Navigating these policies is key to making sure you, your home, and your belongings are properly protected. Each type of insurance covers different things, and choosing the right one can save you from major financial headaches down the road. 

This guide will break down the specifics of home, condo, and renter’s insurance. We’ll explore what each policy covers, who needs it, and how they compare. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which insurance is the right fit for your living situation. 

Protect your property the right way. Get a quote from Leibel Insurance and learn the difference between home, condo, and renter’s insurance to ensure you’re fully covered for life’s unexpected events. 

What is Homeowner’s Insurance? 

Homeowner’s insurance, often called HO-3, is a comprehensive policy designed for people who own a standalone house. It protects both the physical structure of your home and your personal belongings inside it. This type of insurance is almost always required by mortgage lenders to protect their investment. 

What Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover? 

A standard homeowner’s policy is multifaceted, typically covering four main areas: 

• Dwelling Coverage: This is the core of your policy. It covers the cost to repair or rebuild your home’s physical structure if it’s damaged by events like fire, windstorms, or hail. This includes the foundation, walls, roof, and attached structures like a garage. 

• Personal Property Coverage: This protects your personal belongings—think furniture, electronics, clothing, and appliances—if they are stolen or damaged. Coverage usually extends to items even when they’re not inside your home, like if your laptop is stolen from your car. 

• Liability Protection: This is a crucial component that covers you financially if someone is injured on your property and you are found legally responsible. It can pay for their medical bills, lost wages, and your legal defense fees if they decide to sue. 

• Additional Living Expenses (ALE): If your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event, ALE helps pay for temporary living costs. This can include hotel bills, restaurant meals, and other expenses you incur while your home is being repaired. 

Who Needs Homeowner’s Insurance? 

If you own a single-family home, duplex, or townhouse where you are responsible for the entire structure, you need homeowner’s insurance. Even if you’ve paid off your mortgage and are no longer required to have it, maintaining a policy is a wise financial decision to protect one of your most significant assets. 

What is Condo Insurance? 

Condo insurance, also known as HO-6 insurance, is specifically designed for condominium owners. It works in tandem with the master policy held by your condo association or homeowners association (HOA). While the HOA’s policy covers the building’s exterior and common areas, your personal condo policy protects what’s inside your unit. 

What Does Condo Insurance Cover? 

The HOA’s master policy typically covers the building structure, elevators, hallways, and shared amenities like pools or gyms. Your HO-6 policy picks up where that coverage leaves off. 

• Interior Structure Coverage: This protects the parts of your unit that are your responsibility, such as the interior walls, flooring, cabinets, and fixtures. The exact coverage needed can depend on your HOA’s master policy, which could be “all-in” (covering fixtures in your unit) or “bare walls” (covering only the basic structure). 

• Personal Property Coverage: Just like homeowner’s insurance, this covers your personal belongings if they are damaged or stolen. 

• Liability Protection: This provides financial protection if a guest is injured inside your unit or if you accidentally cause damage to a neighbor’s unit (for example, if your dishwasher leaks and damages the ceiling of the unit below). 

• Loss Assessment Coverage: This is a unique feature of condo insurance. If a major event causes damage to a common area and the repair costs exceed the HOA’s master policy limit, the remaining cost is divided among the condo owners. Loss assessment coverage helps you pay your share. 

Who Needs Condo Insurance? 

If you own a condominium or a co-op, you need this type of insurance. Your lender will likely require it, and your HOA bylaws may mandate it as well. It fills the critical gaps left by the master policy, ensuring your personal space and finances are secure. 

What is Renter’s Insurance? 

Renter’s insurance, or HO-4 insurance, is for people who lease their home, whether it’s an apartment, a house, or a room. A common misconception is that the landlord’s insurance covers a tenant’s belongings. This is incorrect. The landlord’s policy only covers the building itself, not your personal property. 

What Does Renter’s Insurance Cover? 

Renter’s insurance is surprisingly affordable and offers essential protections for tenants. 

• Personal Property Coverage: This is the main component. It protects your possessions—from your couch to your computer—against theft, fire, and other covered perils. You can choose between “actual cash value” (which pays what the item was worth at the time of loss) or “replacement cost” (which pays to replace the item with a new one). 

• Liability Protection: This covers you if a visitor is accidentally injured in your rental or if you cause damage to the property. For example, if you accidentally start a kitchen fire, liability coverage can help pay for the repairs. 

