Month: August 2022

<p>Road Trip! Traveling With Your Dog</p><p><img decoding="async" class='wp-post-image' style='float:left;margin-right:10px;' src="https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/lLoAAMXQ9rVQ41GL/s-l300.jpg" width="678px" alt=""/>Boarding a pet or having a dog sitter come to your home can add a significant cost to your vacation. And besides, Fluffy would love the beach! But how do you travel safely and easily with a dog in the mix?</p><p>Before You Go:</p><p>Take a good hard look at this decision. Is Fluffy really a good traveling companion? Let’s go through a quick checklist to determine how travel-hardy she really is.</p><p>• How does Fluffy do with changes in her routine, diet, sleeping arrangements and level of activity? Some dogs, just like some humans, can develop diarrhea from changing water, food or activity levels. Think it through – is Fluffy constitutionally adaptable and relaxed enough to roll with the inevitable punches traveling will entail?</p><p>• How about temperament? Is Fluffy good-natured enough to handle being around lots of strangers most of the time? How does she handle stress? Is she well socialized and easy-going? How does she do with the type of people you’re likely to be around for this vacation (Will there be lots of children? Elderly folks? Strangers? Will you be in crowds? Or alone on secluded beaches?)?</p><p>• Is this a dog-friendly adventure? Whether you’ll be shopping in New York City or kayaking on the Snake River, you need to determine if this trip really meets Fluffy’s standards of dog-friendliness. Will Fluffy’s basic needs for exercise, rest, food, water and safety be met at all times? If this just isn’t the right trip to try traveling with the Fluffster, try it next time on a more canine appropriate adventure.</p><p>Plan Ahead</p><p>Start making a list: traveling with a dog means you’ll have lots of extra items to remember to bring along. Collect Fluffy’s relevant paperwork: assume that everywhere you go you’ll need to show proof of rabies vaccinations at the very least, and possibly other health records will be required. Along these lines, make sure you have copies of Fluffy’s medical records to bring with you, just in case you need to see a vet while you’re away. Rather like children, pets have a way of coming down with mystery ailments at the worst possible moments: having her accurate medical information at your fingertips could save you time and worry.</p><p>Before you make hotel or motel reservations, ask questions. Not only about permitting pets, but also about all the fine print issues you should expect. Where should you deposit waste baggies? Are there extra charges to anticipate? An additional “security deposits,” cleaning fees, or other such payments? Some “pet-friendly” accommodations actually offer pet beds and doggy day care services!</p><p>Have you considered a campground? Many “car camping” facilities welcome well-behaved, leashed pets, although many state park facilities do not permit dogs at all. Some private campgrounds even have rustic cabins and offer a relatively low cost alternative to hotel accommodations with many dog and child friendly amenities.</p><p>If you’re going to be on the move, staying in a number of different places, you might want to be sure to have lightweight and easily packable supplies: dog beds, dog bowls, leashes, collars and so on can be fold-up and packable. Check stores that stock camping supplies for lightweight options.</p><p>Be a Good Guest</p><p>One of the most important aspects of traveling with your dog is the PR campaign you’re inadvertently conducting for all travelers with pets. Be a good guest and make sure Fluffy is a good guest; it’s more than just etiquette, it’s helping make sure that pet friendly accommodations will be there the next time you need them.</p><p>• Keep it clean indoors. Bring with you lots of extra towels for wiping feet, drying off, covering up… you name it. Extra sheets too, to use as slipcovers on hotel furniture will help keep it clean.</p><p>• Bring what you need: have your supplies on hand. Don’t expect that others will be willing or able to provide whatever you may have forgotten at home. Travel fully stocked with food, treats, medications, toys… you name it.</p><p>• Keep it even cleaner outdoors. Probably the number one reason why dogs are not permitted many of the places they end up banned, from beaches to gardens, has to do with Number Two. Have plenty of collection bags with you at all times and dispose of waste appropriately.</p><p>• Don’t leave Fluffy unattended, at all, anywhere. Alone in a strange place, Fluffy could easily engage in behaviors that she would never dream of at home: barking, pacing, bathrooming accidents, chewing and even panicking and attempting to (or worse succeeding in) escaping. Of course this includes the car: never leave a dog unattended in the car.</p><p>All this sounds like a lot of work, and let’s face it, it might be easier to leave Fluffy …</p>

