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Crowdsourced College Care Package

A few years ago, after our youngest made his way off to college, we asked for ideas on creating the ultimate college care package.

Here’s what we came up with…

CONTINUE READING >> 

We feel wildly fortunate that our three offspring have managed to successfully navigate their ways through higher education and are all off into their careers.

But that doesn’t mean we don’t remember what it is like having them away in school.

A few years ago, after our youngest made his way off to college, we asked for ideas on creating the ultimate college care package. Here’s what we came up with:

The #1 Suggested Item – Homemade Baked Goods

Jan, a reader from our Facebook Page suggested: “How about brownies and ch.chip cookies – NOT out of a box! Nobody gets homemade any more it seems.”

Jane, also from Facebook added: “Homemade caramel fudge brownies…”

I am SO not a baker. And brownies? Don’t get me started. My only attempts have turned out runny goo or a black brick-like substance.

Jane had inadvertently suggested the impossible. But since we have the smartest and most clever readers, I dove right in.

Because we are purposefully homeless, I borrowed a kitchen (don’t ask) and started with Jan’s cookies.

Easy, really anyone can do cookies. I didn’t burn the bottom of a single one! The trick is to actually allow the oven to preheat.

For packing, I put four to a baggy, for busy college student grab-n-go ease.

That’s not cheese in the picture.

Believe it or not, the brownies were perfect! Well, until the caramel topping part.

I really thought I had followed the directions to the letter, but as usual, things went terribly awry.

The caramel wouldn’t spread without decimating the brownies underneath and then it cooled into a rock-hard mess. Cutting them into squares (squares being a very flexible term) took a Herculean effort that required sculpting tools.

I sent them on anyway with the hope The Boy doesn’t yank a filling out.

Things I couldn’t mess up by cooking them

Wendy from Twitter said: “Anything local that they can’t buy where they are now. My kid is from Hawaii, live in NYC, so Crack Seed Shop care pkg is (love.)”

I really related to Wendy (after googling what crack seed was — it’s safe!); our kids all graduated high school
on a small tropical island. The conch shell horn is family tradition, The Piglet drove her dorm-mates crazy with her incessant blowing.

The Boy went to a college with a rich sports tradition, so the horn came in handy at football games.

Laurie from Facebook: “Rolls of quarters for the laundromat were always a hit!”

Mary Anne exclaimed, “Money!”

LOVE the rolls of quarters. Especially since we expected our kids to work for daily basics while in college, it’s a good way to give them a little money without ACTUALLY giving them money.

College is ridiculously expensive and we feel strongly that to appreciate it, they must pitch in. Though, like
Mary Anne, we sneak them checks for their birthdays and such.

Another no-money cheat is gift cards for groceries, restaurants, clothes, etc.

The Ultimate College Care Package

Another Twitter pal: “Lots of storage solutions if there is a dorm involved!”

Absolutely wonderful idea.

Dorms are tight spaces and anything you can find to create space would be most welcome.

The Boy received a laundry basket for this suggestion, as he was post-dorm.

No one is better at cracking an inappropriate, yet wickedly hysterical joke than The Boy’s “Uncle” Rich:

“How about a stack of nudey magazines and a 5 pack of Red Stripe?”

While The Boy may well enjoy those things, I found a magazine that I hoped he would find equally stimulating: Entrepreneur.
The lead story?

“Young Millionaires, How They Did It.”

Also see: 9 Things We Wish We’d Known BEFORE We Sent Our Kid to College

Family friend, Devin, was equally as scary: “Technology.
Some cool gadget he doesn’t have yet… but for entertainment, not education. (ipod, psp,video watch…) Or, the funny option: Magnums.”

Holy crap! Devin’s kids get video watches?

We got The Boy a movie (movies are technology, right?), he’s a pilot, so Airplane! is a cult classic among his friends.

I’m ignoring the condom suggestion. The Boy would kill me for blogging about his condom situation.

Another note on movies. We sent both The Piglet and Decibel “best of” video DVDs in their first care package. They included funny clips of them, family antics, theatrical productions, band & choir recitals,
etc. They LOVED it! Of course we have no footage of The Boy, so he didn’t get one.

