Summer

5 Tips For Making The Most Of Your Summer Vacation

03/23/2017 By Jenn Leave a Comment

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The summer season is the most popular time of the year to travel for those who want to explore new destinations once the temperatures rise. While spending time away from home, you’ll want to create new memories and bond with your family members or friends. When you want to make the most of your summer vacation from beginning to end, there are a few important tips to follow.

5 Tips For Making The Most Of Your Summer Vacation

Hire a Guide

Learn more about the destination that you’re visiting by hiring a guide who can help you navigate the area, according to independenttraveler.com. The guide will introduce you to areas that are off of the beaten path and can enrich your experience with fun activities. By having a guide with you through your trip you can make sure that you never miss out on all the must see sites.

Try New Sports

Make it a point to step outside of your comfort zone and learn a few new sports that are exciting. Research local activities to find sports or activities that are popular, which may include biking or hiking on trails. If you’re visiting a tropical location, opt for renting surfboards from places like Find Sports or jet skis to spend plenty of time in the water.

Learn the Language

If you’re planning on traveling to another country for your summer vacation, make it a point to learn the language, which will make it easier to get around. Spend time reading books or taking a course to practice common phrases that will make it easier to converse with the locals. By doing this you can feel a lot more emerged in the culture and better relate to the people there. It would really help add a lot to your vacation experience.

Avoid Overscheduling

According to psychologytoday.com, overscheduling yourself and planning too many activities can make it difficult to relax on the trip. Remain flexible with your itinerary and go with the flow to ensure that you enjoy yourself and don’t feel overworked.

Disconnect From the Internet

You may want to chat with your friends or upload photos of your trip onto your social media accounts, but remaining connected to the Internet can make it difficult to remain present. Make it a point to unplug from technology and avoid spending too much time sending text messages or surfing the web to get more out of your trip.
When you want to enjoy each moment of your travels and stop to smell the roses, there are a few important tips to follow that will prove to be effective. You can have more of an appreciation of the location that you’re visiting and avoid distractions that can make it challenging to relax.

Guest Post: Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.

Summer Is Almost Here: 5 Tips To Get Ready For Summer

02/14/2017 By Jenn 2 Comments

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The season of lazy days and summer nights is fast approaching, and now is the time to get ready for summer so that you can make the most of the season. Below, find out five things that you should check off your to-do list before Memorial Day weekend.

5 Tips To Get Ready For Summer

Stock up on Sunscreen

Sun protection is important all year long, but it’s an especially high priority in the summer since you’ll be spending so much time outdoors. Stock up on summer-friendly sunscreens now, so you’ll be prepared when the first warm day hits. Look for broad-spectrum coverage, which will help block both UVA and UVB rays. SPF 30 is a good bet for most people. Purchase a water-resistant variety for those times when you’ll be hanging out at the pool or beach.

Get Ready for Bug Protection

Summer is also the time for extra protection against insects. Cans of bug spray are your best bet for personal protection. Look for formulas that contain DEET because this chemical offers the best protection. For evenings in the backyard, prepare the area with a bug-repelling system designed for outdoor use. Citronella candles are the old standby, but geraniol candles around your gathering area are even more effective at keeping mosquitos away.

Put Up a Pool

If you’ve dreamed of having a swimming pool in your own backyard, now is the time to make that dream a reality. By installing a pool as part of your get ready for summer preparations, you will have all season to enjoy it–from the very first warm day to the very last one. If you are considering putting up a pool, contacting a swimming pool builder should be one of the first steps in the process. A professional will know the ins and outs of your city’s pool installation regulations. Plus, a pro has the expertise to do the job safely and can get the pool put up quickly.

Make a Fun List

The lazy days of summer can pass you by in the blink of an eye. It’s good to have down time, but you also don’t want to waste your wide-open summer. Sit down and craft a list of all the things you’d like to do this summer. Think both small (e.g., walk to the ice cream shop) and big (e.g., go tent camping for a weekend). If you have kids, get them in on the planning. Ask everyone in the family to make contributions to the list. Then, hang it in a spot where you’ll see it regularly so that it doesn’t slip your minds. During the summer, mark activities off the list as you do them and feel good about the memories you’re creating.

Book Your Vacation

If you get the summer travel bug, start thinking now about where and when you want to go. Whether you plan to take a week-long trip across the country or would rather do a weekend getaway not too far from home, there are plans to be made. Put in for time off work, research travel deals, and learn the ins and outs of your chosen destination. Book flights, hotels, and rental cars since waiting until the last-minute might leave you paying higher prices. If you will be traveling with other families, appoint one person as the point person who will handle the planning for the group. For professional planning help, turn to a travel agent. Using a travel agent will typically cost you nothing out of pocket, and the agent can provide helpful insiders’ tips that will help you have a memorable vacation.
Summer is definitely on its way and now is the time to start getting ready. If you start getting ready summer now you can ensure that you and your family are prepared for the best season of the year. It really is amazing what a little bit of preparation can do.

