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Travel with Confidence and Courage Review + Giveaway

Hello again, savvy savers! Tonight find us with another great product review, and this its its Journey Soulo Travel With Confidence Program. Journey Soulo gave me the chance to review their Travel with Confidence and Courage course.  This is a great course that only takes about two hours to complete. This course goes hand and hand with their book.  To me they reinforce each other.  Yes, there is even homework in this course but the homework is easy to do. When you first start the course it gives you insight on who Toni and Kristine are.  It also gives you an overview of the course itself.  In the second sections it goes through What’s Stopping You From Traveling (there are 4 lessons in this section).  There are a total of 8 sections which are very well presented.

Benefits From the Course:


You will have more… Because you…
CONTROL Identified the fears that have stopped you from traveling
POWER Analyzed those fears and released them of their power
CONFIDENCE Examined your comfort zone and took steps to expand it
KNOWLEDGE Learned how to leverage the resources around you
COURAGE Tackled your fears and found out they weren’t so scary after all
Just like with the book this is for both the seasoned traveler and the beginner.  It has lots of great information in it and it doesn’t take a lot of time to go through either.  Journey Soulo is also offering my readers a chance to win this course. To enter, simply leave me a comment below with your greatest fear in traveling. The giveaway is set to end 7/14/14 at 11:59pm CST. Good luck! 
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

THE TOP 5 LISTS OF ALL THINGS TRAVEL REVIEW + GIVEAWAY

 

 

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Hello again, savvy savers! Tonight finds us with another great book review and this time its The Top 5 Lists Of All Things Travel, by Toni Takeno and Kristine Castagnaro!

Kristine and Toni, co-founders of the travel company, Journey Soulo, have visited 19 countries around the world and have collected tips, tricks and stories on each trip. The result? The Top 5 Lists Of All Things Travel — a book full of simple (and sometimes silly) lists that will help you plan and embark on your next trip.

Through this quick travel-friendly edition-style read you will:

• Discover fun places to stay that you may never have considered.
• Learn new ways to save for your next trip.
• Learn to avoid the pigeon **** pickpocket.
• Discover what this means: Wo kann ich Lederhosen in meiner Größe?
• Be inspired to plan your next trip now!

The Top 5 Things of All Things Travel also includes stories from fellow travelers, links to helpful websites and apps, and space for you to add your own lists (in the paperback version). This is a fun read that can really prove to help you. I like the different facts Kristine and Toni provide and tidbits about how the book came to be. I would recommend this for anyone who is about to travel or loves to travel. With all my travel experience, I still found this book helpful. There were some things they mentioned that I hadn’t thought about, such as writing down the number for making calls to the U.S. If you have it written down you won’t be scrambling if/when the time comes you need to call.

What’s better, is that one lucky reader is going to win a copy of The Top 5 Lists Of All Things Travel (e-book)! To enter, leave a comment let me know a travel destination you most want to visit! Giveaway ends 7/14/14 at 11:59pm CST! Good luck!

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Taking Your Nursing Career to the Next Level

medical stethoscope and mask composed with red foiled chocolate hearts

Advancing your nursing career can lead to greater job satisfaction, higher pay, and more opportunities to make a difference. Here are some tips for nurses who are looking to take their careers to the next level.

Further Your Education

One of the best ways to advance in nursing is to pursue additional education. Going back to school shows your dedication to the profession and allows you to gain new skills. Consider earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) if you have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). A BSN opens up opportunities for leadership roles and higher salaries. You could also earn an advanced degree like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which prepares nurses for roles as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and more.

Get Certified

Earning nursing certifications demonstrates your expertise in a specialty area. For example, you could get certified in a practice area like pediatric nursing, oncology nursing, or emergency nursing. Professional certifications give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs and can lead to higher pay. They also allow you to take on more responsibilities in your current role. Research which certifications are most valuable for your career goals and work experience.

