When Moscow-based mostly photographer Darya Kondratyeva isn’t snapping household, maternity or child photographs, she creates enchanting pictures that appear like re-interpretations of previous fairytales or legends. The fashions in her photographs look like they might be witches, princesses or forest spirits.
Apart from her fashions, educated animals function closely in Kondratyeva’s fantasy images as nicely. Every one looks like it’d open its mouth and whisper a clever secret into the mannequin’s ear.
Kondratyeva’s work is just like that of Katerina Plotnikova and Margarita Kareva, two different Russian photographers we’ve written about who even have sharp eyes for capturing folkloric photographs and settings.
My alarm is set to the song “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. It’s impossible to not smile when this song plays. This, combined with the other habits below, set the tone for a productive, happy and healthy day.
1. Drink A Glass Of Water As Soon As You Wake Up
This rehydrates your body, revs up your digestive system, and gets things flowing. You may notice positive changes like clearer skin and better digestion. Bonus points if you add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
2. Do Not Check Your Email Or Phone For At Least An Hour
Do you sleep with your cell phone next to you and grab for it first thing when you wake? This is not a good habit. If you choose to resist the temptation to check your email and Facebook feed until at least an hour after waking up, you’ll find that your mind is more clear, focused and happy.
3. Think Of One Thing For Which You Have Gratitude
This sets the stage for positivity throughout the day. If you come up with three or five things, even better.
4. Step Outside And Take A Deep Breath
Fill your lungs with fresh air. Even if it’s cold outside. This only takes 10 seconds! It reminds you that you are alive and breathing.
5. Move Your Body
You don’t necessarily have to do an intense workout before breakfast, but moving your body even a little is a great way to get the blood flowing and shake the body into wake-up mode. Simply doing a few stretches is a great option. Or turn on your favorite song and dance like no one is watching.
6. Take Time To Eat A Healthy Breakfast
Rather than reaching for a box of cereal, focus on getting real foods in your body. Eggs, soaked oats, and smoothies are all great options. (And they really don’t take that much time to prepare.) Try it out.
7. Say Your Affirmations
Look into the mirror and say something positive to yourself. Some ideas:
I radiate beauty, confidence and grace.
Every cell in my body is healthy and vibrant.
I feel great when I take care of myself.
So are you up for the challenge of incorporating these healthy habits? What about you? What helps you start the day off right?
For most travellers, reaching the world’s most extreme locations can be a formidable challenge.
But for 23year-old Callum Snape, the hard work is just beginning as he arrives at his isolated destinations. The Canadian photographer sets about capturing the spectacular scenery in the country’s most remote areas.
He captured the breathtaking stills using the area’s rugged terrain as a backdrop. Callum, who works as a freelance photographer and travel blogger, said that some of the locations he visits can take hours, or often days to reach.
Temperature’s in Alberta can drop to as low as -10C during winter. Each year he spends around six weeks backpacking, working on his spectacular series, which he snaps across Canada.
Peyto Lake in Canada’s Banff National Park. Photographer Callum Snape has photographed the region’s breath-taking scenery
Sleeping under the sky in Mount Assiniboine. At 3,618 m, it is the highest peak in the Southern Continental Ranges of the Canadian Rockies
Callum enjoys the view over Mount Assinibone, Canada. As the locations he visits are so remote, his trips take anything up to a year to plan
Bow Lake in Canada’s Banff National Park. Callum Snape spends six weeks each year capturing the spectacular scenery in the country’s most remote areas
Canada’s Lake Louise was named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria
Photographer Callum Snape, 23, takes a self-portrait during his recent trip to Banff National Park in Canada
Lake Annette, Alberta, located in the Paradise Valley region of the Banff National Park
Berg Lake at the foot of Mount Robson situated in British Columbia on Canada’s west coast. The mountain is the highest point in the Canadian Rockies
Mount Robson and Berg Lake. The turquoise colored lake is dotted with icebergs even in the middle of summer
Parker Ridge and Saskatchewan Glacier in Canada’s Banff National Park. The glacier is 8.1 miles long
Mount Assiniboine on the British Columbia/Alberta border in Canada. The mountain is 3,618m high
Winter is coming and for some people there’s nothing more magical a season than winter. Fresh snow falling, hot drinks, frozen lakes and a bright yellow sun make the winter just amazing. Here we have shared some beautiful photos of towns from around the world that you can visit in winter.
There’s a chill in the air and it’s time to get somewhere cozy. Here are some of the quaintest and coziest towns that you can visit this winter…Take a Look!
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is an incredibly well preserved medieval old town that every winter transforms into something that resembles a fairytale.
Mt Buller, Australia
Mt Buller is one of the few places in Australia that actually see frequent snowfall. This beautifully snow-capped mountain region is popular with bikers, skiers, snowboarders, and hikers.
