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Do you ever just sit around pondering life? Whether you’re feeling sentimental or just want a lighter way of looking at things, sometimes it can help think about life quotes from others over the years. Quotes about life can make you laugh, make you cry, or just help you think about things from a different perspective.

Here are some of my own favorite quotes about life. These are in no particular order. I hope you’ll share your own favorite life quotes.

Some of the Best Life Quotes

“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.”

- Robert Byrne

“Life is the sum of all your choices.”

- Albert Camus

“Every man dies. Not every man really lives.”

- William Wallace

“Life isn’t worth living unless you’re willing to take some big chances and go for broke.”

- Eliot Wigginton

“Unbeing dead isn’t being alive.”

- e.e. cummings

“People living deeply have no fear of death.”

- Anais Nin

“It is not length of life but depth of life.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Maybe all one can do is hope to end up with the right regrets.”

- Arthur Miller

“Life is what we make of it. Always has been, always will be.”

- Grandma Moses

“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Don’t dwell in the past, don’t dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”

- Buddha

“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

- Forrest Gump

“Life is a ticket to the greatest show on earth.”

- Martin H. Fischer

“A great part of life consists of contemplating what we cannot cure.”

- Robert Louis Stevenson

“I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.”

- E.B. White

“Life is so largely controlled by chance that its conduct can be but a perpetual improvisation.”

- W. Somerset Maugham

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on.”

- Robert Frost

“Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you can only spend it once.”

- Lillian Dickson

“Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans.”

- John Lennon

“Life is the game that must be played.”

- Edwin Arlington Robinson

“The art of life is the art of avoiding pain.”

- Thomas Jefferson

“Life is a great big canvas and you should throw all the paint on it that you can.”

- Danny Kaye

“The miracle is not to fly in the air or to walk on water, but to walk on the earth.”

- Chinese proverb

“In the book of life, the answers aren’t in the back.”

- Charles Schulz / Charlie Brown

“Here is the test to find out whether your mission on earth is finished. If you’re alive, it isn’t.”

- Richard Bach

“People find it hard to be both comic and serious, though life manages it easily enough.”

- Mignon McLaughlin

“The art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.”

- Henry Ellis

“Any idiot can face a crisis. It’s day to day living that wears you out.”

- Anton Chekhov

“He who has nothing to die for has nothing to live for.”

- Moroccan proverb

“Not life, but good life, is to be chiefly valued.”

- Socrates

“In spite of the art of living, it’s still popular.”

- Kathy Norris

“Life resembles a novel more often than novels resemble life.”

- George Sand

“Life is something to do when you can’t get to sleep.”

- Fran Lebowitz

“A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.”

- Charles Darwin

“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.”

- Henry David Thoreau

“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”

- Friedrich Nietzsche

“Don’t think of retiring from the world until the world will be sorry that you retire.”

- Samuel Johnson

“I think I’ve discovered the secret of life. You just hang around until you get used to it.”

- Charles Schulz

“You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.”

- Albert Camus

“Life is a compromise of what your ego wants to do, what experience tells you to do, and what your nerves let you do.”

- Bruce Crampton

“Life is a long process of getting tired.”

- Samuel Butler

“Life is a long lesson in humility.”

- James M. Barrie

“To succeed in life you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone.”

- Reba McEntire

“Not a shred of evidence exists in favor of the idea that life is serious.”

- Brendan Gill

“Life is wasted on the living.”

- Douglas Adams

“Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.”

- William James

“There is only one success — to be able to spend your life in your own way.”

- Christopher Morley

“The aim of life is to live. And to live means to be aware — joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware.”

- Henry Miller

“It is while you are patiently toiling at the little tasks of life that the meaning and shape of the great whole of life dawn on you.”

- Phillips Brooks

“The shoe that fits one person pinches another. There is no recipe for living that suits all cases.”

- Carl Jung

I saved my own favorite for last. I think it’s a great thing to remind ourselves from time to time — that not everyone has to live life the way we do or the way we want them to for their lives to be happy and successful.

Do you have a favorite quote about life that isn’t included here? Leave a comment to share your favorites (or even share a quote of your own). And don’t forget to tell us why you love it!

Every child has a few books that they never tire of. Maybe it’s the pictures, the rhythm, the rhyme, or just the time spent on a parent’s lap. Whatever the reason, we love the classics. Here are the best children’s books to share with your little ones.

Green Eggs and Ham

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss (Theodore Geisel) was a book written on a dare. A friend dared Seuss that he could not write a book using only 50 words. Not only did he write a book, he wrote the fourth-best selling English-language children’s book of all time (according to Publishers Weekly as of 2001). The book published in 1960 is full of beautiful word imagery and rhyme.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Eric Carle’s character appeared on Sesame Street in the early 1990s. The book was first published in 1969, the second book that Carle had written and illustrated. Over 71 million copies have been sold so far. This delightful tale was one of the first books my son received as a gift. As a baby he chewed on the binding, but the well-worn book is still one of his favorite stories.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, Very Bad Day

You know it’s going to be a rough day when you wake up with gum in your hair. It didn’t get any better for Alexander in Judith Viorst’s book. You’ll have to read it to find out all the reason’s Alexander wants to move to Australia.

