4 Fun Earth-Friendly Projects To Complete With Your Family

It is never too early to start planning in advance for the winter or spring breaks. Schools will be out, and you'll be searching for activities to keep the whole family busy and happy. If your goal is to go green, invest some time into eco-friendly projects that reuse materials you already have. Look for ways to conserve energy around the house too. Check out these green projects you can complete this holiday.

Upcycle Plastic Grocery Bags

Image via Flickr by groundsel

Each time you go grocery shopping, you bring home several plastic bags. Instead of recycling your bags, turn them into something new. Grab a crochet hook to make plastic yarn, known as plarn. Weave or crochet the plarn into hats, handbags or decorative coasters. 

During the holidays, turn plastic bags into festive decorations including wreaths and pom-poms. Flowers made from plastic bags make beautiful accents you can use any time of year.

Start a Green Energy Project

Let the kids pitch in with a summer research project. School-age children can study eco-friendly power sources including solar and geothermal energy. The finished report could be a head start on this year's science fair project. Review the information together as a family to decide if any of these green energy solutions can work in your home. 

One thing you can do now to make your home eco-friendly is to complete an energy audit. Check for drafty windows and doors and use a programmable thermostat to control the home's temperature. Also, ensure that your heating and cooling system is running as efficiently as possible. 

Consistent HVAC maintenance is an essential step in conserving energy at home. Schedule appointments to have a professional technician change your filters and clean your home's air ducts regularly.

Reuse Plastic Bottles

Plastic bottles provide durable craft material that you can use to make cute planters for your home or garden. Simply cut off the tops and paint on a design. Another idea is to take off the bottoms to create hanging lights for the patio or den. 

If you have a few extra wooden spoons and a plastic bottle, help your feathered friends and build a birdfeeder for the backyard. Poke a few small holes in a soda bottle, attach a hose and you have yourself a homemade sprinkler to help the kids cool off during a hot summer day. 

Photo by Parker Burchfield on Unsplash

Give Old T-Shirts a Second Life

Your favorite T-shirt you've worn hundreds of times may have seen better days, but it's still hard to let go and throw it out. Not to worry, that old shirt with a hole in it can still be useful. Cut more holes in it to make a reusable produce bag. 

You can also fashion worn-out cotton shirts into onesies or bibs for infants. If a shirt has stains on the front, salvage the sleeves and turn them into soft baby hats or socks.

Try these green project ideas this summer and see how you can recycle old materials and find ways to save energy. You'll have fun and feel good about going green and protecting the environment all year long.

Six Hacks for Breezing Through the Airport

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When it comes to travel one of the most familiar sights is that of an airport. Depending on how you prepare and how you spend your time there, an airport can either be a tedious drag, or it could be a true highlight. This is especially important when you have children with you. The younger they are, the less patient they will be with the waiting aspect of flying. By following these six hacks, you can vastly improve your airport experience for the whole family and make getting through the airport a breeze:

Hacks for Getting Through Security 

     1. Have Everything Packed for Easy Security Checkout 
Have your liquids and electronics within easy reach so that you can quickly and efficiently unload your luggage to be scanned. It is wise to also refrain from wearing metal and to remember to remove the items like coins or keys from your pockets.

     2. Teach Your Children Before You Go 
If this is your child’s first time flying remember to coach them on what is going to happen before you go. That way they will know what is going on and won’t need to ask questions.

Hacks for Making the Wait Easier 

     1. Have Games and Activities Ready
Games and activities are a sure-fire way to keep kids entertained, but just remember that electronics shouldn’t be their only source of fun. Bring coloring books, a doll, and other quiet activities for them to enjoy.

      2.Try Walking Around When Children Are Restless
If your child is restless, then walk around with them. Let them go into the shops and engage with the world around them. You will know exactly when your flight is boarding and when you need to go back, and letting them run around inside the airport should blow off some steam, so they rest well on the flight.

Photo by Briana Tozour on Unsplash

Hacks for When Your Flight is Delayed 

     1. Know What Your Rights Are 
You have rights when it comes to flying, but depending on where you fly, and with who you fly, those rights will differ. Flying in the EU means you can enjoy EU protections and regulations, but other airlines and destinations aren’t so lucky. Check in advance so you know what your rights are without stressing about a delay or cancellation.

     2. Get Compensation

Whether you travel for business or leisure, a delay at the airport will likely cost you. Perhaps the only cost will be lost time at your holiday destination, but more likely there will be extra transportation costs to cover the delay once you land. Do not let these inconveniences ruin your holiday. Instead, rest easy knowing which compensation plans are applicable. In the EU, for example, you are covered by government regulation, making the compensation process as easy as going to FairPlane and filling out their online form within six years of your flight’s delay. 

Photo by Dmitry Sovyak on Unsplash

Flying with children doesn’t have to be a nightmare, you only need to prepare your children and pack accordingly. By following these six hacks, you can actually turn the waiting hours at an airport from boring and stressful to fun for the whole family.

GhostBed Sheets Make For A Better Night's Rest

In recent years, I have found myself having a lot of difficulty getting comfortable at night to fall asleep at a decent time. My problem is partly due to always feeling hot. My poor husband would often times have to put on a sweatshirt and sweatpants to come to bed, because he felt like I kept our bedroom at Arctic temperatures. Okay, maybe dropping the A.C. super low, and having the ceiling set on super high-speed is a bit much for the average person.

Another part of my problem was that I've struggled to find a sheet set that is comfortable, cool, and durable. Thankfully I found the perfect solution with my new GhostBed Luxury Sheets made with Supmia cotton and Tencel fiber blend. This sheet set will work great on almost any mattress, but it's ideal to pair it with any GhostBed mattress. These sheets are amazingly soft and luxurious. From the moment I touched the sheets with my finger tips, I could feel a smooth coolness.

