superstarglow-blog - Tumblr blog

[superstarglow-blog]

Which Oils are Non Comedogenic and What Does that Mean?

I have combination and acne-prone skin and am always on the search for good face oils. Having adult acne sucks and it makes me more conscious of what products that I can use and what I should stay away from. In my struggle to understand non comedogenic and comedogenic oils, I create the list below. I still refer to the lists below when I make products. What is Comedogenic Rating? A comedogenic rating tells us whether an oil is likely to clog our pores or not. Non-comedogenic oils are oils that do not clog pores. You can see the rating below. However, everyone's skin will react differently so learn to test your products. It might take a couple of weeks before an ingredient to start showing blemishes on your skin. Pimples can take 4 - 6 weeks to form and reach the surface of the skin. Comedogenic Ratings Rating Description 0 Doesn't clog pores 1 Low likelihood of clogging pores 2 Moderately low of clogging pores for most people 3 Moderate of breaking out or may not (It all depends on the skin type) 4 Fairly high of clogging pores for most people 5 High probability of clogging pores Comedogenic and Fatty Acids Two common fatty acids in natural oils are Linoleic Acid (doesn't clog pores) and Oleic Acid (clogs pores). Products with high Linoleic Acid are good for acne-prone skin because it is light weight and are not comedogenic. Oleic acid is use for dry skin and is much heavier and greasier on the skin. Oleic acid has anti-inflammatory properties. Another fatty acid is Lauric Acid which has anti-acne properties and is found in coconut, date seed oil, palm oil, and babassu oil. It is best to stick to 0-2 ratings; however, all skin types are different and will have different reactions to the list below. It is best to test before using a large amount of a butter or oil. Oils Name Comedogenic Rating Skin Type Content Abyssinian Seed Oil 0 Most Skin Types Oleic Acid** Erucic Acid*** Acai Berry Oil 2 Dry, Irritated Linoleic Acid** Oleic Acid*** Almond Oil (Sweet) 2 Sensitive, Dry, Acne-Prone Oleic Acid*** Andiroba Seed Oil 2 Dry, Acne-Prone Linoleic Acid** Oleic Acid*** Apricot Kernel Oil 2 Dry, Combination Oleic Acid*** Argan Oil 0 Most Skin Types Linoleic Acid*** Oleic Acid*** Avocado Oil 3 Dry, Acne-Prone Oleic Acid*** Babassu Oil 1-2 Most Skin Types Lauric Myristic Acid*** Oleic Acid*** Baobob Seed Oil 2 Most Skin Types Linoleic Acid** Oleic Acid*** Black Currant Seed Oil 0-1 Dry, Sensitive Linoleic Acid*** GLA*** ALA*** Blackberry Seed Oil 0-1 Oily Linoleic Acid*** Linolenic*** Black Cumin Seed Oil 2 Combination Linoleic Acid*** Oleic Acid** Black Raspberry Seed Oil 1-2 Dry, Acne-Prone, Combination Linoleic Acid** Linolenic** Blueberry Seed Oil 0-1 Most Skin Types Linoleic Acid** Oleic Acid*** Linolenic*** Borage Oil 2 Combination, Sensitive, Oily Linoleic Acid*** GLA*** Brazil Nut Oil 2 Dry, Mature Linoleic*** Oleic Acid*** Broccoli Seed Oil 1 Dry, Mostly for Hair and Night Use Erucic Acid*** Oleic Acid*** Buriti Oil 2 Dry, Mature Oleic Acid*** Camellia Seed Oil 1 Most Skin Types Oleic Acid*** Carrot Seed Oil 3-4 Dry, Mature Oleic Acid*** Castor Oil 1 Most Skin Types, Good for Oily/Acne-Prone Ricinoleic Acid*** Cherry Kernel Oil 2 Most Skin Types, Dry, Irritated Linoleic Acid*** Oleic Acid*** Chia Seed Oil 3 Body Use Linoleic Acid*** Linolenic Acid*** Cloudberry Seed Oil 1 Oily, Acne-Prone Linoleic Acid*** Linolenic Acid*** Coconut Oil 4 Dry, Body Use Stearic Acid*** Palmitic Acid*** Oleic Acid*** Coconut Oil (Fractionated) 2-3 Most Skin Types Caprylic & Capric Acid*** Cottonseed Oil 3 Hair and Body Linoleic Acid*** Linolenic Acid** Oleic Acid** Cranberry Seed Oil 2 Dry, Acne-Prone Linoleic Acid*** Linolenic Acid** Oleic Acid** Cucumber Seed Oil 1 Most Skin Types Linoleic Acid*** Date Seed Oil 3 Dry Oleic Acid*** Elderberry Seed Oil 1-2 Most Skin Types Linoleic Acid*** Linolenic Acid*** Emu Oil (animal based) 1 Most Skin Types Palmitic Acid** Oleic Acid*** Evening Primrose Oil 2-3 Oily, Combination, Acne-Prone Linoleic Acid** GLA** Flax Seed Oil (Linseed) 4 Dry, Body Use Alpha Linolenic Acid*** Guava Seed Oil 1-2 Most Skin Types Linoleic Acid*** Goji Berry Seed Oil 0-1 Oily Linoleic Acid*** Grapeseed Oil 1 Most Skin Types Linoleic Acid*** Hazelnut Oil 1 Most Skin Types, Sensitive, Acne-Prone Oleic Acid*** Hemp Seed Oil 0 Most Skin Types, Oily, Acne-Prone Linoleic Acid*** Linolenic Acid** Jojoba Oil 2 Most Skin Types, Oily, Acne-Prone Eicosenoic Acid*** Karanja Oil 2 Dry, Hair Use Oleic Acid*** Kiwi Seed Oil 1 Dry, Flakey, Hair Use Linolenic Acid*** Lanolin Oil 2 Dry If heated with water, then it produces Lanolin Acid and Lanolin Alcohol Macadamia Nut Oil 2-3 Dry Oleic Acid*** Palmitoleic Acid** Mango Seed Oil 2 Most Skin Types, Dry Oleic Acid*** Palmitoleic Acid*** Marula Oil 3-4 Dry, Sensitive Oleic Acid*** Meadowfoam Seed Oil 1 Oily, Acne-Prone, Sensitive Eicosenoic Acid*** Milk Thistle Seed Oil 1 Most Skin Types Linoleic Acid*** Mineral Oil (petroleum based) 0 Most Skin Types N/A Mink Oil (animal based) 3 Dry Oleic Acid*** Moringa Oil 3-4 Dry, Combination Oleic Acid*** Neem Oil 1-2 Dry, Acne-Prone Oleic Acid*** Olive Oil 2 Dry, Acne-Prone Oleic Acid*** Papaya Seed Oil 2-3 Dry, Acne-Prone, Sensitive Oleic Acid*** Palm Oil 4 Dry, Body Use Lauric Acid*** Palm Oil (Red) 4 Dry, Body Use Oleic Acid*** Palmitic Acid** Passionfruit Seed Oil (Maracuja) 1-2 Oily, Irritated, Acne-Prone Linoleic Acid*** Peach Kernel Oil 2 Dry, Sensitive Oleic Acid*** Peanut Oil 2 Most Skin Types Oleic Acid*** Palmitic Acid*** Pecan Oil 2 Dry, Combination Oleic Acid*** Linoleic Acid** Perilla Oil 1-2 Most Skin Types, Dry ALA*** Pistachio Oil n/a Most Skin Types, Dry Oleic Acid*** Palmitic Acid*** Plum Kernel Oil 1-2 Most Skin Types, Mature Oleic Acid*** Linoleic Acid** Pomegranate Seed Oil 1 Most Skin Types, Mature Punicic Acid*** Prickly Pear Seed Oil 1-2 Most Skin Types, Oily, Combination Linoleic Acid** Pumpkin Seed Oil 2 Most Skin Types Oleic Acid** Linoleic Acid** Red Raspberry Seed Oil 0-1 Most Skin Types Linolenic Acid*** Linoleic Acid** Rice Bran Oil 2 Most Skin Types, Mature, Combination Oleic Acid*** Linoleic Acid*** Rosehip Seed Oil 1 Oily, Acne-Prone Linolenic Acid** Linoleic Acid*** Safflower Oil 0 Most Skin Types Linoleic Acid** Sea Buckthorn Oil 1 Most Skin Types. Mature, Dry Palmitic Acid*** Palmitoleic Acid*** Oleic Acid** Sesame Seed Oil 3 Dry, Irritated Oleic Acid*** Linoleic Acid*** Shea Oil 0-2 Dry Oleic Acid*** Stearic Acid** Soybean Oil 4-5 Dry, Body Use Linoleic Acid*** Squalane Oil (vegetable based) 0-1 Most Skin Types Omega-2*** Strawberry Seed Oil 1 Dry, Body Use Linoleic Acid*** Linolenic Acid*** Sunflower Seed Oil 0-2 Most Skin Types Linoleic Acid*** Tallow (animal based) 2 Dry Oleic Acid*** Tomato Seed Oil 0-2 Most Skin Types, Scarred, Sensitive Linoleic Acid*** Oleic Acid** Walnut Seed Oil 1-2 Most Skin Types Linoleic Acid*** Oleic Acid** Watermelon Seed Oil 0-1 Most Skin Types, Oily, Acne-Prone, Sensitive Linoleic Acid*** Wheat Germ Oil 5 Dry, Damaged Linoleic Acid*** * low ** moderate *** high GLA = gamma-linolenic acid ALA = Alpha-Linolenic Acid Butters Name Comedogenic Rating Skin Type Content Cocoa Butter 4 Body & Eye Areas Oleic Acid*** Stearic Acid*** Coconut Butter 4 Dry, Body Use Oleic Acid*** Stearic Acid*** Stearic Acid*** Mango Butter 2 Most Skin Types Oleic Acid*** Stearic Acid** Mowrah Butter n/a Skin Types, Dry Oleic Acid*** Palmitic Acid*** Sal Seed Butter n/a Dry Stearic Acid*** Oleic Acid*** Shea Butter 0-2 Normal, Dry Stearic Acid*** Oleic Acid*** * low ** moderate *** high Waxes Name Comedogenic Rating Beeswax 2 Candelilla Wax 1 Carnuba Wax 1 Emulsifying Wax (petroleum-based wax) 2 Ceresin Wax (earthwax based) 0 Lanolin Wax 1 Herbs & Vitamins  Name Comedogenic Rating Ascorbic Acid 0 Black Walnut Extract 0 Vitamin E (Tocopherol) 2 Vitamin A Palmitate 2 Panthenol 0 Alcohol, Ethers, Esters, & Sugars Name Comedogenic Rating Polysorbate  20 0 Aloe Vera Gel 0 Sterol Esters 0 Behenyl Triglyceride 0 Butylene Glycol 1 Cetearyl Alcohol 2 Glycerin 0 Glyceryl Tricapylo/Caprate 1 Isocetyl Stearate 5 Isopropyl Alcohol 0 Laureth 4 5 Laureth 23 3 Oleyl Alcohol 4 Propylene Glycol 0 Sorbitan Laurate 1 Sorbitol 0 Wheat Germ Glyceride 3 Minerals Name Comedogenic Rating Algin 4 Colloidal Sulfur 3 Potassium Chloride 5 Sodium Chloride (salt) 5 Zinc Stearate 0 Botanicals Name Comedogenic Rating Algae Extract 5 Aloe Vera Gel 0 Carrageenan 2 Calendula 1 Chamomile 2 Chamomile Extract 0 Red Algae 5 Thickeners, Detergents, Emulsifiers Name Comedogenic Rating Hydroxypropyl Cellulose 1 Kaolin 0 Magnesium Aluminum Silicate 0 Sodium Laureth Sulfate 3 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 5 Sorbitan Oleate 3 Understanding Different Types of Fatty Acids Alpha Linoleic Acid (ALA) is an omega-3 and Linoleic Acid is an omega-6. They are both considered essential fatty acids that the body can't produce on its own. Say What about High Oleic Acid Oils Oleic Acid is an omega-9 fatty acid and is hydrating for dry and sensitive skin. According to Wound Healing and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: From Inflammation to Repair and Role of Oleic Acid in Immune Systems; Mechanism of Action; a Review Research studies, they show how Oleic Acid has anti-inflammatory properties and benefits to people. Some oils that are rich in Oleic Acid are Argan oil Almond oil Apricot oil Avocado oil Canola oil Sea Buckthorn oil Palm oil Olive oil Carrot Seed oil Hazelnut oil Macula oil Abyssinian oil Jojoba oil Rice Bran oil Tamanu oil Some butters that has Oleic Acid are Cocoa, Mango, and Shea Butters. Show Me Linoleic Acid Oils According to Essential Fatty Acids and Acne research article, people with acne has low level of Linoleic Acid. By adding more Linoleic Acid on skin, it can help to address acne-prone skin. Some oils that are rich in Linoleic Acid are Black cumin oil Borage oil Castor oil Cherry kernal oil Soybean oil Evening primrose Chia Kiwi seed Oil Pomegranate Seed Oil Sesame Oil Grapeseed oil Passionatefruit seed oil Papaya Seed Oil Hemp Oil Guava Seed Oil Pumpkin Seed Oil Red Raspberry Seed Oil Safflower Oil Sunflower Oil Wheat Germ Oil However check above for the comedogenic ratings. If you like what you read, let me know below or if you have further questions, email hello@superstarglow.com. I love feedback and hearing from passionate people. Read the full article