Thank you notes. Make sure you include stamps. Get the most masculine ones you can find if your spawn is a male.

Doesn’t mean that they will actually be sent, but it ups the odds. I’m happier to get a thank you phone call myself, seems much more personal (and fun!) but am satisfied with an e-mail.

But, the older crowd considers those means of communication rude – my mother-in-law included. So my kids send real live old fashioned thank you notes (I think).

Microwave mac ‘n cheese / soup / ramen noodles. These just-add-water comfort foods are great for care packages, and college students put these way up on their favorites list.

They also work as a nice packing buffer for breakable things!

Other nice packing materials:

— local newspaper sections (homesick babies read these)
— small bags of chips (the ones with lots of air in them)
— and sanitary products (sounds strange, but these are EXPENSIVE and are appreciated).

More GREAT ideas from our brilliant readers:

Favorite snack foods

Lynn @MamaSays, says (from the comments below): A cookbook aimed at new cooks, some essential spices

Melissa suggests (from the comments below): Kites (for spring) and the little guns that shoot nerf-type balls. Stress relievers!

TSogge says (from the comments below): Couple pairs of new underwear!

More ideas from Your GypsyNesters:
The Boy uses his conch shell horn at a football game!

Toiletries: Shampoo, creams and potions, deodorant, contact lens supplies from www.contactlensesplus.com, special soap, acne lotion, perfume — that kind of stuff. The Boy got toilet paper this time. He and his roommates can’t seem to keep it in stock. We sent it as a joke, but I’m sure it will be put to use.

Things for their computer: Print cartridges, computer paper, etc.

Pics from Home: Stick ’em in a frame if you are feeling fancy. Or not. They’ll love ’em either way.

Make sure you send enough food to share: College kids are ravenous wolves. No better way to make a new friend than to share a cookie or two.

Veronica, GypsyNester.com

More: 9 Things We Wish We’d Known BEFORE We Sent Our Kid to College

YOUR TURN: Any ideas to share? Let’s brainstorm and come up with ideas for our newly “empty” nested friends!

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Shrug off the Winter Blues with a Sunshine Break

One of the best times to get away and escape day to day life is in the long, bleak months of winter. The promise of warmth and sunshine is a wonderfully uplifting experience to look forward to… CONTINUE READING >> 

One of the best times to get away and escape day to day life is in the long, bleak months of winter. The promise of warmth and sunshine when it’s going to be below zero at home is a wonderfully uplifting experience to look forward to. There are many good reasons to plan a winter break, and a surprisingly extensive range of destinations to choose from, so rather than feeling glum about summer coming to an end, have a browse through some travel brochures and start planning your sun-kissed winter vacation.

The benefits of taking a sunshine break

There are particular benefits associated with traveling to somewhere warm and sunny, especially for the older generations:

 • Winter can be a cruel time if you suffer from weather-sensitive pain. Most older folks have some degree of arthritis, and for many, it becomes almost crippling, particularly when it’s cold and wet. Barometric pressure is to blame, and falls in atmospheric pressure that accompany cold, wet weather affect the nerves and tissues that are involved in conditions such as osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Warmth nearly always relieves pain symptoms to some degree, and can help with stiffness in the joints and muscles too. So soaking up the sun and avoiding the cold, damp winter at home could ease your symptoms significantly.

 • Winter can also be a depressing time, made worse as you get older. You can’t get outside and enjoy all the activities that you would during the better weather, and when there’s a prolonged spell of bad weather, it can make you feel isolated and lower your spirits. There’s also limited light during the day, which can affect your mood; in severe cases leading to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a depressive condition caused by insufficient light levels in vulnerable people. Looking forward to a break from the wintry conditions, and enjoying your time in the sun will help relieve the mood-lowering effect of winter.

