Three Reasons Houston Is Perfect For Your Next Vacation

September 27, 2019 by Leave a Comment

When you think of the Lone Star State, you probably think of Austin or Dallas. While these cities sure are fantastic, this big glorious state boasts one more great place for a vacation: Houston!

Houston, Texas is a fun and affordable city to travel to. While it might not currently top every travel recommendation list, we can’t recommend it enough. To get a true taste of America you’ve got to stop through Houston. Here are three perfect places to visit when you head into town.

One quick note before we dive in: Houston like most of America, really requires you to have a car in order to be able to explore it to the fullest. That’s why we recommend road tripping in, or renting a car at one the Houston car services centers. Either way once you’ve got wheels you can explore the city in all its glory at your own pace.

1- You Have To Check Out The Space Center

One of the reasons Houston is one of our favorite places to visit is because of the space center. One of the hubs of NASA being present in town is no small thing. The space center itself is an attraction just for its historical value. But there’s even more to do once you’re there. Space Center Houston is a museum that is just a few steps away from the epicenter of NASA’s activity.

In fact at this museum, you can experience the life of an astronauts. From VR and motion simulated space flight, to the Starship Gallery, and even the behind the scenes look at NASA on the tram tour, there’s no way you won’t have fun here. It’s a great way to involve kids who are excited about space or science on the vacation.

Regardless of your age, you’re sure to have fun at Space Center Houston.

2- Indulge In Great Food

When you think of food cities across America, Houston might not be at the top of your list. But this is one city that can prove anyone wrong. The food in Houston is to die for.

Houston is the fourth most populated city in the United States. With a population this big, the city attracts some of the best chefs in the country. These chefs bring tons of great flavors from different backgrounds together in one city. Whether you want amazing Mexican food, something classic and Kosher, Asian influenced, or just good old Texas Barbecue, you can find it here.

Houston is absolutely a foodie city. Personally, we recommend diving into some more adventurous eats. When you head into town, pick something you can’t find at home and give it a try. No matter what you choose you definitely won’t regret it! Though of course, make sure you get some Texas-style ribs before you head out!

3- If You Like Thrills Check Out Kemah Boardwalk For Some Fun!

A true piece of Americana still exist in Houston at the Kemah Boardwalk. This little amusement park, allows you to ride anything you like all day, or on a ride by ride basis. It’s inexpensive, fun, and as quick as you want it to be.

There’s nothing quite like a local theme park to cap off a perfect vacation. Whether you’re into thrill rides, or just want to enjoy the Ferris wheel you’ll definitely enjoy a day with the family or a date night here.

In The End

Houston is a gem of a city. Whether you’re visiting for a week, or a weekend, grab some wheels and explore the whole city! You’re sure to fall in love with what you find!

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Waxing Nostalgic

September 26, 2019 by Leave a Comment

mazda protege

Another goodbye.
You’ve all seen my many posts about this car by now, she’s been a staple on this blog and for me for the longest time.
She brought all my kids home. To this house. All the dogs, too.
Drove more road trips then I can count, many featured here on this site and beyond. A whole lot of friends have spent time in that little car. She has acted as a barricade, been to Standing Rock, driven the entire east coast.
Drove me home from my wedding in 2005, and then from my divorce in 2019.
2 car accidents, a million camping trips, a thousand beach days and carpools and carseats and sick days and work days.  Two massive vomit incidents that required professionals. So much sand and wet kid and sunblock streaking and dog fur, but no worries here.
Bringing my beautiful Chaac to the vet to be put down after cancer treatment failed, and to be buried afterward.
I have only 2 friends I’ve had longer than this car.
Then recently, I was hit so hard by an errant driver, neither of us has been right again, but she can’t be fixed.
My first “new” car, the only new car I’ve ever had.
So many memories in this car.
Waxing nostalgic.

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Why Is Gambling in New Zealand So Different?

