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Things to Avoid When Decorating Your Kids’ Bedroom

Creating a safe and joyous space for your little ones is one of the greatest joys of being a parent. So here are some common things to avoid when decorating your kids’ bedroom… CONTINUE READING >>

Creating a safe and joyous space for your little ones is one of the greatest joys of being a parent. So many parents make a playroom for the children, yet the bedroom is also a fun area for most. But kids are different from adults, and hazards are everywhere, even with things you wouldn’t expect. So here are some common things to avoid when decorating your kids’ bedroom.

Sharp Edges

Young children really don’t understand the laws of physics. For example, as you know, two atoms of the same dimension cannot occupy the same physical space. Unfortunately, kids have no regard for the Pauli exclusion principle. Therefore, they tend to bump into things, seemingly randomly, yet some suspicion that they’re up to something. Whatever it is they’re up to, sharp edges will cause physical injury to your children.

You can help reduce this by installing furniture and items designed for kids. Some furniture specialists like Tylko provide a child-friendly furniture range. Rounded edges are just 1 of 5 Reasons to Get a Tylko Shelf in Your Kids’ Room. Rounded edges will significantly reduce the chance of breaking the skin should your children accidentally bump their heads or try to climb on the furniture. Or when they nibble on the edges.

Toxic Materials

Speaking of nibbling, babies and toddlers love to stick things in their mouths or chew on stuff. The dangers of this should seem quite obvious. Yet many modern materials are toxic to children. In addition to the risk of cuts to the mouth, teeth might become damaged. Yet, the most severe issue is ingesting toxic materials or solvents such as those used in the manufacture of synthetic materials or varnishes and paints for wood.

Soft engineered wood is mainly used for children’s furniture. Therefore, if you buy wooden furniture for your kids, it is best to purchase certified wood free from toxins and contaminants such as formaldehyde. Manufactured woods like MDF can be toxic depending on the manufacturing process. However, reputable children’s furniture manufacturers will not use these woods. They should also use child-friendly paints and varnishes free from solvents and polyurethane.

Overcrowding

You always want your kids’ bedrooms to be their own little paradise. A place where they can safely play, laugh, learn and grow. As such, it is easy to cram a room full of toys, games, and stuffed animals. In addition, bedroom furniture like shelving, units, and wardrobes are also typically present. Yet many present dangers such as collapse and tipping over if not constructed, installed, or used correctly.

For example, a shelf crammed with board games may collapse under the weight. A wardrobe with additional toys on top might tip over. And a case full of heavy books might come away from the wall and fall on a child. In the US alone, over 400 children per year are fatally injured from climbing on furniture.

It is therefore imperative that you install items properly, don’t overload a shelf and only use items as intended. It might look cute to place an army of stuffed animals on a shelf above the bed, but make sure that:

    • The shelf is installed properly
    • You don’t exceed the safe weight limit.

Or you could potentially create an injury waiting to happen.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

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Is there a Future for Tapas Tours in a Post-Covid Spain?

Tapas are a way of life in Spain. But on the other hand, they may not be the best fit in our current Covid risk reduction environment…
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Tapas are a way of life in Spain. In fact, we have made it a point to include an evening of enjoying them every time we travel through this beautiful country.

Along the way we have found that while there are definite similarities throughout the country. Ham, olives, and cheese are nearly universal, each region has some unique variations.

We learned that in the Basque region tapas are called pintxos, made with small slices of bread topped with a mixture of ingredients. A toothpick is used to hold things together, which is where the name comes from, “pincho”, means spike. The “tx” spelling is Basque for the “ch” sound.

In Madrid we found fantastic offerings on almost every street corner. Then in Catalonia we could hardly imagine a visit to one of our favorite cities in the world without indulging in a few tapas tours in Barcelona.

But now, like everything else, the Covid pandemic has changed how people feel about going out and socializing while enjoying these delicious bites. Restrictions, and people’s hesitancy to be in public places, has caused this delightful custom to suffer huge setbacks.

