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Travel

Top 6 Scenic Locations to Visit in Georgia

Georgia is loaded with highly scenic locations and gorgeous landscapes. You won’t be able to explore them all, so it’s essential that you choose a few that you don’t want to miss. Even most Georgian residents have not experienced all the beautiful views the state boasts of. So whether you’re a resident or tourist looking for an adventure, here are the top scenic locations to visit in Georgia.

Locations to Visit in Georgia
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Top Locations to Visit in Georgia

1. Amicalola Falls State Park

At 729 ft. tall, this Georgia waterfall is a wonder to behold. Indeed, no one can tell if it’s the tallest or most beautiful waterfall in Georgia because it faces stiff competition. But one thing’s for sure; there’s so much you can do at the Amicalola Falls State Park that makes it one of the best scenic spots to tour in Georgia.

Engage yourself in zip lining, GPS scavenger hunts, hikes, etc. Since some of the paths are temporarily closed periodically, ensure you get updated before your trip.

2. Fernbank Forest

Situated in the middle of the city, the Fernbank Forest is one of the most beautiful locations in Georgia and home to various colorful birds, amphibians, and mammals. When admitted into the Fernbank museum, you’ll also get self-guided access to the WildWoods area.

With an otherworldly beauty, this 65-acre forest is open throughout the year and depending on the season you visit, you may get to see some adorable native animals.
When inside the forest, you might find it unbelievable that you’re right in the backyard of the Fernbank Museum.

3. Tybee Island

Tybee Island is graced with gorgeous serenity and natural beauty. So if you long to wrap yourself in nature, here’s a place to be. Luckily, this is one of the many scenic sights you’ll explore when you take the Blue Ridge Parkway bike tour from Atlanta to Savannah. About four miles south of this Island sits a nature preserve known as Little Tybee Island. This secluded area is even more magical in scenic effect.

4. Cloudland Canyon

The Cloudland Canyon State Park is located within the Rising Fawn, which sits in the northwestern part of Georgia as you move towards the Alabama border.

Expanding over 3,500 acres, the Cloudland Canyon is as the name describes. Find 1000-ft deep canyons, waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, and thought-provoking caves that you just can’t help capturing. So get your camera ready as you explore the vast expanse of open-air space and reconnect with nature.

5. Allatoona Lake

What makes a location genuinely worth visiting isn’t just the gorgeous sights alone; you want to have fun activities that make the experience truly memorable.

At Allatoona Lake, you can kayak, swim, fish, or sunbathe while immersing yourself in nature at its infinite best. As one of the most scenic locations in Georgia, the 12,000-acre lake crosses several countries, making it a must-see. What’s more, the Allatoona Lake is one of the filming locations of Netflix’s lakeside drama Ozark.

6. Rock City Gardens

Are you a sucker for panoramic photographs? You’re in luck. At the Rock City Gardens, which sits atop the Lookout Mountain, you can capture breathtaking panoramic views of the lively gardens and ancient rock forms beneath.

It’s one of the prized locations of Lookout Mountain, which sits near the border of northwest Georgia and Tennessee.

Locations to Visit in Georgia

These are the top six scenic locations to visit on your Georgia tour. So plan your trip, pick out the best spots, and don’t forget to take your camera along.

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Family Activities Travel

Spring Vacation In Las Vegas: Tips To Have The Best Family Time

Las Vegas is America’s favorite adult entertainment destination for evident reasons, so it may not be on top of family vacation bucket lists. However, you may find several fun things for kids in Sin City if you dig deeper. Look beyond the Strip to find endless attractions for the entire family. Las Vegas lies within easy driving range to some of the most spectacular sights in the country. Not to mention, there is a lot on offer in the city itself. If you have a vacation in Las Vegas in mind for spring vacation this year, go ahead without second thoughts.

Spring is the best time to plan a trip here as the weather starts to warm up without getting too hot. You can spend time outdoors and have a good time in the fresh air. While the days are warm and sunny, you may expect temperatures to dip at night. So you can enjoy barbecue parties outdoors or on the rooftop. Surely, you get the best of everything in Vegas, provided you have a vacation checklist ready. Here is a list of things you can do to have the best family time in the city this season.

