How to Juggle International Travel and Full Time Study

October 18, 2016 by 1 Comment

Traveling internationally whilst studying full-time for your dream job sounds insane – it just doesn’t seem realistic in the slightest. With travel becoming increasingly popular many people have to make the hard decision of either visiting famous destinations of the world or studying for a full-time degree. But I’m here to tell you that you can do both! Thanks to colleges and universities now offering online courses and having access to the technology you need to succeed, it has never been easier to combine your education and see the sites the world has to offer!

Online Degrees

Many colleges and universities offer online study, from courses in marketing to social work. By taking an online course it means that you can learn from anywhere in the world, according to your own personal schedule, giving you the ability to balance your studies around other things happening within your busy life. Most online courses give you the flexibility to complete the course in your own time.

Choosing a Course to Study

Now that you’ve decided you want to take an online degree, you’ve got to decide what course it is you want to study. Make sure you’re passionate about the subject you choose; don’t jump into a degree just for the sake of it. Traveling whilst studying can also aid your education. For instance, if you choose to take a masters in social work, it means you can experience how people in different cultures live and work as you travel. An online social work masters can help you establish your expertise and open new opportunities, such as going into roles within public health, child welfare and correctional social work.

Stay Organized

Attending an online university does give you more flexibility and time when completing your degree, but you still want to keep on top of it all. A great idea is to keep a diary, either an actual, physical, diary or one on your smartphone. This way you know what work needs to be done for your course and you can also pencil in fun sightseeing trips for wherever you are in the world!

Essential Technology

Having the correct technology is essential. Since you are studying an online degree it means that you’ll need a good internet connection to complete those assignments. So you’ll defiantly need a Mi-Fi/USB dongle. These are small, portable devices that mean you can connect to the internet wherever you are, rather than having to rely on finding Wi-Fi connections at hotels or cafes. It is also a good idea to carry a smartphone or tablet, maybe even a small laptop if you find it easier working on one. You don’t want to be carrying anything too bulky when traveling, but you still want to be able to work easily.

Don’t get too bogged down with all your work all at once; space it out. However, don’t just forget about your work to explore fun and new places on your travels. It is all about balance, do a piece of work then do something fun!

Don’t believe when people say that it’s impossible to study and travel, because it is… and you can do it too!

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Ensure Your Kids Safety While Traveling, Using a Family Locator App

October 17, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Whether it is a simple drive to school, a road trip, hang out with friends, after-school soccer practice or playing in the park, parents worry about their kids the moment they step out of the house. It is natural for parents to worry. There are strangers who can get them, they can get into a trouble or their own adventurous spirit can make them wander to dangerous places. Teenagers, especially, are eager to go to such places and are also willing to sneak off to late night parties and hangouts. The recent “killer clown“ incidents have increased the concern two-fold.

pic3

They are just interested in the fun and do not realize the risks. Parents, however, want to be aware of their whereabouts and make sure they are safe. They end up doing two things: either they call their kids every hour or get over stressed sitting at home. Arguments can also arise among independence-hungry teens and worried parents.

All such parents must know about family locator apps among which FamilyTime is a notable name. These apps do not require the parents to call or text their kids all the time, instead, they provide location services.

family travel

With GPS tracking and Geofencing, parents can stay posted about their kids 24/7 and say bye-bye to their worries.

Stay in the loop

It gives you a constant report on your kid’s location. You can view their location history anytime and know where they are or where they have been.

Check for unsafe places

The location history can also tell you if they have been to any dangerous places. Then you can have a conversation with them and warn them from going to those places.

Automatic updates

You can set alerts for different places like school, gym or mall etc. with the help of Geofencing. This way whenever they enter or leave that place, you will be notified. You wouldn’t have to call them to ask if they reached safely or not.

No sneaking off

If you have a Geofence set for your home, your kids can’t go out late without you knowing. If they try to sneak off, you will be immediately informed about their checkout.