Planning your trip

Booking well in advance gives you longer to enjoy the positive effects of having your break to look forward to. Therefore it’s a good idea to get browsing and book up early. Companies like Teletext Holidays offer all inclusive winter sun vacations at very reasonable prices to locations such as the Canary Islands, Spain, Portugal, and Dubai. Some of these destinations may involve long-haul travel arrangements, so it’s a good idea to stay as long as you can to get the most out of your trip. Many resorts offer special Christmas packages that give you the festive feeling while enjoying the warmth of warmer climates, which can be a first-class idea, particularly if you wouldn’t be having a family get-together this year.

There aren’t really any negative aspects to taking a winter sunshine break, with the possible exception of having to come back to a damp and drizzly climate at home again! However, the benefits of taking a winter break far outweigh any attack of the doldrums when you return – and if you do feel blue when you get home, just start planning your next trip.

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

5 Reasons to Purchase a House During the Winter

Purchasing a house and moving during the winter may seem inconvenient, but it may also lead to considerable savings. Here are five reasons you may want to consider moving in the winter… CONTINUE READING >> 

Purchasing a house and moving during the winter may seem inconvenient, but it may also lead to considerable savings. If you are looking at a market with low inventory and have as of yet not been able to secure a home, it may also mean you have much less competition. Below are five reasons you may want to consider moving in the winter.

Sellers May Be More Motivated

Homes are typically priced slightly less during the winter, possibly since homes sold during the winter have taken longer to sell. Combine this with any number of pressing reasons, from having to move due to work or a financial obligation, and you have a seller who may be willing to accept a lower offer, any offer, just to move on.

You Get an Objective View of the Property

Any property that exists in a place where winters reach below freezing will appear less lush and lively in the winter. Trees lose their leaves, flowers die back, lawns are virtually non-existent, but on the plus side, you will get to decide on a fireplace.

While this might make it harder to see the potential of a home, it can also make it easier to take stock of the actual building and not get sidetracked. And, if you want to see the house in another season, you can always ask for pictures.

There May Be Less Competition or Fewer Offers

Lower selling prices may be the result of fewer offers. With the holidays and the cold weather, winter isn’t always the ideal time to move from house to house. It can be tricky to coordinate and uncomfortable. Changing schools can also be an additional hassle. However, if you are in a position to move or aren’t bothered by a little extra work, you may have less competition and end up scoring a great deal.

You Will Have a Better Idea of Winter Conditions

If you’re moving to a new area, like Colorado Springs, but you aren’t sure what to expect come winter, this is the ideal time to discover all the things you need to do to make winter as comfortable as possible. If there is a pool involved, see what the current owners do to winterize it. How much snow is typical? Will you have to deal with thin sheets of ice on the driveway or pools of frozen water collected in cracked concrete? 

Tax Benefits and Deduction Restrictions

Home ownership can make your taxes more complicated, but it also comes with a few benefits. Selling a home comes with a substantial number of tax benefits and deductions. Depending on the seller, those deductions may need to be taken in a specific year. If it’s already winter, that deadline may be fast approaching.

For example, if a seller needed to make repairs to a home to make it ready for sale, they can deduct those expenses but only if the repairs and improvements are made within 90 days of closing. If they’re already listing in winter, that gives them a short window to sell the house in a less-than-optimal market. If this is the case, a seller may be willing to accept a lower offer to speed things up instead of taking a loss on this or other similar deduction.

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

The USA’s Most Exotic Road Trip Destinations

When planning a road trip, it can be difficult to find the route that allows you to see the sights. However, with some simple planning and a reasonable timescale, you will be surprised how much you can see on your trip… CONTINUE READING >> 

When planning a road trip, it can be difficult to find the route that allows you to see the sights. However, with some simple planning and a reasonable timescale, you will be surprised how much you can see on your trip. So, grab your USA Esta Visa and start planning your once of a lifetime American road trip!

Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

This national forest is home to not only some of the most amazing wooded areas in the state, but some of the world’s most iconic waterfalls and best vineyards, making for an amazing trip.

However, if visiting any of these locations does not appeal to you, then you can also look up into the starry sky at night and witness some of the most amazing star constellations of the open sky. This is perfect for the smaller ones who want to learn about what is out there in the big wide world.