September 25, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Gambling in both online and bricks and mortar casinos is a hobby enjoyed worldwide by many, despite the fact the laws surrounding gambling differ depending on the country you’re in. New Zealand has a history of unusual and strict laws when it comes to gambling, as well as having some of the highest figures when it comes to the percentage of the population that partakes in it. Here are some of the unusual New Zealand gambling rules…

Casinos

Online gambling has transformed the landscape of gambling by making it far more convenient, accessible, and therefore widely popular. New Zealand allows online gambling but only under the condition that you are using sites that originate from outside of the country. This law looks set to change in the future however, with the possibility of a sky city launch.

Furthermore, there are also strict and unusual rules when it comes to physical casinos. There are a very limited number of casinos in New Zealand, the majority of which are state owned. The state recognizes the importance of the gambling industry due to the money it brings into their economy; however, they are very cautious of the fine line between it being an enjoyable hobby and a potentially destructive habit.

Rules and Regulations

Another example of an unusual gambling rule practiced in New Zealand is the fact that bookmaking companies are banned, and instead one can only place bets at the sporting event itself. This platform is centralized so that the government can keep a closer eye on it, as well as use it to boost profits, which can be put towards state use. 

Even small local events like fairs and carnivals are subject to rules and regulations to ensure that they do not have any gambling aspects associated with them. For example, people cannot be asked to make a financial contribution to games, and the overall motives of activities must benefit the community. 

Statistics

An astounding statistic which goes some way in explaining why the landscape of gambling differs so much in New Zealand compared to other countries, is that only 20% of adults living in New Zealand don’t gamble. It is a normalized part of the culture to the extent that over £2.4 billion was spent on gambling by residents in 2018.

However, there are also up to 60,000 problem gamblers in New Zealand. Problem gamblers are those who have developed an unhealthy attitude towards gambling and can therefore easily become victims of it without the right support, which is why the government are trying to have more control over it.

Some would say that more countries should approach governing gambling in the same way New Zealand has, rather than giving providers free reign to take advantage of the large, invested audience. A lack of regulation can lead to gambling becoming a major source of discontent and problems, whereas centralizing it not only allows you to keep a closer eye on how it is being approached, but also allows you to use it to create income for the country itself. For more articles on gambling, such as how to gamble when travelling, there are more posts on this site.

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How to be Safe when Visiting the Beach

September 25, 2019 by 1 Comment

For many people, a vacation is never complete without a visit to the beach. Beaches offer beautiful views of the sea, amazing breeze, and lots of sunshine. What’s more, you get an opportunity to enjoy fun water activities. However, there are many risks involved. In this post, we shall discuss tips to help you stay safe while on the beach. 

Know the Risks

Water and beach conditions vary depending on your location. Whether you’ll traverse through Labuan Bajo to Komodo or will explore other beaches, knowing the risks is critical. Here are tips to help you stay safe and get maximum experience during your vacation. 

Wear Sunscreen and Drink a Sufficient Amount of Water

Sunny beaches can be irresistible. However, if you’re not careful you can get severe sunburn and heatstroke. You’ll suffer more if you come from a region with minimal sun rays and high latitude. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. The sunscreen should have SPF 15, and you should apply it on your skin once you’re done swimming. You may want to apply it after every two hours if you’re not swimming. Additionally, drink sufficient amounts of water and avoid alcohol where possible. 

Monitor Local Weather and Warnings

Remember, the ocean is susceptible to change anytime. In the event of strong winds, aggressive waves will form in the ocean and this can be risky. Monitor the local weather and beware of any warnings. 

This will help you determine whether or not the beaches are safe. If you have no access to any local weather listings, consult with your hotel or resort. If you must visit the beaches, do so in the company of a lifeguard. Where possible, avoid the beach until the waves subside.

Always Wear a Life Jacket 

Whether you’re a swimmer or not, wear a life jacket, especially when swimming in unfamiliar territory. A life jacket comes in handy should you lose balance and fall in the water. It will prevent you from drowning until help finally arrives. Before wearing the personal flotation device, ensure it is Coast Guard approved and well-fitting.  

