Shopping With Groupon Online

Disclosure- This post was sponsored by Groupon. All opinions are my own. For more information, see “I Disclose”.

Shopping with Groupon is easy and can save you money. Groupon has already saved a lot of people tons of money- if you haven’t tried it, you should give it a go. Groupon has gained even more popularity as more and more establishments use the service and pass on some incredible savings to their customers. The way a Groupon works is that Groupon has offers which the customer pays for. These deals usually double the value of their money at the particular establishment, thus getting new customers in the establishment. If not double, it saves you money regardless, that’s just the average savings.  An example would be a cool new Japanese restaurant opens up and offers a $20 credit toward dinner. This saves you, who wants to get Japanese food anyway, or perhaps just like trying new places,significant savings and gets the restaurant new business. It also gives it exposure- maybe you (and thus others) had not heard of this place before, and now want to try it. When you try it, and like it, you become a regular customer. It’s a win-win.

There are tons of different types of stores with many coupons available from each. Some examples are Home Depot, Hertz(car rentals), Ebay, Lord and Taylor, Old Navy, AT&T, and Norton Antivirus- just a taste of the almost 9,000 stores with almost 80,000 coupons. There are a ton of options, you will certainly find coupons and savings that will be useful to you.

It is always nice to have a new “deals” site in your arsenal when online shopping, and Groupon should definitely be added to your favorites. You never know when that savings code to chip a little bit more off that final price could be found with just a few clicks.

GHOST TOWNS OF THE WEST

Ghost Towns of the West by Phillip Varney and Jim Hinckley blazes a trail through the dusty crossroads and mossy cemeteries of the American West, including one-time boomtowns in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The book reveals the little-known stories of soldiers, American Indians, settlers, farmers, and miners. This essential guidebook to the historic remains of centuries’ past includes maps, town histories, color and historical photographs, and detailed directions to these out-of-the-way outdoor museums of the West.

Plan your road trips by chapter–each section covers a geographic area and town entries are arranged by location to make this the most user-friendly book on ghost towns west of the Mississippi.

Ghost towns are within a short drive of major cities out West, and they make excellent day trip excursions. If you happen to be in or near Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas, or El Paso, for example, you ought to veer towards the nearest ghost town. Western ghost towns can also easily be visited during jaunts to national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Crater Lake, Mount Rainier, Glacier, Yellowstone, and many others throughout the West.

Ghost Towns of the West is a comprehensive guide to former boomtowns of the American West, covering ghost towns in eleven states from Washington to New Mexico, and from California to Montana. This book has everything you need to learn about, visit, and explore a modern remnant of how life used to be on the western range.

Pick up your copy now on Amazon or wherever your prefer to buy your books.

How to Have a Stress-free Family Vacation in Orlando

Family vacation times can get hectic, even with the world’s best organizer at the helm. And with so much to see and do in Orlando, Florida, you might be wondering how you will manage with kids in tow and a long list of must-see places. The good news is that — since Orlando is a popular destination for families — many thousands have faced this dilemma. Here are some of the best tips and tricks from seasoned travelers on how to plan well and have a good time during your upcoming Orlando trip.
1. Use a vacation package.

Want to cut down on the hassle of booking a hotel and then making sure you have tickets for Walt Disney World? Westgate Orlando vacation packages offer this kind of convenience. Allowing you to save both on time, as their hotel is close to Disney world, as well as on money. Packages range from $59 to $199, including Disney tickets and a luxurious studio suite. Having your tickets in hand when arriving at Disney World will allow you to head for the gates right away without dealing with lines. And for those who want to see other attractions, Westgate Resorts has a package for SeaWorld as well as Universal Studios. Save yourself ticket hassle by booking package deals for these parks, too.
2. Plan for an extra night.

