Summer Kids Entertainment Tips for Long Trips

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Kids activities – use playful gadgets

In this era of technology, electronics can be a lifesaver during long trips. You can use gadgets like iPads, hand held video games,and, smartphones to keep your kids amused. Download your kid’s favorite movies, apps, and, music before you travel. If you own a portable DVD player, it can also be a good choice to provide hours of entertainment. But, don’t forget to carry the headphones that fits your child’s ears.

Kids toys – consider non-electronics

Use coloring books and board games to keep your child engaged when the video games get boring or the batteries run out. To encourage their love for books, you may also pick a few story books that suits your child’s reading level. Another interesting idea would be to get your hands on a travel book about your destination that is meant especially for the kids.

Kids activity ideas for snacking

Nothing makes a child misbehave more quickly than a rumbling tummy. So, pack a few of your kid’s favorite transportable snacks to keep him busy and entertained. If you are traveling by plane, you may not be allowed to carry your preferred snacks and drinks through the security checkpoint, but you can buy them at the gift shop near the gate. Even if you will have to pay a little extra, it will be worth the cost to keep your child busy on board.

A lucky dip – goodie bag for rewards

Use a small gift bag to reward your kids for being good during the trip. Stock up little toys or treats and wrap them individually. Every hour or so, allow your child to pick one item from the lucky dip for displaying good behavior. Depending on the length of your trip, you can alter the time.

Traveling long distance with kids can be bothering, even with the most disciplined children. A little advance planning and preparation will not only save you a lot of stress but will also make your kids much happier.

For more traveling with kids tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Europe is a wonderful place to pick up goods that you can customize at home. Local trinkets from a Rome might include ceramics or some Italian artwork, while Paris offers everything from vintage posters to candles produced in the oldest candle shop in the world! Even simple items like ticket stubs or subway maps might come in handy if you don’t have a big budget. No matter where your travels take you, have a look at our ideas and keep your memories on display.

5 Ways to Display Vacation Mementos in your Home

1. Shadow Boxes

A shadow box is an effective way to keep small souvenirs, little pieces and trinkets safely on display. Shadow boxes are striking in their simplicity; all you need is a photograph, a postcard, or even a small map of the destination – subway maps are particularly suitable – and a few bits and pieces, like ticket stubs, or small memento, and you have a 3D memory box of your treasured vacation.

2. Framed Maps

In a similar vein, framing a map is a classy way to showcase the destinations that you’ve visited. You can have more than one framed map on a wall to create an enduring tribute to your travels. This also doubles as a superb talking point for visitors, and a pleasant reminder of past trips.

Image via: BHG

3. Sand Vase

If you like to go to the beach on your vacation, start taking a plastic bottle with you to collect some of the sand from each beach you visit. Don’t forget to take a note of the location by writing the name of the beach, the country, and the year on the bottle.

Once you have a few bottles of sand, layer them in a tall glass vase and label each layer with the information from the bottle. This leaves you with a unique souvenir full of clashing colors and textures. If you’re miles from the beach one holiday you could also collect earth for a similar effect.

4. Framed Textiles or Garments

If you’re the kind of person that likes to buy textiles or traditional garments on your vacation, don’t just put them in your close to gather dust, put them on display. Framing textiles not only protects them from moths, it also acts as a piece of unusual wall art to remind you of your adventures for years to come. It is also a way to add an extra splash of vibrant color to your home.

5. Kitchen Magnet Wall

If there’s one memento that we all bring back from a vacation, it’s the humble fridge magnet. If you travel a lot then you’re bound to have quite an impressive collection. If your fridge door is groaning under the weight of all the magnets, install a metal magnet wall in your kitchen. This acts as a visual tool to showcase your collection of magnets.

Picking out the right souvenir when your on holiday can sometimes be harder than it looks. But keeping in mind where it will go and how it will fit in with your home’s furnishing should help make the job all the easier.

For more travel and home decor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Over the past 18 months I have had the pleasure of traveling A LOT for Stagetecture. From international travel (Spain, Italy, and Germany) to Las Vegas, Miami, Atlanta, NYC and other US cities – I feel I have perfected my travel carry-on toiletry bag! As we all know the 3 ounce rule for all of your carry-on toiletries can often be a challenge, and squeezing in just enough to keep yourself clean while traveling for 20 hours is definitely not the highlight of traveling.

I’m excited to pair up with Clarisonic today in their #ClearlyClarisonic program showing how your skin, body, and travel lifestyle will be improved with their SMART Profile System.  Take a look at my checklist to pack in your carry-on bag that don’t take a lot of room, and can help your skin stay clean while globe trotting!

