Important Items to Pack for Your Next Trip

Traveling is, arguably, one of the most exciting and enjoyable experiences in a lifetime. Packing and planning, on the other hand, can be incredibly stressful.

We recognize that there is just too much to think about when you are days away from your trip. You are almost always bound to forget something!

To make sure you have the greatest trip ahead of you, we have created a list. These are some of the most important, last-minute things you should have before you head out on your next adventure!

Identification

You’d be surprised to hear how many people manage to forget their passport or ID when leaving the house!

We recommend that you invest in an easy-to-access wallet or lanyard that can hold all of your important documents. This way, you can be confident in the fact that you have everything you need and that you know exactly where it is! It’s also more convenient for you don’t have to rummage through a bag to find your stuff.

Chargers and Adapters

If you plan on using your phone, make sure that you have a charging cable with you at all times!

Depending on where you are going, you may need to invest in an adapter for all your electronics. 

You could always purchase a new charger once you’ve reached your destination in a pinch. However, if you can get one before travel, you will save yourself money and the effort of having to find one. 

Additionally, you never want to find yourself lost in a new city with a dead phone.

Phones can be used in emergency scenarios and for navigation. You also need it photograph and document your trip. Don’t let a dead battery get in the way of your exploration and fun!

Protective Case

It is safe to say that your phone will likely be by your side throughout your entire trip. It’s not going to do you much good if it gets broken.

We highly recommend that you invest in a protective case to ensure that your phone stays safe.

Lucky for you, you don’t have to sacrifice style when purchasing a protective case! In recent years, there has been an influx of premium designed iPhone cases that can keep your phone fashionable and protected!

Cash

While the world is seemingly turning digital in every possible aspect, you should always carry cash on you!

You can avoid some nasty ATM fees if you bring cash with you. You will be better prepared in case your card doesn’t work for any reason.

Do some research before you head to your destination. Ensure that you have the correct currency in your possession and don’t be afraid to use it if you need to!

Personal Care Products

Though there are certain restrictions if you are flying, packing personal care items in your luggage can be incredibly cost-effective!

Sunscreen, lip balm, shampoo, conditioner, soap, makeup remover, band-aids – these are all items that you will likely need, regardless of if you pack them beforehand or purchase them once you’ve reached your destination.

Depending on where you are heading, it might be incredibly difficult to find the products you are used to using daily. Not to mention that if you do find them, they will likely be much more expensive than you are used to!

Save yourself the time, money, and trouble. Be sure to pack everything you normally use!

Traveling should be an enjoyable and exciting experience. Follow this list of last-minute (and often forgotten) items, and you are sure to have an amazing time.

How to Choose the Right Broadband Providers

There are so many things you have to consider when choosing the right broadband. It is clear that there are a lot of reasons that make broadband an essential addition to your life. So, you have to do as much as you can to understand the value of getting exactly the right broadband. This is especially important when it comes to improving your life and making things much easier as a result. 

 

When you are assessing the right sort of broadband to go with, it is important to understand the benefit of having the perfect broadband provider. You have a lot of decisions you need to make, and one of the best ones is to think about the different broadband providers on the market, and what you can do to choose the perfect one for you. These are some of the essential things you have got to bear in mind moving forward. 

 

Save money

 

Trying to save money on your broadband deals is so important, and you need to look at some of the best ways of achieving this. There are plenty of ways of being able to save money these days, and it is important to be able to save where you can. If you do your homework and research, then you should be able to achieve this. Look for ways of saving money when moving home, and you’ll find that changing broadband suppliers is one of the best ways of achieving this. 

 

Get the best deal

 

You need to look at what you can do to get the best possible broadband deals moving forward. There are a lot of things that you need to keep in mind here, and assess what you get as part of your deal. Some people will be fine with just a basic broadband package, while others are going to want everything. Value for money is really important, and this is something to keep in mind as much as you can.

 

Which providers are available?

