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7 Tips on How to Stop Drinking So Much!

Tip 1

Check your pockets.

How many money coins are in there? Open your wallet- how many notes do you have? Hmm. Look about the place, any coins fallen down behind the couch? What about in the bottom of your bag? How much money do you need to drink this afternoon… better go the bank.

Hang on.

STOP.

Better to ask, “How much money can I afford to drink away today?” I know this won’t stop you trotting off to the bank but it might just make you conscious of your behaviour. (Too many times I have found my legs walking off to the bank and into the bottle shop without so much as a second thought–mainly because there wasn’t a first one!). Just stop for a minute and consider your cash flow–it’s only a tip.

Tip 2

The Car

Where is it? Is it locked? Where are your keys? If you intend to drink today hide your keys from yourself. I don’t care who you think you are sober, when you are drunk you think you are invincible… and possibly God’s gift to everyone.

Do us all a favour and don’t get in the car.

You may think I have just given my consent to go ahead and drink yourself away today. Possibly, but before you do, ask yourself, “Do I have to go anywhere today? To the shops? Do I have something for dinner? Have I got enough nappies for the baby?” If you have something you need to do, do it now, BEFORE you start drinking. Go on. Get it out of the way. Then you can have a drink.

Just stop for a minute and think– driving after drink? It’s just stupid; you are cleverer than that. Plan ahead and make it unnecessary.

Tip 3

Don’t buy chilled anything. It always tastes better.

Tip 4

Chill the water.

Tip 5

Have Something to Do

As basic as it sounds, actually having something to do with your hands stops you drinking quite so quickly (and not drinking as quickly helps you drink less). It can be anything really.

  • Sort through photographs (we tend to be a sentimental lot)
  • write (a letter?)
  • draw ( abstract patterns will do)
  • sew ( ok… I get it)
  • do a puzzle (jigsaws can be surprisingly gratifying)
  • try a crossword (easy, as difficult ones will leave too much idle time)
  • cook, clean, tidy (we are excellent at this)
  • surf the net (watch where you click)
  • garden
  • reupholster a chair!
  • Whatever

Reading is not helpful as the words become blurred too quickly and you’ll give it away and drink more. (And TV is simply dangerous in its ‘mind-numbing-ness ‘)

NB: Talking on the phone?

Well, you’ll soon give yourself away. Could call a tolerant friend. But, pretty much unless you are calling for help, better to occupy those hands and keep out of trouble.

Tip 6

Eat (and be merry if you must)

Eat food. Good food. Not soup. Not ice-cream. Not snacks. Not even chocolate.

Put cheese on a biscuit. Heat the pizza. Dip your chips. Eat lots of bread. Add vegemite. Cook a sausage? Put it on bread. Add sauce. Dare to add lettuce and a tomato.

You may not like yourself much but you need to eat.

Eating slows you down, helps ‘soak up’ alcohol, ( not to be confused with making your sober up- it simply stops you feeling so drunk really).

Try this: Cook, then Eat. It’s Simple and Useful. (By all means drink copious amounts of water but it doesn’t count as food).

Tip 7

Want to Drink Less.

This could be the real clincher for you.

If you WANT to drink less, then surely you will- that is if you’re not flat out disliking yourself, punishing yourself or hatching elaborate plans of self-sabotage…

If you want to drink less because you like yourself better sober then that’s a good reason.

If you want to drink less because you get more done as a sober person then that’s a good reason, too.

If you want to drink less because you are safer sober than that’s a fair reason too.

But if you want to drink less because you’re sick of drinking so much then that’s reason enough.

Try it now.

Tip it down the sink.

Stop.

Even for a minute.

Cheers.

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A Romantic and Adventurous Getaway in Vietnam

When planning that perfect romantic getaway with your significant other, fall in love all over again amid the dramatic backdrop of majestic Vietnam.

After you have finally said your “I do’s,” celebrate your new life together by jetting to a foreign land that offers a romantic setting for some rest and relaxation. While honeymoons are typically spent lazing on the beach, for highly active and adventurous couples Vietnam offers you the ultimate romantic getaway.

Enjoying Halong Bay cruises is one of the most popular ways to explore this region of Vietnam, especially for couples who want to enjoy that heady combination of romance and excitement. Just to give you a sneak peek of what the majestic setting has to offer, here are a few reasons why you should book one of the popular Halong Bay cruises.

