OHMYGOSSIP – Britain’s Princess Charlotte has a “little crew of royal” friends in her royal cousins Mia, Savannah, Isla and her brother George. The 12-month-old daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge is great pals with Savannah, five, and Isla, four, whose parents are Peter Phillips and his wife Autumn and Mia, from Phillip’s sister Zara and her husband Mike Tindall.
Mike – whose wife and brother-in-law are the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II – says the adults in the royal family are very close and the children are growing up with the same bond.
He revealed: “Mia and Savannah and Isla enjoy being around babies and were very gentle with (Charlotte). We’ve got a good little crew of royal youngsters going on there now. They all seem to get on and enjoy each other’s company and it’ll be good to watch them grow up together…. There’s a strong bond between the royal family. We’d like that between all our little ones as well.”
Autumn added that her niece, Mia, is “a little wrecking ball” and “a little monkey” and the “the dynamic is great” when the girls and Princess Charlotte’s brother, Prince George, aged two, get together.
She gushed: “All the youngsters, our girls, Mia and Prince George, run down the corridors, laughing.”
Meanwhile, Mike – who wed Zara, an Olympic silver medalist, back in 2011 – revealed Mia, Savannah, and Isla, often go riding their horses together with their parents.
He told Hello! magazine: “All three of them love each other. They often go riding together on our three Shetlands. Mia has progressed to a proper saddle now. The girls are like peas in a pod and I think that closeness between them will continue for many years.”
And he thinks the Queen’s oldest great grandchildren, James Viscount Severn, eight and 12-year-old Lady Louise, who are the children of Prince Edward and his wife Sophie “will end up being the babysitters.”
OHMYGOSSIP – Britain’s Duke and Duchess of Cornwall visited County Donegal in Ireland and fans described Prince Charles as “so down to earth”.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall made their first official visit to County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday (25.05.16) and chatted to delighted residents, who said the heir apparent made everyone feel at ease.
Róisín McCool, principal of Irish speaking school Gaelscoil na gCeithre Máistrí, said it was an honour for the children to perform Irish dancing for the royals and added: “We were absolutely honoured and privileged to be here today to be singing and dancing and playing music for Prince Charles and Camilla.
“It went fantastic and they loved it. Everybody was so down to earth he was absolutely lovely and he was talking to the kids and us.
“The kids sang their hearts out and they played so well and danced fantastically well. So I was over the moon and delighted for them all.”
And Camilla, 68, and her 67-year-old husband gave the county a “tourist boost,” according to Donegal Castle’s manager Sean McLoone.
He told the BBC: “It went very very well, the sun shone which always helps and I thought the castle looked resplendent and certainly the royal highnesses expressed their thanks, they enjoyed their tour.
“There was a lot of smiles all round. I think its very important from a tourist perspective because a lot of our visitors would be traditionally from England anyway.”
Meanwhile, the Duke of Cornwall described the county – which is home to Glenveagh National Park – as “a place of dramatic and beautiful scenery, of music and storytelling, of myth, legend and the Irish language” and a place “where the link between man and the land is still so well understood”.
OHMYGOSSIP – Coldplay will headline Britain’s Prince Harry’s Sentebale charity concert at Kensington Palace on June 28. Just two days after they take to the stage at the world famous Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, England, the ‘Hymn for the Weekend’ hitmakers will sing tracks from their album ‘A Head Full of Dreams’ in support of the prince’s charity and The Handa Foundation.
Coldplay were “delighted” to accept the royal invitation and said: “We’re delighted to join Prince Harry for this very special concert and to support Sentebale’s incredible work with adolescents affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana.”
The British group – which includes Chris Martin, Will Champion, Guy Berryman and Jonny Buckland – will play to a crowd of 3,000 people in the outdoor grounds of the palace next month to raise funds for the charity which helps vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa and was set up in memory of Prince Harry’s late mother Princess Diana.
The flame-haired royal founded the charity with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006 to continue the vital work his mother set out to do to tackle HIV and AIDS.
Cathy Ferrier, CEO of Sentebale, said: “We are ever more committed to play our part and use all our resources to support children living with HIV. The concert is about bringing people together who can make a difference.”