Have you made plans for the summer yet?

Guest Post: Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.

5 Great Ways To Make The Most Of The Heat Before It’s Gone

10/25/2016 By Jenn Leave a Comment

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5 Great Ways To Make The Most Of The Heat Before It's Gone

The signs have started to come. Winter is just around the corner and summer will soon be a

thing of the past. The air is crisp in the mornings and evenings and cooler weather is almost

here. That is why it is essential for you to squeeze in all of your summer activities as soon as

you can. You need to make sure that you get all of your summer needs out of your system so

that you and your family can better enjoy winter.

Here are five great ways to make the most of the heat before it’s gone.

Visit The Zoo

The zoo is not the same enjoyable experience in the middle of winter as it is when it is warm

outside, so take advantage of warmer days and head over to the zoo. Walking around the zoo

and adding to your collection of animal facts is a pleasant way to make the most of the nice

weather before it’s gone. Visit the mammals, invertebrates, birds and reptiles at your local zoo.

Some zoos even have a spray park or splash pad for kids to.

Enjoy The Pool

Time in pools, such as aqua rec custom pools, is one of the best places to be when the weather

is beautiful. Being able to swim in the pool and bask in the sunlight makes warm weather an

even more enjoyable experience. Sitting next to the pool or splashing around inside the water is

a great way to spend warm days. Gather up the pool toys and slather on the sunscreen before

jumping in to your personal oasis. Make sure to take advantage of the pools before they close

down for winter.

Visit The Beach

If you live near a beach or are within driving distance, then pack up your beach gear and spend

a day by the water. Take pleasure in the nearby views or a picnic lunch while the weather is

nice. You might try kayaking or boating for an entertaining day on the water. No one wants to go

to the beach when it’s cold so make sure to take advantage of the opportunity now.

Play Golf or Miniature Golf

There are some beautiful golf courses with golfing opportunities for all ages and skill levels.

Take a group lesson or one-on-one lesson if you are a novice. You could even play a difficult 18-

hole course if you are a more experienced golfer. Additionally, there are miniature golf courses

for a day of family fun in the sun. The golf courses are only open for so much longer so take

time to play before they close down for the season.

Take A Hike

Get outdoors and burn some calories while the weather is still beautiful. Go enjoy nature and

bask in the beauty of summer. Some hiking trails close during the winter, so you will want to

take advantage of the warmer weather now. Plus, you want to be sure to see all of the beautiful

greenery before the leaves start falling off of the trees. Bring binoculars if you want to bird-watch

and keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife. Hiking is an activity that can be relaxed or a little

more intense depending on your preference. This is definitely a great way to get out, get active

and spend quality time with your family.

Every season of the year has its advantages and disadvantages, but be sure to make the most

of each season before it’s over. That way you can feel as if you accomplished everything you

wanted to during the warmer weather.

Guest Post: Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.

Insect Free Naturally with Guardian Insect Repellent Review + Giveaway

07/21/2016 By Jenn 13 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

Disclosure: I was provided the mentioned products to facilitate my review. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

This summer heat has been pretty bad in South Florida but the bugs are the worst this time of year! I dread having to go out when the sun is setting to take the kids for a walk or ride bikes before the sun goes down. My kids are like magnets to mosquitoes but I do not want to prevent that from taking advantage of the few extra hours of summer nights.

Guardian reached out to me to test their Insect Repellent and I thought it would be a great thing for the kids since they are non toxic and a plant based insect repellent. I always try to find a more natural way when it comes to putting things on my kiddos skin, plus JJ is so sensitive I am always afraid of him having some sort of breakout.

Guardian offers 2 kids of Insect Repellent. The wilderness and the backyard. Both offer the same benefits as below but the only difference is the repel time. The wilderness offers up to 8 hours protection and the backyard offers up to 4 hours.

I found both Guardian Insect Repellent to last as long as they claim however I think the wilderness would be the only one I would repurchase since I would forget to reapply it at the 4 hour mark.

Both are not sticky and do not contain a chemical smell which is amazing! They both smell sweet like a hint of vanilla, which was nice.

My kids are iffy when sprays on their skin especially when they can “feel it” and it is tacky feeling. Neither sprays had that, they both dried nicely where they did not even complain when I sprayed them.