• Additional Living Expenses (ALE): If your rental becomes unlivable due to a covered event, ALE will help cover the costs of a temporary place to stay, like a hotel. 

Who Needs Renter’s Insurance? 

Anyone who rents their home should have renter’s insurance. While not always legally required, many landlords now include a clause in their lease agreements mandating that tenants carry a policy. Given its low cost and significant benefits, it’s a financial safety net that every renter should have. 

Key Differences at a Glance 

While all three policies offer personal property and liability protection, the primary difference lies in what they cover structurally. 

Securing the Right Protection 

Choosing the right insurance policy is fundamental to protecting your assets and achieving peace of mind. Homeowner’s insurance provides comprehensive coverage for the entire structure of a house. Condo insurance fills the gaps left by an HOA’s master policy by protecting the interior of your unit. Renter’s insurance secures your personal belongings and provides liability coverage where a landlord’s policy does not. 

By understanding these distinctions, you can ensure you have the appropriate coverage for your specific living situation. If you’re unsure about the details of your policy or what level of coverage you need, speak with an insurance professional who can guide you toward the best solution for your home. 

The post The Difference Between Home, Condo, and Renter’s Insurance  appeared first on Of Revolt.

Your mind is likely running. What’s there to pack? Who’s coming with? You’ll need the travelling essentials, emergency backups, the trailer essentials, food, supplies, clothing, and bedroom items, so on and so forth. It can be, frankly, overwhelming, and it’s what deters a lot of travelers from getting out more often. No sweat! We’re here to alleviate some of the weight of that stress and have compiled a detailed guide of what to pack for your next road trip.

First of all – get insured.

OK, granted, this one isn’t exactly on the “packing” list, but it’s essential! Travel trailer insurance in Ontario is critical, even if it isn’t mandatory, because it protects you from the unexpected, like if your trailer broke down unexpectedly, if there was a fire, theft, vandalism, etc. Travel trailers aren’t motorized, so they don’t actually require insurance according to Ontario law, but that doesn’t make this coverage any less necessary! Travel trailers are huge investments, ranging upwards into the tens of thousands of dollars. Moreover, no one wants to cancel a trip partway through. Having insurance can save you from some serious headache, not to mention the significant monetary loss that could ensue.

Remember the essentials!

Each trailer will have different needs. Obviously, a motorized trailer is very different than a non-motorized one. Travel trailers are towed, not driven, so there’s a few things you don’t have to worry about. However, your essentials list should include the following:

• Drinking water hose
• Electrical cord and adapters
• Water pressure regulator
• Fire extinguisher
• Jumper cables
• Shovel
• Tire pressure gauge
• Extension cords
• Emergency road kit
• Wheel chocks
• Black tank chemicals

Bring anything that is needed for general upkeep as well as for emergency.

Bring the kitchen supplies!

A lot of people enjoy the “roughing it” aspect of camping – and you can do that with a few supplies! Make sure everything you bring can be washed easily and/or recycled. Consider the following list of kitchen supplies:

• Water bottles
• Dish soap
• Tongs
• Utensils
• Cutting board
• Bowls
• Plates
• Cups
• Camping griddle
• Plastic wrap
• Garbage bags
• Napkins
• Can openers
• Skillets
• Disinfectant wipes
• Cooler
• Food storage container
• Matches and lighters

Pack the food staples!

Food is critical. It’s a good idea to pack as much food as you can that is preservable and healthy, to prevent having to go get takeout or eating majorly unhealthy options for the duration of your trip.

• Dried fruit and nuts
• Cereal
• Oatmeal
• Drink mix packets
• Grill meats
• Eggs
• Seasoning – salt, pepper, etc.
• Packaged snacks
• Cooking oil or spray
• Peanut butter
• Bread
• Condiments
• Canned foods

Don’t forget the bedroom and clothing items!

What will you and your family be wearing? What do you need to feel comfortable? Here’s a list of some clothing and bedroom items to pack:

• Socks
• Underwear
• T-shirts
• Pants and shorts
• Sweatshirts
• Jackets
• Raingear
• Hats
• Shoes – an assortment, like sandals, hiking boots, sneakers, etc.
• Towels
• Clothing hangers
• Sheets and blankets
• Pillows

Include personal items and toiletries!

