Memorial Weekend Roadtrip to SugarCreek Ohio

There is something about Sugar Creek Ohio that makes us want to come back  all the time.  We promised that kids that we will take them for a short road trip as soon as  they got done with school.  It  is also a reward for them  for doing so well in school.  They are both straight A's students so they really deserve  some reward from us.  For them it is not about material things but  the bond that we create when we go somewhere and enjoy  things as a family.

 It is always a fun time driving down to Ohio .  Seeing the farm area is very relaxing.  We don't get to see  it  as often as we would like but we take  every chance we get to  see it.

 The kids get to see the the brick factory on the way, the furniture  factory and all other cool stuff that our city of Weirton don't have.

 Sugarcreek is the little Switzerland  of Ohio so it is a  unique place to visit.

 I was excited to see the schedule of the Annual Fabulous 50s Fling, it is on my birthday, yay!

 For some reason, we always miss the  exit going to Sugarcreek  and we have to turn  around and find it lol.  Even with GPS, we  still get lost!  That's the story of our lives, our sense of direction is  not the best.

For the most part though, we  enjoy being lost because we get to enjoy seeing new things that otherwise we won't be able to see if we   get to the destination right away.

There is  a big cuckoo clock  as the land,mark  in Sugarcreek and there's always people there.

We saw a some vehicle there with a Florida license plate so we were not the only ones who are from  another place.

My kids always love seeing the horse carriage  that the Amish people are using as their main  transportation.

Just walking around the town is fun because they have so many neat stuff.  Some of the  buildings are very ornate.

I also love the colorful exterior details of  some houses.

I love houses with this type of  design, wrap around porches and a colonial type of veranda.  But I think that this house is the business center of Sugarcreek.  We haven't gone inside it but maybe next time we will be able to go inside.

There is a  store with so many pretty things inside.  They have some beautiful quilts too.

That big frog never ceased  to amuse my son everytime we go there lol.

Even this rusty chair adds a charm to this house.

There are so much things to see in Sugarcreek.

Little by little, we will explore them as we go back there from time to time.

Here's a short video of my kiddos while having fun on the road.

Discovering Waikato for the First Time #NewZealand

Waikato is a beautiful area, where one can take a campervan hire in New Zealand and explore all the amazing places to see. Whether you visit in the spring, summer, winter, or fall, you can rest assured that Waikato is delightful any time of the year.

For those who are discovering Waikato for the first time, there are several things that you will not want to miss out on. To ensure that you have the best time possible while visiting Waikato, read on:

•       Waitomo Caves-How about exploring the underground world of the Waitomo caves, where not only will you be amazed by the incredible designs, but you will also be captivated by the glow worms that light them up. It is truly an interesting place to visit, and one that you won’t want to miss out on seeing while in Waikato.

•       Hamilton Gardens-Are you looking for a romantic place to spend the afternoon? Hamilton Gardens is a gorgeous garden that you can visit for free. You will be able to appreciate the different themed gardens they have there, from the Italian Renaissance to the Chinese Scholars garden. A lovely experience for those who appreciate greenery and flowers.

•       Bridal Veil Falls-Located in the Waikato region, the Bridal Veil Falls are romantic and inviting, where you can take plenty of pictures from above or admire them from below.

•       Raglan-The abovementioned falls are on the way to this seaside town that is a must-visit, especially for surfers. With big waves and plenty of beaches, it is the ideal destination for anyone who wants to catch a good break. With the only seaside resort in the area, make sure to book in advance if you want to skip the campervan for a night.

•       Hobbiton Movie Set-If you are a movie nerd, you may love the idea of visiting the movie set where parts of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies were filmed. It’s a charming place to visit as you imagine the presence of little hobbits walking around. It looks just as beautiful as it does in the movie, so rest assured that you won’t be disappointed.

•       Maungatautari-If what you are looking for is some time in the wild, a visit to the Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari forest will be a rewarding one. There you can hike up to Pukeatua Peak or visit the wetlands where you can observe the Tuatara and Takehe enjoying their natural habitat.