Take on Leadership Roles

The importance of leadership in nursing cannot be overstated. Move into nursing leadership positions to take your career to new heights. Leadership roles allow you to influence nursing practices and policies. Options include charge nurse, nursing supervisor, nurse manager, and director of nursing. Gain leadership experience by volunteering for committees at your workplace. Or consider taking a position as a travel nurse leader, overseeing groups of travel nurses at different facilities. Furthering your education can help prepare you for leadership, as many advanced nursing degrees incorporate leadership training.

Specialize

Consider specializing in a certain field of nursing that matches your interests and abilities. Specializing allows you to provide expert care in your chosen area. For example, you may want to specialize in a type of medicine like oncology, or a patient population like pediatrics or geriatrics. Think about which nursing specialties are in high demand in your geographic area. Getting specialty training and certification can make you more marketable when applying for nursing jobs within your specialty.

Relocate

Be open to relocating to advance your nursing career. Some states and regions have major shortages of nurses, so your skills and experience will be highly valued. Relocating for your career can open up more job opportunities, allow you to earn a higher salary, and gain experience with new patient populations. Places like California, Texas, and Florida are projected to have enormous growth in nursing jobs over the next decade. Just make sure to research the nursing licensure requirements in a state before relocating.

Advancing your nursing career takes commitment and vision. By furthering your education, gaining specialty expertise, taking on leadership roles, getting certified, and being flexible with relocating, you can take your nursing career to exciting new heights. Stay motivated and open-minded, and your hard work will lead to career fulfillment.

5 Ways To Affordably Practice Self-Care This Spring

In a busy modern world, full of responsibilities and deadlines, it can be difficult to carve out time to dedicate to personal self-care. Yet, with a new season emerging into a time of busier schedules and endless deadlines, now’s the perfect time to set aside distractions and devote much-needed time to self-reflection, and ultimately, self-care. Making now the perfect time to make your self-care dreams a reality. Here are five low-impact, budget-friendly ways to incorporate some much-deserved pampering into your schedule this spring. 

Treat Yourself To Affordable Luxury

For many, the extent of indulgence our everyday lives afford us can be found within the toiletry section of our local supermarkets chains. From shampoo to conditioner, and even hair deep-treatments these bottles seem to offer everyday consumers the height of affordable luxury. But what about affordable natural alternatives?

As outer beauty is a reflection of inner health, a healthy, well-nourished body will shine with the simplest of ingredients-natural alternatives to conventional beauty products that work great. While a healthy diet and a good exercise plan can aid us all along the great journey that is life, as can a few well-selected natural alternatives. Products that are also less expensive, too.

Some favorites in my household are essential oils, such as rosemary, orange, and sage clary oils or natural sodium, sea salt, pink Himalayan salt, and Epsom salt. Even the use of naturally-derived oils including argon oil, coconut oil, and castor oils.

Self love Sunday. Bath salts, vegan chocolate, tea and a book.

One product I love to keep on-hand each Springtime is an DIY bath blend:

  • 4 Cups Pink Himalayan Pink Salt
  • 1 Cup Epsom Salts
  • 40-60 Drops of Lavendar Essential Oil
  • 4-6 Tablespoons Dried Rosemary

I love adding the combined salts to a jar, keeping the jar in a dry, cool place bath-side. Then, when ready to use, add 1/2 cup salt blend and essential oils directly to water, when running a bath. The oils add affordable health, and luxury, to both my bath, and bathroom area. While adding much-needed peace and tranquility to my bathtime experiences. From bath salts to bath bubbles, moisturizing our skin and adding a little bit of luxury to your body can benefit our emotional health and overall well-being, too. 

Or for schedules more complex in nature, booking yourself a beauty treatment may provide more self-care for your life. These days, a visit to an affordable, professional, and established beauty salon, can be a spiritual experience.