Pat the Bunny

The touch and feel book is intended for small children and babies. It has been a best seller since publication in 1940. Dorothy Kunhardt wrote the book for her three-year-old daughter and added several interactive elements (which was rare at the time). For generations children have loved to pat the bunny, feel sandpaper, and look in a mirror.

Love You Forever

Has a child’s book ever made you teary eyed? This one might. Robert Munsch tells the tale of a mother and her baby as he grows. The book speaks of the circle of life, childhood, parenting, and aging parents. The message is profound yet simple. Since 1986 millions of copies have been sold.

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Crockett Johnson’s book dates back to 1955. It was his most popular book and inspired a series of books and many adaptations. The curious four-year-old, Harold creates his own world with his purple crayon. He desires a moonlit walk, but there is no moon; he draws one. There is no path; he draws one.

Blueberries for Sal

Kerplink! Kerplank! Kerplunk! Robert McCloskey’s onomatopoeia of berries dropping in a small tin pail is just one of the delights of this book. Little Sal and her mother are picking blueberries in Maine when they encounter a mother bear and her cub. You’ll love the mix up! Awarded the Caldecott Honor in 1949 this book is great for kids of all ages.

I couldn’t list all of the best children’s books here. A few of my childhood favorites include Arnold Lobel’s Small Pig, Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss, and Laura Joffe Numeroff’s If you Give a Mouse a Cookie. Be sure to share your favorites in the comments below.

As the capital city of England, London attracts visitors from all around the world, with estimates ranging from 26 to 30 million each year. This huge amount of people all want to see the sights that go a long way to making London what it is today; a thriving metropolis with a rich and diverse history that millions find totally mesmerizing.

As one of the most popular cities in the world, there are literally hundreds of places to visit and things to do that fill your days, depending on what you want and how much you want to spend and for many, the prime sights such as Buckingham Palace and Big Ben make up their time.

There are, however, places that are not on the general tour routes, but which are well worth a visit, especially if you like something a little different, with the following places five perfect examples.

1.  Camden Market

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It may be one of the most well-known London markets, but it’s often missed off the sightseeing tours in favour of other, more well-known sights.

Camden market is one of the liveliest, colourful and culturally diverse places in London and is a mecca for people who like to try different foods. There will be food from the four corners of the world cooked on site all day and the smells from this alone make the market worth a visit.

The market is divided into sections as there is such an eclectic mix of stalls for you to see, with everything from crafts to clothes. It is easy to reach using the tube, bus or if you want during the summer you could catch the waterbus from Little Venice so that you arrive relaxed and ready for some retail therapy.

2.  Whitechapel Bell Foundry

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Behind the doors of this seemingly small and unassuming frontage in Whitechapel lays the premises of Britain’s oldest manufacturing company, which has been in continuous business since at least 1570. That means that for over 400 years the bell foundry inside has been producing bells and their associated fittings for churches and buildings all around the world.

To put that into some sort of perspective, their trading life spans the reigns of 27 English monarchs and was around at the time when Jack the Ripper was stalking the streets. It has, over those 400 years, manufactured some of the most famous bells in the world, including Liberty Bell, which was itself cast more than 250 years ago.

Perhaps the most famous – and definitely the heaviest bell at over 13 tons – that was ever made here was Big Ben for the Palace of Westminster. The original gauge that was used to make the mould for the bell can still be seen hanging on the wall of the foundry moulding shop.

3.  Prospect of Whitby

Image:  Colin Smith (Geograph)

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This pub which is widely regarded as London’s most famous is a historic building that sits on the banks of the River Thames. Dating from the first half of the 16th century, it didn’t take long for it to gain a reputation as a meeting place for the less than desirable section of the capital’s population, which led to it being known as Devil’s Tavern.

It was the favourite haunt of sailors, cuthroats, villains and smugglers alike, which ensured that it lived up to its reputation. During the 17th century, one of its regulars was Hanging Judge Jeffreys, who made it his local as he lived nearby and a noose can be seen hanging by a window commemorating the fact.

It took its present name when it was rebuilt after a fire in the 18th century from a vessel that was moored close to it.

4. Twining’s Tea Shop

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Tea, the epitome of English-ness, has been enjoyed at this tea room at 216 Strand since it first opened its doors way back in 1706. Ironically, when the site was originally purchased by Thomas Twining, the rear was the home of Tom’s Coffee House.