<p>Sea Adventure Resort and Waterpark Cancun</p><p><img decoding="async" class='wp-post-image' style='float:left;margin-right:10px;' src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8F_brswMQTs/hqdefault.jpg" width="672px" alt=""/>Whether you’re out for a relaxing vacation to put your feet up, or fun extracurricular activities that will leave you wanting more, Sea Adventure Resort & Waterpark s what you’re looking for. It has the thrills to wow you and its beautiful coastal location has the sights to take your breath away.</p><p>Located merely thirty minutes north-east of the Cancun airport, this Water Wonderland Extravaganza is full of everything the whole family requires – a little bit of T.L.C. With a great game of Mini-Golf, a soccer & football field, wind surfing, a tennis court, Jacuzzi’s and more, you’ll never be left wondering what to do next.</p><p>As you walk into the main lobby with the finely lain crimson tile stretching to the main desk, you’ll be struck by an awe-aspiring sense of ancient Greece with its giant archway’s and exquisite stone-work. The room’s you’ll be residing in will relax every nerve as you take a deep breath of the ocean as it’s euphoric scent seeps through the sliding glass door from over the balcony to the wide gorgeous Caribbean beyond. With 3 rooms to choose from all equipped with a King sized bed or 2 double beds you’ll be sure to find the right room for you and your family. An all inclusive kids section could be a special ticket too, give the kids a chance to have some wild fun in the kids club and giant playground, and give yourselves the opportunity for a romantic walk on the beach as the sun sets on the horizon, or take a few lessons and plunge into the waters off the coast of Cancun.</p><p>By no means though, should you feel compelled to only come thither with kids running to and fro, the Sea Adventure Resort also has two excellent bars, including a poolside bar and a Tequila bar which not only has a wide selection of finely chosen tequilas but also a dance floor and DJ’s spinning on the sweet Caribbean serene.</p><p>To satisfy the taste buds with a slight indulgence of entertainment, the Dinner Theatre can provide all that you seek. With themed dining, exotic cocktails and beverages, and live entertainment, you’ll be until desert of course. Or perhaps your taste buds are craving a touch of exotic? Enjoy the El Palmar, a restaurant providing an international cuisine – buffet style.</p><p>La Terreza, a restaurant just steps from the beach, this thatched roof, stomach settler provides an excellent array of fast foods including hamburgers and French fries hot dogs, nachos and more; as the sun sets the snack bar changes into a pizza and pasta specialist to provide a superb al fresco dining experience.</p><p>Or if you’re planning your special day at the beautiful resort by taking advantage of their wonderful wedding packages they have available, then you may be more tempted to enjoy Ostras & Oysters, the Sea Adventure Resort & Waterfront prime fine dining center providing a romantic experience with a tantalizing selection of international and traditional favourites.</p><p>Whether you’re in it for a vacation or a wedding you could never forget. The Sea Adventure Resort & Waterpark Cancun will be the answer you’ve been looking for.…</p>

<p>Outdoor Wood Swing Sets and Inflatable Water Parks Complement Many Landscapes</p><p><img decoding="async" class='wp-post-image' style='float:left;margin-right:10px;' src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jBcbXHZT6-g/hqdefault.jpg" width="675px" alt=""/>It’s a wonderful day outside, the temperature is just right, little breeze in the air, the sun is shinning and the kids are inside watching TV. Does this sound like your house? When the sun is shining, the kids should be playing outdoors and having a good time. But instead of rushing outdoors, they lay on the sofa and watch hour after hour of their favorite shows. The obvious response is that kids should go outside to play even when it easier to stay inside when they are content in what they are doing. If you want an excuse to get them outside, try purchasing a wooden swing set or an inflatable water park.</p><p>It is now standard when it comes to outdoor landscaping, patio and deck design to include children’s wood swing sets and inflatable water parks in the plan. Outdoor kid’s swing sets are made to withstand the elements while complementing your outdoor theme and landscape. Outdoor wood swing sets or inflatable water parks may perhaps be just the item to coax even the most obstinate couch potatoes away from the small screen and into the backyard. Outdoor wood swing sets are built to be sturdy, durable and safe. They are designed to take a pounding from the elements such as rain, snow, and hot weather (and even the climbing and swinging of a very cheerful child). Many are splinter-free because the lumber is vinyl wrapped and almost all of them have pre-stained wood that has been factory sealed. Many of these toys have swings, slides, canopies, steering wheels, telescopes, periscopes, gliders, poles and climbers.