Vacationing in Istanbul Turkey: Photos & Tourism

Recently I went on an amazing European vacation and made my way from Turkey to Croatia and on to Montenegro and Germany! Although I had to take 5 flights to and from these beautiful destinations in just 10 days they were all unique and captivating in their own way. This post will be a 3 part series beginning in exotic Istanbul and ending in the grand palaces of Munich!

By now I am somewhat of a travel veteran. I know how to pack light for a long vacation in just a few hours and how to make the annoying journey through the airport as quick and painless as possible. What I can’t seem to get use to is the terrifying turbulence and being trapped in a metal bullet at 36,000 ft in the air. To help ease my journey we booked first class tickets which meant that I was able to wrap myself in a fluffy duvet, recline flat into a sleeping position and try to forget about the nine hour flight. I am happy to report that it totally worked and I arrived in Istanbul stress-free, makeup intact and somewhat rested.

The first thing that awed me when I got my first glimpse of Istanbul was how busy it was! There are more cars on the roads than there are people in Toronto and everything is tightly packed onto colorful rolling hills.

It seemed like rush hour in Istanbul was never ending and we often found ourselves stuck in traffic on steep, narrow roads. Public transportation didn’t seem to be much better and if you manage to get a seat on a bus instead of being trapped standing under someone’s sweaty armpit you could consider yourself lucky! I don’t like public transportation on slow days so we opted to avoid being packed in like sardines and take cabs everywhere. If I had to describe the city in one word it would be...overwhelming, but in a good way if you like the bustling city life.

Although staying close to the old city is popular with tourists we decided to stay on the outskirts at the five star Hilton Bomonti located in Sili. I definitely recommend this hotel to travelers as the security was top notch, the expansive lobby with large outdoor patio overlooking the city and comfy lounge areas was beautiful and the modern room with waterfall shower was clean and comfortable.

Hotel lobby

I made the most of the spa since Turkish Hammam spas are quite popular and I thoroughly enjoyed releasing tension in the eucalyptus sauna and large indoor pool. Another nice touch was the live music in the lobby; guests could sit back and enjoy a cocktail while listening to the piano player fill the room with romantic Italian melodies and popular ballads.

Spa: indoor pool

We decided to start off at full speed and get a lot done on our first day. We headed to the beautiful Blue Mosque aka the Sultan Ahmed Mosque which is probably the most visited attraction in Istanbul. Entry is fee and visitors can make a donation upon exit.

The Blue Mosque

The mosque was similar to those I visited in Abu Dhabi with large beautiful domes and decorative towers. The plush, carpeted prayer room is grand and the inner dome is intricately painted with blue accents which give the mosque its popular nickname. I also recommend bringing your own pashmina or scarf to cover your hair and make sure to pack pants or a long loose fitting skirt and full sleeve top as per Islamic dress code. You also have to be a bit weary of the vendors hanging around this area, they tactfully try to latch onto tourists in hopes of badgering them into their nearby shops at the bazzar. If you talk to them they will follow you around relentlessly!

Right across the street from the Blue Mosque is a former basilica, turned mosque which is now a museum of sorts called Hagia Sophia. Although the building looks impressive on the outside the inside was a bit underwhelming (in my opinion) but I may be a bit bias after visiting the grandiose cathedrals in Rome and the impressive mosques in Dubai & Abu Dhabi. 

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia's interior design and paintings were quite weather beaten, faded and stripped which suggests that it has not been well maintained. Some of the building also had rafters up due to construction which restricted the visiting area and in terms of actual museum artifacts there weren’t many. There was however a nice gift shop with gorgeous Turkish pottery in brilliant blue hues!

We also visited the Topkapi Palace and again the expansive building didn't seem very well kept. The few artifacts and jewels on display were kept in hot dimly lit rooms where the lineup to catch a glimpse barely moved.

The best idea we had was taking the Big Bus hop on hop off tour which took us through the heart of the city stopping at popular attractions. The tour cost 50 euros per person but the ticket was valid for 24 hours and it gave us the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the streets. We drove over the famous Galata Bridge and the Bosphorus Bridge which connects Europe and Asia. The height of the double decker bus gave us a fantastic bird’s eye view of the city and waterways and the tour was guided so we learned about the history of Istanbul while basking in the cool harbor breeze.