‘Green Garden’ hitmaker Laura Mvula, African-Norwegian duo Nico & Vinz, and spoken word poet and Sentebale’s ambassador George Mpanga, known as George the Poet, will also perform.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry, 31, previously enlisted the Coldplay frontman, 39, to write the official anthem for the Invictus Games which he also set up and enjoyed its second event this year.
OHMYGOSSIP – With the average cost of a wedding hovering around $30,000, it’s no wonder that modern couples are saving some green everywhere they can, from doing their own wedding day makeup to DIYing their bouquet. There are also money-saving honeymoon options for the cash-strapped bride and groom. Instead of choosing that dreamy international adventure, many couples are opting for a shorter “mini-moon” a little closer to home. But just because a domestic mini-moon is cheaper, doesn’t mean that it won’t be as romantic. Here are 15 swoon-worthy US destinations for every type of newlywed couple.
Sun Seekers
1. Miami, Florida: No, South Beach isn’t just for spring breakers. This popular touristy locale is perfect for a romantic getaway, with its beautiful art deco hotels, white sandy beaches and lively nighttime entertainment.
2. Maui, Hawaii: Pretty much any island in Hawaii would be ideal for an unforgettable mini-moon, but we’re partial to the stunning island of Maui. With breathtaking waterfalls, beachy resorts and postcard scenery, it’s definitely worthy of your first few days as newlyweds.
3. Clearwater, Florida: Located on the Gulf of Mexico in Pinellas County, the white sand beaches of Clearwater are a beach bum’s dream. From dolphin searching to parasailing to Adirondack chair lounging, you’ll never run out of things to do in this warm and wonderful Gulf-coast town.
Foodies
4. Portland, Oregon: With microbreweries, food trucks and coffeehouses galore — a trip to Portland is almost guaranteed to include some good Instagram-worthy eats.
5. Atlanta, Georgia: The capital city of Georgia may not be widely known for its grub, but spend a few days in the city and you’ll understand why it’s high on almost every foodie’s American dining list. From Antico Pizza to Sublime Donuts, you’ll definitely end up eating your weight in food on this stunning southern adventure.
6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Home of the iconic Philly cheese steak, a mini-moon to Philadelphia is packed with delicious goodies. Whether you’re looking for savory bites or sweet treats, Pennsylvania’s largest city is just waiting to seat you in one of their thousands of yummy restaurants.
Adventure Junkies
7. Sedona, Arizona: A true desert town, this beautiful city is surrounded by nature’s playground. We’re talking red-rock buttes, 1.8 million acres of national forest land and two state parks. Whether your ideal getaway is sleeping under the breathtaking stars or hot air ballooning over the red rocks at dawn, Sedona can fulfill your dream adventure.
8. The Big Island, Hawaii: Take a helicopter ride over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, scuba dive with manta rays off the Kona Coast and walk through the 442-foot Akaka Falls. Whatever adventure you are dreaming of, the Big Island is waiting.
9. Anchorage, Alaska: The largest city in the state of Alaska, this adventurous town is overflowing with things to do with your sweetie. From dog sledding and bicycle tours to glacier cruises, let’s just say a mini-moon here will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Wine Lovers
10. Napa Valley, California: A list of the top domestic wineries to visit wouldn’t be complete without Napa Valley. With dozens of award-winning wineries and vineyards to visit (go check out Sterling Vineyards for the view of a lifetime), it’s a trip that’ll make any wine lover swoon.
11. Yadkin Valley, North Carolina: A hidden gem in beautiful North Carolina, this winery-packed region originated as a tobacco-growing locale. With a rich history and a stunning landscape, you and your partner will have the time of your lives sipping delicious reds while taking in all of the unbelievable sites.
12. Traverse City, Michigan: With over 40 wineries and vineyards in the region, Traverse City is an excellent spot for a romantic mini-moon, especially if going all the way out to sunny California isn’t in your budget.