[superstarglow-blog]

What make Dragon's Blood the Highest Antioxidant Food in the World?

Dragon's Blood has a 2,897,110 ORAC value and is the highest antioxidant food in the world. In comparison, raw blueberries has a 4669 ORAC value. ORAC states for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. It is a lab test that attempts to quantify the total antioxidant capacity of a food in a test tube. Dragon's Blood chemical make up is powerful and has healing properties. According to Dragon's Blood: The Highest Antioxidant Food in the World article, just one drop of Dragon's Blood (Croton lechleri) is equivalent to 2 pounds of raw kale or 3 apples worth of antioxidants! Take about powerful! Where did Dragon's Blood get its Name From?  Dragon's Blood was named after its red appearance from the sap. It might have also got the name from when the resin is heated or used as incense, boils and bubbles, is red like blood. Another common belief is that Dragon's Blood actually came from the blood of elephants and dragons who died in combat. Blood's Dragon History Dragon's Blood use has been documented as far back as the 1st century when ancient Romans collected Dracaena cinnabari and used it as a dye, painting pigment, and medicine. Many of these trees are grown in Morocco, Sumatra, Canary Island, and other location along the Incense (Trade) Road. You can learn more about the Incense Road that was popular from 3rd century BCE to the 2nd century AD. The path spanning more than 1,200 miles and took about 62 days to travel from Yemen to Gaza port. You can read more the Incense Road here. What is Dragon's Blood?  The term Dragon's Blood is used to describe the bright red sap which is expelled by a few tropical and subtropical trees. There are a few species that are mostly associated with Dragon's Blood such as Daemonorops Draco (previously known as Calamus Draco) Croton Lechleri Dracaena Draco Croton Draco (Mexican Dragon's Blood) Dracaena Pterocarpus Calamus Rotang Croton Lechleri