Vacation In Las Vegas
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Tips To Have The Best Family Time in Las Vegas

Stay Off the Strip

Before deciding your family trip itinerary, you must consider the ideal accommodation option. The Strip may not be the best location to stay with the kids as the hotels here advertise and offer adult shows. Moreover, they may not fit into your family budget for the trip as they are likely to be expensive. Explore smaller places off-the-Strip to avoid embarrassing situations like your kid walking into an adult show. The best part is that you have to spend less on these accommodation options. Consider looking for a place with a kitchen so that you can cater to the whims of the little ones whenever they feel hungry. It also makes sense in pandemic times.

Explore the Kid-Friendly Attractions in the City

When in Las Vegas with family, forget the city’s reputation for adult entertainment. The city has tons of attractions for kids, so get ready to explore them all. You can start with a delicious tour of M&M’s World to give your little ones a candy treat. Keep the Adventuredome Theme Park next on your itinerary. The world’s largest indoor theme park is definitely not worth missing. The light and water show runs outside the Bellagio fountains every half hour from 3 PM to 8:00 PM during the day and every 15 minutes from 8 PM to midnight. You can squeeze time for it between other attractions. Enjoy a dinner show at Tournament of Kings at Excalibur that includes live entertainment, medieval jousting, and lots of audience participation.

Get Out of the City

While the city has a lot to offer for families, do not miss the thrill outside. The Grand Canyon should be on top of your bucket list. There are attractions galore, from Red Rock Canyon to conservation areas like Death Valley, and national parks. Choose age-appropriate outdoor activities for your family. You can even rent a las vegas ATV and rip through the Vegas desert if your kids are old enough to operate one. Look for a two- or four-seater if they are young. Experience the beauty of nature with clear desert skies, sand dunes, red mountains, and wildlife. The best thing is that you can explore the family adventure even without a tour guide. You only need to be a licensed driver to get a rental vehicle, and off you go!

Have a Good Time at the Poolside

You may not want to step out on some days, but you will have to find a way to keep the kids happily busy. Thankfully, the sun is out and warm during spring, so you can plan your leisure days by the poolside. Booking a room in a resort with a pool is a good idea. There are several other options where you can book a pool for your family. Having a private one with your room is a better option in pandemic times. This way, you can have fun in the water without worrying about exposure to the virus.

Plan a Mid-Week Trip

Spring is the best time to holiday in Vegas because of the pleasant weather. The temperatures are high enough to enjoy a dip in the pool, yet you can go out for adventure trips. But you can expect hotel rooms to cost more at this time of the year. Timing your trip right can help you save dollars without giving up on the idea of exploring the city in spring. Choose to travel mid-week if possible. It will help you get the best hotel rooms at a far lesser price. Not to mention, you can avoid crowds on the weekends. It is a relevant thing to do when the virus is still here.

Pack Smartly for Your Vacation in Las Vegas

Planning a family trip to Vegas in spring is easy from a packing perspective. Even as it isn’t extremely cold in winters, you may still have to pack some jackets and warm clothing. But spring is fun as you can travel light. You do not need heavy clothing even for the kids. Just carry a warm layer for cooler evenings. Remember to pack your bathing suits and flip-flops for pool time. Comfy shoes and athleisure wear is a must for outdoor trips. Also, pack munchies and drinks because they can burn a hole in your wallet when traveling with kids. Carry healthy and handy options like nuts, trail mixes, protein bars, and wholewheat crackers. Take extra bottles of water for the outdoor adventure because good hydration is essential.

Spring Vacation In Las Vegas

A spring vacation for your family in Las Vegas is a great idea, provided you are ready for it. Follow these tips to prepare your itinerary, plan the trip, and pack wisely, and you can have a great time in the city. Remember that it can be as much fun for the juniors as adults if you pick your options well. Moreover, you can fit the trip into your wallet. This spring, check this dream destination for the most incredible family trip.

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Family Activities Parenting Travel

4 Simple and Fun Getaway Ideas For Families

It’s that time of year when you’re thinking about scheduling a family vacation with the kids for next year. However, planning a trip that everyone will love may be challenging, especially if you want to avoid spending excessive money. Fortunately, it’s not as difficult as you may think, and to guide you, we’ve put together a list of simple getaway ideas for families.

