Month: April 2022

The things that make life beautiful are often the ones people take for granted. When you finally realize that bonding with the people around you could be the best way to spend time, you immediately begin to wonder how that can happen. At this point, many people get stuck in the planning phase. The ideas they are contemplating become so elaborate and complex that they lose sight of the main goal: finding the best way to spend time with their loved ones. Before you get wrapped up in ideas and planning, jump right into the activities that will bring you and your loved ones closer.

Do a Self-Care Routine Together

While a detox foot bath or a hydrating cleanser might be foreign concepts, nothing brings people together like a moment of relaxation. When your body is calm and relaxed, you might find that it allows your body to begin loosening up too. During these activities, you can begin to shrug off the anxieties that keep you from connecting with the people you love the most. Once you’ve shed off the stress, you will begin to notice things you might have missed. Maybe someone is getting taller. Maybe it’s been a long time since you heard one of your loved ones talking about their passion project. Perhaps someone is developing a new sense of self-expression. This could be an opportune moment to find out how everyone is doing emotionally. By making a bid for connection, you open up the space that allows true bonding. The best way to spend time during the other person’s reply is to listen keenly. Observe their words. Note their choice of words. Consider the tone of their voice. Even the silences in between can speak volumes to a listening ear. Asking questions about the challenges people are facing might be uncomfortable at first, but if you’re looking for the best way to spend time as you soak, it could lead to becoming far more involved in the lives of the people you care about.

Take a Trip

A change of scenery is always a welcome retreat. When things at home get a little tense as everyone navigates their way through the stressful aspects of their lives, one thing that could restore joy and bring on a sense of relief is a road trip. If you don’t think you have the energy to plan out a full trip, you can bring everyone into the planning. Teaching the younger individuals in your group about the intricacies of planning a trip may be frustrating, but with a little patience, the best way to spend time with them is to allow yourself to learn everything you can from them too. An open mind usually signals an open heart. Indicating to the younger loved ones that you have an open heart enables them to trust you with the difficulties they face. If they’re talking to you about how tough homework is, or how difficult it is to be in middle school, you are laying a foundation for their later years when they would like to chat about work and the challenges of raising their own families, should they choose to do so. You can plan a wide range of activities. If your loved ones enjoy sailing, plan a boat tour. If you find it too overwhelming to pull together a long trip, even with the assistance of your trusty helpers, you can always plan a day’s vacation. The best way to spend time on a day trip is to make sure you get to interface with every activity available at your destination. Whether a theme park, nature trail, or amusement park, you can set aside a Saturday where everyone’s free and have a day full of carefree fun.

Consider a Mature Outing

For people with teenagers or young adults in the family, a day at an amusement park might not be as appealing. At this stage in life, it becomes increasingly important to begin differentiating oneself from the family you come from. This might show up in ways that make you uneasy, such as a change in the way your child dresses and the values they begin to hold as they get older. But the best way to spend time with these individuals begins when you lay aside all the worried voices in your head. Trusting that your loved ones will find the best path for their lives and grow to align with values that benefit them and others is one way to affirm them towards this path. For these loved ones, you can arrange an outing that is more age-appropriate. Think about the things you wanted to do and explore as a young adult. But, before you bring those dreams to life, ask your people to see if it’s at all what they would be interested in. Releasing the reins of planning while providing them with a budget and a few ground rules could lead you to all the greatest bonding experiences you’ve had together. The best way to spend time with teens is to be your authentic self and allow them to be theirs. As soon as they understand you are a responsible person who can be trusted, even with less kiddy fun, you will have won their hearts. A teeth whitening treatment, a concert, an art show, or even chaperoning that trip to get a piercing, are all wonderful ideas that allow you to embrace the youthful process of growing into the person you want to become. This is the best way to spend time with loved ones who you might also be experiencing some kind of disconnect with; allowing them to be mostly in charge can indicate that you’re willing to enjoy things from their perspective.

