One of my daughter's classmate and friend live in this area and she told us to check it out since she's been there with her friends.

I think the real treat aabout this place is that, it overlooks the Ohio River.

We stayed at Holiday Inn Express  located at  Alex Ln, Charleston, WV  during  the championship of the History Bowl last year.  It was a great location since it was near every place that we need to go for the event. The only thing I didn't like is the noise  from the busy road but other than that, it was good.

As a retired navy, my husband really enjoyed all of the military stuff display. According to one of the host of the events whom we talked to, the grand architecture of the building's interiors has been authentically restored.  She said it was a mess when they first started restoring the place but it looks beautiful now. 
  "West Virginia: Born of the Civil War." :  You can find and  see the permanent exhibition, located on the first floor of the museum.  It  features dramatic displays with period artifacts.  If you are into history, you can  explore the statehood process against the background of the Civil War.  It's a pretty neat experience.
I like the setting because aside from the information laid out in each display, there's is also an audio you can listen to by lifting the  telephone like tool. You can also  view an interpretive video, "For Liberty and Union," and take a self-guided tour of the structure.
This used to be  the Governor's office.  I really find the arch window shaped so charming.
I don't see this kind of chandelier anymore so it was a treat to see it there at the museum.
I am glad that there are museums that young mind can go to and explore.  They can learn a lot of things like preservation of the flag which is not being taught in school anymore these days.  The school where my children go to still recites  the Pledge of Allegiance everyday so I am grateful about that.
I like this part of the museum right here.  You can build your own flag.
This is where President Lincoln sat when he visited.  It said that:

"Nearly six years before President Lincoln signed the proclamation making West Virginia the 35th State in the Union, the construction had begun on the Wheeling Custom House, the headquarters for federal offices for the Western District of Virginia. Its completion, coinciding with the beginning of the Civil War, provided a facility for heated political discussions and constitutional conventions that led to eventual statehood for West Virginia in 1863. Here, issues dividing many Virginians - slavery being one of many - were debated, compromised and shaped into the skeleton of statehood. Serving as the Restored Government of Virginia (aligned with the Union) from 1861-1863, it is appropriately known today as West Virginia Independence Hall."

There's so much info to absorb but unfortunately I did not have enough time to read all of them.  All I could do was to snap  some quick shots of the interesting things
Aside from salt, West Virginia is also known for glass manufacturing back in the  day.
There's also a factory  in Newell, WV for fiestaware.
This tool was invented by a Virginian, Cyrus McCormick from Shenandoah Valley in 1831.  This is called the Virginia Reaper machine which revolutionized harvesting wheat.  This machine had a very positive  effect for the Union of the Civil War.
You can read the facts about this machine below.
Try to explore this Independence Hall Museum when you are in Wheeling.  

Modern kids get a lot of vacation time. Summer break, winter break, spring break, etc. Hanging around the house is fun but there’s a good chance that your kids want to do something more with their time off.

So, what should you do? We have some ideas.

Send Them Off to See Extended Family

This plan won’t work for everyone. But if you have a large, accommodating family, you should use your child’s vacation time as a visiting opportunity. Your little one can grow close to the people that helped raise you.

You don’t have to go on the trip on yourself. Ask your relative if you can send your kids on their own. That way your children learn how to be independent and you don’t have to worry about missing too much work.

Go to Camp

Attending a summer camp in your youth can be a life-changing experience. Your child is thrust into a situation where they have to fend for themselves. They can grow into a different being.

You might think that kid camps are only fit for youngsters who like the outdoors. While it’s true that a lot of camps are focused on the outdoor experience, you can easily find a program tailored to your child’s interests. There are sports camps, technology camps, science camps. Project Fashion summer camps  are camps geared toward kids who are interested in fashion.

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I can't believe our first baby is going to be away for three days without us, I am anxious! This will be her first taste of freedom. She will be attending the Camp Magis. Have fun little lady and be safe! #CampMagis #OutOfSchoolEvent

A post shared by Chubskulit Rose (@chubskulitrose) on Aug 30, 2017 at 2:55am PDT

There’s no reason your kids need to spend the summer cooped up in their bedrooms. If springing for camp fees is unfeasible, there are often free or low-cost programs run by the local government.

Learn a Skill

Maybe your child is a skilled woodworker. Maybe they would make a handy sailor. There’s a lot of value to learning a skill. It can help boost your child’s self-confidence in a huge way. Everyone loves feeling that they’re good at something.