My #ClearlyClarisonic Travel Bag Essentials Checklist

The essentials to pack in your toiletry carry-on bag:

• Clarisonic SMART Profile System* with Dynamic Facial Brush Head, Turbo Massage Body Brush Head, Refining Skin Polish, Refreshing Gel
• Nail Kit
• Dental Floss
• Toothpaste/Toothbrush
• Sewing Kit
• Q-Tips (Cotton Swabs)
• Lotion

Benefits of Clarisonic SMART  Profile System:

Over the years I remember my mother using Clarisonic and she had given me one years ago and I never  kept up with changing the batteries.  So I was excited to see the SMART Profile model features a USB charger plug-in adapter! Love it. Take a look at this video to see how the Clarisonic SMART head technology works:

Clarisonic Videos can be seen here:

Traveling and the importance of taking care of your skin:

Between the constant temperature, environmental, and air quality changes your skin go through while traveling, having the Clarisonic SMART Profile System can help get your skin cleaner, and keep it staying cleaner longer. Here’s some handy facts on why Clarisonic has sold more than 10 million devices and is recommended by US dermatologists.

Clarisonic is safe, gentle & effective

• Clarisonic devices cleanse 6x better than hands alone
• Smart Profile, our top-of-the-line device, cleanses 11x better than hands alone and can also be used with body and pedi brush heads for a head-to-toe sonic cleanse
• Safe to use twice daily
• Only takes 60 seconds to cleanse (who has time for more?
• Clarisonic helps to improve skin conditions like acne and rosacea, plus reduces signs of aging.

Clarisonic is patented & recommended

• Clarisonic has over 40 patents protecting our unique technology, which includes:
  • Oscillation: the back-and-forth movement of the brush head over 300 times per second – perfected speed for skin elasticity and cleansing effectiveness
  • Fluid forces: through oscillation, water is pushed from the brush head into your pores washing them clean
• Clarisonic is the #1 most recommended skin cleansing device by US dermatologists
• Clarisonic is used by spas, estheticians and make-up artists around the world.

Clarisonic Love

• There have been over 10 million devices sold around the world, reflecting happy customers who love to share their secret for transformed skin!
• All of us at Clarisonic celebrate that beauty is more than skin deep – and that when you have clean, clear, soft skin, your confidence shines through.
• Clarisonic is designed, innovated and assembled in the USA.

Want to try Clarisonic SMART Profile System?

Here’s a 20% off Code for Stagetecture Readers!

Clarisonic would love to have you try the system, or upgrade your old one. Follow the Clarisonic Stagetecture link here and type in “STAGETECTURE20” at the Promo Code area upon checkout to receive your 20% off discount. Hurry this offer Expires Nov. 15, 2015.

Clarisonic Community:

Are you a long time user or want to give it a try? We’d love for you to tell us your past experiences or what you’re looking forward to with the SMART Profile. Follow Clarisonic on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest, Instagram and use the hashtag #ClearlyClarisonic to share with other users around the world.

In a few weeks I will show you how Clarisonic works great for teenagers and men too!

Vacation Planning: Organizing Kids Belongings

Image Via: Pottery Barn Kids

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Treats For The Trip

All children have their fads about food amongst other things. There might be a cookie or a biscuit available with your local baker that your child absolutely adores. Pack a few of these treats in zip lock bags and carry the long lasting stuff with you to the trip. It could really avoid you some exasperating kid tantrums. And no one is stopping you from biting in!

Image Via: J B Fitness Systems

Organizing Clothes

It’s not possible to dedicate a bag to every single family member as excessive luggage becomes a headache, so sharing luggage space becomes quintessential. Kids although have a lot of clothes, the sizes remain small and manageable. Again, making use of zip-lock bags you can roll and fit in kids clothes and pack these bags in small unused bag space. Another great idea is to carry old stuff with regard to undergarments, etc. You can literally use and throw these and create some bag space to bring back souvenirs.

Kids Shoes

Kids shoes can be easily put away in your shower cap and slid into the luggage. Not only will your luggage remain clean but the shoes will also sit comfortably perched in a proper place. As for the younger kids, you can slip in more than a pair in your shower cap.

Image Via: Buzz Feed

Pack Medicine & Important Drugs

Do not forget to make a list of all important medication that your children might require. Carry medicines for minor colds, coughs and fever. If your kid is allergic to certain foods, smells, etc., its always wise to carry the requisite medicines along. In fact this is something that you must not miss. Also have the phone numbers of a few local pediatricians with you, just in case!