 

Take a look at the different providers that are available when it comes to taking things to the next level broadband wise. Check out some of the best providers who can give you the best possible internet options to work on right now. There are a lot of factors to keep in mind here, but you should definitely be looking at providers like EE, TalkTalk, and Sky broadband, as well as newer providers, such as John Lewis Broadband and Hyperopic.

 

These are some of the key things that you are going to need to understand and bear in mind when it comes to improving the broadband you have in your home. There are a lot of factors you need to keep in mind, and this is something that you are going to need to understand when you want to make the right decisions moving forward. Choosing the perfect broadband provider is something you are going to need to get right, and these are ideas that can help you achieve this.

Best tips meant to help new reborn parents

Did you just buy your first reborn baby and don’t know what to do with it? Don’t worry; we got you covered! Today our special guests are the guys from the newest Reborn baby store in Brazil – Bebe Reborn Original who have 5 tips that will make you a better parent of your doll.

Being a reborn parent can be a real choir from time to time. You have to learn a lot of valuable lessons otherwise, there is a real chance you will damage your favorite baby. Luckily for you, there is nothing complex there and most things can be learned from a short article such as this.

So, don’t waste any time and start learning about the best ways of handling your baby!

 

  1. Think about the clothing

When you buy a reborn doll, in most cases you will get a set of clothing. These outfits are often generic with little to no charm to them. This can be really deflating as you want your babies to be presentable. This is especially true if you have a large collection or if you keep your babies in a cupboard. Of course, there is always an option of swapping clothes from time to time which is another reason why you need to increase your collection. Make sure to separate between boy and girl clothing as this is something that people will notice

  1. Be careful when cleaning the baby

Some women tend to go overboard when it comes to their reborn babies and their cleanliness. We strongly suggest against it. Unlike a real baby, there are some consequences if you overdo it with cleanliness. The paint is especially problematic as it can be affected by almost anything. Babies also have sensitive body made of cloth; if you soak it too much, it will start getting moldy which is the last thing you need. Strong chemicals can also be troublesome so make sure to simply wipe your baby with a clean tissue with a minimal amount of water being used

  1. It is much heavier than it seems

One of the things that new owners get wrong all the time is  baby’s weight and dimensions. For example, reborns are more similar to real babies than they are to dolls. In that sense, don’t be surprised if your arms start hurting after a while. They are full of pellets that make them similar to the real newborns but it is something you will get used. However, during the first few days, make sure to hold it properly as you don’t want your baby to fall down. Similar goes for its dimensions. Babies are very similar to real kids which is why you will have to take care of them when walking through doors and doing other activities. Try to avoid any type of negative exposure!

  1. Sunlight is a big problem

When talking about negative exposure, it is hard not to mention sunlight. As you might’ve presumed by now, leaving your doll in a direct sunlight can have a disastrous impact on its paint. In a way, it can completely ruin a masterpiece. Not only should you take care when walking it but you should also make sure that the nursery is facing the right side.

  1. Never leave your doll in a car

When people see a doll in a car, they instantly think that it’s a real baby. They will even break your glass in order to get it out. There were a lot of these cases in the past so be mindful of this. If you already want to take out your baby, make sure to put some cloth over it so that people can’t recognize what’s beneath it.

APPLE STORES INTRODUCE NEW AUGMENTED REALITY CODING ROBOT FOR KIDS

Looking for a smart toy that brings virtual and hands on play together in a fun and educational way – one that sets it apart from the rest?

Introducing Botzees, the latest and greatest from Pai Technology, innovators that excel in pairing children’s growth through all stages with technology, science, and art to strengthen imagination, problem-solving, critical thinking, and healthy lifestyles.

Botzees is a new robotics kit for kids ages 4 and up that combines creativity, construction, and coding, all in one. Kids can build, program and code six different pre-designed robots or choose to create their own with the specially designed blocks that come with the kit.