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We had a good 25 walk around Franciscan University while our daughter is attending her violin lesson. This will be her last time with her first teacher, she will have a new one next week. #violin🎻 #music #FamilyBonding #walks #CatholicUniversity #UniversitySteubenvilleOhio #CollegeCampus #MusicIsLife #musician #violinist🎻

A post shared by Chubskulit Rose (@chubskulitrose) on May 8, 2018 at 4:30pm PDT

The great thing about a long vacation is it gives your child time to focus on something. If they want to take piano lessons they can practice for four hours a day without interfering with their schoolwork.

Start Cooking

Who doesn’t want to know how to cook? Once your kids are old enough to handle themselves in the kitchen, you should try teaching them how to cook. Maybe Jr. can take care of the family dinner once or twice a week.

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Someone is craving for Mochi so she made some yesterday. I thought it was delicious! Pretty good for first try. #mochi #snack #FilAm

A post shared by Chubskulit Rose (@chubskulitrose) on Jun 9, 2018 at 3:56pm PDT

Start with easy recipes. Trying out a complicated recipe before you’ve fallen in love with cooking is tedious.

Start Camping

We’ve already talked about sending your kids off to camp on their own. Another option is to plan a camping trip for the family. Pick a spot, pack up the car, and go. You don’t need a lot of supplies. You can even skip buying a tent if you decide to sleep in your car.

Camping can be a ton of fun. It doesn’t matter if you’re not a typical outdoorsy person. Just make sure to pack enough creature comforts to keep yourself happy.

Meet People

Prioritize your child’s social life. It may seem odd but your child’s fickle relationships are actually really important. They’re setting your child up for the rest of their life. A poorly socialized person is going to have trouble getting through life.

Don’t allow your kids to become hermits during their breaks. Encourage them to meet with their friends. If they don’t have any friends, help them make some. Kids are often willing to leap into new friendships without a second thought.

Figuring out what to do with your kids during their school breaks can seem like a challenge. After all, you’re trying to strike the perfect blend between fun and usefulness. You want your kids to enjoy their time off but you also want them to use the opportunity to grow.

Work with your family to determine the best option. Listen to your children’s needs. You don’t have to be their activity manager once they reach a certain age. They can start making decisions about how to entertain themselves.

By quitting smoking, a smoker can undo much of the damage done by tobacco smoking. Within a few hours of giving up smoking permanently, they drastically decrease the chances for a smoking related illnesses. It can even make the smoker look healthier. As a smoker considering quitting, you probably know that quitting will improve your respiration and heart health. However, it can do much more than helping you maintain ahealthy lifestyle. Read on to learn how quitting smoking can improve your looks too.

Open Brighter Eyes

After quitting, your eyes will look brighter and less tired. Every time you smoke, the smoke fills your eyes with irritants. Repeated exposure to these irritants makes your eyes look red and dried out. They will be itchy and uncomfortable. Additionally, it leaves your eyes dangerously dry, which can cause permanent damage. After you stop, your eyes will remoisturize and repair themselves. Once repaired, your eyes will regain their previous brilliance and make you look more alert and interested.

Show Off Healthier Skin

If you stop smoking, you can expect to see your skin look healthier. Using the best e liquid brands, you can control your nicotine levels to gradually stop smoking. Since nicotine constricts your blood vessels, it makes it harder to get oxygen to your extremities. Without a lot of oxygen, your skin will not get enough nutrients. As a result, your skin will look dull and dry, giving you an uneven complexion. Within a few hours of not smoking cigarettes, your blood vessels will begin to return to normal. As the oxygen level returns to normal, your skin will take on a healthy, smooth complexion. This will make you look younger with a more natural complexion.

Accelerate Your Body’s Healing

Cuts and bruises will heal faster after you quit. Smoking limits the amount of oxygen your blood can carry. Lower oxygen levels and constricted blood vessels limit the hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin are the cells in the blood that merge together to heal damaged tissues. As a result, smokers take much longer to heal than non-smokers. Once you quit smoking, your blood will return to normal as it filters out the remaining toxins. In fact, there are several ways the body heals itself as you stop smoking. By the 48 hour mark, you could have all nicotine completely out of the body. Once this happens, you will heal much faster, making small injuries like cuts less of a problem to your skin’s appearance.

