Tourism: Shark Bay...A marine wonderland

Shark Bay is a large, shallow inlet located at the Westernmost point in Australia. In 1629, Dutch explorer Francois Pelsaert called this desert area "a bare and cursed country, devoid of grass.":

Today, over 120,000 people flock to Shark Bay annually.So remarkable are the attractions of this remote region that it was placed on the World Heritage list in 1991. Shark Bay contains the largest and most diverse sea-grass meadows in the world.

The sea grasses which are actually flowering plants, support a dizzying array of marine life. True to its name, Shark Bay hosts a large number of Sharks of more than a dozen species. These include the fearsome tiger shark and the gigantic whale shark.

see photos below

Sharks share these waters with dolphins, exposing the myths that where you find dolphins you will not find sharks. Researchers have found that about 70 percent of dolphins in this area bear marks from Shark attacks. Also, thousands of humpback whales stop at Shark Bay to rest on their annual migration South and a good number of turtles arrive each year to lay eggs on the beaches.

However, the greatest attractions of Shark Bay are the bottlenosed dolphins of Monkey Mia; a beach area on the edge of Denham Penissula. Monkey Mia is one of the few places in the world where wild dolphins regularly approach shore to interact and play with humans. Dolphins often with their young, visit Monkey Mia beach most mornings. Crowds of excited visitors await their arrival and play with them, some even take pictures with them. Its really so interesting and fun!

Scentified all the way

A fragrance is like an outfit so you should feel confident when you wear it. Perfumes mix with natural scents so never assume that a perfume that smells good on your friend will also smell good on you.

Lets give you an insight on some types of fragrance;

Eau de parfum 

This type of perfume has a medium-high concentration of perfumed oils in comparison to the water or alcohol content of the solution and its fragrance lasts longer. 

Eau de toilette

This type of perfume has a medium-low concentration of perfumed oils. It requires constant topping up because it does not really last long. 

Floral 

This is likened to girls who are very feminine and romantic. The floral based fragrance is quite flowery and suitable for the "It girl." 

Fruity

This is usually spicy with the smell of fruits, but do be careful when you wear this type of perfume because it easily changes from pleasant to awful depending on your natural body scent. 

Oriental

This is quite sexy, exotic and intense perfume that smells of musk, vanilla and opulent heavy flowers. 

Tips tp note when wearing perfumes 

1. Do not rub on your skin as this may spoil the composition. 

2. Always apply perfume starting from the lower body and working your way up to the top. 

3. Spray a little perfume in the air and walk straight into it. This helps to diffuse it over the body. 

4. Some perfumes tend to stain clothes and damage jewelry, so spray them directly on your skin and allow to dry before putting on your clothes or jewelry. 

The well groomed guy

Here's a little secret i want to share with the guys out there; we ladies love our men to be well groomed and it makes us feel so proud to stand or sit next to our men in public. This is every woman's dream to have a well groomed prince charming. For those who want to achieve this, these few tips can help you get that dapper gentleman look.

Hair 

If you're used to having bushy hair, you'll need to cut it all off or trim it. Also, your beards and under arm hair; there is absolutely nothing sexy about keeping 'em. Under arm hair makes sweat to build up and gives out an offensive odour which eventually turns into body odour...nobody wants that. Be clean shaven! 

Manicures and pedicures 

No, its not only for the ladies. Everyone's finger and toe nails should be well cared for. This one of the things most ladies look out for in a man. 

Breath 

Fresh breath is very important so always carry breath freshners with you. This way you can freshen your breath within one minute. Chewing gum is not the best way of freshening one's breath as it sometimes gets in the way of a conversation which isn't good. 

Scent 

The use of anti-perspirants and colognes are greatly needed to spice things up and make you irresistible. 

Clothing

Try to always have your clothes clean and well ironed while your shoes should be clean and well polished as well. Make sure your outfits are always well combined.

You might have been asking ladies out but have been turned down on almost every occasion and you don't understand the reason for that. Your appearance may just be the reason for the rejection. I can remember a day i was chatting with my sister during one of our girly chats, she told me that before she got married, the first thing checked whenever a guy approaches her for friendship were his shoes, then his overall appearance. If she didn't like what she saw, she wouldnt give that person a listening ear. 

So you see, a person's appearance matters a lot whether you are a lady or a man. Be well groomed!

