How To Acquire Boat License In Florida

January 7, 2019 by Leave a Comment

In Florida, before you start using your boat on water, you are required to have a boating license. Some of the factors they consider when issuing you the boat license is your age. Read the following guidelines to understand how you can get a boating license in Florida.

  1. What You Really Need

It is commonly called the boating license, but in actual sense, it is a Boater Education Card. It is a must-have if you intend to go boating and if you are born past 1st January in 1988. It is recommended for those born before this time, but it is not compulsory. You are not required to have the boater educational card. People with less than 14 years of age are not allowed to operate a boat. This is regardless of if you have the boater education card.

  1. Enroll for the Boater Education Training

To acquire a boater educational card, you are supposed to enroll and complete a training course. Upon completion, you are approved to get the boater education card from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Basically, this training covers the legal requirements, operation, and maintenance of the boat. For the training, you can enroll for the classroom training which takes 8 hours for day training and 12 hours for the part-time training. You can also enroll for the online training at Florida aceboater. After, the training you need to sit for an exam and score more than 80%. You will be issued with a temporary waiting card as you wait for the Boater Education Card. This course was intended to help boaters have fun and stay safe in water.

The following are ways you can enroll and complete your Boater Education course:
1. You should attain a course that is approved by the 12 FWC

  1. Choose any of the approved classrooms that are provided by the United States Power Squadron or it can also be approved by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Additionally, you can look for the online approved courses.
  2. You can enroll for the home study training, which is offered by the U.S Power Squadrons or the FWC. If you choose the home study program, the course provider will give you free course and reading materials. The home study course may take up to 8 hours to complete. Some course providers may charge something small. They may charge up to $50 for the home course.

3.Giving out Your Details

Once you have successfully completed the course, you are required to provide some of your personal information such as the certificate of completion, your address, your name, date of birth and your phone number. All this information is sent to the Division of Law Enforcement and The Boating Safety Section in Florida. You are not required to renew the card. It is a lifetime card. However, if you lose it, you can give out your details again to the above institutions to get a new card.

Filed Under: lifestyle items Tagged With: , ,

Dressing like Meghan Markle

January 7, 2019 by Leave a Comment

When she was the star of the hit show Suits, Meghan Markle’s beauty and style were often the topics of conversation in many articles. After Markle became the fiancée and then bride of one of royalty’s most eligible bachelors, the public fascination with her evolving style became even more impassioned.

 

Elegant and put together with a bit more flirty flare than Kate Middleton, Meghan’s style was as approachable as it was enviable. As she transitioned from Hollywood starlet to the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan’s style changed as well. While she was always stylish and beautiful, Meghan’s style became more muted and elegant when she started to be publicly seen with Prince Harry. Her jewelry became more understated and simple (though much more costly), her cleavage-baring dresses were stashed away for good, as were the bodycon dresses she wore to show off her stunning figure.

 

In their place, Meghan began to wear timeless dresses in solid tones—with navy being a particular favorite for 2018. Knee-length, boat neck, and crew neck dresses are some of Meghan’s favorites, which is why it’s no surprise that she chose an open boat neckline for her first wedding dress.

 

Described as “timeless, minimal elegance,” Meghan’s debut dress was a silk, quarter-length sleeve, A-line wedding dress without any lace or visible embellishments. This dress launched a thousand copies around the world as brides scrambled to replicate that elegant, simple beauty. Meghan’s dress was all about paying homage to the woman wearing it and not using Meghan as a mannequin for the dress. It elevated her natural beauty instead of distracting from it.

 

Meghan’s reception dress was more casual but still elegant. This dress was only briefly seen as Harry and Meghan were whisked away in a vintage convertible. The white halter neck gown was another simple, chic number that showed a bit more skin with Meghan’s shoulders and back being bare. This dress was kept more private for their equally private reception.

 

If you want to channel some of Meghan Markle’s stunning personal style, your first step is to know exactly what your size is and to invest in a tailor. Meghan’s clothing is always perfectly cut to her frame, which suggests to us that the newly minted duchess makes extensive use of a tailor.

 

Using a tailor doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive, but it can take a piece of clothing from passable to perfect. Meghan’s clothing is always slim-fitting, but never tight, since that can look cheap. Buy clothing for the biggest part of your body and then have it tailored down to fit the rest of you. Or you can just shop in an online store, like JJ’s House, which offers customization option for wedding dresses to ensure the fitness.

