood pressure by seven per cent thanks to the naturally high levels of nitrate.

You can also find this kind of natural dietary benefit in celery, cabbage and spinach, so juice them all up together for an ultimate nitrate boost.

Tea

Is tea the new coffee? With the huge range of varieties and endless health benefits, it seems tea is now trendier than its long-standing arch enemy – coffee. If you’re not already a fan, there are hundreds of brews to choose from, so it’s impossible to not like any of them. Tea can help you sleep, reduce risks of cancer, decrease blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and trigger weight loss, amongst other things.

If you can’t get over your coffee addiction, don’t worry, just try black tea – it’s the most caffeinated of the lot.

Homemade yoghurt

Yoghurt is a staple breakfast meal, but that’s not to say it doesn’t experience trends too. A while back Greek yoghurt was proving the most popular, before the Icelandic version shot to fame. Now, with the growth in people’s obsessions with organic and natural food, homemade yoghurt has become the new favourite.

You’ll never find anything creamier on the supermarket shelves, promise.

And, to make it all you need is a jar, a fridge and some patience – nothing fancy there.

It can be hard to enjoy a holiday which involves a long-haul flight if you’re concerned about your carbon footprint. However, you’d be surprised with how easy it is to counteract the environmental impact of your transport by having an eco friendly holiday once you reach your destination.

Holidays to the Caribbean are no exclusion to having an eco friendly break away. Not only is it easier to get back to nature in the beautiful surroundings of the Caribbean islands but there are a number of all inclusive family resorts and eco-choice accommodations and resorts to make your stay as green as the palm trees providing you with shade as you sunbathe.

Kariwak Village in Tobago is a unique choice. Tribal origins have inspired the name and the vibe of this restful resort, and those seeking a holistic haven will be in their element. Daily activities include Tai Chi and Yoga to rejunentate your body and some of the best food on the island is served to energise your soul.

The 3 Rivers Eco Lodge in Eastern Dominica lets you enjoy an eco-Caribbean holiday which lets you get back to nature. Located on the edge of the rainforest and, not unsurprisingly, between three clean rivers, within sight of the mountains and a 20 minute walk from the beach. The Lodge isn’t just eco by name – swimming pools are replaced with natural river pools, the restaurant and bar provide stunning produce from the resort’s own organic produce and evening entertainment is provided by local bands. If simply looking and being surrounded by the incredible landscape of the area isn’t enough, then enjoy them by getting out trekking, horse riding or surfing or educate yourself about sustainable living from the staff.

The Ecolodge Rendez-Vous in the unspoilt Caribbean island of Saba offers a holiday that’s not just a break away, but a kickstart in a new lifestyle. The 11 traditional-style cottages are all powered by solar energy, which still allows a sweat lodge and hot tub for true relaxation, and food is provided from the gardens on site.

So enjoy a new way of living and counteract any flight-induced guilt trip – eco holidays are brimming with glamour and guaranteed to benefit the soul.

Cruise ships are one of the premium vacation choices for travelers.

You enjoy the vastness of the ocean, while being on a premium vessel full of fun, food, drinks, entertainment, and more.

With a range of destination and exquisite on-board activities, it is no wonder that cruise ships are a hot commodity. They’re even more premium than flying over the world to a location.

The cruise itself is usually more attractive and entertaining than the destination.

Not all cruise ships are equal, however. Take a look at some of the best cruise ship activities that are offered.

#1: Dancing and Contests

Via Flickr by stevendepolo

A night of dancing can be a highlight of any vacation. For some cruise ships, it is just one of many great activities.

At celebrity cruises, vacationers can find a love for Salsa, Jive, and other ballroom dances with the Let’s Dance series. Along with Dancing with the Stripes, which pits travelers against the ship’s officers in competition, there is plenty of dancing variety for enthusiasts and viewers alike.

#2: Volleyball

Via Flickr by JordanWong

It can be played on the sand, in a gym, or even in the pool. Pool volleyball is a particular favorite of cruise ship guests, even those that are just trying to catch some sun before it sets. Along with other sports, volleyball is the ultimate in cruise ship activities, blending sport with a great group experience.

#3: A World of Sports

Via Flickr by scott|fairchild

Volleyball is not the only sport that visitors can enjoy. Ping-Pong, basketball, and golf putting are other sports that can be enjoyed on the sea.

A popular aspect of sports is the ability to play in tournaments. This is a great way to meet new people, or pit a group of friends against each other to see how well they can do.

#4: Wine Tasting and the Culinary Experience

Via Flickr by Umbrialovers

Part of the appeal of cruise ships is the dining experience. It can be second-to-none, allowing guests to enjoy a range of cuisines that rival the best of restaurants.

Fun activities in this area are quite enjoyable as well. Wine tastings are quite the experience for wine lovers. Also, cooking competitions – which involve guest assistants – are a lot of fun as well.

#5: Karaoke

Via Flickr by TheMuuj

While the vocal quality might not be present, there’s no denying how much fun karaoke can be. On a cruise ship, it can be a great way to get to know fellow cruise members.

#6: Video Games

Via Flickr by IntelFreePress

For the adults and the children, video games are an enjoyable treat that can be enjoyed on a vacation. It’s only natural that video games become part of the equation – along with great food and other ongoing activities. From consoles to other arcade games, they offer a lot to cruise ship travelers.

#7: Lawn Games

Via Flickr by jronaldlee

More traditional sports may not be your style. Or, perhaps, you need something a bit more calming. Friendly games of Croquet, Bocce, Blongo, Baggo, and others are common sights on cruise ships, where the views and social aspects can be enjoyed together.

Overall, the activities found on cruise ships greatly add to the experience. Complete with picturesque views, amazing food, and a booming nightlife, some of the best activities go hand-in-hand with the cruise ship experience