Once built, Botzees can be taught to move, drum, dance, make sounds and light up using the free Botzees app. The kit’s 130 gender neutral, uniquely shaped, easy-to-grip blocks with rounded edges will inspire kids’ imagination with tactile, tangible hands-on learning. Additionally, the 30 interactive Augmented Reality puzzles will teach even more coding concepts with visual cues.

“We are tremendously excited to introduce a new way for younger children to enjoy the experience and benefits of coding,” said Amy Braun, Pai Technology’s Head of US Marketing and Communications. “Screen time is beneficial if used appropriately and we are happy to provide positive and physical STEM-focused products that do just that.”

Winner of the prestigious Seal of Approval from The National Parenting Center, Botzees is available now for $99.99 in Apple Stores and Amazon. To learn more visit pai.technology/botzees.

The most important thing to be sure of is that your device is compatible. Compatible devices are attached. Then:

  1. Update to the latest software on your device (be sure it is android 8.0 or iOS 12)
  2. Close any other apps open on your device
  3. If you are using an android device you will need to download the AR core app
  4. Download the Botzees app

You should follow the instructions on the slip and can download the manual at www.pai.technology/botzeesmanual

Pai Technology combines the latest advancements in technology and research to make familyfriendly educational products. We are innovators that excel in pairing children’s growth through all stages with technology, science, and art to strengthen imagination, problem solving, critical thinking, and healthy lifestyles. Our products are innovative, creative, safe, and above all, fun! Learn more at www.pai.technology .

10 Backyard Must-Haves For Summer

Who doesn’t love summer? The days are longer and warmer, family camping and adventures are in full swing, and we finally get to feel the warmth of the sun on our face. But if you have a backyard that’s less than prepared for the long, sunny days ahead, you may find yourself spending more time indoors than taking advantage of the gorgeous weather outside.

Rather than secluding yourself to your living room all summer, consider adding these 10 backyard must-haves to encourage your family and guests to spend a little time in the great outdoors.

1. Laid Back Ambient Lighting

And when the sun goes down, rather than retreating to the indoors, consider adding some solar lights to keep the party going for just a little bit longer. Solar string lights are easy to install and don’t require any extra electricity.

Solar path lights will illuminate the way and make getting in and out of the backyard safer and easier. Not to mention, solar lights, in general, add a soft, comforting ambiance to your backyard space that your guests will love.

2. Cool Down Zone

Some days in the summer it’s so hot that a shady area still isn’t enough. Rather than sweating it out, think about building a kid-friendly cool down zone that the whole family can enjoy!

You can really make this project whatever you want it to be, but some clever ideas include setting up a “kid car wash”, adding a DIY splash pad, and for the adults, Target is now selling what they call the first “designer inflatable pool”. Whether you think that’s silly or not, you’re totally going to love it when the temperature gets up into the high 90s.

3. Outdoor Movie Setup

Nothing says summer quite like outdoor movies. But for many of us, drive-in movie theatres are either a thing of the past or the closest one is still too far away to go to it regularly. Why not replicate that nostalgia in your own backyard?

 

Once you invest in a movie projector, the rest of your outdoor movie setup will come together pretty affordably. Find a nice white sheet, attach it to the side of the house, add a bunch of comfy chairs, pillows, and blankets, and kick back and relax with the whole family.

4. Welcome Feathered Friends

There’s nothing like the sweet sound of a songbird to welcome summer with open arms. Watching birds is a fun and relaxing experience that encourages your family to spend some quality time outdoors.

There are a variety of affordable bird feeders and seed to get started, but if you want to make a project out of it, there are numerous free bird house plans to make your own.

5. A Shady Space to Relax

If there’s anything that prevents people from going outside in the summer, it’s having to sit in an area that’s directly in the sun with no shade to cool it down. Rather than subjecting your guests to a sunburn, consider adding a cool, refreshing, shady space for everyone to hang out in! Find some comfy chairs, invest in a backyard pergola, and if you really want to take it to the next level, consider adding a few outdoor ceiling fans.