Big City Dreamers
13. New York City, New York: You better get in a New York state of mind — and fast! From the dazzling spectacle of Times Square to the insane views from recently opened One World Observatory, the city that never sleeps is packed with things to see and do.
14. New Orleans, Louisiana: Nicknamed “The Big Easy,” the hopping nightlife, unbeatable jazz-and-blues scene, rich culture and good eats in this popular Louisiana city make it a great place to celebrate marrying your sweetie. With dozens of festivals a year, it’s always festival season in NOLA.
15. San Francisco, California: A mini-moon to the Bay Area involves much more than gazing upon the Golden Gate Bridge. From sea lion spotting at Pier 39 to catching a cable car up to Nob Hill, this sunny destination is equal parts big city and California dreamin’.
Source: Brit.co/ Ashley Macey
Featured image: Ohmygossip.com
OHMYGOSSIP – Staying on that juicing tip, subbing zoodles for pasta and keeping gluten-free is challenging enough when you’re making your own meals at home. But the minute you fly out on your way to a blissful, week-long summer cruise, making healthy eating choices becomes even more of a challenge. We get it! That’s why we asked two of our favorite healthy eating gurus, The Nutrition Twins Lyssie Lakatos, RDN, CDN, CFT and Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, CDN, CFT, the best ways to eat healthy while on a cruise. These two are registered dietitians and authors of The Nutrition Twins’ Veggie Cure, and are all about giving practical, real-life advice to women looking to stay healthy and have fun.
1. Fill your plate— twice. First, grab a regular dinner-sized plate and load up with fresh veggies, like a salad with a simple dressing or steamed vegetables that aren’t drowning in oil or butter. The twins say this will “take the edge off your hunger” and help you make better choices the rest of the evening.
The ladies suggest picking up a small salad plate for your second trip to fill with foods like fresh fish, roasted vegetables, lean meats and whole grains. “The staff want to make sure you’re happy,” the twins remind, so if you’d like your salmon with a lighter sauce or prefer pesto to Alfredo, don’t be afraid to ask for substitutions.
2. Employ the “every other” rule. Tropical frozen drinks flow on a cruise ship; it’s easy to completely derail your diet when piña coladas are coming at you free and fast. The twins suggest sticking to wine and bubbly while you’re on board and chasing every alcoholic bevvie with a glass of water. Go one step farther and start the night with a black iced tea, they advise. It’s full of the amino acid theanine that brings calmness and alertness, helping you to make better choices throughout the evening.
3. Keep a food record. When you take note of your daily eating, it holds you more accountable to yourself. It’s hard to mindlessly gobble up five cookies when you’re writing down what you’re eating at the end of the night. It’s just another way to help keep you aware of your food choices during your vacation, which the twins say is the most important thing to staying healthy.
4. Snack smart. The twins remind that “you’re so close to food” on a cruise ship that you’re not going to starve — so it’s easy to snack smart and small. If you do feel snacky, they suggest handfuls of nuts, a cup of greek yogurt with berries, a bit of shrimp cocktail, hummus and carrot sticks or a few pieces of cheese and fruit.
5. Keep your suit on. Literally, keep your bathing suit on all day. “Think light!” the girls remind. If you stay in your suit all day, rather than, say, a flowing caftan, you’re more apt to steer clear of carb and sugar bombs that are guaranteed to make you feel bloated and sluggish.
Featured image: Ohmygossip.com Source: Brit.co/ Megan Parry
OHMYGOSSIP – Summertime is shor, way too short. That means it’s time to take a break from watching wanderlust YouTube vloggers and make time to finally take your trip! If you’re having a hard time choosing where to spend your vacay, let the stars guide you. Zodiac-obsessed gals, you know what’s up. Our star signs tell us a lot about our personalities, our best pets and even how to date. In sum, our signs give us… well, signs that can help us decide where we will have the best time!
Aquarius
The independently minded Aquarian loves a unique adventure, not the typical tourist hot spot. Trendy vacation destinations? Aquarians probably made them cool first. If you’re seeking warmer climates with mountainous views, Peru makes for a perfect place that is full of adventure opportunities beyond Machu Picchu. Craving a fun city to explore? Lisbon, a coastal city in Portugal, has a vibrant restaurant and cafe scene to go along with its rich history. Art enthusiasts will have a field day roaming their museums.