Go out of city

Going out of the city can be a little tricky and stressful for parents. But with the extended location history and updates, you can go to your important meeting or family occasion and still stay aware about your kids.

Panic button

If your kids get into any kind of trouble on the road they can call for you by pressing the panic button on their app. You will receive a map indicating their location. This way you can be there for your kids whenever they need you.

Reminders

Workload and untimely meetings can make parents forget sometimes. However, your kids can remind you with a pick-me-up alert and location.

Speed Safety

Over speeding is another concern for parents that can make them really nervous. With FamilyTime you can set speed limits and also get over speed alerts to make sure they are not breaking the rules.

Try FamilyTime on your iOS or Android devices for free.

A family locator app is like a guardian angel that keeps you informed and helps you protect them from road dangers as well. So, instead of worrying your head out, employ a parental control and make your kids safe and sound out on the roads.

Filed Under: lifestyle items Tagged With: ,

Slink and Slither in Wormax.io

October 17, 2016 by Leave a Comment

fun apps

Multiplayer games come in all shapes and sizes. Today, we’re looking at Wormax.io, which belongs to the “.io” subgenre of browser multiplayer games. If you played an .io game before, you should have a good idea of what to expect: an easy-to-join, hard-to-win battle.

The Gist of It
Wormax.io pits all players against one another. There are no teams, guilds, or clans. Team Deathmatch is non-existent; in this game, every worm plays for itself. The objective is simple: kill other worms. That’s the quickest way to grow and clear your surroundings. There’s no final winner, just a temporary leader (i.e. the longest worm). It’s like Slither.io, but with a bunch of cool bonus features.

Skilled Worms
Wormax.io equips players with Super Skills. These come in the form of Acceleration, Stop, and Ghost. Acceleration works identically to the boost feature in Slither.io—you can activate a temporary speed boost to zoom in front of other players. This allows you to attack others, at the cost of shortening your worm. The other features, Stop and Ghost, and brand-new to the .io genre. Stop allows you to completely halt for up to 5 seconds. This is a great defensive skill, letting you avoid the Acceleration attacks from other worms. The Ghost feature makes your worm transparent, which doubles as invincibility. When you’re a ghost, you can glide through other worms without dying.

Random Abilities
Boosters are another totally new feature in Wormax.io. Five different Boosters appear randomly throughout each match. The Health power-up is self-explanatory, while others are more unique. For instance, the Toxic Booster gives your worm poisonous abilities. If you die, your worm’s remains become toxic, instead of providing healthy food to others. This sneaky feature is perfect for seeking revenge after being attacked. Another interesting Booster is Telescope, which makes the camera zoom out for one minute. This gives you a broader view of the map, which is essential for planning long-range attacks and avoiding incoming bullies.

Being Original
One of the first things I noticed when playing Wormax.io is that hardly any worms look the same. This is because worms come in a variety of colors and patterns (i.e. skins). By sharing a link on Facebook, VK, or Twitter, you can unlock over 40 free skins. Changing the look of your character is a fun way to keep the action fresh. Some of the skins look like other animals, such as cats, cows, and pigs. This also helps the gameplay feel more interesting, since you’re not slithering around a bunch of identical worms.

Designed for Action
Wormax.io doesn’t have levels. When you play a regular game, you’ll be thrust into the arena with hundreds or thousands of other players. How long you last depends on how well you slither. If you want to practice in an easier environment, you can set up a private room to share with friends. That might be easier at first, but jumping right into the action with everyone else is plenty of fun.

Filed Under: technology Tagged With: ,

The Secret Life of Pets comes to Digital HD November 22, 2016 #TheSecretLifeOfPets #PetsPack

October 5, 2016 by 6 Comments

pets-3d

“Ever wonder what your pets do when you’re not home?”