Pamper Yourself With A New Outlook

In a world riddled with unending pressures, your body, and mind, need self-care. This includes looking after your emotions. After all, everyday living can be an emotional experience, no matter if it happens at work or home. Depending on the severity of the incident, you could end up feeling depressed and anxious. This is why you’ll need to look after the emotions you’re feeling in including your emotions in various ways, including:

With a plethora of free and affordable self-affirming activities to choose from, there are plenty of budget-friendly means to leave you feeling relaxed, confident, and ready to achieve your greatest levels of personal growth and success this season.

Indulge Your Appetite

If you are somebody ready to boost your health and well-being, updating your menu at home is a great place to start. Afterall, there’s fewer better ways to tone your frame than a well-directed dive into Gastroenterology. But, thankfully, what makes us healthy can make us happy, too.

While there are plenty of natural and home remedies to choose from to boost your health or well-being, I believe that bettering our bodies begins with comforting our souls, too. As any Francophile will tell you, this, for me, and others, begins with a well-stocked pantry and on-hand simple bamboo cutting boards, to make Charcuterie boards at home.

A popular trend that has gained widespread popularity in the past few years due to both its instant visual appeal and elevated presentation, perfect for your next night-in. Create pairing with simplicity in mind, inclduing budget-friendly flavors choices and, perhaps, yes, budget-friendly culinary trends (Pinterest, anyone?). There’s endless ways to create make-ahead Charcuterie boards on a budget this springtime at home-the possibilities are endless!

This Francophile enjoys making trays with vegan-friendly meats and cheeses, Dijon mustard, and Festive Chickpeas. Made with all-natural and healthy ingredients, containing no artificial flavors or preservatives, and available in salted, ranch, unsalted, and sour-cream flavors, they provide a much-needed, flavor-packed crunch to all Charcuterie boards at home. The perfect pairing for cured meats, chutneys, salad-toppers, and vegan or conventional cheeses-be sure to check out their festive snack ideas on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Take Yourself For A Walk In Nature

There is nothing’s few things more rejuvenating than a brisk walk in the great outdoors. Making walking a fantastic indulgence that will cost you little more than time and provide you with a myriad of physical and emotional benefits. Walking is incredibly beneficial for several reasons, including the following:

  • An effective way to burn calories and aid healthy weight loss
  • Improve your levels of creative thinking
  • A natural way to improve your levels of focus and concentration
  • Benefits your mental health
  • Reduces stiffness and pain in joints and muscles
  • Lowering levels of sugar in the blood to improve circulation 

Walking, whether barefoot, on grass, or even sand, has been found to have a calming effect on the mind. It’s a grounding experience, connecting you with the earth and helping to balance your energies-sure to soothe your worries away.

Delight In Retail Therapy

In the modern world where online internet shopping is becoming ever-increasingly more prevalent, there really is nothing like visiting your local shopping center or department store and indulging in some therapeutic, unless its free retail therapy.

Unlike your usual shopping trips, relax and enjoy the experience of shopping for the best of what the internet has to offer for free. From coursework to gaming, you can affordably indulge in buying treats and surprises for yourself online.

silver laptop computer beside white smartphone on brown wooden table

Several great examples are:

With freebies, you can not only save a lot of money throughout the year but aid your own self-care, too. Using the promotions above, you can relax, inspire, and share-and often earn free stuff, too.

A life well led can be chock-full of traumatizing experiences, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t also the occasional budget-friendly cure for the emotional toll it can have. Looking after your emotions, getting enough rest, and seeing an attorney (joke, kind of) are all notable areas to look after. They’ll get you on the road to recovery much better than you’d think-one freebie at a time.

Friends, how do you take care of your own self-care at home? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Top 5 Most Historic Cities to Visit in the UK

The United Kingdom boasts a rich tapestry of history, with numerous cities that have played pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s narrative. From ancient Roman settlements to medieval strongholds and bustling modern metropolises, the UK offers a wealth of destinations that captivate visitors with their storied pasts. In this article, we’ll explore the top five most historic cities to visit in the UK, each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s fascinating heritage. 