Take On Less Wrinkles

Smoking causes you to prematurely age. If you are planning to livea long life, you should take steps to restrict smoking. There are around 7,000 different toxins in every cigarette. These chemicals in your blood along with the cigarette fumes can destroy the collagen and elastin in your skin. Once they are destroyed, your skin begins to bag and wrinkle from the stretching. This will make you look older then you are. While your skin can never be fully restored, quitting will give your skin a chance to replace some of these lost chemicals. That will make you look younger, relieving some wrinkles and bags.

Restore Your White Teeth

After you quit smoking, your teeth will look better. Tobacco and tar particulate in cigarette smoke stain your teeth. As you might notice, smokers tend to have yellow or brown colored teeth. These stains can be eliminated with proper oral hygiene. However, as long as you smoke, they will always continue to deteriorate your oral health and appearance. As you smoke, you increased build up ofplaque and tartar on teeth. After quitting, you can gradually brush your teeth back to their original, lustrous white. Additionally, this particulate gives your breath a foul smell that can last for hours and days. After you quit, you can greatly improve your oral hygiene, in appearance and smell.

When you quit smoking, your appearance improves in many ways. If you care about your appearance and health, use these improvements as motivators to get through cravings. Your eyes look brighter as they repair damage from irritants. More oxygen makes your skin look smoother and healthier. As your blood starts to carry more hemoglobin, cuts and bruises heal quicker. As the toxins pass out of your system, your skin will look younger and less wrinkled. On top of that, you can remove tar stains on your teeth permanently. Quitting smoking will not just make you healthier, it will improve your looks too.

Water and children, always a great  combination right.  No matter what the child's age, water attraction is always a winner.

Models don’t just gave us #fashiongoals moments in magazines and on runways, their casual style is also so good we’re constantly liking and saving their photos on Instagram. The great thing about the off-duty look is that it’s something than easily rub off on our own style. We all have days off or weekend mornings where we just want to get our errands done and wear easy and effortlessly put together outfits. Now of course that doesn’t mean letting go of fashion completely, and this is where our favorite model street style outfits come in.

 

The question is how do you put such a look together without feeling like you need to put days of thought into it or find a stylist? And how can you make a stylish outfit with stuff you already own so that you don’t have to spend more cash. Here are some great basic ideas for building your own on-the-move, off-duty looks that would make Gigi, Kendall and Bella proud.

Many Ways to Style a Hoodie

Like puffer jackets, hoodies have been given a bad name. But they can actually be very fashionable, and not just the outfit choice of teenagers or hackers. We’ve seen stars like Kendall Jenner rock a hoodie topped with a leather jacket, and we’ve seen hoodies worn with dresses and skirts, and even oversized hoodies worn with thigh high boots. There are so many ways to style them. Hoodies may seem to be quite the opposite of trendy, but they are fashion staples in their own right. So don’t be afraid to dig one up from your college days, throw one on and style it up.

 

The Basic Tee

T-shirts are the unsung hero of many Instagram-worth fashion moments, they can be just the right balance of casual and dressy if you wear them right. And the good news is, we all have access to one. T-shirts can be rocked a multitude of ways, with jeans, with skirts, with overalls, as dresses and with shorts, and you can also tie up the bottom of the shirt to give it some sex appeal. Also there’s a t-shirt to suit everyone’s taste. From rock band t-shirts to ironic t-shirts and even basic plain ones, nothing says off-duty glam like a greatly styled t-shirt. All your favorite stores will stock great t-shirts with fun styles, and if you’re looking for some good quality basics, Gildan shirts are perfect. You can also get nice hoodies there. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a piece that will always look good with different things and even look good when it’s looking a little worn and faded, t-shirts are it.

 

Oversized Sweaters

Everyone likes fall and winter because it’s perfect #sweaterweather. Models love them too and we see so many great looks with sweaters and jumpers on them. Oversized sweater have become very sought-after fashion items. Far from making you look frumpy, they look good with skinny pants, skirts and even tucked into jeans. And you can go for a classic turtleneck or do a crewneck, or even a cardigan. A lot of the times, the chunkier the better, so don’t be afraid to haul out some old school sweaters.

Jeans

Jeans will always be the top casual fashion item for any off-duty look. What’s not to love? They are comfortable, versatile and eternally trendy. They are great with a formal shirt, a cami, a t-shirt, a coat and even a big jacket. And there are so many styles too - you can go skinny, ripped or boyfriend style and dress it up almost every way imaginable. Remember a piece of denim can last you for years, and you can even accessorize or customize a pair.