Getaway Ideas For Families
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Getaway Ideas For Families

Resorts

It might be hard to find resorts that can cater to both adults’ and children’s amusement, especially if you don’t want to pay a fortune. Hobourne provides just that at very reasonable rates. With a supervised children’s facility on-site, you and your spouse may enjoy a child-free day of tennis, dancing, swimming, or dining. Alternatively, spend a good time as a family with many activities suitable to everyone, such as Bingo. Vacation clubs are ideal for both entertaining and educational stays, so think about it!

Camping

Camping with your kids is one of the most cost-effective and exciting vacation options there is. Going camping with your family has several advantages, like being at one with nature, sleeping in your tent at night, and having the flexibility to come and go as you wish. You can affordably buy outdoor gear online at ECOGEAR FX.

In today’s world, a five-person tent costs next to nothing. Plus, most sites now provide electricity outlets for kettles, portable stoves, refrigerators, and electronics.

Once the kids have gone to bed, you and your partner can relax beneath the stars with your favorite beverage. Being out in the woods has a certain allure, and it’s something to consider for a simple and inexpensive vacation. 

Nature stays

If camping is not an option for your family, how about a nature stay? A nature stay would include renting a hotel but spending the day exploring our world’s natural treasures. Not only will your children learn about our world, but you can get some great family photos with amazing backdrops. Bali is an excellent location it is inexpensive and offers beaches and outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, diving, glass-bottom boat excursions, and rice paddy hikes throughout the summer.

Staycation Getaway Leads for Families

Finally, if you can’t afford to go away, don’t go away! Grab your favorite foods, get a room at a nearby hotel, and spend time together as a family. Consider building forts, watching movies, cooking delicious meals, and most importantly, cherishing every moment spent together as a family.

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Adulting Health Healthy Living Mental Health Travel

4 Perfect Ideas for Taking A Trip For Self-Care

Taking A Trip For Self-Care

When we think about self-care, we typically think about things we can do at home, during our free time, to soothe ourselves and enjoy a little peace. However, if you want the best in calming, self-affirming, and self-loving experiences, then there are plenty of options worth leaving home for. Here are a few experiences you should consider when taking a trip for self-care.

Taking A Trip For Self-Care
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Picture – CC0 LiSourcense

Ideas for Taking A Trip For Self-Care

1. Take Yourself on a Date

Taking yourself on a date doesn’t have to be well-planned or intricately set up. Instead, you can go anywhere you want, including the grocery store, theater, or for a walk to the park. Taking yourself on a date allows you to indulge in the things you want to do without the need for someone else’s validation. Spending time alone can help you get back to what you enjoy, rather than what you think you should be doing.

2. Organize a Spa Trip

It might be a cliche answer, but that’s because it does work. There are few places you can go designed to pamper you and speak to each one of your senses. Finding a local destination spa can help you indulge in the treatments that offer the most comfort, be it steaming in a sauna, getting a massage, or having your aching feet taken care of. Of course, spas have health benefits well beyond pampering you, too. They can be great for easing aches and pains all over your body, as well.

3. Get Away From it All

Finding a meditative state can ease your worries, allowing you to be in the present moment without pressures or anxieties. If you have trouble finding that state on your own, or you want to experience it at its most potent, then floating might just become your new thing. Float pods erase all sense of the outside world, creating a sensation of weightlessness that can feel like being transported to a new world. It’s not for everyone, but those who enjoy it find it to be amongst the most relaxing experiences.

4. Become More Aware of Yourself

Not a treatment offered at the traditional day spa, you might need to travel a little further to find it, but biofeedback treatments can provide a whole new experience of relaxation. With sensors and display monitors, you can see your heart rate, blood pressure, brain activity, and how they affect your mood. Over time, focusing on these measurements and how your thoughts and breathing exercises affect the results, you can control them. As you control them, it helps with stress, headaches, and even high blood pressure.