Obviously, toiletries are an essential, whether you’re sleeping in a hotel or in a trailer. Ensure that anything you bring is portable, and that you bring enough to last the duration of your traveling. Things like cash, credit cards, ID, etc. should be stored in safe, secure locations, and you should always know where they are. Valuables can get lost very easy on these kinds of trips! Here’s a list:

• Chargers for phones
• ID
• Wallets, cash, credit cards
• Confirmations for any reservations
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Soap
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Hairbrush and comb
• Sunglasses
• Glasses/contact lenses
• Batteries
• Medications and prescriptions
• Hair ties
• Shaving gel
• Nail clippers
• Razors
• Makeup
• First-aid kits

Misc.

Finally, here’s a list of the miscellaneous supplies you may want to bring to ensure that a good time is had by all:

• Cameras
• Camping chairs
• Hammocks
• Soccer balls, frisbees, volleyballs
• Puzzles and board games
• Binoculars
• Fishing gear
• Laptops and electronic devices
• Headphones
• Flotation devices
• Swimming gear

Hopefully, this list has cleared your mind a little and alleviated some stress about what to pack! Be sure to take your time when making a list, account for the time you’ll be spending away, and have fun!

The post Here’s Your (Detailed) Guide of What to Pack for Your Next Road Trip in Ontario appeared first on Of Revolt.

It’s one thing to work out how much to budget each day for two weeks in the sun, but quite another to plan ahead for a trip that could last months or even years. Nevertheless, even if sufficient money has been saved up to cover this, it’s useless unless it can be accessed and organized from different parts of the world. Knowing how to do this will make it much easier to cope with the ups and downs that traveling involves and will reduce the need to worry about money running out, so that it’s easier to relax and have fun.

Keeping cash safe 
The first thing to think about when traveling is how to securely look after cash. There are lots of pickpockets out there and tourists are often targeted. Using a money belt is a good option, and there are all sorts of garments now on the market with secret money pouches concealed inside them. Nothing valuable should be kept in a purse or a back pocket  of a rucksack, as these make for easy pickings. Money should never be left unattended in a hostel or hotel room, even if it’s hidden and the door is locked. Some change should be kept handy so large notes don’t need to be pulled out when making casual purchases.

Getting more cash 
Most parts of the world now have ATM machines, even if they can only be found in cities. Anywhere that there’s an international chain hotel or restaurant, one usually has the option of getting cashback on a card purchase. The biggest issue with both these approaches is currency conversion charges. This is something that should be sorted out before setting off, by finding an account with low rates. It’s also important to have a card type that’s recognized in the destination countries. Ideally, one should also have a back-up card for another account, and keep it in a different place, in case of emergency.

Monitoring bank accounts 
As well as being able to get money out, it’s important to know how much cash is left in an account, and it’s not always possible to get a mini statement from a foreign ATM. The best solution is usually to set up online banking so that it’s possible to manage the account from a cybercafé or an Internet-connected phone. This needs to be discussed with the bank before travel commences, however, so that there’s no danger of the account being locked in response to it being accessed from an unexpected location.

What to do in an emergency 
Even with the best planning, things can still go wrong. Running out of money in a foreign country can be a serious problem. Sometimes finding casual work is an option and sometimes all that’s necessary is to get by for a few days until the bank can sort things out, but what about when money is needed urgently? That’s where a money transfer service can be a life-saver, enabling travelers to quickly sort out the banking requirements needed to get money sent by family or friends, and helping to get the trip back on track. 

Most importantly, when you do the planning ahead, it’s easy to have fun on your trip!

Post by Luke. Thanks so much for contributing to Of Revolt, Luke! // Photography Credits: 1 and 2.

The post Managing Your Money on a Long-Term Trip appeared first on Of Revolt.

They say all roads lead to Rome, which is great, because swapping busy city life for a sun-soaked Italian road trip couldn’t be easier. While it would take a lifetime to get to know all of Rome, renting a car online gives visitors complete freedom to see the rest of Italy in all its glory. Whether it’s hiking across craggy coastlines that drop away to brooding seas below, or wandering through color-splashed villages – dotted with blooming flowers – an Italian road trip can offer something for everyone.

