What a Pleasure to Attend the Tecnogas SUPERIORE Event

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Tecnogas SUPERIORE Shows Off Its Gorgeous Styling

Almo Premium Appliances will distribute the gorgeous line of ranges, ovens and range hoods to the U.S. market. The attention to details especially in the hardware knobs and handles were breathtaking. Antonio tells us the hardware is inspired by the industrial heritage of iconic Italian automobile design.

Almo Premium Appliances tells you how to bring Tecnogas SUPERIORE into your home:

“Serious cooking with an Italian flair is the promise of Tecnogas SUPERIORE, bringing their premium collection of ranges and hoods to the U.S. for the first time. The 63 year-old company from the historic village of Gualtieri in Northern Italy has designed a product portfolio exclusively for the North American market, offering hoods and flagship ranges with giant gas ovens featuring a panorama window, versatile cooktops, and intriguing finishes with iconic Italian style.

Effective this week, Almo Premium Appliances will become the exclusive distributor of Tecnogas SUPERIORE NEXT and DECO product lines for 41 of the United States including the entire East Coast, West Coast and the Central part of the country.

“Our dealers and consumer client base are looking for appliances that offer cooking power and enhanced styling for the well-designed kitchen. The high quality, performance and value, and frankly really beautiful design options of Tecnogas SUPERIORE, made the decision compelling for Almo to add to the Premium Appliance portfolio of products,” said Steve Terry, Senior Vice President of Almo Corporation.”

The following products will be available through Almo from the Tecnogas SUPERIORE NEXT and DECO collections:

• NEXT 30”, 36”, and 48” ranges with gas burners (available with Panorama or Classic window)
• NEXT 48” range with 4 induction zones (available with Panorama or Classic window)
• NEXT 48” hood with hidden electronic controls or unique retro style controls with black glass accents
• DECO 36” and 48” range with gas burners (available in brown, red, black or cream)
• DECO 36” and 48” hoods with hidden electronic controls or unique retro style controls (available in brown, red, black or cream)
• PRO Stainless 30”, 36” and 48” hoods

Thank you to Tecnogas SUPERIORE and Almo Premium Appliances for letting me join in this special launch for theTecnogas SUPERIORE line to the United States. This is an exciting time for the Italian company and even more exciting for those that experience theTecnogas SUPERIORE appliances in person.

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Note: I was compensated by WellnessMats to try their mat in my home. All views and opinions are strictly my own.

I don’t know about you, but the holidays always means cooking, cooking and more cooking. While the idea of cooking is wonderful, the idea of standing on my tile floor in my kitchen for hours kills my back. After about 1 hour in I have to go put on sneakers to stand in my own kitchen. I had bought a relief or fatigue mat to stand on, you know those type they stand on in Walmart behind the cash register? Well it was really ugly and my cat started laying on it more than me!

I was thrilled when WellnessMats introduced me to their new line of mats that are thick, springy and get this… beautiful.

Bring Comfort to Your Holiday Kitchen with WellnessMats

Watch this WellnessMats video to see how their mats are different than the rest.

You can click here to watch the video.

Here’s a few reasons why you will love these mats:

Why are WellnessMats the #1 preferred anti-fatigue mat on the market?

• You stand on it, we’ll stand behind it…backed by our comprehensive 7-year performance warranty.
• Our anti-fatigue mats are 100% Made in the USA.
• Guaranteed to always lie flat, WellnessMats no-trip, ADA-compliant, beveled edges will never curl, preventing hazardous falls.
• Accepted and backed by the American Podiatric Medical Association as well as the American Chiropractic Association
• Non-slip top and bottom surfaces certified by the National Floor Safety Institute

Why I love the WellnessMats:

I’ve been standing on the Coconut colored WellnessMat from the Antique Collection for the last month in my kitchen and it’s like standing on a sponge. It’s airy but firm, and it doesn’t lose its firmness underfoot like some mats I’ve used in the past. My holiday cooking this season will be welcomed. If you ever have back or leg fatigue in any of your rooms with hard resilient flooring materials I encourage you to try one.