 

You’ll also want to invest in clothing with good fabrics. Meghan is never seen in clingy, filmy clothing since it can be less flattering and can be unreliable when being photographed. Cotton, tweeds, wools, and other longer wearing, high-quality material will last longer and lay better. For inspiration, look not only to pictures of Meghan but also to photos of other timeless style icons, like Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn.

Filed Under: clothes and shoes Tagged With: ,

Top Fun Things To Do In Italy

January 3, 2019 by 2 Comments

The spectacular region of Italy needs no introduction as it is among the most famous travel destinations in Europe. The state has a high impact globally, and its artwork, beautiful places, crumbling ruins and castles make it an excellent holiday destination. You will also love the vibrant cities such as Rome and other less crowded areas where you can have great getaways with family and friends.

The food in Italy is delicious; the state has beautiful countryside and great wine to sum your trip up. Last year, I packed for a trip to Italy, and I loved every bit of it. The ancient streets, vineyards and the laid-back nature of the State is something to die for.

Here are a few selections of the best places to visit and the things to do while there.

Explore Rome

There is no better place to be than Rome. You have probably heard of this phrase from many people, and I’m here to tell you they were right. The city is filled with ancient history, iconic food formulates, monuments and loads of other activities that make it the ideal destination for anyone who wishes to explore the world.

From café bars for all ages, old worshipped gods, delicious and cultural meals, everything is just fantastic. In this city are cool things that people want to see and do. Who does not want to see the Pantheon, St. Peters and Coliseum?

When planning for a trip to Rome, you must decide on the main places that you wish to visit and the key things to do first to avoid dilemma. Some of the unusual places to visit are like the cat café. Sounds funny right? You will, however, fall in love with it right away. The interiors are spectacular, but you will love the cats even more. You can spend as much time as you wish eating raw vegan cake as you bond with the cats. You will never want to leave the place.

On the second day, visit the Sistine Chapel, which is a part of Vatican Museums. The chapel was named after Pope Sixtus. Every wall of the chapel is covered with arts, and some scripture stories such as the story of Christ and Moses featured on its walls. Opposite to the entrance is a huge wall, with the story of the Last Judgment featured on it. The arts and their designs are unique and worth checking.

Complete your stay in Rome by taking a hop-on-hop-off tour by bus and spend your day sightseeing and exploring all the attraction sites such as Vatican City and Colosseum. You can hop on and off at any destination as you wish. The best way to go about it is to get a ticket valid for at least 24 or 48 hours, so you can explore as much as you want. There is also an upgrade option that allows you to enter the Sistine Chaple, Vatican and Roman Forum.

rome Italy

Visit Naples

Also referred to as the Grande Dame, Naples is one of the most spectacular cities in Italy and happens o e among the oldest and largest cities in Europe. The town is filled with sceneries and unusual activities to take on holidays either with your family and friends. From trying their Pizza, which has been ranked among the best to exploring the Pompeiian ruins, you can never be bored.

The streets in the city are beautified with character and modern life. The routine here is simple yet very relaxing. You only need to eat, go for pizza, pray, play mainly for the football lovers and sleep. The list of things to explore in Naples is endless. Talk of sunny islands, beaches, volcano, and ancient history, I mean, what else would one wish for a summer holiday?

While here, you cannot miss out on Herculaneum and Pompeii. These are Italy’s most favorite tourist’s spots, and you can choose to visit them on one long-day trip, or you could split the visits into two depending on how much time you have. You get a chance to learn more about ancient Roman life.

Do not forget to visit the national museum and see where most of the stuff from the two sites mentioned here (Pompeii and Herculaneum) are kept. The museum also houses one of the most significant collections of Roman art, and you will also be amazed by its unique and rare design.

You have not visited Naples if you do not explore the Naples underground. Yes! You read that right. You can still explore the area underneath the historic center. Napoli Sotteranea is worth a stop as you get to see ruins from the Roman and Greek times.

Finally, you can take a tour to Almalfi coast or the Islands nearby if you still have time.