There are two main options when setting off from Rome on a road trip – north or south? Starting with the northern option, take the E35 road – which becomes the A1 – and drive up to Florence. After a smooth two and a half hour drive, cutting through emerald green countryside, visitors will arrive at one of the world’s most beautiful cities. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known as the birthplace of renaissance art, and people from across the world flock to see Michelangelo’s Statue of David, which stands defiantly in the Accademia Gallery. Magnificent architecture waits around every corner, with the cathedral providing the highlight – with an incredible, wrinkled façade, and the world’s largest brick dome. Climb to the top for an unbeatable view over the city’s red roofs – the 414 steps also help visitors to burn off excess calories, after overindulging in pasta and dark red Chianti Classico wine.

Reluctantly leaving Florence behind, continue the road trip by driving west to Pisa, where photo opportunities with the Leaning Tower await. By this point, the jaw-dropping Cinque Terre coastline is also within easy reach. Leave the car in the town of La Spezia before hopping on the local train and trundling into the forested mountains that hide the coastline’s five famous towns. Clusters of pastel-colored buildings perch on the Cinque Terre’s stunning cliffs, and the lack of road access lends the isolated towns an authentic feel. Hikers can move between the five towns in around an hour and a half, and feel the spray from turquoise waves crashing against dramatic cliffs as they walk.

Another option is to drive south from Rome, towards the sprawling city of Naples. Sandwiched between the brewing Campi Flegrei volcano and the ominous cone of Mount Vesuvius, the city’s spectacular natural setting is only beaten by its contribution to Italian culture. Wander through the narrow streets of Europe’s largest historical city center – another World Heritage Site – before biting into a slice of simple but stunning margarita pizza, drizzled with freshly pressed olive oil, in the birthplace of the pizza.

Visitors to Naples are also perfectly placed to discover Pompeii’s volcanic history, and can walk through the eerie remains of the Roman town, which was buried under ash in 79 AD. If some sun, sea, and sand appeals, the Amalfi coast is a 30-minute drive away. The town’s crescent shaped beach is an idyllic spot to lie back with a dripping ice cream, and watch as colorful fishing boats bob gently on the water. 

Post by Luke. Thank you so much for contributing to Of Revolt! // Photography Credits: 1 and 2.

The post Road trip Destinations Within Reach of Rome appeared first on Of Revolt.

At the heart of London is Covent Garden, a place buzzing with culture, sophistication, and innovation. Eat at one of the many restaurants here, soak up the atmosphere at one of the trendy bars, or enjoy the thrill of the opera at the Royal Opera House. It’s hard not to be swept up in the historic and artistic feel of Covent Garden and, regardless of how many times you have previously visited, there will always be new things and places to discover here. If you are planning a trip to the city, this should be firmly on your list of places to visit, and with the Travelodge by Covent Garden you can afford to stay in the very epicentre of the action for an even better experience. Here’s what’s on in Covent Garden this March:

Ballet
From the end of February through until April, the Royal Opera House is home to the Royal Ballet, as they tell the classic tale of The Sleeping Beauty. Adapted for ballet by Petipa, this is a story that adults and children alike will know inside out. Breathtakingly brought to life on the stage by these incredible ballerinas, the tale has a whole new elegant appeal. The Sleeping Beauty ballet has history here too, as it was the first ballet performed when the Company reopened following WWII – now showing again with some modern adaptations.

Art
Just a five-minute walk from Covent Garden market is the National Gallery, home to some of the most iconic works of art in the world. Since January the gallery has offered the rare opportunity to see two of the five Van Gogh Sunflower paintings in one place, as the Van Gogh Museum has kindly lent their incarnation to the National Gallery. Running until the end of April this year, this may well be the only chance art lovers get to compare and contrast these two works in the flesh.

Comedy
A new show to the comedy circuit this March is the much-anticipated Blithe Spirit written by the marvelous Noel Coward, and directed by Michael Blakemore. The story follows Charles Condomine who skeptically invites a medium to his house. Unfortunately for him, although fortunately for the audience, the ghost of his dead wife Elvira is summoned, and she takes an immediate dislike to Charles’ new wife, who of course can’t see Elvira. The result is a play that is funny, well acted and intriguing. All in all it’s a must for any comedy theatre fan.

Covent Garden is famous for many things, and there is something going on all hours of the day and night in this fabulous area of London. Accessible by all forms of transport, you can wander the market, check out the high-end boutiques and enjoy a coffee in the square by day, and by night you can have dinner and drinks before indulging in some of the most wonderful nightlife the city has to offer. If you love culture and traditional forms of entertainment such as ballet, art and the theatre then there is no better choice than Covent Garden.