Avoid Swimming Alone 

Spending some time alone can be therapeutic. While you may want to go out swimming on your own, you could expose yourself to danger. If possible, find someone to accompany you to the beach especially if you plan to go swimming.  

Alert People About Your Whereabouts 

In some private beaches, you may need to complete an information form detailing what you plan to do. This is necessary and comes in handy in case anything happens and people need to trace you. Remember, the sea is risky and many things may happen when you’re out having fun. Have a clear schedule and leave it at the information desk.  

Include a Travel Medical Kit in Your luggage 

Small accidents are likely to happen while you’re on vacation. From stepping on sharp objects to getting cuts from broken bottles, you need to be cautious. To be on the safe side, you can opt to pack waterproof beach slippers for enhanced protection. Not only are they cheap, but they take little space in your suitcase.  

If you suffer an accident, ask a lifeguard to assist or utilize your travel medical kit to get relief. It’s worth noting that travelers insurance comes in handy if you become sick while on vacation. The service provider will send a rescue team to you who will help you find a good doctor. 

 Finally 

If you’re going to enjoy your time at the beach, remember you’ll be exposed to harmful sun rays. This is why you should use sunscreen on your skin to protect your skin. What’s more, ensure you have enough drinking water to keep your body and skin well hydrated. Don’t forget that your eyes need to be protected as well. You can purchase some good quality sunglasses for this purpose. 

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Europe’s best hidden gems for a family holiday

September 25, 2019 by Leave a Comment

 

Many families have a tried and tested favorite destination that they’ll return to most summers. It’s easy, it’s convenient, the kids love it, and after a long winter of hard work and chores, us parents deserve a relaxing break. But some destinations are worth breaking the cycle for. Here are some of our favorite hidden gems in Europe, perfect for a family getaway. 

Kotor, Montenegro: A fairytale town with plenty to do (and so many cats) 

Take the little ones to the fairytale destination of Kotor, and their inner prince or princess will instantly feel at home. Within the ancient marble old town, crooked narrow lanes expand into beautiful polished squares, resplendent churches towering over the scene. Mountain scenery and crystalline turquoise waters provide a breathtaking backdrop. This is Eastern Europe at its very best; similar to Croatia, but without the overwhelming tourist crowds. 

Walk the city walls and take a family hike up to the old fort that sits on the town’s mountain backdrop. Stop for local souvenirs and indulge in an ice cream while live music plays in the town’s many picturesque stores and cafes. There’s also the quirky little cat museum, which features an array of kooky cat-based art, for feline fans. This museum is no doubt inspired by the many friendly kittens and cats that roam Kotor’s streets as if they own the place. 

If you’re a hiking family, the jaw-dropping Lovcen National park is nearby, while the old town’s location on the Bay of Kotor means it’s easy to sail to the many tiny islands nearby – some of which boast secluded beaches. Simply put, Kotor is a stunning destination with myriad activities for families who like to get out and about. 

Bled, Slovenia: Jaw-dropping scenery, high-octane activities, and cream cake 

Another destination that appears as if from the pages of a fairytale, Slovenia’s Bled has been growing in popularity with tourists over the past few years, but it’s still relatively off-the-beaten track for those travelling Europe. Iconic Bled Castle rises up from the stunning blue-green Lake Bled, and the spellbinding scenery that surrounds it makes it a magical destination for families who love the great outdoors.

High-octane activities in Bled include zip-lining, kayaking, and canyoning, while those who like to take life at a more relaxed pace will enjoy boating across the lake, visiting the castle, and exploring the breathtaking Vintgar Gorge, with its incredible waterfalls. Alternatively, simply take a hike to enjoy the beautiful Slovenian landscape. Visiting in winter? Alpine skiing is another fun option. Whatever you do in Bled, don’t forget to finish the day off with a mouthwatering slice of Bled cream cake – the area’s culinary symbol. 

