December 2021 - Page 3 of 3 - AJ: Creating A Life we Love on Our Terms

Top 10 Beach Destination Ideas

by ajohnson | Dec 3, 2021 | Blog, Travel

Here is our selection of the 10 most beautiful paradisiacal beaches in the world where we have the chance to enjoy the warm sand and the turquoise and crystal clear water. It is a world tour of the most beautiful beaches and the most beautiful lagoons, the most beautiful caves, coves, points, and coral atolls. Immediate embarkation to idyllic destinations of relaxation and adventure between Bahamas, Thailand, Philippines, Brazil, Indonesia, Bora Bora, etc. While there are several beaches in the US worthy of this list, we have been cooped up all of 2020, some of 2021, and need something to aspire and dream about for the rest of our lives!

Top 10 beach destination ideas

If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing vacation, look no further than the beach! The sand, sun, and surf provide the perfect escape from reality. There are endless beach destinations to choose from, but we’ve put together a list of our top picks to help get you started. Whether you’re looking for an exotic getaway or a quiet retreat by the water, we have something for everyone. So pack your sunscreen and flip-flops and let’s explore some of the best beach destinations around!

1) Pink Sands, the famous pink sand beach on Harbor Island in the Bahamas

This world tour of the most beautiful beaches starts in the Bahamas. This destination makes more than one dream. Pink Sand Beach is located on the Island of Harbor Island, which lies north of the Caribbean Sea. The peculiarity of this island is that a golf cart circulates it. The particularity of the beach lies in the pink color of its sand. It is the result of mixing white coral powder and red plankton particles.

2) Sabai Beach on Koh Mook island in Thailand

The authentic island of Koh Mook is located in the south of Thailand and more exactly in the Andaman Sea. Sabai beach is located southwest of Koh Mook. This beach deserves its 2nd place in this top 10 of the most beautiful beaches globally. And we will quickly understand why. Sabai beach is a deserted and heavenly beach as one can dream of, and also, it is surrounded by impressive steep cliffs. It’s seclusion is a major draw to have your own beach time to yourself away from the rest of the world.

Our handyman grew up in Thailand and I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews of the beaches throughout the country. So I can’t imagine photos come close to doing it justice!

3) The Beach Shack south of Corong Corong in El Nido in the Philippines

The Bacuit Archipelago in the Philippines is a truly magnificent natural site that has enough to compete with Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, believe us. From Corong Corong beach, the archipelago can be discovered on a day boat trip. The sunset show takes place right across the bay from the beach. And our favorite is The Beach Shack.

4) Lopes Mendes beach on Ilha Grande in Brazil

Traveling in Brazil means both were visiting Rio de Janeiro and exploring the country’s sublime landscapes such as the south’s dream islands such as Ilha Grande. Lopes Mendes beach is the most paradisiacal beach on the island of Ilha Grande.

5) Sera beach in Togian Islands in Sulawesi in Indonesia

This is the most beautiful beach where we have had the chance to put our bags in over 20 years of traveling worldwide. Welcome to our favorite playground globally: Sulawesi, which is located in Indonesia north of Bali and south of the Philippines.

6) Bernardi beach, Pyrénées-Orientales

Located on the Côte Vermeille 3 km from the small town of Port-Vendres, the pretty Bernardi beach is located in a paradisiacal cove with a very Mediterranean atmosphere. Its waters compete in shades of turquoise, and it is possible to go for beautiful walks on the coastal path.

7) Gigaro Beach, Var

The long Gigaro beach, near Croix-Valmer, is a privileged place to admire an incredible sunset over the Mediterranean’s waters.

8) Podrace Beach, Brela, Croatia

South of Split, on the sublime Dalmatian coast and near the small tourist town of Brela, is Podrace beach. There will undoubtedly already be a few other swimmers sunbathing there, but its crystal-clear waters, seaside restaurant, and excellent facilities explain the craze for this little piece of paradise.

9) Petani Beach, Kefalonia, Greece

Less known than the famous Myrtos beach, Petani is just as beautiful as its big sister but is not overrun with tourists baking in the sun. It’s a charming stretch of golden sand dotted with small pebbles, and the surrounding cliffs are stunning.

10) Oka beach, Laurentians

Located in Oka National Park, this sublime beach is a favorite with families, who also want to take advantage of the aquatic facilities and activities.

Miles of pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and turquoise waters await you on the East Coast. This area is home to some of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach town, check out Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For a more relaxed vibe, head to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. And if you’re looking to escape the crowds, consider exploring one of the many secluded beaches along the coast.

The South Pacific is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From Fiji to Tahiti, there are endless options for a perfect beach vacation. If you’re looking for white-sand beaches and clear blue waters, consider the Maldives. For a more adventurous trip, try scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. And if you’re looking for luxury resorts and turquoise waters, consider Bora Bora in French Polynesia.

The Indian Ocean is home to some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the world. If you’re looking for a quiet retreat, consider Mauritius or Seychelles. For a more active vacation, try kitesurfing in Indonesia or snorkeling in the Maldives. And if you’re looking for an exotic getaway, consider exploring one of the many islands of Madagascar.