We love everything about Tapas, so we certainly hope that this is a temporary situation and that in the near future things can and will get back to normal.

But if we are to explore the future of tapas in Spain, perhaps we should begin by looking back at the origin of tapas. That brings to mind two questions, how did tapas begin, and how did they get so popular?

As with most things that have been around for centuries, there are any number of stories about where, when, and how Tapas first appeared. Several of them revolve around royalty, usually a king, discovering just how dandy it was to have a little snack with his drink.

Of course, back in those days pretty much everything had to start with the king, and then the rest of the folks would follow along. However, some of the other stories that don’t involve royalty sound more likely to us.

Such as, serving a drink with a saucer on top of it to keep the flies out, or covering cheap wine with a plate of strong cheese to hide the smell. Both of these fit well with the meaning of the word tapas, which is a cover or a lid.

Another likely story is that because tapas bars were designed as standing-only for customers, people who ordered a snack had nowhere else to put their plates except on top of their glass.

No matter how it all began, the whole process is very social. People stand and talk, share food from communal plates at the bar, and generally eat with their fingers, so it is easy to see how this became such a popular pastime.

On the other hand, it may not be the best situation in our current Covid risk reduction environment. But we hope that as vaccination rates increase, and they are now nearly 80% in Spain, things will begin to return to how they were pre-pandemic.

Another big step toward getting back to normal is how tapas tours organizers are coming up with creative ideas to improve people’s protection while still enjoying this wonderful tradition, and how participants are open to cooperating in order to ensure everyone’s safety.

We feel confident that the next time we visit Spain, hopefully next year, we will be perfectly comfortable enjoying everything about the palate pleasing practice of partaking in tapas to our heart’s content.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

What To Do If You Want A New Mobile Phone

Have you decided that it is time to update your tech and go for a new phone? You need to consider what you are going to do with the phone you won’t be using anymore…
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Have you decided that it is time to update your tech and go for a new phone? It seems that we tend to upgrade our phones fairly regularly. Most mobile phone contracts are eligible for upgrades after two years, and most people will take up this option. After all, why wouldn’t you want a brand new, shiny mobile phone? However, you need to consider what you are going to do with the phone you won’t be using anymore, and that is why we have put this helpful and informative guide together.

Protecting yourself

There are two chief areas of concern when it comes to disposing of your current phone and buying a new one. The first thing you need to consider is your own personal safety. Issues like identity theft and credit card fraud are rife at the moment, and so it is critical to make sure that you do not allow your old phone to get into the wrong hands. We will provide a little bit of further information on this below and how to prepare your phone if you are going to give it to someone else. However, it is so critical to make sure you never hand your phone over to someone else without clearing everything off it first.

Protecting the environment

Not only do you need to think about disposing of your new phone in a manner that is safe for you, but you also need to consider the environment as well. Electronic waste is one of the most dangerous forms of waste. It can cause huge damage to the nature around us, as well as the human beings that live close to these landfills, a lot of which are in Africa. If you read up online about electronic waste landfills, it really does make pretty terrifying reading.

Recycling your phone

The first option that we would always recommend you consider is recycling your phone. If your phone still works, there is no reason why you should throw it in the bin. Someone else could get plenty of use from it. You may want to consider selling your phone on the likes of eBay, or there are dedicated companies established that will purchase old phones as well, so all of these options are worth looking into. Or, why not donate your old mobile phone to someone who is less fortunate than you?

Before you recycle your phone, though, make sure that you clear everything effectively. You will want to start off by reading this guide on how to transfer photos from iPhone to Mac. Once you have uploaded all of your documents and photos to the cloud so that they are safely stored, you can then wipe your phone. It is important to make sure that your phone is wiped to factory settings. The last thing you want is for someone to receive a phone that is filled with all of your private data. Identity theft is rife at the moment, so it is not being over-cautious to say that you need to be very careful.