Surrounded by mountain paths, El Chaltén is popular with trekkers during the summer. During winter, the town is pretty much deserted – with only the most experienced walkers taking on the cold.
Queenstown is built around the beautiful Lake Wakatipu, which has spectacular views of surrounding mountains including Walter Peak and The Remarkables.
Naarden is a town built within a star fort, complete with fortified walls and a moat. During winter, the defences that once protected the town freeze over.
Bled, Slovenia
Sheltered by picturesque mountains, Bled was founded in 1004 and considered so beautiful by the Holy Roman Emperor that it was gifted to the Bishop of Brixen. The castle at Bled sits in the center of the enchanting Lake Bled which borders the town. The town of 5,000 is now notable for having some of the most beautiful health spas in the area.
If you’ve ever wanted to escape humanity, this is the place. Grise Fjord is the northernmost community in Canada, during winter they experience 104 consecutive days of darkness and the nearest village is more than 200 miles away. You probably won’t be getting a broadband connection here.
Štramberk lies on the slope of a forested hill dominated by a magnificent medieval tower that still looks over the town. The beautiful timbered houses keep the lucky residents toasty during the colder months.
Shirakawa-go is a small, traditional village known for its incredibly steep roofs that were made to withstand some of the heaviest snowfall in the world.
Damüls receives 30 feet of snowfall every year, making it the snowiest place in Europe. Unsurprisingly, this small town of 300 is a popular winter getaway for sport junkies.
Evidence suggests that this beautiful area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, when it was used as a pasture. Now, the area is used for pleasure, with the the town acting as a stopping point on the road to to the Ski-Area “Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis”.
Marlow is a sleepy parish on the River Thames. While the town is only 30 miles from hectic London, it feels like an entirely different world – especially during winter.
Vyborg lies on the border between Russia and Finland and is surrounded by the Saimaa Canal, which freezes over in winter. From the castle tower, the entire town is visible in its snow-capped beauty.
Bamberg, Germany
The magnificent town center of Bamberg is considered a world heritage site, with the settlement dating back to 902 AD. This incredibly well preserved medieval town and its cobble streets become a treat to stroll around during winter.
Hallstatt, Austria
Sheltered by picturesque mountains, Bled was founded in 1004 and considered so beautiful by the Holy Roman Emperor that it was gifted to the Bishop of Brixen. The castle at Bled sits in the center of the enchanting Lake Bled which borders the town. The town of 5,000 is now notable for having some of the most beautiful health spas in the area.
Siglufjörður is a small fishing town along a narrow fjord surrounded by mammoth mountains on the land. This quaint village was inaccessible by land until the 1940s, when a long tunnel was dug through the rock.
Reine is a quaint fishing village that can be found on the beautiful arctic island of Moskenesøya. The port has a population of only 329, but was rightfully voted the most beautiful village in all of Norway – during winter, it’s easy to see why.
Calitri is built on the beautiful hills of Campania. The town is a labyrinth of historic houses and cobble streets which become even more interesting to navigate after a snowfall.
Zermatt lies in the picturesque Matter Valley at an elevation of over 5,000 feet in the shadow of Switzerland’s highest peaks. At times, it’s hard to see the roofs amongst the snow.
This area has been inhabited for around 4,300 years, when the Saqqaq first settled the land. The modern town is famous for its multi-colored houses, which contrast rather starkly with the white snow.
Chichilianne is dominated by the breathtaking Mont Aiguille, which is nearly 7,000 foot tall and offers amazing views of the French Prealps.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge is a sleepy rural town in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. The small houses of this ski town are dominated by their landscape, especially during winter. A climb to the peaks offer an incredible panorama of the town below.
From the capital of Iceland, you’ll need to get on a once-weekly plane to Greenland and then get a helicopter ride to this small, colorful town which sits by the longest glacial river system in the world.
This small town of a few hundred is perched precariously on the edge of the vast Langwies valley. Lucky visitors can take a train ride over the valley and trek among the snow covered trees.
The name of this town roughly translates to ‘Apple Orchard on the River Neisse’ because of its immense beauty. Founded in 1356, this town rose to fame in the 18th century for producing the first piece of artificial jewellery.
Jamnikeastern can be found on the slopes of the Jelovica Platea. The local church is built upon a hill with a breathtaking backdrop of the Julian Alps.
San Marino, Italy
San Marino is a micro-republic of just 24 square miles in the beautiful landscape of Northern Italy. Founded in 301 AD, it is one of the oldest surviving sovereign states and constitutional republics in the world.
Considered simultaneously one of the most dangerous and one of the most popular ascents in China, the trek up Mount Huashan is nerve-wracking from start to finish.
You’d think that near-vertical staircases and narrow rickety wooden footbridges would be great reasons not to go, but that doesn’t stop hundreds of tourists and locals alike from attempting the hazardous trip all the time.