Photo courtesy of Dick Culbert In South America, it is known as "Sangre de Grado" (Peruvian Spanish) or Sangre de Drago (Ecuadorian Spanish) and is a wild crafted resin that comes from the Croton lechleri trees. These trees are native to the northwestern part of South America (including the Amazon rainforest). The trees can grow up to 65 feet produces the bitter resin with a strong Parmesan cheese smell. To harvest the Dragon's Blood, the tree is cut and the red sap are collected. According to Kelly Saxton Lindner, the best sustainable harvesting method of Croton lechleri tree is to cut the tree down on the 6th, 7th year, or older tree and drain the latex sap at one time. Then replant the tree with a new tree since Croton lechleri is documented to be a fast growing tree species. Daemonorops Draco These trees are native to India, Malaysia, and Indonesia where it can be found growing in the lowland. These trees reach height of around 40 feet and produce reddish-orange color. According to Superfoodly, its flavor is "brittle, feebly sweetish or almost tasteless and odorless." The sap is used for medicine, dye, and stain. What is the difference between Croton and Daemonorops?  The difference is the origin. Each genus originate from different side of the world. Daemonorops is found in Asia while Croton is found in South America. Daemomorops draco is used more as a pigment and for incense than Croton lechleri. Which One has the Highest Antioxidant Activity? Croton (South American tree) has the highest antioxidant activity and hailed for medicinal advantages. A drug, Mytesi, was created for anti-diarrheal in those with HIV derived from Croton lechleri. The FDA has not approved the Croton lechleri for other purposes beside the approval for specific usage of Mytesi so people can't just use Mytesi for food poisoning. Potential Benefits The sap and taspine (an alkaloid in Croton Lechleri) has been studied in the lab for use against different types of cancer and treatments. K Jones wrote a study that shows Croton Lechleri shows positive results for treatment of watery diarrhea and symptoms of insect bite. Efficacy of Dragon's blood cream on wound healing: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial article concludes Dragon's Blood is a potent, available, affordable, and safe healing agent. Side Effects Small amount of Dragon's Blood has been consumed and used for treatment for centuries. However, there are no long term study of the dietary supplements and its effects on pregnant women, nursing women, children, and mothers. It is recommended to talk to your doctor before using Dragon's Blood as a dietary supplement. According to the Drugs site, no major toxicities has been reported for using Dragon's Blood. Conclusion Dragon's Blood (Croton Lechleri) has the most antioxidant in the world and has many healing properties and benefits. If you are interested to see where 3100 food and its antioxidant content, check out the The Antioxidant Food Table downloadable PDF. The antioxidant in 100 grams for Croton Lechleri is 2897.11. Blueberries is 9.24  while Coffee prepared at Wendy's is 1.24 for the same amount according to the table. That is I am so excited to use Dragon's Blood in our products. Read the full article

[superstarglow-blog]

Seattle Center

Seattle Center Info

About  Seattle Center is located in Queen Anne, (north of Belltown). The Space Needle as well as other buildings are located on its ground. Festivals & Events You can see upcoming festivals and events here. Here are some of our photos from Tet Festival at the Seattle Center in 2016. Address 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109 www.seattlecenter.com Contact Customer Service: (206) 684-7200 Contact Form Hours Monday - Sunday: 7 am - 9 pm The park can be crossed usually till midnight. Parking There are many parking lots and parking garages. Their rates range from $6 – $30 for an hour to 12 hours parking time. Event parking rate can rate from $15 – 25 (and plus taxes). Parking rates can change based on demand and events. Street parking can be $1.50 an hour to free on the west side of the Seattle Center. It is roughly a 10 – 15 minutes to walk from the free street parking to the Key Arena.

Courtesy from Google Map Green = free parking around 4th ave Purple = back angle street parking Street Parking Rates

Area Size The Seattle Center spans about 74 acres. History  Seattle Center evolved from the first world's fair, the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, takes place in 1909. You can see the timeline here. 5 Interesting Facts about the Seattle Center Admission

free admission No admission fee unless it is a Bumbershoot festival or other paying festivals. There is a food court in the Armory Building. You can jog, run, or walk at the Seattle Center. It is a beautiful park and filled with many attractions. Food Here is a list of restaurants and shops inside the Armory Building: Bigfood BBQ Blue Water Taco Grill & Cantina Bubble Tea Shop, The Ceres Roasting Confectional, The Cool Guys Fry Bar Eltana Wood-Fired Bagels KABAB MOD Pizza Plum Pantry Premier Meat Pies Quincy's. Burgers, Seafood, Beer Seattle Fudge Skillet : Counter Starbucks Coffee Subway WOK Source: Seattle Center Armory Food List  Discount and Ways to Save Money Take the monorail, bus, bike, or walk to the Seattle Center. Bring your own food for a picnic will be affordable. Find free parking on the west side of the Seattle center or park on the east side of the Seattle Center behind the McDonald. There are street parking spaces (back angle parking) for less than $2 an hour. Related Articles Read the full article

[superstarglow-blog]

Seattle Center

Seattle Center Info

About  Seattle Center is located in Queen Anne, (north of Belltown). The Space Needle as well as other buildings are located on its ground. Festivals & Events You can see upcoming festivals and events here. Here are some of our photos from Tet Festival at the Seattle Center in 2016. Address 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109 www.seattlecenter.com Contact Customer Service: (206) 684-7200 Contact Form Hours Monday - Sunday: 7 am - 9 pm The park can be crossed usually till midnight. Parking There are many parking lots and parking garages. Their rates range from $6 – $30 for an hour to 12 hours parking time. Event parking rate can rate from $15 – 25 (and plus taxes). Parking rates can change based on demand and events. Street parking can be $1.50 an hour to free on the west side of the Seattle Center. It is roughly a 10 – 15 minutes to walk from the free street parking to the Key Arena.

Courtesy from Google Map Green = free parking around 4th ave Purple = back angle street parking Street Parking Rates

Area Size The Seattle Center spans about 74 acres. History  Seattle Center evolved from the first world's fair, the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, takes place in 1909. You can see the timeline here. 5 Interesting Facts about the Seattle Center Admission

free admission No admission fee unless it is a Bumbershoot festival or other paying festivals. There is a food court in the Armory Building. You can jog, run, or walk at the Seattle Center. It is a beautiful park and filled with many attractions. Food Here is a list of restaurants and shops inside the Armory Building: Bigfood BBQ Blue Water Taco Grill & Cantina Bubble Tea Shop, The Ceres Roasting Confectional, The Cool Guys Fry Bar Eltana Wood-Fired Bagels KABAB MOD Pizza Plum Pantry Premier Meat Pies Quincy's. Burgers, Seafood, Beer Seattle Fudge Skillet : Counter Starbucks Coffee Subway WOK Source: Seattle Center Armory Food List  Discount and Ways to Save Money Take the monorail, bus, bike, or walk to the Seattle Center. Bring your own food for a picnic will be affordable. Find free parking on the west side of the Seattle center or park on the east side of the Seattle Center behind the McDonald. There are street parking spaces (back angle parking) for less than $2 an hour. Related Articles Read the full article

[superstarglow-blog]

International Rose Test Garden

International Rose Test Garden Info

Portland, Oregon

International Rose Test Garden, Oregon About  Portland's International Rose Test Garden was founded in 1917. It is the oldest and continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States. There are over 5000 rose varieties and over 10,000 rose bushes. In 2017, the Park Replacement Bond-funded ADA accessibility constructions and it was completed by the summer of 2017. Best Time to Visit The best time to visit the Garden is between mid-May to late June. The Garden reaches full bloom by early June and this is right before the Rose Festival. However, the weather plays an important part to the rose reaching full bloom. * Portland Parks and OSU Master Gardeners offer free guided tours daily at 1:00 pm from Memorial Day (May 27) to Labor Day (September 2). Meet at the Rose Garden Store. Address 400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205 Website Contact (503) 823 - 3636 Hours Monday - Sunday: 7:30 am - 9 pm Parking Parking is $1.60 per hour. Area Size The International Rose Test Garden is 4.5 acres (1.8 hectare) of parkland and roses. History  Portland's International Rose Test Garden was founded in 1917. It is the oldest and continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States. There are over 650 rose varieties and over 10,000 rose bushes. Portland, Oregon is known for the City of Roses and received its nickname in 1905 when there were 200 miles of rose-lined streets for the Lewis and Clark Centennial celebration. 5 Interesting Facts about the International Rose Test Garden Admission