Pisces
One word comes to mind: Water. Tranquil beings, Pisces seek beautiful and calm surroundings that still have some options for fun outings when the mood strikes. Hawaii might be the first place that pops into your head, but why not switch it up a bit? Try Aruba! You can lay on beaches, sail, snorkel or go on some off-road tours. Aruba provides both relaxation and exploration, so Pisces will never be bored.
Aries
Aries are an active bunch who like to explore, especially if the destination is new and hikable. If the climate you’re seeking is nice and hot, Costa Rica is the way to go. It was pretty much made for Aries, with all the jungle hiking, surfing and plenty of hammocks. New Zealand is another destination that’s a bit out of the ordinary, with plenty to explore. Its gorgeous green mountains are just asking to be hiked (or even flown over by helicopter), and Aries might never want to leave.
Taurus
Bulls seek vacations where they can enjoy some of the finer things in life, and they all must be delicious. Heading to wine country and exploring Napa or Sonoma would be a no-brainer, but what if you were looking to explore further? Brighton Beach in England is a seaside town with a pebble beach (and pier), plenty of shopping and excellent restaurants to explore (or, if you’re a bull who likes to try traditional local fare, some of the best fish-and-chip shops the whole UK has to offer).
Gemini
Geminis love to travel to places with activities around every corner. Museums, shopping, cultural landmarks and plenty of parks for people watching are all musts for a Gemini’s vacation spot. That’s why it’s best to go to a big city. Madrid is a dream for a traveler looking to soak in history and culture. Spend an afternoon in the Prado Museum, then go on a tapas crawl. Another big city for the bravest of Geminis to explore would be Tokyo: all the vibrancy, all the karaoke, all the Harajuku, all of the time!
Cancer
Cancers generally aren’t lovers of crowds and prefer things on the chiller side. Therefore, they look for vacation spots that will accommodate their comfort needs. A unique destination for Cancers could be Galway, a coastal town in Ireland. It has all the charm of Dublin, minus the big city bustle, plus it’s off the North Atlantic Ocean (Cancers like being near water). If you’re seeking a warmer climate, Santa Barbara, California is a beautiful coastal hideout.
Leo
Leos know what they like and want a vacation that won’t disappoint. Must-have aspects for a Leo vacay include a historically rich city with a hint of glam and a lively nightlife. Paris could be the place to be, but been there, done that. Lions, make your way to Berlin. With a crazy nightlife scene and galleries upon galleries, this is a city booming with culture. Looking for similar glamour but seaside? Hit up Barcelona, Spain for bustling street life and an art scene that can’t quit.
Virgo
Virgos aren’t just looking for a warm destination with great food — they like to learn while they vacay. For them, it’s all about what they can walk away with. Amsterdam is not only historic but also beautiful. Virgos can up their history and art knowledge in museums, experience the culture by exploring the markets (flea, book, flower, etc) and soak in the beauty of the architecture and gardens. Looking for a stateside equivalent? If you haven’t been, it’s
New Orleans or bust for you.
Libra
Libras like their options. They like to keep things interesting, see all the things a place has to offer and, if they feel so inclined, check out surrounding areas as well. If you haven’t saved up to backpack around Europe or Spain for a month or two (#samesies), you might still have a chance to save a bit and see what the Greek Islands have to offer. You can sail, check out wineries, visit historical sites and hit the beach — all while experiencing the charms of local haunts.
Scorpio
Scorpios are a bit outdoorsy, and they like to explore. While you don’t have to get crazy rustic (vacations should always be at least a bit relaxing), a bungalow in Tulum, Mexico might be the ideal spot for a post-cave dive nap. Tulum offers ancient Mayan ruins, a city center with authentic food and one of the best beaches in Mexico. Pro tip: If you want to stay in the US, Big Sur in California has some swoon-worthy beaches and hiking trails.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius kids like to travel — like, really, really travel. They like to immerse themselves and live the life of a local. You can go Nordic and jet to Iceland for hot springs and black sand beaches. You can also check out some of the oldest breweries in the world in Belgium. Looking for a warm spot? Try backpacking in Belize. The world is Sagittarius’ oyster.