Daytona Beach, Florida

Everyone loves spending time down at the beach, so why not take a road trip to Daytona Beach? This amazing stretch of road gives you an amazing sea view as well as a large amount of the open road making this the perfect stop for any American road trip. With a pier and amazing activities for all ages coupled with some of the best views of the area, this destination is the perfect stop for a day or two.

With plenty of hotels in the area as well as events such as live music in bars and restaurants and the south by southwest photography exhibition, there is something for everyone no matter what time of year you decide to visit.

Arches National Park, Utah

With plenty to do in this amazing location, this is another location that makes one of the best stops for you. With rock arches from as far as the eye can see you can go hiking, cycling and stargazing with the most amazing views and peaceful atmosphere for you to spend your time. In addition to this, there is a campground at the location that allows you to pitch up your campervans and enjoy a night with the family in your own peace and tranquillity.

Cleveland Ohio

Located along the coast, the city of Cleveland Ohio is home to a multitude of points of interest for you to visit on your trip. With activities such as the Rock and roll hall of fame as well as the Cleveland art museum, there is plenty for you to see and do. Alternatively, why not take a day trip onto Lake Eire and experience the Cleveland skyline from the water. At night this amazing skyline is lit up a number of different colours make it look even more beautiful, with amazing bridges showcasing the very best of architecture in this area this really is a sight to behold.

No matter where you decide to stop off on your American road trip, there is something for the whole family with hours and hours of picturesque locations to help break up the hours spent on the open road. Enjoy!

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

The 7 Best Fall Motorcycle Destinations

There is not a more beautiful time to ride a motorcycle, then in the fall, and no matter where you are in the United States, there is a must-see highway waiting for you… CONTINUE READING >> 

There is not a more beautiful time to ride a motorcycle, then in the fall. The cool breeze hitting your face, the changing colors of the leaves, and the constant reminders of nature’s beauty all make riding in the fall a treat. No matter where you are in the United States, there is a must-see highway in the fall waiting for you.

This fall take off your waterproof motorcycle cover and hit the road for some of the most remarkable rides in the United States.

Beartooth Highway– Southwest Montana, Northwest Wyoming

The great Beartooth Highway is a great western destination for all bikers in the fall. Providing access to Yellowstone’s northeast entrance, the park is an entryway to the nation’s most beautiful parks.

The highway makes its way across a rough Beartooth mountain range and holds the title for the highest elevated highway in the northern Rocky Mountains. Beartooth is home to some stunning views, numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, and up-close and personal wildlife viewing.

This ride will be your best bet if you are riding in the Rocky Mountains region.

Tail of the Dragon (Deal’s Gap)– Tennessee, North Carolina

The Tail of the Dragon is a highway that never disappoints bikers from all over the United States. The very short eleven-mile stretch contains 318 curves that give US Highway 129 its name.

Tail of the Dragon is bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Cherokee National Forest giving bikers the ultimate scenery when riding this road. This highway is even featured in movies like The Fugitive, and Two-Lane Blacktop.

Tight turns, cold wind blowing on your face, and wildlife encounters are all things you can expect from this ride in the fall.

Blue Ridge Parkway– North Carolina, Virginia

The mid-October leaf change is a big reason the Blue Ridge Parkway hosts 15-million visitors every year. Traveling through mountains like Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, will give bikers the most extraordinary views when winding through the Southern Appalachians.

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers riders a chance to go back in time to two-lane roads and slowing life down to just enjoy the views. On this ride, you will experience everything from Cherokee culture, to Southern Appalachian agriculture with lots of opportunities to entertain visitors.

The parkway is world renowned for their biodiversity and wildlife.

Tunnel of Trees– Coastal Michigan

The M-119 highway takes bikers across the coast of Lake Michigan giving them an opportunity to see beautiful fall foliage. The 20-mile stretch of road starts in Petoskey, Michigan and takes you through the tourist town of Harbor Springs.

This road weaves along the banks of Lake Michigan, with rich hardwoods aligning each side of the highway. The trees create a tree canopy giving bikers a chance to see the changing leaf colors, and beautiful waterfront views.

This short highway will bring bikers from the Midwest and beyond in the fall.

