Tag Archives: travel

Preparing Your Home For Guests

Standard
Preparing Your Home For Guests

Summer is the perfect time to welcome guests into your home. People are on vacation from school or work and there is nothing better than sharing in warm weather activities with close friends or family. While you don’t need to do a whole HGTV level overhaul of your house to prepare for guests, there are a few things that you can do to make them more comfortable:

Dietary Restrictions/Preferences:

Before your guests arrive, it is important to ask if they have any dietary needs to accommodate. Are they gluten free? Do they prefer tea or coffee in the morning? Not only does this show that you care but you can also stock your fridge ahead of time to skip a mad dash to the grocery store. Planning accordingly also means that you can plan meals ahead of time as well as find local restaurants that have options for dietary needs.

Prep The Guest Room:

Your guest room does not need to be set to the standards of a five star hotel but a little effort can go a long way. If you want to go all out, Pinterest has great suggestions for decorating a guest room. If not, that’s okay too! Extra blankets, towels, and toiletries will always be appreciated. How many times have you traveled to realize you forgot your toothbrush or shower gel?

Make Necessary Repairs:

Before you receive your guests, it is crucial to repair any home appliance that needs it. Extra people in your home means more dishes, laundry, and meal prep so it’s good to get these appliances checked out if they are not functioning as they should. The last thing you want is to be waiting around for a repair person all day while you could be having summer fun!

Have Activities In Mind:

Of course, all of your days with your guest don’t need to be jam packed. But, it will be fun to show them around the area especially if they have never been before. Local attractions, restaurants, and boutiques are all part of what makes your neck of the woods special so show it off! For chill days at home, a BBQ and backyard or indoor games work just as well.

Summertime is even better when it’s enjoyed with good company. Follow the tips above and I’m sure your guests will want to come by next summer too!

Hibachi Japan Double Date

Standard
Hibachi Japan Double Date

Hello!! This past week, Johnny and I went on a double date to Hibachi Japan with my best friend Lea and her husband Brandon. We had the best time and the food was delicious!! I have not been to this restaurant in close to five years and out of the blue, I had a HUGE craving for it so I was really looking forward to this outing. 😀 Take a look:

image_50387457(2)image_50402049image_50419969(2)image_50417921(2)image_50392577(1)image_50400513(3)image_50400257(2)image_50385409image_50423809(1)image_50453505image_50419969(3)image_50425089(2)image_50400769(1)image_50389505(1)image_50455553

Hibachi Japan is such a fun date night restaurant to go to because the chef expertly prepares your food right in front of you. The random bursts of fire, patrons at the table trying to catch pieces of shrimp, and exciting atmosphere all make for a perfect evening out. The restaurant window shades also added a touch of ambiance and made the fire seem even brighter! The chef prepared meals are also great because it includes two appetizers and dessert, which is an awesome value!

To start off our meal, we ordered drinks and Johnny and I both got the signature cocktail called Purple Rain. It is basically a Long Island Iced Tea with raspberry and it is delightful but strong – I couldn’t finish mine! Then, along came the appetizers which consisted of soup and salad. Unfortunately, the soup uses beef broth so I was given two salads and that was fine by me because the peanut salad dressing is to die for. I actually had three salads because Johnny barely ate his. 😀

After appetizers, our chef came to begin cooking our entrees. I got the tofu and veggies with rice and the rest of our table ordered rice with chicken, steak, or shrimp. The portions were huge, as you can see, and no one could finish their entire plate! I am usually not the biggest fan of tofu but it just hits different at Hibachi. It is crispy on the outside and soft in the middle and I savored every bite.

In all honesty, we couldn’t have ate another bite but how can you say no to pineapple sorbet for dessert?! It was DIVINE. The bold pineapple flavor was complimented with the creamiest texture and I wish I could buy it by the gallon. It was also especially yummy with broken up pieces of fortune cookie on top.