</p><p>Kids can organize fun activities and have a blast on their wood swing sets with their siblings and friends. In reality having kids playing in the yard might be reassuring to parents as they can still keep a close eye on them while on their own grounds. Keeping a careful eye on kids during playtime is highly recommended to ensure safe play. Another useful outdoor accessory is wood sandboxes or plastic sandboxes. Kids can comfortably sit while they dig and make sand castles. Backyard sandboxes can occupy children for hours at a time. If you can’t find a wood sandbox, it’s pretty easy to make one especially if you have an old tire or a plastic kiddie pool in the garage. Always make sure to cover the sandbox when playtime is over as this will prevent animals from getting into the box. Investing in a cover is a must and the money spent will be well worth the investment.</p><p>Some kids don’t really enjoy playing or running around outside when it really hot out. On those summer days when it is just too hot to comfortably play outside, let them take a break from the heat and have fun on an inflatable water park. This will cool them off for sure. Inflatable water parks or water slides inflate in a few minutes and you can easily transform your yard into a water park playground. Children’s inflatable water parks are great additions to any backyard or garden area and are perfect for splashing on a hot summer day.…</p>

<p>Tips For Mobile Notaries</p><p><img decoding="async" class='wp-post-image' style='float:left;margin-right:10px;' src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FAGIcx9f4Uk/hqdefault.jpg" width="671px" alt=""/>Running a successful Notary Service can be easy if you apply certain criteria to your business. I have been a mobile notary since 2005 and have learned many ways to have a structured business.</p><p>First, I try to make sure I always answer the phone and with a pen and scheduler in hand in order to write down the information I need. When the client calls and says they need something notarized, I ask them where are they located and when would they like to schedule an appointment. I have travel rates for all of Southern California, so it is easy to determine a travel rate plus $10 per signature. If it is rush job, I charge $10 more and if they want my service during rush hour it is an additional $10 as well.</p><p>I then ask them what are we notarizing and does the signer have valid identification. If the caller is calling for someone else I always make sure the signer is able to sign and knows what they are signing. I then tell them that they need to have the documents prepared for the signing. Also, I give a 15 grace period or then the rate goes into $1 per minute. If the location requires a parking fee they have to pay that as well. I do not charge if I am at metered parking. Lastly, I ask for the name and phone number of the contact person, just in case I need to call them. If I am running late or can arrive a little early I always call the client.</p><p>Upon arrival at the clients home, place of business or neutral meeting place I always greet them nicely and remain professional. When it is time to notarize the document, I immediately ask for identification of all signers. I look over the document/documents to see what we are notarizing and where the signer/signers need to sign and I also check for blanks. Of course I go through the notarization process and thank them for using my services. After the signing is complete, I always give the client a receipt and business card. I only give business cards to new clients unless they are a repeat client and they ask for one.</p><p>These are the tips that help me maintain a successful notary business.…</p>

<p>How to Travel With a Toddler: Tips for a Great Trip</p><p><img decoding="async" class='wp-post-image' style='float:left;margin-right:10px;' src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LPbFSn-pv5g/hqdefault.jpg" width="670px" alt=""/>Ah, the inevitable: Traveling with a toddler. It most certainly will happen at one time or another on your parenting adventure. Whether it be for vacation or a Christmas visit to grandparents, traveling any substantial distance can be one of the most challenging events as you raise a wee one. All schedules are thrown by the wayside, any established routine that was working just fine at home is suddenly gone and tempers can rise. So here are a few tips that might make your journey a easier and less stressful.</p><p>1. Be Prepared and Plan Ahead</p><p>This might seem quite obvious, but often it’s all that’s needed. If your little one sleeps better with a certain blanket, be sure it’s in the bag so napping will come easier, whenever you get the opportunity. Did you refill the wipes container, so you’re not scrounging frantically around when the sippy cup leaks? Did you even bring the sippy cup? Is it full and ready to be handed to those eager hands? Simply thinking ahead to what might happen and even stuff you hope doesn’t happen, can make every one’s life much happier.