India: What it takes to drive an elephant

Domestication of elephants

There are a number of centers in the world that are equipped to care for elephant calves that have been captured, abandoned or injured. Calves are trained to become work elephants in India and a mahout must first win the trust of a calf. Feeding is one of the most important ways of earning its trust. A calf recognizes its mahout's voice when called for feeding. 

To drive an elephant safely, the mahout must have good intensive training for at least, three months. An elephant should be rewarded with a treat anytime it obeys a command. To avoid any confusion, verbal commands are given by just one mahout. 

Even though many people fear this mighty land animal, a well-trained elephant will obey a kind master. Something happened on one occasion where an elephant driver was cooking and left his child between the trunk and forefeet of his resting elephant. The child repeatedly tried to move away, but the elephant gently curled its trunk around the child and drew him back to where his father had left him. The father continued with his cooking and appeared to have absolute confidence that the child was in safe custody. I believe this happened because of the type of relationship between the elephant and its master. 

Elephants need to be bathed daily and fed very well. The main course include grasses, bamboo and palm leaves. They also love carrots and sugar cane. They need about 140 kilograms of food and 150 litres of water everyday! To stay good friends with his pachyderm, the mahout has to satisfy these needs. 

Detoxification mood activated!

We all want to lead a greener healthier life. You will be so surprised to know that achieving this can be as simple as checking the ingredients in your cosmetics.

 Here are a few tips that can help:-

Bring the outside in 

Houseplants do more than just beautifying a room. They take in carbondioxide and release oxygen, making indoor air cleaner and fresher. 

Be a chocoholic

The high concentration of polyphenols helps protect the body from free radicals and can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Your daily dose? One ounce of dark chocolate with 77 percent cocoa content. 

Go through the ingredients 

When choosing body lotions, try to avoid parabens. Research has shown that high concentration of these synthetic preservatives can disrupt the functioning of the endocrine system. 

Purify your skin

This is really necessary. To remove toxins slather on a clay mask. Clay draws out impurities and makes the skin look more vibrant and fresher. Masks made with moisturizing white clay are more effective on dry skin while those with oily skin should go for red or green clay. 

Tourism: Meet these alluring flowers from Africa

The rose flower has captured man's imagination for centuries. Poets have written about it while most artists have often depicted it. Shakespeare extolled it with the famous line from Romeo and Juliet; "whats in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

Thanks to the rose, new friendships have been established , strained relationships have been restored amd many sick people have been encouraged. It also has great economic value. In Kenya, for instance, out of millions of flowers exported during one recent year, over 70 percent were roses, making the country one of the leading producers in the world.

Things you never know about Rose flower 

Did you know that true red flowers were absent from the rose family?

The bright red colour came about as a result of genetic mutation which took place in 1930. 

When will there be a blue rose flower? 

An Australian company and Japanese company created a blue rose in 2004 using genetic engineering. 

The rose flower is truly beautiful and very unique!

A perfumer's secret: The bergamot

Hello PGB readers (as this is what i call my lovable readers which means Peculiar Gabby Blog readers) i want to use this medium to apologise for not being consistent and this happened for one reason or the other but i promise it wont repeat again. Thanks for understanding, i love you all....

Now going back to what i have for you today...  Perfumes have a long history, even in the Bible stories there were perfumes. The ingredients for perfumes in those times included aloes, balsamic oil, cinnamon and other spices.

Essences extracted from vegetation are still fundamental to perfumery. You may not know the bergamot by name, yet the scent of this fruit is said to be found in approximately one third of women's perfumes in the market and half of men's colognes.

The bergamot is an evergreen citrus. Its flowers appear in spring and it has smooth-skinned yellow fruits about the size of an orange.

For perfumers, bergamot fruits have unique qualites. Bergamot essential oil comes from the peel of the fruit. Its fruity scent can also be found in deodorants, creams and soaps. Bergamot essence is also used as flavouring agent in ice creams, confectionaries and beverages. It also has the ability to facilitate tanning and this has made it an ingredient in sun-care products. Its antiseptic and bactericidal properties have also made it valuable in the pharmaceutical industry.

Indeed the bergamot is a unique fruit whose origin is still a mystery!

SO RIGHT NOW OR NEVER!