Saranda, Albania: A beach holiday with a historic twist 

If you’re a family of beach bums and mermaids, Saranda – often dubbed the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera – provides a coastal holiday that offers something a little different from Europe’s more popular sandy resorts. The town is clustered around an idyllic horseshoe-shaped bay on the sparkling Ionian Sea, and edged by luscious hills of olive groves. Spend endless sunny days at the beach, building sandcastles, and paddling in the clear waters, or take a couple of kayaks out on the gentle waves. If you get tired of all the relaxing (as if!), there’s plenty of interesting things to see in the town too. 

Head to the center of the town to discover the archaeological remains of a fifth-century synagogue – and don’t miss the intricate floor mosaics, still visible today. Hike up to the 16th century Lekuresi Castle, which sits on a hilltop overlooking the town, or the Forty Saints Monastery, from which you can enjoy a stunning panorama over Saranda. 

This pretty town offers all the benefits of a beach holiday, while also boasting plenty of fascinating ancient landmarks – perfect for inserting a little bit of education into your summer trip. 

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Tips to Choosing an Immigration Lawyer

September 25, 2019 by 2 Comments

If you are having an issue with immigration law or having a problem with the process, it is important to hire the best possible attorney to help you.

Immigration is considered as one of the most daunting and very complex processes. It involves months of preparation, numerous interviews, endless documentation and more.

Working with a lawyer can save you a lot of time and frustration from acquiring different requirements and can help you prepare for the tests that must be passed for citizenship purposes. Also, having one during the hearing can assure you that your interests are fully protected.

However, most people don’t even know where to start when it comes to finding the right attorney. This can be overwhelming, so how do you choose? Listed below are some tips that can help you pick the right one for you.

Determine What Type of Attorney You Need To Hire

What kind of services do you need? There are many diverse types of lawyers. Most immigration attorneys can handle a wide variety of issues relating to immigration law. But if your case is something more unique, then you may have to look for someone who specializes in the case you need help with and has extensive experience handling cases similar to yours.

Make a List

Gather a list of prominent lawyers who offer the services you need. It can be stressful to look for a good one, especially if this is your first time to deal with immigration matters. But worry no more; you can always seek good recommendations from reliable sources such as your family and close friends. Possibly, some of them may refer you to a great one they know. If not, you can always perform a Google search. For example, if you’re located in Houston, Texas you can browse for immigration lawyer houston tx and choose a solid attorney like Ruby Powers.

Talk to Each of the Lawyers You Listed

Once you have compiled a list of your possible attorney, consider meeting and talking to each of them. Treat each meeting as an interview process. Pay close attention to how well they answer your questions. Your lawyer should be familiar with your case and answers your concern directly.

Meeting each of them can give you valuable insight into their level of experience and success rates with cases like yours. It can also help you determine who’s sympathetic to your situation, proactive and the one you are most comfortable with.

Check References

Make sure to do your research and check out your prospective lawyer’s client reviews. These reviews can provide you with a subjective opinion on the attorney, such as if he or she is trustworthy or not.

There are many websites where you can check their reviews and ratings but beware of fake reviews.

Aside from the reviews, it is equally crucial to check their track records, background information, credentials, and industry achievements.

Check the Rate

Prior to hiring an attorney, it is important that you understand his or her rate. Each charge differently. Some prefer to get paid by the hour; some prefer to charge a flat fee. If he or she charges a flat fee, ask if there are services that are not included in that fee so you won’t be surprised when it comes to paying your bills.

This case is important for you, and you have to bear in mind that you cannot risk having your application being rejected. If you are tempted to hire the one with the cheapest rate, you might want to consider what people often say that “You get what you pay for.”

 Developing a Solid Relationship with Your Attorney

Being able to communicate freely and having trust is important in lawyer-client relationships. Just like any relationship, things won’t work if there’s no trust. This might not be the only time you’ll need an immigration lawyer. That’s why it’s critical to nurture your sense of camaraderie with her or him. So when you need one again in the future, you know you have someone you can depend on.