“Comprised of two Collections, Essentials & Coastal, the Estates Collection marries the proven performance one expects from WellnessMats with the colors and sensibility of a well-appointed country home or secluded shoreline retreat. The result is a palette inspired by place and informed by the elements, processes and timeless grandeur of nature. Coastal celebrates the seascape in its perfection – the spray of sea, the sand and the wind. Essentials reveals in the rich, robust textures of the earth – precious stones & nuanced metallics. Estates embodies the patinas of time and celebrates, geologic perfection and elegance. WellnessMats is unveiling 27 new color ways in total, available in four embossed designs and two sizes. With the addition of the Estates Collection, WellnessMats now offers over 200 new color and pattern options to suit every taste. Transforming a once perceived ‘floor mat’ into a paradise for fatigued feet, joints, and limbs, the home is now transformed into a retreat.” – WellnessMats

They can also be used in these other rooms of your home:

• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Entryway
• Foyer
• Outdoors
• Garden Area
• Basement
• Office/Standing Desks
• Garage

WellnessMats Color Options:

They come in a variety of colors and styles to match every decor. Take a look at their Pinterest board: Colorways of the Week to see how their fabulous colors match your furniture, flooring, home decor and more. Whether it’s the holidays or any time of year, try WellnessMats to give a break to your body and to add decorative flair to your home.

For more home decor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Traveling may have become cumbersome to you if you’re only anticipating long lines and layovers. Instead of worrying about the time spent on waiting to reach your destination – how about making the experience more pleasurable?  You do have the option to be productive when traveling.

When you travel for a business or pleasure, you have to take every minute of your time as productive as possible. This should take you away from boredom or any dull moment. Spending your time wisely while traveling is a great practice. Here are some helpful ideas on how to be productive while traveling:

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• Search for the best seat available

Finding the best seat means finding comfort. Needless to say, you can’t be productive with anything or at anywhere without being in a comfortable situation. And what better way to gain comfort is by having a nice seat. Nowadays, you can easily reserve a great seat through online booking.

• Purchase the things you need ahead

Whether you’re flying, sailing or by any means of transport, anything you buy inside the craft or vessel is always higher than its retail price. This is understandable. Besides, you don’t have any other choice than the in-store offer. The good thing is that you have the option to buy everything ahead. Make sure you have packed everything you need for traveling.

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• Consider lounges

This may sound expensive but think about the perks. When you’re in a lounge, you have free food, internet connection, comfortable couch and ample working space. It’s definitely the ideal place for people who wanted to relax and be productive. You can be sure that it’s not crowded and noisy.

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These are just some of the helpful ideas on how to be productive while traveling. Consider them seriously for your next travel and be productive.

For more travel ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

What is worse than traveling around from country to country and having to lug all of your bags around behind you? Not only the things you originally packed but also the trinkets and souvenirs you pick up along the way can turn into a lot of luggage quickly. Most people aren’t aware of this, but international shipping can really benefit your travel experience.

Image via: Buzzfeed

No lugging your luggage

You won’t be bothered by broken wheeling suitcases and backpacks weighing you down. Just box it up and ship it to your location. Apple LTD recommends using powerful tapes like stretchable or duct tape when packaging up your shipment so they aren’t tampered with or shift while moving. If you are traveling, ship it home so it’ll be there when you arrive.

Don’t worry about customs.

Without the extra baggage customs will be a breeze. Just handle your paper work and walk on through. The same goes for all of the security check points in airports. With only a small carryon, security won’t hold you up at all.

Image via: Stunning Places

No lost luggage by airlines.

Besides flying, what is everyone’s biggest fear when traveling? Losing their luggage. This happens frequently when checking bags and switching airlines during travel. By shipping, this fear is gone. Shipments move from point A to point B and in most cases are track-able so you know exactly when and where your things are at all times.

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No baggage claim.

The dreaded baggage claim; waiting for the men and women behind the scenes to load the conveyor belts made to spit out the luggage from your flight that landed hours ago. All of this wasted time can be avoided and you can get out and explore your destination as soon as you land.

Of course international shipping might not always be the best option when traveling depending on duration of trip, how far you are going and how much stuff you are bringing, but it can save a lot of time and effort when it is.

For more travel tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Summer is the time when we start daydreaming at work about hitting the hottest beach spots or traveling to the national parks for a thrilling vacation. However, as we wake up, we realize that we need to start saving up for that summer vacation to happen. Even though it is a great way to spend quality time with our loved ones, the reality is, summer vacation can lead to a financial drain, if unplanned. So, we point you these easy cost cutting methods to get the most out of your next trip.