Can you and your crew experience the magic of Walt Disney World in one day? Yes, but only if you have arrived the night before. Flying to Orlando at the crack of dawn and hustling from the airport to the park is a recipe for tired and stressed out kids and parents. Get there the night before so you can fully relax and enjoy your day at Disney or whatever other amusement park you have booked.

3. Be reasonable.

With so much to do, it is easy to overbook your days. Vacation is supposed to be enjoyable. But if you feel like you are spending your time rushing from one attraction to the next, chances are high you are not finding this relaxing. It is okay to have a long list of nice to-do things. But also be realistic in what you can fit into each day without it exhausting you and overstimulating the kiddos. When you find yourself or your kids at the breaking point, pull back. Even if it means nixing an evening activity and replacing it with room service at your hotel. Regrouping when needed will allow you all to get a breather and recharge for round 2 or 3.

4. Pack your own drinks and snacks.

Being hungry and thirsty while at an amusement park and having to waste time standing in line for overpriced popcorn is no one’s idea of fun. Often kids will bug you about concession snacks that they will end up not eating. Or end up eating, but the sugar high will make them cranky and you crazy. The night before, hit up a supermarket and pick out carefully considered treats that your kid loves but that also aren’t too high in sugar content. Ditto for drinks. Pull out your pre-packed snacks and skip the lines for food. Spend time where it really counts–the attractions.
5. Include the family on the planning.

Heard of after-vacation blues? A common contributor to post-vacation depression is where someone complains that they were not able to do a ride or go to a location they wanted to go to. This particular complaint can be prevented by a little thoughtful planning. Have your kids come up with 2 must-do rides for each amusement park. This will relieve you of the pressure of feeling like you have to see and do everything. If you have done the things at the top of each child’s list, then you can consider your trip a success.

3 tips to choosing the best experience for your Tuscany Tour

Located in the heart of central Italy, the Tuscany region is home to some of the world’s best tourist destinations including renaissance art galleries and museums, historic castles and churches, majestic beaches and other natural landscapes, as well as the finest seafood and farmer’s markets, and lush olive groves and vineyards. With its complete package of natural and artistic wonders, Tuscany is probably one of the best places in the world where you can relax and experience the beauty of the past. There are definitely a lot of places that you can visit, festive celebrations which you can take part of, and other activities that you will surely enjoy. Make your vacation an exciting and memorable one with these 3 tips to choosing the best experience for your Tuscany tour.

1. Get the perfect accommodation.

In Tuscany, you have a wide range of choices including hotels, apartments, bed and breakfast lodges, villas, cottages, and farmhouses. If you are planning to visit the major cities including Florence, Pisa, and Siena, then staying in hotels should be a great idea. Apartments are great for tourists who prefer solitude and they are usually located in the town centers next to markets, historical monuments, and art museums. Besides the cheaper rate, bed and breakfast accommodations offers a more personalized service for guests. The locals will be more than happy to recommend you the best places to visit and restaurants to indulge in Tuscany.

In the Tuscan suburbs, you have a more diverse range of choices from countryside farmhouses, cottages, villas, to luxurious castles, and resorts. While you can find a lot of these places close to larger cities, it is still advised to consider renting a car for extra convenience.

2. Experience the best wine tours.

One thing that you definitely should not miss while visiting Tuscany is signing up for exciting wine tours. Summer is probably the best time to enjoy the experience in the vast vineyards in the rolling hills of Tuscany. Some of the best wine districts that should be on your list include the towns of Montalcino, Montepulciano, and Chianti. Whether you are an avid wine enthusiast or you just want to take a great relaxation in the surrounding vineyards, cypress woodlands, and olive groves, Tuscany should be the perfect summer getaway destination for you.

Choose the perfect Tuscany Wine Tour and enjoy a wonderful experience of visiting the finest vineyards and cellars, and enjoying a glass of exquisite red wine afterward.