 

Explore Tuscany

There are lots of activities to take and things to do in Tuscany, and as much as you may wish to explore everything, you must have a selection if you want the tour to be a success. From Chianti wine tour to horseback riding and Vespa tour, you can never get enough of the place. You will also get a chance to attend cooking classes, something that ensures that at least you get to leave with something when going back home. For the bike lovers, the Chianti bike tour has your back, if you love swimming, the hot springs are there to ensure that you enjoy being in the water at your most favorable temperature and if you like walking, there is still something for you.

We stayed in Tuscany (Your name and surname), a spectacular region located in central Italy. Tuscany is one of the most fabulous art warehouses in the world. It is filled with frescoes, architectural masterpieces, and amazing paintings and sculptures. We enjoyed every minute spent here as we were able to explore the arts, the scenic countryside, tasted the wine, trekked at the mountain path and rolled down the hills. There is a lot to see there, and we had trouble deciding where to start.

When in Tuscany, we spent much time in Chianti, a region renowned for its wine and hills. If you love wine tasting, you are undoubtedly likely to enjoy the place. The cliffs are spectacular which happens to be among the best in the world. We then headed to Siena, where we got a chance to explore the architecture and Tuscany’s fantastic history. You cannot visit Italy and fail to go to Siena. You will only miss a lot.

After a long day of exploration, we had to look for a place to lie down and relax as we looked forward to the next day. We were looking for a simple, calm yet unique place to spend the night and luckily we came across the castle of Montalto. Again, the place was magnificent, peaceful and the best to relax and unwind. It has so many villas that we had trouble choosing one, but eventually, we settled for San Giovanni West, a villa that provided a breathtaking panorama with sunsets.

The place was super friendly. We did not want to leave as we felt like the villa had turned to be our new home. The meals, comfort, beautiful paintings, cooking lessons, and other activities led us to spend two days here, which made us lose track of time. We bonded well with the place and people, nature, and climate.

I loved the moments spent at the Castle of Montalto. We all left the place having learned new things and with a new, better way of viewing life. I got a chance to rediscover old and new emotions, smells, flavors, new images and memories that I will never forget.

The castle also includes exclusive villas for rent and Agriturismo, a famous farmhouse in Italy. What is unique about this farm?  Here they produce honey, oil, eggs and vegetables, all natural without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

We visited the farm and had a blast. We honestly did not want to go back home as every moment spent here was like a dream that we did not wish to put to an end. We, however, had to go back eventually and the whole vacation is still stack in our mind. We came back with lots of beautiful memories that have changed our lives completely. We have resumed work, and with no doubts, we have come back better than we left. We now have new goals; we feel energized which has helped improve our performance. We went back to the Castle of Montalto near Siena both before and after the vacation, which has changed our lives for the better.

tuscany with kids

Enjoy the scenes in Florence

Florence is the Soul of Italy and Tuscany, and it shines with lots of beautiful sceneries and attractions located all over the city. You will get an opportunity to discover myriads of architecture and exquisite artwork. All the arts are made to represent the culture of the city.

There is a lot you can do, and places to visit in Florence and choosing one becomes a dilemmatic issue. The top sites include the Uffizi Gallery, the city’s top museum and a cite where you get to see Botticelli’s. The museum is filled with ancient pieces and artwork.

Visit the Palazzo Vecchio and at the entrance, you will see a replica of David indicating his original position since 1873. The Hall of Five Hundred is also a part of this building. Do not forget to pass by the Florence Cathedral, which is also known as il Duomo. The structure provides a cute view of the city’s rooftops amid rolling hills, the Tuscan hills.

If you are looking for a friendly place to spend time with kids, there is a place for you in Florence. The Children’s Museum of the Shoals is the place to be. The museum is vibrantly colored and entails a lot of things that children will love. The children will learn and still have fun. It is meant to them learn about the local heritage while understanding the basis of arts and culture.

When it comes to getting a place that has something for everyone, then Deibert Park is the place. The park lies on over 70 acres and has a thing for the young, teens and those in their 40s. It is home to museums, walking trails and ponds where you can sit and enjoy your leisure. Even better; it has a separate kids’ playground with modern play equipment to ensure that you can all have fun.

You can finally go to the Splash Pad, a city park that is known and loved for its water jets.  It was initially known as the River Heritage Park, and the place has something to keep everyone engaged. From slides, swings, and refreshing trees, you will with no doubts love spending time here.

