GIVEAWAY – “Summer on the Go” with Nat Geo Kids @NGKids #NatGeoKidsAlmanac

May 24, 2019 by 45 Comments

Just in time for Summer road trips and vacations, Nat Geo kids is giving away a super fun prize pack featuring their latest kids almanac, the National Geographic Kids Almanac 2020.

Kids can have fun and keep their minds working over the summer. They can also be entertained without electronics- it’s true. I mean, we all lived, right?
One of you can win this Almanac, water bottle, gel pens, string backpack and back seat organizer gift set.
Great to put in the car to keep the kids occupied when you are on the go or for long drives.

There are 2 Giveaways you can enter here- make sure you enter both to double your chances of a win!

In addition,  The Nat Geo Kids Almanac 2020 website is now live! You can check it out here- https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/books/almanac-2020/#lions-nora.jpg
Enter to win this fun gift set by using the RC form below. Good luck- ends 6/5/19

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You can also enter the Nat Geo Summer on the Go Almanac 2020 Grand Prize Giveaway — a GO-PRO!  You can also enter the Grand Prize Giveaway by using the separate Rafflecopter

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Is it Better to Buy or Rent an RV for an Upcoming Trip?

May 24, 2019 by Leave a Comment

An RV sounds like the perfect option for an upcoming trip, but then the big question appears. Is it better to rent an RV for the trip or purchase one? Consider both options carefully before making any decision as either one could be the right answer, depending on your travel plans, your financial situation, and more.

 

Buying Means More Vacations Later

 

Of course, the biggest pro to buying an RV now is that it’s available anytime you want to take a trip. Decide to just take off for the weekend? There’s no need to check with a rental agency to see if there’s an RV available. Visiting a Forest River RV dealer today means it’s possible to purchase an RV that can be used for just about any vacation you want to take.

 

Renting Can Help Save Money

 

Although it can be expensive to rent an RV for a week or longer, the fees are still less than the cost of an RV. If money is a concern, it might be better to rent an RV for this trip. If you don’t end up liking RV traveling, there’s no worry about trying to sell an RV in the future and there’s no money wasted from having to sell for less than the purchase price.

 

Buying Allows Customized Additions

 

Those who purchase an RV have the chance to customize it, so it meets their needs. New RVs come with plenty of potential upgrades as well as options for the interior and exterior. Look through all of the options carefully to choose the right ones when buying an RV and purchase it ahead of time just in case anything needs to be ordered.

 

Renting Means No Searching for Storage

 

A downside to buying an RV could be storing it between vacations. Renting an RV means there’s no need to worry about where it’s stored. Those who don’t have room at home or cannot park an RV at home because of an HOA might prefer renting the RV just to save on storage costs. Consider the space available for storage, the costs associated with storage, and how easy it will be to store between vacations.

 

Buying Can Enable an Extended Trip

 

Heading out on the open road can be exhilarating, especially when there’s no need for hard plans and no hotel rooms to worry about so the plans can change on a whim. If the RV is rented, however, there may be limitations to how long it can be gone. The rental agency may require it being returned on time to avoid late fees and because others may want to rent it. When you buy an RV, you don’t have this concern and can extend the trip if you want to.

Renting Gives the Chance to Test the Waters

 

A big advantage of renting over buying an RV is simply the chance to try it out. With a rental, it’s possible to use the RV for just a short time to see if living in an RV while traveling is fun, to get used to driving an RV, and to see if any downsides may mean you don’t want to purchase an RV for future trips.

 

If you’re planning a trip and you’d like to take an RV, you’re going to need to consider whether it’s better to purchase an RV or rent one. Use the pros and cons here to think about which option is right for your upcoming vacation.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,

4 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Holiday Travels

May 22, 2019 by Leave a Comment

If you’re like many homeowners, you plan to travel during the holidays. You’ve got your flight tickets, and you made the hotel reservations, but did you really plan to leave your house unattended? While you may think that locking up and setting an alarm will do the trick, there are some things to consider before you board the plane. Discover these four ways to prepare your home for the busy holiday season.