Finding the perfect beach destination is an adventure. If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing vacation, look no further than the coast! There are endless destinations to choose from with something for everyone in mind. Whether you want seclusion or luxury resorts, pristine beaches, or exotic islands, we have it all covered in this article. Which of these top beach destinations will you be visiting next? Let us know in the comments below!

20 HYGGE Christmas Ideas

by ajohnson | Dec 1, 2021 | Blog, Christmas, Home, Home Decor

Christmas is not just about celebration; it’s about feeling joyous and peaceful from the inside. However, sometimes we end up complicating the festival only to be stressed in the end.

For instance, hosting a dinner for a lot of people might make everyone happy, but the host not so much, given that a lot goes into the preparation – the mental and physical exhaustion, and the stress? Don’t get me started on that.

That defeats the purpose of Christmas, doesn’t it? So how must one make it right?

Well, going for HYGGE Christmas ideas is the answer. You can consider Hygge as the way of life that emphasizes simple, cozy, and comfortable living. In this article, I am going to discuss some of the ideas that would make you content from the very soul of your being. So, here’s to a celebration that makes you feel alive.

20 HYGGE Christmas ideas

1. Christmas yard camping

If you’re not all in for proper forest camping, you can definitely go yard camping for a night. There would be no problem with sanitization, food, or water– it will all make it very comfortable camping that you would genuinely enjoy. For us that live in warmer climates, this would be doable without having to worry about the cold and snow. You might need a heater for those living in colder climates.

2. Getting yourself Christmas themed snacks

Love snacks? We all do – So, why not pamper your taste buds with Christmas-themed snacks to make them feel like Christmas too. For instance, Christmas tree waffles, Santa cupcakes, cute Christmas cookies, and so many more. You can find plenty of recipes on Pinterest and YouTube. Our favorite is to make homemade chocolates into fun shapes and add sprinkles on them. But, if you’re too lazy to make them yourself you can even find plenty of options in the shops around you.

3. Making snow angels

If you have kids, this would perhaps be the most fun-filled activity for them. Make snow angels and snowmen; you can even decorate them with Christmas decorations to make them look like Santa. Again, if you live in a colder climate, this works but for those of us who aren’t able to do this unless it snows randomly.

4. Doing Christmas family photoshoots

Having Christmas photos in your albums is MANDATORY! Doesn’t matter if you click them every year – every Christmas is different. Thus, every Christmas has to have some memorable photographs.

5. Go to a local Christmas festival

If you’re blessed to live in a town that holds numerous Christmas events, like music concerts, movie nights, or even a “Meet the Santa” event, then go ahead. If you do not, you can still go to nearby Christmas events to have a great time with your family.

6. Go out for Christmas light-seeing

If you believe the beauty of Christmas lies in Christmas lights, this is something you cannot miss.

7. Making sweet family videos

Christmas videos can be great documentation for your kids when they grow up. In fact, you too can always go back to old videos every Christmas to relive the memories.

8. Pajama jamming

We’d all go to work in Pajamas if we could – you cannot deny, they’re most comfortable to wear. Thus, have a pajama party as a family – sing and dance your heart out.

9. Decorating the Christmas tree together

It’s a tradition we all love to be a part of, after all.

10. Doing Bonfires

A bonfire with some yummy snacks and a family to bond with! How can Christmas and winter get any better than this?

11. Keep the gatherings small. It’s better to restrict it to the immediate family.

If you want to keep it simple, and stress-free, go for a small gathering. Even if you need to visit somebody, do it before Christmas day.

12. Host a movie night

Movie nights can never get boring. However, if you do this all the time, you can perhaps invest in a projector to make it different this time – projectors can be affordable too.

13. Bake Christmas cake together.

We all love Christmas treats – but perhaps the most we love is Christmas cake! Not only eating is fun, but making it too. Only this time, do it with your family.

14. Talk about your lost loved ones. Keep them in your memory this Christmas

Our lost loved ones might not be here with us, but they are in our hearts. So, let them be a part of your celebrations – pray for them, say what you want to.

15. Play Christmas pickle

Trust me; your kids will enjoy this game a lot. It’s easy – just hide a pickle ornament in a tree. The first one to find it will get a gift.

16. Have a karaoke night.

Singing is always fun – doesn’t matter how you sound. Ergo, nothing can be more enjoyable than a crazy karaoke night.

17. Play a holiday puzzle

Puzzles are always interesting to solve. Only this time, you can do a Christmas-themed jigsaw puzzle with your family.

18. Tell Christmas stories

Going back to those memories is a sheer delight after all. Tell your family all your crazy Christmas tales!

19. Make a Christmas card for each other.

It’s the sweetest thing you can do for Christmas!

20. Lastly, share some laughs together

There’s no Christmas without laughter! So, feel free to share some jokes, make each other laugh – make the night memorable and worthwhile.

This is it. This is the recipe for a simple yet fun-filled Hygge Christmas time! Which one would you pick? Feel free to let me know in the comment section. Merry Christmas!

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