When recycling your phone is not an option

If it is not possible for you to recycle your phone, for example, if it is broken, then you need to think about the other options that are available to you. There are a lot of companies that will offer to purchase your phone or take it off your hands because they will use the parts that are inside of it. If not, it is important to note that companies selling mobile phones and other gadgets should offer a take-back service. With this service, you should be able to give your phone to them and they will dispose of it in the most eco-friendly manner. Information like this should be available on the company website but, if it is not, simply drop the company an email to find out more.

Final words on what to do when you do not need your mobile phone anymore

All things considered, there is no denying that we all need to be more conscious about the world around us and how our actions impact it. This is definitely the case when it comes to disposing of electronic equipment we do not need anymore, like mobile phones. We hope that the information and advice that we have provided you with above will assist with this so you can dispose of your mobile phone in a safe and effective manner.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

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5 Top Attractions To Visit While In Dallas

Dallas is a lively, busy city and you can tell from looking at the Airport. This is one of the busiest airports in the world as everyone is coming to see this vibrant city… CONTINUE READING >>

You might be thinking about planning your next trip away, if so, why not go and visit Dallas. This is a lively, busy city and you can tell this just from looking at Fort Worth Airport. This is one of the busiest airports in the world as everyone is coming to see this vibrant city.

Aquarium

Dallas is home to The Dallas World Aquarium, here you will be able to walk around five different lands to see a whole variety of animals and marine life. They have an amazing conservation program with agreements from five South American countries. If you will be visiting Dallas and the aquarium regularly then you might want to think about membership so you don’t have to pay an entrance fee each time. If you take your children to the aquarium it will be a great learning experience for them.

Perot Museum

At the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, you and your children can come face to face with a T-rex and learn all about the human body. There are a total of 11 different exhibits, each as interesting as the other. You will leave feeling more knowledgeable than ever before. There is a fantastic children’s section of the museum where they can play and roam free to explore in a safe environment.

Reunion Tower

One of the tallest buildings in Dallas is the reunion tower. It is an observation tower and the most recognizable in the city. You can do many things at Reunion Tower including go up and see Dallas both during the day and at night. Take in the sites all over the city at the top of this 561ft tower. The tower also makes for a great date night location. Treat your other half to a breathtaking date they will never forget. You can also have the luxury of saying I DO at the top of the tower as they offer luxurious wedding packages.

Theme Park

Well, no trip is complete without a trip to a theme park. You might be a total adrenaline junkie in which case Six Flags Over Texas theme park will welcome you with open arms. If you have heard of the six flags theme park brand, this one was the first in the chain to open in 1961. They have numerous roller coasters and rides suitable for the thrill-seekers to the very little ones. They have events and live shows all throughout the year and put on amazing Halloween and Christmas shows.

Escape Rooms

There are many indoor activities you can do in Dallas if the weather isn’t too great outside. You could take on one of the five escape room challenges. These are great to do with family or friends as you have to work as a team. They can also be a great laugh, will you complete it or will you be locked in forever? You can choose which one to do based on the level of difficulty, ranging from a 6/10 to a 9/10.

We hope this helps you find your way around Dallas with ease and you take in all the lovely sites.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Traveling With Your Pet? Six Tips That’ll Help

If you’re planning on traveling with your pet, consider the tips mentioned above to ensure a comfortable and trouble-free trip…
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Planning a trip as a pet parent can be highly stressful since you don’t really know who to trust with your little furry baby. And hiring a pet-sitter can add more layers of anxiety. Even when you find a person you can trust, they will still not care for your pet as you would. It may lead to the dilemma of whether or not a trip is even worth it if your pet is not with you to enjoy it. Alternatively, research also shows that CBD products can help calm pets.

Many people cancel or postpone their trips because of this panic. Even though it is rational to worry about your pet, traveling with it is not impossible. With the increasing number of people owning pets, the consumer market is changing to cater to the needs of pet parents. American Pet Product Association (APPA) found out in surveys of 2019-2020 that 67 percent of the families in the USA own a pet, which has led to the traveling and hoteling industries adapting to accommodate this demographic. Therefore, now instead of worrying about their little furry friends, people can travel with it and make their trip more memorable, especially family vacations. That said, listed below are a few tips that will help you if you’re traveling with your pet.