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Be flexible when planning summer vacation

Being flexible with your travel plans is the best way to save money during summer trips. Due to the cutthroat competition, many travel companies offer discounted last minute deals. You never know who is going to come up with the next awesome deal, so keep your alerts activated. Moreover, being spontaneous about your travel dates and destinations can be really exciting.

Package deals are always available

Going for package deals is a smart way to beat skyrocketing airfares. Online travel portals can help you find discounted deals if you book your hotel and flight together. That’s because they lock airfares well in advance, so they can easily offer lower prices.

Do your research on exchange rates

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Bagging a good deal on airfares and accommodation is just half the battle, you will also spend on food, shopping, and, entertainment while travelling. If you end up getting higher exchange rates, your summer vacation can turn up to be a serious investment. So, when planning your trip do take the currency difference into consideration. Always try to exchange cash at your bank as they offer wholesale rates and avoid using airport exchange counters or withdrawing cash with your credit cards.

Pack light

If you are unable to bag a good deal or being flexible is not an option, at least you can avoid the hefty baggage fees. When booking for air tickets, choose your airlines wisely. There are few airlines like Southwest that offers two free checked bags, whereas, some offer one or none. The prices for checked bags vary from $25 to $100. So, pack light or consider shipping your luggage if you must carry overweight or oversized bags.

Image via: Domestic Reflections

While planning ahead of time is always a great way to save money especially when travelling during the summer season, these tips will help you take a relaxing vacation without overburdening your wallet.

For more traveling ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Bangladesh, the most understated part of South-East Asia, has all the beauty that nature can bestow upon a country. So inspired was Bernier with Bangladesh’s beauty that he said, “it has a hundred gates open for entrance but not one for departure.” Although blessed with such diverse natural beauty, much of its beauty is still unexplored and only a few people are aware of its allure. With one of the largest river system in the world and an extensive marine ecosystem, Bangladesh’s picturesque beauty is worth acknowledging.

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Revealing Landscapes of Bangladesh

Bangladesh has one of the largest water systems of the world, tributaries of which fall in to the Bay of Bengal making it the largest Bay around the globe. Many major rivers flow into this bay and two very important seaports reside on it, Chittagong and Chennai. The Bay of Bengal also houses some very beautiful and picturesque islands of Bangladesh such as St. Martin’s island and Cox’s bazaar.
World’s largest mangrove woodlands “Sundarbans” is also a part of Bangladesh. National park of Sundarban is the reserve for tiger, for which Bangladesh is popular worldwide.

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Flora and Fauna of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s biodiversity is immense, ranking among the most bio-diverse countries of the world. The flora and fauna of Bangladesh is so rich and extensive, full of unique biological creatures. The Sundarbans offer a wide range of flora to the country with its wide spread distribution of mangroves and multiple other plant species.
The Sundarban also provides an extensive habitat to a diverse group of animals and different varieties of birds. Tigers of Bangladesh are famous all over the world; marine fauna is just as extensive including fishes, shrimps, and crabs. The Bay of Bengal is full of coral reefs, estuaries, fish, and mangroves. Dolphins are also common in River Ganges.

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With such extensive biodiversity and world’s largest river systems in the world, Bangladesh deserves much more importance and exploitation then at present. The vast water system makes it an agricultural country and allows production of some major crops thus aiding in Bangladesh’s economy. The beautiful bay of Bengal along with its islands and huge forests make its landscape very attractive and worth seeing.

For more travel ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Planning a vacation to Asia in the near future? Nepal is a beautiful, hilly country located in South-East Asia, locked between India and China.  This is a country that is literally located in the Himalayas. Nepal has been a country with a monarch and only recently turned a Republic in 2008. There are two basic routes to get to Nepal. You can go directly by flight to Kathmandu’s Tribuvan International Airport. The second option is to land in India and proceed by bus or train to Nepal. I would really recommend this route because it means you can spend a few days in wonderful India as well!

Kathmandu and Pokhara

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Kathmandu is the largest city and capital of Nepal. Religion makes a great part of what the country is and in Kathmandu, you will find many religious locations. Swayambhu and Boudha Stupa are two Buddhist stupas that are a must see where one can enjoy the Buddhist mythology, history and culture. Explore the monarchy of Nepal, through Narayanhiti Palace Museum, a palace turned museum. Pashupatinath is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. At the end of the day if you are looking for a place to relax, drop by the Garden of Dreams. Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mini-city in itself.