Taking A Trip For Self-Care

A self-care excursion away from home, whether it’s simply going out for the day or even taking the weekend to yourself, can be the perfect way to manage your sense of balance during a busy and stressful life. Have you ever considered taking a trip for self-care? Where would you go? Let us know in the comments. 🙂

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Family Activities Holiday Travel

3 Best Travel Destinations in Europe For the Whole Family

Travel Destinations in Europe

Europe is a continent with a wide range of countries and cultures. One of the best things about traveling in Europe is how you can visit multiple countries within one trip, making it perfect for families. The following are three travel destinations in Europe that travelers should consider visiting if they’re looking to explore this rich continent while traveling with their family.

Travel Destinations in Europe
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Best Travel Destinations in Europe

1. Paris, France

Paris is a beautiful city, and there are plenty of things to do with the family. There’s no shortage of kid-friendly attractions in Paris, including visiting The Louvre Museum or going for a day trip outside the city to Disneyland Resort Paris.

If you have older kids who can appreciate architecture as well as history, try an hour-long boat ride along the Seine River, where they’ll likely learn all about French culture from past centuries. In general, however, if you’re looking to visit Europe, be sure to check out this website before leaving so you can be sure you have everything ready to head off on your adventure!

2. Rome, Italy

Rome is close to the Vatican, where you can visit St. Peter’s Basilica and The Sistine Chapel. Traveling with kids but want something even more special? Consider booking a trip to Rome during Holy Week, when Pope Francis holds masses at St. Peter’s Square. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time while witnessing traditions dating back centuries!

If history isn’t your thing, consider planning a day trip outside of Rome to take in some scenic views instead. For example, visiting Tivoli Gardens or Lago di Bracciano is perfect if traveling with older children interested in ancient architecture or who love being outdoors. However, regardless of how many days you spend in Rome, be sure to take a break and enjoy lunch at the famous Trevi Fountain.

Families always enjoy their time together at Lago di Bracciano Tivoli Gardens, an hour outside of Rome. The Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City are also sights to behold. However, be prepared for crowded attractions when arriving during peak travel seasons such as Holy Week or holidays like Christmas/New Year. It is best to plan and visit these popular destinations either early mornings or late evenings to avoid the crowd.

3. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is an excellent destination for families that love cycling, as most streets are designated bike lanes. In addition, tourists can rent bikes to explore the city at their own pace; there’s no rush when you want to take in all of Amsterdam’s beauty!

Additionally, if your kids (or yourself) like taking photos, then make sure not to miss Vondelpark – it has an outdoor theatre where visitors gather during warmer seasons and watch street performances together.

There are also plenty of kid-friendly restaurants around town – try visiting Pancakes! Cafe de Klos also offers tasty dishes with options that will please even picky eaters! Make sure, however, not to leave without trying Dutch pancakes for lunch or dinner – you won’t regret it!

Travel Destinations in Europe             

These travel destinations in Europe are perfect for families. Everyone will enjoy their time, and you can learn so much. Which place do you want to visit first? Leave a comment and let us know. 🙂

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Michigan Things to Do Travel Travel Tuesday

4 Fun Things to Do In Battle Creek, Michigan

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If you ever find yourself in or near Battle Creek, you should make it a point to spend some time there. There are so many fun things to do in Battle Creek, Michigan. Most people think that the only thing to do there is going to the casino, but that is just the tip of the ice burg.

My husband and I often stop at the Casino in Battle Creek when we are traveling without the kids since we pass right through it when we head toward Lake Michigan. This last time, we spent a day exploring the city and we had so much fun doing it. It was the perfect day date for us, and we truly had a blast.

Things to do in Battle Creek, Michigan

1. Handmap Brewing

Things to Do In Battle Creek, Handmap Brewing

We stopped at Handmap Brewing on a whim, and it quickly became one of my favorite breweries. They play great music and have different music themes each day. We went on a Saturday and reggae music was playing to give a vacation vibe.

The brewery is beautifully decorated and had a relaxing vibe. I could have spent the entire day there with a good book and yummy beer. Oh, and the beer was amazing because it was different than most places. They had choices for everyone, but I was especially impressed by the Black IPA they had called Black Squirrel.

I was lucky enough to meet the owner while we were there, and she was so nice! She took the time to talk with my husband and me, and the staff was just as friendly.