Look for pet-friendly accommodation

When you finally decide to take your pet with you on a trip, you must provide it with suitable accommodation. Therefore, you must choose a place to stay that covers all the needs of your pet. Additionally, it is better to book in advance than having the hotel refuse to let your pet stay when you arrive. You may look up hotels in the vicinity of the destination you plan on visiting. For example, if you’re planning a hiking trip to the Great Smoky Mountains with your dog, look up pet friendly cabins Gatlinburg on the internet to identify the best options. Pet friendly hotels and resorts acknowledge that your pet is important to you and ensure that both you and the animal have a pleasant stay.

Pack your pet’s favorite toys

Boredom is not exclusive to humans only. Even animals tend to get bored, especially when they don’t get the attention they crave. So, it is better to pack a few pet toys for the trip. You may even buy one or two travel-friendly toys for your pet that will keep them entertained. If you’re leaving your pet in the hotel, pay with it when you return from your engagements.

Do not leave your pet alone in the car

No matter what, never leave your pet alone in a rented car or cab when you’re out on the road. Even if it is just for a few minutes, it can prove to be fatal for your pet. Especially in the summer months, it is dangerous to lock your pet inside the car because of the heat. Moreover, someone might harm or steal it while you’re inattentive. SO be on your guard and ensure you have a leash tied to it.

Keep them hydrated

While traveling, the chances of dehydration increase for the pet. This is because of a lack of access to a water bowl. Therefore, you must put in extra effort to keep your pet hydrated. You could pack a water bowl in your luggage and carry it around with you in a bag when you take your pet outside of the hotel. And if that isn’t an option on the table, you must take water breaks for the pet when you find open water fit for drinking. You could also try feeding it moist pet food since the water content will help it stay hydrated.

Be prepared to track your pet if it gets lost

It is always a good idea to be ready for any emergency when traveling. In the case of traveling with a pet, be prepared for when it gets lost. In case you are traveling with a pet, be ready to handle pet emergencies. While traveling to a new place, your pet may get lost because of its innate sense of curiosity. Therefore, always have a leash on when in the outdoors. Also, attach a microchip to their collar for easy tracking. If that is an unaffordable option, write essential information such as your contact number and where you’re staying on the collar. In case something terrible happens, someone might reach out to you.

Book an appointment with a vet

Although we’re mentioning this last on the list, consider doing this first. Before the trip, book an appointment with your vet. It is mandatory to avoid any future inconveniences. If the vet detects any health problems, you may have to make adjustments to your itinerary. For example, buying and packing appropriate medication for the pet. You may also have to postpone your trip or get a pet-sitter if there is any severe issue. After all, nothing may be more important than the well-being of your furry buddy.

Conclusion

Owning a pet is not just a hobby. It is a responsibility that one takes for the entire lifetime of the pet. And because more people are now keeping pets, commercial industries such as tourism are now adapting to accommodate these additional little guests. So, if you’re planning on traveling with yours, consider the tips mentioned above to ensure a comfortable and trouble-free trip. Check-in with a vet before finalizing the rest of your itinerary, book a pet friendly hotel, keep toys and water bowl, and take measures to ensure it doesn’t get lost in uncharted territories.

4 Iconic spots of the Scottish Coastline

Wherever you decide to go along the Scottish Coastline, you will not regret having planned a trip here to explore long stretches of sandy beaches, cliffs, sea life and castles… CONTINUE READING >>

The beautiful coastline of Scotland includes sea lochs, incredible beaches, amazing, rugged cliffs and stunning islands. You can find some of the most inspiring landscapes in the Scottish Highlands. It spans 6,160 miles (9,910 km) and offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy spending time in nature and visiting local villages and picturesque towns. Here are some of the most beautiful places in Scotland which top of our list:

Lothian Coast

You can’t go wrong when spending some time on the Lothian Coast. The Lothian region includes Edinburgh and the districts East, Mid and West Lothian. Some of the beaches worth visiting are Yellowcraig Beach, Tyninghame Beach and Seacliff Beach. Gullane Beach is privately owned and may require a small entrance fee. You’ll find a few sandy beaches surrounded by cliffs and forests. Some of the towns on the Lothian Coast are North Berwick and Musselburgh.