Image via: Wikki Media

Pokhara is an interior city of Nepal. There many activities to immerse yourself in, from trekking, biking, rafting, etc. and many places to see such as Shanti Stupa and Devi’s Fall. Yet the most famous is the serenity offered by Phewa Lake.

Parks and Lumbini

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Nepal has managed to maintain much of its forest cover. Chitwan National Park or Sagarmatha National Park is great place to check out, if want to explore mother-nature in Nepal. You can take an elephant ride around the park. Chitwan National Park is home to the famous Bengal tiger, Sloth Bear, Asian Rhinoceros, Gharial and more. The national parks have much to offer that will help you experience nature.

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Many may associate 1^st Century BCE India to causing the spread of Buddhism, but Nepal is the birthplace of Buddha. He was born in Lumbini and throughout history, it has been showered by royalty resulting it in being rich with Buddhist structures. Emperor Ashoka visited the place and a famous Ashokan pillar stands there till today. Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Temple and the Lumbini Buddha Vihar are two temples that you will want to visit.

Everest Base Camp and Namje

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There is no point coming to Nepal, the Himalayan country, if you don’t feast your eyes on the tallest point in the world – Mount Everest! This is a trek that will take you across a large part of Nepal, crossing many beautiful villages such as Namche Bazaar. From the Everest Base Camp you will enjoy a breath taking view and realize the sheer height of Mount Everest.

Namje is a little hamlet that has been featured in CNN’s ’12 Best places you’ve never heard of’. This village is accessible only by trekking and is near the fifth tallest peak in the world, Mount Makalu. This is a village that is famously known to give spiritual enrichment to visitors.

As small as Nepal is, the country has a lot to offer. There are many cities, trekking paths and religious structures to explore. The best time to visit is between September and November, and March and May. This is when you will find a pleasant climate and avoid the mid-year monsoons.

If you feel like life has taken a toll on you, Nepal is your spiritual refreshment. Take a gulp!

For more travel ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Are you planning a romantic getaway to Hawaii with your spouse? Hawaii has six breath taking islands where you can have the best time of your life. People are very welcoming and friendly; you can enjoy scrumptious seafood, candy drinks and a stupendous view of nature and beauty. Summers are the best time to go Hawaii because then you can get the best out of the islands and beaches.

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Kauai beaches allow you to explore the best out of vacation. Swim, take a sunbath or enjoy the walk on Hanalei bay and Poipu beach of Hawaii. You can make new friends, enjoy night parties and do much more with your partner!

Delve into the delightful Hawaiin taste

Enjoy the cuisines of Hawaii from the best breakfast buffet to delicious lunches, snacks and dinner. They have it all. The beverages will give you a best insight to summer, re-energizing you to enjoy the rest of your trip.

Haleakala

Wake up early during your trip. Bedding might appear very inviting but you can rest at your own home. Wake up early and enjoy the sunrise at Haleakala, Maui

PuuPehe, Lanai

If you want to experience hiking, you can do that on Lanai landmark. It is a home to a heart breaking myth. Enjoy the best time with your loved one. Many other couples will likely accompany you. You can be with them or do the hiking alone for better and memorable experience.

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Papohaku Beach, Molokai

It is one of the largest beaches of Hawaii and has many attractions for the tourists. You can spend your whole day on this beach and still the time would be worth remembering even if you are not travelling to other places that day.

Sunset Cruises, Hawaii’s Big Island

You can end your day at sunset cruises by experiencing the delightful sunset along with many other people. There is no better way to end your day or trip than the experience of this sunset.

There are so many other attractions at Hawaii as well. You can explore different places and get the best out of your trip. You can also find some interesting adornments and gift items. Most of which are handmade but I would recommend not wasting your time on shopping and exploring as much as you can!

For more travel ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Over the years, various travel lists have been complied to document the most wonderful and awe-inspiring constructions around the globe. While, someone who is hungry for travel and experience would want to witness and explore all the wonders of the world-natural, ancient, manmade, we have created a list of three wonders of the modern world that are a must have on every traveler’s bucket list.

Christ Redeemer: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Located at the top of Corcovada Mountain, this statue of Jesus stands approximately 38 meters in height and is considered to be one of the tallest sculptures of the world. It was created by a French sculptor Paul Landowski and designed by a Brazilian designer Heitor da Silva Costa. Today it is one of the most widely recognized monuments that symbolize the warmth of the Brazilian people and Christ’s love for all.