Things to Do In Battle Creek, Handmap Brewing, Black IPA, Black Squirrel
Handmap Brewing

2. Griffin Grill and Pub

The thing I like most about Griffin Grill and Pub is that they have an extensive menu for both food and beer. Our food was delicious, and they played fun Irish music, which I loved. The service was great, too, with our waiter coming by often and returning quickly when we needed something.

3. 32 Social Cafe

Things to Do In Battle Creek, 32 Social
Coffee in Battle Creek: 32 Social
Things to Do In Battle Creek, 32 Social
32 Social Cafe

If you’re looking for a coffee shop, 32 Social is the perfect place. Their coffee is delicious and the environment is perfect. It’s sunny inside and so chill, it just left me feeling positive and optimistic. They also have yummy treats like cupcakes, cookies, and other snacks.

Things to Do In Battle Creek, 32 Social
32 Social Cafe

4. FireKeepers Casino & Hotel

The casino is fun, of course, but you have to remember to limit yourself. My husband and I decide on an amount we want to spend ahead of time and then only take that amount with us. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, and we move on. Hence the reason we decided to explore the rest of Battle Creek.

If you decide to stay overnight, the FireKeepers hotel is really nice. They also have many restaurants to choose from, but our favorite is Dacey’s Taphouse.

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Things to do in Battle Creek, Michigan

I hadn’t realized it before, but there are so many fun things to do in Battle Creek, Michigan. There are only a handful of things discussed here, but there is still so much more for you to see. Make a day trip to check it out!

Have you ever been to Battle Creek? What did you do there? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Family Activities Holiday Parenting

4 Must-Haves You Should Always Pack When Traveling With Your Kids

traveling with your kids

Traveling with your kids can be tricky, but packing the right things can make your trip easier. Whether you are preparing for a trip that is already planned or still just thinking about it, you need to know what to consider packing for your kids. These must-have items will make traveling with your kids much easier and more enjoyable.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Traveling With Your Kids
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Things You Need When Traveling With Your Kids

1. Treats

There are a few reason that treats are useful for traveling with your kids. If you’re traveling by road it can satisfy food cravings until it’s time to stop for a snack. It can also help with car sickness.

If you are traveling by air, sucking on sweets can make the wait for flights far more bearable. It can also be used to ensure that your child’s ears don’t pop as the plane takes off. This is the last thing that you want to happen on a long flight with the kids. 

2. Sunscreen and Aloe Vera

If your kids get sunburned on vacation, then you’re in for a rough time. Sunburns can be painful, itchy, and irritating. Depending on your child and how bad the burns are, they might even decide that they want to stay in the hotel room.

This can make it a waste of a trip. If you get some sunscreen then you can probably avoid this type of disaster scenario. You should also take some aloe vera with you too, though, to help relieve sunburn in case it happens.

3. A Camera

You definitely need to make sure that you are packing a camera if you are traveling with your kids. You’re going to want to remember everything that happens and look back on events years from now.

With a high-quality camera, you’ll be able to take all the pictures that you could possibly desire. Travel enthusiasts like Chip Packard have some great advice on the different accessories that you need including the perfect camera for your next vacation away. You just need to make sure that your camera is included in your insurance plan as they can be quite expensive. 

4. Headphones 

Make sure that you are taking at least a few pairs of headphones or earbuds. Ideally, you want a couple of cheap ones you can pull out whenever you need them and some more expensive noise-canceling ones. This is useful if your child has sensory issues and finds loud environments frustrating or difficult to cope with.

If you’re struggling with a loud environment yourself, then headphones can also be incredibly useful. Don’t forget, there are headphones that are like headbands for children who find typical styles annoying or uncomfortable. 

If You are Going Camping

You will need different things if you are going camping with your kids. If you want a free printable checklist on packing for camping with kids, check out this blog post: What to Pack When Camping With Kids

Traveling With Your Kids, traveling with kids, what to pack when traveling with kids

Traveling With Your Kids

If you pack the right items for traveling with your kids, then you’ll be able to guarantee that you have an easier trip. These ideas can help you avoid some of the headaches parents tend to experience. 

What would you suggest packing for traveling with your kids? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Family Activities Learning Life Our Family

3 Ways Going Remote is Good For Families

going remote

As much of the world has employees working from home and children learning virtually, life seems to be a bit uncertain. Whether you are enjoying the remote lifestyle or you’re hating it, it is something we are all dealing with. Luckily, there are a few reasons that going remote is good for families.