The answer might surprise you just a little bit.  Especially when it comes in the form a wonderfully original animated movie called The Secret Life of Pets.  The movie follows some adorable pets and what the zany adventures they get into while we humans are off at work or school.  One such critter is Max- a terrier living at the king’s life at home until his owner brings Duke home.

kids movie

Duke is quite the large and  boisterous mutt.  When the two new house mates slip away from the dog walker, they find themselves lost in New York City while trying to keep a step ahead of both animal control and a gang of abandoned pets ruled by Snowball, a slightly insane bunny.  The movie is a blast for kids and adults and is genuinely entertaining with some big stars lending their voices to the characters.  Some of the voices include Louis CK, Ellie Kemper, Eric Stonestreet, and Kevin Hart.  The release on home video includes some great extras, as well.

Also are the DVD are Mini-Movies:

Norman Television

Weenie

Mower Minions

  • All About The Pets – Kevin Hart and Eric Stonestreet, with the help of animal trainer Molly Mignon O’Neill take you on an educational journey to learn more about your average and not-so average, household pets.
  • Animals Can Talk: Meet The Actors – The comedy superstars who give voice to the film’s menagerie of characters talk about their roles and the process of bringing them to life.  
  • Hairstylist To The Dogs – Inspired by “Hairspray Live!,” Eric Stonestreet, with the help of a professional dog groomer Jess Rona, will take you through the basic steps to help your pups look as awesome as possible when they’re hanging out with their pet pals.
  • The Best Of Snowball – A rapid-fire, fun and oddly musical mash-up of all the best Snowball one-liners
  • Hot Dog Sing-Along – Join Max and Duke as they perform for their dinner in the sausage factory. This straightforward sing along is fun for the whole family to enjoy.
  • Sing Trailer
  • “Lovely Day” Lyric Video
  • The Humans that Brought You Pets – Producers Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy, directors Chris Renaud and Yarrow Cheney, and writer Brian Lynch discuss what went into creating The Secret Life of Pet’s compelling characters and non-stop action.
  • GoPro®: The Secret Life of Pets
  • The Making of the Mini-Movies – A fun and interesting take on the Making of the Mini-Movies – we’ll explore the themes of each of the mini-movies through the eyes of the artists who made them.

Want more Secret Life of Pets?

Visit the Official Site

Like ‘The Secret Life of Pets’ on Facebook

Follow on Twitter and Instagram

Release Date

Own it on Digital HD 11/22 on DVD & Blu-ray 12/6

More about the Home Entertainment Release

The 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD versions feature nearly an hour of bonus content, including three hilarious mini-movies: the all-new Norman Television and Weenie PLUS Mower Minions which debuted in theaters and is now available to own.

4K ULTRA HD™

The film will be available on 4K Ultra HD™ in a combo pack which includes 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray™ and Digital HD with UltraViolet. The 4K Ultra HD™ will include all bonus features on the Blu-ray™ disc.

  • 4K Ultra HD™ is the ultimate movie watching experience. 4K Ultra HDTM features the combination of 4K resolution for four times sharper picture than HD, the color brilliance of High Dynamic Range (HDR) with immersive audio delivering a multidimensional sound experience.
  • Blu-ray™ unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
  • DIGITAL HD with UltraViolet™ lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download.

BLU-RAY™ EXCLUSIVES (Available on Blu-ray™ editions)

  • How to Make an Animated Film – A behind-the-scenes look at how to make an animated film from the various departments that make up Illumination. 
  • Anatomy of a Scene – Filmmakers and animators take us through the multi-step process it takes to create a specific scene in the Secret Life of Pets.
Filed Under: entertainment, movie Tagged With: ,

10 Tips on How to Survive Traveling with Children

October 4, 2016 by 2 Comments

To ensure a great and enjoyable family vacation, planning is very crucial– especially if you’re going to bring along your kids. You have to focus on what’s really important and set aside what’s not. That said, here’s a list of 10 tips on how to survive travelling with children.