Image Via: I Heart Organizing

Cater For Their Entertainment

With kids traveling along, you can always expect action and emotion. Be prepared than sorry. Carry small toys and books that might keep your little ones busy when they are feeling bored. Small toys and books make up for great companions on long road journeys. After all kids won’t enjoy the adult entertainment activities and might want to retire on their own.

Image Via: Pinterest

Vacations are fun time and just with a little vacation planning you can ensure a great trip for yourself and for your family. Kids are mature enough to understand a lot of things and get pretty adamant about others and thus it falls into the parent’s forte to foresee problems and their solutions beforehand. Just give  a little more thought to kids luggage organization and savor the getaway time with them.

Click here for more Vacation Ideas on Stagetecture!

Summer Vacation: Checklist of What Not to Pack

Image via: American Travel Magazine

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Whittling down the packing list will save your money, time, and hassle. So, check out this list to know what you absolutely do not need to pack for your summer vacation.

Put Away the Valuables

Put the valuables away. You are not going to a fashion show or a fancy party. The only thing you need to flash is your skin! So, leave your diamond necklaces, expensive earrings, super pricey Rolex wristwatch, or the latest Apple smartwatch at home, or consider using the safe in your hotel when possible.

Leave the Extra Gadgets

Leave those gadgets at home that you are not going to use during the vacation. People tend to stash all their devices but most of which don’t even come out of the suitcase. So, take only those gadgets that are necessary and don’t forget to jot down their serial number or put some kind of identification mark on them so you can track them down if they are lost.

Image via: Popsugar

Don’t Bring the Toiletries

Everyone follows a beauty routine at home. But, you don’t need to do it when you are travelling. Holiday is about relaxing so let loose a bit instead of carrying your entire beauty products in your suitcase. If necessary, buy them or use the complimentary toiletries in case if you are staying in a major chain hotel. However, if you think you cannot survive a day without your own toiletries, decant the face wash, sunscreen, shampoo, and conditioners into 100ml plastic containers, and leave the large bottles behind.

Don’t Pack Liquor

You may have a bottle of old, precious wine and you want to sip into that golden nectar while bathing into the rays of the setting sun in an exotic beach. It’s a legitimate wish! But, packing liquor or anything breakable into your bag is not a wise thing. Even the most carefully packed and zip-bagged bottles can break. Plus, any container weighing more than 3.4 ounces won’t be allowed through security.

Don’t Pack Extra Clothes

In most cases, the suitcases of travelers are filled with loads of clothes. But, you don’t really need a clean pair of pants or a perfectly ironed shirt for each day of your vacation. Pack your bag only with the necessary outfits and toss away those ones that you will ‘possibly’ wear during the holidays. However, you can buy a bunch of cheap socks and undergarments and just throw them away as the days go by. In this way, your luggage will shrink over time.

Image via: The Knot

Holidays are tempting! They tempt us to bring everything and to hell with them. But, over-packing will fill up your luggage space, cost you more money, and increase your hassle as you have to carry the mountain with you. This things-not-to-pack list will help your suitcase to be lighter and ease your struggle with luggage during your summer vacation.

Do you have any unique traveling tips to share with us?

Home Organization: 5 Tips to Destress After a Long Vacation

The most annoying part is probably organizing the living place including unpacking, laundry, creating to do lists, shopping, and many more. We’ve rounded up 5 tips for home organization that will help you get settled after a long vacation:

Image via: Pop Sugar

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Return a Day Earlier

What you must have to get organized after your return in time. Most people plan for a Sunday night return to home in order to maximize the vacation time. But, you should not do that. Plan for an earlier-than-last-minute return such as on Saturday or Friday. This will exempt you from jumping into loads of work just after returning home. Plan for an early return and get enough time for unpacking, picking up a few groceries, handling the emails, and giving yourself some quiet time.

Unload the Car

Unload your car right away unless it is midnight, you are very tired, and all you want to do is to jump into the bed right away. But, unload it as soon as you get home. It will save your time and trouble later.

Handle Chores Right Away

Some of the things in your home also need attention right away, if you have been gone for a while. Your swimming pool may be overflowing or your windows may have gathered so much dirt. So, you have to clean them before starting cleaning the rest of the house. After completing the emergency chores, make a list of other important things to be done

Image via: Deco Bizz

Do the Laundry

This is an important task to do because you must have a lot of dirty laundry during the vacation. It is actually one of the less challenging tasks to get started with. Start doing this chore as soon as possible and once the washer is going, you can go out and check other important things like if the grasses in the lawn have become too big or if a tree has fallen in the backyard.

Give Yourself a Day Off

Never start working or become freaked out about the upcoming loads of work just after returning from the vacation because coming home can be exhausting. So, give yourself a day to relax, plan, and focus on your home organization to-do list without becoming anxious of anything. It is the day to get reacquainted with your routines.