Update your wardrobe with these 5 must have wardrobe staples; 

Leggings 

If you haven't got a pair of leggings you need to bite the bullet and go for some to rock with your long tops and shirts. Printed patterns are so hot right now, why not try out one? 

Denim

The denim is finally back! It can be worn over a floral dress or with jeans. The fashion world has gobe denim crazy. If yoy haven't got a denim, invest in one right away and you will find yourself asking for more! 

Ripped jeans 

The ripped jeans is definitely for fashionistas who can pull off this look. The ripped jeans is sexy and revealing while being casual at the same time. Pick up a pair of ripped jeans and show them off. 

Jumpsuits 

Change your look by wearing jumpsuits. There are many different styles and colors out there that you can choose from. Choose the one you think suits your style.

Keep checking out this blog to be updated on current fashion :)

Plunge me some more

When it comes to being sexy and feminine, a plunging neckline is the way to go. It enhances one's appeal and boosts confidence. If you are the type that loves making a bold statement, then the low neckline is for you.

Key factors to know about the plunging neckline 

1. Being comfortable is the key when wearing a low cut top. There are ways to make sure you are covered with just some little amount of lace or double scotch tape if necessary. 

2. While wearing a low cut plunging outfit, there is no need to expose your body more by having a slit all the way up your skirt or dress. It could make you look slutty. 

3. Accessories should be limited to earrings, bangles, shoes and handbags. This will draw the needed attention to the areas of choice. 

4. Also, while wearing any outfit with a plunging neckline, be sure to have no stretch marks because that wouldn't be a sight to behold.

Black and white

Black and white are the simplest, yet elegant and most chic of all looks to have. Whatever season, this look, never goes wrong.

Animal Monochrome 

These zebra and cow print garments and accessories are in fashion and have a variety of textures. This look is sure to make heads turn if you pull it off nicely. 

Foot wear 

Footwear is truly an easy way to introduce fantastic black and white using boldly noticeable elements of monochromes. This never goes out of season. There are so many nice monochroned footwears to choose from, ranging from flat ballerina shoes to gladiator sandals or even the highest of statement heels.

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Simple touch for the LWD 

The simplest look depends on a basic white or black dress with alternate tone as an accent. You could rock a little white number and add a touch of black to it..

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star...*

Yeah that's right...twinkle like the stars in sequins. Sequins never totally go out of style, well why should they anyway?

They are the perfect way to make heads turn when worn the right way. You could find sequins in shoes, belts, bags, trousers, leggings, skirts, gowns, jackets, you name it!

You must not be caught wearing the sequin from head to toe, if not the Fashion Police will come after you! I bet you wouldn't want that to happen. Its better to pair them with other pieces that are plain.

Lets go blinging...!

Baby bump style

Because you have grown big with your baby bump doesn't mean you have to stop being stylish.

2 great steps to being ever stylish in your baby bump

1. Grow your wardrobe along with your bump. As your pregnancy progresses, show off your protruding bump in fitting shirts or tops. Always keep the outfit dynamic by adding dark-wash stretch jeans. 

2. Make sure you are comfortable in whatever you are wearing. Do not wear outfits that are too tight on you, so as not to stress your baby. 

Keep looking good and fashinable even while being pregnant. You could still rock those beautiful bags, sandals and sunglasses while being pregnant.

But pls avoid shoes with heels that are so high especially when the bump has grown really big. 

MINI MANIA

Mini skirts and gowns have always been in existence for ages. The mini...whether A-list or statement style is now popular in different beautiful colours. They can be paired with similar or sharp but combinable contrasts of coloured bags, shoes or accessories.

Tips for wearing mini 

If you you must wear a mini, you must remember to wax your legs to get smooth looking skin. 

For a casual look

You can wear good ballet pumps, sandals or nice flip flops. 

For an evening out 

Pair it with stilettos or strappy sandals because they tend to add length to your legs making them appear sexier and slimmer. 

Lets go miniMANIA!

Be flirty!

Put away your pencil skirts in the back of your closet at the meantime. The new skirt silhouette is full, bouncy and fun to wear. Better still it has a flirty appeal, thanks to its movement. Make sure you get the best effect by choosing a skirt that is cinched-in at the waist and trumpets outward.

Also, remember that the secret of stealing the show with this look is by choosing a skirt that falls just across your knees. When longer, you will look like a 1950s bridesmaid; any shorter, you will look like a little girl.