1. London

As the capital and largest city in the UK, London’s historical significance is unparalleled. From the remnants of Roman occupation to the iconic landmarks that dot its skyline, London is a true living museum. Explore the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as a fortress, palace, and prison. Admire the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British monarch. Stroll along the River Thames, once a vital artery for trade and commerce, and witness the architectural masterpieces that line its banks, including the Palace of Westminster, home to the iconic Big Ben. Depending on where you fly in from, you may need to apply for a United Kingdom visa online before visiting London and the rest of the UK.

2. Bath

Step into the Roman era with a visit to Bath, a city renowned for its well-preserved Roman baths and Georgian architecture. The Roman Baths, built around 70 AD, offer a glimpse into ancient bathing rituals and the engineering marvels of the era. Explore the Circus and the Royal Crescent, two of Bath’s most iconic examples of Georgian architecture, showcasing the elegance and sophistication of the 18th century. Bath’s rich history also includes connections to Jane Austen, who lived and wrote in the city during the Regency period.

3. Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is a city steeped in history and culture. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of medieval streets and alleys, dominated by the imposing Edinburgh Castle, which has stood watch over the city for centuries. Wander along the Royal Mile, a succession of streets linking the castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch. Explore the Gothic splendor of St. Giles’ Cathedral, a focal point of the city’s religious history, and immerse yourself in the rich literary heritage of Edinburgh, home to renowned writers like Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

4. York

York’s history stretches back to the Roman era, making it one of the most historically significant cities in northern England. The city’s medieval legacy is evident in its well-preserved architecture, including the iconic York Minster, a magnificent Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline. Explore the Shambles, a picturesque street lined with overhanging timber-framed buildings that date back to the 14th century. Visit the Jorvik Viking Centre to learn about the city’s Viking history and the archaeological discoveries that shed light on this fascinating period.

5. Oxford

Oxford, a city renowned for its world-famous university, has a rich history that extends far beyond its academic legacy. Wander through the charming medieval streets and admire the centuries-old colleges that have nurtured some of the world’s greatest minds. Visit the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and marvel at its vast collection of books and manuscripts. Explore the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, a stunning example of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture, and delve into the city’s scientific and cultural heritage.

From the bustling streets of London to the Roman baths of Bath and the medieval charm of York, the UK’s historic cities offer an unparalleled opportunity to step into the past and experience the rich tapestry of British history.

Friends, where would you want to most travel within the UK? Or have you traveled within the UK? What were your favorite spots of itnerest? Leave your comments below.

4 Coping Mechanisms To Use During Addiction Recovery

If you’re on the road to recovery from an addiction, congratulations. Roughly 75% of those who seek addiction treatment are successful, so you have a good chance of making it. But the challenge is far from over. Addiction recovery is a life-long process often plagued with stress, exhaustion, frustration, and even loneliness. It’s more of a mental battle as you try to deal with withdrawal symptoms while battling the urge to return to your source of addiction. Thankfully, you can master a few skills to make your rehabilitation process more rewarding and successful. Here are some helpful coping mechanisms to use during addiction recovery.

1. Be proactive about stress management 

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It’s important to learn how to manage stress during your recovery process, as it has the power to derail your progress and send you running back to your addiction. Studies show that relapses happen within the first few weeks to two months, with 85% relapsing within the first year. Stress is one of the main causes behind most of such relapses. 

So, be proactive about stress management. In other words, don’t let stress get the better of you before dealing with it. You can use several methods to control your stress levels, including deep breathing exercises, meditation, massage therapy, yoga, and relaxing hobbies. Also, try to get enough sleep at night. 

2. Consider professional support and guidance

You’ll need all the help you can get during recovery, especially when coping with challenging withdrawal symptoms. Trained professionals like counselors and therapists understand the psychological and emotional hurdles most people must overcome during recovery. Their experience and knowledge can help you develop personalized coping strategies tailored to your unique needs. They also understand what you’re going through, so their assistance is without judgment.