Moray Coast

The popular sea inlet Moray Firth is the largest in Scotland and is often visited as a part of the North Coast 500. You can hike along the coast and may even be able to spot some dolphins in the sea. While the temperatures may be too cold to swim, consider going on a boat trip instead. Even though many tourists typically visit this area, you can also find more remote places here. Particularly the Southern part may provide an escape from heavily visited tourist areas. Moray Coast is a great place to see if you plan a coastal holiday and enjoy visiting iconic locations. If you are looking for clean, modern and affordable accommodation that you can book with your family, friends or just for yourself, you’ll find parks and glamping sites here that are close to the most important sights.

Iona

In Iona take in the beauty of historic abbeys and old chapels that overlook the sea. Take walks on paths that lead down to the water and visit the Iona gallery if you enjoy pottery designs, hand-crafted designs and art.

Oban

Watch the fishing boats leave the harbour or puffins dive into the water to catch fish in Oban. Great musical acts come through here and you will likely be able to catch a traditional music performance you can dance along to. Visit some of the many castles and enjoy the stunning views and the chance to escape into nature.

Wherever you decide to go along the Scottish Coastline, you will not regret having planned a trip here. While some areas are filled with tourists during certain times of the year, others are quiet and remote and allow you to explore long stretches of sandy beaches, cliffs, sea life and castles. Scotland can offer you one of the most relaxing holidays you have had in a long time.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

4 Types of Coffee to Try Before you Die

Coffee is a beverage that is cherished by people from all walks of life. A sip of coffee is enough to send a wave of excitement and freshness to your body.

You name a country, you will see people everywhere cherishing the taste of coffee with great joy. You can instantly make your guest happy with a serving of coffee.

Coffee flavor is not restricted to one but it comes in many flavors. Over time, new and new flavors have been added to the list. It is not possible for everyone to get a taste of every single flavor as various types of coffee are spread across many geographical places.

There are various methods to make coffee, one of them is pour-over coffee where you put the hot water in coffee grounds in a filter. There are many pour-over coffee makers that make it easier for you to make pour-over coffee.  You can make the comparison between Chemex vs Hario v60 vs Kalita wave. You can find which is better after using them.

All the coffee flavors are great and they come up with their own unique taste. However, there are some coffee flavors that are simply outstanding. We will see which are those flavors in this article, so, hang on till the end.

1. FRAPPUCCINO

This is coffee for which Starbucks is known. It is not the usual hot coffee, but it comes blended with ice and is topped with whip cream. It’s one sip that can give out of a world experience. Its consumption will make you want it more. It is recommended if you consume it when it is made by an expert. However, you make it in the comfort of your home if you can manage to arrange some ingredients. Coffeeatoz offers a great recipe for the frappuccino, that you can try at home.

Following things that you need at home to be able to make it:

    • A cup or two of ice
    • ½ cup shot of espresso
    • ½ cup of whole milk
    • 1 to 2 tbsp. of sugar
    • 1 to 2 tbsp. of flavored syrup

Recipe:

    1. Take coffee beans and grind them properly. Make sure that coffee beans are fresh to have the best taste. Brew the coffees in the coffee grinder.
    2. Let the coffee cool itself and never make the mistake of pouring the ice unless coffee comes at room temperature.
    3. Once it is cooled, then pour milk, sugar, and syrup into the blender and mix it properly. Then fill the cup with the Ice. Get yourself served.

2. Cafe mocha

Cafe mocha is a variant of cafe latte. It was invented by America. It was created taking inspiration from the coffee beverage Bicerin. It is not cold like FRAPPUCCINO, but it is served with hot milk and chocolate. It is a drink mainly from a cafe mocha.

