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Amazing Recipes to Make in the Microwave

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Amazing Recipes to Make in the Microwave

You are probably familiar with using your microwave to heat up leftovers or even ready-meals. But the microwave is perhaps one of the most understated appliances in your kitchen. You can actually prepare a simple meal and even some of your favourite sweets using only the microwave! Perfect for busy people who want their food fast!

Here are some foods you can try making with your microwave!

1. Steamed egg

Steamed eggs will have a smoother texture when prepared using a hot water bath over the stove but using a microwave will give you decent results too! Check out this recipe for microwave steamed eggs under 5 minutes!

2. Mac n cheese

This is not a ready-meal mac n cheese from the grocery store. It really is a bowl mac n cheese prepared from scratch and prepared only using the microwave! This recipe is proof that it can be done.

3. Egg fried rice in a mug

Who says you need a frying pan and stove to make fried rice? With a microwave, you can make egg fried rice in a mug!

4. Chocolate cake in a mug

Want your chocolate fix fast? Use the microwave and you can have your cake and eat it too (in a mug) in under 5 minutes! This recipe will show you how. 

5. Caramel custard

Satisfy your craving for pudding fast by making caramel custard in your microwave! If you prefer, you can use a mug too! Note that if you want your pudding cold, you have to let it chill in the refrigerator. Thisis definitely an easy dessert to impress at dinner parties.

6. Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie

So what if Halloween is long gone? Pumpkins are just too yummy! This is perfect for those times where you want a cookie without having to make a whole batch of them (because let's face it, you will end up eating all of them). Make a single pumpkin chocolate chip cookie in the microwave! You will be able to eat your cookie in no time!

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Things to do in Hamburg

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Things to do in Hamburg

Hamburg is home to the second largest seaport in Europe and handles over 8 million containers each year. But Germany's port city is not all industrial. In fact, Hamburg boasts spectacular waterfront views, a thriving cultural scene and plenty of shopping opportunities so there is something for anyone who visits this city!

Here are some places to visit when you are in Hamburg.

1. Port of Hamburg Museum Ships

Hamburg has a rich maritime heritage and the best way to learn more about it is to visit the museum ships at the Port of Hamburg. These ships carried passengers or freight before they were converted into museums and they played a pivotal role developing the city's port. The exhibitions at the museum ships do not only chart the growth of the harbour, but also reveal the tales of seafarers. Cap San Diego, the largest museum ship, is still operational and you can even spend a night or two onboard its passenger cabins!

2. Miniatur Wunderland

This attraction is not just for kids – adults will love it too! Miniatur Wunderland is the largest model railway exhibition in the world and it is continuing to grow, with the final construction phase scheduled for completion by 2020. As you pass through different sections of the exhibit, you will see miniature versions of the different landscapes such as that of Harz, the fictional city Knuffingen, the Alps, Hamburg, America, Scandinavia, Switzerland and Knuffingen airport. Do reserve your tickets online to beat the queues so that you will have more time at this attraction!

3. Planten un Blomen

Did you know that Hamburg was Europe's Green Capital in 2011? Green spaces occupy about one-fifth of the city and there is no denying that the locals love greenery. If you are a nature-lover too, be sure to visit Planten un Blomen, a centrally-located public park with sprawling lawns, gardens and small lakes. Between April to August, there are water and light shows accompanied with music in the evenings so if you will be in Hamburg during this period, do drop the park before dusk to catch the parade of water and light!

4. Bismarck Monument

Otto von Bismarck was the first German chancellor and credited with unifying German states during the 19th century. There are many monuments erected across Germany dedicated to him but the one in Hamburg is the largest of them and was built between 1903 and 1906. It is situated in Alter Elbpark, which is close to the Port of Hamburg so if you may consider dropping by after your visit to the museum ships.

5. St. Michael's Church

St Michael's Church is dedicated to the Archangel Michael and features Baroque-style architecture. It is the largest church in the city and was destroyed twice and rebuilt three times over the course of its history. You may take the elevator to get to the top of the bell tower where you will enjoy panoramic views of the city but if you are feeling adventurous, take up the challenge of climbing up the 103m tall church tower to get to the top! 

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Beer festivals around the world

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Beer festivals around the world

Beer festivals are exciting events for the millions of beer lovers around the world. Some would even travel around the world to sample the different types of beer and attend beer festivals! Besides festivals, plenty of beer goes around in pubs, bars, restaurants and even in grocery stores. Whether it is to celebrate a victory, birthday or any other special occasion, there is no denying that the love for beer is universal. 

If you are a beer-loving traveller, here are some beer festivals you may wish to attend some day!