If you plan to be gone this holiday season, consider enlisting the neighbors. If there’s a teen in the area, pay them a few bucks to bring in any late arriving packages, water the plants, and rotate the lighting. Studies show that keeping a single lamp on day and night is a red flag to burglars. Instruct them to alternate which lights are on and off, and which shades to draw each visit.

Have your house sitter come over during evening hours when many are arriving home from work, and at varying times during the day, so a watchful burglar never feels certain your house is empty. Also, leave your travel plans and contact information with a trusted neighbor in the event of an emergency.

Unplug Small Appliances

Vampire appliances use electricity even when they’re turned off. The Department of Energy reports that these small electronics account for 10 percent of the average home’s energy use. Unplug all TVs, sound systems, computers, and your internet routers. Use power strips in your home office to make life easier, and turn them all off with a single switch.

Head to the kitchen and avoid a breakdown while you’re away by unplugging the coffee maker, toaster, and the microwave. Flip the breaker on large appliances like the dishwasher and washing machines to save electricity and protect your home from the risk of fire.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat not only lets you monitor the temperature in your home but also lets you control it. Needlessly running the furnace while you’re away is an added expense.

What if an unexpected cold snap comes through? Relax on your travels, and remotely set your thermostat to a temperature that protects your plants, pets, and keeps your pipes from freezing. Your programmable thermostat can also prepare for your return home, and ensure that the house is toasty warm when you arrive or nice and cool, depending on your climate.

Tidy Up the Kitchen

Before you pack up the car or head to the airport, spend a few minutes in the kitchen. Dispose of any food that may spoil before you return from your holiday vacation, such as meat and milk products. Take out the trash, and run a half-cup of vinegar and some water down your garbage disposal for a fresh, clean-smelling kitchen when you return.

The holiday season is often hectic, and traveling during this time can be stressful. By taking advantage of these four ways to prepare your home for holiday travels, you can relax and join your family and friends in celebrating the reason for the season.

Filed Under: home Tagged With: ,

How to catch and cook scallops

May 22, 2019 by 1 Comment

 

The following is a guest post. The opinions and writing are those of the author.

If you live near coastal areas, fishing is not much more interesting for your own food and it enjoys skilling. Very rich in tryptophan and protein, sculptures you know you eat something that will give you a good amount of essential amino acids that your body needs. Scallops are very beautiful and pleasant and have fun and exciting experience in catching their hands.

Read and search learn the rules

Each state has its own governors for how many scallops you can take. In some states, you need a saltwater fishing license before going to Scooby. In some states, you can buy a fun fishing license, so it should not be a problem.

Next, you can take home how much scallops are available. Usually, each person is allowed to take only two gallons. If scripts are already cleaned or removed from the shell, each individual can only take one paint home. In some states, only 10 gallons or boat scales in every boat are half gallons.

Learn how to study before catching

Actually, you only need masks, diving, and net bags. The challenge comes with boat. You definitely need a boat to take a deep part of the ocean. You do not have to go away. Sculptures are generally found in areas where grass is. The best time for the skull is during the afternoon when the sun is up. You can also find scoops in potato water.

Actually you can find scallops in the area where you should not be arrows, just go. To make things easier for you, you can get a scroll “sign” to ride with you and your family or friends. These are “experts” where the scripts are and you will show the right direction in the ocean.

How to be safe

Since you are going underwater, you need to know how to stay safe. First of all, you have to be near the boat or near the beach if you are drunk in the potato water. Many people who reduce the current water power of drilling and wash away. Always make sure you get enough energy to return to the boat. Water has tiredness and can flow energy as soon as possible. You must be aware of yourself.