Capricorn
Capricorns need a balanced vacation of sightseeing and chilling. Somewhere like Prague could be a great fit for Capricorn. Explore the castles and the city’s Wenceslas Square, then take a load off along the river with a beer at a local pub. If the Caribbean is more your scene, try Bocas del Toro, Panama. Swim with dolphins in the coral reef, explore restaurants in the villages and kick back in your bungalow with a fresh juice or cocktail.
Featured image: Ohmygossip.com Source: Brit.co/ Kristin Egan
OHMYGOSSIP – If you’re anything like us, you have wanderlust coursing through your veins and are continually adding to your list of travel destinations you *must see* in this lifetime. Don’t let that travel spirit dwindle any longer! Instead of focusing on that work/life balance or comparing schedules with your bae or BFF to plan a trip “once things settle down,” start planning a trip to one (or more!) of Pinterest’s top 10 travel destinations below. Whether you travel solo or make it work with a travel buddy, these spots will satisfy that wanderlust and bring adventure, culture and a whole lot more.
1. Pink Sand Beach, Bahamas: If you thought the Bahamas was all restaurants and casinos, Pink Sand Beach is going to blow your globe-trotting mind. Natural coral reef begets pretty pink sands that meet up with the turquoise seas in a postcard-perfect way. Enjoy snorkeling, shelling, fishing and swimming, or rent a bike and tour the island. 2. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia: The lakes of this national park are famous for their ever-changing teal, turquoise or deep blue waters (depending on the ebb and flow of natural minerals deposits). Wooden footbridges and pathways link the 16 lakes, taking visitors over rumbling waters and under waterfalls. Camp nearby in small bungalows and rise at dawn to beat the summer crowd. 3. Lago di Braies, Italy: Located in a lush verdant valley beneath the towering snowcapped Dolomite mountains, Lake Braies is a sight to behold. There’s hiking in the mountains and water activities on the lake, but be aware that the crystal-clear waters are icy from snow runoff, even in summer. Those who prefer more leisurely activities can rent a rowboat and paddle about while filling their Instagram feeds with picture-perfect vistas. 4. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand: A galaxy of living lights fires up the night in the caves beneath the Waitomo River. Water creatures called glowworms, unique to New Zealand, radiate a natural luminosity that has been drawing sightseers for centuries. Walk amongst the geysers, hot springs and bubbling mud pools yourself, or enjoy one of the local guided underground boat tours. The Waitomo area is also home to black water rafting, the Waitomo Trail Run and a “Middle Earth Tour” for the Tolkien geeks among us. 5. Cascada Bigar, Romania: Located in a nature reserve in the Anina Mountains, Bigar Falls is a watery wonder. Underground springs flood high-terrain caves, pushing the water down smoothly rounded, moss-covered cliffs. The falls break over trees and brush, looking like leafy umbrellas in a deluge. Explore the 650-foot river upwards to the spring and go spelunking in the small cave. But beware: To enter, you must first cross an icy river in your bare feet and climb a fragile-looking rope ladder. 6. The Azores, Portugal: Majestic manor houses, 15th-century churches and sheep dot the landscape of this archipelago. Towering cliffs and sapphire waters make the islands a cliff diver’s paradise. Fun fact: It’s actually the home of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. But for the less daring among us, Santa Maria Island has amazing water sport facilities, and the other islands offer an array of cathedrals, churches and museums to tour. 7. Trolltunga, Norway: It’s hard to believe your eyes when you first see Trolltunga. A shear slab of cliff hovers seemingly in mid-air over a vast canyon that descends ever deeper into a blue ravine. An Insta-worthy photo-op, for sure, it’s also a climb-at-your-own-risk adventure. If you do plan to hike it, pack sturdy boots, a map, compass, flashlight, first-aid kit, extra clothing and plenty to eat and drink. The weather is moody, and every year search and rescue parties have to go after hikers in trouble. There are no nearby accommodations, but you can pitch a tent. 8. Faroe Islands, Denmark: These lush emerald-green cliffs floating in the frothy tide of the North Atlantic are beautiful, rugged and majestic all at once. Hikers and birdwatchers will be in their element, and almost all will fall in love with the colorful cottages and grass-roofed churches. Tiny towns are linked by dependable roads, making travel easy. Or you can see the sights by a century-old sloop. 