To see the Redeemer up close, you can travel by car or a 20-minute train ride. If it may interest you to get to the foot of the statue, you will have to climb more than 200 steps at the rails’ end.

The Great Wall of China

Image via: Keith Roper

Snaking its way through various landscapes, The Great wall of China is disputed as the only man-made structure visible from space. Myth or not, it is certainly a modern marvel and rightfully sits amid the other wonders of the world. This enduring symbol of the Chinese civilization was built as a defensive structure to protect the country against invaders from the north. It is believed to be made of several separate structures and offers a breathtaking view of the countryside.

Taj Mahal, India

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An enduring Indian icon, Taj Mahal is an elegant monument built by a Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan to honor the memory of his beloved wife. This mausoleum has exquisite carvings and is regarded as a perfect jewel of Muslim art. Every detail of the Taj is absorbing- walled gardens, elaborate designs on semi-precious stones, and, the reflecting pool. It is believed that 20,000 artisans and laborers who created this beautiful memorial had their hands amputated to ensure the uniqueness of the Taj Mahal.

A visit to any of these incredible sights is truly a lifetime experience! Chosen democratically by more than 100 million voters, these wonders of the modern world are certainly unparalleled man-made structures.

For more travel ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

If you are planning a vacation, then Bali just has to be one of the places you should be considering! Bali is also known as Island of the Gods! It is a small island which is part of Indonesiaand a former colony of the Dutch Since its independence in 1949, Bali has experienced turbulence in political conflict and many challenges, and it was only until the 1980s that some form of political balance grew on the island.

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Ngurah Rai International Airport is your best option to enter the island by air, while you can always head on by boat from Java. Bali is a tropical island, so expect it to be really hot. Between December to March is the wettest season and you should really avoid this season. June to September is the coolest time on the island and is the best time to visit.

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Kuta is a good place to enjoy your first day. This is the most developed part of the island. The beach front is the best place to relax after a traveling to Bali. The beach is also known as a surfing paradise and if you have are a first timer, no worries; there are plenty of classes to learn surfing. There are also many, many spas in Kuta to enjoy a relaxing massage. Try Villa de Daun, Reborn and Cozy – these are some of the popular ones.

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If you are searching for the cultural center of the Island, then head to Ubud. You will find many Hindu structures around town. Gunung Kawi is temple where you will find a burial ground of a former King and beautiful rock cut architectures. You can spend a whole day Ubud’s Sacred Monkey forest where you will find a variety of Macaque monkeys and plenty of ancient temple structures hidden in the forest. If you have time and a whim for cooking, drop by Janet de Neefe, a restaurant that offers introductory classes for the island’s cuisine – this is one of my favourites. On the outskirts of the town, a walk through the paddy fields will prove relaxing. If you are searching for something adventurous, there is a variety of rafting, kayaking and mountain cycling that can be done.

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And finally, there is no better way to escape the world than by making a trip to Lembongan Island. You will find this paradise on the south-east coast of Bali. This island is completely devoid of any hawkers, traffic or crowd. You will discover the white sandy beaches and be tempted to go snorkeling all day long! If you are taking a stroll on the south-east part of the island, prepare to be pleasantly surprised when you discover seaweed farms. There are a few temple structures that you can check out.

Legian is another beach town where you can practice your surfing skills. If you are tired of the slow life of the island, you can hit one of the many nightclubs in town.

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Bali culture is derived from Hinduism, but it is very distinct from what you may see in India. This distinctiveness has bought out a unique mythology you will discover in the ancient structures. Often, you will find offerings of leaf trays called canang sari filled with goodies and incenses. It is best not to stamp on them since it is believed that it brings bad luck. The island has its own music and dance, so watch out for Barong (lion dance) or Kecak (monkey dance). If you arrive during March or April you may catch, Nyepi, or the Hindu New Year which is great festival to enjoy.

If you are a seafood lover, you will love Bali! You must try out the nasi goreng (fried rice), nasi campur (steamed rice with various vegetables and meats), and mie goreng (fried noodles).

While you may be able to travel through Bali in a single day, the tiny island has enough to keep you occupied even if you stayed on for months! Amed, Kintaman and Mount Agung are places that you can also check out if you’re staying for long.

If you are looking for a world away from the world, Bali is the place for you.  Fall in love with it like I did!

For more travel ideas on Stagetecture, click here.