Admission is free. Roses bloom from April to October. I came here during August and got beautiful photos of the roses. It was beautiful and it was completely free. You can buy roses and souvenir  from the gift shop. Food Bring your own food for a picnic. The International Rose Test Garden is near the zoo and you can pick up food there or head down the hill near the base of Washington Park and you can find local restaurants. NW 23rd Ave near the Washington Park is filled with restaurants that you can visit and enjoy. Discount and Ways to Save Money Take the bus to the park for $2.50 (or $5.00 for a day pass). Keep in mind that you will also pay for your ride home or back to your hotel. You can view the TriMet for more info on the routes and fares. Bring your own food, lunch, or picnic gears to save money on food. If you have a bike, you can also bike to this park. Read the full article

[superstarglow-blog]

Stanley Park

Stanley Park Info

Vancouver, British Columbia

Stanley Park, Vancouver B.C. About  Stanley Park is situated on a peninsula at the northwestern edge of downtown Vancouver B.C. Stanley Park is the third largest park in North America. It draws on average 8 million visitors per year. There are many trails, an aquarium, nature center, and other recreational facilities to enjoy. Address Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx Hours Monday - Sunday: 9 am - 5 pm for service but the park is open 24/7 so you can come when you please.  Parking Parking is $3.50/hour or $13/day maximum from April 1 - September 30. From October 1 - March 31, parking is $2.50/hour or $7/day. Season Pass is $225 and is valid from April 1 to September 30. Hours of parking are 6 am - 11 pm. There are certain locations that don't accept the day parking pass so make sure you check signages. You can check this map for parking locations and prices. Area Size The park is a 400-hectare (988.42 acres) park in Vancouver B.C. History  Stanley Park was originally home to the First Nation People. It was named for Lord Frederick Stanley, Governor of Canada in 1888 and opened on September 27 of that year (1888). A park board was established in 1890 and still oversees the park mission of connecting people to green space, community, and active living. This site has a great timeline interactive page. 5 Interesting Facts about the Stanley Park Admission

Admission is free since it is a city-owned park. I love free parks! However the aquarium at the park is quite expensive. However, conserve, maintain, and research marine life are expensive. See below - Adult - CAD $39.90 each Senior (+65) - CAD $30.98 each Youth (age 13 - 18) - CAD 30.98 each Child (age 4 - 12) - CAD $23.10 each Infant (age 0 - 3) - free Food There a couple concessions, food carts, and two restaurants at Stanley Park. There are many restaurants right outside of the park. You can see the list of restaurants inside the park here. I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Suggested budget – $25 - $60 per day - It depends if you are parking and how long you are planning to stay at Stanley Park for your overall budget. Food cost a little more for the location of the park but you will get your full day of exercise or enjoy nature if you are planning to stay at the park. Discount and Ways to Save Money

Stanley Park, Vancouver, B.C. Take the bus to the park for $2.95 - $5.70 (depending on zones). Keep in mind that you will also pay for your ride home. You can view the Translink for more info on the routes and fares. Bring your own food, lunch, or picnic gears to save money on food. Download the map here. Read the full article

[superstarglow-blog]

Space Needle

Space Needle Info

Seattle, Washington Hours Monday - Thursday: 10 am - 7 pm Friday - Sunday: 9 am - 7 pm The last ticket is sold 30 min before the closing of the Space Needle. Address 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109 https://www.spaceneedle.com Contact (206) 905 - 2100 guestservice@spaceneedle.com Height The space needle is 605 feet (184 meters). It used to be the tallest building on the West Coast. Nowadays, there are other buildings that are taller such as the Columbia Tower at 967 feet (295 meters). The Space Needle is still an iconic and is recognized around the world, movies, and series.

View from the Columbia Tower of the Space Needle, Seattle, Washington About 

Museum of Pop Culture and Seattle Space Needle, WA The space needle is rotating tower where you can see the view of downtown Seattle, the Puget Sound, Olympic and Cascades mountain ranges. The Space Needle was recently renovated in 2018 and offer a floor-to-ceiling glass viewing experience. View on Cam Check out the Webcam of Seattle today. History The Space Needle was inspired by the Space Age (theme for the Century 21 Exposition) and was built in 1962 for the Word's Fair. The saucer-shaped height is 520' and offers 360-degree indoor and outdoor panoramic views. In 2017, a $100 million renovation funded by the Wright family. Some changes are increase in the elevator capacity, change to the rotating motor, and replacement unbroken floor-to-ceiling glass panels. The Space Needle was reopened in 2018. 5 Interesting Facts about the Space Needle Ticket 2019 Pricing Space Needle General Admission Regular  $27.50 - $37.50 Senior (age 65+) $22.50 - $32.50 Youth (age 5 - 12) $21.50 - $28.50 There are other discounts for package experience. You can book your ticket here. Discount and Ways to Save Money

View of the Space Needle from Alki Beach, Seattle, Washington You can buy package tickets for the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum for $49 regular. I found the best deal for me was the 5 attractions for the City Pass at $89. Not only do you get to go on 5 attractions, the Space Needle tickets allow you to come in the evening AND also the morning. My family didn't used it all but we had so much fun in one day (it possible but easier if you spread it out during the week). You can find the City Pass here. Read the full article

[superstarglow-blog]

Seattle

Seattle 

Washington State About  Seattle is the largest city in Washington. It has many economic drivers and many companies are located in Seattle. Amazon has over 40,000 employees. The company occupied over 13 million square feet of office space. Seattle is known for Starbucks Coffee, music, seafood, and the tech industry.

Photo courtesy from the Seattle Neighborhoods Map Parking Most of downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, and many neighborhoods cost to park. More northern and southern Seattle, there are still free parking spaces. Here is a map of parking locations. Area Size Seattle is the largest city in Washington state. There are about 5,872 sq mi. Seattle is located inside of King County. Here is a map of King County:

Image courtesy of King County History  A group of immigrant came from Illinois in 1851. The settlement was established at Alki Point. The group named the settlement Seattle in honor of a kind local Indian leader, Chief Sealth. The majority of pioneers then moved to the eastern side, now known as downtown Seattle, after finding Alki unsuitable to live. Food Seattle has many food choices in different neighborhoods. Some of my fine dining restaurants in Seattle are the Metropolitan Grill, Palisade, and Columbia Tower Club. Other popular restaurants that are recommended by people are Canlis, Seattle Space Needle SkyCity (closed and waiting for the renovation), Art of the Table, Toulouse Petit, Altura, and El Gaucho. Some of my favorite small and inexpensive food places are Saigon Deli, Taqueria La Pasadita, Mee Sum Pastry, and Jimmy John. Some other reasonable priced places are 45th Stop N Shop & Poke Bar, Mi La Cay, and Okinawa Teriyaki. Discount and Ways to Save Money Take the bus, the light rail, or walk to save money in Seattle. Parking is most difficult in urban Seattle neighborhoods. Related Articles Read the full article

[superstarglow-blog]

California

What Can I Expect From California?

Best Time to Visit California California is on the west coast and is next to Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. You can expect Mediterranean-like climate and endless activities. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Disneyland, California is a great place to vacation or live. Some consider Northern California as part of the Pacific Northwest. The weather is beautiful and you can visit all year round. Cheaper flight tickets are after Thanksgiving. Check on Google Flights for occasional deals on flights and check Groupon for things to do. Recommended Clothing to Bring Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter t-shirts shorts sandals walking shoes Long sleeved shirts waterproof quality boots Other Accessories sunscreen sunglasses charging devices camping gears cooler For the Trip to the Mountain for Skiing down/insulated jackets parka or anorak jackets gloves warm hats long underwear wool socks snow pants Climate California's climate vary widely due to the elevation, coast, and alpine. Northern California has warm climate while the Sierra gets soon in the autumn to winter and sometimes even into spring. Spring and summers are mild, dry, and warm along the coast. Winter are wet and cool. My Road Trip to California in March When I drove to California in March 2014 from the Greater Seattle area, it took me over 18 hours to get there. I had just finished photographing a weekend retreat in Washington and the next retreat was in California.I met a new friend at the Wake Up retreat and we wanted to follow the group to California. So that what we did. During my road trip, I picked her up in Oregon and we took a nap at California residential area before the garbage truck came. I have to say the road trip changed my life for the better. We stayed in Sausalito which is north of San Francisco. It was beautiful. You can read more about my experience in my upcoming post. As for my fellow friend who came with me, she became a nun after the experience. Life takes us to different part of the world and it takes us on different path but the memories are so precious.