</p><p>2. New Toys</p><p>Everyone likes something different and interesting. Children especially. So indulge them just this once, and prepare a little goodie bag with a few new toys, books, or games to occupy the little travelers. As parents, we all know it doesn’t take much to capture a toddler’s attention, so keep it simple. Maybe a few new animal figurines or a new matchbox car. Quiet toys are even better, particularly if traveling in an airplane or bus with others around. Maybe the toy lights up, but doesn’t sing. That’s always a plus! Does your toddler like books? Choose one with lots of detailed pictures so they can concentrate searching for their favorite color. Or keep those little fingers busy with a new sticker book.</p><p>3. Distraction</p><p>Despite our best efforts, those moments will come when the new toys no longer hold little Johnny’s attention, and little Sarah has given up playing with her new little pony. This is when your imagination need to kick in and you start making the most of every new opportunity. Like, the bill boards say, “Look, there’s a purple rectangle!” Make the usual, exciting. Find all the circles, balls or round objects nearby. Locate all the people wearing hats, and count them while you’re at it!</p><p>4. Carrier/Sling</p><p>If your schedule includes a lot of walking, such as at an airline terminal, a stroller can indeed be handy. But, what about carrying it when you need to carry bags and luggage as well? Often times it can become more of a hindrance than a help. Wearing your toddler can be quite helpful, leaving both your hands free and your mind free from worrying where your child is.</p><p>5. Snacks</p><p>This of course is probably already on your list of traveling necessities. But make it easy on yourself. Don’t bring food items that require clean up. Or a bib. Hand the crackers back one at a time, versus a cupful, so it’ll take longer to snack and thus keep the hungry toddler occupied longer.</p><p>6. Keep Calm and Carry On</p><p>Your attitude can be the deciding factor in many stressful situations. If your child catches on that you’re worried or uptight, they will be too. Make it your priority not to have a nervous toddler, even though you feel like screaming! Take a deep breath and relax. Many times, that’s all that’s needed for them to calm down too. If your raise your voice and get all hyper, children tend to as well. If you speak quietly, or even whisper, they will have to calm down to hear what you’re saying. This season of their lives doesn’t last forever and soon they’ll be sitting with ear buds in the back seat, not needing your attention at all. So take heart and enjoy your ride!…</p>

<p>Secret Keys to Planning the Ultimate Disney World Getaway</p><p><img decoding="async" class='wp-post-image' style='float:left;margin-right:10px;' src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Jfbs-ch38N0/hqdefault.jpg" width="677px" alt=""/>You all know the drill. The first time you travel anywhere, it’s easy to get blindsided by unforeseen loopholes that have you squandering your precious time and money on silly expenditures and unpleasant lines. There’s always a learning curve involved in getting the inside scoop on somewhere new. We want to expedite that process for you so that when you visit Disney World even first timers will have a bit of a leg up, and an insider’s advantage.</p><p>Choosing Your Tickets</p><p>Although the Magic Your Way ticketing tries to offer you a range of choices and the opportunity to cater your visit according to your desires, it can also be confusing. If you’re caught unaware you could end up spending good money on tickets that you may not really need.</p><p>First off, you must buy your tickets either directly from Disney or from reputable, authorized Disney World ticket selling agents. You can also buy discounted tickets from reputable, authorized discount ticket sellers. You’ll save substantial sums if you purchase discounted tickets from someone safe. For example, a five day Magic Your Way Park Hopper for a family of four might be as much as fifty dollars less.</p><p>Park Hopper Option</p><p>While you do pay more for the Park Hopper option, it basically gives you four times as much park to explore, since it will let you into all four of the theme parks. If you are going to be at Disney World for several days or a week, you’ll want to enjoy the full range of offerings. If you are only going to be at Disney World for a long weekend or a day, maybe tickets to one or two of the theme parks is the way to go.</p><p>Non-Expiration Date Option</p><p>Non-Expiration date tickets are an option ticket agents may offer. Since all regular tickets to Disney World expire after two weeks, the non-expiring ticket may seem like an attractive option if you have some inkling that you will return within the year. But don’t get too giddy with this idea. Who ever goes to Disney World more than once a year? Surveys say a very scant few ever do. And if you use up all your days on your trip, then this option gave you nothing.</p><p>Hidden Treasures</p><p>From the hidden Mickeys throughout the theme parks to the little known tours of the World Hotels available to those staying anywhere on Disney property, there are many ways to make your Disney experienced rich and multilayered. From the different theme parks with their rides, games, and stage shows, to the fun spots in the vicinity like the Boardwalk, Celebration, and Downtown, from the Electrical Water Pageant to IllumiNations show at Epcot, to the lovely biking on the trails at Disney’s Wilderness Preserve at the head of the Everglades, there’s a box of hidden treasures to be unlocked around every turn at Disney World.…</p>