The interesting doorway that you see today with the Golden Lyon symbol and two Chinese figures was built in1787 by Richard Twining, the grandson of the founder and is one of the oldest in continuous use.  Twinings is also widely acknowledged as the oldest company to have traded continuously with the same family at the same site.

The tea rooms sell a wide variety of teas and infusions, as well as coffee and hot chocolate; just in case, heaven forbid you don’t like tea. There is also a small museum where you can see the tea related items that have been collected over the last 300 years.

5.  St Mary’s Bow

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Image:  John Salmon (Geograph)

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The site of this historic church off Cheapside has offered prayer and worship for over a thousand years and is also iconic for another reason – to be considered a true cockney, tradition dictates that you must be born within the sound of the Bow bells of this church. The sounds of the bells themselves are believed to have persuaded Dick Whittington to stay in London and become Lord Mayor.

One of the incarnations of the church was caught up in the Great Fire of London during 1666 and the current building was one of the first churches to be built to the designs of the legendary Christopher Wren. The work, including the 223 foot steeple, was completed in 1680 and was considered second only to St Paul’s Cathedral in terms of importance.

It doesn’t matter when you were born, everyone seems to have an affinity with a certain decade, although it is more often than not the one which occurs during adolescence that leaves the biggest imprint and the seemingly happiest memories.

It may have been the time when you discovered just what having a crush on someone felt like – or even worse, finding out that the feelings are not reciprocated.

It is normally a time when your hormones are all over the place, rash and spontaneous decisions make perfect sense and a time when you were going through the rebellious stage that was probably a nightmare for your parents.

While all of these things may have happened – some more extremely than others – they ran their course and promptly dissolved into the annals of memory.

These memories, no matter how deeply stored, can be immediately sparked by the mere sight or sound of something that they instantly recognise as a blast from the past.

With this in mind, here are just a few things that might act as a trigger for anyone who was a child or young adult of the 1980s.

Trivial Pursuit

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This was the board game that was an instant hit when it was launched and has carried on in the same vane right up until the present day. It proved to be so successful that between 1983 and 1985, the makers produced a staggering 30 million games and it has been sold in 26 countries in 17 languages.

Playing the game involves answering trivia questions from 6 categories so that you can move your little plastic counter around the board. The 6 categories in the original Genus edition were Geography, Entertainment, History, Art & Literature, Science & Nature and Sports & Leisure and the colours associated with them were brown, blue, green, orange, pink and yellow.

Knight Rider

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The television series Knight Rider very quickly amassed a massive following for 2 very different and very distinct reasons.

The first was the fact that David Hasselhoff was playing the lead role, much to the delight of the female half of the viewing figures. The second – and from every young boy’s point of view, definitely more important –  was KITT, the stunning customized Pontiac Trans AM that could talk.

The programmes began in September 1982, fighting crime and seeking justice through 4 seasons and a total of 86 episodes until April 1986. The popularity of the series lives on as today there are still websites run by fans and even people building their very own KITT.

My Little Pony

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These little things, launched in 1983, took toy shops by storm and the race was on for every parent to get their little darling the specific coloured mane and body that she wanted, no matter what the cost.

Like an equine version of Action Man in so much as you could actually get accessories for them like scooters and brushes to keep their lovely manes looking their best, as well as clothing, bedding and room decorations.

Band Aid

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Image:  ocad123 (Flickr)

The original Band Aid was the cream of British and Irish musicians who got together on November 25th 1984 to record a song that would make millions for charity.

It came about as a result of a news report by Michael Buerk that Bob Geldof of Boomtown Rats fame watched about the famine in Ethiopia.

So moved was Geldof that he knew that he had to do something to help and with the assistance of ex-Ultravox singer Midge Ure, it was game on. They hastily wrote the song – ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ and quickly pulled together the stars of the day, getting them all to put their egos to one side and stand together to support the cause.

The artists were only too pleased to give their time for free and even the studios gave them a maximum of 24 hours free of charge to record and mix the record.

The UK government, under Mrs Thatcher, originally refused to waive the VAT on the single, but soon realized how unpopular this decision was and eventually conceded, giving the tax back to the charity.

The single went on to become an instant hit and rocketed to the top of the charts, easily surpassing the hopes of those involved with it.

Cabbage Patch Dolls

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These odd looking little dolls are probably the most popular toy of the whole of the 1980s. They were, to say the least, not the prettiest dolls ever made, yet they seemed to have a curious attraction that made every little girl want one.

Such was the demand for these not-so-cuties that mothers literally had to fight to get them when they came into the shops. Parents even turned to the so called Black Market and paid many times more than the retail price, which could amount well over $200, just to make sure that their daughter wouldn’t be disappointed on Christmas morning.

Commodore 64

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This 8 bit home computer took the world by storm when it was released in August 1982 and went on to become the bestselling personal computer of all time. It had 64 kilobytes of RAM – hence the name – and sound and graphics that were a lot better than those of its competitors.