 

A trip to Lombardy

From the gleaming lakes of Northern Italy to the foothills of the Alps, Lombardy is one region worth visiting during your trip to Italy. The region is filled with attractions, sites, and activities that cover everyone’s likes and preferences. Lombardy is popular due to its welcoming locals, Germanic-come-Italo foods and the fact that it is industrial wealthy. The enclave never fails to impress.

You can start by going to Mantua, one of the most loved destinations in Italy. It is found on the southern-east of Lombardy, and one of the things that you are likely to love here are the three artificial lakes that surround it. These lakes are believed to have been created in the 12th century, and if you are a lover of history, you will undoubtedly love exploring them. What’s more? The city is rich in cultural site and landscapes, the kinds that you can never find anywhere else. The Gonzaga family resided here and made the city an art, culture and musical hub of Italy.

Palazzo Vertemate Franchi is also worth stopping by.  Located in Prosto di Piuro, this palace was built in the 16th century by Luigi Vertemate Franchi and Guglielmo, to brothers who came from a wealthy family. You can tour around its interior especially if you love arts as the palace is made up of lots of compartments and unique designs that could inspire you.

Visit Lake Como, a popular scenic destination dotted with villages along the waterfront and rich of Rhaetian Alps in the background. It is a perfect destination for wealthy people who wish to retreat and witness the gorgeous scenes. Today, it is s spot for celebrity sightings such as George Clooney.

Finally, if you still have some time left, go to Catello di Mapaga which sits in Cavernago. It was known as the home to Bartolomeo Colleoni, a renowned soldier who gained his wealth and power when fighting for other people. The castle is much fun to explore if you find yourself around Lombardy.  

 

Explore Veneto

Deciding on which places to visit while in Veneto can be a hard task.  The region is full of sceneries and historic sites that you would not miss. From villas, lakes, and mountains, everyone is covered. You can start your tour by going to Verona, a region known for the house and balcony believed to have belonged to Juliet from the story, Rome and Juliet. The area is also home to museums, a castle, and shopping centers. You can also have a good time with family and friends at Piazza Bra.

From there you can go to Padua, which is a walled city known for hosting the oldest botanical garden in Europe. It is also a great historical center.

You cannot miss out on Brenta River, which is situated Padua and Venice. Along the river are old villas from the 15th-18th century. Although some of them are not open to the public, there are still some that you can visit and witness the beauty.

You can then visit Marostica, a small town famous for hosting a main squire and castle above and walls that lead up the hill to the castle. Every year in September, the main square is turned into a chess board for the chess lovers.

Spare some time and visit the Bassano del Grappa, which is named after Monte Grappa. This is a beautiful medieval town along the Brenta River, famous for its grappa, Alpine wooden bridge, and ceramics. While in Bassano del Grappa, you will have a better chance to visit Palladian villas, the castles of the Veneto or if you like, you can go hiking in the mountains.

Later you can visit Lake Garda, the largest and most visible lake in Italy. The eastern shore of the lake is in the Veneto region and therefore while in Veneto, you can spare some time and visit there. Nearby the lake is Gardaland, a sizeable spectacular park where you can relax as you lie calmly with family or friends.

Finally, you can set aside a whole day to tour around Marostica, Asolo, Bassano del Grappa, Palladian villa, and Treviso.

 

Italy is a fantastic destination for anyone this holiday and I would totally recommend it. Ensure that you get your tickets in advance to avoid the last minute rush and park all the gears that you may need for the trip. Have a memorable vacation by booking today!

 

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: ,

5 Different Ways to Travel

January 3, 2019 by Leave a Comment

There are so many ways to travel these days. It can be hard to choose which one is the right one for you. If you want to avoid busy airports and crowded buses, then travel by car or bicycle. If you want to get to your destination on time, then traveling by airplane or train may make more sense.
By Car