The ingredients are:

    • 2/3 cup of mocha or chocolate powder (you can also use chocolate syrup)
    • 2 tbsp. of dark-roasted coffee beans
    • A cup or two of skimmed milk
    • Whipped cream
    • Coffee grinder

Recipe:

    1. Prepare the coffee as usual and prepare the mocha at the same time and make sure that the mixture of milk and chocolate is not cold.
    2. Now heat the milk and pour the mocha into a mug and pour the heated milk into it and then stir it properly.
    3. Top it with whipped cream and get yourself served.

3. Americano

It is made with hot water and it also uses espresso. You just need hot water as well as espresso to make this coffee. You can also use coffee from Lava Lei to achieve this recipe.

Recipe:

    1.  Get a coffee mug and put the espresso and hot water into the glass.
    2. Serve yourself.

4. CORTADO

Espresso is used in this beverage that is cut by a small amount of warm milk, reducing its acidity. It is mainly used in Spain and Latin America, Portugal. It is mainly used as an afternoon drink. The milk used to make this coffee is a little cooler.

Ingredients:

    • Espresso
    • Warm and frothy milk

Recipe

    1. Pour the espresso straight into a cup.
    2. Cut the espresso with little amounts of warm, frothy milk.
    3. Serve yourself.

There are many coffee flavors that are a must-try in your lifetime. However these four flavors are something that you should take a sip of once in your life. You will surely have the best experience drinking them.

 

Heading Abroad in a Post-Covid World? Don’t Forget these Travel Essentials!

Remember when travelling seemed so simple? Travellers who are excited to jump on a plane and enjoy exploring the world once again may find the travelling experience a little different to how they remembered it post-covid.

With tests and quarantines to consider, as well as traditional pre-flight security checks, baggage requirements and airport transfers, it’s a miracle any of us get on a plane without forgetting about something! Travelling is usually a stressful experience, no matter how excited you are about reaching your destination. Therefore, some forward planning can help keep stress and worry to a minimum. In this post, we’ll explore the travel essentials everyone should bring in a post-covid world, read on to find out more.

Travel Insurance

Travelling overseas shouldn’t mean taking a risk, and while many people believe that travel insurance is a waste of money, in reality, no one should be travelling without it. UHC Travel insurance ensures you and your loved ones are covered in the event of a medical emergency abroad and in an event where an evacuation is required. The last thing you need is to be stuck and completely stranded thousands of miles away from home, with mounting medical bills and problems with your treatments. Buying this kind of travel protection means you can enjoy your holiday, safe in the knowledge that if you or one of your party falls ill, has an accident or you need to be evacuated from the country quickly, this is all taken care of. Don’t risk your holiday – ensure you have travel insurance in place before you travel.

Masks and Hand Sanitiser

Flyers are currently required to wear face coverings when flying on planes and in airports. So, it’s worthwhile taking multiple masks to ensure their longevity and efficacy, especially on those long haul flights. You may also prefer to wear a face-covering in the airport, in taxis or on other methods of public transport. Using hand sanitiser regularly can help keep covid and other germs and bacteria at bay!

A Valid Passport

It’s easy to think that you don’t need reminding about your passport. However, a staggering number of fliers reach the airport before realising that their documents are out of date – throwing their entire holiday into chaos. Ideally, you should be checking the expiry date on your passports before you book your flights, as some countries won’t allow you to enter if you have less than six months left on your current passport.

Emergency Numbers

Do you know the emergency numbers of the country you’re visiting? For the USA, it’s 911, but what about mainland Europe, or the Far East? Arming yourself with this kind of knowledge will help keep you and your family safe whilst you travel overseas.

Your Prescriptions

If you’re currently taking medications, then not only should you take your medicines, but a copy of your prescription also. If you need medical assistance or run out of your medication, you’re more likely to find what you need at a local pharmacy.

Final Thoughts…

Travelling successfully takes time and careful planning. Don’t leave home without these helpful additions!