6. Grow Some Pops of Color

Just because spring is coming to an end, it doesn’t mean that you can’t add some bright pops of color to take your yard from blah to beautiful. There are numerous flowers that bloom in the summer as well as some beautiful foliage that will make a statement in your garden beds year round.

7. Outdoor Dining Area

One of the best parts of summer is gathering the whole family together and throwing a backyard BBQ full of laughter, fun, and of course, some tasty food. Rather than barbecuing outside and taking the food indoors, why not establish an outdoor dining area to enjoy the food outdoors?

Consider investing in a patio dining set or building your very own picnic table to offer plenty of space for your guests to sit at. Finish off the look by adding an outdoor rug and some seasonally-appropriate dishes and cutlery.

8. Kid-Friendly Garden Bed

If your kids haven’t had the opportunity to try their hand at gardening, consider building a garden bed that is all theirs! Plant some easy to grow vegetables like beans, carrots, spinach, and radishes, and see their face light up as little sprouts start to make their way out of the soil. 

 

Giving them their own garden bed rather than having them share a space with your current garden beds let them have a bit of ownership over the whole process and they’ll get to see what happens when they care for their plants, and what happens when they don’t.

9. Stone Path Walkway

Is the pathway to your backyard full of those pokey, uncomfortable gravel rocks that feel absolutely horrible underneath your feet?

Don’t suffer another summer of aching feet! Embrace that barefoot lifestyle by adding stone steppers and soft, plush groundcovers to establish and elegant, and functional walkway.

10. Built-In Fire Pit and Smores Bar

After the sun has gone down and dinner is over, keep the party going with an outdoor fire pit! There are numerous different fire pits in all sorts of shapes and sizes to fit your space as well as both propane and wood-burning options. And what’s a fire without some smores? Set up a smores bar at your outdoor dining table and watch the kids go wild with excitement.

Bio: Leigha Staffenhagen is the managing editor of Insteading.com, a homesteading and sustainability site focused on everything from gardening and raising chickens to tiny homes and off-grid living.

Ever Tried CDB Oil? What’s Stopping You?

CBD

If you are like me, you are willing to try just about anything to stop your chronic pain. Yet for some reason, so many people I talk to are worried about or wholly against trying CBD oils to try to get some relief. Why, I wonder? Maybe they think it’s illegal. Maybe they don’t know what it is. Well, I’d like to give you some insight into my experiences with a particular brand, Infinite CBD. It’s not the only brand I’ve ever tired, but I’m using it right now and here’s my thoughts as well as information about the products and what it is about from the professionals.

What is it, anyway?

“Cannabidiol is a phytocannabinoid discovered in 1940. It is one of some 113 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants and accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. In 2018, clinical research on cannabidiol included preliminary studies of anxiety, cognition, movement disorders, and pain.

How is cannabidiol different from marijuana?

According to Harvard studies, CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant. While CBD is a component of marijuana (one of hundreds), by itself it does not cause a “high.” According to a report from the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

Is cannabidiol legal?

CBD is readily obtainable in most parts of the United States, though its exact legal status is in flux. All 50 states have laws legalizing CBD with varying degrees of restriction, and while the federal government still considers CBD in the same class as marijuana, it doesn’t habitually enforce against it. In December 2015, the FDA eased the regulatory requirements to allow researchers to conduct CBD trials. Currently, many people obtain CBD online without a medical cannabis license. The government’s position on CBD is confusing, and depends in part on whether the CBD comes from hemp or marijuana. The legality of CBD is expected to change, as there is currently bipartisan consensus in Congress to make the hemp crop legal which would, for all intents and purposes, make CBD difficult to prohibit.