Tip #1: Going to Ride a Plane? Then Briefing Is Very Important

If this would be the first time of your kids riding a plane, then you should talk about the things that could possibly happen, such as going through security. You have to explain to your children why they should be taking off their shoes or anything that has metal in it, such as watch. Likewise, don’t forget to inform them that they won’t be allowed to carry their favorite toy, or backpack through the security gates– as it’s one of the precautionary measures.

Babies and toddlers should be carried by the parents through the security screening checks. However, if the kids can already walk by themselves, then let them walk through the metal detector.

Image courtesy of news.com.au

Image courtesy of news.com.au

Tip #2: Don’t Let the Jet Lag Ruin the Fun
Even adults experience jet lag, but it’s more challenging if your children are also suffering from it. Fortunately, there’s an effective remedy that could get rid of it, such as going outside and staying active. Long walks are highly advisable, and if you can visit a park or playground, then you should be bringing your kids here.

Also, you should be wary of the time zone. If your kid eats a big breakfast and lunch, but small dinner at home, and you’re traveling from a country where there’s a 12-hour difference or more, then your child might end up getting hungry at night, until midnight. Better prepare some healthy snacks for that.

Tip #3: Get Rid of Motion Sickness
If your child suffers from motion sickness, then give him some tips on how to avoid that, such as trying to keep the head still, looking at the road ahead, getting some fresh air into the car, and not reading or using any digital device. On long car trips comfort is important so think about the clothes the kids will be in, especially if they’ll be sitting in a car seat. Anything too thick and bulky will be uncomfortable under those buckles.

 

image via http://www.thecanvasfactory.com.au/

image via http://www.thecanvasfactory.com.au/

Tip #4: Dress Comfortably
On long car trips comfort is important so think about the clothes the kids will be in, especially if they’ll be sitting in a car seat. Anything too thick and bulky will be uncomfortable under those buckles. The same goes for planes and trains.

Dress your kids comfortably if they’ll be strapped into a seat for a long time.

Tip #5: Check the Website of the Attraction Before Visiting
You don’t want to travel for hours just to find out that the museum you’re going to go to is temporarily closed for renovation. Visit their website a day before visiting the place, and stay updated with current happenings.

Tip #6: For Longer Distances, Fly
Flying is considered to be one of the safest mode of transport. Likewise, you don’t have to endure traffic at all. Kids are known to be very impatient, and that’s why you should be picking a mode of transpiration that could bring you to your destination, the shortest time possible.

Tip #7: Keep Your Child Entertained
For longer flights, it’s important to ensure that everything your kid might need is packed in the carry-on luggage. This includes a change of clothes, sick bags, snacks, drink bottle, wipes, and toys. Entertainment like books, pencils, paper, and so on should also be brought by the parent.

Image from dailymail.com.au

Image from dailymail.com.au

Tip #8: One Parent in Charge
If you’re traveling with your partner, one should have the responsibility of packing the items, while the other one should look after the kids. This would ensure that everything stays organized.

Tip #9: Prepare Your Kid
If you’re concerned that your kid might get lost during this travel, then teach him what he should be doing instead it happen. Practice scenarios like this a few days before travel to ensure that he remembers.

Tip #10: Enjoy!
This can mean a lot of things. For starters, we suggest that you make the most of your travel and prevent yourself from getting stressed. No need to become a “no, no, no” parent to your child. Just make sure that he stays safe all throughout the travel.

Tip #11: Have a Plan Ready
You don’t have to fully stick to the plan that you’re going to make, but it would be better if you’ll have a list of things that you want to do with your kids during travel. This would ensure that the vacation would be pleasant instead of stressful.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,

The Best and Simplest Kids’ Party Themes

October 4, 2016 by Leave a Comment

kids birthday party

The first few birthday parties you host for your children may seem like a blast, but eventually, it becomes more arduous. Throwing a birthday party, even for the littlest of guests of honor can be time-consuming and downright stressful.

That’s why selecting a theme can be helpful. When you choose a theme, it gives you an easy way to tie everything together, and it simplifies decision-making. You can build everything from your decorations to your food around that theme. At the same time, when selecting a theme you want it to be something that’s fun but relatively straightforward.