Post by Catherine Lavinia in coordination with Travelodge Covent Garden. Thank you so much for contributing to Of Revolt, Catherine! // Photography Credits: 1 and 2. 

The post What’s On Around Covent Garden: March 2014 appeared first on Of Revolt.

If you ask anyone around you what their definition of luxury travel is, chances are you’d get a whole host of answers that are as individual as the people you have asked. To some, luxury travel could be all about seeing corners of the world that you wouldn’t ordinarily have the chance to step foot in; to others, it could be about the smaller things – the home comforts, the personal touches and the little glimmers of tailormade service that make it feel special. One thing’s for sure though, luxury travel with Elegant Resorts is nothing short of lavish.

So what’s luxe? Here are a few of the common ideas about what luxury travel is all about:

Unique Experiences – once in a lifetime opportunities that seldom come your way are often what travel is all about. Trekking through untouched rainforests, relaxing in a hammock on a deserted beach, swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat . . . whatever the experience, it’s different from the norm and something you wouldn’t ordinarily do.

The Finer Things in Life – booking a holiday that incorporates things that you wouldn’t normally have the chance to savor, like a personal butler, private infinity pool, or gourmet dining every evening. 

Exclusivity – private villas, personalized services, exquisite surroundings: if it’s exclusive, authentic, and stunningly beautiful, it’s what indulgence is all about. 

The idea of posh travel is highly subjective, and its definition is often down to the individual who’s answering. It’s not necessarily about unrivaled standards; it’s about the unique experiences that you can enjoy that can’t be replicated elsewhere. When you book a luxury vacation, you’re able to fine tune what you believe luxury travel is all about.

Guest post by Catherine Lavinia in coordination with Elegant Resorts. Thank you so much for contributing to Of Revolt, Catherine!

The post What Puts the Luxury into Luxury Travel? appeared first on Of Revolt.

Guys! So remember how one of my New Year’s resolutions for 2014 was to seek out what’s special about living in Manhattan and celebrate it? Well, earlier this month, Dan and I did just that. We went on a food tasting and walking tour through Chinatown and Little Italy with Ahoy New York Tours & Tasting. Of course, there are lots of New York tours to choose from, but this one really fit the bill for us: we basically ate our way through these two very famous neighborhoods, with a fabulous guide tossing in lots of interesting historical tidbits along the way.

EATING AND STORYTELLING? YES PLEASE.

As two vegetarians, we were a little nervous that there would be lots of meat-eating on this tour, but I have to say, the food offerings felt really well-balanced. (Plus it helps that Dan and I have a “cured meats” rule: we both love classic Italian staples like salami and prosciutto, and it just so happened that our very first stop on the tour included a tasting of fresh mozzarella and prosciutto from America’s oldest Italian cheese store: Alleva Dairy. Heck yes. In fact, it was so delicious that we ate it before I could get a picture of it. Alas. You’ll just have to take my word for it.)

^^ The tour guide, Alana, was so passionate about not only the food, but also the amazing history behind the shops and the neighborhoods. Little Italy used to be much bigger than it is now – these days the whole neighborhood is mostly a few connecting streets with Italian restaurants that cater to tourists, so it takes some work to sniff out the real, authentic shops. DiPalo’s Fine Foods has been around for over 100 years, and is still family-owned and operated. In fact, the owners travel to Italy constantly to ensure the authenticity of the products they sell – like this gigantic wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano, which beckons me with its sweet, sweet siren call: “cheese . . . mmm . . . cheese.”

^^ Not every shop we visited has been around for a century. In fact, our third stop was Grand Apetito, a little pizza shop that only opened a couple of years ago. You might be thinking, “Pizza? On a food tour? Really?!” And I would have to thought-admonish you, “Yes, silly reader. Really.” Because it is literally the best piece of pizza I have ever eaten – and as a life-long New Yorker and someone with Italian ancestry who grew up in the Bronx, I have eaten more pizza than someone my size should ever consume. The owner calls this “Grandma’s Pie;” it’s a twice-baked Margherita pizza with a special pesto sauce that sent everyone on the tour into raptures.

^^ We concluded the Little Italy section of the tour at Ferrara’s, a famous bakery and cafe known for their cannolis. I tell you, there is nothing like a crispy tube filled with ricotta cheese and chocolate chips to make your life a little brighter. 