Athleisure

A big question people ask in fashion circles is if gym-wear can be fashionable and we believe it’s a huge yes when it’s done right. Nowadays we see people running errands in active wear, and we’re not talking about boring tracksuits. We’re talking printed legging and crop top sets, jumpsuits and yoga pants. This is another great option for when you’re just trying to make a quick trip to the mall, corner store or a casual coffee with friends.

 

Off-duty model fashion is actually very easy to imitate if you know the right pieces to put together. It’s all about looking at the boring stuff in your closet with a new perspective, and seeing all the possibilities. You too can have an outfit worthy of a few snaps!

When driving, it’s important to be on top of your game so that you can avoid any mishaps between you and other drivers. Read these 10 defensive driving tips, so that you can be prepared on the go.

You might have found yourself engaging in distracted driving, especially if you have children. But you need to make it a rule that you won’t look away from the road so you can keep your family safe. When your children ask you to look at them or something they are holding, tell them that you can’t look while you are driving. Avoid looking through your purse or using your phone while driving as well. Any action that takes your eyes off of the road — even for a second — can cause a car accident.

You might have heard the expression, “You not only need to drive for yourself, you need to drive for everyone else, too.” If you haven’t, what it means is that although you might be one of the best and safest drivers on the road, that doesn’t mean that you can control how other people drive. Be alert and aware of what other drivers are doing on the road. For example, check your rearview mirror to monitor how drivers approaching your vehicle are driving. Take note if they are weaving or speeding excessively.

Not only do you need to pay attention to the drivers behind you, but you also need to look ahead in the distance to spot potential problems. Sometimes, you might need to change lanes to avoid a stranded car or a police officer making a traffic stop. Other times, you might notice brake lights flashing on cars up ahead, which signals that you will need to slow down.

Speed limits are posted for a reason — so that drivers can proceed safely. When you exceed the speed limit, you are posing a danger for you, your passengers and every else on the road you meet. Plus, speeding can equal reckless driving, depending on how fast you’re traveling, which can equal huge fines. For example, in Henrico County VA reckless driving is defined as driving at 20 miles or above the posted speed limit.

Not all drivers operate the vehicle they are driving with confidence, and drivers who are unfamiliar with the traffic laws in a specific area might make errors. Always be on the lookout for confused drivers who might not do what they are supposed to do, such as yield to drivers coming off the interstate. Be willing to yield if you can do so safely, so that you and the other driver can avoid a car accident. Even if the collision isn’t serious, you’ll still have to deal with everything that happens after a car accident.

Sure you can slam on your brakes and make your car stop, but at some point, you’ll likely have an accident. Get to know the feel of your vehicle’s brakes, so that you will know when to start applying them as you approach a traffic light or stop sign. That way, you’ll be able to give yourself ample time to stop without slamming on the brakes — and your brakes will last longer as well.

Drivers aren’t mind readers, so you need to be as helpful as possible when out on the road. When you plan to turn or change lanes, always use your blinker. Also, don’t wait until the last second to turn your blinker on. This can catch other drivers unaware and cause them to make a mistake.

If you’re in the habit of following too closely behind other drivers or tailgating, you need to stop. Not only is driving too closely annoying to the driver you’re following, it also can end up badly for you. If the driver ahead unexpectedly slams on his brakes, you just might plow right into the back of his car.

If you’ve ever been driving and heard a loud popping noise, followed by a mark or crack in your windshield, you might have been driving too closely to a large truck. Unfortunately, some trucks will throw up rocks and gravel from the roadway, which can strike the windshields of other drivers, so keep a safe distance. Also, if you see a vehicle or trailer with a load that seems unstable, keep a safe distance behind it to avoid having your car struck by flying objects.

If you’ve ever tried to change lanes while driving only to see a car in the land you’re trying to move to at the last second, you know a blind spot can be dangerous. Just as other drivers should stay out of your blindspot, you should learn how to avoid blindspots as well. Make it a habit to pass other drivers in a timely manner and not hang out in an area where they can’t easily see you. And, when you decide to change lanes, ask someone else in the vehicle to double-check that there’s not another car where you’re planning to move. 

When it comes to accidents and injuries, we have to think clearly so we take the right steps, and one of the best things we can do is educate ourselves to protect our family. For any parent with kids who play a lot of school sports, it’s natural to worry about them sustaining an injury playing sports in school. It’s scary because we don’t actually know who will be held accountable if that happens and it’s not our child’s fault. We want our children to enjoy their favorite sports and fun activities, but we want to make sure they’re safe too.