You can also consider behavioral health consulting services to help you address the behavioral aspect of your addiction. You’ll find a safe environment to assess and explore your emotions and identify what behaviors trigger your urges. 

3. Keep busy

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It’s easy to fall back into old habits when you’re idle. With nothing to occupy you, the urge to return to your source of addiction will be constant, and it will only be a matter of time until you yield. So. don’t wait things out; start getting busy. 

It would help if you had something positive and productive to do, especially activities that bring joy and a sense of fulfillment. Something else should give you a reason to wake up each day.

Consider learning a new skill or language. If you have travel destinations on your bucket list, now is the time to start planning your trips. You can also join a local team to play sports. Do anything that will uplift your spirit daily.

4. Wait before you respond 

Addiction can cause you to act impulsively, making rushed decisions, and this behavior can persist even during your recovery stage. In most cases, the consequences of such decisions can leave you depressed, angry, anxious, and depressed, making it easy to relapse. 

It helps to wait before responding to any situation or before making decisions. Give yourself time to breathe, clear your mind, and weigh the consequences of each decision first before you act.

Navigating Life’s Rocky Roads: Your Guide To Simpler, Healthier Living

So, you’ve hit a bit of a snag in life’s journey, huh? Well, join the club! We’ve all been there – stuck in the mud, feeling like we’re on an episode of “Survivor,” except the prize isn’t a million dollars, but just getting through the day without screaming into a pillow. Now, let’s talk about turning those lemons life threw at you into some top-notch lemonade (or lemon meringue pie if that’s what tickles your fancy). Here are some tips to navigate those tough times.

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Find Your Inner Zen with ‘Gardening Therapy’

Ever tried talking to plants? It’s surprisingly therapeutic! Gardening isn’t just about growing veggies or flowers; it’s about nurturing something from the ground up. It’s like building a Lego set without instructions, exciting and a bit frustrating, but oh-so rewarding when you see the first sprout!

Adopt A Quirky Hobby

Ever heard of underwater basket weaving? Okay, maybe that’s a bit too out there, but why not try something offbeat like salsa dancing in your living room or learning to play the ukulele? Quirky hobbies are like secret ingredients in a recipe – they add an unexpected but delightful flavor to life. Plus, they’re great conversation starters and can turn a dull day into an unforgettable story!

Plan A ‘Staycation’ Mystery Adventure

Who says you need to travel far for an adventure? Turn your living space into a mystery destination. Have a Moroccan night with themed food and décor, or camp in your backyard. It’s about breaking the monotony with a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of imagination.

Embrace ‘Wabi-Sabi’ In Your Daily Life

‘Wabi-Sabi’ is a Japanese concept that finds beauty in imperfection. Celebrate the little imperfections in your life. That chipped mug? It’s got character. Your slightly overcooked dinner? Call it ‘crispy cuisine’. Life’s too short to sweat the small stuff. Embracing this mindset can turn everyday frustrations into moments of personal growth and self-acceptance.

Turn Worrying News Into A Learning Journey

If life throws a curveball like a worrying medical diagnosis, remember, it’s a chapter, not the whole story. Just like people going through intravascular lithotripsy treatment face a challenging condition but come out stronger, use this as a chance to learn, grow, and maybe even advocate for others. It’s about finding strength in vulnerability.

Create Your Own ‘Happy News’ Bulletin

Let’s face it, the news can be a downer. So why not create your own ‘Happy News’ bulletin? Fill it with good news from your friends, uplifting stories, or achievements (like finally figuring out how to fold a fitted sheet!). This custom news feed can be a daily reminder of the joy and positivity existing in the world, often hidden beneath the headlines.

So, as you navigate these challenging times, remember, it’s not about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain (or at least making a decent rain dance out of it). Keep your chin up, your spirit high, and your heart open. Life’s a wild ride, but with these unique twists, you’ll be cruising through it with a bit more flair and more laughs.