Once we all officially couldn’t move, it was time to head home after a wonderful double date. A marvelous time was had by all and I will definitely not be waiting another five years to go back! 😀

What is your favorite restaurant? What do you love to order from there? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Memphis Kiddie Park Day Trip

Standard
Memphis Kiddie Park Day Trip

Hello! I have been having so much summer fun last month and especially over this past weekend. My brother and his wife and son came to visit from Atlanta and we all had a blast hanging out. It was SO awesome for my niece and nephew to play together and they both solemnly announced that they would miss each other when it was time to go home. How sweet is that?!

Last Monday, we took the kiddos on a little day trip to Memphis Kiddie Park close to Cleveland and a delicious Mexican dinner afterwards. This was a very special outing, indeed, because my siblings and I used to go there all of the time when we were little. Whether we went with my parents or my grandma, it was always a huge treat to go to Kiddie Park and get ice cream after and I have so many fond memories of afternoons spent there.

When I was little, I remember thinking that Kiddie Park was a Cedar Point level amusement park. So, all of my siblings and I had a huge laugh when we saw through the eyes of an adult that it was the size of a large parking lot. It surely didn’t feel that way to my niece and nephew, though!

image_50419457(3)image_50427649(3)image_50420225(3)image_50446081(3)image_50446593(2)image_50400001(2)

^^^ The white Love On A Hanger top is one of my faves!

When we got to Kiddie Park my nephew, Patrick, was ready to ride all of the rides. My niece, Valerie, on the other hand… Not so much. Lol, it definitely took her a minute to get warmed up and, surprisingly, the only thing she wanted to ride at first was the Little Dipper rollarcoaster with me. Of course, I obliged and it made me think of all of the times that I would ride it with my grandma and we would go on it again, and again, and again. ❤

Val’s reaction to the Little Dipper was either going to be really good or really bad because she had never been on something like that before. Even more surprisingly, she loved it and after a juice box and a pretzel she was good to go. I guess she was just hangry and it was, honestly, such a mood!

After Val rallied, her and Patrick rode so many rides together and it was SO. Freaking. Cute. They loved the boats, spinning turtles, airplanes, and mini cars and it warmed my heart to see them waving to all of us and having a ball. Naturally, neither of them wanted to go home afterwards and, despite having no more ride tickets left, they were asking for “just one more ride”. ❤

Something tells me that we will be taking Val to Kiddie Park again this summer and I’m sure we will go all together with Patrick next summer too. It was just as fun for the kids as it was for the adults and it was the best day!

Do you have something similar to Kiddie Park in your neck of the woods? What is one of your fondest childhood memories? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

4 Helpful Ways To Accommodate Your Pet While Traveling

Standard
4 Helpful Ways To Accommodate Your Pet While Traveling

Are you going on vacation and worried about what to do with your pet? Don’t worry; we have you covered! There are many innovative ways to accommodate your pet while you’re away. In this post, we will discuss four of the best options. Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or automobile, there is a solution that will work for you and your furry friend:

Ship your pet:

If you’re traveling by plane, one option is to ship your pet ahead of time. This can be done by contacting a pet shipping company and arranging for them to transport your animal to your destination. Your pet will travel in a crate with all of the necessary food, water, and bedding. This option is best if you’re traveling internationally or if you’ll be gone for an extended period.

Shipping your pet ahead of time has some advantages. First, it’s less stressful for your animal and they won’t be allowed to travel with you in the airplane’s cabin anyway. Secondly, it’s more convenient since you won’t have to worry about bringing along a crate or finding space for your pet at your destination. Companies like Airpets International (or a similar one in your local area) specialize in safe and comfortable air travel for your pets. Take the time to review businesses like this to find the best fit for your pet so you can both arrive at your destination happy and healthy.

Pets on the Ferry to Rotterdam

Find a pet-friendly hotel:

You should also find Savannah dog-friendly hotels at your destination. Many hotels now offer amenities for guests traveling with pets, such as special beds, bowls, and treats. Some even have staff members who are trained to care for animals. This option is great if you’re only going to be gone for a few days and don’t want to ship your pet ahead of time. When looking for a pet-friendly hotel, you should keep a few things in mind:

  • Make sure the hotel allows pets.
  • Check to see if there are any size or breed restrictions.
  • Inquire about any additional fees that may be charged for bringing along a pet.