<p>What Is the Difference Between a Theme Park and an Amusement Park?</p><p><img decoding="async" class='wp-post-image' style='float:left;margin-right:10px;' src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/szW5LPp_NmU/hqdefault.jpg" width="678px" alt=""/>Is Disney World a theme park or an amusement park? What about Cedar Point? Is there really a difference or are these two terms for the same thing? Does it even matter? Well, it may not be as important as some things out there, but park and amusement park enthusiasts will find it interesting, if not important. There’s a lot of confusion and mis-information out there. So, I thought I’d take the opportunity of this article to clear up some of the confusion.</p><p>Amusement Parks</p><p>Let’s start by defining the term “Amusement Park” first because amusement parks were the first to appear on the scene. By most definitions, the amusement park has been around for hundreds of years, since about the 16th century. It can be defined simply as a fixed location where multiple rides and attractions are assembled to entertain people. Simple enough.</p><p>Over the years, however, the definition of an amusement park has been clouded by changes in ride design, the invention of the automobile and the mass media, and the need for entertainment to match or exceed the expectations of its audience. These changes have caused upgrades and innovations of some parks and bankruptcies and closures at many others. But, one thing remained consistent, the parks, themselves, were always just collections of attractions, no matter how disjointed or tacky looking the collection appeared. Excellent examples of these include Coney Island in Brooklyn or the Riverview Park in Chicago…neither of which exist today by the way.</p><p>Theme Parks</p><p>While it’s debatable when the “theme park” was introduced, most experts believe that Walt Disney was its inventor. Disney was, however, highly influenced by Knott’s Berry Farm and the amusement parks of Europe. So, you could make the claim that Knott’s Berry Farm was the first theme park, but certainly Walt Disney took the theme park to a whole new level. So what makes a theme park different from an amusement park?</p><p>A true “theme” park consists of different themed lands or regions. Great efforts are made to create the illusion of another world or culture using landscaping, architecture, music, food, employees, and attractions. In a theme park the rides often take second place to the environment they are placed in. The more a park is able to take its guests out of the “real world” and into a world of fantasy, the truer the label “theme” becomes. Because Walt Disney used film directors instead of architects for the design of his park, he was able to create a true escape from reality, as if the theme park were a movie on a screen.</p><p>Theme Resorts Take Theme Parks to a Whole New Level</p><p>With the opening of Walt Disney World in Florida in 1971, the next step in the evolution of the theme park took place. Going beyond just the Walt Disney World rides and attractions, Disney combined the theme park with hotels, golf courses, water recreation, and (eventually) more theme parks. We like to call this the “Themed Resort”.</p><p>The idea of the theme resort is to attract guests and then keep them on your property for everything they could ever want or imagine. It is quite possible, with the advent of Disney’s Wide World of Sports – the sport fishing, water and field sports and tournament capabilities – that just about everything one could do on a vacation can now be found in one location. The themed resort has become a one-of-a-kind, one-stop shop for the dream vacation and the numbers are proving Disney’s idea to be the right kind of thinking. Disney is not alone in this market. Universal Studios in Orlando consists of two separate theme parks, hotels and dining to create the Universal Orlando Resort. Disney learned in the 80’s that keeping people close was the key to profits and that is certainly proving true.</p><p>Final Thoughts</p><p>It’s easy to become frustrated by comparisons that are commonly made between amusement parks and theme parks, even though those comparisons by definition shouldn’t be made. When someone says “I think Cedar Point is a much better amusement park than Disney World”, they’re correct in a sense because Walt Disney World is not an amusement park, and will never pretend to be a roller coaster enthusiast’s heaven. At the same time, however, they’re also wrong because they’re comparing apples to oranges. To make things even more confusing Cedar Point will sometimes call itself a theme park simply because they give labels to different areas of the park. Sorry Cedar Point. Theming is more than just labels.</p><p>So, the next time someone says they enjoyed Dollywood or Six Flags much more than Disney World, don’t bother to argue. They may as well say they enjoy sushi …</p>