Melting medium flame

The first step is to melting medium flame on the stove and tosses it in garlic to melting butter in the butter. This butter is melted. So instead of using a traditional stuff filled with oil instead of giving it a rich taste, use butter. Use about 3-5 spoons of butter, depending on how much of your desired service will be reduced.

Change of flame when required

After garlic becomes a little bad, then the fields on shot can be put in scalp after reducing the heat and they can be cooked on one side, and soon after changing the scalps remembering a golden gray. Still in the pan, to squeeze some lions in the skins, it is to taste a trivial taste.

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What to Look For in a Mattress and What to Avoid

May 22, 2019 by Leave a Comment

 

Buying a new mattress can be daunting. It’s important to remember that this is a long term investment that will pay for itself with the right diligence. Here are some tips to help you find the right mattress for you without causing a headache.

best mattress

How do you Sleep?

What seems like an irrelevant question should be at the very core of your quest for a new mattress. How you sleep, on your side, on your back or stomach, defines what material you need. If you experience back and neck pains, it could be that your current mattress isn’t properly supporting you for how you sleep, where others have experienced a wonderful night’s sleep on the same model.

This is because of how the mattress responds to the pressure, curvature and heat of your body. Memory foam mattresses are renowned for their ability to mold to the shape of your body, but if you are a restless sleeper this can be a problem.

Check Online Reviews

Reviews are your best tool for finding a great quality product. Find reviews with similar needs to your own; a restless side sleeper’s review may not be relevant to a peaceful stomach sleeper. Click here for the best rated reviews taking into account many factors to find the best brands.

It’s also worth noting that only a customer can tell you honestly if they’re happy with their purchase. It might be that the product degrades after a year into a much lower quality version, or if there was trouble with deliveries. Companies will go to great lengths to prevent bad reviews so a sharp eye is needed to find the best retailers.

Misleading Information

Some brands claim to have qualities such as high-density memory foam when in reality only the top layer is what they claim. This can severely affect the lifespan and comfort of the mattress. Another tactic used by brands is to claim their product is “made in the USA” when they are only assembled in America from materials shipped from China. This is important as it can tell you the quality of the materials used and if they’ve been treated with harsh chemicals and perfumes. For such an important part of your life, it’s worth taking a little extra time to dig deep and find out where the mattress really comes from.

Look for Guarantees and Warranties

One good indicator as to whether a product is genuine or not is the quality of the warranty; if a manufacturer claims their mattress will leave you happy for ten years, they could just be trying to win you over, but if they offer a 10 year replacement guarantee then they must have incredible confidence in their product. On the other hand, if a m

attress looks great on paper but only offers a 6-month replacement warranty then it’s quite possible they don’t expect the product to retain its quality after the warranty is over.

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Fun Summer Finds for Active Women

May 20, 2019 by 1 Comment

As active parents, we are excited that warm weather has finally decided to visit us (and here’s hoping it stops raining for a few minutes so we can stay outdoors to enjoy it!)

Now that Spring has spring and Summer is on the way, here are a few of our favorites for moms on the go.

Sand Cloud, an environmentally aware company that donates %10 of it’s profits to #SaveTheFishes (help protect and preserve marine life) offers a wide array of items that are sustainable, adorable, and environmentally friendly. From super useful items mom will love like reusable glass bottles with beautiful and fun designs on them to metal straws that you can take anywhere (avoid those unnecessary plastic ones), soft towels with lovely artwork, to organic tees and tanks and more. Visit https://www.sandcloud.com to see what strikes your fancy.

yoga gear

Yoga lover? Me too, we hit the mat almost daily, it is one of the best ways to center yourself and have a few minutes of peace. Slightly Buddha is a yoga company for yoga lovers, by yoga lovers. The items on the site are simple, pretty, and express the ideas of living a zen lifestyle. They make, as they describe them, “well made, cute clothes” that offer value to the customer. As the owner describes the collection, “Slightly Buddha is a manifestation of my love for yoga, art and clothes.”  The clothing is soft and comfortable, and perfect for hitting a class or running errands. Pay attention to the photos and the reviews, they are honest and helpful when choosing a size.  Visit https://www.slightlybuddha.com and check out the graceful designs that are easy to mix and match.