3. Get to see some of the popular major events in Tuscany.

Your vacation in Tuscany wouldn’t be complete without having to participate in some of the major events in the region. Whether you are visiting during the summer or winter seasons, there are many annual celebrations which you may participate in all year round.
During the spring, the town of Florence celebrates Easter festivities and musical concerts in the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. In the summer, some of the events including Luminara, Regatta of St. Ranieri, and Battle of the Bridge take place in the town of Pisa. During autumn, people flock to witness the Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo and Display of the Virgin’s Girdle in Prato. Winter is marked by Epiphany celebrations all over Tuscany and Carnevale in Viareggio.

5 Districts of LA to Visit Based on Interests

Thinking of visiting Los Angeles but feeling overwhelmed by the size of the city? You aren’t alone. So how do you plan a trip to the city without feeling overwhelmed? It’s all about learning how to focus your own interests. Let’s break it down for you:

1) West Hollywood

This section of the city is well known for its shopping and nightlife. It’s the perfect match for the younger crowd, as well as the seasoned veterans of the city. There are enough music clubs to fill your nights, and enough places to shop to fill your days. Ever heard of Santa Monica Boulevard? If you want to visit this hot spot, come with an appetite. This strip of road is lined with restaurants for those who want to see and be seen, such as Sunset Beach or Katana.

West Hollywood is also well known as the home of Sunset Strip, where you can visit great music clubs like the Viper Room or stop by The Comedy Store. If you want to sit at a café and watch for celebrities, you want to stop by Sunset Plaza on the strip. Some of the best, most luxurious hotels in west hollywood are along this stretch of road.

2)Studio City

If you like walking and moving at a leisurely pace, Studio City is the place to visit. This was once the mecca of homes for the actors working for studios. Now it boasts some of the most upscale dining and shopping in all of LA. Do you love sushi? You want to take a walk down Ventura Boulevard’s famous “sushi alley” to get a wide variety of great rolls.

Studio City is the perfect section of LA for the foodie. Just stay close to Ventura Boulevard and enjoy a wide variety of high-end cuisine.

3) Universal City

Want to take a studio tour and enjoy great shopping? Visit Universal City. This section of LA became famous for its studio backlot tours, drawing in a large crowd of tourists. You can Ride the Movies, visit Universal Studios Hollywood, and shop. Heard of CityWalk? It’s a stretch of shopping that inspired the modern version of malls. It’s full of restaurants, novelty shops, street performers, and more.

Universal City is perfect for the tourist who loves Hollywood entertainment.

4) Downtown LA

Immerse yourself in a variety of cultural differences in the downtown district. Visit Chinatown for a real taste of Chinese cuisine and culture. Enjoy a number of museums. See a live show at the Walt Disney Music Hall. Take in an NFL, NBA, or MLB game. Enjoy a helicopter tour of the city.

If your tastes are more cultured and you enjoy arts, architecture, and museums, you want to stay in Downtown LA.

5) Beverly Hills

There is no place in LA for the shopaholic quite like Beverly Hills. From jewelry to clothing to baseball caps, everything in this section of the city is high end, which also comes with a high price tag. If you plan on staying in Beverly Hills and shopping, make sure you save a lot of cash before you come. Before heading out to dinner in Beverly Hills, make sure you have a reservation. Many of the more upscale restaurants won’t have a place for you if you don’t.

If you love to shop and treat yourself, Beverly Hills is the perfect match for your LA experience.

During your trip, you may want to plan for a few extra days on the side to visit Santa Barbara. You can enjoy wineries, the beach, and the mountains all in one laid-back location. And it’s only 90 minutes from LA.

 

4 steps to finding the right treatment center

There are several things to consider when deciding to seek assistance for addiction or any issue that you need help overcoming. Often times people are afraid to discuss the topic of recovery or treatment because there is a stigma attached to the notion of having an addiction. What many do not realize is that having an addiction is not something that can be handled over night and it should be treated with the same care and concern as someone who needs help because they have a disease. Addiction can be considered a silent disease as it is not always easily detectable nor is it popular to discuss. If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about finding the right treatment center, here are 4 things to think about before making a final selection.