Dealing with immigration matters can be stressful, but having an experienced attorney beside you throughout the process can give you peace of mind. Following these six steps as your guide might help you in choosing the right lawyer who will best serve your needs.

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The Best All-Inclusive Resorts For Your Next Family Vacation

September 24, 2019 by Leave a Comment

It is never easy traveling across the country with little ones. Your children are wonderful but let’s face it – traveling with children can be a huge chore. There are multiple things that you have to remember to pack for them besides basic clothes and shoes, not to mention getting their visa or passport, and then figuring out how to endure the long trip overseas with the littles. Most of the time it may seem easier to just travel shorter distances and stay closer to home. I mean, why bother with the hassle? 

All-inclusive resorts are a wonderful resolution to consider when you want to take an extended vacation to another country. Many of the resorts include extra amenities for kids to enjoy, and even provide services like nannies and babysitting so that you and your spouse can enjoy a kid-free dinner one night if you so desire. The best part about an all-inclusive journey is you don’t have to worry about a thing once you arrive – everything is already paid for so that worry and stress of not having enough lets you just relax and enjoy yourself. Unless of course, you decide to add excursions. 

A few things first – if you need to secure a travel visa or passport for your children, make sure you keep services like Favisbook in the back of your mind so that you can expedite the process. If you forget some items like diapers, wipes or other little amenities, be sure to check with concierge because chances are at family-friendly resorts, they probably have extra in stock (so you don’t have to rush out to buy anything). 

You’ve likely already read about the Hard Rock in Cancun before, so that’s a resort to strongly consider – but here we will outline some of the best rated and reviewed all-inclusive family resorts you can try out on your next big trip.

Akuyra Beach Club – Phuket, Thailand

This five-star each resort gives you the luxury of an all-inclusive package that offers unlimited spa treatments for all bookings if you book three or more nights. There are babysitting services there and at a kids’ club at the sister location which is a shuttle ride away. It also boasts an Ice Cream Boutique for kids with fun flavors. A beautiful beach with white sand that is not very crowded, it is sure to be a wonderful stay for your next family vacation. 

Beaches – Turks & Caicos

This true all-inclusive has its own 45,000 square-foot waterpark named Pirate’s Island, a Kids Camp open daily, and even an Xbox Play Lounge.  This location really has something for everyone. The land sports include Lawn Chess, Croquet, Beach Volleyball, Shuffleboard and more. You can have access to over 12 pools and whirlpools, a lazy river, 21 restaurants (wow!), and many more excursions to choose from. If you have teens, no problem – there is even a teen disco. You can even choose what “Village” to stay in: French, Italian, Key West, or the Caribbean. Each one has its own suites containing amenities sure to please you and the little ones. 

Nickelodeon Resorts – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The name screams kids right from the get-go, but even though this resort is specifically there for kids, there are plenty of activities for adults to enjoy as well. And yes – there is slime! Your little ones can actually learn how to make it – they offer classes. Yes, classes on how to make slime! Kids even have the option to eat breakfast with friends from their favorite shows including Paw Patrol and Dora The Explorer. There are over 200 suites to choose from and tons of accommodations to ensure that you and the family have a memorable time. 

Windjamming Landing – St. Lucia

The all-inclusive package here provides you with both motorized and non-motorized water sports like paddleboarding, tubes, snorkels, and kayaks, along with unlimited food and beverages. You also have the option to sign up for Jammin’ Tours, which can be done on land or by sea and include zip lining, sailing, scuba diving, horseback riding, helicopter tours, and even bird watching. The family-friendly villas come fully equipped with full kitchens and washers and dryers, making your stay with the family like a home away from home. 