The GhostBed Luxury Sheets set is a product of GhostBed by Nature's Sleep, which makes a mattress that Consumer Reports rated very good or excellent in every category, and is the best mattress for fibromyalgia. I like knowing that the sheet set comes with a 3-year warranty, and free shipping!

So what exactly makes Supima cotton sheets? Supima cotton is one of the finest quality grown cotton in the US. Made using longer, smoother, and cleaner yarn, the result is a softer and more plush feel. Additionally, Supima premium cotton is also more durable, able to withstand washing year after year and maintains its original shape, feel and comfort. This makes me happy because I wash bed sheets frequently.

I have had sheets in the past where the elastic stretched out so much that it caused the bottom sheet to slip off. This does not happen with GhostBed sheets. Just look at that wide elastic band that helps prevent the fitted sheet from popping off.

My husband and I love how comfortable our sheets feel, and that the set came with four pillow cases instead of two like most standard king sets do. They come in either gray or white, which is perfect when you like neutral colors. There is a downside though. It is almost impossible getting out of bed, because we are so comfy! Also, it brings kids into our room sneaking under the covers so they can experience the comfort, too.

Our Ghostbed Luxury fitted sheet set goes perfectly with our new mattress cover. Be sure to check out GhostBed online and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Next up for us will be a bedroom makeover!

The Travel Files - 6 Reasons To Visit Myrtle Beach In The Off Season

Every year we visit Myrtle Beach several times with our family. It is always a good time and we can't ever get enough. Most people prefer going to the beach in the summer, but we feel differently. We go no matter the season or weather. One of our favorite times of year to travel to Myrtle Beach is in the winter. Yes, winter! I've come up with a short list of reasons why you should visit Myrtle Beach in the off-season.

We love an oceanfront view! 

• Great weather- The weather is often times still mild in the beginning of the winter season. Next week will be in the lower 70's and upper 60's. Not bad if you love to walk on the beach like we do! 
• Lower cost to stay oceanfront- If you love listening to the sounds of the ocean, you can stay in an oceanfront condo for less than you think. A condo offers all of the comforts of home including private bedrooms/baths, kitchen, washer/dryer, and dishwasher. Our favorites are Avista Resort and Prince Resort. There are many great amenities like indoor pool/hot tub, fitness center, on-site restaurant/bar to name a few. Check out the rates, you will be pleasantly surprised. Also, most locations don't require a minimum night's stay like they do in the summertime. Often times you can find a spacious 3-bedroom condo for as low as $100 per night! 
• Less crowds- If being in the midst of crowds is not your thing, the off season is the best time to visit. Sometimes you will feel like you have the whole beach to yourself. As long as you dress in layers, you will be good to go. 
• Outlet shopping- Right after Christmas, stores slash prices on merchandise to make room for spring items. This is the perfect time to rack up some good deals on clothing, home decor, toys, accessories, and more. You can even get some holiday gifts for the next year at deep discounts. 
• Lots of attractions- Myrtle Beach is full of fun attractions for the entire family. There are themed restaurants, putt-putt mini golf centers, museums, live shows, animal exhibits, holiday festivities, arcades and more. If you plan ahead, you can often times get specials that can save you a few bucks.
• Make everlasting memories- Being at the beach with your family is a great way to reconnect and have some fun. We make new memories every time we go and have even created new traditions along the way. 

This hot tub at the Avista Resort is where you'll find me

If you're curious about renting a condo, check out my reviews and tips from previous visits to Avista Resort and Prince Resort. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me.

Protect Your Mattress With A Ghostbed Mattress Cover Protector

Have you ever had a time where you were casually sitting in bed watching TV, having a snack, and you grab your drink then you spill it all over yourself and your bedding? Or perhaps you were changing your baby's diaper, and they had a pee pee accident? I have had both happen numerous times in the past. Let's face it, we are all human, and do a lot more than just sleeping on our bed. You invest your hard-earned money for a good mattress, so it's important to provide good protection against those everyday life occurrences.

If you have a mattress from GhostBed, then you might be familiar with their line of bedding items as well as the best mattress for back pain. The GhostBed Mattress Cover Protector is the perfect choice to provide superior protection.

I've dealt with mattress covers in the past that were awful, because they have that annoying fitted-sheet-that-didn't-actually-fit thing going. The GhostBed protector has a 2-inch thick elastic band that encases the entire bottom for maximum stability. I'm telling you, the band goes way under your mattress so you do not have to worry about slipping. This makes me SO happy because I always get annoyed when I see my husband's side of the bed with the sheet or cover off the mattress. And he says that I am the wild sleeper! 

The super soft knit top provides quiet breathability. As soon as my son saw it, and felt how soft it was, he dove on top of my bed. I had to tell him that it was just the mattress cover and not the actual bed sheet. I'm happy to have a total water-proof barrier with long-lasting durability after every wash. It also offers non-migrating antimicrobial technology which helps eliminate allergens. I do love that it makes no sound when you are in bed.

Your GhostBed Mattress Cover Protector comes with 10 year limited warranty and FREE shipping! Who doesn't love FREE shipping?! They come in all sizes including: twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, and cal king.

We are so pleased with our new mattress cover, and now I can sip my beverage with no worries. We highly recommend the GhostBed Mattress Cover Protector, and it works best with the GhostBed mattress.

One last thing: GhostBed is excited to celebrate their 3rd Birthday on Halloween! To kick off the celebration, GhostBed (bigger, better mattresses built to keep you cool all night) is giving away a FREE GhostBed Mattress. Enter here.