Sheree

  • Safety Tips When Taking a Road Trip

    Safety Tips When Taking a Road Trip

    There’s a lot to be said about taking a road trip. Traveling by car allows you to better enjoy the scenery and discover places that you might not find otherwise. It’s also a wonderful way to spend quality time with your family and friends.

    Before you even leave your driveway, though, it’s important to consider the following safety-related advice. Unfortunately, no one is immune when it comes to the possibility of accidents or other types of tragedy. Being prepared, safety-wise helps to reduce the chance of any problems.

    Schedule a Tune-Up

    Scheduling a tune-up shortly before you hit the road helps to ensure that you won’t have any major car repair issues. Pay a qualified mechanic to check your vehicle’s air conditioning unit, tires, battery, and all belts and fluids.

    If you’ll be towing a trailer or traveling through a hot climate, ask the mechanic if you should switch to a higher viscosity oil to keep the car’s motor running in tip-top shape.

    Pack an Emergency Kit

    It’s good practice to keep an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. It should include items like:

    * Flares

    * Non-perishable snacks

    * Jumper cables

    * Water

    * Warm blankets (if traveling in cold weather)

    * Basic tools (to change a tire)

    * First aid kit

    If possible, you should also include a fully-charged (spare) cell phone. You never know when you may need a backup.

    “Child-Proof” the Backseat

    In the event that you’re traveling with children, it’s imperative that you “child-proof” the backseat. If your vehicle is equipped with child safety locks, activate them. Remove any harmful substances which may have taken up residence on the floorboard, such as bottles of windshield washer fluid or oil. In addition, secure items such as toys and books, to prevent them from becoming flying projectiles should it become necessary for you to stop quickly.

    Get a Good Night’s Sleep

    It should go without saying that if you’re going to be the driver, you need a good night’s sleep. Recent data indicates that sleepy drivers are a contributing factor in at least 100,000 traffic accidents per year. If you start to feel drowsy behind the wheel, stop at the nearest rest area or share the driving responsibility with other licensed passengers.

    Block out the Sun

    Yes, it’s a wise idea to wear sunscreen when riding in a car. Sunglasses and hats provide an extra layer of protection for little ones. When you exit the vehicle, cover car seats with blankets so they don’t get hot. It really doesn’t take long for everything inside to get hot enough to burn a child’s skin.

    As the old saying goes, “it’s always better to be safe than sorry.” The last thing you want is for an accident of some type to ruin your vacation. Remember, staying safe on a road trip is just as important as staying safe when you utilize other modes of travel.

    Performing the aforementioned tasks is recommended, a few days before the trip. This way, you won’t forget to do something at the last minute, when everyone is excited to get started.

    car on road

  • Teach Your Kids About Money With an Allowance 

    Taking the time to learn wise financial strategies and putting them into practice has a great impact on your children. Research shows that a substantial majority of kids are destined for a financial future that is remarkably similar to that of their parents.  

    So what you teach them about money is likely to stay with them for the rest of their lives!

      You can take advantage of this tendency to prepare your children for a great financial future. Besides managing your own money well so they mimic positive financial choices, you can also teach your kids the practices of frugality, budgeting, saving over time, and much more with effective use of an allowance.

    Starting an Allowance

      Try to recognize when your child is ready for an allowance. If you begin too soon, your child won’t comprehend the value of the money he receives. Typically, a good starting time is when the child is old enough to understand how the allowance system will work.

    Allowance Systems

    There are three types of allowance systems from which to choose:

    1. Gift System.The gift system is simply a weekly payment to the child. The money isn’t given based upon any work/chores the child does or fails to do. The child gets the money just for being part of your family.
    • The advantages of this method are that it is consistent and unchanging. There are no decisions that need to be made.
    • There are many disadvantages:
      • The child is less likely to truly appreciate it.
      • He doesn’t gain a sense of achievement.
      • The child is also unlikely to develop financial responsibility when the money is just given to him and he’s done nothing to earn it.
    1. Reward System.The reward system is the most widespread system parents utilize. Parents establish a list of chores for the kids to perform on a weekly basis and then pay an established amount for the successful completion of the chores.
    • The advantages of this system are that there are penalties for not doing the assigned chores and rewards for doing them. So this system has both reward and punishment built into it.
    • The disadvantages are somewhat difficult to see when the kids are younger, but the reward system sometimes results in a child that only wants to do something if it’s part of the established list.
    1. Income System.The last system, the income system, is similar to real life. When there is a task to do that is not typically expected of your child, he gets paid to do it. Basically, you want to create an allowance that is paid to your child for work beyond the normal responsibilities.