Guardian Insect Repellent Specifications:

Guardian is the safe and non-toxic alternative with plant-based respect for your body, your health, your children, and the environment.
Guardian doesn’t have a chemical smell and doesn’t leave that sticky residue like chemical compounds that feel like you sprayed yourself with adhesive.
Guardian’s plant-based formula is safe for use around your outdoor equipment. DEET, on the other hand, damages and corrodes plastics, nylon gear, and some clothing.
Guardian provides a solution for people who have skin sensitivity to DEET or for whom DEET doesn’t work effectively.
Guardian is not only extremely effective against mosquitoes and ticks, but lasts without a need for frequent reapplication.

You can purchase either the Wilderness or Backyard Guardian Insect Repellent on Amazon for under $8 which is well worth it to me so we can enjoy the last few weeks of summer!

One More Than A Mom Of Three reader can enter to win the Guardian Insect Repellent Giveaway Prize Package worth $50!

Includes:

(1) Guardian Wilderness Insect Repellent

(1) Guardian Backyard Insect Repellent

(1) Nathan Lock Laces

(1) Nathan Water Bottle

(1) Airplus Memory Plus Insoles (Men)

(1) Airplus Memory Plus Insoles (Women)

Entry is simple just follow the directions below. Good Luck!

Entry -Form

5 Steps That Keep Your Children Safe When Playing Outside

07/19/2016 By Jenn 1 Comment

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The summer months are exciting for young children. With the weather at its best, they can spend hours playing outside and breathing fresh air. But there are dangers to being outdoors which could result in accidents. Steps can be taken to avoid these accidents.

Here are five ways to make keep your children safe outside.

Check Your Fence

If you live in a house, make sure the fence around your back yard is sturdy. Fences are necessary to keep out unwanted animals and strangers. Professionals, like those at Tarkowsky & Piper Co., L.P.A., know that a poorly built fence can fall on your children and cause more damage than good. Check that the wood is firm and there aren’t any holes.

Tree Care

Old trees become a hazard when their large branches become brittle. It makes them heavy and prone to falling. Make sure there are no branches over the space where your kids play. Routinely inspect your trees to keep your children safe and healthy.

Backyard Dangers

In the summer, insects emerge with the good weather. Some of these are extremely dangerous. They’re hard to spot in the grass and bushes, but can strike at any time. Simple steps can be taken to carry out pest control before you let the kids out. If you don’t know how to deal with pests, be careful not to risk personal injury. If necessary, ask a friend or neighbor with experience in the matter.

Check Equipment

Outdoor toys like swing sets can be damaged by weather or excessive use. It’s a good idea to check these toys before your kids use them. Make sure no pests have made homes in them, and that the frames are steady. Replace the ropes on your swing set with new ones that won’t break.

Adult Supervision

Supervision from an adult is important, even if you make these changes. Children can be difficult to control, and if left alone you never know what could happen. Keep an eye on them through the window to keep your children safe. If possible, go outside with them.

Summer tends to be over in a breeze. Don’t waste a chance for your kids to make new memories outdoors, but make sure they aren’t in harm’s way. Following these steps will let you send them out to safely make the most of the season.

This is a guest post: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitterand Facebook

Master Lock Outdoor Bluetooth Padlock Review

07/18/2016 By Jenn 1 Comment

This post may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

Disclosure: I was provided the mentioned products to facilitate my review. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

With little kids around my house especially during the summer I always take extra precautions when it comes to safety. Master Lock reached out to me and asked to review their Outdoor Bluetooth Padlock and I knew this would be a perfect safety device for our backyard.

In our backyard patio we have an outdoor bench that you can open for storage. I really never liked to store anything in there that I knew the kids could get into so I decided to add the Master Lock Outdoor Bluetooth Padlock to it. I originally wanted to use it to put some gardening tools inside but not have to worry about my kids or the neighborhood kids getting into it, this was the perfect solution so I could store them safely.

The best thing about the Outdoor Bluetooth Padlock it turns your phone or any Bluetooth-enabled device into a key. I do not need to worry about remembering a code or where I put the key, which usually ends up lost in my house with three kids. Even if you do not have your phone handy they do have a directional code you can use.

You can unlock your lock, share access with guests, and monitor activity all with one easy-to-use app. The app is available to download in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store under “Master Lock Vault eLocks” in the app stores.

I have trusted Master Lock for years and this Outdoor Bluetooth Padlock is exactly what I would expect from them. The lock is well designed and sturdy. I feel safer knowing my tools are out of the kids reach for good.

Master Lock Outdoor Bluetooth Padlock Specs

Lock width: 2.22″
Lock depth: 1.1″
Lock height (including shackle): 5.29″
Vertical shackle clearance: 2″
Horizontal shackle clearance: .9375″
Shackle diameter: .36″
Battery (replaceable): CR2
Jump battery: 9V
Battery life 5 years in Touch Unlock Mode and 2 years in Swipe Unlock Mode with regular use

You can purchase the Master Lock Outdoor Bluetooth Padlock on their website for $89.00 and shipping is free.