Below are some easy ideas that will leave you with a little less work next time you’re planning a party for your little ones.

Little Italy

This idea comes from RealSimple.com, and it’s a great one. A Little Italy party is a perfect kids’ entertainment option for so many reasons. The first is that the décor can be simple. Think things like red-and-white checkered tablecloths, and a few red, green and white accessories and you’re basically finished. Plus, you can buy disposable items, wrap everything up in the tablecloths when the party is over, and cleanup is essentially done. For the food, have the kids make their own pizzas. This is a great idea since it pulls double-duty as the entertainment, and the kids will have a blast, while the adults get a chance to relax a bit.

Art Party

As far as kids’ party themes go, it really doesn’t get any simpler than an art party. Art parties are great because again, like the Little Italy theme, the entertainment is built right in. Plus, it lets kids get creative, and they’ll even have something they can take home at the end of the party. Keep the food easy, and use bright neutral colors that mimic a paint palette. For example, dyed rice Krispy treats are a great idea and so easy to make.

Hawaiian Luau

The Hawaiian luau is a versatile theme, and it works well if you want something that’s suitable for the adults and the kids. According to Party Swizzle, when you’re hosting a Hawaiian luau you can add fun with bright, tropical beverages, and you can make two versions of each—one that’s kid friendly and one that’s for an adult. You can even create a full tiki bar. The kids (and the adults) can all be given a grass skirt and a lei, and food can include things like fresh fruit or chicken nuggets with pineapple dip.

Sprinkles

When we promised simple party ideas, we meant it. You really can’t get too much easier than a sprinkles themed party. You can add sprinkles to a cake or cupcakes and keep most of the décor simple and white, except the “sprinkle” details of course. You can even add confetti to the bottom of white balloons, and rim drinking glasses and kids’ cups with sprinkles.

Throwing a kids’ party doesn’t have to be time-consuming and exhausting. If you’re able to choose a simple, versatile theme, much of the work is already done for you, so have fun with it and don’t overthink it.

Filed Under: kids Tagged With: ,

Reduce the Cost and Enjoy the Move

October 2, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Whether you are moving around the block or out of state, it can become stressful. With so many tasks ahead, you may have trouble focusing on one item at a time. With a little bit of planning, you can take that element off the table and look forward to your new home.

Utilities and other services for your new residence

After you have signed contracts and have a firm date of closing, the first thing to do is to get mail forwarding in place. This is easy to do and one of the things many people forget. Once you have that in place you can contact the local township where you are moving and find out what electric company, gas, water, and cable services are available. This will give you time to review each one before making a blind decision that may end up costing more than it should. Some companies like Epcor Calgary offer both gas and electric services. This can sometimes save you even more by bundling the two with the same provider.

This is also true with cable companies that also offer phone and internet. With the luxury of time on your side, you can make educated decisions that will benefit you in the end. If you are able to visit before you move in, then you can schedule them for the same day so that all utilities for your new home are on before you move in.

Preparing to move

Moving is not easy, especially if you’ve been a pack rat for a number of years. The first thing you need to do is decide whether you want to rent a truck or hire movers. If it’s a local move, renting a truck can be cost effective. The mileage won’t play into the cost and you can rent a smaller truck and make a few trips instead of one. The transfer of utilities is also easy. You shouldn’t need any deposits since you are already an existing customer. On the other hand, if this is a long-distance move you’ll only have one chance to move everything. The best thing to do is write down on a sheet of paper the pros and cons and costs involved for a rental vs a moving company. One you have that worked out then you can plan the process of decluttering and packing.

Travel light

With moving, every object carries a price tag. The more space you use the bigger the truck you need and the more expensive the move becomes. In order to save money and reduce the cost of moving, a room by room assessment is a necessary step in discovering what you actually need and want to keep. For instance, if your dining room table has seen better days or is outdated and you may replace it, then taking it along will just fill space that you can use for more important items. Once you comprise a list of the things to will take, it’s time to decide what to do with the rest.