The evidence for cannabidiol health benefits

CBD has been touted for a wide variety of health issues, but the strongest scientific evidence is for its effectiveness in treating some of the cruelest childhood epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which typically don’t respond to antiseizure medications. In numerous studies, CBD was able to reduce the number of seizures, and in some cases it was able to stop them altogether. Videos of the effects of CBD on these children and their seizures are readily available on the Internet for viewing, and they are quite striking. Recently the FDA approved the first ever cannabis-derived medicine for these conditions, Epidiolex, which contains CBD.

CBD is commonly used to address anxiety, and for patients who suffer through the misery of insomnia, studies suggest that CBD may help with both falling asleep and staying asleep.

CBD may offer an option for treating different types of chronic pain. A study from the European Journal of Pain showed, using an animal model, CBD applied on the skin could help lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis. Another study demonstrated the mechanism by which CBD inhibits inflammatory and neuropathic pain, two of the most difficult types of chronic pain to treat. More study in humans is needed in this area to substantiate the claims of CBD proponents about pain control.

Is cannabidiol safe?

Side effects of CBD include nausea, fatigue and irritability. CBD can increase the level in your blood of the blood thinner coumadin, and it can raise levels of certain other medications in your blood by the exact same mechanism that grapefruit juice does. A significant safety concern with CBD is that it is primarily marketed and sold as a supplement, not a medication. Currently, the FDA does not regulate the safety and purity of dietary supplements. So you cannot know for sure that the product you buy has active ingredients at the dose listed on the label. In addition, the product may contain other (unknown) elements. We also don’t know the most effective therapeutic dose of CBD for any particular medical condition.

The bottom line on cannabidiol

Some CBD manufacturers have come under government scrutiny for wild, indefensible claims, such that CBD is a cure-all for cancer, which it is not. We need more research but CBD may be prove to be an option for managing anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. Without sufficient high-quality evidence in human studies we can’t pinpoint effective doses, and because CBD is currently is mostly available as an unregulated supplement, it’s difficult to know exactly what you are getting. If you decide to try CBD, talk with your doctor — if for no other reason than to make sure it won’t affect other medications you are taking.

pain relief

What Does CBD Do For Pain?

On the Infinite CBD site, you can read that “CBD, or Cannabidiol, can help alleviate pain by addressing the two mechanisms that make humans feel pain.

First, CBD reduces inflammation. More specifically, research suggests that CBD reduces pain in the joints. Using the CB1 and CB2 receptors located in the immune system, CBD halts the activation of inflammatory T cells. Due to this ability, CBD has been found to help reduce arthritic pain and pain caused by fibrosis.

Additionally, studies have shown that CBD alleviates neuropathic pain by suppressing a3 glycine receptors. Due to this ability, CBD targets not just inflammation, but the pathway that makes humans actually feel it.

Using CBD Lotion for Pain

When applied topically, CBD has the ability to provide individuals with targeted and effective benefits. Using CBD lotion to reduce pain is effective because it can be used on an as-needed basis. No amount of CBD lotion is too much.

You can apply CBD lotion to your skin, which should be rubbed in until absorbed. Wait for about 15 minutes, and viola – relief.

Whether you’re recovering from a sprained ankle, experience chronic back pain, or just got home from surgery, CBD lotion is a natural, effective, and targeted way to address your pain. From the inflammation in the area to the neuropathic pain you’re feeling, CBD is the natural solution you’ve been searching for.

Freezing Point CBD Lotion and Salve

Infinite CBD has created a variety of CBD lotion and salve products that address pain.

Freezing Point Lotion comes in a few varieties. If you’re experiencing severe pain, Nano Freezing Point products are recommended, as CBD nanotechnology make CBD more bioavailable (absorbable) to the body.

Additionally, salve products make applying CBD very easy. Infinite CBD’s salves also include a higher ratio of CBD.

It’s Time to Use CBD Lotion for Pain

Experiencing and managing pain is the worst. Not only does it hurt, but it affects your quality of life and ability to do all of the activities you enjoy.