According to the CDC, more than almost 3 million children are brought into the ER because of sports and recreation-related injuries. As kids get older, they engage in a lot more team sports, and unfortunately injuries are part of that deal. For the most part, these injuries are light scratches or bruises, but the greater concern for parents is breaks, sprains and other injuries that are more serious. A vast majority of these injuries take place on school grounds, but the waters are often murky on who should be held responsible when this happens during a basketball game or while they are cheerleading, for example. 

Ways to Prevent Injuries

One of the things we have in our power as parents is doing our part in preventing injury. Here are some of the ways we can help our kids stay safe on the field or court.

Warm-ups and Cool downs Before and After Sports 

For grown-ups and kids alike, many injuries are caused by a lack of warm-ups, proper stretching and cooling down. This is completely avoidable if we teach our children the importance of getting in and out of a workout the right way.

Wearing Protective Gear

Whenever your kids are going to engage in any sporting activity, it’s critical that they have the correct protective gear on. From knee pads to helmets and gloves; protective gear is the first line of defense against injuries. Many injuries have been caused by playing without the right gear, and this something we can control before they even start playing. It’s not just about the right equipment. We have to be sure it fits correctly, is in great condition, and that they’re wearing it properly. 

Sunscreen & Hydration

Drinking water regularly is a great habit to instill in children as young as possible. When it comes to sports, not drinking enough water won’t just cause discomfort and dehydration, it can actually lead to injuries too.  Before our kids hit the fields, make sure they are drinking enough water and replenishing after working up a sweat.

Follow the Rules of Game

A lot of the rules that exist in sport aren’t put in place to make the game less fun, they keep us safe from injury. Our kids need to follow the best and safest sporting practices. If they’re reckless in any way, this significantly increases the risk of injury.

What To Do When an Injury Occurs

In the event that our child gets injured in a school game for example, is it appropriate to investigate who is responsible and hold them liable? Is the school to blame or is it another student? In this case, do you need to contact a personal injury lawyer, like Schwartzapel Attorneys or just handle the claim yourself? It can all be very overwhelming when you’re scared and worried about your child. On top of that, dealing with school staff can turn this into a delicate and uncomfortable matter for everyone involved. If the injury was due to the school’s negligence, and it’s a more serious injury than a scratch or a bruise, it would be worth sitting with a personal injury lawyer who can help you lodge the claim.

In order to have a claim, evidence will be necessary to prove your case meets the requirements of a lawsuit. You need to have photographs of the injuries, and independent notarized witness statements. You have to prove damages in the form of medical expenses, bills related to the injury, or pain and suffering experienced by your child. When you have this information, you can move forward.

Put Your Child First

We do our very best to watch over our children when they are around us, but what about when they aren’t in our presence? Schools are meant to protect our kids when we’re not there, and for the most part, this goes right. In the event that it goes wrong, and the school has been negligent in any way, we can make a claim to hold the school responsible for it. Most importantly, as we get ready to make a case against the learning institution, we have to put the physical, mental and emotional healing of our children first.

While driving around Las Vegas last year, we've seen a lot of this  big horn statues along the road. I am so intrigued about it so I did a little digging online when we came back home.  I've learned that   these Desert Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) are large sheep of desert mountains with a tan coat and white rump.  Below are its characteristics:

There is a sense of guilt and disgrace associated with car accidents that can often prevent you from thinking clearly and taking the proper steps after you’ve been involved in a car wreck.  The feeling of shame that you are not a very good driver can creep into your consciousness and distract you from some of the important tasks you must complete after the accident. 

And do not let guilt, that you are somehow an incomplete and irresponsible person, cloud your judgment at this crucial time.  Even if the accident was your fault, remember this – accidents happen to everyone, even the best among us.  So gather your wits about you and concentrate on the following tasks and you should end up coming through this unfortunate mishap in pretty good shape.

The first thing you need to do after the accident, once you make sure that not you, nor anyone else, are seriously hurt, is for all of the participants to share their pertinent information with each other.  This includes all of your names, addresses, contact phone numbers, insurance companies, policy numbers, driver license numbers and license plate numbers for everyone involved in the accident.

There is absolutely no need to argue with each other about whose fault the accident was at this point.  That will all be determined much later.  And discussions of accountability right after an accident can easily turn into shouting matches, which could be dangerous, and libelous, for you.  If other participants start doing this – whatever you do, stay out of it.