This is probably one of the most common ways to travel. Most of the major highways connect to all the major cities and states in the United States. It’s impossible to travel by car if your destination is halfway around the world. However, you can rent a car once you get there.
Car travel can be done by taxi, hired limousine service, or your own vehicle. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have also become a popular form of transportation. Hired service drivers can be affordable to use get to certain locations.
Traveling by car is extremely affordable and convenient. You can choose a time to go on vacation when it benefits you. You can even pack as much luggage as you want and you don’t have to pay for public transportation. Renting a vehicle can be an affordable alternative since fuel prices can be costly. Whether you rent or drive your own vehicle, getting an SR22 insurance quote and then purchasing the insurance can ensure that you have the minimum liability coverage as required by your state.
By Bicycle
Traveling by bicycle has its share of advantages. You can travel at your own pace and avoid crowds. There’s no need to stand in line or deal with public transportation. You also don’t have to worry about the fuel costs for travel.
Since you’re traveling by bicycle, it’s important to pack light. Biking can keep you active and fit. You’re not actively sitting for several hours at a time. You’re doing something good for your body. Some countries and states are ideal for this mode of travel. Not everyone has the physical ability or the length of time to travel by bike, though.
By Local Bus
A local bus would be your next best option for traveling. Most city and local buses pack passengers in like sardines. The buses never arrive or leave on time, and are prone to breaking down for hours. While public transportation is not something to be enjoyed, you can still relax and travel at your own pace. Mingling with the locals will make you feel like a local, especially if you’re traveling by bus in a different country.
The various methods of bus travel include local bus services, coach services, coach tours, and sightseeing tours. The great thing about traveling by bus is that you can bring as much luggage as you want. You can stop wherever and whenever you want. Buses can carry large groups or caravans of people.
By Airplane
Traveling by airplane has become one of the most preferred methods. Most countries have access to both large international airports and smaller airports. There are two types of flights: scheduled flights and charter flights. Scheduled flights are operated by airlines while charter flights are used by tourism companies.
Flights can be cheap if they’re booked in advance. The time it takes to get to your destination may be shorter, as long as you’re on a non-stop flight with no cancellations or delays. There are a wide variety of classes available — business, economy, first-class — that fit every need and budget. If you plan to travel by airplane, you’ll need your driver’s license or state photo identity card, U.S. passport or passport card, or a DHS trusted traveler card.
By Train
Traveling by train is possible if you’re traveling with regional and national services. Most major towns and cities have access to train stations, along with some small towns and villages. The train has become a popular method of travel for people who want to avoid busy or crowded airports. Tickets are affordable if booked in advanced. Like airplanes, different classes are available to choose from.
Trains travel faster than car and buses since they don’t get stuck in traffic. They can get delayed due to inclement weather or engine problems. They may also get busy during peak vacation or holiday times, which makes for crowded trains. Regardless, they’re more environmentally friendly than traveling by vehicle. They offer plenty of room to stretch out and use your electronic devices.

As you can see, there are multiple ways to travel and you will be sure to find a method that suits your personality and budget.

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HolistaPet CBD Oil & Cannabis Dog Treats Review & Coupon

December 24, 2018 by Leave a Comment

HolistaPet is a company that focuses on developing products that aid in regulating both physical and mental health conditions for pets. Whether you have a dog or a cat, with HolistaPet, you can find CBD-infused tinctures, oil, capsules, and treats. HolistaPet applies dedication to utilizing remedies that are completely natural, and incorporating new technology in order to ease your pet’s discomfort and reduce their pain. CBD from HolistaPet is a great alternative to traditional drugs that require a prescription from your vet, as it doesn’t have any side effects.

 

HolistaPet has perfected their process across twelve years in business and you’ll find superfood and plant-based ingredients in all of their products. The product you get has also been developed to address the exact conditions that your pet is struggling with; each of HolistaPet’s treats has one of three formulas: Heart and Immune Care, Joint and Mobility Care, or Stress and Anxiety Relief. All products are also tested in labs and are completely vegan and organic, with no dairy, additives, preservatives, sugars, or animal products added.

 

Which Products Does HolistaPet Offer?

 

HolistaPet offers a wide range of products, including capsules, oils, and treats. Each of the three formulas comes with its own unique flavor; the Heart treats are Sweet Potato and Yummy Blueberry, the Joint treats are Cinnamon and Pumpkin Spice, and the Stress treats are Peanut Butter and Green Apple. HolistaPet also produces treats that are made just for cats.

 

HolistaPet also offers a CBD Pet Tincture if you’d prefer to add CBD oil to the treats or food that you give to your pet. The tincture is available in three sizes: 600mg, 300mg, or 150mg. It contains a full spectrum oil, meaning that the oil is made from the entire hemp plant, rather than just one part. If you have pets such as horses and rabbits, don’t worry–this CBD oil is safe for these animals as well.