It’s so important to do your research on pet friendly options ahead of time to minimize stress on your pet and yourself. To start finding information, simply enter a search for “pet-friendly rental in Port A” (or where you plan on visiting) to see what kind of accommodations are offered.

If you are a pet-friendly lodging destination, it can drive tons of new business to really put it out there with the help of a luxury travel marketing company. It can be difficult to find pet friendly hotels or vacation home rentals and that can be a huge selling point if your location offers pet accommodations. It will certainly make a lot of pet parents who are traveling very happy!

Hire a pet sitter:

Another option is to hire a pet sitter. This person will come to your home and take care of your animal while you’re away. They will ensure your pet has food, water, and adequate exercise. This option is best if you’re only going to be gone for a short period of time and you want your pet to stay in their familiar surroundings.

When hiring a pet sitter, you should keep a few things in mind. Make sure the person is responsible and trustworthy. You should also do a trial run before leaving to see how they interact with your animal. Finally, leave clear instructions about your pet’s care and schedule.

Board your pet:

If you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time, another option is to consider Pet Boarding. This can be done at a kennel, boarding facility, or veterinary hospital. Your pet will have space and be fed and exercised regularly. This option is best if you’re traveling for business or pleasure and you won’t have time to take care of your animal yourself.

When looking for a place to board your pet, make sure the facility is clean and comfortable. Second, check to see if the staff is experienced and qualified to care for animals. Third, inquire about any additional services that may be offered, such as grooming or exercise.

It’s hard to relax when you’re traveling if you are worrying about your pet so choose the option that you are most comfortable with. And don’t forget to ask for lots of pictures of your pet while you’re away! 😀

Featured Image By: Ruel Madelo

Akron Zoo Get Closer Experience

Standard
Akron Zoo Get Closer Experience

Hello!!! This past Friday was basically the coolest ever because my brother, Andrew, and I went to the Akron Zoo for a Get Closer Experience. This was a gift to him from my other brother and it allowed us to get up close and personal with the zoo’s two Galapagos Tortoises. It was AMAZING and I wish it could have lasted forever! Check it out:

image_50442753(2)image_50440705image_50425089image_50419713(2)image_50424321(4)image_50404609(3)image_50427905(2)

During our Get Closer Experience, we were able to feed and love on Pecos and Boxy who are my new best friends. They very much enjoyed their treats of bell pepper and collard greens and the neck and haunch rubs!! What was supposed to be a twenty or so minute time slot for TURTLE TIME ended up being the better part of an hour and Andrew and I loved every second of it.

It was a rainy day on Friday, which was fine because the “Galaps” (as their handler called them) have an indoor and outdoor exhibit. The inclement weather actually ended up working in our favor because the zoo was essentially empty so we had the whole area to ourselves. Had the weather been better, we would have been able to assist with Pecos and Boxy’s bath time. Andrew and I both agreed that what we got to do was even better, though, because we got to spend so much time with them just hanging out.

Boxy is a spring chicken at thirty-one years old and she was a feisty thing! She definitely had a bigger personality than Pecos and warmed up to Andrew and I instantly. Seventy year old Pecos was a bit shy but she came around after lots of hand fed veggies, which are apparently like eating dessert for a Galap. Both were absolute angels and I miss them terribly already!

The Akron Zoo offers other Get Closer Experiences but the Galapagos Tortoise one was, easily, the best because you could interact with them. That isn’t the case for the Red Panda and Grizzly Bear Experience for obvious reasons! If your zoo has something similar to the programs that Akron’s does, I can’t recommend treating yourself to one enough. It will make for an unforgettable time!!

What is your favorite animal? Have you ever done anything similar to this experience at your zoo? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Moving Abroad? Make Sure To Do The Following!