Reflecting at a meditation retreat, Sausalito, California History According to the Library of Congress, the first native Californians were Asians who cross the Bering Straits to Alaska and down to California. The Europeans' contact California began in the 1530s when Cortez men ventured to Baja California. In 1542 Spaniards sail north and named the area Alta California. It wasn't until the 1750s made effort to colonize of California north of Baja California. Mexico achieved independence in 1821 but had trouble ruling distant Alta California. Gold Rush After the discovery of gold in Coloma, California in 1848, a wave of settlers came rushing to California. California became the 31st state in 1850. California is known for their farmlands and agricultural production. California is also known for its famous cultural institutions and parks such as Hollywood, Yosemite National Park, Death Valley National Park, Lake Tahoe, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Redwood National and State Parks. 10 Interesting Facts About California Things to See and Do in California Typical Costs When Traveling Accommodation - You can stay at Airbnb, hostels, resorts, hotels, cabin, or motels. Depending on where you are, the cost of accommodation can be inexpensive or expensive. In large city such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, your stay can be $80 - $200.Food - Depending on if you are having daily picnic or eating from a high end restaurant, the cost of food can vary. Budget between $50 - $600. I would say the portion are decent in Orange County.

Enjoying a large portion of food, California Transportation - Cars, trains, buses, Lyft, Uber, and bikes are options of transportation. Money Saving Tips What Can I Expect from California?

Long Beach, California You can expect beautiful scenic views, delicious dishes, fun theme parks, and relaxing resorts. Enjoy fresh fruits and interesting experiences in California. A place to go for fun or relaxation. Saying good bye to a beautiful place such as California was hard but being pretty close to California and Oregon make me want to do another road trip or fly down to California again. Good bye California. Till we meet again. Read the full article

[superstarglow-blog]

Washington

What Can I Expect From Washington?

Best Time to Visit Washington Spring and summer are the best seasons to visit Washington. Fall is gorgeous but cold. Winter is pretty but again cold. Washington has a lot of hills and snow will affect the traffic. Recommended Clothing to Bring Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter t-shirts shorts sandals walking shoes Long sleeved shirts waterproof quality boots Other Accessories sunscreen sunglasses charging devices camping gears cooler For the Trip to the Mountain for Skiing down/insulated jackets parka or anorak jackets gloves warm hats long underwear wool socks snow pants Climate Washington is pretty diverse with the climate. On the west coast, it tends to rain more than Eastern Washington. The weather on the west coast is driven by the Pacific Ocean. From October to July, it is cloudier than the rest of the year. In the summer, there are wild fire and that affects the sky. The cloud can exacerbate symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Make sure to take your Vitamin D during the cloudy months. Forever Home I was born in Vietnam and grew up in Tacoma, WA. My family and I were refugees and we live in Washington since 1994. I have visited Vietnam but felt out of place and it was too hot and dry for me. I feel really blessed every time I come home to Washington. No matter how far I go (as far as Brazil), I always know home is the PNW. History Native Americans have been living in Washington for thousands of years. In 1775, Spanish explorer Bruno Heceta landed in Washington and claimed the state for Spain. In 1778, British Captains James Cook came to Washington. George Vancouver came in 1792 and mapped Washington coast. He discovered and named Puget Sound and claimed the area for Britain. In 1792, American Robert Gray explored the area and named the Columbia River. Early settlers in the region were fur traders. In 1889, Washington was admitted into the union and became the 42nd state. Since then Washington economy has grown. With the Yukon Gold Rush, Washington population double in a short period of time. In the early 1970s and 1980s, technology industry has been made Washington a powerhouse. The agriculture industry is still a huge part of Washington. 10 Interesting Facts About Washington Things to See and Do in Washington Typical Costs When Traveling Accommodation - You can stay at Airbnb, hostels, resorts, hotels, cabin, or motels. Depending on where you are, the cost of accommodation can be inexpensive or expensive.Food - The cuisine in Washington is diverse. You can enjoy pho one day and teriyaki the next day. You can also enjoy fine dining at Metropolitan Grill, Palisade, and Columbia Tower Club. Some of my favorite small and inexpensive food places are Saigon Deli, Taqueria La Pasadita, Mee Sum Pastry, and Jimmy John. Seafood and steaks are super popular in Washington along with anything apple related. Transportation - Cars, trains, buses, Lyft, Uber, and bikes are options of transportation. Money Saving Tips What Can I Expect from Washington? You can expect beautiful scenic views, lovely hike, delicious dishes, fun theme parks, and relaxing resorts. Washington has been home to me since I was 5 year old and I feel really blessed I was raised here. I enjoy many beautiful summer days outside and winter days hibernating. Life seems relaxing and beautiful after a quick walk with my dog. You can expect Washington to be a place of refuge or a place of excitement. Related Articles Read the full article

[superstarglow-blog]

Beeswax vs Candelilla Wax vs Carnauba Wax vs Soy Wax

Beekeeper Working 

Where does Beeswax come from?

Honey bees on Sunflower Honey bees of the genus Apis produce the natural wax. Beeswax (cera alba) is formed by the glands in the abdominal of the worker bees. The glands of the worker bees convert the sugar in honey into wax. Worker

Busy Bees bees then chew these pieces of wax until it becomes moldable and then added the chewed wax to the honeycomb.  Honeycomb are nature and safe to eat. People have been eating honey and honeycomb for centuries and they taste delicious. I love the taste of honey and I can tell a difference between filtered honey and raw honey. Beeswax has an indefinite shelf life. Honeycomb that is darker in color are most sought after in certain cultures. The dark color honeycomb has more enzymes and traces of pollen.     Yellow Beeswax vs White Beeswax The smell of beeswax is mesmerizing. Yellow beeswax is refined while the White Beeswax is bleached by exposure to the sun or through a chemical process to get the white color. When you buy beeswax, ask or find out what process is used to make the beeswax. There are many methods and trade secrets for making beeswax. Yellow beeswax has been heated and filtered of debris. Both are used as stiffening agent in candle or cosmetic products. According to Queen Candles, there many influences that can affect the color of the beeswax such as length of time the wax is left in the hive, if the beekeepers melt the old brood comb with their wax, temperature of the wax when it was melted, and how clean the wax is in term of pollen and dust. The yellow beeswax has a yellow tint while the white beeswax can take color better because it doesn’t have the tint. The beeswax can come in blocks or pellets. I really like the white beeswax that are sun-dried. It doesn't have a strong odor and takes mica colors well and it looks amazing when my lip balms are completed.  Sun-dried Beeswax

White Sun-dried Beeswax Sun-dried Beeswax are dried by the sunlight. It has a light honey wax scent in my hand.  Organic Beeswax Certified organic beeswax is made from organic botanicals and are free of any antibiotics or chemical pesticides. It requires a lot of organic land to get the beeswax and to pass certain certification such as the USDA and Oregon Tilth. The average worker bees usually travel 2 - 3 miles radius for the nectar but sometimes they can travel 2 to 3 times that distance.             Candelilla Wax Candelilla wax is a wax derived from the Candelilla shrub. It is mostly found in the southwestern area of the United States.