By today’s standards, they were positively archaic, but at the time they were state of the art and everybody wanted one. Their popularity was such that during the period 1983 to 1986, there was in excess of 2 million units being sold each year, with a staggering 15 million units sold over the Commodore 64′s lifetime.

Sony Walkman

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Today, you can listen to music on your cell phone as you walk, but in the 1980s things were so very different, especially when you remember that the cell was not even around – if you wanted to listen to music on the go, without lugging your old radio around with you, a Sony Walkman was what you needed.

This not-so-small by today’s standards music player was. at the time, thought of as state of the art technology. It is worth remembering that the walkman played cassettes which, with the best will in the world, provided nowhere near the quality that you get today, especially with the constant, quiet hissing sound.

It was, however, a breakthrough which proved to be more than popular and meant that more and more advanced versions were introduced until the mass popularity of the CD took over in the 1990s.

Swatch Watches

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How can anyone form the 1980s forget the brightly coloured, plastic Swatch watches that kids simply had to have? Available in every garishly loud colour that you could possibly think of – it would seem the louder the better – kids were eager to be seen as fashion setters and went as far as wearing two Swatches at the same time (or if they had the Pop Swatch, they would simply attach it to their clothing).

Having one on your jeans or t-shirt was seen as a radical fashion statement and was sometimes accentuated by the addition of one to wear in your hair as a pony tail band.

Their popularity has seen something of a resurgence lately and although popular, it hasn’t been on the same level as originally in the 1980s.

Rubik’s Cube

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This iconic puzzle had the inane ability to either make you or break you according to whether or not you could actually solve it.

Created in the mid-1970s by Ernő Rubik as an educational tool, Rubik didn’t know at the time that his creation would be one of the best-selling toys of the 1980s and go on to sell over 350 million worldwide.

DeLorean DMC-12

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The De Lorean DMC-12 is probably best remembered as the car that was used in the Back to the Future films. There were only around 9,000 of them built in Belfast between 1981 and 1982, most of which were destined for the North American market, with very few constructed for other markets.

Interestingly, it was the only model that the failed De Lorean Motor Company produced and was famous for having a distinctive stainless steel body and gull wing doors. Unfortunately, the gull wing doors weren’t exactly family-friendly and the stainless steel body panels meant that at the time they were very difficult to paint, so every single model produced looked exactly the same.

The popularity of Formula One racing has grown to a point where it is now attracting a global television audience in excess of 520 million. The race meetings are attended by thousands of people who are all keen and willing to show their support for their favorite driver or team and pay a great deal of money for the privilege.

The amazing cars that you see today on the Formula One race track can reach flat out speeds of close to 220 mph (360kmh) and they still manage to achieve these speeds, despite the fact that their finely tuned engines are limited – if you can call it limited – to 18000 rpm.

This speed goes a long way to attracting the sponsorship deals from some of the world’s biggest companies, which make the Formula One racing world go around. Running a team for a year, taking in all of the races on all of the continents visited, can cost hundreds of millions of dollars, so it is a little above most people’s bank balances.

It hasn’t always been this way, however, as in the early years of the 20th century when this type of racing began, there were no set classes and not a massive amount of in-depth rules. Although it was somewhat crude by today’s standards, the racing continued to improve and culminated in the standardization of the rules by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile – the FIA – in 1946.

The Turin Grand Prix on September 1st of that year was the very first race to be run under these new rules and regulations and was known initially as Formula A.  This maiden non-championship race was won by Italian Achille Varzi, who was driving an Alfa Romeo 158 Alfetta.

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The first real world championship race took place at the Silverstone race track on the 13th May 1950 and was won by Giuseppe Farina who again was driving an Alfa Romeo. From this point onwards, the formula went from strength to strength and along the way produced some fantastic drivers.

During the 1950s, one man won the world championship an amazing 5 times in 1951, 1954, 1955, 1956 and 1957 and he was Juan Manuel Fangio . The Argentine driver won his titles driving for four different teams – Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Mercedes Benz and Maserati – something that has never been repeated. He also set the record, as yet unbeaten, of winning 46.15% percent of the races that he started.

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As the 1960’s arrived, it proved to be a decade that was to be dominated by British drivers, who won 6 out of the 10 races. Graham Hill won in 1962 and 1968, Jim Clark won in 1963 and 1965, John Surtees won in 1964 and Jackie Stewart won in 1969.

These people took their lives in their hands when you think about the, at best, rudimentary safety equipment that was available at the time. Open faced crash helmets and goggles were the order of the day, but this didn’t seem to bother these daring heroes, who hurtled around the tracks at breakneck speed with their ‘devil may care’ attitude.