9. The Grand Canyon’s Havasu Falls, Arizona: Havasu Falls belongs to the Havasupai American Indian Reservation. Though not an easy hike, it’s well worth the effort. Havasupai means “people of the blue-green water,” and you’ll find that an apt description when you see the azure waters. After 10 miles of hiking, you’ll reach a village with a restaurant, a general store and WiFi. You can stock up there and only have two more miles to hike. Reward yourself at the end with a dive into the crystal clear pool at the bottom of the falls. 10. Jacob’s Well, just outside of Austin, TX: It’s known as one of the most dangerous cave diving spots on the planet, but don’t let that keep you away from Jacob’s Well. The well is spring-fed by the Trinity Aquifer, and its cool waters have lured locals and tourists for hundreds of years. Even if you don’t visit the caves below, you’ll enjoy jumping off surrounding rocks and into the clear water spewing from the well. The area offers many swimming holes and zip line tours.
Featured image: Ohmygossip.com Source: Brit.co/ Sally Jones
OHMYGOSSIP – We’ve started planning our summer vacations and are dreaming about all of the tokens and souvenirs we are going to find on our adventures. But what happens when you come across that perfect ukulele and you still have 10 days left on your trip? Or you stumble upon a stunning painting that would look amazing on your wall but it can’t be rolled up and stowed away? We´ll give you six tips on how to vacation and get all of your keepsakes home in perfect condition.
1. Plan your souvenir wish list ahead of time: Do some research by checking out your favorite travel blogs or Instagrammers to learn what your destination is known for — e.g. the best textiles, best teas or best treats, so you know what the must-haves are and where to grab ’em!
2. Create a multi-city plan: When road tripping and traveling to multiple cities with your besties, space in the car can get a little tight. Free up some room by finding the nearest FedEx Office® to drop off the treasures you collect along the way. They make it so seamless to ship any goody home that we’ve been sending care packages to our besties left and right. Enjoy your driving excursions comfortably and head to your next city worry-free.
3. Stick with souvenirs that are collectable yet sensible: This will help prevent you from buying souvenirs that you’ll never use again. Need to spice up your walls at home? Find a vintage postcard or collectible art print and ship it home so that you don’t have to carry around delicate paper.
4. When buying delicate souvenirs, leave it to the experts: Send gifts to loved ones directly from your travels instead of dragging everything from place to place. This beautiful mirror is far too lovely to risk breaking in luggage, so trust the experts to pack your gift for peace of mind.
5. Look for local unique goodies: Immerse yourself in the culture by seeking items that are specific to your experience and will always make you think of your vacation when you see them. Being San Francisco natives, our must-haves are the Tartine Bread Cookbook, a Heath Ceramics Vase, Ritual Coffee grounds, the WildSam guide to San Francisco and, of course, some cute notebooks from a local bookstore.
6. Find the musical instrument of your dreams: A Hawaiian ukulele or a Nashville-made guitar are just a couple of handmade musical instruments that you can find on your travels. You’d be hard-pressed to pass them up, so visit FedEx Office® to carefully ship your new instrument home while you finish your adventures!
Source: Brit.co /Anita Yung Featured image: Ohmygossip.com
OHMYGOSSIP — The U.S. Citizenship Test is an important step in your U.S. citizenship application. During the citizenship interview, a US citizenship and immigration officer will ask the applicant ten(10) questions. The applicant must answer six(6) out of the ten(10) questions correctly in order to pass the civics portion of the naturalization test. If you fail the citizenship interview test, your citizenship application will be rejected.
OHMYGOSSIP — United States lawful permanent residency refers to a person’s immigration status: the person is authorized to live and work in the United States of America on a permanent basis.