 Pacific Coast Highway– Oregon, California

A portion of State Route 1, along with the Pacific Coastline, is a beautiful place to ride in the fall. The Northwest United States provide great fall views among giant trees, next to beautiful coastline.

The drive takes five hours to complete and is considered a thrill-seeking road. No guard-rails are just one thing that creates a little danger for bikers. The steep cliffs, narrow shoulders, and steep drop-offs provide scenic bikers a little thrill as well.

This road also is not as crowded during the fall as it is during the peak months of July and August, which makes fall a great time to check this thrilling highway out.

 Skyline Drive– Virginia

Skyline Drive is one of the most photographed stretches of highways in the United States, and maybe even the world. This is no exception during the fall season. Skyline Drive runs for 105 miles north and south, along with the Blue Ridge Mountains and in the Shenandoah National Park.

The highway contains nearly 70 overlooks and keeps a strict 35 miles per hour, speed limit. Being in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the highway consists of lots of wildlife and beautifully colored leaves.

This road gives riders a chance to slow down and take in all of nature’s beauty.

Pig Trail Scenic Byway– Arkansas

What a better place to experience fall riding for bikers then the Pig Trail Scenic Byway. This byway was named the top motorcycle ride in the United States by the USA Today Readers’ Choice Poll.

The 24-mile ride takes you through the Arkansas River Valley’s world-class vineyards and beneath the cliffs of the rugged Ozark terrain. The road was named for two reasons. The first, being because the highway is the shortcut route to get to Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas football games.

The other reason is that the highway is as curvy as a pig’s tail. Regardless, the highway brings lush flora, and many tourist stops along the way and leads you all the way to the Missouri border.

Conclusion

After traveling these seven highways, your appreciation for our nation’s beauty will be restored. No better time of year does mother nature show off her good-looks then in the fall, and there is no better way to see that than on your bike. The crisp fall air and beautiful views make these rides legendary, but the only sights of each ride make each of these seven stops special for bikers all over the country. So, hit the road, and get to exploring this fall!

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

4 Tips on How to in Rock Buenos Aires at Night

Buenos Aires is known as a city that never sleeps, and with good reason as this city has a fantastic nightlife. From the walks down beautiful lit streets to dancing passionate tango to relaxing in bars and clubs, everything you can want for is there… CONTINUE READING >> 

Buenos Aires is known as a city that never sleeps, and with good reason as this city has a fantastic nightlife. From the walks down beautiful lit streets to dancing passionate tango to relaxing in bars and clubs, everything you can want for is there. You’ll need to follow some simple safety rules on your night out in Buenos Aires. However, a tourist who takes reasonable precautions has little to fear in this amazing city at night.

4 Tips for an Unforgettable Night Out in Buenos Aires
1.      Start your night with a good dinner

If you plan on drinking when you explore many of the bars and clubs of Buenos Aires, you need to have a good meal before this. Be sure to eat something filling and with a healthy dose of fat in it. This will boost your resistance to alcohol and prevent you from feeling completely shattered in the morning.

The best places to get a delicious dinner for a reasonable price are:

•  Don Julio for the best steaks.
• Santos Manjarez for excellent meat and wines as well as traditional Argentinian dishes.
•Postiano Lirica for the Italian and Mediterranean cuisines and excellent entertainment.
• Mi Coleccion de Vinos for incredible wines and great food from both Argentinian and International cuisines.

2.      Plan your route during the day

Buenos Aires is a huge city and it’s not a place you can wander through all night long. There are certain neighborhoods that are best avoided after dark and some others that simply have nothing to offer to a tourist.

Therefore, to get the most out of your adventure, you should plan your night out in Buenos Aires well in advance. You should start with memorizing the places you want to see lighted up in the evening as many of the city’s streets are stunning at night. You can make a list of those while exploring the city by day. The best way to do this is to take free walking tours in Buenos Aires. Those will take you to the main attractions and you can even talk to the guide about which areas you should revisit at night. This is also a good time to make a mental list of downtown bars and cafes you’d like to have a drink in.