Location is a primary concern when it comes to choosing workplaces and schools. In fact, it’s not uncommon for families to consider moving for work or school. Living closer to places of interest can give parents and children a better chance of finding high-quality education and employment. Now, however, location doesn’t seem to be so important.

Some parents were already familiar with the advantages of remote schooling by enrolling their children in online charter schools. Online charter schools have been integral to the homeschooling experience for many families, even before the pandemic.

Unlike the unexpected digital teaching approach that many traditional schools have had to implement in 2020, online charter schools have already mastered the art of providing high-quality digital education. They provide access to some of the best teachers in the world, making the location of staff and students irrelevant.

Consequently, they have become more popular during the covid crisis since safe and effective schooling methods have been essential. It has been a rocky road for most of us, but going remote isn’t all bad. There’s much to gain for families who choose to remain in digital work and school environments.

going virtual
Unsplash – CC0 License 

How Going Remote is Good For Families

1. It Fits into Your Lifestyle

According to a survey, most Americans want to keep working from home. This includes even after covid vaccines are safely rolled out to the population.

Working at home makes employment and education an integral part of your lifestyle, without causing disruptions. For many parents, their kids’ school schedule is one of the major issues when it comes to maintaining a full-time job. When parents have to see their children off to school and then be there when they get home, it is hard to work full time.

With going remote, however, parents can work in the morning before their kids leave (or start their virtual school work). Plus, parents can continue working after they get the kids home for the day. This gives parents the opportunity to work more hours while still being an active, supportive parent.

Think about it this way – if you aren’t remote and have to go to the office every day, are you able to be there for your kids while still working full time? You may be able to, but the majority of Americans are struggling with this. Going remote can change that, however, because you can be there for your children WHILE bringing in a full-time income. Win-Win, for sure.

While flexible work arrangements are available in some places, it’s easy to see how digital technologies can eliminate disruptive schedules for parents and children. 

If you are a work-from-home parent, read this post for Easy Tips on Working From Home With Kids.

2. It Helps Separate Households Share Custody Rights

When families do not live together, such as divorced or separated parents, it’s tricky to make everybody’s schedules fit. More often than not, one parent gets most of the custody rights, ensuring the safe continuation of education for their children.

However, when you replace physical schools with online institutions, both parents can share custody rights equally. It’s a new challenge for family lawyers, but many are willing to embrace it for the sake of families.

Additionally, it can also change the approach to the whole settlement process – you can see more about it here to understand how going remote can make the transition easier for children. In a remote world, there’s no need to worry about changing jobs or schools when one parent moves out. 

3. Going Virtual Makes Time to Explore Together

Families that travel together stay together. It is a silly statement, but one that is true. Sharing memorable experiences with your partner and children strengthens your bonds.

In the past, traveling has been extremely limited for families due to time constraints. Children only get so much time off school, and adults get even less time off work. This makes it difficult to plan long trips or to truly explore the world.

With going remote, however, there is no need to plan trips around school breaks and week-long vacations from work. Plus, when you travel during school breaks, tourist areas tend to be expensive and crowded. If your family is remote, you can plan these trips anytime of the year.

Of course, you will still have to work, but if you can take a longer trip, it wouldn’t matter if you had to spend time working during it. So, in this case, going remote is a good thing! It doesn’t matter when you embark on a trip, which saves you money and unnecessary stress! 

There is still a long way to go for families to get used to going remote for employment and education. We are only at the start of the path! But, there are already plenty of advantages that could improve our lifestyles and family lives.

We are on a learning curve to make our world safer and better for all, and perhaps digital workplaces and schools could play a significant role in that. If you have been against going remote, I hope these reasons that going remote is good for families will help change your mind!

What are some of the reasons you think going remote is good for families? Tell me about it in the comment section!  

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Adulting Wine

What Are the Benefits of Wine and Painting Parties?

benefits of a wine and painting party, wine and painting parties in denver, denver colorado, things to do in denver, travel, wine, painting

Art is one of the oldest types of human communication and is a popular way to unwind. Wine and painting parties offer a great chance to learn how to express yourself artistically while enjoying a glass or two of wine.