^^ Our first stop on the Chinatown portion was actually a Thai restaurant called Pongsri. Now, I LOVE Thai food but it’s really easy for me to get caught up in the sheer vastness of their menu, so I’ll always end up with that old standby, pad thai. We tried a sampling of a few dishes, and I love the flavor combinations of Thai cuisine. Coconut, peanut sauce, stir-fried veggies . . . it’s all good, baby. It was also really thoughtful of Alana and the Ahoy team to have this sit-down in the middle of the tour – we went on what happened to be a really cold day, so it was great to warm up indoors! 

^^ This is Doyers Street in Chinatown. It’s only one block long with a sharp bend in the middle, and was once known as “The Bloody Angle.” From the early 1900s to the 1930s, the Tong gangs shot their enemies here. In fact, hatchets were often thrown at targets from rooftops, which gave rise to the term “hatchet man.” Police said that more people died at The Bloody Angle than any other street intersection in the entire United States. Today, it’s mostly barber shops and hair salons. I love that you can see the water barrel and the Chinese lamp-post at the top of the photo – and that all of the signs are in Chinese characters. Isn’t it colorful?

^^ Our last stop was at Nom Wah Tea Parlor, the oldest Dim Sum restaurant in Chinatown. We tried their Original Egg Roll which was approximately 1,000 times fresher and tastier than the egg roll that comes with your average Chinese takeout order. Nom Wah has been around since the 1920s, when it was originally a Chinese bakery. I love that they’ve kept the mid-century dining area intact, with furniture and flooring that’s completely original to the era. It was early on a Saturday afternoon when we were there, and let me tell you, it was HOPPING. The place was jammed with people, so Dan and I are planning on going back to have a proper sit-down meal there one of these days. Also, you know a place has legit NYC credibility when Woody Allen’s a regular. (His photo is on the wall! :D)

Overall, the tour was just over three hours and we felt full afterwards – not that grotesque, I’ve-eaten-my-weight-in-cheese-and-now-I-want-to-die kind of full, but the kind of satisfaction that comes after having eaten well. The selections were thoughtful and the portions were generous without being overwhelming. I definitely recommend bringing a bottle or two of water, and being prepared for all kinds of weather! We got lucky with sunshine, but the cold had me wishing that I’d worn a second pair of socks. 

Alana is unbelievably knowledgeable about the food and the area, and was even kind enough to send an email to the group afterwards with the titles of the books she mentioned throughout the tour. It was also great that the tour had only eight people or so – the group felt cozy, and it was so much easier to move about without stragglers dawdling and slowing everything down. It’s also great that they include a map of the places you’ve been, as well as other restaurants and shops they recommend so that you can go back and shop afterwards! I definitely recommend the tour to both visitors to NYC and locals looking for something fun and different to do. 

Thanks so much for a fantastic time, Ahoy! 

The post Best of New York City: Eating Our Way Through Chinatown & Little Italy appeared first on Of Revolt.

We get to this point in the winter and we know there’s a long time to go before summer – especially with the freak weather this year. If you can’t wait, the only way to improve the situation is to get away now to a sunnier clime with a great beach!

But covered as they are at the moment in thick layers and winter coats, our bodies just might not be ready to reveal themselves in a bikini, no matter how warm the sunshine. So, with a warm-weather break (hopefully) just around the corner, how can you get bikini-ready in time?

Always Be Eating Well 

And “well” is different from “a lot!” Nutrition is forever, not just for summer. Seriously, what someone puts into their body dictates what they get out of it. A healthy diet reflects the amount of exercise an individual takes and nutritional balance is all-important; a moderate path is best as far as rich and fatty foods are concerned.

If an individual exercises regularly, his or her diet should be based around starchy, wholegrain carbs, with plenty of protein for muscle tone. Wholegrain will help to release energy slowly, throughout the day; proteins and fats make you feel fuller for longer. Fresh veggies and fruits keep the skin and eyes clear, as well as delivering precious vitamins. Junk food should be eaten once in a blue moon; if you keep your balance right, it doesn’t matter about the odd misdemeanor.

Exercise is Good for Everything, Especially for Feeling Good!

However it’s done, exercise is an amazing thing. It stimulates serotonin production – the feel-good hormone. Everyone should go for a run, take a swim, or take up yoga! [Editor’s note: Heck yes everyone should take up yoga!] Not only does it make weight loss easier and shapes up the body, the inner freshness splurges out all over the place. No one likes running in the bad weather – plus sometimes that’s not even the safest thing to do – but there are always fun fitness classes at the gym, all year round.