Candelilla Plant, credited to Rafael Saldaña An Eye for Texas blog recommends visiting the Chihuahuan desert or Big Bend National Park in Texas to see the plant close up. Many industries use the Candelilla wax such as food (chewing gum industry being the biggest), cosmetic, automotive, and many more. It takes about 50 lbs of Candelilla plant to make a lb of wax. Candelilleros, Candelilla collecting workers, first collect the plant and then boil the plants in a mixture of sulphuric acid and water. Boiling release the wax which is collected when it floats to the top. The wax has a sweet aroma in my hand and has a glossy and waxy texture. In the food

Candelilla Wax industry, the wax is usually classified as a glazing agent. Candelilla wax is a plant based wax and is a suitable alternative to beewswax (which is considerate vegetation but not vegan). Candelilla is denser and requires about half of what beeswax recipe calls for. I found Candelilla wax to have more of a gloss and shine to the wax. The wax flakes feel heavier than beeswax of about the same amount of flakes in my hand. The price is a little more than beeswax.             Carnauba Wax

Carnauba Palm, credited to Lailson Bandeira Carnauba wax (also known as Brazil Wax or Palm Wax) is native to the northeastern states of Brazil and is harvested from

Carnauba Wax the Copernica prunifera palm. In an article How to Make Carnauba Wax by Leonardo R. Grabkowski, an average-sized Carbauba palm tree can produce 5 lb of wax per year and the plant can be bought from local nursery for $400 - 500. The leaves are trim from the plant and allow to sun dry for 2 to 3 days. With the new discovery of cutting too many leaves can harm the plant in Brazil, many are recommending cutting only 10 leaves at a time. The plant will produce wax to defend from drying out. Then the plant can be pound vigorously to expel the wax flakes. On average, 1 lb of wax can be produced from 10 averaged-sized leaves. Carnauba wax is used in many industries from automotive to cosmetic. The wax is plant-based and is crucial in the vegan cosmetic industry.  I live in the Pacific Northwest but I will look into getting a Carnauba palm tree. It sounds like good exercise and a great way to get natural plant-based wax. The cost of Carnauba wax is more expensive than beeswax and Candelilla wax.         Soy Wax

Soybean Plant

Soybean Soy wax is made from the oil of soybeans.  In What Exactly is Soy Wax? Article, soybeans are harvested, cleaned, cracked, de-hulled, and rolled into flakes. The oil is extracted from the flakes and hydrogenated which changes the oil from unsaturated to saturated (the oil becomes solid at room temperature). Only a very small percentage of soy Soy Wax wax is organic according to the Candle Science. About 98% of soybean that has been harvested are genetically modified (GMO) or a mixture with GMO soybeans. A certified “organic” soy wax or from a liquid vegetable oil is not possible due to the chemical transformation. Soy is renewable and eco-friendly. 

Soy Wax Depending if you are making your skincare for vegan or vegetation customers, it is up to you to figure out which waxes work for you. You can combine waxes and oils to get the texture and feel of your products. By understanding the process of where your wax are coming from, you can understand if chemicals are used to make the wax. There is controversy over Carnauba wax because some process use chemicals such as paraffin, iso-parafinn, aliphatic solvents, or cyclic paraffins to get the wax to be stronger according to Maple Holistics blog. Beeswax can also used a chemical process to get the white color. There are known allergic reactions to beeswax and carnauba wax so make sure to test before using them. Candelilla wax skin reaction is rare and no report of allergic reaction to Candelilla wax are written down.  Read the full article

[superstarglow-blog]

Pacific Northwest

Pacific Northwest Overview

Pacific Northwest Map The Pacific Northwest is the region of the western United States and Canada. The region runs from southeastern Alaska to Northern California. In some accounts, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming are listed as part of the Pacific Northwest. Most of the Pacific Northwest is forested land; however, there are large metropolitans such as Vancouver, BC, Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon. Native American groups have occupied this region for centuries and many artifacts are still being discovered. Seattle (Seathl) was named after the Chief of Seattle from around the 1790 time period. He was the chief of the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes. In the Puget Sound region (coastal area in Washington state), Lushootseed was spoken by many Puget Sound region peoples. The three principal native languages were Nootka, Coast Salish, and Chinook. Facts About the Pacific Northwest Things to See and Do in the Pacific Northwest Typical Costs When Traveling Accommodation - From hostel to hotel to Airbnb, the prices can range from $20/night to $449/night. It really depends where you want to stay and how long. Check discount on site such as Groupon and Airbnb.Food - The Pacific Northwest is a melting pot where many types of food are served in large metropolitans. There are wide ranges of food in the Pacific Northwest. From local seafood to Chinese food, the food various in the area you are staying or living in. If you do a quick Google search, you change find nearby restaurants.

Pacific Northwest Diversity Food Transportation - There are many forms of transportation that you can take in the Pacific Northwest. car bus ferry sky train light rail train bike uber / lyft / cab in the USA, in Vancouver, BC, they still only allow cab right now In larger metropolitan, buses, light rails, and trains are easier to get around. Always make sure to check the last bus/train time to avoid getting stuck. Money Saving Tips What can I expect from the Pacific Northwest?

Medina Park, Washington There are four beautiful seasons and it depends which season you are coming but you can expect to see many type of trees. Evergreen are green all year and but other trees lose their leaves in the winter. Dress for the season will make your travel more comfortable. You can expect coffeeshops in all cities. The weather can change suddenly so will see a lot of people dress in hoodies and raincoats. From small town to large cities, the Pacific Northwest is a comfortable place to live or to visit and to see mountains and forests. I hope you enjoy your visit! Read the full article

[superstarglow-blog]

Pacific Northwest

Pacific Northwest Overview

Pacific Northwest Map The Pacific Northwest is the region of the western United States and Canada. The region runs from southeastern Alaska to Northern California. In some accounts, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming are listed as part of the Pacific Northwest. Most of the Pacific Northwest is forested land; however, there are large metropolitans such as Vancouver, BC, Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon. Native American groups have occupied this region for centuries and many artifacts are still being discovered. Seattle (Seathl) was named after the Chief of Seattle from around the 1790 time period. He was the chief of the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes. In the Puget Sound region (coastal area in Washington state), Lushootseed was spoken by many Puget Sound region peoples. The three principal native languages were Nootka, Coast Salish, and Chinook. Facts About the Pacific Northwest Things to See and Do in the Pacific Northwest Typical Costs When Traveling Accommodation - From hostel to hotel to Airbnb, the prices can range from $20/night to $449/night. It really depends where you want to stay and how long. Check discount on site such as Groupon and Airbnb.Food - The Pacific Northwest is a melting pot where many types of food are served in large metropolitans. There are wide ranges of food in the Pacific Northwest. From local seafood to Chinese food, the food various in the area you are staying or living in. If you do a quick Google search, you change find nearby restaurants.

Pacific Northwest Diversity Food Transportation - There are many forms of transportation that you can take in the Pacific Northwest. car bus ferry sky train light rail train bike uber / lyft / cab in the USA, in Vancouver, BC, they still only allow cab right now In larger metropolitan, buses, light rails, and trains are easier to get around. Always make sure to check the last bus/train time to avoid getting stuck. Money Saving Tips What can I expect from the Pacific Northwest?

Medina Park, Washington There are four beautiful seasons and it depends which season you are coming but you can expect to see many type of trees. Evergreen are green all year and but other trees lose their leaves in the winter. Dress for the season will make your travel more comfortable. You can expect coffeeshops in all cities. The weather can change suddenly so will see a lot of people dress in hoodies and raincoats. From small town to large cities, the Pacific Northwest is a comfortable place to live or to visit and to see mountains and forests. I hope you enjoy your visit! Read the full article

[superstarglow-blog]

Alaska

What Can I Expect From Alaska?