In addition to having fun at wine painting Denver parties, there also are the following benefits:

benefits of a wine and painting party, wine and painting parties in denver, denver colorado, things to do in denver, travel, wine, painting

Boosts Your Emotional Health

Many noted experts have talked about the many benefits of art therapy to help with stress, depression, and anxiety. Paining classes provide you a safe and non-judgemental place where you can put your energy into your artwork and release tensions. Many people also find that they can effectively express their emotions through painting, which is highly therapeutic.

Makes People Appreciate Art More

People who have wine and painting classes or parties can make enjoying art and its history a lot of fun. If you are at an event with a knowledgeable person, they may talk about the type of artwork they are doing, as well as the artists that inspire their work. You can be encouraged to take part in more art-related activities. This provides a lot of personal enrichment.

Increases Self-Confidence

Many people may feel self-conscious about their artistic ability and may feel they do not have the ability to create something memorable. Wine and painting disprove this idea by being for everyone and intended to be enjoyed by people with many levels of skill in art. You will feel a sense of self-confidence and pride as you finish your piece.

Improves Your Fine Motor Skills

Learning to hold and use a paintbrush properly helps to regulate wrist and hand movements. It also helps with the connection between your brain and muscles. This is helpful for older adults as well as people who have health problems that affect fine motor skills.

Helps Socialization

Painting as you enjoy wine helps you to relax and talk to other people at the event. Those who go to these parties or classes alone often find it a breeze to make new friends. Those who go with friends find doing wine and painting classes and parties as a way to improve their current friendships.

Improves Your Mood

Creating art has many benefits, including on your happiness. Painting has been shown to make people live happier lives. Those who get involved in art are more likely to feel good about themselves. Also, think about the sense of pride that will flow through you when you finish an artwork!

In our face-paced world where there never seems to be enough time to get everything done, it is helpful to have a fun activity that gives you the chance to finish something memorable.

Helps with Concentration and Healing

People who work on paintings tend to enter a purer space where, in a strong state of concentration, they can make time pass without being aware of it. Physical pain often fades; many say it is almost like entering another dimension without leaving the body.

This is a concentration state that is called Alpha. One part of your brain is conscious while the other part is bringing the unconscious out. There is a higher level of creating because energy is being put into what is created. It is possible to spend hours on a piece and not get tired. Drinking wine while you paint can make you even more creative.

There are many benefits to wine and painting parties and classes that millions of people have come to enjoy in the last few years. Give it a try and you will see just how fun and beneficial wine and painting can be!

benefits of a wine and painting party, wine and painting parties in denver, denver colorado, things to do in denver, travel, wine, painting
Categories
Family Activities Marriage Our Family

South Haven, Michigan – Things to Do

Things to do

If you follow me on Twitter you already know that my husband and I took a trip to South Haven, Michigan this past weekend. It is my favorite place on earth and as soon as my blog makes me rich (hey, I can dream, right?) I’ll be buying a beautiful home there.

I really do love everything about South Haven. The views of Lake Michigan, the clean beaches, the cute little shops in town, the food (oh, the food!!!!), the activities, and the people. The best part is the Lake Michigan sunsets, though. NOTHING in this world beats a Lake Michigan sunset.

South Haven Sunset
Even cloudy, it is still beautiful

People from all over the country visit South Haven. While we were there we met someone from Alaska and another person from Texas. We are lucky that it is less than a 2-hour drive from us, but if you are farther away than us, I promise you it is worth the trip.

We have begun to compile a list of places in South Haven we love and will return to as often as possible, and also a list of places that we weren’t so fond of. I’m happy to say that the “love” list is much, much longer than the other list.

So, if you are visiting South Haven in the future or even if you are just curious about Michigan’s little gem, this post is for you.

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Things to do

Things to do in South Haven, Michigan

  • Watch a sunset over Lake Michigan. I mentioned before that there is NOTHING like a Lake Michigan sunset so, of course, this is at the top of my list. We sit above the beach on a waterproof beach blanket and watch the sunset over the lighthouse. It is so beautiful and so peaceful.South Haven, Michigan
    IMG_7879
  • Swim and hang out at the beach. This should go without saying when you visit a lake town. Get your floaties and boogie boards and head in. Don’t forget to bring a beach chair with you!