Image via: Pop Sugar

Home organization is always a bit tough and doing that while you are still basking in the holiday afterglow is even harder. However, these tips will help you get started and go through the process gradually without stressing yourself out.

Do you think these tips will help you after your summer vacation?

Organization Tips to Prepare Your Home for Vacation

Image via: Outdoor Home Ideas

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Clean up your house

Nothing is worse than coming back home from a wonderful vacation to a dirty home. So, make sure to clean your house before you leave. Do the dishes, vacuum or sweep floors, wipe down bathroom and kitchen counters and give toilets a quick clean. Also, be sure to make up beds with fresh sheets for a welcoming first night.

Stop the newspaper and mail delivery

Call up your news carrier and post office to put your mails and newspapers on hold so that they don’t pile up in front of your house while you are gone. When you are back, all you have to do is go in to pick it up and let them know to resume your delivery.

Image via: Southern Living

Leave a few lights on  

If you are going for a short trip, leave a few lights on throughout your house to make it look occupied. Whereas, for a longer vacation, consider investing in automatic timers that can turn lights on and off at regular intervals. Also, alert a trusted neighbor or home security service so that they can keep an eye. And of course, don’t forget to unplug unnecessary appliances when preparing your home for your absence.

Clean up the refrigerator

Image via: Design Sponge

You don’t want to come back home to a refrigerator filled with spoiled food. So make sure to toss or give away food items that will expire while you are gone. Also, before you leave stock your kitchen with coffee, cold cereal, and a package of shelf stable milk so that your first meal back is hassle free.

Use these organization tips before you leave for your next vacation. Not only will it ensure that your house is in order, it will help to smooth your transition back to the real world.

For more travel ideas before your vacation on Stagetecture, click here.

Can you believe summer is almost here? How do you plan on enjoying your summer vacation this upcoming season? We’d love for you to join us for the Country Inns & Suites #DoMoreCountryPromo Twitter Party on Thursday May 14^th – 8:30-9:30pm EST.

Celebrate Summer – #DoMoreCountryPromo Twitter Party

Tell us how you will #DoMoreCountry and spend more time with your children, family, and soak up the summer sun. Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner and that means it’s the official start of summer.

Country Inns & Suites is giving away some awesome prizes for you to enjoy your summer vacation:

Prizes:

One (1) Grand Prize – Two-night voucher to stay at a Country Inns & Suites By Carlson hotel in North America and a $250 Visa Gift Card

Five (5) First Prizes – Two-night voucher to stay at a Country Inns & Suites By Carlson hotel in North America

Here are the Party Details:

When: Thursday, May 14^th at 8:30p.m.-9:30p.m. EST

Where: #DoMoreCountryPromo on Twitter or you can follow it here: https://twitter.com/search?f=realtime&q=%23domorecountrypromo&src=typd

How:

To participate in the Twitter party use the hashtag #DoMoreCountryPromo in all of your tweets and follow me the host @Stagetecture and my Co-Host @Zipporahs and our Guest of Honor @CountryInns on Twitter.

Panelists:

Please follow our #DoMoreCountryPromo gang! They will have summer vacation ideas to help you win! @Brettbmartin @philZENdia @KadiPrescott @theplanetd

How to Win: To be eligible for the prizes:

1.) Follow @Stagetecture @Zipporahs and @CountryInns

2.) Participate during the party hour using the party hashtag #DoMoreCountryPromo

3.) If you name is selected during the party winners must DM their full name and mailing address within 15 minutes of the announcement.  This giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 or older. Winners will be selected at random from eligible participants.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open only to legal residents of 50 US/DC and CAN who are the age of majority in their state/province/territory of residence. Void in Quebec & where prohibited. Sweepstakes starts at 8:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time (“EDT”) on 5/14/15 and ends at 9:28 AM EDT on 5/14/15. Subject to the Official Rules. Sponsor: Carlson Hotels, Inc., Minnetonka, MN USA

Come join us to talk about summer, vacationing and have the chance to win some fab prizes!

The holidays are my favorite time of year for many reasons. Everyone always seems to be in a better mood and the air seems like it is filled with magic. Yes, I’m one of those “Christmassy People” who feel like the “A Wonderful Life” movie is going to happen every holiday season. (Did I just date myself?)

This holiday season I’m pairing with Country Inns & Suites by Carlson to bring a Happier Holidays Sweepstakes to you and your family. This holiday season they are offering the chance to win:

Each Grand Prize Winner will win four (4) free nights at a Country Inns & Suites location, and a $300 gift card. There will be 25 Grand Prize Winners for the entire program period.

