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.
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 andKristine 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 Travelalso 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.
Did you know that my family, my Grandmother, Carolyn, and her brother, Danny Lee, adopted me as a child? A simple act of loving devotion that has left me with a lifelong desire to see other children find their forever homes. No easy task, as many children in various state foster care systems are moved from home to home, from house to house, often toting their limited belongings in transient, trash bags. Leaving impressionable children, young scholars, artists, and athletes already struggling to find their place in this world, struggling to retain personal dignity and space.
While these problems lie much larger, more complicated socioeconomic, economic, and politicized issues. Yet, there are simple ways that everyday people, those like you, and I, can help- ways as simple as they are straightforward.
“My Bag My Story,” a non-profit organization that strives to improve the lives of foster youth by providing children with high-quality travel-style bags. With each bag purchased, another high-value bag is donated to help children navigate state foster care systems.
This initiative seeks to address the stigma of children and adolescents being prevented from the indignity that comes with carrying their possessions from place to place in mere garbage bags. Providing foster youth bags that are more than practical simplicity. These bags, train cases, and duffle bags are symbols of value, support, and recognition. Affirming the value of the shared human experience for every child in the foster care system. Helping American foster children feel seen and supported.
My Bag, My Story Founder, Cara Finger, explains that the organization’s origin started when she “Became a foster parent and watching children always have their belongings in a trash bag or grocery sack or nothing. Everyone kept saying this was normal. I said it doesn’t have to be normal, so I set out to have bags made for kids,” That “having a bag to call your own instead of a trash bag gives a child dignity and makes them feel valued. A bag seems so small but makes a huge difference in their foster care experience. Making a child feel like they are worth more than trash is so important to me.” A message vital to me as a fellow adopted child and as someone who, in turn, has helped support members of my own extended family to adopt children in recent wartime conditions.
Beyond community and state donations, My Bag, My Story has partnered with more than 30 Tennessee-based organizations to work directly with children in the foster care system to get them high-quality duffle bags, train cases, and backpacks. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, My Bag, My Story depends on the generosity and support of national corporations, including Dell, The Predators Foundation, Saint George’s Episcopal Church, and the Target Corporation.
National Foster Care Statistics
According to the United States Department of Education, more than 400,000 children rely on the National Foster Care System. With nearly 20,000 young persons aging out of foster care annually, between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one, respectfully. Many are without the option of being reunited with their families of origin or legalized adoption. Presenting challenges to young people transitioning to independent living without the guise or financial means of establishment. You can learn more about the foster care system and its many challenges to young children and adolescents, here.
Ways To Help
Ordering a bag from My Bag, My Story, helping to lend security and dignity to children and young adults navigating the foster care system, is one great way you can help send young Americans onto the path of dignity and diversity, today! With so many great options and styles, featuring high-quality fabrics, your generosity can help uplift children from the comfort of your own homes. You can also read other My Bag, My Story accounts on its website, and check out My Bag, My Story on Instagram and Facebook.
If buying a My Story, My Bag duffle, train case, or tote isn’t an option for you at present, I ask that you please consider sharing this organization’s mission with those in your own life. And if you’re looking for other ways to serve foster families, here are other ways you can positively impact those living in foster care in your neck of the woods.
Giveaway
To help spread this impactful message, the good people of Momentum Influencers are giving one TheLadyPrefers2Save.com reader a chance to win their own $10.00 Amazon card. To enter, please tell me in the comments about your own experiences with the foster care system. Or how you believe individuals can help improve the national foster care system. A winner will be chosen at random on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, at 11:59 P.M. CST. Gift cards will be electronically sent from Momentum Influencers. Duplicate entries across all participating campaign websites will be disqualified. Good luck!
Friends, have you or your loved ones been impacted by the foster care system? Please leave your comments below.
So, you’re a stay-at-home mom thinking about getting a divorce? That’s a huge step! We’re here to walk you through this, not just with the dry facts, but with that friend-next-door chat. It’s about understanding what’s ahead, getting back on your feet, and maybe even cracking a smile or two along the way. We promise to keep it real and maybe share a laugh (or a tear) because, let’s face it, life is too short for anything less. Plus, you’re not alone in this; many have walked this path before and found brighter days on the other side.
Alright, the first thing you’ve gotta do? Find yourself a sharp lawyer who knows all about family law. They’ll make the big legal words sound less scary and help you figure out your rights. Did you know the right attorney can make sure you’re all set to protect your assets in a divorce? Yep, they’ll help you keep what’s yours and get you through the legal hoops with your head held high. Finding an attorney who meshes well with your personality and understands your specific needs will make all the difference. They are your first line of defense and an invaluable guide through the twists and turns of legal proceedings.