  • Try a new restaurant. Every time we go to South Haven we try at least one restaurant that we haven’t tried before. Our favorites are Clementines (for dinner), 3 Blondes Brewing (lunch and drinks), Black River Tavern (dinner and drinks), Golden Brown Bakery (breakfast and coffee), and Chomps Gourmet Hotdogs (lunch).

    We also tried Captain Lou’s, the Idler Riverboat, and Captain Nemo’s (yummy breakfast). Captain Lou’s is is right on the Black River and we got to watch a drawbridge lift up for boats to go through while sitting on their deck. We also tried Venezia Pizza but will probably try Brix Oven next time we go instead. We also want to try Maria’s next time, which is an Italian restaurant that we’ve heard a lot about.

    Clementines South Haven
    Clementines

    Black River Tavern. South Haven, MIBlack River Tavern

  • Go on a boat tour. There are a couple of different options for this. Right on Water St. there is a marina on the black river where they offer boat tours. You can do a daytime one or for $10 more per person, you can do a sunset tour. There is also the Michigan Maritime Museum which offers tours on a “pirate ship”.
  • Wine tasting. There were a couple of wineries I wanted to try but we chose 12 Corners this time. We loved it! My husband usually doesn’t like wine, and he says everything tastes like MD20-20 or something BUT he actually found a couple he liked at 12 Corners!

    It’s right on Pheonix St. and they have a large wine list. The price was $10 for 5 tastes and we got to take the cute stemless wine glasses with us. We also left with a bottle of Beach Cottage Red. Yummmm.

    I’ve been reading about their monthly Wine Club and I’m really thinking about joining… they ship!! I would probably make the trip every 3 months and pick the wine up but they have a bi-monthly shipping option.

  • Beer tasting. So there are quite a few breweries in the South Haven area but we chose 3 Blonds Brewing. I read about them online and had to try it out.

    I normally am not a beer person but I couldn’t pass up on a beer tasting date with my husband. I tasted 3 beers that I LOVED, 1 that I really liked, and the others were IPA’s and apparently, I’m just not a fan (hubby is so disappointed in me). For you IPA lovers, my husband said the IPAs at 3BB are amazing!
    Three Blondes BrewingThree Blondes BrewingHubby @ Three Blondes Brewing

  • Paddleboard or canoe! You can rent these right on South Beach so it’s super easy and convenient.
  • Go shopping. There are SO many cute little shops on Pheonix St. and Quaker St. We always get souvenirs here and quite a few of our favorite restaurants are on the same street.
    South Haven, MI
  • Kal-Haven Hiking Trail. This is a trail that runs from South Haven all the way to Kalamazoo. You can bike or hike. There are so many beautiful stops along the way. I have never completed the trail because I am way too out of shape to hike 32 miles in one direction, but the South Haven part is beautiful.
  • Icecream. Buy your ice cream at South Beach (I recommend the Mackinac Island flavor) and then…
    Ice cream, South Haven
  • Walk to the South Beach Lighthouse. This is our tradition… on our first day, before we even check-in at the place we’re staying, we buy ice cream on South Beach and then walk to the lighthouse while we eat it. It’s so fun and the perfect way to get into relaxation/vacation mode.
    South Haven LighhouseIMG_7747
  • Go see a comedy show or a live band at the Black River Tavern. They have them on Saturday nights and they also have amazing drinks and appetizers. It was the best date night. We had the BEST time ever, laughed so much, and sang along with the band’s songs. Take me back!!

    IMG_7956
    I call this look “beach and booze”

    Things To Do In

You guys, seriously. Please take me back. Our 3 night, 4-day mini-vacation was AMAZING and MUCH needed. We only get away together once a year and while we thought about other places for this past trip (New York City), we couldn’t imagine spending our anniversary trip in any place but South Haven.

Have you ever been to South Haven, Michigan? If so, tell me about your favorite part! If you haven’t been, tell me what you would want to experience the most if you were able to visit. I’d love to hear about it!

**Click here to read about our wedding in South Haven