For full details and how to enter keep reading…

Creating My Family Memories with #HappierHolidaysSweeps

#HappierHolidaysSweeps with Country Inns & Suites Hotel

Decorating and holiday baking makes a Happier Holiday at the Gibson home. Every year my daughter, Avrielle – age 8 loves the holidays because she was born on Decebmer 31^st. We tell her that every year the holiday’s ends with a birthday bash in her honor – no wonder she loves to decorate the house and bake holiday goodies with me throughout the season.

Images via: Stagetecture

Decorating with holiday decorations for Happier Holidays

It’s been a long lasting tradition since I was young that my parents would always decorate the house with gorgeous lights, and fresh evergreen trees as we lived in Colorado growing up – so there was no talk of “artificial trees”. Now that I live in Florida we still get a real tree every year and my daughter likes to help me decorate the fireplace mantle, and bring out family ornaments that date back to 1984. I think family traditions are important around the holidays and decorating and baking always transform our home!

Baking holiday memories with my family

My older sons, age 20 and 17 don’t like for me to take pictures of them baking, so Avrielle (who is far from camera shy) agreed to making our favorite Gibson sweet potato casserole and sweet potato pies this holiday season. It always amazes me how children love to take on your family tradition and make it better. My father has an infamous Christmas sugar cookie recipe we make every year and each year we try and find a new sprinkle to top them with.

Here at Stagetecture I always try and bring you ideas to make your home feel more welcoming and inspiring for you, and your family and friends. I’d love to hear how you make a Happier Holiday for your family. Do you string up a massive amount of outdoor lights like Clark Griswold from National Lampoon’s Christmas movie, or do you like to have a small and intimate Christmas Eve dinner with those you hold dear?

However you have a Happier Holiday, Country Inns & Suites wants to make your holiday travel easier with a chance at their #HappierHolidaysSweeps hotel stay for (4) nights.

Click on the Country Inns & Suites picture below to enter the sweepstakes

Here’s all the Sweepstakes details:

1. How to Enter: Post what makes for your Happier Holiday on Twitter or Instagram with the #happierholidayssweeps hashtag, or entering through a registration form, entrants will be entered for a chance to win.
2. Registration: is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States, the District of Columbia, and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are at least twenty-one (21) years old at the time of entry.

3. Program Period: 12/1/2014 @ 12:00:00 P.M. CT – 12/22/14 @ 11:59:59 A.M. CT

4. Entry Limit: Entrants can enter up to three times a day (one per entry method – Twitter, Instagram, and Registration Form hosted on the Country Inns & Suites blog) throughout the entire promotion period.

5. Prize(s) and Values: There will be 25 Grand Prize Winners for the entire program period. Each Grand Prize Winner will four (4) free nights at a Country Inns & Suites location, and a $300 gift card. 

Want to join the Happier Holidays conversation? Follow Country Inns & Suites on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, and on the Country Inns & Suites blog for holiday deals, holiday packages, travel tips and more.

For more holiday travel ideas on Stagetecture, click here.  

Travel Destination: Sightseeing in Paris, France

Image via: Amazing Snaps

Eiffel Tower

Visiting this Parisian landmark usually ranks as the number one thing to do for most tourists. Built in 1889, this iron structure is located on the Champ de Mars. It is believed that one cannot possibly visit Paris without seeing this iconic symbol. Even if you do not wish to visit the Eiffel Tower, you will see its top from all over the city as it rises more than 1000 feet in height. Visitors can ascend by stairs or elevator to see the fantastic views of the city or dine in either of the two restaurants situated within in the tower.

The Louvre Museum

Located in the Louvre Palace, the Louvre Museum tops the list when it comes to world’s most visited museums. The gallery is home to largest and most diverse collection of paintings, sculpture, and other decorative objects of pre-20^th century. Not to forget that the museum boasts of some of the world’s most famous art works such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” the Greek statue, “Venus of Milo” and Michelangelo’s “Dying Slave.” The beautiful Tuileries Gardens around the gallery provide a welcoming site to discuss the wonders witnessed inside.

Seine River Boat Tour

Image via: Pinterest

Seeing some of the city’s most beautiful sites such as Notre Dame Cathedral and Eiffel Tower as you drift down the Seine River is unparallel and essential experience. Amid the soft glow of light on water, you can enjoy a nice meal or just sit back and revel in the cool fresh air. You can also tour some of the canals and waterways which allow you to explore the semi-hidden side of Paris.

Overall, Paris is a perfect blend of ambiances and cultures, and apart from the most common sights, parks, little streets and squares are worth a visit as well.

For more travel tips on Stagetecture, click here.