Like many people, we are always taking pictures of our food in restaurants and they usually turn out quite well, even though we just use our phones. Then we come home, recreate a recipe from someplace that we’ve traveled and take photos of the dish that we’ve created. We almost always dislike the pictures of our own dishes. We have read about different techniques from using a south facing window, how to plate the dish, color contrasts, etc., but still they just don’t seem to photograph well. Obviously, we don’t expect our food to necessarily look like it was prepared by a chef, we are only home-cooks and not classically trained.
Prime Rib with Yorkshire PuddingMoroccan ChickenHomemade Chili
We have heard that people don’t expect photographs of food to look perfect, like those from a magazine, and that a little messy can be just fine. No one has ever complained about our food pictures, other than ourselves, but we find that we are forever trying to improve at it. Maybe we are trying too hard, perhaps we should just sit down with our dinner and take a picture with our cell phone instead of taking them with our camera.
Herbed Cornish Game Hen with PancettaRoasted LambBreaded Tilapia
If anyone out there has some great advice, we would love to hear it. Just like we aren’t professional cooks, we also aren’t professional photographers, so if there are some simple tips, we would love to hear it. Maybe we are just being too hard on ourselves, but want to continuously improve what we do. Do any of you struggle with taking photographs of food or anything else?
Today we are featuring a guest article from Nick at Our Best Doggo who embraces traveling with their dogs.
What could be more fun than a getaway with your best furry sidekick? If you and Fido are thinking of hitting the road, you’ll need to make some preparations to ensure you both have a blast. Read on for a few key tips to ensure fabulous adventures with your pup.
Modes of Travel
Generally speaking, road travel is the most dog-friendly option for going away with your faithful companion. However, it’s necessary to prepare in a manner that will keep you both comfortable in the car. For instance, even if he’s well-behaved, your dog will require some sort of restraint to keep you both safe while driving.
There are seat belt harnesses, barriers, and crates that keep your dog safely contained when you’re ready to roll. If you need to go out without him at some point, a crate also allows you to do so without worry, as it provides den-like comfort to your pooch and peace of mind for you. Many fold up to carry easily, and you can set it up in your hotel or vacation rental. Just make sure you invest in a crate big enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lay down easily.
Hitting the Open Road
Even though road trips are a dog-friendly travel mode, they still require some thought. Plan to stop every hour or two for you and your dog to stretch your legs, and for Fido to do his “business.” HowStuffWorks points out virtually every gas station and fast-food restaurant that has a grassy strip you can use for exercising your dog, so it’s not hard to find places to take breaks.
You should offer your dog a drink at stops as well. If you bring along a bowl, you can always get water from a restroom or drive through to shake his thirst.
Of course, air travel is an option for you and your dog. Airlines have an abundance of regulations for pets and their parents, and as People explains, those rules and policies vary by airline. It’s not impossible; just do your homework and you should also consider acclimating your dog to places with busy, airport-like atmospheres before your trip.
Plan for Pet-Friendly
We all need to get away from it all now and then, and you want to feel at ease throughout your adventures with your dog. At the same time, other travelers aren’t always comfortable with dogs, and many places don’t allow pets. Because of this, a little bit of planning can go a long way in keeping everyone content.
With that in mind, think through your destination. As WPZL explains, not all locations are equally pet-friendly. Take into account things like the weather, animal protection laws, and whether there will be things to do together when you arrive.
Whatever destination you choose, make sure you find a dog-friendly place for you and Fido to rest at night. There are numerous pet-friendly hotels to choose from, although many dog owners like the privacy of a vacation rental — and there are still options aplenty; just use a filter when you’re researching your lodging. And of course, if you and your pooch enjoy sleeping under the stars, camping is another dog-friendly choice!
Activities and Adventures
Since you’re going to the trouble of planning a vacay with Fido, of course you want to be able to do things together once you reach your destination. Thankfully, there are virtually limitless possibilities! You can take your dog to fun dog parks, restaurants, and other attractions like zoos and amusement parks. The world is Fido’s oyster!
Just double-check policies before you buy tickets, make sure vaccinations are up to date, know where area vets are (just in case!) and keep your dog on a sturdy leash. The last thing you want is to become separated in a strange place!
Are you ready to get away with your best buddy? Plan your adventure carefully, research your destination, and invest in appropriate gear. Then, have a blast making amazing memories!
Today we are featuring a guest blog from Soulful Travel who embraces the benefits of travel.
Travel enriches lives. Travel educates, it expands and deepens perspectives, it allows for rest and rejuvenation, and when traveling with others it strengthens relationships. Perhaps you’re feeling the itch to live in wonder, act outside of your comfort zone, and try new experiences.
While experiencing other places is a cornerstone of a well-lived life, many people feel like they can’t travel due to finances. However, travel is manageable for any budget with a little planning and saving where possible. Let’s discuss ways to travel smartly so that you can have a wonderful experience — even when you’re on a budget.
Rent a Car from Enterprise
If your car is not very reliable or runs high in gas mileage, then it’s worth considering renting a car for road trips and trips to farther destinations. A rental car is also particularly useful if you are traveling with a larger group and want to avoid paying for airline tickets. To save on travel costs when getting to your destination, and to ensure you have a reliable vehicle with adequate space, consider renting a car from companies such as Enterprise. Renting from Enterprise is easy and affordable on any budget, especially when you use promo codes to save more money.
Consider Nearby Travel
While cross-country trips and foreign travel have their appeal, many cannot afford the costs associated with longer voyages. For some, their work schedule does not afford adequate time off to accommodate long-distance travel, and for others, the costs associated with airline tickets may not be in the cards. Whatever the reason may be, short trips or exploring your hometown may be the better option. Many forget to explore the treasures and landmarks nearby home, which can be just as rewarding and fulfilling as traveling afar.
Save on Food
A large part of a travel budget is spent on food. If you can avoid eating out, even for one meal a day, you will save quite a bit of money. Here are some ways to save on food:
Rent an Airbnb or extended-stay hotel that has a kitchen that allows you to prepare a few meals yourself.
Stay at a hotel that serves a free breakfast and monopolize on their free coffee or tea all day. Many hotels even offer a free midday snack.
If traveling by car, pack a cooler full of food and snacks.
Carry snacks with you while traveling around your destination to avoid accumulating little overpriced expenses.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you and fill at water fountains, cafes, and restaurants.
Use discounts, coupons, and promo codes when available.
If eating out, try to choose spots further away from high tourist destinations.
Take Advantage of Free/Low-Cost Activities
Take advantage of all your travel destination has to offer by looking for free events to attend, free/low-cost museums and parks, and so forth. Cities offer a wide variety of entertainment for their citizens and tourists that are full of enriching learning experiences, physical activities, and entertainment. You can even search online for routes and key destinations and host your own self-guided walking tour. Attend local farmer’s markets to get a feel of what local artisans and farmers are offering. Plus, many of the products will be unique to the area.
Traveling is meant to be an enjoyable, life-enriching, and positive experience. You can have a great time and still stay within budget. Use Enterprise rental car services in order to get the perfect-size, reliable car at a great price. Explore all the nearby spots around you that are full of rich sites and events. Finally, by planning ahead of time, save on food, entertainment, and activities by looking for free or low-cost options.
