Ways to Protect Your Home While Traveling

April 2, 2015 by 1 Comment

suitcacesTaking vacations and traveling all over the world can be a great way to have fun and gain a variety of new experiences. You get to see new sights, witness new cultures, and be amazed at how different life is from one place to the other.

When you go on vacation, you know that there is much to do to prepare for your trip. You need to get your itinerary and travel arrangements in order. You need to plan and pack for your trip. And you need to ensure that everything back home is cared for while you’re away, such as boarding your pets, or getting someone to cover your shift at work.

One area that people often overlook while traveling is the safety of their home. When you travel, you are leaving your home vacant and available for intruders. However, if you take the necessary precautions, you’ll be able to keep your home safe while you travel.

Set automatic timers on lights.

The easiest way that people know you’re not home is by seeing a dark house for multiple days in a row. To avoid this, make sure you invest in and use automatic timers on lights, both inside and outside of the home. Simply having a few lights turn on in various rooms of your home will make it look like someone is there, which will deter crooks from breaking into your home while you’re away.
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Take Me To Church- The Hunchback of Notre Dame explores the light and dark sides of it’s characters

March 25, 2015 by 6 Comments

 

Moving. Heartbreaking.  Stunning. All words I would use to describe Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, and I didn’t expect to react so strongly in the least.

Paper Mill, which produces beautiful shows right here in NJ, never ceases to amaze me.  With talent second to none (and that means Broadway as well- since many of it’s stars also preform on the Great White Way, you don’t need to trek into the city to see a top-notch performance) and not a bad seat in the house, we always enjoy the shows at Paper Mill Playhouse.  This one, however, might be my favorite so far, in no small part because I was not expecting to love it so much.

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The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Paper Mill Playhouse; Photo by Matthew Murphy; Michael Arden (Quasimodo) and the company of The Hunchback of Notre Dame

A fan of Victor Hugo, who wrote the novel, I thought that the Disney movie was cute if (of course) simple, as it was intended for young audiences.  The movie lost what to me were some key characters to understanding the story, modified others deeply, and lost the tone of the novel and story.  The music was nice, and the singing exactly what you would expect from a Disney film.  I was expecting a cute, fun show.  However, I found myself knocked off my feet within moments, at the opening song  “The Bells Of Notre Dame”.  The full orchestra and choir took one right to the period and atmosphere, and was incredibly moving.

With minimalist scenery and props, the cast really took center stage and full focus.  The lack of many scenery changes or much going on in the background only adds to the production- it seems right at home for the time period.  It is raw, sparse, the way one might imagine medieval Catholic services to have been. The characters are  complicated, deep and feel human.  There is no pure evil villain and our heroes have moments of weakness, each with conflicting feelings and acts.  You are able to see the good inside even the most flawed character, and your heart breaks with them all as the story rings on.
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Filed Under: lifestyle, review, theater

6 Things You Didn’t Know About the Grand Canyon

March 17, 2015 by 1 Comment

pic8There’s a lot to do in the Southwest United States. Whether traveling to Southern California or taking in the wonderful beauty of New Mexico, you can spend months there.

One popular destination is the Grand Canyon. It’s great for individual travelers, couples, or families, as there is much to take in and do. No matter if you’ve been there before or if you have never been, the following are nine things you didn’t know about the Grand Canyon.

1. People live there.

Before you go putting your house up on the market in order to snag some property in the Grand Canyon, you should first educate yourself. Members of the Havasupai, a Native American group, still live inside the Grand Canyon, but they’re the only ones. Their reservation borders the National Park, and outside visitors are welcome to check out their land; however, you will have to pay for it.

2. You need to bring your own water bottle.

Many years ago, visitors were able to purchase bottles of water while visiting the Grand Canyon. Seems like a good idea considering people tend to get thirsty walking in the heat. However, in 2012, the Grand Canyon stopped selling water after they determined that most of their waste was coming from plastic water bottles. Instead, free water stations are available to guests throughout the Canyon, so be sure to bring your own water bottle.
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Things People with Wanderlust Appreciate

November 19, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Whether you backpack solo, take a guided tour, or stay at a resort, traveling is always an adventure. Martin Buber, the famous philosopher once said, “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” His statement rings true today. Every time we travel, we open our minds to something new. For the most part, travel is full of positive experiences, but along the way you’re also bound to face challenges and awkward moments that you’ll look back on and laugh. Here is a list of things to remember, watch out for, and enjoy on your next big trip.

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#1 Don’t Drink the Water

Unless you’re traveling within your home country and know that the local water is safe, the best decision is to simply avoid any tap water. Bottled water is the way to go, especially in less industrialized nations. Contaminated water can wreak havoc on your body and on your trip. Save yourself a stretch of unwanted trips to the bathroom and days spent lying in bed.