Once you gathered the information, and especially if you have input it into your smartphone, create a specific folder for this information, name it ‘Car accident’ and affix the date to that folder title. 

Then take a few pictures of the scene – anything that can help you remember details, which you may need to recall many months later.  Make sure all of these pictures go into the accident folder as well.

If any of the other drivers are reluctant to share their contact information, and especially if they don’t want to share the name of their insurance company and their policy number, you need to call the police. 

This will be a hassle and will delay moving on with the rest of your day, but you have no other choice.  Often if you explain to the emergency dispatcher that an accident participant is refusing to share insurance information, this may speed up the police response.  The main thing you want is a police report stating that this other participant in the accident refused to offer insurance information.  Your insurance company will require that police report later in the settlement process.

Unless your car accident is very minor, you should hire a car accident lawyer, one particularly experienced in auto accidents and the injuries that can result from these types of accidents.  There are lots of different ways to find a good attorney.  Probably the most reliable method is to benefit from the experience of friends or family members who have recently hired an attorney.  If they had a good experience, chances are, so will you.

If you can’t get a personal endorsement, try the online referral sites, such as Angie’s List and Yelp.  Be mindful when you are reading the reviews of the attorneys in your district that some of these reviewers may have a personal stake in their praise – these reviewers could be family members or close friends of the attorney, or even individuals acting as agents for the attorney who are paid to write positive reviews.  Make sure you check the history of the reviewer and inspect their other reviews to determine the validity of their praise.

Also, be wary of extremely negative reviews on these websites.  They often come from trolls, lonely people who are angry and have nothing better to do than disparage specialists and services for their own amusement.  A quick check of the other reviews by critics like these will reveal whether they are trolls or not.

Your attorney and insurance company will make sure your car is returned to the condition it was in before the accident – or may even replace it.  That won’t be much of a problem. 

But, more importantly, your lawyer will probably ask you to be examined by a doctor to make sure there aren’t any soft tissue injuries that may not be apparent right after the accident, but can intensify after a while and even become debilitating much later in your life.

Make sure you follow the instructions of your lawyer and doctor and adhere to their recommendations for physical rehabilitation carefully.  Down the line, your life could depend upon it.

Although it’s only October, it’s never too early to start looking for Christmas gifts for your mom—especially if you’re on a tight budget and will need to save up. If you start thinking about what to buy early enough, you might even catch a good Black Friday deal that helps you save some serious cash.

 

Even though chances are no one knows your mom as well as you, that doesn’t make shopping for the perfect gift any easier. Sometimes, after years of Christmases, your ideas can start to run dry. However, with the right preparation and research, you can succeed with a great gift. Here are a few ideas for awesome Christmas gifts your mom will appreciate:

Skin Care Products

Skin care products are always a great idea when it comes to getting moms gifts. After all, there’s a reason why the skin care industry is booming, particularly among mature adults. If possible, try to stick to natural skin care products, as they’re much better in terms of health and longevity. For example, Egyptian Magic is just one product on the market that will make all the difference.

 

The company behind the all-purpose skin cream uses a proprietary blending process to create a moisturizing cream with nourishing properties, inspired by the ancient skin care regimens of the Egyptian pharaohs. It doesn’t use any added parabens, preservatives, additives, or GMO ingredients. Always look at the ingredients list when purchasing products for your friends and family. Believe it or not, there’s a long list of ingredients that aren’t good for you and are used in beauty products.

Hair Styling Tools

Hair styling tools are often used for many years until they’re replaced. Great tools are little more expensive, which is why it’s hard for a parent to feel the necessity to invest in them—especially if their old tools aren’t broken. However, these tend to make for a great gift because they stand the test of time.

Take a look at the hairstyling your mom is currently using, and use that as a springboard to replace it with a brand new and upgraded version. Pay special attention to the brands they tend to use as well. Flat irons/hair straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers are sound investments. Take a look at this article on best hair styling tools, which offers a roundup of ideas that suit a range of budgets.

Jewelry Organizers

Over the years, a mom accumulates plenty of jewelry pieces. And while jewelry is a popular gift for mothers, jewelry organizers aren’t gifted nearly as often as they should be. With a jewelry organizer, your gift recipient can keep all their jewelry in tact. And fortunately, there are jewelry organizers to suit all types of styles and tastes.

