Guides

Here’s Everything You Shouldn’t Do When Visiting Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a beautiful and vast city full of all kinds of different cultures and attractions that make it a wonderful city to visit. But it can also be a very complicated and frustrating city. Especially if you don’t know what not to do! And that’s why we’re here.

Published

4 weeks ago

February 6, 2021

Loren Thorn

We talked to LA locals and got the inside scoop on everything that should be avoided when visiting Los Angeles. Some things on this list might surprise you, but just trust us! You don’t need to bother with these tourist traps.

DON’T FLY INTO LAX

Los Angeles International Airport can be an absolute nightmare. In fact, in 2018, it was ranked the second busiest airport in the country. The security lines are always long, the terminals are always crowded, and you’ll be lucky to ever find a seat or the all-important power outlet.

The good news is, there are options. The Long Beach Airport isn’t all that far away (about a 30-45 minute drive from Santa Monica), and the Burbank Airport (AKA Bob Hope Airport) is an absolute dream. Take it from me, do whatever you have to do to fly in and out of Burbank!

DEFINITELY DON’T BOTHER WITH THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is typically a must-see for any first time visitor to Los Angeles. All those famous names on the sidewalk, all the people dressed up as famous characters waiting to pose for a picture. Heck, you might even run into a celebrity!

Not. You will definitely not run into a celebrity. It’s definitely just some names on a sidewalk (so what if they’re famous?). And those people dressed up as famous characters can be extremely annoying and will always demand money after you take a picture for them and give you a real hard time if you don’t. Not to mention how many other people will be there! This is definitely not nearly as worth it as you may think.

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF TRAFFIC

Everyone’s heard about the famous LA traffic and I’m here to tell you… it is very real. Sometimes it seems like it doesn’t matter what time of day it is, traffic is always bad. Heck, even the weekends can be bad! So it’s very important to prepare yourself for the time you will lose being stuck in traffic.

Now, I’m not saying, “Don’t go anywhere! Never leave your hotel!” I’m just saying, prepare yourself accordingly. Venice and Santa Monica are definitely worth a day trip, but just be prepared to spend as much as an hour or even more on your commute to and from. And download Waze while you’re at it! It’s a fantastic GPS app that always finds the quickest routes.

THIS ISN’T NEW YORK. DON’T JAYWALK

Some people, when visiting LA, think it’s just another major city where people jaywalk all the time and nobody cares. Well, that is certainly not the case! For one reason or another (I suppose it’s because it’s the law), the Los Angeles Police Department takes jaywalking very seriously! I myself know multiple people that have gotten jaywalking tickets in Los Angeles. So don’t risk it and just wait for that little man to tell you you’re good to cross the street!

DON’T MAKE THE MISTAKE OF NOT VISITING DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

If I were writing this article fifteen or even ten years ago, I’d probably be telling you to definitely avoid downtown LA. But the city has done such an amazing job cleaning up and revitalizing the downtown area that it would not be a massive mistake to not check it out while visiting the city.

The vibe and energy down there is just incredible these days, with cozy cafes, immaculate restaurants, and hip bars that make you feel like you’re on the east coast. Places like Disney Concert Hall, Grand Central Market, The Broad art museum, and the Arts District are among the areas downtown that are the favorites of locals.

Guides

Anti Inflammatory Diet for Eczema: 3 Things You Need to Know

Published

4 days ago

March 1, 2021

Brad Fly

Do you struggle with the dry, itchy skin caused by eczema?

Have you wondered if your diet is contributing to your eczema flare-ups?

If so, read on as we explore the benefits of adopting an anti-inflammatory diet for eczema.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is an inflammatory response to an irritant that causes redness, dryness, irritation and itching on the skin. It is known by several other names including atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis.

What Causes Eczema?

According to the National Eczema Association, about 31 million people in America are currently living with eczema. The cause isn’t clearly understood, but it’s believed that genetics and environmental or dietary triggers contribute to skin inflammation known as eczema.

Common eczema triggers can be laundry detergent, lotions, skin care products, shampoo, soap, pet dander, dust mites, pollen, foods, and even hormones.

Typical Treatments for Eczema

While there is no cure for eczema, there are several treatments that can help relieve symptoms during flare-ups. Avoiding triggers by eliminating the most likely suspects is a great place to start.

A typical medical treatment would be a topical cortisol-steroid cream. The cream would ideally work to moisturize the skin, protect it from irritation, and relieve itching. If the topical treatment doesn’t provide relief, oral steroids or an injection may be prescribed.

If these treatments don’t work or provide the relief you’re looking for, a diet change may help to improve and reduce flare-ups.

Elimination Diet for Eczema

Since eczema is an inflammatory response to something in the environment, which could include diet, it makes sense that removing foods that cause inflammation could be helpful.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology reports that 30% of kids under age 5 who have eczema also suffer from at least one food allergy. The most common food allergens linked to eczema are eggs, milk, wheat, soy, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.

Eliminating these foods for a period of two weeks or more and reintroducing one at a time over the course of several weeks is known as an elimination diet. With each food reintroduced, pay attention to the body’s response. If there are no inflammatory responses (eczema flare-ups), the food is probably safe to remain in your diet.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Eczema

After eliminating foods, you may feel frustrated or even depressed if many foods were eliminated long-term. Consider following an anti-inflammatory diet plan for eczema.

While saturated fats and Omega-6 fats should be reduced, monounsaturated fats and Omega-3 fats should be increased. So instead of vegetable oils, choose olive or coconut oils. Instead of red meat, choose salmon.

If you follow an anti-inflammatory diet for eczema relief, be sure to avoid refined carbohydrates and sugars. Be sure to increase your fruits and vegetables.