Host a Moving sale

If you find that you have a lot of items that are in good condition, hosting a moving sale is a smart way to go. It not only removes those items without any additional cost to you, but it also puts a few dollars back in your pocket, offsetting the moving expenses. You can hang flyers, list it in the paper or use an online service. Anything that doesn’t sell you can give away to family and friends, or make a deal for a one-time pick-up from your local garbage company. The rates are usually fair.

With the extra merchandise out of your home, you now have the space to begin the process of packing everything up. If you don’t want to part with a few hundred dollars for boxes, local retailers are usually pretty good about letting you take theirs. While they won’t be new, they will serve the purpose for the short term. Newspapers, coffee filters, and sheets also provide a great way to pack up delicate items without the need for additional packing supplies. Label each box with a list of the general items and the room it belongs to, this will make it easy to place boxes in the proper room on the receiving end.

By making a list and addressing all areas of interest ahead of time, you can look forward to starting your next chapter in your new home.

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Top Breathtaking Places You Need to See in the USA

September 28, 2016 by 1 Comment

Some of the most beautiful places in the world are just a road trip away. If you’re looking to visit places with incredible natural beauty, you don’t even have to leave the United States. Taking a road trip to your destination allows you the ability to get in touch with nature and see things you’ll otherwise miss on an airplane. Take an unforgettable journey to some of the most amazing places you’ll find right here in the USA.

Preparing for Your Trip

Before you take a trip, a lot of preparation is involved. Start planning as early as possible to ensure you don’t miss any important details. Road trips can create lifelong memories, but you should always plan ahead. Automobile accidents happen even if you’re the most careful driver in the world. If you live in New York, consider consulting Brooklyn personal injury lawyers if you find yourself in need of legal assistance following an accident. Take the time to carefully plan your routes and the places you want to stop before you begin your journey.

Skagit Valley Tulip Fields, Washington

If you want to see fields of breathtaking color that attract millions of visitors from all over, head over to Skagit Valley Tulip Fields in Washington. Plan your trip for the month of April when the flowers will be in bloom across 300 acres. Aside from the tulips, there is plenty to do in Skagit Valley including visiting the state and national parks, museums, Las Vegas-style casino, a thriving performance art scene, and an abundance of museums.

The Smoky Mountains North Carolina and Tennessee

Approximately 9 million people come to see the Smoky Mountains every year, that’s how amazing they are. Not only is the scenery completely breathtaking, but there is so much else to do. You can enjoy the waterfalls and wildflowers, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, bicycling, camping, visiting historic buildings, picnicking, and ranger-led programs. This mountain range is a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains and is along the North Carolina and Tennessee border. The mountain views are simply unforgettable and unlike any, you’ll ever see anywhere else.

Thor’s Well in Oregon

Thor’s Well is along Cape Perpetua and is uniquely beautiful. This natural deep hole is a saltwater fountain that looks as if it’s draining the ocean. The natural wonder is created by powerful ocean tides and is best viewed an hour before or an hour after high tide. The hole looks like it’s bottomless, but it’s actually around 20-feet deep. It looks exceptional magical and is something you don’t want to miss out on seeing. It can be dangerous, especially during storms, so proceed with caution.

Mendenhall Glacier Caves, Alaska

The Mendenhall Glacier Caves in Alaska looks surreal, like something that jumped right out of a painting. The glacier is 12 miles long and is accessible only by kayak. The sad thing about this natural beauty is that due to global warming, it’s beginning to retreat, which means if you want to see it, you’ll need to make a plan to visit as soon as possible.

Some of the best trips are those where you can become one with nature and enjoy natural beauty. Consider taking a road trip if you can because it will make your trip that much more unforgettable. Always prepare way ahead of time because it’s easy to miss things you need to pack or travel apps you need to download to plan your route. Wherever you decide to visit, make the most of it. Life is too short not to see the beauty of the world.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,