Bosphorus Channel

We decided to hop off at Taksim Square, one of the most popular destinations for dinning and shopping. Although there was a collection of armed guards on the main street which made us tourists more vigilant I was able to stop by one of Istanbul’s oldest and most famous sweet shops for some traditional Baklava which was delicious and unlike the variety available here in Toronto.

 I also picked up a beautiful poncho style wrap (which seems to be popular for fall in Europe) and I tried Turkish coffee which has a strong, unique flavor and a collection of crushed coffee bean paste at the bottom of the small cup.

For dinner I wanted to get a taste of traditional Turkish food so we stopped at a beautiful little street lit up with colorful mosaic lamps in the Sultanahmet neighborhood just down the street from the mosques.

We ordered a traditional meat dish cooked in a clay pot that was brought to the table on fire and tapped on until the pot broke and the meat was cooked. I had the dish with chicken but it is commonly made with a combination of beef, lamb and chicken. It is cooked in a tomato based sauce with spices, peppers, mushroom and onion and served with rice, salad and fresh bread. The food was okay but to be honest with the famous spice market in Istanbul I expected the cuisine to a bit more flavorful. Many of the dishes I tried were a little bland for my preference.

The next day as I munched on a large pretzel covered in toasted sesame seeds purchased from a local street vendor we boarded a boat for a cruise along the Bosphorus channel which was a lovely way to spend the morning. The cruise took us along the coast where we enjoyed amazing views of the landscape, monuments, neighborhoods and mosques.

Dolmabahҫe Mosque

Dolmabahҫe Palace

Ciragan Palace

Rumeli Fortress

Ortaköy Mosque

In the evening we decided to check out Ortaköy which is a popular waterfront area where locals hang out and dine. There are many sidewalk shops selling handmade trinkets, jewelry, pottery, souvenirs and more. I tried the sweet waffle topped with pistachio chocolate cream, strawberries, banana and crushed nuts.

The locals seemed to love Kumpir which is sold at many food stalls on the streets and in restaurants. Kumpir is basically a large loaded baked potato with your choice of toppings including: butter, olives, pepper, sour cream, cheese, corn, salad and more. This dish isn't unfamiliar but some of the toppings were unique to the culture.

Istanbul is a fast paced, exciting city which reminded me of an ancient, exotic version of New York. Although there have been some recent political dangers in the region I didn’t feel as unsafe as I had anticipated. I did however notice the vigilance of hotel security as they scanned each arriving car and taxi with metal detectors and double checked trucks. Everyone entering the hotel also had to be scanned and baggage x-rayed. If you plan on visiting this area I recommend being aware of your surroundings, and keep up to date on local news but try to have fun and enjoy. Istanbul is a land of many wonderful treasures and I had a fabulous time discovering the culture and history.

Stay tuned for part two as I travel from Turkey to Croatia! 

Irresistible Me Diamond Flat Iron Review

I love my naturally curly hair but sometimes it can be a pain to style and it takes a lot of product, conditioner and care to keep my spirals bouncy and frizz-free. After an entire summer of laying off the heat and giving my tresses time to recoup and grow I can finally enjoy straight, sleek styles for fall.

I was in need of a new flat iron as the one I had was quite old. After a while it is a good idea to replace your straightener since the ceramic becomes worn and the plates begin to break down which can damage your hair. Recently I have been testing the Irresistible Me Diamond Professional Styling Iron with one inch heating plates, long swivel cord and salon quality tourmaline technology.

Since I try to take good care of my hair and make an effort to reduce the amount of heat I use, damage control is very important to me and I look for stylers that can produce fabulous results without weakening the integrity of the hair cuticle. What caught my attention about this high tech flat iron was the composition of ceramic plates covered in crushed diamonds and mixed with tourmaline which helps protect hair by retaining natural oils and moisture.

If you look closely at the photo below you can actually see the shimmering diamond particles on the plates!