 

A further option is HolistaPet’s CBD Pet Capsules. The capsules contain both powder from hemp seed and CBD and are an easy solution if your pet is already used to ingesting pills. You can also break open the capsules and sprinkle the contents onto your pet’s food or a treat. They won’t notice a difference in the taste of their meal.

 

How Can HolistaPet Help Pets?

 

HolistaPet provides a list of ways that the CBD-enriched products they produce can help. These include aiding with:

  • Mobility and joint problems
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Epilepsy and seizures
  • Tumors and cancer
  • Wellness and aging
  • Inflammation and pain
  • Allergies
  • Nausea and digestive issues

 

CBD could be the answer to many of the health conditions your pet faces, no matter which kind of animal or of what age. It’s important to keep in mind that some products may not have a noticeable effect on your pet, so you can try several out before you discover the best match. Review each product and its ingredients carefully, as you consider your selection.

 

As with any supplemental change or addition to your pet’s diet or medicine, make sure you consult your veterinarian and that you consider all of your options. Your vet will be able to help you make the best decision.

Filed Under: animals Tagged With: , ,

Must Pack Items for Any Mom Planning to Travel with Kids

December 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Travelling is something that people look forward to any time of year. Whether you’re travelling far distances or somewhere much closer, it’s an opportunity to get away from everyday life and stress and experience relaxation, a different culture, fabulous sights, and a new cuisine. Of course, with travel comes an element of stress as there are lots of things to plan and organize in order for the trip to go smoothly. Now factor in travelling with kids, especially young ones, and suddenly the amount of stress you are under increases exponentially.

As a mom, the responsibility of getting them packed and organized tends to lie on your shoulders, and you also need to be the one that looks ahead and tries to anticipate various scenarios that could occur while you’re away so that you are prepared with the right items. Taking a methodical approach to packing is typically the best route to take, even if that means you write out a list of items you need to bring. And what are those items you absolutely need to pack? Here’s a list of items that should make the list.

A Comfortable Purse or Bag that is Hands-Free

How many times have you been out with the family only to find by the end of the day you’re the one holding the majority of the items? The kids tend to pass you their coat, toys, snacks, drinks, etc. and you just need to find a way to juggle it all.

Rather than fight it, it’s best to anticipate it and use a purse or bag for yourself that is hands-free. Something stylish like the Chloé backpack available here will be sure to impress and is a practical piece that allows you to stow your items in without having to hold it. The Chloé bag can be worn on your shoulders so you will have both your hands free. Now the Chloé backpack is also versatile in that you can remove the straps and carry the bag, which you may prefer https://www.ssense.com/en-ca/women/designers/chloe if you happen to be out on your own.

Another tip is to ensure that the bag is large enough that it carries your necessities and those of the kids. Carrying everything in one spot means less things to lug around and carry, and it can make it easier to find an item in a hurry.

Let Them Pick One Favourite Toy to Bring

Space comes at a premium when packing, but some items are worth making the extra room for either in your suitcase, carry-on bag, or your child’s bag. Letting your kids pick one favourite toy to bring counts as that “must-pack item”. This item can end up soothing a crying or upset child, keeping them busy during periods of waiting, and just give them that sense of familiarity in a foreign destination. Clearly that one favourite item needs to be a reasonable size, so a bit of negotiating may be necessary.

Backup Shoes for the Kids

Even though one pair of comfortable walking shoes may be enough for you, with kids it’s a whole other story. Kids and messes are magnets to one another, so again it’s about anticipating all possible scenarios. The last thing you want to be dealing with is a pair of soaking wet or soiled shoes with nothing else to give them to wear. Packing a pair of extra shoes is just a wise plan.

Bring All Possible Medications Kids May Need

Another issue that can occur while on holiday that can really throw a spanner in the works is a child that isn’t feeling well. This is why you want to be sure you pack any and all medications they may need such as pain and fever relief, tummy relief, etc. You may even want to put a travel first aid kit together that contains their medication, bandages, a cold/hot pack, scissors, gauze, surgical tape, and antiseptic wipes.