Franklyn D. Resort & Spa – Runaway Bay, Jamaica

This resort is targeted specifically for families because the owner himself implemented the concept of having personal vacation nannies within the hotel’s offerings. There are numerous activities for both adults and kids to enjoy that include shopping tours, biking, kayaking, boat outings, and even snorkeling – all included with the all-inclusive rate. All of the suites come with full or partial ocean views and full kitchens stocked with snacks, sodas, juices, fruits, and more. The personal nannies are there to not only clean but they also will wash dishes and do laundry, and children under 6 years old get into this resort for free. Kids can enjoy eating at the Kidz Buffet and playing games like Ping-Pong and foosball on a rainy day. Repeat guests even receive little perks like local coffee and hot sauce added to your room snacks. 

As difficult as it is to travel with young children, it is great to allow them to have the most amazing experiences and to do it as a family together. The opportunity to travel overseas should not be hindered by the pain of the trip. Once you’ve picked the best all-inclusive resort for you and the family and you arrive at your destination, the journey becomes worth it for the unforgettable scenery, memories, and wonderful times that you will have together. And it will be something that your children will never forget for years to come.

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Camping Trip Coming Up?

September 24, 2019 by 1 Comment

We love camping, and this is a great time of year to head out to your favorite campsite (or find a new one to explore).  What to pack, besides your tent and sleeping bags? We have a few suggestions.

best flashlights

One of the most important things to bring with you is lighting. You don’t want to wonder what you are about to run into on a middle of the night bathroom run. Recently, VSSL Outdoor Utility Tools and Mountain Khakis came together to bring out a very cool camping torch that is also a survival tool kit. A powerful light when you need it, you can also unscrew the cap to find mini disks that have different tools one might find useful inside. Lightweight at only one pound and impact resistant, it comes with 12 tins inside, including the flashlight disk itself, instructions, a compass, water purification tablets, first aid supplies, and more. The flashlight has four modes of LED light on it as well- medium, high, red, and SOS.  Available for $130 at https://www.mountainkhakis.com

I don’t know about you, but I really don’t like to mess about with my hair when I’m camping or otherwise outdoors. Basically, I just want it kept out of the way. I really like Seirus, they offer a variety of options to keep you protected from the sun and as dry from sweat as can be in a no fuss manner. They have these multi-functional what they call “neck tubes” on the site, and that’s a pretty accurate description since that’s exactly what they look like. They can be worn around your neck to protect from the sun, around your head as a stay put headband that keeps the hair out of your face and sweat out of your eyes, a balaclava, and quite a few other ways to wear it- super versatile. They are quick drying, very breathable, and have a UPF of 25 built in. The site posts videos on the many ways to wear them- check it out. $19.99 at https://www.seirus.com

Looking for something a little more straightforward? They also offer a UPF50 Hinged Headliner as extra protection from the sun as well as a liner and extra warmth under helmets and on bitterly cold days. There are multiple headliners and balaclavas to choose from, prices vary from $16-$35 at https://www.seirus.com

camping

Mountain Khakis are one of our favorites to wear camping, or really just great for being outside in general. These clothes are durable, breathable, soft, and great for layering in weather that can’t make up it’s mind. Nothing trendy, these will keep their appeal year after year, and they will be wearable for years as well. If you are new to the brand, you might want to start at the beginning. The Men’s Original Mountain Pants are, as you may have guessed, the ones that started it all. Organic, reinforced 2 play cotton and canvas, multiple reinforced pockets, reinforced heel cuffs, and more- you can probably tell these pants are built to last. They come in relaxed and slim fit, with 6 colors available at $84. 95 each at https://www.mountainkhakis.com

mountain khakis

If you want to top them off, we really love the new Pearl Street Collection flannel shirts. Soft, wicking fabric that stretches to give you that perfect feel, it still has a classic fit and look. The material keeps you warm and dry without overheating you. Since it has stretch to it, you can go rock climbing, chop wood for your campfire, go ziplining- whatever- and the shirt moves with you.  These are available for both men and women, with three color choices for men and two for women. They are $89.95 each at https://www.mountainkhakis.com

 

 

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