Get Pampered (a.k.a. Treat Yo’ Self) 

Even sticking to both of the above, the human psyche is a tough nut to crack, and the winter months are hard. Despite all the good things being done, some people still might not feel “bikini-ready.”

Getting a few sessions in at a beauty salon could be worth every cent in terms of building confidence to summer levels prior to a holiday away. It isn’t just about facials and pedicures, where you can hardly see any changes. A big change that is easy to achieve is the removal of excessive hair that has appeared in unmentionable places. Someone who takes a photo of laser hair removal before and after for comparison will really experience the feel-good factor. Seeing the difference right there following laser treatment or the amazing Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) hair removal is the perfect way to boost self-confidence and get on with looking forward to some sun while wearing your favorite bikini. 

Guest post by Aimee Claire, a freelance writer based in the U.K. Thanks for contributing to Of Revolt, Aimee! // Photography Credits: One and Two.

The post Getting Swimsuit Ready for Winter Beach Getaways appeared first on Of Revolt.

First things first people, I’ll have you know that none of these lists are in any particular order. As in real life, I just name the things as they come to me.

Secondly, 2013 was pretty rad. There was a new apartment to be decorated (an ongoing process) and yoga to be practiced. There was wine to be drank and a surplus of treats of every kind (I’m talking to you, red velvet petit-fours still beckoning me from the fridge). And while I love looking back, we’re already three days into the new year so we’ll keep the remembering brief – I’m ready to look ahead.

3 Favorite Meals:
1. A very impromptu date at Aria, a wine bar in the West Village. Such a cozy atmosphere, such delicious food and wine, and my favorite part? Deep conversation with my guy.
2. Dan’s surprise at-home date night! Delicious cheese, salami, olives – all of my favorite things. Surprises are the best.
3. Thanksgiving. I cooked a 12 lb. turkey that was 100% edible – even, dare I say, good? Dan and I made such a great team that day and I am so proud of us.

6 Favorite Moments of 2013:
1. Getting Gus! Our new cat is the sweetest boy any fur-parent could ever ask for. I mean, have you seen his nub-tail? Cutest. Shelter animals rule.
2. Hosting our very first Thanksgiving – we were so proud of ourselves! Not only was the meal delicious, but we made an awesome team of cooking and cleaning and actually enjoying the holiday.
3. Releasing my fear of inversions (a.k.a. how I learned to stop worrying and love having my feet in the air and my head on the ground).
4. Celebrating our one-year wedding anniversary with a romantic dinner and stroll through the West Village (plus lots of gorgeous flowers from Dan!).
5. Turning a crappy dresser found on the street into pretty, campaign-style shelving. I taught myself  how to properly sand and spray paint furniture and now it houses our DVDs as well as a few travel souvenirs.
6. Christmas Eve/Day. The holidays can be super stressful but everyone was in such a great, easygoing mood this year and we enjoyed it so much. Thank you, family!

5 Things I Learned (About Myself & Other Things):1. I really love making and growing things: fixing up furniture, creating new dishes, growing an herb garden. 2. Making compromises isn’t the same as making sacrifices. 3. One lavish treat is better than three middling ones.4. Pasta salad is better the day after you make it.5. A pet really makes a house feel like a home. 

4 Goals for 2014:
1. Seek out what’s special about living in Manhattan and celebrate it. I get easily caught up in the daily frustrations of this city (crowded trains! Constant noise! In summertime, the sidewalks smell like pee!), but there are lots of unique advantages to living here that we could never enjoy anywhere else: authentic international food, world-class museums, Broadway. I’m going to make the effort to do one special “only in New York” thing each month.
2. Try at least six new recipes that require making something completely from scratch. I’ll be using two specific cookbooks along the way: Lost Desserts by Gail Monaghan (to recreate classic desserts that are rarely found nowadays) and The Art of Italian Cooking by Maria LoPinto (because everyone is always hungry for good Italian food).
3. Be a little more glamorous. Prior to my yoga teacher training, I was the girl working out with a full face of makeup and red lips. After? You couldn’t find a stitch of makeup on my face for, oh, a year or so. I’ve found that there’s freedom in both ways: with makeup, you can be anyone you want for an entire day. Without? There’s a special kind of honesty in presenting your actual face to the world – especially as a woman. I think the true me likes to put her best foot (face?) forward, even if it’s just a little tinted moisturizer and a bit of mascara. Besides, lipstick rules.
4. Read more actual books. I have subscriptions to great literary journals (The Paris Review, Glimmer Train) and serious magazines like Harper’s (not to be confused with Harper’s Bazaar – which I also love and subscribe to but fluff doesn’t count as real reading in my book), but I miss holding a book in my hand. Send me recommendations!