Travelling Around Vietnam

For those seeking adventure and excitement, clearly, staying in a secluded resort for a week or two is not the best way to enjoy this exotic country. Take advantage of your time together by spending it exploring some of the most spectacular attractions of Vietnam – the country has many interesting facets waiting to be discovered.

Halong Bay cruises will regale you with the spectacular views of the fascinating combination of rural villages, bustling cities and truly stunning bays. On land, the area is perfect for romantic walks and looking for those postcard-perfect photo opportunities. Key attractions [including the famous Halong Bay] are well within driving distance from Hanoi, and from Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta is also within easy reach.

Celebrate With Romance and Relaxation

Of course, honeymoons would not be complete without some romance to set the tone of your married life. Vietnam boasts some of the world’s most amazing locations – perfect for couples.

The ideal occasion for a bit of romance, Halong Bay cruises afford you an awe-inspiring backdrop of limestone cliffs topped with lush forests. Enjoying the sight up close and personal truly offers a memorable experience. You can also travel towards the south of the country to Dalat City, which is dubbed as the Valley of Love – an it lives up to its name by showcasing stunning natural landscapes. This plateau spans 242 hectares, boasting a vast array of meadows, pine forests and the famous Da Thien Lake, at the bottom part of the hill. Enjoy a stroll through the woods or wander along Mimosa Stream.

Soak In the Fascinating Culture of the Land

Vietnam is well known for its rich cultural heritage. You can start your adventure in Hanoi, a popular treasure trove of cultural and historical sites that are truly breathtaking. Among the places of interest are President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Kinh Thien Palace. Make sure to pay the Old Quarter a visit, as it is home to 600 temples and pagodas, most of which are from the 11th century.

Vietnam is truly a romantic place, giving you that heady combination of culture, adventure, and a chance to commune with nature.

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World’s Best Hotel and Luxury Hotels

For those of you that enjoy unmatched comfort and elegance when you’re on vacation there is no better place to stay than a luxury hotel. But how can you make sure that the establishment that you choose is the best for you? One person’s idea of a luxury hotel may not be that of someone else. Personal tastes play a key role in the decision making process. Create a list of things that you expect to receive at the hotel that you choose. Here are a few ideas to help you along the way.

What is the staff to guest ratio? Some of the worlds best hotels have ratios of 1:1. While this is rare it is not unattainable. Some luxury hotels have staff that are trained to recognize your needs , sometimes even before you do. They will cater to your every whim. Whether you are poolside and have forgotten your favorite book in your suite, or having your favorite mixed drink ready before you even ask for it. Luxury hotels with a high staff to guest ratio may not be able to offer this type of personalized service.

How do you want to sleep? While you’re enjoying your vacation you do not want to put up with an uncomfortable night of sleep. Look for hotels that offer different firmness choices in the mattresses that are available. Some of the worlds best hotels not only offer different mattress styles and firmness charts available, but they also have the mattress available for sale. Not the actual bed that you have just slept on. But you can arrange to purchase the mattress and have it delivered too your home.

I’m hungry. Is room service restricted to specific hours of the day? Look for a luxury hotel that offers a flexible room service schedule, preferably 24 hours a day. If you enjoy a late night on the town, you don’t want to come back to your suite only to find that peanut butter crackers and potato chips from the vending machines are your only dinner selections.

Is the spa really a spa? Look very closely when a hotel says that they have a spa. Too many times guests have been disappointed upon arrival to find that the spa consists of a whirlpool, a sauna, and a steam room. Some of the world’s best hotels offer luxurious spas with treatment rooms available where you can enjoy facials, body wraps, massages, and hot stone therapy.

Entertain me. Sometimes people just want to get away from all of the stress of daily life. Once you are settled into your suite, now what? Look at the activities available. Most luxury hotels have on site activities available such as riding, tennis courts, and a fitness center. Do you enjoy shopping? Are there shops close by? Are there any tourist attractions nearby? These are all questions to ask yourself ensuring that your stay is more enjoyable.

How much is this going to cost me? Didi you know that you can stay at some of the world’s best hotel on a budget? Normally the per night rate for this type of hotel stay can be a little high end, often requiring a specific minimum number of nights. Call in advance ask about any specials they may be running. Also look at the hotels website, often they will have offers that can only be purchased online.