•       Cambridge-For a real countryside experience, drive your campervan on over to Cambridge, where you can see plenty of horses, green pastures, and also go kayaking or rowing on Lake Karapiro. After enjoying the scenery and outdoors during the day, you can go and enjoy a great meal at one of the local restaurants or visit a weekend market in the centre.

Waikato has a unique atmosphere and landscape in New Zealand, yet maintains the charm and beauty that the country is known for. It’s easy to drive around in a campervan here, making it an ideal destination for your New Zealand road trip.

Music is...

Music is the art of the prophets and the gift of God. 

-Martin Luther -

I love when I can find a unique  piece at a thrift store at a very  low price.  This is my recent find   from thrift shopping last weekend.  I only paid $4 for it, I thought it was a steal, don't you think? Anyway, it looks pretty on our music corner.  I thought my husband would not like it but he did.

I wish  that the ed sheeran guitar available at Musicians Friend is within my price range, I would definitely get my son one  as he's been wanting a  new guitar  so he could start learning  to play.  I am still looking for  a violin teacher that could teach my daughter.  She has   a violin now but we can't find any teacher around the area.  

Fun Time at Industrial Scientific #MothersDay

On April 26, we took the kids to Industrial Scientific for "Take Your Children to Work Day" sponsored by the company to commemorate the Workers Memorial Day.  The kids had fun and we got to meet some of  my husband's  co-workers and boss.  It was nice to finally  meet this lovely woman, we've been friends online for quite a while so it was a nice treat!

Since it is Mother's Day, I would like to thank God for blessing me  two wonderful children and for giving me the most loving Mom in the whole world.

I miss my Mama a lot, it's been years since we last saw each other and it's been tough not being able to see her or even talk to her as  often as I would love to.    My Mom does not  want to use  cellphone or any kind of gadget  so it is so hard for us to communicate.  My Mama is the most hardworking  woman I know.  She and my  father raised 9 children by themselves and I can't thank them enough for  everything that they did  for us.  Mama could have simply walked away because it was tough but she didn't, she was  dedicated to raising us through all the hardships in life.  I admire and respect my Mother, she is  the most understanding, kind, and loving person I know.   

Happy Mother's Day to the woman that inspired me the most, thank you for everything Ma. I know I don't say it often but I love you very much! #MothersDay #Mom #myMom #BestMom

A post shared by Chubskulit Rose (@chubskulitrose) on May 14, 2017 at 5:16am PDT

Being a Mom is such a blessing.  It is a gift that not every women  have the privilege to experience.  I know some women who would love to be a Mom and would make a wonderful Mom but  it doesn't happen.  I feel so fortunate to have been blessed with this gift!  My children   are the most wonderful presents  I have ever received.  It's  tough to be a Mom sometimes but everything is  so worth it.  Nothing compares the happiness of  being a mother.  

I am grateful that God gave me  the opportunity  to become one and for  giving me a loving husband.  I have so much to thank for.  Sometimes I feel  like I don't deserve  everything but I am truly thankful!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms!

Why You Should Road trip Across North America on Your Next Vacation

If you’re looking for the ultimate vacation with your family this summer, why not rent an RV, pack your things and head out on the road? You don’t have to fly overseas to experience great culture, breathtaking views and ancient ruins.

There are many benefits to taking a road trip instead of flying; first, you can go where you want, when you want, on your own schedule. You don’t have to rush to catch a flight, fight traffic to get there on time, or be subjected to disrespectful treatment. Second, it’s cheaper. Yes, you’ll pay for gas, and your RV rental, but you won’t have to pay for hotels or restaurant meals. Third, there’s nothing like the open road to give you a perspective on nature and all it has to offer. Simply rent your RV, purchase your online car insurance and you’re good to go!