Title Nine has everything the active woman needs, from running gear to swimwear to undergarments and more. Dresses that move with you, skirts that shake the rain off, leggings that actually stay in place. I can’t say enough good things about the company, which is run by amazing women for women, so they know what women want and need. I recently tried out the Roadster Convertible Underwire Bra and the Cuz She Say’s So Underwire Bra and I have to say, I’m in love. The “Roadster” in particular has become my “go to”- if it’s clean, I’m wearing it. Comfortable and keeping everything where it needs to be, even during vigorous workouts, this is the one to beat in my opinion. The “Cuz She Said So” was also comfortable and preformed well, and kept it all together.  The company is so passionate about their bras, they even have a program to help get them to girls in underprivileged communities. They know it’s hard to preform your best when you are being hindered- and that’s pretty cool. Visit https://www.titlenine.com to find your perfect match.

Looking for something pretty? Mountain Khakis puts a modern spin on classics, and the clothing is built to last. This company builds tough clothing that’s still pretty and soft to wear. You can find classic styles mom loves, which are durable and have the highest quality craftsmanship. A brand you can rely on not to fall apart on you. Not only that, but they are a company that cares, being Fair Trade Certified, members of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and are organic and biodegradable, using only products and production methods that are safe, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. You can be tough and rugged and still look beautiful at the same time- all this while being environmentally responsible. Great gift options, take a look at https://www.mountainkhakis.com to see what strikes your fancy.

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10 No-Stress Ways to Make Extra Cash for the Holidays

May 20, 2019 by Leave a Comment

You are looking for ways to make some money for the holidays. Here we share some low and no stress jobs that will get you to making money within weeks.

 

  1. Try AmazonTurk.

 

AmazonTurk is a marketplace for work that requires humans to complete the work. This services gives businesses access to a diverse and scalable workforce while giving Workers a selection of thousands of tasks to complete. You only need to create an account and await to be approved. Once you are approved start with surveys. Pay can happen as long as you make more than $1. The money is sent to your bank account or to your Amazon Gift account.

 

  1. Try ride sharing.

People always need a ride to some where. Why not let it be you and in your vehicle? This is similar to a tax service, but done via an app. People download the app such Lyft and you pick them up from their location. Everything is done via the app including you signing up to start making some money.

 

You have lots of flexibility because you sign on and drive when you want to. You can get paid as soon as you sign up and are approved.

 

  1. Sign up for AmazonFlex.

 

With AmazonFlex you could make a few hundred dollars per week. You simply go to the Amazon stock warehouse near you and start to deliver packages to Amazon shoppers. You use your own vehicle and you work the hours that are convenient for you. You could make anywhere from $18 to $25 per hour. AmazonFlex is hiring in certain cities, so this option may or may not be available near you.

 

  1. Sell items from home online.

 

There are plenty of things laying around your house that you could sell. Online sites such as Ebay, CraigsList, and the numerous apps that are local to an area can help you to sell items. You can also go to a yard sale and buy items, then place them online to sell. Buy low and sell high.

 

Instead of hosting a yard sale you can simply place the items online to sell. You can get the cash as soon as someone is interested in what you have to sell. Make certain the photos you put up are nice in presentation.

 

  1. Petsitting

Walking and taking care of someone else’s dogs will earn you some extra cash. If you like dogs and pets, then this is going to be a fun way to make money. This is a low stress way to make some extra money.

 

There are many companies for dog walking. Look some up online for your area and you will be surprised how many need your help. When working with a company you will get paid less. You can make more money by starting your own service. On the website, Care.com, you can create a profile and find people who need your services.

 

Within a week or two you could have cash in your hand. You could also have your own clients within that time frame or sign up for one of the companies hiring near you.