#2 Bring a Journal

Have you climbed a mountain, learned a new language, or straddled the Equator? Whatever you accomplish while traveling remains a glorious and exciting memory. But time passes and memories fade. Do yourself a favor and jot down how you felt. Adding photos and video clips will keep your memories fresh for years to come. Not only will rereading your travel journal awaken your passion for travel, it may serve as a precious keepsake for generations to come.
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Find Balance off the Beaten Path — Retreats for the Entire Family to Enjoy

September 23, 2014 by Leave a Comment

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What does it mean to truly unwind and relax? Can you even think of the last time you were completely unplugged without anywhere to be or anything to do? If you’re like most families, it’s probably been a while since you’ve felt really rested. These days, with school, work, soccer practice and getting dinner on the table, you’ve likely been going 90 miles per hour. But what if you could turn your annual summer vacation with your family into a truly relaxing experience, an experience that would have you coming away fully refreshed with a renewed sense of life?

Taking time to relax and fully unwind is key for healthy living and full body renewal. Rose Caiola, Founder of an online community called Rewire Me, says it’s important to take time for ourselves to get out of our day-to-day routine to really rewire. Whether it’s a serene cabin nestled in the woods or a beautiful resort located in the tropics, a healthy lifestyle budgets time to relax. Keep reading to discover some of the best resorts and retreats designed to renew your mind, body and spirit.

Canyon Ranch

Guests can visit the Canyon Ranch Resort for a total mind and body cleansing. Known for it’s breathtaking views and located in the Sonoran Desert of Southern Arizona, the Canyon Ranch Resort offers special discounts for first time visitors. From amazing fitness experiences with world renowned experts to zipline adventures and hands-on cooking classes, the resort features a myriad of activities designed to help you unwind and learn how to live your life to the fullest. Additionally, you can allow yourself to indulge in relaxing spa treatments at one of the premiere spa destinations in Arizona. The Canyon Ranch Resort is ideal for families with teenagers ages 14 and up.
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Hertz – Travel Easy, Rent Easy

September 22, 2014 by 5 Comments

When starting on a road trip, there are lots of things to factor in. Most important being the mode of transportation being used, of course. Is this a road trip where everyone packs into the old car and zips state to state, checking out the sights and sounds, or more of a long haul where you are going to be doing some serious off roading? If your choice is car, then I would suggest grabbing a rental before taking your regular car with you. Not only will it help keep your car from racking up added miles, but also will give the driver a change of pace. Instead of driving the same care taken to work every day, upgrade to a newer, sleeker car with lots of space for the kids and many entertainment options for all involved. (Just make sure it includes cruise control.)
Hertz to the rescue for your driving needs!  With vehicles ranging from dream cars, prestige, adrenaline, and green travelers there is something for everyone in the fleet.

Traveling with Hertz Rental Cars

Traveling with Hertz Rental Cars

We recently took a 10 day road trip, and rented with Hertz.  We were lucky enough to use a car that was barely used at all- just about a thousand miles on it when we packed our suitcases into it.   Another bonus when you rent with Hertz  is that they will come pick you up at home, so no one needs to drop you off, and you don’t need to leave your car in a parking lot while you are traveling.  (Or alternately, while your car is in the shop, or whatever your needs are.)  Of course, they will drop you off at home when you bring the car back as well- just make sure you arrive back during business hours.
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Taking Ginkgo Biloba? Maybe You Should Reconsider

September 4, 2014 by Leave a Comment

pic7Alzheimer’s Disease runs in my family.  It’s a horrible disease, stripping your identity, abilities, and mind.  The victim of this disorder is left eventually helpless, unable to do anything for themselves, and not able to recognize family or friends.  Life skills vanish, they don’t know where or who they are- even what the date is.  It is a horrible way to live, and a terrible thing to watch someone go through.

Some people live decades with Alzheimer’s Disease.

For this reason, myself and many people in my family have been taking Ginkgo Biloba for years, as it was recommended and thought to ward off things like Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, and sharpen the mind. Even doctors and pharmacists recommend it- it is the “most prescribed supplement in Germany (and apparently the treatment of choice for dementia), and is #9 in sales among herbals in the United States” (source- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database).

However, I was at my neurologist yesterday (I suffer from migraines) and he told me that there have been new studies out that prove Ginkgo Biloba is not only ineffective, but also that it can cause seizures from long term use as well as lead to bleeding in the brain spontaneously or increasing any bleeding that may otherwise occur.  I began to read all the studies that he presented to me, and I will for sure not be taking Ginkgo Biloba any more.  There does not seem to be any benefit, but there does seem to be quite a few risks that I don’t need to take.
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Commit to Eating at the Kitchen Table as a Family

August 31, 2014 by 2 Comments

If your home is like many, there is a constant flow of activity from morning till night. On top of work schedules, you have soccer practice, dance classes, play dates, and countless other things to juggle on any given day. So, it is easy to fall in the habit of letting everyone eat wherever they please. That may mean at the table while also doing homework, in front of the TV, or even in a hurry at the kitchen counter. Sadly, this causes you to miss out on valuable bonding time where everyone can connect and catch up. You don’t have to eat together every night, but pick at least one evening a week where everyone will gather together, with no excuses.

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OK, this is not the kitchen table. I oddly don’t have photos of that! LOL

Benefits

  • Keep Lines of Communication Open – As children age, it can be challenging to keep the lines of communication open. A child who once told you everything now has nothing but one word answers to your questions. Sometimes, you might only get a head nod. It is also common for couples to drift apart, which can cause problems in their relationship. Your weekly dinner gives everyone a chance to share events of the week.

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Filed Under: family, lifestyle