How to Save Money on an International Summer Vacation

Seventeen percent of US consumers plan to take an international vacation this summer, according to
a recent survey from the Royal Bank of Canada, and if you’re one of them, you’ll need to know more
than simply how to adjust to a strange culture (though that’s important as well). More
specifically, traveling abroad is expensive, and there are some surefire ways to make things easier on
your bank account.

1. Save on Currency Conversion

You’ll need a way to turn US Dollars into the currency used in your vacation destination, and card
networks (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express) automatically provide some of the
lowest currency conversion rates. According to Card Hub’s currency conversion study, consumers who
use Visa and MasterCard cards to make purchases abroad save 15% compared to those who trade in
cash at an airport kiosk and save 8% relative to those who do so at a local bank prior to departure.

To score such dramatic savings, you’ll need a no foreign transaction fee credit card on either the Visa or MasterCard network.
After all, more than 90% of credit cards assess surcharges of 2-3% for transactions processed outside of
the United States (which means foreign fees could come into play even before you leave), and Visa and
MasterCard are the most widely accepted networks internationally.

You won’t be able to use a credit card for every purchase made abroad, however. The cheapest and
most convenient method of procuring cash while abroad is to bring a debit card with low foreign ATM
[Read more…]

Kaleidoscope To You Review

When you shop for a kaleidoscope at Kaleidoscope To You don’t expect an average find there. This is a good thing, a very creative, beautiful and fun thing! There’s different varieties for everyone in the family, and a perfect match for every occasion as well. I found myself looking at one, then five, then just simply skimming each and every category to view the handcrafted marvels to choose from.
We had the pleasure to review the Laminated Solid Woods with Padauk and other Hardwoods Teleidoscope by N & J. It’s about 5.5 inches long.
It is so pretty! This came in a sturdy little box plus both Kaleidoscope and stand were in a nice little pouch to keep it well protected.

Most Kaleidoscopes I grew up with come with their chamber of beads, or colorful little objects that would changes as you turn it, this one however is different. This one will show a picture of whatever you are viewing at. It tripped my kids up at first as they wanted to know what was wrong with it, but they soon learned [Read more…]

Create Your Own “Versailles” with a Front Yard Fountain

<align=”top”>So maybe you don’t live in an actual palace- that doesn’t mean your home can’t be inspired by one!
After all, “A home is a man’s castle,” so why not give your home the royal treatment?

fountain <align=”right”>We may not all have the landscape to command
the grandeur of the fountains in the gardens of the French palace known for opulence, Versailles, but choosing an
exterior fountain is all about proportion, perspective, and design.

Proportion involves choosing a fountain that is relative in size to the size of your home. It sounds complicated
and mathematically involved but it’s really quite simple: a three-tier fountain is too large for a single-story home,
and a single-tier fountain is probably too small for a three-story home. You want to fountain to be noticeable,
[Read more…]

National Learn to Swim Day is Tomorrow @SwimWays

My sweet little guy can’t wait to start his swim lessons! OK, so, he’s a little scared. So is mom. But he really needs to learn to swim for his own safety- and the sanity of every adult in the vicinity 🙂 It’s important that kids learn to swim at an early age so that they will be safe at parties, the beach, vacation- you don’t want your fun day to end in tragedy. It’s something we should all do. If you can’t swim? Now is a great time to learn.

SwimWays

Orhard Bars- Great for Summer Travel

We are constantly on the go around here, and having great travel snacks are a must. I know that for most families, having foods that travel well (whether you are going to baseball practice, Boise, or Bolivia) really simplifies your day. Nothing crimps movement like whiny, hungry kids! These are all natural and are a great choice if you have a child with allergies in your home, too- they are vegan AND gluten free.

Liberty Orchards just added two new flavors to the popular Orchard Bar lineup: Cherry Almond Crunch and Banana Mango & Macadamia. The all-natural, vegan and gluten free bars are loaded with nuts and fruit, sunflower and flax seeds. The result is a delicious burst of flavor rich in antioxidants (vitamins A & C), low in sodium, high [Read more…]

5 Ways to Stay Healthy and Extra Comfortable When Traveling

Traveling can be a blast, and at the same time, exhausting. Jet lag, a lack of proper nutrition, and being
somewhere completely new combine to make it tough to stay healthy while you’re away from home.
That’s why the following provides five ways to stay healthy and comfortable when traveling.

First thing’s first: Get a nice pillow and blanket

Whether it’s that long bus ride or lengthy flight to your destination, a go-to pillow and down blanket can
be your best friends. You never know when a hotel’s pillows are going to be wonky, and gimmicky travel
pillows prove one size definitely doesn’t fit all.

Slip-on shoes

Another tip for the bus, train, or plane: Keep your feet comfortable. Slip-on shoes can do just that, plus
you’ll be even more prepared for airport security.

Carry a week’s worth of medication, cough drops, etc.

Depending on where you’re traveling, there can be an increased chance of getting sick.

And nothing ruins a business trip or vacation faster than being under the weather. No matter the length
of your stay, bring at least a week’s worth [Read more…]

Fun Finds! Today’s Savings and Deals

Right now you can Subscribe to Three-years of FamilyFun Magazine, for only $9.99 from DiscountMags.com! Use Promo Code: 5000 to score this discounted price!! Family Fun for your whole family! Targeted for families with children ages three to twelve, each issue is packed with exciting activities & games, party plans, recipes, travel guides, educational projects, and tips on adding creativity and fun to your life.
Right now The Horchow Collection is offering 25-30% Off The Entire Site!! They have these adorable Bamboo IPad Case and Stand on Sale for $9.90!! That is one awesome deal I think! They also carry lots of home decor items, furniture, lighting, bed and bath items and lots more!!
Plus if you go through Ebates.com first you can get 13% Cash Back on Your Total Order!!
Little Tikes has some great deals going on right now, and I thought to share a few [Read more…]

Finding New Friends- H0P 4 Ways!

Welcome back to week 59 of Finding New Friends Weekend Blog Hop hosted by Shelly from My Saving Game, Sam from Have Sippy Will Travel and Jeannette from The Adventures of J-Man and MillerBug! Thank you all for helping make this hop so successful! We love you tons! Now what are you waiting for? Let’s get to hopping! We are finding some fabulous blogs through this hop and having a great time getting to know so many of you! So thank you for linking up again this week to those of you who are hop veterans and welcome to those who are new! Let’s continue to make new bloggy friends and increase our traffic! We do have a few simple rules for you – nothing too tough though. So here we go!

1. Please follow your hostesses My Saving Game, Have Sippy Will Travel and The Advetures of J-Man and MillerBug on one of our social media platforms.Leave us a comment [Read more…]