Sled Dog Racing, Alaska Climate Alaska's climate is diverse and can range from anywhere from 80°F to freezing at night. The terrain can be slippery so consider bring warm clothes and a good walking/running shoes as well as hiking boots if you are consider hiking. History Alaska is the largest state in the United States. You can fit two Texas into Alaska! To really appreciate Alaska, we have to appreciate the history of Alaska. Human beings are believed to arrive by a land bridge from Siberia between 15,000 BC to 13,000 BC. Europeans arrived in the 18th century. A Dane, Vitus Bering, led ta Russian expedition to Alaska and claimed Alaska. Alaska used to bde known for fur but after over-hunting and depleted of furs, the Russian lost interests in Alaska.  It sold to the US in 1867 for $7.2 million (less than 2 cents). It was first called the Department of Alaska but it changed it names to the District of Alaska in 1884. Gold was discovered ind different areas of Alaska in 1880, 1896, 1899, and 1902. In 1959, Alaska became the 49th state. More history facts can be found on the Alaska Centers site. Seasons and Hours

Barrow, Alaska aka Utqiagvik, Alaska, Credited by ESRI Depending on how close you are to the Arctic Circle, the weather and daylight will be affected. The further north you go in Alaska, the longer the day. North of Fairbanks, the day is 24 hour long. In Fairbanks, there are 22 hours of daylight and in Anchorage, the daylight hour is about 19.5 hours in the summer months. While the winter months will get more darkness. The extreme 6 months of daylight and darkness is usually referred to the northernmost town of Barrow which only get 67 days of winter with no sun. But then Barrow residents get over 80 days of uninterrupted daylight. 10 Interesting Facts About Alaska Things to See and Do in Alaska Typical Costs When Traveling Accommodation - Lodging in Alaska can be quite expensive because they have to recover costs in a 120-day season. Alaska on a Budget article gave great pointers such as staying at a smaller boutique hotels where the rooms have kitchenettes. Average cost will depend on the season but you are looking at $73 - $200 on average. The best season to see the Northern Lights aka Aurora Borealis is January to March because the nights are longer.

Aurora Borealis , Alaska Food - Salmons, black cod, halibut, scallops, oysters, and crabs are popular in Alaska. Alaska King Crab is well known around the world for its flavor and size. Alaska's cold water are home to many different crab species as well as fish species.  There are also interesting berries to try in Alaska such as wild blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, salmonberries, mossberries, lingonberries, and watermelon berries. Outside the main cities, hunters get their proteins from game animals such as moose, caribou, elk, and/or even bear. Reindeer is also eaten but isn't as popular as it used to be except for the sausages.  The natives of Alaska are commonly known as Eskimos are properly called Yupik (in the Bering Sea area) and Inupiat (north Arctic area) use seal meat and oil in their food. Other important food are whales, walrus, birds, and fish. Akutaq also known as Eskimo Ice Cream is an unusual but hearty dish. Akutaq traditionally is made of whipped fat of hunted reindeer, seals, or bears  with wild berries and snow.

Ester, Alaska Pie Contest, Credited to Ana Soc Transportation - cars, trains, and buses, and ferries are normal mode of transport. Some cities and villages are only accessible by sea or air. In those cases, small airplane or ship are used to take people from one village or cities to another.

Glacier Bay National Park Money Saving Tips What Can I Expect from Alaska? You can expect good seafood and beautiful wilderness. Alaska is a place to go and find oneself with nature. There are cruises, scenic drives, camping sites, beautiful glaciers, salmon fishing, mountains, and the Northern Lights. Alaska has no sales tax so you can shop away tax free.

Beautiful Alaska Read the full article

[superstarglow-blog]

British Columbia

What Can I Expect From British Columbia?

Stanley Park, Vancouver B.C. Best Time to Visit British Columbia Spring is a wonderful season to visit. The temperatures are mild and warm. The cities are filled with people enjoying the beaches and restaurants. Recommended Clothing to Bring (depending on the seasons) Spring/Summer t-shirts shorts sandals walking shoes Autumn/Winter Long sleeved shirts wool sweaters waterproof quality boots (preferably for winter) fleece vests down/insulated jackets parka or anorak jackets (preferably for winter) gloves warm hats long underwear wool socks snow pants Other Accessories sunscreen sunglasses charging devices camping gears

Enjoying Summer at Harrison Hot Springs, Vancouver B.C. Climate British Columbia has the mildest climate when compared to all provinces and territories of Canada. British Columbia has an area of about 364,764 square miles). Flowers usually bloom as early as February. British Columbia is 0.55 times as big as Alaska or 2.2 times bigger than California. The temperatures vary due to size and geographic location of British Columbia. British Columbia is divided into three regions (Interior, Coast, and Lower Mainland). Vancouver, B.C. has the largest population of 2.2 million people in 2018. The climate in Vancouver is similar to Seattle, Washington (slightly colder due Vancouver B.C. is 3 - 4 hours drive north of Seattle or 142.5 miles north).

Stanley Park, Vancouver, B.C. History First Nations people have been living in British Columbia since about 12,000 years ago. British Columbia is home to 198 First Nations. Native art, languages, cultures, festival, and history are part of B.C.'s rich culture. According to History of B.C. article, British, Spanish, American, and Russian explorers began to visit B.C. area in the 1750s. Recently ancient Chinese coins (date back to 1154 - 1056 A.D.) have been discovered in British Columbia. In the first half of the 19th century, the Hudson's Bay Company expanded west and set up trading posts. In 1849, Vancouver Island was colonized by the British. Soon after, the Gold Rush attracted tens of thousands of people to British Columbia. After 1871, B.C. joined Canada and was no longer under British ruling. In 1885, the Canadian Pacific Railway was completed and that opened opportunities for people to travel to from the eastern side of Canada. In the 20th century, British Columbia continues to expand and to prosper with economic opportunities. In 2010, B.C. hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, B.C. and Whistler. Most B.C. First Nations did not sign treaties in the past and are the process of negotiating with the B.C. government.

View of Vancouver from Stanley Park, Vancouver B.C. 10 Interesting Facts about British Columbia Things to See and Do in Yukon Typical Costs When Traveling Accommodation - British Columbia is filled with beautiful cities, restaurants, parks, and endless things to do. There are hotels, motels, hostels, RV campsite, and Airbnb.Food - Food in British Columbia are amazing. The melting pot of Vancouver B.C. brings many cuisines from around the world. It is impossible not to love the varies and flavors of food in British Columbia. The seafood choices are spectacular. Poutine (French fries with cheese curds and gravy on top) is well known and so is "Canadian" pizza (typically includes tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, bacon, mushroom). I have driven 3.5 hours from Washington to Vancouver B.C. for my flavor dish, Silver Fish (which really dried and fried whitebait). When that restaurant has a power outage, I drove another hour during traffic to another branch in Vancouver just to eat that one dish.Transportation - Check campsite before you travel to make sure they are open. Take the train, drive your car from the US or other part of Canada (check online to make sure the roads are not close due to weather) or catch a flight. Once you are there, you can rent a car, an RV, or a camper. There are no Uber or Lyft in Vancouver B.C. as off 2019 and quite expensive. Buy a day pass and take the skytrain or buses for the best value and price. Money Saving Tips What Can I Expect from British Columbia?

Harrison Hot Springs, Vancouver B.C. You can expect colorful cultural events, amazing food, interesting tours, and beautiful parks. British Columbia is diverse and full of beauty. The Greater Vancouver area has a population of 2.4 million people in 2016, making it the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada (after Toronto and Montreal). The metropolitan area is field with never ending parties and events. Read the full article

[superstarglow-blog]

British Columbia

What Can I Expect From British Columbia?