Here are some must-see sights in Mexico, the U.S. and Canada to give you a diverse and unforgettable experience that you and your family will remember forever:

Mexico

Mexico is a loved destination for those wanting to escape the frigid winters of the north. It offers beautiful scenery, a relaxed atmosphere and friendly people. Here a few places to include on your itinerary:

Chapultepec Castle, Mexico City

A nominal entrance fee will gain you entrance to one of the most beautiful structures in North America. Walk the gardens and tour this amazing castle with a breathtaking view of the city below. Be warned, though, there is a bit of walk to get there.

Tulum

Beaches, beaches and more beaches! Take a day to soak up the sun, or book a guided tour through the Tulum ruins. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even zip line through the jungle or snorkel in a cenote.

Iztaccihuatl, Puebla

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at mountain climbing, this is your chance! Located in Puebla, this is a very unique mountain. Many called it the ‘sleeping lady’ as if you look from the west or the east, you can distinctly see the shape of a woman. Even if you don’t climb it, you’ll want to see it.

U.S.

There are too many destinations to mention, but here are some of the most popular:

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Everyone needs to visit the Grand Canyon at least once in their lifetime. It’s a great stop on your North American tour that the entire family will enjoy. Take in the views or try white-water rafting down the Colorado River.

Yellowstone National Park

Infamous for being the world’s first National Park, there’s much for you to see and explore. From volcanoes to wildlife, you could easily spend a week here.

Taos Pueblo, New Mexico

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these mud and straw adobes have been home to Tiwa-speaking Native Americans for almost 1,000 years. As you check out the dwellings, strike up a conversation with the friendly occupants inside who are more than happy to share their stories.

Canada

The true north strong and free has so much to offer, it’s hard to know where to start! While it’s a great place to visit anytime, this year marks an especially special time – July 1st marks Canada’s 150th birthday! As part of the celebration, all of the National Parks are free of charge this year (there are 46 of them!).

No matter where you go in this great country, you’ll encounter friendly people, diverse culture and plenty of wildlife.

Here are just a few stops you can make in this vast country:

Flowerpot Island, Tobermory, Ontario

You’ll have to park your RV and hop on a boat, but it will be worth it! Located in the Bruce Peninsula in Tobermory, Ontario, this island offers breathtaking views of the pristine waters of Georgian Bay. Take the day and hike the loop trail, or explore the caves.

Banff National Park

Turquoise glacial lakes, Rocky Mountain peaks and a picture-perfect mountain village await; take in the scenic drives and abundant wildlife – it’s all here in Banff National Park. There are lots of activities to do here – hiking, swimming, skiing and camping (and don’t forget admission is free in 2017!).

George Street, ST. John’s Newfoundland

This infamous street in downtown St. John’s features two blocks of restaurants, pubs and bars. It has a unique reputation that brings thousands of visitors here each year. Some notable bands that have played here include Ron Hynes, Blue Rodeo and Great Big Sea. Take in a fine dining experience or enjoy one of the two annual music festivals.

Wherever you go this summer, do it with family and make memories that will last a lifetime.

How To Save Money On Monthly Expenses

We’d all like to save a little money here and there, but despite our intentions to stick to a budget, unexpected costs can make us reluctantly dip into our savings. If the goal is to have a little extra money left over at the end of the month, the best solution is to trim your monthly expenses so you can gradually grow your savings.

Whether your monthly expenses are your bills, essentials, or little luxuries, you can save a few pennies here and there without living like hermits for months on end.

Reduce your bills

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Even if you pay your bills yearly, you can find ways to cut down how much you pay for water, energy, and wifi every month. The easiest solution is to go green. Start by switching to energy efficient LED bulbs, unplugging all appliances you’re not using, and insulating your home so you don’t need to turn up your thermostat as much. Doing these small things can reduce your energy consumption, saving you money on your bills each month and helping the environment.  Going paperless with your bills can also save you money.

If the cost of a single ink cartridge makes you groan, imagine running a utility company and having to pay to print out several thousand energy bills per month. Going paperless is not only good for the environment, it saves the company from having to pay for the printing process so they like to encourage their customers to cancel their paper bills. If you opt to receive your bills by email, you could save yourself a few extra dollars a month on your energy bills, which will add up to a few hundred dollars at the end of the year.