Standard
Moving Abroad? Make Sure To Do The Following!

Moving abroad can be an exciting new adventure that you are ready to embark on. When you are there, it will be worth it and you will have an amazing time. However, to ensure you enjoy your time abroad, whether you are looking to move away for a few months or permanently, there are several important things that you need to have in place because the process can get pretty complicated. If you can get organized and sort these documents in advance, you can relax knowing that you have a smooth journey ahead.

To help you get started, here are some vital things that you need in place before your move:

Research the country:

You should always start by researching the country that you are moving to. This is because rules and regulations can be very different so you should never assume that you know everything. The best and most reliable source of information can be found at the embassy or consulate. They will be able to advise on the rules in the country, the documentation you need to complete before traveling, the documentation you need on you to travel, and much more.

Important documentation:

You will need a range of documents to be able to travel and live abroad. You should have these ready to go in a folder for protection before you intend to travel. You should also make copies of all of your documents and take a picture on your phone, in case you lose them. Some official documents can take a few weeks to arrive if you have to request them, so make sure you do this step well in advance to avoid disappointment. Some of these documents include:

  • Passport
  • Driving license
  • Birth certificate
  • Proof of citizenship
  • Insurance policies
  • Proof of residence
  • Vaccination record
  • Medical record

Finances:

Of course, your finances will need to be in order before your move. The best way to do this is to research the cost of living in the country that you are moving to. For example, if you live in New York and are moving to Dubai, you may find that living is much cheaper. Not only do you need money for living expenses, such as food and commuting, but you will also need to consider your accommodation and utilities. If you are moving to Dubai, there are plenty of apartments for rent in Palm Jumeirah that are affordable and located in a great spot. You will need to research the prices for apartments before you travel. You should also consider insurance policies that will protect your money if you lose it, as well as your belongings. The last thing you want is to pay to replace your items if the worst happens!

And, don’t forget that selling your home before you move will give you some extra cushion as you start your new life abroad. Should your move be required for a job or family emergency, you might not have the time for your house to sit on the market. If this is the case, consider entering a search for “cash home buyers Houston” (or your local area). This method will allow you to walk away with cash in hand much more quickly and knock something major off of your to do list.

Make sure you consider everything you need before you move abroad and do it with enough time to spare. You may wish to use this information and create a checklist so that you don’t miss anything important!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Travel Essentials To Secure Before Your Vacation

Standard
Travel Essentials To Secure Before Your Vacation

When it comes to a big vacation, every detail is important. You want to relax while away, not stress about items forgotten or if you failed to turn the kitchen light off! Every travel detail will start with research before you leave for your trip. Your findings will reveal plenty of travel essentials, but some of them are optional. However, these items will be valuable and irreplaceable parts of your travel bag, making it necessary to focus on getting them:

Flight Details and Travel Requirements:

Every person will start their travel adventures with one task: getting to the destination. However, most national governments won’t let you inside their countries that easily. There will be plenty of travel requirements such as visas, passports, personal identification cards, and legal documents. For example, if you have an itinerary for your Jiufen day tour, you can print it or have it ready on your mobile phone.

You must identify all the legal travel requirements you need months before your target date if you plan to visit a country for vacation. Fortunately, the internet provides travel guides to boost tourism in many locations. Identifying those travel essentials allows you to secure them ahead of your target date. Without them, traveling will not be possible. Try to place them in your carry-on bag for easy access whenever you have to present them in international customs.

Once your documents are ready to go, the next order of business is arriving to your form of transportation, whether that be one of these cruises departing adelaide or a flight taking off from JFK, in a timely manner. Keep a close eye on your departure time online or in an app in case anything changes.

Lodging: 

Of course, you can’t plan a vacation without arranging lodging! Are you staying with friends or family at your destination? Do you plan on staying at hotels? This must be squared away before you depart so you have a place to stay upon your arrival. Make your reservations well ahead of time and confirm them a week or so before you leave. Should something fall through, you will have time to fix it. If you are considering a guided tour like West Africa Tours, you’re in luck. Lodging arrangements are set in stone so all you have to do is hop on your plane and relax before your big adventure.