I also like that the device is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre which makes the task of straightening my long, thick hair from root to tip less daunting and time consuming. The innovative plates help prevent frizz and promote shine for a polished finish that even holds up longer in humidity. The sleek design with temperature control buttons on the inside handle prevent accidental heat adjustments and the cool tip shields fingers from burns. Currently the straightener is only available in red but I would love a selection of trendy hues and designs.

Another great feature is the fast heat up time and easy to use adjustable temperature buttons for customizable results. The iron can heat up to a max of 450˚F/230˚C in just 15 seconds and the digital display on the outside allows you to keep track of the temperature at all times. The voltage automatically switches between Fahrenheit and Celsius (depending on where you are) which is perfect for travel and the floating plates self adjust to glide through hair without any painful snags. The auto shut-off safety feature is great for preventing accidents but it turns off every 30 mins which is usually halfway through my styling session. It would be nice if there was some way to turn this feature off.

The flat iron is designed to work on all hair types from thick and curly to medium, wavy, thin, short and fine. Usually when I straighten my hair which now reaches my tailbone it takes a long time (1 hour or more) but I like that the iron has even heat distribution so I don’t have to go over each section repeatedly which reduces the risk of damage and speeds up the process! It straightens even the curliest areas of my hair smoothing down each strand for a soft, silky finish with lots of movement and bounce. You can also use it to add curls, waves, lift and body and it even tames my unruly ends which tend to be a bit dry. Because the red covering hangs over the plates a bit on each side I don’t burn my head like I did with my old iron.

When I spend this much time on my hair I want the finished look to last as long as possible and with the results I get from this device I don’t have to use heat again for days! Because it is so quick to heat up I can re-touch specific areas in the morning or when I am in a rush with no hassle! This device is definitely on par or even better than some of the higher-end more expensive units I’ve used and purchased in the past and it retails for $149.00.

My tips for flat ironing:

*Flat iron clean, freshly washed and conditioned hair for longer lasting results.

*De-tangle first to prevent snagging, knots and damage. I like to do this using a wide tooth comb and lots of conditioner.

*A deep conditioning treatment prior to styling increases resiliency to heat and makes hair softer and glossier.

*Use a good heat protectant and the lowest heat setting possible for your hair type. Start low and work your way up if you aren’t sure as using more heat than necessary can cause damage.

 *Make sure hair is dry prior to styling to prevent damage. Air drying is best but to save time use the dryer on the cool setting.

*If you have curly hair save time and reduce damage by loosening the curls first. Gently comb them out as you blow dry.

*Part hair into manageable sections, 1-2 inches makes the process quicker. Keep straight hair separate from hair that has not yet been done.

*After styling use a light oil or glossy finishing product to smooth down fly-aways, add shine and create a healthy salon quality sheen. My favorite is Silk Infusion by Chi.
*Wipe off the plates of the iron with a damp cloth after each use. This prevents product build-up from sticking and burning onto your hair.

If you’d like to get your hands on this professional styling tool check out the website by clicking HERE.

*Press sample featured

Spa Gift Baskets with Avon!

I know it’s only October but right after Halloween stores begin prepping for my favorite holiday of the year, Christmas! I like to get my shopping done early to beat the rush and in true seasonal spirit I begin concocting my list in August! I love giving and receiving great quality beauty products... even though my house is beginning to look like a mini Spehora! The great thing about putting together your own gift baskets is that you can personalize them, create a theme and add products your loved ones will go crazy for. They are also suitable for women and men of all ages and a wide range of occasions including birthdays, anniversaries, weddings/bridal party gifts, graduation, mother’s day or care packages and when done right they can look quite impressive.

Today I am featuring a fabulous spa basket with amazing products from Avon and a theme all women appreciate- relaxation and pampering! I’ve included a selection of products for bath, body and skincare that can be used day and night.