A Tech Device that Keeps Them Busy

Here’s an item that can be a real lifesaver for parents, especially en route to the destination. Bringing along a portable movie player, smart phone, or tablet will keep the kids busy and happy. You can load up some new games, activities, and movies on the device right before you leave so they have something fun to look forward to. Just be sure to pack the charger(s) and have enough tech devices for each child so there is no fighting over whose turn it is.

A Car Seat If Needed

If your child still requires a car seat, then this is another item you will need to bring with you. If you plan on renting a car in the destination, then you may be able to also rent a seat through the car rental company. This is something you can ask about in advance.

It’s all about being prepared and organized, and anticipating the many different issues that could pop up while on holiday.

Filed Under: health Tagged With: , ,

Top 5 Cities to Take Your Children for Vacation

December 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Deciding where to take your family on vacation can be an intimidating task. If you have young kids, you definitely want to make sure you take them to some wonderful places to continue building unforgettable childhood memories.

However, sometimes it can be difficult to know which places are the best cities to bring kids on vacation! To help you in your decision-making process, we’ve made a list of our top five cities to take your children for a vacation.

So, without further ado, here are our picks:

5. New York City

This may not seem like the first place you’d think to take your kids, but a trip to New York City can be truly life-changing for children. There is so much to do in this city that it will be difficult for you to see all you want to even with a few days all to yourself! In particular, your kids will surely enjoy the spectacle that is Times Square—take them to the M&M’S store, the Hershey Store, and even bring the whole family to a Broadway musical for a great evening activity! You’ll even be able to insert some educational moments by bringing your kids to the many historic spots in NYC!

4. The Village by the Sea

If you have a kid who is incredibly enthusiastic about Legos, you’ll love taking them to Carlsbad, California. This is the famous city that is host to Legoland California, something that is surely the world’s best Legoland park of its kind. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to relax at the beach due to Carlsbad’s beautiful scenery. Those staying in Carlsbad can also consider taking a day trip north to Los Angeles or south to San Diego; both major cities are roughly the same distance away.

3. Anaheim, California

One of the most historic places to go in the wonderful state of California, the main attraction here for the kiddos is undoubtedly Disneyland. What was essentially the first theme park ever built when it opened in 1955 has since become a cultural landmark and a symbol for America. Taking the entire family to Disneyland will surely be an enjoyable experience, as it’s incredibly difficult to be upset while there! With the addition of Disney California Adventure at the beginning of the millennium, there are plenty of options for the whole family.

2. Orlando, Florida

Orlando is a great tourist destination for those with kids, but the main attraction for people visiting is Walt Disney World (WDW). Building on the formula that Disneyland standardized, WDW helped turn theme parks into a true art form, turning the idea of a theme park into an entire resort property! Highly recommended for those who want to see something truly wonderful that exemplifies the art of the entertainment industry. Orlando also has plenty of amazing restaurants for when you want to take a break from the Disney action, including a lot of kid-friendly spots!

1. San Diego, California

At the top of our list is San Diego, a city that is undoubtedly the most lively destination on our list. This is because that (among many other things), San Diego has some of the most beautiful sights to see in all of California. Taking the kids to the parks will give you a good way to tell them about the history of the area—after you’ve given them some education, take them to museums in San Diego to show them some of the most engaging and enjoyable attractions you can find on the west coast.

Well there you have it – five great places to take your kids on vacation. So what are you waiting for?

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,

Gas or Electric Water Heaters, Which are More Effective?

December 17, 2018 by Leave a Comment

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During the cold season, every person will want to use warm water, either when taking a shower or doing other house chores like cleaning.

For this reason, every homeowner wants to invest in a power source that is efficient and affordable. When it comes to the source of power, the common options are gas and electric water heaters. Note that the two alternatives provide reliable means to heat water in your tanks.

A gas water heater tends to be a cheap alternative since the energy used to heat water comes from burning a fuel, which is natural gas.

On the other hand, you need to install electric resistance coils to use an electric water heater. While the gas water heaters are not efficient like electric heaters, the high cost of electricity makes the operational cost of electric heaters high.

Gas water heaters tend to be a convenient choice for big families since they have a faster recovery rate.