Consider adding the following supplements to your diet.

Probiotics (good gut health)
Fish oil
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin B6
Bromelain
Evening Primrose Oil
Hemp Seed Oil
Sunflower Oil

You can read more about the use of CBD oil for eczema at Pinnacle Hemp.

Eat Well to Be Well

There are several options for the treatment and prevention of eczema. We know that the best diet for eczema is that one that you can stick to. We hope you’ll consider adding an anti-inflammatory diet for eczema to your arsenal for keeping flare-ups in check.

If you’ve enjoyed this article, be sure to read more health-related articles here on this blog.

Destinations

Helicopter Tours That Raise Hairs

Imagine flying amongst the clouds as you glide through the sky in a helicopter as your mind is blown by the incredible views.

Published

6 days ago

February 27, 2021

Owen Gardocki

If adventure is what you seek, there is no greater way to see your vacation destinations than by helicopter. Imagine yourself flying amongst the clouds as you glide through the sky in a helicopter – the mind blown by the incredible views. There is no better way to enjoy attractions then up a couple of thousand feet in a rotary-winged machine. They may be loud but a helicopter ride will easily be the most memorable experience from any vacation. Check out the best destinations to take a helicopter ride and see things from a truly unique vantage point.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is one of the busiest helicopter tour destinations, with plenty to see in a short ride. From the Vegas strip to the Hoover Dam to the granddaddy of them all, the Grand Canyon. A helicopter is the only way to see the Grand Canyon in all its glory and majesty. The Grand Canyon is over 270 miles long and can be 15 miles across; something that grand needs a copter to see it fully.

Niagara Falls

Most people will tell you the best view of Niagara Falls is from a boat in the water beneath the falls, but that’s not true, obviously, the best view is from a helicopter. Niagara Falls is just a massive sight to see and with all the tourists that jam the site, it can be difficult to have a perfect vantage point. If you really want an amazing view that is unforgettable, you must see the falls from a helicopter. Imagine the immense beauty of something so powerful as Niagara Falls seen from above in the peace of a smoothly flying helicopter.

Kauai, Hawaii

If you have seen the beginning scene of Jurassic Park then you know that in Kauai there are waterfalls only accessible by helicopter. Kauai is known as the garden island because it’s so lush and only 20% of the island is accessible by car. The island has many amazing sights that have to be seen by helicopter to understand how massive they are. The Na Pali Coast is the Western side of the Island and is characterized by the huge, steep mountains covered in green ferns. The entire side of the island is unreachable by car and a helicopter is the only way to see it or you can traverse the 17 miles up and down over a two-day hike. The Waimea Canyon is called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific as its massive and beautiful. Plus there are a dozen or so mega waterfalls you have to see from a helicopter.

New York City

New York City is the mega-metropolis city that we all love and never have enough time to see it all when we visit. If you want to really understand how huge NYC is, you have to see it from a helicopter. Imagine flying between the skyscrapers, above the central park and around the Statue of Liberty. New York is such an expansive city it’s nearly impossible to catch it all in one trip, but a great way to check it out is a few hundred feet up, in a whirlybird.

Destinations

Talking A Walk In The Best Beer Gardens Around The World

Drinking beer with your best buds, in a beautiful environment, with our drinkers can be a beautiful experience.

Published

6 days ago

February 27, 2021

Owen Gardocki

Drinking beer is always a great time, but doing it in a grungy bar can get old. Feel good about sipping your suds by drinking in a beautiful beer garden. You will have tons of room in a magnificent outdoor bar where you can stretch out and really take down a pint or two.
“But where are these gardens?” I hear you asking.

HOFBRAUHAUS, MUNICH, GERMANY

This is the beer garden that started them all. The Hofbrauhaus has been in business since the 1500s which means they know what they’re doing when it comes to brewing the brew. That makes this the ideal place to get a humongous mug of brew and slurp it on down.

MOUNT TAKAO BEER MOUNT, TOKYO

Head on over to a beer garden at one of the highest elevations in the world at the Mount Takao Beer Mount. This destination will give you fantastic views of the beautiful skyline of Tokyo which you can marvel at while chugging down a nice ale. The only way to get up there is either hike up or ride in a cable car.

BOHEMIAN HALL AND BEER GARDEN, ASTORIA, NEW YORK

Head over to Queens and get your beer drinking on at the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden. You can play ping-pong here as well as listen to live music so you don’t have to talk to your friends that much. Now you can say “Hey! I’m drinkin’ here!”

KONIGLICHER HIRSCHGARTEN, MUNICH, GERMANY

If you want to find the biggest beer garden you can then head to Koniglicher Hirschgarten. This place is smack dab in the middle of a 100-acre-park so you have beautiful sprawling views of Munich and some tasty brews to boot. Now that sounds too good to be…brew.

CAFE VLISSINGHE, BRUGES, BELGIUM

Head to Bruges’s oldest bar at the Cafe Vlissinghe. If you need a place to wash all that chocolate down then grab a drink here. In one word, this bar is charming. Actually, in four words it’s charming to the max.

LETNA BEER GARDEN, PRAGUE

This beer garden has one seriously awesome view. You can drink while strolling along the Vltava River. If you’ve ever done some drinking around a river then you know it is quite possibly the best place to suck down on some suds. This place is great because it gives you the option of hiking with your brew or just taking it easy and taking it all in.

BROUWERIJ ‘T IJ, AMSTERDAM

This place used to be a bathhouse and now it’s still relaxing its patrons but this time with beers, not steam rooms. This place is beautiful mostly because it is directly next to a huge windmill making it for a real unique drinking experience. Now that is definitely too good to be brew.