Shop smart

Buying groceries on a budget is a struggle for a lot of people for various reasons. The best thing you can do to keep your food bills low is to find ways to reduce the amount of waste you throw away each week. Fortunately, there are several more ways to reduce your food bill each week, including shopping for cheaper store brands, buying non-perishables items in bulk, or sticking to a shopping list. You can also save money on food by avoiding takeaways, packing a lunch to take to work, or freezing your leftovers to eat them later.

Wherever you can, take advantage of discounts, special offers, or coupons. You can find a lot of coupons in the Sunday paper, and if you use them regularly it will far exceed the cost of the paper. If your local supermarket has a weekly circular, take one and make a note of their weekly discounts. You can even find discount codes for many stores online. Your family’s furry friend won’t have to miss out on great deals with PetSmart.com coupon codes.

If you’ve got a bit of a green thumb, try growing your own vegetables or some pots of herbs to save a few pennies here and there.

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DIY as much as possible

Sometimes the best way to save money is by doing little things by yourself. When things break around the house, try doing your own home repairs instead of calling a professional (as long as it’s nothing too serious).

DIY is not just limited to fixing things that are broken. There are plenty of home remedies online for face masks, or hair products, which only require things you’d put on your grocery list. You could even set aside a Saturday and do a spa day in the comfort of your home for a fraction of the price.

If you’re handy with a needle, you can also save money on new clothes by simply repairing or making new items out of your unwanted fabrics.

Caffeine addicts can save dollars every week by brewing their own coffee at home instead of getting a takeaway from a cafe. A really good coffee machine will soon pay for itself with the savings you make from skipping the visit to your local Starbucks. If you also go to cafes for the delicious pastries, then learn to bake your own treats at home.

Transportation

With the price of gas constantly changing, your car is an unpredictable money pit. That’s before you even factor in the monthly payments, parking spaces, and unexpected repairs. You can save money and still keep your car by only using it for long trips, such as family vacations. In the meantime, there are plenty of public transport options to suit your lifestyle. Monthly bus passes are more than worth their value if you take the bus to work every day. Carpooling with a colleague splits the cost of gas, and can reduce traffic if enough people get in on the scheme. Finally, if you’re going out for the night and don’t have a volunteer for designated driver, Uber can save you the trouble of standing out in the cold to call a cab.

Find cheaper luxuries

Although luxuries are often deemed unessential when making budget cuts, some of them are necessary for relaxing after stressful days.  However, you should make sure they’re worth the money you pay for them. When is the last time you used your gym membership? If you only go to the gym every once in a while, then paying monthly for a membership is a waste of money. Cut out the middleman and start working out at home. There are a wide range of exercises you can do at home without equipment, or you can buy one exercise machine if you feel that you would benefit from having one at home.

Subscriptions to magazines you no longer read is also money down the drain. If you’re convinced that you need a certain membership or subscription, cancel it and see if you really miss it. Buying issues every other month is cheaper than forking out funds for a whole year’s subscription, or you could check if you local library has a subscription.

Budget holidays

Just because you’ve saved enough money to go abroad this summer, doesn’t mean you should spend all your savings on a luxurious beach holiday. There are plenty of holiday destinations to choose from that won’t eat your savings, so if Vietnam is on your travel bucket list you can probably visit on a budget. You can save even more money on accommodation by booking with Airbnb or a cheap hostel. Do some research into your destination and find out what activities you can do either for free or on the cheap.

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Discount devices

It seems that every year an electronics giant announces that they’ll be releasing a new model later that year, even though it seems like they’ve just released their old one. Fortunately for you, this means that the prices drop on the previous model, making it more affordable than it was when it first came out. More importantly, they still perform most of the same functions as the new release, so you’re not missing out on much if you don’t buy the latest gadget.

To save more money, try negotiating your contract with your provider. Just get in touch with them, either in store or over the phone, and tell them that your current deal isn’t working for you anymore. They don’t want to lose your business, so they will help you find a better deal on your service. If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no. Just make sure you’re always polite when you’re negotiating.