 

  1. Airbnb.

Do you have a guest room or couch in your home? You could rent that space with an account on Airbnb. You will need to list your space on the website and put up some good photos. When people are looking for an alternative to a hotel they will find your listing for your area. You could get cash soon. Your first booking could happen within three days. It is best to price your space lower than others so that your calendar can fill sooner. Once you have more reviews you can increase your pricing.

 

  1. Join TaskRabbit.

TaskRabbit is a site where you can sign up to perform gigs. No need to hunt for clients because in TaskRabbit they pop up. What is your skill? If you are in to handy work, then many people will need your services. If you clean people’s homes or can help people with moving, then you will be busy. There are other small tasks that you can assist someone else with. You could be getting paid as soon as a few weeks. You must attend an orientation session first.

 

  1. Start tutoring.

You can teach English online with a few online tutoring companies. The hours are centered around Asian countries, but you could be online teaching soon. You could also offer tutoring online at tutor.com. You’ll need to build your own clients. You could be paid within one month if you teach English online. With tutor.com you could be paid after your first client. Both ways require one to three weeks of onboarding.

 

  1. Sell textbooks.

 

If you decide to sell textbooks make certain to choose textbooks that are going to be used in the coming semester. If you have textbooks from previous semesters, then this is the perfect time to sell them. Earn some cash by selling on Booksrun. The website has a buy back program. They even provide a shipping label to send the books to them. You can receive cash or store credit.

 

You have to sign up on their website, type the name, ISBN, author or keyword in to the search too and then print the shipping label. Follow the prompts and your book will be in the mail soon and the cash will be in your account.

 

  1. Find temp work.

Finding a temporary work agency is easy. Do an online search for those near you and they will get you in the office for identification checks and necessary tests such as typing or your resume review. They will call you when they have a job that matches your skills. You could be paid very soon – within two weeks if they have open positions.

Filed Under: saving/money Tagged With: ,

Key Points When Renting a New Home

May 20, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Moving to a new rented home can be stressful – there is little doubt about that. Many people dread having to move because there is so much to organize and plan. However, this is not the only daunting part about moving. You also have to think about starting afresh in a new home, in a new area, and with new neighbors, all of which can be quite scary.

When you are moving to a new rented home, there are various factors you need to consider. If you look into these before you make any solid decisions about the property you plan to rent, you can avoid making potentially costly mistakes that could lead to a heap of stress and misery. In this article, we will look at some of the key things you should look into before you take the plunge and make the move.

3 Factors to Look into Before You Move

Before you get the movers booked, uproot yourself and your worldly belongings, and plunge headfirst into the unknown, it is always wise to do a little digging first and find out more about the area where the new rental property is situated. There are various factors that you should investigate, and we will look at three of the main ones.

First off, try to find out more about your new neighbors. It is important to get along with your neighbors, and the last thing you want is to live near people with whom you do not get along with or who have undesirable backgrounds. There are a number of ways in which you can do this. You could pop and knock on the door prior to moving to simply introduce yourself or ask about the area. This will give you the chance to meet them and see how you get on. You can even do a criminal record check online to see if there is anyone next door who is best avoided.

The second thing to do is to find out more about the area in general. Again, just because your new neighbors are not criminals, it doesn’t mean that there are not loads of other dubious individuals in the area. The best way to determine this is to look at the general crime rate in the neighborhood or area, which is something you can easily do online. You will find plenty of statistics that will give you a better idea of the crime rate, so you can make sure you do not move into a crime hotspot.

Finally, take some time to look at the amenities and facilities in the area, as this will help you to decide whether this is a convenient area to move to. Look at things like how close the shops, public transportation, medical and dental facilities, schools and colleges, and entertainment venues are.

These are all points that you should look at before you decide whether you are renting the right house in the right area. Taking the time to check things out beforehand can save you a huge amount of trouble in the long run.

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