One of the most dangerous bridges in the world, the poorly maintained but heavily used Hussaini Bridge was one of the only ways to cross Borit Lake in Northern Pakistan. I say was, because it seems the bridge succumbed to the elements in 2011, but has probably been rebuilt (and we can only hope the new one can inspire more confidence in its stability than the one seen here).
It takes a special kind of person to go 630 feet up to the observation deck of the tallest manmade structure below the Equator, and think: “Gee, I’d really like to jump off this right now.” Yet, the tower hosts bungee jumps daily for scores of thrill-seeking adrenaline junkies. And while I’m sure it’s perfectly safe (since Grandma and Beyoncé have both done it), personally I’ll just stay on the ground rather than being the one to meet it the hard way.
One of Norway’s most popular outlooks spots, Trolltunga (Troll Tongue) is one of those outcroppings that’s just asking to give way. I mean, think about it– it was formed by glaciers chipping away the rock tens of thousands of years ago. How many years does it really have left?
Ever wanted to stand on a piece of glass 12,604 feet above lots of sharp and pointy rocks, near the peak of Europe’s tallest mountain? Yeah, me neither. But hey, at least glass is known for its structural integrity and resistance to breaking, right?
How far would you go for a picture? Would you go all the way to Victoria Falls, the stunning 355 foot cascade in South Africa, and risk your and your tour guide’s life, for a shot that looks like you’re about to die? Because despite the fact that people actually do die occasionally for the famous shot, that doesn’t seem to be stopping anyone.
Gravity is a harsh mistress, and when she finally brings down this famous rock perched 3,245 ft in the air between two other rocks in Rogaland, Norway, I’ll likely be far, far away.
Active volcanoes sure are pretty, but I have never had the urge to get up-close-and-personal with one. Let alone jumping out of a helicopter into one, while placing my life in the hands of a bungee cord tied to said helicopter. But apparently people are really into the idea, their fears assuaged by this gem in the company’s FAQ: “Could I die? Yes. You could. You’ll be signing a waiver, so we’re cool.”
Perfectly unassuming, this Bolivian road is nicknamed “The Road of Death,” largely due to the hundreds of lives lost there annually (mostly from heavy traffic on the extremely narrow and poorly maintained roads). Since it’s been dubbed “the most dangerous road,” traffic has only increased thanks to and influx of tourists more daring than I.
Possibly one of the most precarious peaks in the world, this summit in Moab National Park in Utah is a prime example of people climbing stuff just because we can (in spite of the fact that the tower looks like it might fall over if just you look at it funny).
Or really any cliff face. The growing trend among climbing junkies and outdoor adrenaline freaks is to just go ahead and set up camp thousands of feet above the ground in portaledges. On the one hand, I’m sure sleeping on air is pretty comfortable. On the other hand, if you forget you’re not camped on the ground, you might be in for a rude awakening.
This terrifying unofficial bike trail in Ireland showcases the “Cliffs of Insanity” as seen in The Princess Bride. Personally, I think the insanity is mostly apparent in those who choose to ride the path that rarely gets any wider than 4 feet, on a cliff that is continuously crumbling.
330 feet in the air, 560 feet long, and about 3 feet wide are the dimensions of the Trift Suspension Bridge in the Swiss Alps. The views are supposed to be incredible… just as long as you don’t look down.
The view of Machu Picchu from the summit of Huayna Picchu is a vantage most will never see, but getting there can be quite treacherous. Between perils like unkempt trails, near-vertical staircases, and altitude sickness, even the guides proceed with caution (as many have died tragically over the years).
The “Little Pathway of the King” was built in 1905, and had very little repair work done until just this year. As a result, many a bold traveler had braved everything from sections where the path is reduced to just the support structure, to swaths of path that have completely disintegrated altogether.
The beverage cart is majestic and all, by why sit in the aisle when you could basically watch an IMAX nature film from the window seat?
Hufington post asked travelers for their all-time favorite views from the airplane window, and the resulting images are nothing short of stunning.
Take a look — and never book the aisle again.
We’re lost but we’re making great time! #YogiBerraGems #Alaska Hello Miami! Seriously!!! This must be one of the most beautiful cities in the world from the air. #riodejaniero
Robert Jahns’ Instagram account is a stunning example of how far mobile photo editing and manipulation have come.
Using the apps ArtStudio, Filterstorm, PhotoForge2, VSCOcam and Snapseed in conjunction with actual pictures taken by himself or collaborators, Jahns creates surreal and intriguing images using only his iPhone 5S.
“I love rooftop views and urban exploration. I really dig dance/people photography and landscapes as well,” Jahns told Mashable in an email. “Some edits require about 2 hours and other edits require several days.”
The results of Jahns’ efforts might make you question just how well you know your own iPhone.