Stanley Park, Vancouver B.C. Best Time to Visit British Columbia Spring is a wonderful season to visit. The temperatures are mild and warm. The cities are filled with people enjoying the beaches and restaurants. Recommended Clothing to Bring (depending on the seasons) Spring/Summer t-shirts shorts sandals walking shoes Autumn/Winter Long sleeved shirts wool sweaters waterproof quality boots (preferably for winter) fleece vests down/insulated jackets parka or anorak jackets (preferably for winter) gloves warm hats long underwear wool socks snow pants Other Accessories sunscreen sunglasses charging devices camping gears

Enjoying Summer at Harrison Hot Springs, Vancouver B.C. Climate British Columbia has the mildest climate when compared to all provinces and territories of Canada. British Columbia has an area of about 364,764 square miles). Flowers usually bloom as early as February. British Columbia is 0.55 times as big as Alaska or 2.2 times bigger than California. The temperatures vary due to size and geographic location of British Columbia. British Columbia is divided into three regions (Interior, Coast, and Lower Mainland). Vancouver, B.C. has the largest population of 2.2 million people in 2018. The climate in Vancouver is similar to Seattle, Washington (slightly colder due Vancouver B.C. is 3 - 4 hours drive north of Seattle or 142.5 miles north).

Stanley Park, Vancouver, B.C. History First Nations people have been living in British Columbia since about 12,000 years ago. British Columbia is home to 198 First Nations. Native art, languages, cultures, festival, and history are part of B.C.'s rich culture. According to History of B.C. article, British, Spanish, American, and Russian explorers began to visit B.C. area in the 1750s. Recently ancient Chinese coins (date back to 1154 - 1056 A.D.) have been discovered in British Columbia. In the first half of the 19th century, the Hudson's Bay Company expanded west and set up trading posts. In 1849, Vancouver Island was colonized by the British. Soon after, the Gold Rush attracted tens of thousands of people to British Columbia. After 1871, B.C. joined Canada and was no longer under British ruling. In 1885, the Canadian Pacific Railway was completed and that opened opportunities for people to travel to from the eastern side of Canada. In the 20th century, British Columbia continues to expand and to prosper with economic opportunities. In 2010, B.C. hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, B.C. and Whistler. Most B.C. First Nations did not sign treaties in the past and are the process of negotiating with the B.C. government.

View of Vancouver from Stanley Park, Vancouver B.C. 10 Interesting Facts about British Columbia Things to See and Do in Yukon Typical Costs When Traveling Accommodation - British Columbia is filled with beautiful cities, restaurants, parks, and endless things to do. There are hotels, motels, hostels, RV campsite, and Airbnb.Food - Food in British Columbia are amazing. The melting pot of Vancouver B.C. brings many cuisines from around the world. It is impossible not to love the varies and flavors of food in British Columbia. The seafood choices are spectacular. Poutine (French fries with cheese curds and gravy on top) is well known and so is "Canadian" pizza (typically includes tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, bacon, mushroom). I have driven 3.5 hours from Washington to Vancouver B.C. for my flavor dish, Silver Fish (which really dried and fried whitebait). When that restaurant has a power outage, I drove another hour during traffic to another branch in Vancouver just to eat that one dish.Transportation - Check campsite before you travel to make sure they are open. Take the train, drive your car from the US or other part of Canada (check online to make sure the roads are not close due to weather) or catch a flight. Once you are there, you can rent a car, an RV, or a camper. There are no Uber or Lyft in Vancouver B.C. as off 2019 and quite expensive. Buy a day pass and take the skytrain or buses for the best value and price. Money Saving Tips What Can I Expect from British Columbia?

Harrison Hot Springs, Vancouver B.C. You can expect colorful cultural events, amazing food, interesting tours, and beautiful parks. British Columbia is diverse and full of beauty. The Greater Vancouver area has a population of 2.4 million people in 2016, making it the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada (after Toronto and Montreal). The metropolitan area is field with never ending parties and events. Read the full article

[superstarglow-blog]

Oregon

What Can I Expect From Oregon?

Beautiful Garden, Oregon Best Time to Visit Oregon

International Rose Test Garden, Oregon Oregon is located on the west coast of the United States. The state is made of 7 diverse regions which are Central Oregon, Eastern Oregon, Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Coast, Portland Region, Southern Oregon, and Willamette Valley. Oregon is known for the rose garden free sales tax, Cater Lake being the deepest lake in the US.       Recommended Clothing to Bring (depending on the seasons) Spring/Summer t-shirts shorts sandals walking shoes Autumn/Winter Long sleeved shirts wool sweaters waterproof quality boots (preferably for winter) fleece vests down/insulated jackets parka or anorak jackets (preferably for winter) gloves warm hats long underwear wool socks snow pants Other Accessories sunscreen sunglasses charging devices camping gears Climate

International Rose Test Garden, Oregon

Appreciating a Rose in the International Rose Test Garden, Oregon Oregon has different regions and climate temperatures. The Oregon coast is 350 miles long and received more rain than Central Oregon and Eastern Oregon. Western Oregon has a temperate oceanic climate which features cool summers and wet winters. While Eastern Oregon has dry summers and wetter winters. Western Oregon has the ideal temperatures and soil types for growing roses. The Portland's International Rose Test Garden has over 10,000 roses and is located in the Washington Park. The garden is free and open daily. The best time to visit is between May to September. History According to World Atlas, Spanish explorer Bartolome Ferrello travelled along Washington and Oregon coastlines. Oregon was mapped by the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1804 to 1806. In 1818, U.S. and Great Britain agreed to a Joint-Occupancy Treaty. In 1819, a treaty with Spain set the southern boundary of Oregon. Starting in 1830s, many pioneers travelled to the state on the Oregon Trail. Several wars between the U.S. government and the local native groups (Cayuse Indian War, Modoc Indian War, and Nez Perce Indian War). The city of Salem, Oregon was founded in 1842. In the mid-1840s, William Overton along with Asa Loverjoy purchased the land claim for the site that would become Portland. Portland got it name after a Asa Lovejoy and Francis Pettygrove flipped a coin. Francis was from Maine and named the city Portland (Asa Lovejoy was from Massachusetts and wanted to name the town Boston). Oregon was officially admitted to the union as a state on February 14th, 1859. According to PDX History, there were about 800 residents who called Portland home. By the end of the 19th century, Portland has 90,000 residents. Currently, Oregon has a population of 4.20 million people in 2018. According to Population of Portland in 2018 article, Portland has about 649,210 residents in 2017. Oregon economic drivers are advanced manufacturing, business services, food & beverages, forestry & wood products, high technology, and outdoor gear & apparel according to Business Oregon's Target Industry Groups article. 10 Interesting Facts about Oregon Things to See and Do in Oregon Typical Costs When Traveling Accommodation - Oregon is beautiful and filled with things to do, to see, and to eat. Food truck permit costs are inexpensive when comparing to other states. This has cause a boom of more than 300 food trucks in Oregon. I bought a gyro for $6 and a crab Phai Thai for about $8. It was the best crab Phai Thai I have ever had. There are many places to stay such at hostels, hotels, motels, and Airbnb. Your stay can cost $50 - $200 per night.Food - With about 300 food trucks (also known as food carts) in Oregon, you can try new food from each of the food truck for the major of the year. There are also very popular and local restaurants all major cities. Portland has amazing fresh seafood, Thai food, Chinese food, Vietnamese, and many other types to meet your palate.

Enjoying Food, Oregon

Festival Food Samples, Oregon Transportation - Since I live in the Greater Seattle area, driving my car is the fast and easiest way to get to Oregon. The trains, buses, Lyft, Uber, and bikes are other options of transportation. Rent an RV and explore some beautiful campsites. Drive along the Oregon coast and see all the fun things to do or beaches to see. Money Saving Tips What Can I Expect from Oregon?

Portland Waterfront, Oregon

Downtown Portland, Oregon You can expect delicious food, interesting tours, and beautiful parks. Oregon has beautiful parks and a beautiful coast. You can also expect sales tax free on your purchases. Oregon bans self-service gas station(the only other state that also ban self-service gas stations is New Jersey). A new law in 2018 allows self service but only in cities with a population less than 40,000 people. If you ever run out of gas during the night like me, drive back to Washington and get your gas. All the gas stations, I visited in Oregon already closed at midnight. Read the full article