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The 1970’s brought about another 2 championships for Jackie Stewart in 1971 and 1973 and one in 1976 for another British driver, James Hunt. There were some memorable races during these years, which saw the likes of Nikki Lauda and Emerson Fittipaldi battling for supremacy, each taking 2 titles during the decade.

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As the 1980s arrived, a bright young driver by the name of Ayrton Senna burst onto the scene to join Lauda, Prost, Piquet and co and really put the cat amongst the pigeons.

Senna’s driving style enabled him to become a challenger for the title very quickly and in 1988 he won the first championship of what would prove to be a treble.  Unfortunately, he was tragically killed in a crash during the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994 and it is regularly said that this championship figure would have undoubtedly been much higher if he hadn’t suffered such an untimely death.

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By the time the 1990s came around, Formula One was absolutely huge, but nevertheless as exciting as ever, especially with the emergence of a certain German racer.

As soon as he burst onto the scene, it was obvious that Michael Schumacher was going to be the one who eventually beat Fangio’s long standing record of championship wins, something he did when he managed to win seven championships.

There were also several British drivers who proved themselves in this decade, with Nigel Mansell winning the title in 1992 and Damon Hill following in his father’s footsteps, winning in 1996.

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As the new century began, Formula One was proving to be more popular than ever, with more people wanting to see these modern day gladiators giving it there all.

There was an influx of young exciting drivers who were only too keen to muscle in and mix it with the older experienced guys, all becoming virtual superstars, bringing a clean cut image and the natural ability to be comfortable in front of the television cameras giving interviews.

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The cars that race today, in reality, bear very little resemblance to the leviathans that the early racers had to cope with, as almost everything is now assisted or managed by computer.

The speeds may have increased, but the safety measures in place nowadays have drastically reduced the chances of the driver being injured if he is involved in a crash.  Technology has played a massive part in the success of this type of racing, as it evolved as quickly as the need dictated during every decade.

For many people, there are two weeks of the year that they look forward to more than any other and that is a fortnight in the sun.  Whether at home or abroad, it’s two weeks when you can let your hair down and enjoy life to the full.

Often taking several months to save up for, no matter how many different resorts you take a look at and which new destinations seem appealing, many people regularly return time and time again to the resorts and destinations that they have visited many times previously.

No matter where you go, as long as you have a good, relaxing time, that is all that matters, but sometimes, don’t you just wish that you had the wherewithal to choose somewhere just a little bit different?

There is, for example, a hotel where, believe it or not, the nightly rate is just short of $53,000 – or $742,000 for a two week stay.

Everyone has their own needs and requirements when it comes to taking a vacation, but if you’re looking at something away from the norm, have a browse through these three fantastically different hotels.

1.  Ice Hotel, Sweden

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Image:  GrahamIX (Flickr)

Image:  GrahamIX (Flickr)

This edifice of snow and ice 140 miles north of the Arctic Circle on the banks of the Torne River, the original ice hotel has more than 80 rooms built every year. It is open from mid-December through to mid-April and there is a choice of three types of room – the snow rooms, the larger ice rooms and the art suites, which are all individually themed.

A regular double room will cost between $349 – $442 a night, obviously dependant on when you actually go. You will sleep in a sleeping bag on a bed that really is a work of art made from compacted snow and ice and topped with reindeer skin.

From the moment you step through the reindeer skin clad doors, everything you see will astound you. There is a breathtakingly beautiful ice pillared hallway with fabulous ice sculptures and a stunning ice carved chandelier. After this you could visit the Absolut Ice Bar with its vaulted ceiling, see through bar and ice block seats, which are covered in reindeer skin.

There is a lot to do while you are there, including a trip into the forest on a snowmobile or dog sled, snowmobiling, skiing or a moose and reindeer safari. There is also the chance that you may witness the stunning Northern Lights and if you fancy arriving in style, you can be transferred from the airport by husky sledge.

2. Burj al-Arab, Dubai

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The Burj al-Arab hotel was built to resemble the sail of a dhow, a traditional Arabic sailing vessel.  Its tower, when completed in 1999, made it the tallest hotel in the world at 321 metres.   This beautiful structure, which stands on an artificial island,  took six years to build, but the general consensus of opinion is that it was definitely worth the wait.

If you really fancy splashing out, you could have one of the 202 duplex suites available in a choice of sizes. They range from 169 square metres up to a staggering 780 square metres and have floor to ceiling windows that guarantee a fantastic view of the Persian Gulf.

There is, as you would expect from somewhere that offers such opulence, a variety of excellent restaurants, including Al Mahara and The Oyster, where you can dine next to a large aquarium if you so desire.

And if you fancy a cocktail or two, there is always the Skyview bar which is not surprisingly 200 metres above sea level.

The atrium in the building is 180 metres tall and is a truly magnificent sight to behold, as is everything in this virtual palace.  The comfort of the guest is paramount to the staff and this is evident from the very moment that you arrive.