My spa days always start with a rejuvenating shower and the Avon Naturals Collection has a variety of calming, sweet scents to help melt your stress away. The Comforting Fig Hydrating Shower Gel and Body Lotion are fall classics! Enriched with sweet purple figs and juicy plums the fruity formula lightly fragrances the skin and moisturizes with shea and vitamins C & E. The shower gel retails for just $6.00 and the body lotion is $10.00

The Avon Planet Spa collection consists of purifying and nourishing products with a range of body butter, foot scrub, cream and more. My weekly facial always includes a fabulous treatment and the Perfectly Purifying Dead Sea Minerals Clay Mask minimizes pores, detoxifies, cleanses and revives for just $10.00. The Blissfully Nourishing Hand, Elbow and Foot Cream with African Shea Butter deeply conditions rough dry skin with natural butters and oils for smooth, silky results. The cream retails for $10.00.

The Anew line is one of my favourites from the brand and sunscreen is necessary even in the fall. The Anew Vitale Day Lotion with SPF 25 is a great lightweight moisturizer for everyday wear and it deeply replenishes to combat aging while brightening and protecting from environmental assaults. The formula is oil-free and helps reinvigorate the appearance of tired skin while evening tone, texture and shrinking pores. You can pick it up for $32.00.

The Anew Ultimate Gold Standard Anti-Aging range makes a fabulous gift package on its own! Together the products have 10 remarkable results including: smoother skin texture, clarity, even tone, reduction of deep wrinkles and fine lines, enhanced moisture, resiliency, firmness, volume and lift. The Day Cream with broad spectrum SPF 25 provides a supple layer of protection while the rich, rejuvenating Night Cream is designed to make skin look like it has a new life and a healthy, glowing finish. The Anew Ultimate Multi-Performance Eye Cream makes eyes appear lifted, smooth and refreshed while diminishing the look of crows feet and brightening dark circles. Each of these products retails for $39.00.

My favorite addition to my gift basket is the Anew Power Serum which was inspired by Nobel Prize Winning Research! This luxurious formula is packed with potent skin loving ingredients to deliver concentrated, individualized treatment for your specific skin concerns, anti-aging and damage. This lightweight serum can be applied on its own or layered under your moisturizer to boost their benefits and improve firmness, hydration, texture, radiance and appearance of wrinkles. The Serum targets troubled areas and goes to work exactly where you need it most to improve your overall complexion. You can pick it up for $40.00.

For the acne suffers out there you can toss in the new Blemish Clearing Overnight Treatment with the maximum concentration of Salicylic Acid and a non-oily formula to help reduce redness and zit size as you snooze. This treatment also helps prevent future breakouts and works well as a spot treatment to eradicate pesky pimples. It retails for just $8.00.

When preparing your skincare basket you don’t have to add as many products as I have but you can mix & match to include other useful gadgets like pumice stones, nail files, sheet masks, exfoliating shower gloves, a plush towel and whatever else goes with your spa theme!

You can pick up these fabulous products at avon.ca and through independent consultants.

*Press samples featured

Hask Argan Oil Repairing Hair Care Collection Review

When it comes to hair care Argan oil has been a popular ingredient for reviving parched, weak, brittle strands. This rich, reparative oil nourishes and protects against environmental elements, repeated heat styling, coloring and the mechanical stress our hair faces on a daily basis.

I make an effort to use the best products on my long, thick tresses and I often look for natural, safe ingredients that will fortify and hydrate. Hask has successfully harnessed the power of exotic Argan oil from Morocco also known as “liquid gold” to help strengthen and restore damaged strands for manageable hair that shines!

I received this wonderful collection in a cute drawstring bag and it includes the shampoo, conditioner, oil treatment and deep conditioner. The first thing I do before using any product is read the ingredient list and to my delight this line is free of parabens, phthalates, artificial color, drying alcohols and gluten. The products also have one quality that is a big selling point for me- they are free of harsh sulfates which are drying, stripping ingredients I always try to avoid.

The Argan Oil Repairing shampoo is formulated to strengthen and restore by penetrating the hair shaft and diminishing breakage. It is also infused with keratin and protein to promote resiliency and the scent is fresh and invigorating with a touch of citrus. The shampoo gently cleanses to abolish stubborn build-up and excess oil leaving hair smooth and frizz-free. This fabulous formula is also suitable for color treated hair.