1. Oktoberfest

Munich's Oktoberfest is undoubtedly the largest and most famous beer festival in the world. The festival was first celebrated in 1810 and has since been central to Bavarian culture. It runs for 16 days, beginning in mid-late September till early October. There will be an endless flow of beer and food during Oktoberfest so you will certainly leave happy and stuffed!

2. Brussels Beer Weekend

Belgium's beer festivals are admittedly less well-known as compared to major ones like Munich's Oktoberfest. But the beer-making tradition is firmly rooted in Belgian culture and some of the most famous brands of beer in the world come from Belgium! The Brussels Beer Weekend, held on the first weekend in September, is not only a chance for you to enjoy some of the best Belgian beers but also sample beers from other local breweries and there are over 250 different Belgian beers available so you will surely be spoilt for choice!

3. Great British Beer Festival

The Great British Beer Festival is the largest beer festival in the UK and is also known as the "biggest pub in the world". This annual festival, which takes place in August, is organised by Campaign for Real Ale and held in London Olympia. You can expect to find over 900 real ales, ciders and perrys from breweries in the UK as well as international beers. One day is definitely not going to be enough to sample all that is on offer!

4. Czech Beer Festival

There is no doubt that Czech Republic is renowned for beer and every year in May, the Czech Beer Festival is held in Prague over 17 days! This beer festival will give beer-lovers the chance to quench their thirst for Czech beer, with over 100 draft beers available for you to enjoy as well as beer from small and local breweries! Besides beer, there is also plenty of food to go around as well as concerts and performances to keep you full and entertained!

5. Great World Beer Festival

Beyond Europe, beer festivals are also held across the Atlantic. The Great World Beer Festival takes place in New York and is also known as the United Nations of Beer. It is held over 2 days in October and for a fixed entrace fee, you will get to enjoy unlimited servings of beer! And with over 100 brewer booths at this festival, beer lovers will certainly be delighted to enjoy all the beer they can get filled in their glasses! If you are planning a trip to the Big Apple, do buy tickets to this festival in advance as huge crowds are expected. 

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Tips for planning a holiday with seniors

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Tips for planning a holiday with seniors

Whether we are young or old, age is no barrier to travelling as long as we are fit and healthy. But when planning a holiday with seniors, be mindful that they have different needs and are unlikely to have the same energy levels as younger travellers. Nevertheless, a holiday with your senior family members can be a memorable one as long as preparations are done well. 

Here are some tips for an enjoyable and fuss-free vacation with seniors! 

1. Destination

Pick a destination that is senior-friendly, bearing in mind the interests of seniors as well as the fact that they may have existing medical conditions. For seniors who are history buffs, a destination with plenty of historical and cultural sights will surely delight them! Nature-loving seniors will enjoy destinations with plenty of green spaces. Besides looking up the attractions available, do take note of the medical facilities available so that in the event of an emergency, you know that where to seek help. 

Other factors to consider include the climate of the place, disability access and ease of transport. If your senior travel companions have mobility issues or are sensitive to extreme weather conditions, choose a destination that can sufficiently accommodate their needs.

2. Daily itinerary

Take it slow and easy when travelling with seniors. Avoid packing too many activities into the travel itinerary as seniors do not have the same energy levels as younger travellers. Be flexible, allow for breaks throughout the day and ensure they get sufficient rest. Depending on your destination and the needs of the seniors you travel with, about two to three activities in a day would suffice. 

3. Packing essentials

Essentials such as prescribed medication, first aid kit, water bottle, light snacks as well as important documents should be packed inside a carry-on bag. If your senior travel companions have existing medication conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, ensure that you also pack a blood pressure monitor and blood glucose meter. Ensure that seniors have easy access to this bag of essentials.

Do bring a prescription letter from the doctor in the event that you need to get medication on the go – it will be better to bring your senior loved ones to the doctor and seek advice on how much medication to bring as you may not always be able to find them at a pharmacy abroad.  

4. Travel light

The suitcase that your senior travel companions carry should be fitted with wheels and sufficiently light so that it is easier to transport around. Apart from the essentials, bring just enough clothing and toiletries to last seniors for the entire trip. Heavy suitcases will only be a strain on the joints and back of seniors. If your senior travel companions have mobility issues or joint problems, consider sharing a suitcases with your senior travel companions so that there will be less baggage to handle. 

5. Choose non-stop flights where possible

Flying non-stop may mean higher air fares but it also means shorter journey times, not to mention that they are hassle-free. Connections do not only prolong journey times, but can also taxing for seniors, particularly those with mobility issues. Running from one gate to another to catch a connecting flight is probably the last thing you and your senior travel companion would like to. If flight connections are inevitable, pick one with a minimum layover of 2 hours so that seniors will have enough time to get around. 

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