3.  Guana Island, Caribbean

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Image:  eckenheimer (Flickr)

Image:  New Jersey Bird (Flickr)

Let’s face it, there are times when all that you want to do is get away from it all, leave the world behind and simply laze around doing absolutely nothing. If this sounds like perfection, then Guana Island could be just the place for you.

Part of the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, it is one of the very few islands that is still privately owned, so you know it is going to be something special.

The island itself is only 850 acres and has seven glorious beaches, mountains, a tropical forest and only allows around three dozens guests at a time.

The island features three reef areas – White Bay, Muskmelon Bay and North Bay – offering shallow, deep and rough water areas if you fancy snorkelling, sailing or just a dip in the beautiful ocean. It is reputed to have more flora and fauna than any other comparably sized island in the world, as well as various plant and animal species that are protected.

The amazing thing is, you and up to 35 of your closest friends or family can actually rent the island and have it to yourselves –  but there is a snag. Dependant upon when you actually want the island, the price ranges from $22,000 to $33, 975 for a single night, exclusive of 17% tax.

One of my favorite parts of the Christmas holiday as a child was baking cookies with the family. The smell of cookies baking was a staple for the holiday season. We always made the traditional cookies — rolled and cut out sugar cookies and chocolate chip for example. But there are countless varieties of Christmas cookie recipes out there.

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your own Christmas cookies this year, check out this photostream. It just might leave your mouth watering.

This gorgeous collection features Christmas cookies and more with a brownie, dipped shortbread, a coconut thumbprint with raspberry jam, and some truffles. -- Credit: Liz (via Flickr)

These appear to be frosted sugar cookies. Chocolate serves as a perfect frosting for reindeer cookies. -- Credit: F_A (via Flickr)

Check out these beautiful stained glass cookies, made with melted hard candies in the center. -- Credit: Gillian (via Flickr)

Here are some more great examples of frosted sugar cookies -- a popular Christmas cookie choice. -- Credit: kristin_a

Thumbprint cookies often have jam in the middle, but another option for chocolate lovers is to add a Hershey's Kiss. -- Credit: Jo Naylor

Alongside these chocolate chip cookies appear to be chocolate oatmeal cookies. -- Credit: edkohler (via Flickr)

Here are some simple round sugar cookies, decorated with sprinkles and colored sugar rather than icing. -- Credit: Aniket Thakur (via Flickr)

These sachertorte cookies are a Viennese addition to our list. -- Credit: Shes Not There (via Flickr)

I never would have thought to use gingerbread for snowflake cookies. But the coarse sugar and icing combo really make the design pop on the darker background. Lovely! -- Credit: evanrudemi (via Flickr)

These cranberry nut cookies make for an easy drop cookie recipe. -- Credit: Katrin Morenz (via Flickr)

Oatmeal raisin cookies can be popular year-round, but they make for an excellent addition to your Christmas cookie list. -- Credit: Katrin Morenz (via Flickr)

Other than the sugar cookies in the back, I'm not sure what most of these Christmas cookies are. But they sure do look delicious! -- Credit: F_A (via Flickr)

These jam-filled cookie sandwiches are lovely with a dusting of confectioner's sugar. -- Credit: Thomas Wenger (via Flickr)

If you want to get more creative with your sugar cookie dough, try these pinwheels or checkerboard designs. -- Credit: Nancy Sims (via Flickr)

What's not to love about this collection of Turkish Christmas cookies? -- Credit: Like_the_Grand_Canyon (via Flickr)

Gingerbread men can be fun cookies to make with kids. They can be eaten plain or decorated to look as whimsical as you'd like. -- Credit: a m lewis (via Flickr)

These cookies appear to be snickerdoodles -- one of my personal favorites. -- Credit: nerissa's ring (via Flickr)

In addition to some cookies we've seen before, this lovely collection also features coconut macaroons and peanut butter cookies. -- Credit: R.B. Boyer (via Flickr)

Here are some more beautiful jam-filled holiday cookies. -- Credit: Andreas Cappell

Remember the cookies we saw with a chocolate kiss on top? These are similar, but appear to be sugar cookies with a Hershey's Hug instead (maybe peppermint?). -- Credit: Jack (via Flickr)

Some of my favorite Christmas cookies are snickerdoodles and spritz cookies. What are your favorites? Share links to photos of this year’s cookies you’ve made or to your favorite recipes in the comments below.

Normally I decorate my Christmas tree in late November, keeping it up through December. This year I’m later than usual, finally decorating my tree over the next few days. Are you still waiting to decorate your own tree this year? If so, you might enjoy this photostream of others’ trees.

They’re perfect inspiration no matter what kind of Christmas tree you love. Short or tall. Full or sparse. Modern or traditional. Full of ornaments or relatively bare. And the ultimate battle of my own youth — white lights or colored ones.