 

  • Type of therapy. This is very important to think about as the type of treatment you commit to can vary greatly. You should take into consideration that there are some treatment centers that offer inpatient and outpatient options. Other centers offer individual or group therapy. For instance, it is best to check their locations as you may not be able to participate in outpatient treatment if you live several hours away. If you know that your likelihood to be successful is increased if you stay at the facility and complete a longer term program, choosing an inpatient program may be the better option.
  • Insurance coverage and costs. Before making a commitment to attend a treatment center, it is best to contact your insurance company and check to see if you will receive any type of coverage. If your plan does not offer monetary assistance, you will need to take a look at your finances and analyze your budget. If you are unable to afford the treatment center, there may be staff at the center that can help you come up with payment options.
  • Program type. The program type can be a very important factor as it will determine if you will be involved in a program that is religious based or not. Some programs use a 12 step system, others use different methods.
  • Resources and Support. Perhaps this is the most crucial aspect of choosing a treatment center. The resources and support offered to you while in the program and afterwards is critical in your long-term success. Look for a center that will provide support in the form of friendships, lifestyle coaching, and even family support. Not only will it be important for you to make a lifestyle change after completing a treatment program, but your family will also need to participate in changing their lifestyle as well. Many family members may be shocked that they are being asked to learn about addiction and how to be supportive as well as learn what habits, themselves, need to change for the better. Family members often have a hard time taking responsibility in changing their behavior as they do not believe that they have a “problem.” What family members do not understand, sometimes, is that their actions can trigger or cause a relapse. For example, if your brother decides to have a drink in front of you right after you got out of rehab, it is likely you may want to have a drink. Now this is not to say that you are not responsible for your actions, you certainly are. However there are some things that you will need your family to change such as offering you a drink when you have been sober and are trying to remain clean.

 

Attending a treatment center takes time, consideration, and a great deal of research to find a place that will meet your needs, be within your budget, offer the program type of interest, as well as provide support and resources for you after the program.

A Wide Range of Options to Protect Your Home

A Wide Range of Options to Protect Your Home

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations, nearly 1.6 million home burglaries happened in 2015.  Besides the $3.6 billion in property losses, the damages from these residential invasions can be measured in other ways. Almost 58 percent of these incidents involved forcible entry, a truth that reveals the potential safety risks to you and your family.

In addition, the average loss of $2,316 per incursion is nothing to sneeze at. Despite any coverage from your renter’s or homeowner’s policies, they don’t address all the problems you face as a home invasion victim. Besides the time taken away from your daily life to deal with paperwork and insurance claims, you’re left worried for the security of your home and family. It’s logical to decide you want a home protection system, but which one do you choose? Fortunately, doing a little homework and careful browsing can help you select the right services for your home.

Residential Security Systems Have Come a Long Way

You might remember the older systems from the 1980s and 1990s, which usually consisted of sensors and alarms transmitting their data to a central monitoring station. In most cases, a few national vendors were available, but some regional and local companies formed to offer these plans. They were frequently not feasible for use in apartments, as they often required permanent installation of equipment and charged early cancellation fees. Moreover, there was also the issue with potential lease violations depending on the installation methods.

Nevertheless, modern innovations have improved on these classic services over the last few decades. In addition, do-it-yourself plans now permit homeowners and apartment dwellers to tool them to suit their own needs, according to how much monitoring they want and the sizes of their residences. It’s important to think about your requirements and your budget while shopping as well as consider all the pros and cons before making your selection.

Full-Service or DIY?

As mentioned earlier, classic home protection plans usually incorporated many devices working together to keep their users safe. These generally included standard features such as alarm control panels, sensors installed on doors and windows, panic buttons and fire alarms, along with professional monitoring from a central contact station. The integration of newer technologies has added keyfobs with exterior arm and disarm features, wireless video cameras and mobile smartphone and tablet apps to configure and control each security system.