    This allowance will vary, but it seems to have a more positive impact than the other two systems. So you could have a simple chore list that the child must complete without financial compensation, then any other work beyond that list would result in receiving the allowance. If you’re serious about providing your children with some financial knowledge, an allowance can be a meaningful part of that education. If you also have regular discussions about money with your children in conjunction with an allowance, you’re really giving them a great head start. Don’t just hope for the best. Give them the best chance possible for a bright financial future.

    money tree

  • 7 Reasons To Teach Your Kids A Foreign Language NOW

    7 Reasons to Learn a Foreign Language

    Learning a foreign language can be a great way to spend time as a family.

    It’s absolutely more productive than watching television. Even if you have no interest in traveling abroad, knowing an additional language comes with so many benefits. You and your kids gain a new perspective on the world, challenge your brains, and create lasting memories.

    With all the language programs available online, many of them for free, there’s no reason not to begin learning a new language today!

    Learn a new language and take advantage of these benefits:

    • International Travel Is Easier And More Enjoyable

    While English can allow you guys to get by in many countries, that’s not true everywhere. Even countries with a reasonable number of English speakers can be more thoroughly enjoyed if you and your family can speak the native language. The local culture is more accessible to you all.

    You and your children will feel more confident about getting on that plane in the first place. Even the simplest of activities, such as asking for directions or reading street signs, is a challenge if you all don’t speak the local language.

    Your listening skills and memory are enhanced when you learn a foreign language. Learning a foreign vocabulary is a good workout for your mind. This will also make sure you and your kids listen intently to understand what is being said to you all. A foreign language stretches your brain as few other activities do.

    • You’ll Develop A Marketable Skill

    Many jobs require the knowledge of a foreign language. You’ll have something interesting to add to your resume and give your kids a VERY great head start.

    • You’ll Discover An Appreciation For Other Cultures

    Imagine how much better the world would be if everyone knew at least two languages and spent some time in another culture! You must be intentional in raising “culture vultures.” This strong sense of appreciation will develop naturally and give your children a diverse background; they otherwise may never get to receive. 

    • Make New Friends

    You can significantly enhance your circle of international friends if you learn to speak another language. You’ll also afford the same opportunity for your children and one of the best gifts you can ever give! There are many websites dedicated to pen-pals, language pals, and traveling buddies. Your family can make friendships all over the world!

    • You’ll Spend Less When You Travel Abroad

    Tourist areas tend to have overpriced food and other items. These areas can be attractive to tourists because English is more accommodated there. But, because you all are practicing a language, you’ll be brave enough to get off the beaten path when you travel. Allowing you to pay more reasonable prices as a result.

    You’ll also be able to haggle effectively. While haggling prices isn’t common in states, it is widely practiced and accepted in many other countries. And it’s hard to haggle if you can’t speak the language. (#truth)

    You can learn to do something that you might believe is beyond your reach. While some languages are especially challenging for native English speakers, millions of kids have learned to speak those languages. You and your family can, too!

    • Your Brain Will Stay Healthier

    Studies have shown that learning a foreign language can help to prevent, or at least slow the development of, various types of dementia. In studies, bilinguals have shown to have less dementia than those that only know a single language.

    Several studies have demonstrated the cognitive benefits of learning a second language. But, the benefits go far beyond just boosting and maintaining your brain health.

    You and your kids get to make new friendships and greatly enhance your traveling experiences. You can save money while traveling. You’ll increase all of your self-esteem as well!