The Argan Oil Repairing Conditioner has a smooth, creamy texture that coats each strand for fabulous silky slip which makes detangling and getting rid of pesky knots easy and less painful without damaging the hair. Since the texture isn’t very thick the conditioner feels lightweight and non-greasy and it helps improve the appearance of damaged cuticles and split, fraying ends. I apply it from my ears down, detangle and leave in for about 5-10 minutes for improved penetration and softer hair.

The shampoo and conditioner are very affordable at just $5.99 each and can be purchased at Ulta and drug stores.

The Argan Oil Deep Conditioner is a product I have purchased before and have also gifted to friends and family over the holidays as stocking stuffers! Hair masks are my favorite for rejuvenating my strands because they are rich and provide quick transformation when hair needs an intense boost of moisture. This package may be good for 1-2 treatments depending on the thickness and length of your hair and the antioxidants, fatty acids and vitamins penetrate to enhance shine, tame frizz, improve cuticles and strengthen. The deep conditioner pack retails for just $2.99!

The Argan Oil Shine Treatment with added keratin is a great finishing product and makes my hair super smooth and glossy. This small tube is perfect for travel, in fact on my recent European vacation it kept my hair soft and manageable when I didn’t have time for deep conditioning and lengthy treatments. A few dabs works miracles especially on my ends and I usually apply it to wet hair before styling, blow drying or air drying. I also use it after flat ironing or curling for a sleek, neat look with less fly-aways and poof. This is another product I re-purchase again and again and my sister and I usually gift a few tubes to each other in our Christmas stockings! The finishing oil retails for just $2.99.

For more information on this great brand check out the website by clicking HERE

*Products provided by Brandbacker

Niagara Sunset Cruises Review: Fall Colors

Now that the rich colors of fall can be seen adorning almost every street in Toronto and the humidity of summer has dissipated into a warm memory I am ready to make the most of my favorite season of the year! As many of you know, despite my world travels Niagara Falls is still one of my favorite places to visit and autumn is a great time to explore this region as it is brimming with fall beauty and the summer crowds have thinned.

Over the weekend my husband and I enjoyed a lovely cruise aboard the charming Niagara Belle which reminded me of the Southern vessels that sail along the Mississippi River from New Orleans. In the fall there are fabulous lunch and dinner cruises with a delectable harvest menu and stunning views. The cruises leave from the base of the Niagara River in Queenston, Niagara on the Lake and Lewiston NY if you are in the States.

Unlike the large cruise ships we usually take from the Port of Miami that are brimming with thousands of guests this mini getaway was quiet and relaxing with an intimate dining experience. After exploring the boat and snapping some photos we were seated at a private table and served steaming hot chocolate or apple cider (just what I needed on a crisp fall day), followed by delicious apple pecan salad. The second course was comfort food at its finest, a hot bowl of sweet potato and veggie strew which was nutritious, gluten-free and hearty. For dessert we enjoyed spiced pumpkin pie with cream and fresh coffee, there was also a bar onboard for those who prefer wine or beer.

Aside from the peaceful atmosphere and the serene views of the colorful river I enjoyed the historical commentary on the significant points of interest along the shore and how important the area is to Canada and the U.S.

Although the weather was a bit cool I made sure to dress appropriately so I could enjoy the deck which has a 360˚ panoramic view giving everyone onboard a spectacular vantage point. Whether you prefer to walk around, sit inside and enjoy the warmth or kick back on a lounge chair to feel the wind in your face the tour is calm and picturesque with pretty little towns dotting the banks, yacht clubs, sail boats, interesting architecture, forts and lush forest.

The lunch cruise is a fabulous way to de-stress and escape the hustle and bustle of city life and it is a unique idea for anniversaries, birthdays and other special events. We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon aboard the Belle and the fantastic crew makes the experience fun for the whole family!

The company also has a Captain’s cruise which is a seafood lover’s dream since fresh lobster is served and there are wine tasting tours available for those who want to sample some of Niagara’s finest! For more information you can visit the website by clicking HERE.

Photo from niagarasunsetcruises.com