As described in this article published by CNET in 2015, such residential security products often featured professional installation, along with monitoring services 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Homeowners who want an easy, full-service solution may benefit the most from them. However, it’s crucial to remember that many versions require a contract, usually for two or three years in length. If you must leave your home for good or cannot afford your services any longer, you’ll be forced to contend with an early cancellation charge.

As a new development within the last ten years or so, DIY home systems are gaining increasing popularity. They’re usually simple to install, depending on small wireless video cameras to send footage to your service provider’s network. Integrating with your home broadband internet, they provide impressive utility with options such as motion sensing sophisticated enough to refrain from sending an alarm if your dog decides to play chase with its own tail in your yard yet alert you if someone tries to scale your fence.

Their mobile phone or tablet apps also permit you to monitor alerts and view live footage, as well as watch earlier record video stored by your provider using its cloud technology. Many also factor in advanced features, such as two-way audio transmission through the mobile apps. From unexpected intrusions to teenagers throwing an unauthorized party while you’re away, you’ll most likely have the pictures to prove it, thanks to DIY home protection plans.

Get the Facts

Reading more on security systems should help you as you research the best options. Remember that DIY security products frequently don’t require a contract and may be lower priced than their traditional equivalents. Nevertheless, you’re on your own when it comes to managing their functions. On the other hand, full-service comprehensive solutions put the care and management in your provider’s hands, and it may be worth the extra cost for those who value such convenience. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your family.

3 ways that yoga practice can change your life

There are many fitness activities to choose from that help you enhance your overall wellness. Some people choose to participate in crossfit, running, pure barre, or organized classes. Others choose to commit to taking a yoga class several times a week such as those featured on tantrayogathailand.com.

Because of the myth that yoga is not a calorie-inducing workout, many do not give it a try. The beauty in yoga is that you not only focus on working out your body, but also you mind and soul. Yoga provides an opportunity to connect with oneself in a way that no other fitness activity can provide. This article will explore ways in which adding yoga practice to your fitness routine can change your life.

Release stress and calms your mind.

There are different types of yoga. Power, or Bikram yoga is practiced in a heated studio and is often vigorous causing a lot of sweat and work of all the muscles in your body. It is tough, but also very rewarding. Restorative yoga is more relaxing and although you do not sweat profusely like you do in bikram, you are helping your muscles to restore and rejuvenate. No matter what type of yoga practice you try, you will notice a sense of stress relief and calmness of the mind. Yoga teachers guide you through practice while teaching you how to breath properly to relieve stress as well as get a deeper stretch in your pose.

Teaches you to “Let Go” of things you cannot control.

While you do work on your flexibility of your body in yoga, you also learn how to focus on yourself and not others around you. Focusing on yourself and on what you can control in your life and letting go of everything else is a key aspect of how yoga can change your life. Everyday stressors that weigh on your mind and cause internal turmoil will become minimal after you begin to practice yoga. There is a sense of acceptance and letting go that you will experience over time after making yoga a part of your lifestyle.

Mind/Body Connection.

One of the most beautiful aspects of being a yogi, is that you have a sense of connection with your mind and your body. You will learn how to practice breathing techniques at home that will help you calm down before sleeping as well as relax when you feel yourself becoming anxious over life’s many stressors. You will also learn how to identify when your body needs a break as well as how to care for yourself in healthier ways.
Yoga is life changing for many which is why it has become a very popular activity for men and women alike. Additionally, yoga classes are now even offered for children and families, elderly, and pregnant women. No longer is yoga only a fitness regime offered for adults. Because it is so empowering and a fitness activity that anyone can participate in regardless of body type or ability, it is now highly coveted by our society. Yoga provides an outlet to relieve stress, connect with your mind, body, and spirit, as well as release stress and calm your mind.