Credit: Lisa Clarke (via Flickr)

Credit: Allie Towers Rice (via Flickr)

Credit: Sheryl Westleigh (via Flickr)

Credit: Jo Naylor (via Flickr)

Credit: Mike Krzeszak (via Flickr)

Credit: Laura Bittner (via Flickr)

Credit: KirrilyRobert (via Flickr)

Credit: Gary Minnaert (via Flickr)

Credit: Harry Wood (via Flickr)

Credit: Tom Hodgkinson (via Flickr)

Credit: rfduck (via Flickr)

Credit: Michael Pate (via Flickr)

Credit: rfduck (via Flickr)

Credit: Mandy Jouan (via Flickr)

Credit: Bernhard Suter (via Flickr)

Credit: Dimo Dimov (via Flickr)

Credit: Russell James Smith

Credit: apium (via Flickr)

Credit: RobinArt.com (via Flickr)

Credit: Robert Nunnally

Do you have photos of your Christmas tree (from this year or the past)? Why not share a link to one of those photos in the comments below to inspire others or just show off your holiday decorating skills?

Motorbike racing has come a long way in the last 50 or so years, from its humble beginnings it is now a multi million dollar affair that draws massive crowds. Its growth in popularity has been hard earned with a wealth of talented people blazing a trail in the deep seated belief that others will follow in their wake and take up the mantle.

They did just that and over the years there has been a plethora of brave people who have tested and pushed these machines to the limit – and sometimes beyond – paying the ultimate price for their effort.

There are far too many to name every one, but each does deserve recognition for the part that they played in making motorbike racing what it is today.

Whether it is GP racing, World or British superbikes or indeed
local club racing, everyone who takes part does so because they love it and they are invariably great at it.

The list below is not intended to be definitive in any way shape or form, it is merely to pay homage to just a few of these modern day gladiators who in no particular order or preference, took and indeed still do take their life in their hands every time they race their two wheeled speed machines in pursuit of their
dreams.

1.  Valentino Rossi

Image: T Tanabe (Flickr)

Image: Two Big Paws (Flickr)

Image:  Two Big Paws (Flickr)

Italian Valentino Rossi, nicknamed “The Doctor” and who always carries the yellow number 46 on his bikes, has won an amazing 7 world championships in the premier class of racing, Moto GP which used to be the 500cc class. He did this riding for 2 different manufacturers, Honda from 2000  - 2003 and then Yamaha from 2004 – 2010 and is currently riding a Ducati in an attempt to win a championship on 3 different bikes in the premier class.

He was no slouch in the other classes either winning a championship in both the 250cc and 125cc groups, riding an Aprilia both times. The statistics which speak for themselves – 258 starts, 105 wins, 175 podiums and 86 fastest recorded laps in a race – have ensured that Valentino gets massive support all around the world from a very appreciative and knowledgeable fan base.

At every Moto GP race, no matter where it is in the world, there always seems to be more people cheering on the number 46 than any other rider in the race, such is his appeal.

2.  Giacomo Agostini

Image:  Pete Brooks (Flickr)

Image: adriaan4 (Flickr)/

Image:  jensen1024 (Flickr)

This Italian is the all-time record holder in both Grand Prix wins and World Championships with 122 and 15 respectively. The man known to his legions of fans in the 60’s and 70’s simply as ‘Ago’ split his titles between the 500cc class, (now Moto GP) with 68 race wins and 8 titles and the 350cc class with 54 race wins and 7 titles.

Ago raced as team mate to the legendary Mike Hailwood until Hailwood left at the end of the 1965 season and he stepped up to be the number one rider in the team.

Being the number one seemed to inspire Ago and he duly went on to win the 500cc world title for an amazing 7 years in succession. To even things up he also repeated this staggering feat in the 350cc class as well, as if to show that it was no fluke and he was a worthy champion.

In addition to these world championships, Agostini went on to win a truly amazing 10 Isle of man TT races around probably the hardest and at over 37 miles, the longest on street race track in the world.

He retired from competitive racing at the end of the 1977 season but to this day can still be seen at selected meetings roaring around the track to the delight and appreciation of his loyal fans both young and old.

3. Michael Doohan

Image: lee walker 28 (Flickr)

Image:  formula1wolf (Flickr)

Image:  nhanusek (Flickr)

During the 1990’s the one name that stood out above all others was Michael Doohan, an Australian who took the 500cc class of racing by storm. In the mid years of the decade from 1994 to 1998, ‘Mick’ won the title every year, totally and comprehensively dominating this class of racing which has put him up there with the best.

The one time Australian superbike rider transferred his allegiance to Grand Prix racing and even took part in and won the Suzuka 8 hours race with the 3 times world champion Wayne Rainey.

Doohan did have more than his fair share of injuries through crashes, but always seemed to bounce back and simply take up where he had left off. His style of racing meant that he would try get off the line and away to build up as big a lead as he could and then simply ease the bike home at a safe pace; it was a system that served him very well.