3.      Use safe transport options only

Taxi is the safest way to get around on a night out in Buenos Aires. However, you need to be careful with taxis as well because some drivers might take advantage of inebriated tourists. If possible, ask your hotel to call a taxi for you. It’s always safer to call a car by phone or app which allows you to contact a legitimate taxi service than to catch a cab on the street.

Use the Vajo en Taxi service to calculate approximate cost of your ride so you aren’t overcharged. Some of the reliable taxi services in Buenos Aires are:

• Taxi Premium
• Easy Taxi

When hailing a cab in the street, look for Radio Taxi as they register all the vehicles.

4.      Dress like a local

Many people are tempted to ‘dress to impress’ while on a night out in Buenos Aires. But the safest option for a tourist everywhere is to stand out as little as possible. Fear not, people in Argentina like to dress up for a night of partying as well, so you’ll be able to wear some fancy clothes and fit in.

The smart thing to do is to forego flashy jewelry and keep your top-of-the-line smartphone in the hotel’s safe. Use a cheap phone so you can call a cab or make other important calls. You should also wear something that will allow you to conceal your wallet and keep it securely on your person at all times. Never forget that no matter which city you visit, if there are tourists, pickpockets will be nearby as well.

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

Hotels Providing Sustainable Luxury in Dream-Worthy Destinations

These sustainable luxury destinations specialize in catering to increasingly sophisticated consumers that demand only the most exclusive and authentic experiences… CONTINUE READING >> 

The concept of “going green” through the practice of sustainability is among the most important global discussion points that businesses, nonprofits, government, and individuals partake in.

While most businesses and citizens interested in the concept of committing to sustainability via green practices to improve their financial bottom line, there are plenty of major corporations and aspiring entrepreneurs who are truly passionate about making the world a better place.

However, there is a certain population of business owners who strive to achieve the concept of sustainable luxury, namely through hotels and resorts.  At first glance, the term “sustainable luxury” seems akin to an impossibility, or at least an oxymoron of sorts.

However, through ingenuity and innovation, environmentally-friendly resorts and hotels have emerged as a truly viable option in many of the most dreamy and beautiful locations throughout the world.

These sustainable luxury destinations specialize in catering to increasingly sophisticated consumers that demand only the most exclusive and authentic experiences.

Read on below to discover fascinating information about sustainable luxury hotels located in some of the most glorious locales on the planet.

The Brando resort in French Polynesia:

This remarkable resort hotel encompasses an astounding level of sustainability with singularly extraordinary results.  Harnessing the power of a biofuel power station in conjunction with the warm South Pacific sunshine, all of the hotel’s energy is fueled by coconut oil and is entirely renewable.

The Brando’s specialized seawater air conditioning system transfers the cold ocean water to land pipes for converted use throughout the building. Even rainwater is utilized, via the collection of the water from puddling rain on rooftops to supply all toilets, as well as for laundry service.

Gran Hotel La Florida Barcelona Spain:

Forbes Travel Guide recommends Gran Hotel La Florida as “one of the best luxury hotels in Barcelona.”

This stunning hotel is made from wrought iron and repurposed antique tapestries from its original incarnation in 1925. Used as a hospital site during the civil war, the Gran Hotel returned to its storied roots in 1950.

The buildings original structure dating back to 1925 had remained mostly intact, while many of the original decorative and structural elements were meticulously repurposed, reclaimed, and renovated.

The hotel’s breathtaking collection of artwork includes contemporary sculptures from various artists to represent the inherent elements of the earth and its light and water.

Among the most incredible experiences to be had at this famed hotel is taking a dip in their thirty-seven meter indoor and outdoor heated stainless steel pools that are beautifully framed by the cool blue Barcelona skies.

The stainless steel construction of the pool mirrors the consistent use of glass and stainless steel throughout the entirety of the hotel, culminating in a modern aesthetic that is at the time rich with historical detailing.

In today’s modern times, well-seasoned travelers seeking sustainable luxury destinations have an increasing number of high-caliber options to choose from.

As the concept of luxury sustainability continues to grow in popularity amongst world travelers, hotels are responding in kind by featuring spectacular accommodations that are environmentally-friendly, thoroughly sustainable, and showcasing plenty of ingenuity and innovative spirit.

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