    Take a look at the many free resources available online that I’ve listed above and begin your language study with your family. It’s never too late to start.

    kids multilingual
    7 Reasons To Teach Your Kids A Foreign Language NOW 2

  • How to Create Beautiful Pin Images in Canva

    Are you creating crappy looking pins? Like no matter what you do, you can’t seem to nail a decent looking pin. Don’t fret. You aren’t alone. These tips will completely change how you approach your Pinterest pin design. Ready?

    Here’s your simple guide to creating the perfect pin for Pinterest (using Canva)

      If you haven’t already, go ahead and sign up for a free Canva account. Once you’re logged in, you’ll see an option to upgrade to Canva pro. If this is your first time using Canva, you’ll receive the opportunity for a free 30-day trial. Go ahead and sign up for that so you can make the best use and see all the features Canva has to offer. If this is your first time using Canva, go ahead and search for a mood board template. Once you have that, go ahead and create a mood board for your business. Or decide right now, which 2-3 colors you’ll be using for this pin. If you already know that you will sign up for the Canva’s pro plan, go ahead and use their branding features to add your brand colors and upload your fonts of choice. This will make it easier when you’re creating Pinterest templates and any other templates.

    Let the fun begin!

      First, decide on what size template you’ll use. I recommend using one of the following sizes:

    These follow Pinterest best practices

    • 600×900
    • 600×1250
    • 732×1102
    • 1000×1500
    • 1000×2000

    Once you have your blank template ready with your desired size- now it’s time to choose whether you will use one of Canvas pre-made templates, your own purchased templates, or design one from scratch? Let’s say you want to design one from scratch:

    Here are my best tips to create the perfect pin on Pinterest:

      First, you need to understand some simple Pinterest pin design basics. Choose the overall ‘feel’ you want for your pin. Will it be airy & clean or loud & busy? What format do you want to use?  

    These are some of the most popular ones:

    1) The Attention Grabber (words, headline,#’s, shapes)

    This design focuses on keywords, numbers, or catchy phrases. (Think click-bait but instead its legit LOL) This format is most effective with a clean, clear, legible print font. Adding numbers to this format, such as # ways to ___ is a great way to entice readers to click.

    2) The Topper

    This design is exactly as it sounds. The bulk of your text is on ‘the top’ of the pin (with the image on the bottom)

    3) The CTA

    This is the ‘Call to action.’ The main (& perhaps only) focus of this pin design is to get readers to do whatever it is you want them to do. Maybe you want to grow your subscribers. Then you’d showcase an opt-in freebie on this pin to drive traffic to your landing page. Or perhaps you want to make a sale. Then naturally, you’d lead readers to ‘click here to read more’ and send them over to your affiliate packed post or online shop.

    4) The Collage

    If you want to showcase many visuals at once, this is how it is done. A collage allows you to tastefully and intentionally display your images.

    5) White Space

    This design uses ‘white space’ to its advantage. And can be done in several ways. You can use flat lay stock photos that have a lot of white space, or you can opt to leave your background clear of an image and use simple elements to enhance your pin.

    6) The Frame

    This is where you use shapes in Canva to create ‘frames’ around your pictures or entire pin. When you use this design, it immediately gives you pins a clean, modern, minimalist look.

    7) The Gradient

    This is such a fun way to enhance your pins. And there are even free ‘gradients’ you can use right within Canva!

    8) The Overlay

    This is where you’ll completely cover (‘overlay’) your image/pin. This overlay can be one of your brand colors. It’s an easy way to give your pins a branded, cohesive look.  

    Now, there you have it! You’re on your way to quickly create eye-catching pins that increase views.

    canva pinterest editable templates

      If this sounds too intimidating or time-consuming, there’s another alternative. Save time and invest in this huge bundle of templates here. You’ll receive three themed mood boards with 30 unique templates each to match every theme. In 5 different sizes, so you can save time and test which sizes your audience prefers. That’s 450 templates for under $50. (& there are handy bonuses such as checklists, FB group, resources & more) & If you’d like to first test how Canva templates work and get a super-secret discount just for reading- Sign up here>>> You’ll get 5 FREE Pinterest templates to keep  & $$$ OFF my best bundle.

    canva pinterest templates bloggers
    canva pins
    canva pinterest pins bloggers
    pinterest canva pin design templates