Money Talks
Now, let’s talk about cash. It’s time to sit down with all those bank statements, property deeds, and investment accounts. Knowing what’s financially is key—not just for the legal side of things, but for your peace of mind, too. Set up a budget that reflects your new single status and maybe even squirrel away a little emergency fund. It’s like giving the future you a high-five. This fund will keep you steady if the waters get rough, and it’s always smart to have a little extra for those unexpected hiccups along the way. Money might not buy happiness, but it sure does buy peace of mind during turbulent times.
Back to the Grind
Getting a job might feel like you’re trying to learn how to ride a bike again, but trust me, you’ve got this! Spruce up that resume with all the incredible skills you’ve mastered as a mom. Organizational ninja? Check. Budget boss? Double check. And networking—don’t forget to reconnect with old colleagues or hit up new LinkedIn connections. There’s a whole world out there looking for someone just like you. Tailor your job search to positions that value your unique skills and offer the flexibility you need as a mom. Remember, every job interview is just a conversation, not an interrogation.
You’re Amazing—Remember That!
If the divorce has got you feeling down, it’s time to lift yourself. Throw on some sneakers and hit the gym, or get lost in a book or hobby you love. These moments do wonders for your self-esteem, and hey, they’re fun, too. Remember, taking care of your mind and body isn’t just good for you—it’s good for your kids, too. Self-care is not selfish; it’s essential. When you’re feeling good, you’re a better mom, friend, and all-around human.
Support Squad
Going through a divorce feels a lot less lonely when you have people to talk to. Whether it’s friends who’ve been there or a professional counselor, don’t shy away from sharing your feelings. And think about joining a support group. Meeting people who are riding the same emotional rollercoaster can be really reassuring. It’s okay to lean on others and share your journey. You might be surprised how sharing your story can inspire and comfort others in similar shoes.
Kids in the Mix
If you’ve got little ones, figuring out the best setup for custody is super important. Chat with your lawyer about what you want and how to make it happen with as little upset to the kiddos as possible. Keeping their lives stable is a big win during all the changes. The right custody arrangement can make all the difference in how your children cope with the transition. Focus on creating a routine that feels secure and loving for them, no matter the changes.
Mediation vs. Court: What’s Your Style?
If you can settle things through mediation, it’s usually less harsh than going to court. You’ll sit down, talk it out, and try to agree on the big stuff with your soon-to-be ex. But if things get tough and you find yourself heading to court, stay calm. Your lawyer will prepare you for what to expect. Always aim for mediation if you can—it tends to preserve a bit of the relationship and certainly saves time and stress. However, be prepared to stand your ground in court if needed.
New Beginnings
Think of this whole divorce thing as a chance for a fresh start. It’s about more than just endings—it’s about new opportunities and the exciting road ahead. You’re not just surviving; you’re ready to thrive! Every challenge brings a chance to grow, and this is no exception. So, embrace the uncertainty and get ready for a new adventure—it might just be the best yet!
Charting Your Course Through Emotional Waters
Diving into the emotional aspects of divorce is like setting sail on a vast ocean of feelings—sometimes calm, often stormy. You’re the captain now, and it’s crucial to navigate these waters with care. Acknowledge your feelings, the good, the bad, and the ugly—it’s all part of the healing process. Permit yourself to grieve the loss of what was while also looking forward to the horizon. Remember, every storm eventually runs out of rain. Keep an emotional journal or blog to document this journey; it can be incredibly therapeutic to express yourself and track your progress. By accepting what you are going through and feeling all of the feelings you’re also setting a good example for your kids to be emotionally vulnerable, a lesson that will stay with them forever.
Rediscovering Yourself
This might be the perfect time to rediscover who you are beyond your roles as a spouse and mother. What were your passions before you put them on the back burner? Maybe it’s painting, writing, or perhaps a sport you used to love. Rekindle those old flames or ignite new ones. Enroll in a class, join a local club, or set aside time each week to explore your interests. This isn’t just about distraction—it’s about reconnecting with your essence and igniting sparks of joy that make life feel vibrant and exciting again.
Looking ahead, it’s time to lay down the foundations for your long-term success and stability. Start by setting goals, both big and small. Maybe it’s career-oriented goals, educational aspirations, or personal milestones like traveling to a place you’ve always wanted to visit. Break these goals down into achievable steps and start tackling them one by one. A clear plan gives you direction and a sense of purpose, making the post-divorce phase not only manageable but enjoyable. Embrace this time to build a future that excites you, filled with dreams tailored just for you.
Wrapping It Up
Navigating a divorce as a stay-at-home mom is no small feat, but you’re tougher than you think. With the right legal advice, a solid financial plan, and a boost in self-confidence, you’ll be more than just okay—you’ll be on your way to a bright new future. So, here’s to new adventures, strengths, and a new you. Let’s make this chapter one heck of a comeback! You’ve got a world of possibilities waiting for you, and who knows? The next chapter might be your favorite yet.
Friends, are you facing a divorce? How are you empowering your future self? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
— a book full of simple (and sometimes silly) lists that will help you plan and embark on your next trip.