 

Electric Water Heater Gas Water Heater
Power source Domestic energy: can be coal, wind power, nuclear or natural gas energy Natural gas
Operates in power outage No Yes
Life Expectancy 13 years 12-13 years
Recovery Rate ~14 gallons/hr. ~50 gallons/hr.
Efficiency 0.90. 0.60.
13 Year Price $6,769 $5,394
Price $300 to $2880 (+wiring and installation) $250 to $1500 (+gasline if there isn’t already one)
Types Storage, tankless, heat pump. Storage, tankless, condensing.

 

 

  • Gas and Electric Water Heater: which is better

  • Performance

 

A gas heater has the capability of heating a 50-gallon storage rage within 60 minutes. The time a gas heater takes to reheat a water tank after use (recovery rate) is faster compared to that of an electric heater.

Another benefit of the gas water heater is that they can operate in even when power outage occurs. For large families, a gas water heater is the best choice an electric one will have difficulties in maintaining the hot water demands of many people.

The major drawback of an electric water heater is that it has a slow recovery rate. This means that a 50-gallon tank will need more time to recover.

 

  • Efficiency

 

In most cases, gas storage units tend to be inefficient due to the heat loss from exhaust gases and walls of a tank. Water remains hot all the time and even though this is beneficial, it implies that energy is wasted. The remedy for this problem is the use of condensing units which can help in increasing efficiency.

While electric heaters are known to be energy efficient, the savings in consumption of actual power are mitigated by expensive electricity bills. Electric heat pump units are extremely more efficient but they are rare and come with the high cost of installations.

 

  • Cost and Lifespan

 

Even though the cost of installation for the two water heating options is almost the same, electricity will be expensive to use than gas since electric units are more costly to operate.

Electric heater installation can be more costly since you might need a 220-volt outlet and connection for the electrical appliances. Electric water heating units have a longer life cycle than gas water heaters, but this will depend on the quality of water and how you maintain the heater.

For many homeowners, gas is a less costly alternative than electricity and this is the reason as to why many people prefer gas water heaters. This option is much cheaper if you already have a gas line available in your home. Changing from electric to gas can be costly since you will need to install a gas line and venting to exhaust heat.  

 

  • Types

 

In many homes, the common type of water heaters is the storage tank that can carry 20-100 gallons of hot water and ready to be used at any time. The system stores a large amount of hot water but needs a recovery time once the tank has been used.

  • Tankless heating

They traditionally heat water using electric coil but has recently been adopted in the gas-fired units. The tankless system heats water on demand, providing a large volume of hot water. The units are more costly than traditional storage water heaters and restrict water flow to keep it hot.

  • Condensing boilers

Condensing boilers are the high-efficiency option for gas heaters. This system is designed to use energy from exhaust gases to heat cold water that comes into the storage tank. This can attain an increase in efficiency of 20% over traditional gas heating units.

  • heat pump device

The latest alternative in electric water heating is the heat pump device. The system uses energy from the surrounding air to warm water.   These units are the most energy efficient domestic water heating appliances though they are costly.

 

  • Pros of the gas water heater

 

  • Gas heaters tend to heat water faster than electric units.
  • Gas water heating units that are ignited with a pilot light instead of electric ignition will work even in an event of power outage.
  • Note that electricity tends to be expensive than natural gas in most towns and this makes gas heating units an affordable means.

 

  • Cons

 

  • Even though the energy bills will be low when using a gas water heater, installation and maintenance of the gas models tends to be high.
  • Gas water heating units have a short life cycle than electric heaters.

 

  • Electric water heater

 

  • An electric water heater offers a high level of convenience since it is more easy to use than a gas water heater.
  • They are cost efficient since once you install an electric heater, they effectively reduce the cost of warming more water and keeping it hot.
  • There is no wastage of energy since you only heat the water that you intend to use at the moment.
  • The electric unit heats water on demand and for this reason, they help in conserving water.

 

  • Cons of the electric water heater

 

  • They are costly in the long run
  • Can’t operate in an event of a power outage
  • Long recovery time

 

  • Final Thoughts

 

Gas water heaters are the best option for people with large families because electric heaters can’t keep up with high demands of hot water.

On the other hand, electric water heaters are a perfect alternative since they are more energy efficient than gas heaters. Additionally, electric heaters have low maintenance costs and they are the best option for small families living in cold areas. Low cost in installation and purchase makes it perfect for such conditions. When shopping for this unit, it is important you do a thorough research to define which suits your requirements.

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