You can go for a simple fancy hanging jewelry stand that holds just necklaces or you can get a full organizer that holds a plethora of different types of jewelry. Here’s a roundup of jewelry organizers to choose from. You should also look into Etsy for a wide range of custom made organizers created by artists from all around the world. Here’s a list of what’s available on Etsy.

Cozy Home Items

There’s nothing like a gift that brings a little luxury into the house. Try putting together a basket of several cozy home items that will make your mom feel like she’s in a hotel in her own home. This might include a great bathroom, some slippers, and a fuzzy throw blanket that compliments her style. Add other nice additions to the basket like scented candles, a cashmere hat or sweater, comfy socks, fleece-lined leggings, or face cloths. There are plenty of cozy basket ideas you can come up with, and your mom will certainly appreciate the effort.

Tech Accessories

Moms enjoy catching up with the latest technology, even if they are a bit behind. And for that reason, throwing in some tech accessories to jazz up their current products is a great way to go. These help them take their devices to the next level. Here are a few tech accessory ideas:

Here are some fun family things to do in Florence:

• Kids can go back in time to the Old West at Guntown Mountain;
• Enjoy the outdoors with 52 state parks like the 10,000 acre Green River Lake State Park;
• The Bluegrass State is a great place to learn about the incredible history of the state, such as Kentucky Museum and Louisville Slugger Museum
• Horse Farm Tours and Kentucky Horsepark.

I always find it great when you can visit a city where it borders another state.  We were able to  visit  4 states on our road trip this year.  We drove around a small city in North Carolina when we were in Tennessee and then explored Ohio and Kentucky as well before we finally hit the road to home.  

Whenever thinking about Florida beaches we automatically get flashbacks of spring break, with Panama City Beach being the number one destination for people from all over the country. Those that want to play go to South Beach and Key West has always been recommended by influencers from all around the world.

Everyone knows about the beaches and the beautiful holiday villas in Florida but do you know that there are actually 663 miles of wonderful beaches you can experience in the state of Florida? Travelers that want to go off-the-beaten track and experience something that is more unique can always find some incredible destinations that will make their desires come through. This does include the following stunning Florida beaches that locals would like you do not know about.

Crandon Park

The tourists often go to South Beach, a truly majestic destination that is surely wonderful. However, locals normally go to Crandon Park, which is located in Key Biscayne. This is a 2 mile long beach that is family friendly. The Atlantic waves are gentle and there is an outdoor rink for rollerskating that is a huge hit among visitors.

Bahia Honda State Park

While Key West always gets the full glory in the region, we should know that this is not the only island tourists can visit in Lower Florida Keys. You actually want to visit many that are better than expected. If you are a traveler that is looking for a romantic or family-friendly destination, with really good vies of the ocean, right as you travel through Overseas Highway, just consider Bahia Honda State Park. Snorkeling is wonderful here and is preferred right before an excursion to watch the sunset.

Caladesi Island State Park

In the year 2008, Stephen Leatherman (also known as Doctor Beach), declared that Caladesi is the best beach in the US. Even so, it is not crowded. This is due to the fact that you would need to start in Dunedin and take a ferry to reach the park. However, the trip is surely worth it. This is a getaway in the Gulf of Mexico that features white, soft sand put together with wildlife. We can say that nature meets modern amenities, including gift shops and snack bars.

Don Pedro Island State Park

This wonderful Florida destination for tourists and locals is around 1 hour away from Sarasota, towards south by car. Don Pedro Island features a 7 mile long beach in the Gulf of Mexico. You can only access it through public ferry or a private boat. The car can be brought with you, although the golf cart is normally the preferred transportation method on the island.

Amelia Island

Amelia Island is definitely not a secret. It is well-known by many but it is a barrier island that is often ignored, usually because of the fact that Jacksonville Beach is close. What you may want to do is take a kayak or go paddle boarding along the lovely Atlantic coastline of Amelia Island, which covers 13 miles. What is interesting is that you might even see dolphins and wild horses around you. The sunset cruise is preferred from Cumberland Island, Georgia, but you can also visit alone.

Delray Beach

If locals want to visit a vibrant beach town that is not overrun, they consider Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Delray Beach can be accessed from the East Atlantic Avenue. You will really like the ice cream parlors, sidewalk cafes and boutiques there. They perfectly complement the Atlantic Ocean’s natural lure.