3 Reasons Why I’m Looking Forward to 2014:
1. Seeing friends more. It’s really easy to allow work/school/pie-eating to get in the way of seeing buddies. But buddies are so important! Plus, you can just eat pie WITH them. See how easy that was?
2. Creating family traditions with Dan. This past year as newlyweds was a great time of figuring out what’s important to us as a family unit (even if it’s just the two of us and Gus the cat), and I can’t wait to create new holiday rituals together.
3. Taking more pictures. Both 2011 and 2012 were super photo-heavy years, so I grew a little tired of it and fell off the wagon in 2013. This might be silly, but I’m psyched to take lots of pics this year – we’re only young and fabulous once for chrissakes.

Psst! If you’re interested, here are the 2012 and 2011 Year-End Reviews. Have a great weekend!

The post 2013: A Year-End Review appeared first on Of Revolt.

Once famous for its bustling nightlife and crowds of young people flocking to the island every year to party till they drop, Ios has managed to broaden its possibilities over the years. Today Ios smoothly blends joyful days on the beach with lively evening entertainment, along with more chilled-out options for those seeking a relaxing holiday.

 In the main town, Chora, you’ll find buildings of typical Cycladic architecture: winding alleys lined with bars, cafes, and tavernas serving not only Greek but also international cuisines. Chora also boasts a plethora of souvenir and jewelry outlets for some shopping.

Another highlight of Ios are the clean and superb beaches: top-notch Mylopotas beach features the majority of luxury hotels. Once you consider the infamous Ios campground, wild Maganari beach, and the long stretch of soft sand that is Ayia Theodhoti, it’s easy to see that Ios has it all. The island is also extremely popular to snorkelers thanks to its rich seabed, and the diverse landscape makes Ios ideal for hiking though trails nestled in dramatic surroundings.

What to See

Palaiokastro Castle
This Byzantine castle used to be an observation point for the locals to watch over the seaway from Istanbul to Crete. Today visitors can admire the castle’s walls, as well as a historical church dedicated to Virgin Mary. The view from its hilltop location is magnificent as you can even see the many neighboring islands.

Windmills 
The traditional windmills adorn the northwestern part of Chora. Some of them have been restored and are available to visit.

Archaeological Museum of Ios 
The museum displays archaeological exhibits from prehistoricSkarkos settlement, most of which are in excellent condition, as well as ancient Roman relics.

Where to Swim 

The island boasts more than 30 beaches, everything from secluded coves to pebbled shores – and the water is always crystal clear. The most famous is Mylopotas, a wide stretch of sand 2km long (approx. 1.25 miles) with sun beds and parasols for rental. Beach bars and water sports are also available for some extra fun. For more soft sand you can visit Koumpara, Gialos and Ayia Theodoti beaches. Nudists (!) can swim at Kolitsani beach and folks looking for convenient amenities should try Maganari. Other beaches, such as Klima and Pikri Nero are only accessible by sea.

What to Eat

When it comes to food, Ios is mainly famous for its cheese, which is traditionally produced in local dairies. Visitors will find a selection of cheese types, such as skotyri (a spicy aromatic cheese) and xino (a white cream cheese), as well as the more common types of hard yellow cheeses – kefalotyri and graviera. Exceptional fava beans, oregano, and capers are also typical products of Ios. You shouldn’t leave the island without tasting tsimetia (zucchini flowers filled with rice) and mermitzeli (a type of homemade Greek pasta). Though any local meat paired with homemade pasta will do your belly right!

Zoe Mouchritsa lives in Athens and specializes in finding the best and brightest things to do in this lively city and throughout Greece. After completing a B.A. in Applied Informatics and Multimedia in beautiful Crete, she jumped full time into blogging and is now editor for WhiteAndBlue.gr. Thank you so much for contributing to Of Revolt, Zoe!

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