Cash & Then Some:

There are two ways to approach your travel budget. The first option involves dedicating funds for travel, even if you don’t have a plan yet. This financial strategy will allow you to identify a closer travel date when you start planning. Even if it’s just fifty bucks per paycheck, adding to a travel fund for a year can give you an opportunity to visit Alcudia, go to a resort, or travel to different states for a nice vacation.

Your second option will require you to adjust your monthly budget for travel expenses, which means reducing other essentials like shopping, groceries, and food allocations. Your local bank account might carry huge fees when you withdraw funds in international locations. You wouldn’t want that unnecessary expense and don’t forget to notify your credit card company that you’re traveling.

Bear in mind that depending on where you travel, there may be a change in currency. This can be a bit of a hassle but there are ways around it, including currency cards. These are most handy to have on vacation and when you need holiday money use your currency card fee-free without worrying about extra charges.

Clothing and Toiletries:

Most people travel to another country to experience different things. Other cultures and tourist sites are on top of the list, but the weather might also be a factor in your decision. People living in tropical countries might want to experience winter, summer, spring, and autumn. It can also happen vice versa for people used to living in temperate climates. As a result, the clothing style might have to adjust. Travelers must never underestimate extreme cold or heat so do be sure to pack accordingly.

Toiletries also play a significant role in keeping the weather from becoming intolerable. Sunscreen, moisturizer, and lotion prevent harsh environments from ruining your skin. Don’t forget that travel sizes are required for boarding a plane. If these mini sizes won’t sustain you for your trip, hit up a store at your location to buy the products you need – this will also save you space in your travel bag.

Nothing ruins an amazing vacation faster than a bad sunburn so the importance of sunscreen cannot be understated. This is especially true if you are exploring luxury private yacht charter options in Antalya. A good rule of thumb if you are enjoying a day on the water and in the sun is to reapply your sunscreen hourly. Even if the sky is cloudy while you are boating, sunscreen is still going to be necessary.

There are countless more travel essentials, but it depends on every traveler’s needs or preferences. If you have allergies or medical issues, carrying your medicine with you will be necessary. Electronic devices can help you navigate through unfamiliar lands, as long as you are okay with purchasing roaming data. The keys are to plan, budget, and plan some more for your big trip!

If You Were To Visit Me…

Standard
If You Were To Visit Me…

Hello! When I was younger, I used to consider where I lived in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio to be somewhat boring. However, my opinion has changed with age and, while it isn’t the best, it’s definitely not the worst, either! There are many staples in the greater Akron area that I just love and if you were to visit me, we would most certainly be hitting up the following:

Elysian Nails:

Elysian Nails has been my preferred salon for several years now and it would be a must to go get some pampering there if you came to my neck of the woods. The salon is absolutely beautiful and the work there speaks for itself. At Elysian, you will enjoy the best company with their wonderful staff, a huge selection of treatments, and a wide variety of polish and gel colors. It is the perfect place to unwind after a long day!

The Shear Shop:

The Shear Shop is the hair salon that I have been going to for forever because the only person who I trust with my hair works there. A pampering day isn’t complete without a fresh cut and color, after all. The staff at The Shear Shop are insanely talented and I love the boutique feel of the salon, making the time spent there even more luxurious. As soon as my appointment is over, I am always already counting down the days until I head back. However, fair warning that you will fall in love with this place too and will need to come to Ohio every time your hair needs done. 😀

TJMaxx:

Okay, so everywhere has a TJMaxx but my local TJs holds a very special place in my heart. My dream day would be visiting every single TJMaxx in my area but the one in Cuyahoga Falls will do just fine. It is where I find shelter from the storm and the only place where the world makes sense lol. And, of course, a brand new outfit is a must after new hair and nails!