St. George Island

St. George Island can be visited in the panhandle of Florida. It is a barrier island that is surrounded by Apalachicola Bay and the stunning Gulf of Mexico. During the day visitors normally climb to the 72 foot high lighthouse top. This offers the panoramic view that makes you want to take your camera out of the pocket to show people at home what they missed. During the night you will enjoy the vibrant restaurant scene. It features live music and tasty seafood.

Tips For When Visiting Unknown Parts Of Florida

The fact that you would be visiting some parts of Florida that are not well-known means that your internet research might not give you what you are looking for. The information that is available for the locations mentioned above and many others that are wonderful will be limited. Because of this, what you want to do is to consider some alternative information sources.

It is always a great idea to give yourself freedom as you travel. If this is possible in Florida, simply make friends with the locals. They are going to tell you about many different beaches and other travel destinations that are basically fantastic. Also, you can talk about hidden gems with the staff at the resort you stay at. There are many destinations they know about and that are often not included in travel packages.

Another thing you should be aware of is that you do want to be safe. Traveling alone to a remote destination is dangerous everywhere. This is why it is always good to let people know where you are going and traveling alone to the hidden parts of Florida, especially when you come from another country is not recommended.

Try to plan as much as possible and continue planning once you reached Florida. You will find many great destinations by simply keeping an open mind.

Need to spruce up your home's design, but not sure how to go about it? Upgrading your home's interior can provide a much-needed change in scenery and energy. After getting your home in order, homeowners can take a few easy steps to incorporate updates into their home. Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a professional, you have many options to upgrade your home. Here are some interior design tips and tricks to get you started on creating the house you always wanted. 

Let Light In

One of the most coveted interior design secrets involves lighting. Bright spaces tend to feel open and airy, immediately shifting the energy in the house. Large windows and sunrooms are popular nowadays. If you can't afford to remodel your home, try rearranging. Move furniture so that it doesn't block windows or install new curtains that enhance natural lighting. If your house is lacking wide windows, artificial lighting can create a similar effect. Chandeliers, tables and standing lamps are good natural lighting alternatives. Lighting is a homeowner's best friend. It works with every other interior design aspect to create a spectacular space.   

Play With Color

Like lighting, color can shift the feeling of a room. It's smart to hire a professional painter if you are tackling a big job. As noted by Tea Berry, “Anyone can paint, but few achieve the same quality that a painting company can.” If you decide to hire a professional, they can take care of the details to deliver a fresh look. However, choosing a color can be tricky; using complimentary colors (like green and red) is suggested. Neutral colors are safe, but experimenting is fun. Shades of red and yellow are energetic and strong, but muted greens and blues can be calming. The key to playing with color is to determine what feel you want the room to have before picking up a paintbrush. 

Renovate Your Bathroom Functionality

The bathroom is one of the most-used rooms in your house, so it deserves some special attention in remodeling. An easy and functional way to re-design is to add extra storage cabinets. You can also simply replace the towels or faucets to design a new color scheme. Homeowners often install a shower door instead of a basic curtain to change the look of their bathroom. If you've got the resources, tiling the walls or adding a shower bench takes your bathroom to the next (spa-like) level. Your family and your guests will thank you for updating this space.

Put Your Best Bowl Forward

Yes, you read that right. Bowls are a major interior design upgrade. When realtors show houses, they often place a crystal bowl with oranges or lemons in it on the counter. The idea is that the fruit provides a pop of color, and makes the home seem more inviting. You can easily do this (candy works too!) on an empty end table or counter. This is one of the simple ways to spice up your living space. The trick is to get a stylish, funky bowl, so the table doesn't just appear cluttered. This purposeful move makes your house look and feel sharp. 

Incorporate Your Unique Personality

The best part about your home: it's yours to design. When designing, it's important to pay attention to what grabs your attention and what you turn away from. Try to stay away from the words "I'm not sure if it's my style". If you like a piece of art or type of wallpaper, try it out even if it's not conventional or something you usually go for. Try putting outdoor pillows inside or buying an abstract piece of kitchen art. Whatever speaks to you, make it work in your home. Not only will it add a unique element, it will become a conversation piece for guests who come over. Ultimately, your interior design upgrades should be representative of your unique tastes. 

Making changes to your home's design can make it more inviting and comfortable. Whether you decide to add a lamp or paint a wall, every change can change the feeling of your home. Furthermore, you can tile your bathroom or adorn the kitchen with candy dishes. Or, you can add a unique piece that speaks to who you are. Whatever simple changes you decide to do, make sure your upgrades reflect what you want your home to feel like. Creating your dream house is simple with these interior design upgrades.