Use CBD lotion for pain if you’re seeking effective, targeted, and natural relief.”

There are a ton of different ways to take CBD oil. Try out a few different ways and see what best suits you and gives you relief. Its great for pets as well.

Belgian Beet Rock Sugar & Himalayan Salt Stone Set

all natural sugar

Belgian Beet Rock Sugar

Ideal for sweetening tea or coffee, The SugarLab’s Beet Sugar is authentic Belgian brown rock sugar made popular in tea shops by Teavana. Distinctively packaged in an apothecary jar, this all natural rock sugar is gluten-free, Kosher and non GMO.

Made from sugar beets instead of sugarcane,the rock crystals get their brown colors from the natural presence of molasses.

Himalayan salt

Himalayan Salt Stone Shaver Set

Large Himalayan Pink Salt stones are distinctively packaged with a stainless steel shaver, ideal for gourmet cooks to add just theperfect touch of salt with foodie flair. Includes three or more stones weighing approximately 24 ounces along with a sturdy, premium stainless steel grater.Learn more.

To see the full line of all natural seasonings, salts, sugars and gourmet gifts, check out www.spices.com

StrawSleeves- The Next Step in Sustainable Living @StrawSleeves

500 MILLION single use, plastic straws are used and discarded in the USA every day! Reusable straws provide a solution to this environmental problem as straw users learn the importance to refuse plastic and opt for sustainable straw choices. StrawSleeves provides a practical way to carry reusable straws while traveling, shopping, or eating out.

straw sleeves

Bring Your Own Straw – Packing your reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and utensils promotes the practice of “reuse” over accepting single use plastics in our daily routine. Straw users can choose from the many types of reusable straws on the market and now have a way to pack and carry their personal straw easily in the cloth sleeves. The sleeves are designed to keep the straw clean and protected from contact with other items in their tote-bag, glove-box, pocketbook, backpack, or picnic basket.

Hemp and Reclaimed Fabrics – Materials used in the making of the sleeves are sustainable, plastic free choices.  100% Hemp Fabric from Romania is offered in four colors. Hemp is a sustainable resource, not requiring pesticides, and has natural anti-bacteria and anti-fungal properties that benefit food utensil storage. Triple washed reclaimed denim and denim weight fabrics are used for making the sleeves as an additional choice and are offered in earth-tone colors. All straw sleeves are self-lined, triple stitched and have an “invisible inner cuff” that prevents the straw from sliding out of the pocket, requiring no ties or fasteners, a convenient choice to transport and access your straw. The fabrics and sleeves are designed to withstand frequent laundering by hand or machine and are ideal for many types of reusable straws including stainless steel, titanium, copper, bamboo, sterling silver, and glass.

New Multi-Utensil Packs – Cloth carriers with four sections are now available as an additional StrawSleeves line. These packs hold a number of straws, chopsticks, utensils, and cleaning brushes as well as other items such as art supplies or makeup brushes. Fabrics used are 100% cotton. Or reclaimed materials.

Sleeves Bearing Store Brands – Current StrawSleeves sales are mostly business-to-business with several straw manufacturers and eco stores branding the sleeves with their own business logo.  Wholesale and Distributor pricing is based on the quantity of each order. Selecting the highest standing businesses that promote plastic free solutions is the object of the StrawSleeves Company in the effort to promote solutions to the environmental issues of plastic waste.

Social Media Love – To learn more about StrawSleeves and see photos and videos, please go to the StrawSleeves Instagram and Facebook pages where you will find @StrawSleeves and the StrawSleeves community engaging in discussions and ideas that encourage us all to take that next step toward a sustainable lifestyle.

Plastic Free Donations – StrawSleeves considers requests to donate sleeves for worthy plastic free causes. Please email inquiries to strawsleeves@gmail.com for consideration.

StrawSleeves on Etsy – Individual retail StrawSleeves sales are active on Etsy.  http://etsy.com/shop/StrawSleeves