Lemongrass Grill & The Saffron Patch:

My two favorite restaurants in my neck of the woods has to be the Lemongrass Grill and The Saffron Patch. I love ethnic cuisine and, as a vegetarian, you can’t beat the variety of choices that Thai and Indian food offers. It’s nice to be the majority shareholder on the menu for once! I actually just had Thai food at the Lemongrass Grill with my sister and her family a few days ago and it was divine, as always. My only regret is that I didn’t order an extra helping to eat at home. 😀

Taco Bell:

The piece de resistance of visiting Lil Red would, obviously, be fine dining at the local Taco Bell. I honestly could eat there every day of my life and still not grow tired of it. TBell would be the ideal way to end a day of tomfoolery in the 330 and, while each one in my area has its own unique qualities, the one in Cuyahoga Falls just hits different. 20/10 would recommend. ❤

Are these the most exciting places to go to if you visited me in Ohio? Not necessarily. But, they are a major reason of why I love my stomping grounds. Wish you were here!

Where would you take someone if they visited you? What do you love about where you live? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oh Deer!

Standard
Oh Deer!

Hi! During our family holiday weekend at Oglebay, we jam packed a ton of activities into a short period of time. The property was beautiful with fun events happening everywhere you looked as well as what seemed like a never ending amount of deer roaming about. One particular family of deer seemed to take a liking to hanging around our lodge and were so tame that we were able to feed them peanuts right out of the palm of our hands. It. Was. Awesome! Check it out:

image_50439169image_50426369image_6487327(1)image_6487327(3)image_6487327(2)image_50403841(1)

When my deer friends first started congregating in the front of our lodge, I thought it was lucky to be able to see them so closely. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that they would come right up to my sister and I for a snack but I have photographic proof of that! At first, we just threw some peanuts in their general direction to see what happened. They must have really liked them because, shortly after, they just started coming directly to the source for more. 😀

Throughout our stay, we must have seen close to fifty deer and many of them were enjoying treats from other families too. I would have been completely satisfied just feeding the deer our entire weekend stay and was so sad when my friends eventually had their fill and headed back into the woods. However, something tells me that they will have no problem finding another family to score some snacks with upon our return home!

What an amazing experience this was because hand feeding the deer in my neck of the woods would never happen. This was one of the many highlights of my holiday weekend at Oglebay! ❤

What kind of wildlife resides in your area? What is your favorite animal? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Seventies Chic OOTD Bonus Pictures

Standard
Seventies Chic OOTD Bonus Pictures

Hi everyone and welcome to some bonus pictures from my Seventies Chic OOTD! These pictures were taken at our lodge at Oglebay where my family enjoyed a holiday weekend together. It was the best! In just one short day and a half, we did so many activities around the property and it was absolute Christmas magic – even if it was a few weeks late! Check out some more OOTD pics and let’s discuss:

image_67232769(1)image_67210497image_67195393(1)image_67208961(1)image_50426881(1)image_50413057(1)image_50443521

For holiday fun, Oglebay is definitely the place to be. The property boasts six miles of holiday light displays to drive through, a laser light show, zoo, and an outdoor light show set to a remixed tune of Christmas music and Led Zeppelin. Not to mention the abundance of deer wandering around that are so friendly that you can feed them out of the palm of your hand. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for pics of that because it was incredible!

From opening presents and experiencing the spectacular light displays, it was a weekend that I will never forget. In fact, my family is already in talks of doing it again next year. My favorite part of our little getaway had to be the outdoor light show that had a rocking soundtrack. The snow was falling and Johnny and I even had an impromptu snowball fight. It might have resulted in me accidentally hitting him in the face when I was aiming for his arm but he walked it off like a champ… Whoops. 🙂

Every Christmas spent with my family is an amazing time but our Oglebay adventure holds a very special place in my heart. Barely two days didn’t feel long enough and I already can’t wait for next Christmas! ❤

How did you celebrate the holidays this year? What are some of your favorite holiday memories? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah