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Going abroad with our children is an exciting adventure. Some of us do it for the first time when our kids are very young, perhaps even babies. Others decide to wait until they are older. Some, of course, never do it, preferring to enjoy all that their home country has to offer while saving money on much cheaper options. Whenever you do it, a family holiday can be a magical experience, as well as a great way to spend time together away from all other distractions, and while you could argue that there’s something more glorious about seeing somewhere further from home, it’s also safe to say that there’s more stress involved.
When we go abroad with kids, there’s a lot to think about, whether they are babies or teens. You might worry about keeping them happy and comfortable on the flight, finding food that they’ll enjoy, and keeping them safe. You may also have concerns about buying everything that you might need at your destination. So, here are some tips to help you enjoy your first family trip outside of your home country.
Choose a Safe Destination
At the moment, finding a safe destination has a whole other range of concerns. You might want to check current Covid-19 infection levels and local restrictions, as well as the likelihood of facing a period in quarantine either when you arrive or when you get home. Many families are choosing to delay trips abroad until next year when the rest of the tips on this list will still be relevant.
Of course, even without a global pandemic, there are other safety considerations when traveling abroad, and you should always take your time to do some research before booking. Find a safe area, with positive reviews, and good access to health and security services, and consider staying in an English-speaking hotel for further support. Checking local news sites is always a good idea if you want to get a feel for how safe a destination is, away from the ever-positive travel guides and adverts.
Make Sure it’s Family Friendly
The accommodation that you choose should be family-friendly. Ideally, it should offer a kid’s club (even if you don’t use it, it’s a sign that they prioritize kid’s needs), a safe pool, a room with an extra bed, or cot and other things that you might need. Make sure your hotel offers food that your children will enjoy, and that there’s plenty for them to do.
Besides this, check if the location offers you to safeguard your luggage or not. For instance – places like Paris offer you the liberty of securing your luggage with luggage storage Paris services while you enjoy traveling. Seek details about such services from your travel agent in advance.
Think About What You Want from Your Holiday
A holiday with children isn’t the same as a holiday with just your partner or your friends. It isn’t even the same as a trip with family members who have children. It’s different. But that doesn’t mean that all family holidays are the same. Before booking your trip, think about what you want from yours. Do you want to spend a lot of time in the hotel, enjoying the facilities on offer? Do you plan to try local activities, or explore the surrounding area? Do you want plenty of tourist hotspots? Think about the kind of holiday you want and look for a destination that gives you what you need to achieve your family holiday.
Don’t Expect it to be the Same
Your days of being able to lay by the beach soaking up the sun, drinking cocktails, and reading in peace are over. So are your days exploring local nightlife? Prepare for a very different holiday and you won’t be disappointed.
Pack Carefully
When you are on your own you might wing it by packing your Emigre gear, knowing that you could probably get everything you need or at least something close to your destination. When you’ve got kids, things are different. They might need specific medications or sunscreens. You might also need nappies, creams, and wipes, and they’ll certainly need a sunhat and shades. Think about what your kids need, and make sure you pack them. If there’s no laundrette on site, you might want to take some hand wash detergent to prepare for accidents. Make sure you have all of these Travel Essentials for Family Getaways and you should be fine.
Take Some Home Comforts
Your kids might need some home comforts to help them to stay comfortable and sleep. Younger children might want a teddy or blanket. Older kids might want a favorite toy, and teens probably just need a phone charger.
Pay for Insurance
When you travel with kids’ insurance can be essential. Make sure any health needs, unexpected cancelations, or other issues are covered.
Prepare for the Journey
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Traveling with children can be stressful, and you’ll definitely need your holiday by the time you arrive. You might decide to drive, but most people fly, in which case, these tips might help.
Hand Luggage
Your hand luggage is very important when you’ve got kids. Make sure passports, tickets, and other documents are easy to find, that you have the cash to hand, and plenty of snacks for the journey. You’ll also want some activities to keep the kids happy, and any nappies and toiletries that you might need, and a spare set of clothes, just in case. Remember, if you are paying for a seat for your child, they also get their own hand luggage allowance.
Plan 20-Minute Activities
Kids have very short attention spans, add that to the excitement of a flight, anxiety, and any nerves that they may have, and keeping them calm might be difficult. So, plan activities in 20-minute blocks. Pack books and games, as well as electronic devices to keep them occupied.
Carefully Consider Snacks
Snacks are a very useful tool when it comes to keeping kids happy. But, think about it carefully. You don’t want anything too sticky, too smelly, or too likely to make them hyper or sick.
Don’t Stress
If you stress and worry, everything will be worse. Keep calm, take it as it comes, and try to enjoy yourself.
Get on the Plane Last
Many airlines will let passengers with young children get on the plane first. This can be a mistake. Let them burn energy running around the airport for as long as you can before they have to sit still.
Know the Rules
Make sure you know what you are allowed to take on the flight, and what has to go in the cabin bag. Check with the airline before leaving home if you have any doubts.
Don’t Strive for Perfection
Your holiday is unlikely to be perfect. Things will go wrong, there will be stress and the kids will get upset. This doesn’t mean that the whole holiday is ruined. Forget perfection and let yourself enjoy the adventure.
The New York–based brand is expanding into Connecticut with a Greenwich scoop shop, marking the debut of its first suburban location.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, the nationally beloved brand known for its made-from-scratch dairy and vegan ice creams, will debut its first Connecticut location on October 1. Located on the iconic Greenwich Avenue in Greenwich, the store is the brand’s first suburban scoop shop. The launch also marks a return to its roots for co-founders Ben and Pete Van Leeuwen who are Greenwich natives and whose ice cream journey began in town twenty years ago.
Ben and Pete became ice cream entrepreneurs back in 2002. The brothers rented a Good Humor truck and drove it all around Greenwich for two summers. With the money he made, Ben went backpacking around Asia and Europe and found himself most excited by the food he discovered and the revelation that good food was more accessible in other parts of the world. His travels inspired the idea for an ice cream truck serving good ice cream. Not long after, Van Leeuwen was born in the form of a yellow scoop truck on the streets of NYC in 2008. Its French-style ice cream (made with more than double the amount of egg yolks as standard ice cream) quickly gained a loyal following, and Van Leeuwen has since expanded into storefronts in New York, California, Colorado, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas, as well as grocery stores across the country, including Stop & Shop and Whole Foods. Van Leeuwen’s goal — to make good ice cream that makes you feel good — also extends to its dairy-free options, which are made with simple recipes and choice ingredients.
The expansive menu features more than 30 signature flavors including Honeycomb, Pistachio (made with Pistachios sourced from Mount Etna in Sicily), Marionberry Cheesecake (made with vine-ripened berries from Oregon farm partner Stahlbush Island Farms), and Earl Grey Tea (made with Rishi Tea), in addition to custom sundaes, handmade ice cream sandwiches, root beer floats, milkshakes and pints to-go. The company is also known for its extensive selection of vegan flavors made with oat and cashew milk, including Churros & Fudge and Strawberry Shortcake.
“We are so excited to bring Van Leeuwen to our hometown,” said Ben Van Leeuwen, co-founder and CEO. “It’s really special that our first suburban location takes us full circle to the place where we first brought smiles to people’s faces through ice cream back in 2002 before the brand existed. We look forward to sharing good ice cream, made with good ingredients, with the community where we grew up.”
Known nationally for creative seasonal and limited-edition collaboration flavors such as Kraft Macaroni & Cheese and BIGFACE Coffee Affogato in partnership with NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler, Van Leeuwen will also serve an exclusive limited-edition flavor at its Greenwich location. The brand has teamed up with local French bakery Raphaël’s to create a flavor inspired by their Canelé pastry – a brown sugar ice cream with vanilla and rum notes with pieces of Canelé from Raphaël’s. In addition, Van Leeuwen’s Fall seasonal specials, Pumpkin Cheesecake and Dark Chocolate Vegan Pumpkin Pie, will be available until December 1.
Opening day hours on October 1 are 12pm-11pm. In celebration of the launch, the shop will offer $1 scoops of all ice cream on opening day from 12pm-4pm.
Van Leeuwen’s Greenwich scoop shop is located at 375 Greenwich Avenue and will be open Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Guests can enjoy their treats at the scoop shop or order pints for takeout or delivery.
ABOUT VAN LEEUWEN ICE CREAM Founded in 2008, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream started out of a yellow scoop truck on the streets of NYC by Ben Van Leeuwen, Pete Van Leeuwen and Laura O’Neill. With a mission to make good ice cream from good ingredients that makes you feel good, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has innovated beyond the original dairy recipe with vegan ice cream and ice cream bars, unique and eclectic flavors, and more. With 33 scoop shops across the country, Van Leeuwen ice cream is also available for purchase in grocery stores and nationwide shipping. To keep up with everything Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, follow the brand on Instagram @vanleeuwenicecream or visit www.vanleeuwenicecream.com.
During the pandemic, I met Kim Kasoff, a professional moble hair stylist. She previously worked in many high profile salons in Weschester and decided to go on her own and bring her services to her clients in the comfort of their own homes. Her services are incredible and she is extremely professional. She will come to your home and provide all of the same services that you would receive in your salon, hair cut, blow outs, color, etc. Kim makes herself available most days and will travel throughout Westchester county. I cannot tell you how life changing it has been to have the convenience of having Kim come to my house on a regular basis for all of my hair needs for the past couple of years. For more information or to book an appointment, contact Kim HERE.
My longtime sponsor Jill Kay is a community builder with the new American based company oHHo. oHHo is a cannabis and botanical wellness company dedicated to bringing you Plants with Benefits™. I have included a few common questions asked about oHHo products below for your reference and so you can see what all the hype is about. oHHo literally has a safe and effective product for everything: aches and pains, anxiety, sleeplessness, products for your pets and so much more. You can check out Jill’s page HERE and check out her best sellers. Also, check out Jill’s INSTAGRAM page for more helpful information about oHHo and its products! NS Lifestyles readers will enjoy 10% off all orders with code JILLKAY.
What is CBD and what does it do?
CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol. It is a non-intoxicating natural compound extracted from the cannabis Sativa (hemp) plant. CBD and other cannabinoids fit receptors of the Endocannabinoid System helping optimize bodily functions. Genetics, brain chemistry & life experience influence individual benefits.
Does CBD have any unwanted side effects?
Across a number of controlled & open lab trials of the potential therapeutic effects of CBD, it is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile. It is important to remember that CBD can affect everyone differently and what might happen for one person might not be the same for you. When you first start taking CBD, they recommend starting with a low dose and gradually building up.
Is oHHo legal?
The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp-derived products federally legal across the whole of the United States. However, Arizona, Idaho, Nebraska, South Dakota and Texas have not fully adopted this law change. Across the rest of the world, the legal landscape regarding CBD is rapidly evolving. It is recommend that everyone checks the status of laws surrounding CBD in the country to which they are traveling. Europe and the UK allow CBD with varying levels of THC content, while destinations in Asia and the Middle East, among others, continue to regard CBD as an illegal substance. Before traveling with oHHo, we strongly recommend checking the law and exercising discretion. For more information regarding domestic travel, click here.
Is oHHo expensive?
They pack a lot of CBD into the bottles because they want customers to have plenty of doses. The oils come in different strengths. Each 15mL bottle contains between 50-75 effective 15mg doses and each 30mL bottle contains between 100-150 effective 15mg doses. They provide only the best possible artisanal and craft hemp extract grown in the best possible way, extracted cleanly and tested by independent laboratories every time. But everyone is different and CBD affects everyone differently, so if you are not 100% satisfied with the product, they honor a full refund.
The J House Greenwich is thrilled to celebrate its 10th anniversary this year. After a decade of service as one of the most luxurious boutique hotels in Fairfield County, Connecticut, The J House is commemorating its success with new renovations slated for this year. These renovations will further enhance the existing hip vibe at The J House as a destination offering a contemporary and unique lifestyle experience.
Over the past decade, The J House has been a hotel of choice for some of the most distinguished travelers visiting the tri-state region. It remains the cool place to be seen, and it has welcomed countless celebrities and high-profile executives who relish its unique hip, fun vibe. The staff at The J House puts together some of the grandest events and celebrations in the region – including everything from weddings and anniversaries to corporate meetings and conferences, art events, and social get-togethers. The J House is also well known for its romance packages, girlfriend weekends, and staycations.
“Since 2012, The J House has offered an unmatched dimension of luxury and sophisticated service. Celebrating 10 years of wonderful memories is a key milestone in our history, and we look forward to continuously exceeding the expectations of our guests,” said John Fareri, Owner of The J House Greenwich. “I would like to thank our guests and business partners for their support, and thank our amazing team for their consistent service and flawless attention to the details that truly define The J
House experience.”
The renovations that began last year will continue throughout the hotel, including guestrooms, suites, and public spaces. All of the suites, including The Ambassador Suite, are receiving a fresh new look. Each of the hotel’s 83 high-tech guestrooms and suites will receive brand new luxury vinyl flooring, new furniture, new TVs, and mini-refrigerators. Hallways will receive new carpeting, and The Ambassador Suite’s expansive outdoor deck will also receive new furniture. One of their beautiful event spaces, known as The Riverside Room, will be completely transformed this summer with a fresh look that includes hardwood flooring and a sustainable green wall. Tony’s patio bar and waterfall will be enhanced with marble and new lighting. In total, these renovations will cost approximately $1,000,000.
The renovations will further enhance the already existing boutique hotel experience that The J House offers its guests. The hotel offers fine dining via Tony’s restaurant, the “world-class” J Spa, exquisite banquet rooms, and attentive service that has set The J House apart from other hotels over the years. The hotel features a stunning outdoor seasonal heated pool with an expansive pool deck and cabana. It is also pet friendly and provides welcome gifts to its furry friends upon arrival.
Below is a list of amenities that have been established over the years at The J House since its inception in May 2012:
- EV Charging Stations (2022)
- The J House will add convenient charging stations for guests driving electronic vehicles.
- NestSeeker’s International (2021)
- A luxury global real estate brokerage firm made The J House their home. At the nexus of technology and media, NestSeekers specializes in ultra-luxury and new development.
- Tony’s at The J House (2019)
- Executive Chef Denis Radovic’s Italian Steakhouse menu presents homemade pasta, market fresh fish, prime dry-aged steaks, vibrant salads, seasonal specialties, and a revolving cheese selection. The wine list is expansive. In the summer of 2020, Tony’s at The J House partnered with “Miku” and serves fresh sushi daily. Managing Partner, Tony Capasso, keeps guests entertained with his lively personality and trivia. The restaurant’s patio also features a retractable roof – keeping it the perfect setting for any season.
- The J Spa (2015)
- The Spa at The J House spoils guests with a complete range of personalized spa treatments, from a revitalizing facial to a heavenly massage or aromatic body treatment. Its range of treatments are suitable for both female and male clients and can be adapted to suit any specific requirements. The spa also features an extra-large treatment room for couples’ massages.
- The J House Coffee Bar (2014)
- The J House Coffee Bar features premium brand espresso, drip coffees, cold brews, and specialty drinks brewed with beans from Bonjo Coffee. Gather with work associates around its communal table or pull up a comfortable seat in its lounge while enjoying a great cup of coffee or a bite to eat.
For more information on The J House and to find out what it means to live the “J Life”, please visit www.jhousegreenwich.com. To make reservations, please call (203) 698-6980 or click here.
About The J House Greenwich
The J House Greenwich, a boutique hotel located in Greenwich, Connecticut, is one of the area’s premier luxury hotels for business or leisure travelers. Its event spaces are perfect for conferences and off-site meetings, as well as social events such as weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, anniversaries, and birthdays. We offer 83 high-tech guest rooms and suites featuring deluxe mirror televisions, fully automated lights, and shades, wireless internet, and many other amenities.
Hair styling is a rewarding career option, whether you join a salon or work as an independent artist. Although you may start small, the sky is the limit when it comes to growth. You can run a successful business by setting up a style studio, making good money working as an employee, or serving celeb clients. Whichever route you choose, the possibilities and earning potential are endless. But everything boils down to your skills, experience, and expertise as a stylist.
Of course, you must be passionate about making people look and feel beautiful. But formal training is essential to get a good start in the field. You cannot stop after the first step, as upgrading your skills takes you on the growth route. But most stylists get complacent about their careers at some point. They tend to stagnate without a vision to move ahead. However, you may end up losing your clients in the competitive space unless you ramp up your skills regularly. Let us share some proven advice to upgrade your professional styling skills.
Go back to school
Ongoing education can take you a long way in any profession, and styling is not an exception. Consider going back to school for additional programs and courses after passing out. There is always something new to learn with techniques in cutting, styling, and coloring. Check with your training school frequently to learn about new programs and courses on offer. You will probably find something interesting to learn and upgrade. Take time off from work, and invest in career development by joining a refresher program. The good thing is that you can even pursue programs online without interfering with your professional schedules.
Learn on the job
Nothing gets better than learning on the job as it lets you upgrade skills without spending a dollar. Instead, you make money by learning and earning. Moreover, you need not fit program classes into your tight schedule. Just watch experts, practice, and learn as you work for your clients. Joining a seasoned stylist is the best option if you plan to pick this skill development option. You can learn a lot by only watching them and following their techniques. Be confident as you work on different textures, techniques, and styles as it lets you get better with time.
Follow the trends
The styling industry has new trends around the corner at all times. Skill enhancement is also about staying on track with the latest trends in the domain. In fact, every trend brings something different to work with, so grab the opportunity and dive right in. You only need to be open-minded enough to switch to a new technique by stepping out of your comfort zone. The benefit of keeping pace with trends extends beyond upgrading. It keeps you relevant in the competitive industry as clients appreciate professionals who can deliver the latest and the best.
Upgrade your tools
Upgrading your tools from time to time is another way to ramp up your skills. The styling market is huge, and you can always find something better in tools and accessories. Using the latest ones lets you learn a new skill as a professional. An innovative tool goes beyond giving the best results for your client. It also eases your work and enhances your reputation. While switching to new styling tools is a great option to pick additional skills, most stylists will probably prefer to stick with “our favorite hair shears” when it comes to cutting. It is perfectly valid because quality shears last forever and work like magic over the years.
Attend events and workshops
Another good way to upgrade your skills as a hairstylist is by attending events and workshops. The beauty and styling industry is dynamic, so such events and workshops are always happening. Keep track of local calendars, and schedule for attending them. Traveling for a big one is worthwhile if you can see a celeb stylist in action. You may even get a certificate for attending these workshops. Another benefit of participating in such events is that you get to network and connect with like-minded professionals. You can share tips and tricks that let you get better at work.
Go through books, articles, and videos
Upgrading as a professional is easier than ever as you have access to endless learning resources these days. The internet has a treasure for anyone who wants to learn and upgrade. Utilize your free time to go through books, articles, and videos because they offer knowledge and guidance on new skills and techniques. Follow a celeb stylist page to see what’s hot in the fashion circles. You can even join an online community to interact with styling professionals and check what is trending in the industry. Besides utilizing these resources, practice the skills on dummies. You may even develop a new skill or technique for yourself with experimentation.
Stay motivated
Growing as a professional is also about staying motivated for learning and development. It is easy to stick to your comfort zone once you reach your career goals such as opening up your studio or working for high-end clients. But stagnation can kill your professional growth, so you must not stop learning. Push to learn more and get better because there is no limit to skill enhancement in the beauty industry. You only need to be open to the idea of learning and growing as a professional. Seek inspiration from a top stylist or find a mentor to go above and beyond with your career goals. Remember that you can always move to the next level.
Upgrading your skills as a hairstylist makes you a more confident professional. It also gives you a career boost for bigger and better opportunities. You stay relevant and competitive in the ever-evolving industry. So you must give your best to refresh and upgrade your skills as you go. Even experienced professionals should not stop learning because there is always something new to pick. Try these ideas to go the extra mile with your skills and capabilities in the long run.