After seriously damaging his right leg, which at one point it was thought he may lose, he switched to using a rear brake that was operated by his left thumb as his right foot was in no condition to carry out the manoeuvre.

In 1999, Mick broke his leg in several places again, which subsequently led to his retirement at the end of the season.

4.  Carl Fogarty

Image: Plbmak (Flickr)

Image: Plbmak (Flickr)

Fogarty may have an MBE, but to his army of fiercely loyal supporters around the whole world, he is known simply as Foggy. He has, through his hard riding style and total commitment to winning, drawn praise from all quarters of the World Superbike racing fraternity.

Following his father into the sport, he showed a natural ability to ride a bike and very quickly gained respect and admiration in the paddock and massive support from his adoring fans.

When he was given the chance to ride a Ducati for the works team, it seemed that this was destined to be the start of something great and so it came to pass.

At the end of the 1993 season, Carl was runner up in the World Superbike championship, but in 1994 and 1995 he went one better and won it twice.  In 1996, after deciding to switch to Honda, he could only manage 4th in the championship, but reverted back to Ducati in 1997 and was again runner up. He followed this just like before with 2 more championships in 1998 and 1999 but sadly as a result of a racing accident in Philip Island, Australia he suffered multiple injuries which brought about his retirement in 2000.

5.  Joey Dunlop

Image: Plbmak (Flickr)

Image: Watt_Dabney (Flick)

Image: Plbmak (Flickr)

William Joseph Dunlop, OBE, MBE, but known by everyone as Joey, was the personification of road racer, a virtual demigod when it came to the Isle of Man TT, where he won 26 races, achieving 3 hat tricks in 1985, 1988 and 2000. The genial Irishman took to road racing like the proverbial duck to water and very quickly made a name for himself much to the delight of his massive group of fans. He won the Ulster grand Prix, regarded by the organisers as the fastest road race in the world, an incredible 24 times.

Hurtling around country roads and through small villages and towns in Ireland at speeds of around 200 mph is what the North West 200 is all about and Joey came up trumps in this as well, winning 13 class races in his time. His ability to ride motorbikes of any size more than expertly meant that he was very
experienced and very successful at all levels of racing.

In Tallinn, Estonia in the year 2000, Joey had already won the 600cc and 750cc races and was leading the 125cc race when he crashed. As a result of this accident, Joey lost his life and a true, ordinary guy who loved his racing was taken. At his funeral, there was a staggering 50,000 mourners, including bikers
from all around the UK, all keen to pay their last respects to the guy they knew as Joey.

Male Wild Turkey - Credit: Fotolia.com

As Thanksgiving approaches, you might be thinking about what size turkey you should buy for your family’s feast or how you’ll cook this year’s turkey. But turkeys are more than holiday meals. They’re rather interesting animals — especially wild turkeys. Today let’s take a closer look by exploring some fun facts about these beautiful birds.

Here are ten facts about turkeys you might not have known.

1. A turkey’s body has between 5000 and 6000 feathers. A female turkey’s feathers tend to be brown for concealment (so they can safely stay in the nest with their eggs) while males have more colorful plumage that lets them show off and attract mates. [source]
2. While wild turkeys thrive in the U.S. today, they were near extinction as recently as the 1930s. [source]
3. Benjamin Franklin proposed the wild turkey as the national bird of the United States (although the ultimate choice was the bald eagle). [source]
4. Turkeys are intelligent birds. Not only can they recognize other turkeys by their voices, but they can learn the geography of an area covering more than 1000 acres. [source]
5. Wild turkeys can fly up to 55 miles per hour, although only for short distances. [source]
6. Turkeys are also reasonably fast on the ground, able to run up to 25 miles per hour. [source]
7. The gobble sound a wild turkey makes can be heard from around a mile away. [source]
8. Like humans, wild turkeys are omnivores, eating both plant-based food like grass and berries as well as insects and even small reptiles. [source]
9. Only female turkeys care for their young, and that care only lasts briefly. After a few days, the chicks (with 4-17 eggs laid in a short period) learn to feed themselves. [source]
10. Unlike some animals (like deer), overpopulation is not a problem with wild turkeys. They can live in large groups without doing serious damage to the environment because of their diverse food sources. Because they’ll eat using several plant and animal sources, they don’t deplete any one of them completely as other animal populations might. [source]

A female turkey (hen) with her chicks - Credit: Fotolia.com

Where I live it’s rare to see wild turkeys, but I see some once a year when I’m lucky. They’re big, gorgeous birds that you might find coming out of the woods to feed or even crossing a street with their chicks. Do larger wild turkey populations exist where you live? What do you think of them? Did you learn anything new about turkeys from this collection of fun facts? Let us know in the comments below.