Learn How to Be Sustainable

Climate change could be a topic of discussion in your home. While everyone’s specific leanings might differ, there is always common ground to be found in practices that allow everyone to take good care of the environment and good care of their space. You can start simply with compostable food containers. Learning sustainability isn’t a one-and-done thing; it takes time and dedication to the goals. Swapping to more sustainable products and immediately going zero-waste might not lead to sustainability. For this season, the best way to spend time is to grow slowly towards the place you want to be. Collaborating, even at the stage when you agree on what your goals are, is important. Getting everyone on board ensures that you don’t start a bonding activity that leaves everyone feeling disconnected and out of sync. As you do your research, your deep dive into information can also provide an opportunity to figure out what everyone is experiencing emotionally. Talking about sustainability reasons can bring up other topics concerning the future. Perhaps your loved one has been wrestling with a sense of dread surrounding the environment. This provides a space to work together through these emotions.

Have Your Kids Help With Car Maintenance

For some people reading this tip, the answer from them is an immediate no. The idea of having children and even more daring teens working on your car is frightening. Working past the aversion, allowing your kids to help with car maintenance gives them great training for the day when they finally own theirs. If your child knows how to handle a variety of auto repair situations, they will experience ease in the places that demand this kind of knowledge from them. When auto accidents happen, you don’t want your child to be stranded without any idea about insurance, auto repairs, or medical emergencies. As you work on your beloved family car together, the best way to spend time here is to make sure your children completely understand the car and can confidently apply their knowledge whenever they’re called upon to do so. During auto accidents, the only things a person remembers are those things they know by heart. By teaching your children to know about auto repairs by heart and giving them pointers on how to respond without panicking during a tragedy, you will be setting them up for the best response, should this unfortunate event take place in their life. It’s never too late to start either. Every moment counts.

Learn a New Skill Together

This tip counts both for your youngest family members as well as the elders you know and love. Learning a new skill is the best way to spend time doing something challenging and fun. As everyone shrugs off their ego and taps into that childlike space where rich learning begins to take place. Pick a skill you have both been looking to learn. Website development could be handy for many personal and professional situations. If tech innovation is not your thing, you can also join a cooking class together. Using this opportunity to learn something completely new can be a way for you all to become comfortable around one another again. Being able to make mistakes, ask for guidance, and experience the satisfaction of a job well done are hallmarks of people who have great relationships. With older people in your life, you might even find that you need to rethink the negative attitude you have towards them. Society often writes off the elderly, seeing them and their ‘outdated’ thinking as a burden. However, as your children watch you interact with the elderly, it also informs the way they will interact with you in your old age. If you model an attitude of accommodation and a patient heart, they are more likely to mirror these same behaviors when the tables are turned.

Do a Full House Clean-Out

This tip is almost guaranteed to draw a groan from the youngest to the eldest. The idea of cleaning together brings to mind sweat, dust, and a lot of mess. But, once you put on some good music and get to work in your designated corner, your joined forces can rejuvenate the entire space. The best way to spend time cleaning is to have fun with it. Putting in that elbow grease and ensuring your space is cleaner than when you found it is good. But, the goal of the activity is to spend time together. Let your breaks be filled with calmness. If you can, now is a good time to talk about dumpster rental companies. Because of all the trash items that could be collected, it is important to consider whether your current service serves you well. And get the whole family to chime in. Another warm aspect of cleaning together is finding mementos. Whether it’s an old picture or a knickknack that hasn’t been getting enough love, reminding yourselves of the beautiful memories you’ve made as a family is the best way to spend time together.

With this awesome arsenal of tips on your belt, you are ready to apply yourself and find an activity your family will love. As you seek out the best way to spend time together, hopefully, you learn much more about yourself and the people you love. The solution to your problem lies not in the quick fix, but in allowing everyone to settle into their space within the family. It may be discouraging at times, but if you get caught up in the negative emotions, you will not move forward toward the beautiful moments of family bonding you have envisioned. These emotions will bog you down in the process of discovery and derail you with anxiety and disappointment. Feel your emotions, but do not stop working towards the realization of your dreams for your family. Let the anticipation of joy carry you through the frustration of learning from young people, and the awkwardness of being yourself around teenagers. Do not be discouraged. With these tips and with the shared innovations of many minds, you can find the best way to spend time with your family.

 

 

You can make a funeral flower arrangement using beautiful plants and flowers to give the arrangement a soothing look. This remembrance activity lets you contribute to the funeral with something personal and creative. This video gives you a brief step-by-step instructions to making a funeral bouquet.

Start with a soaked floral foam taped onto a shallow floral tray.

Video Source

Add the greenery stems onto the foam in each direction.
Pay attention to the length of the stems that will shape the casket spray: use long pieces on the front, medium pieces on the sides, and short pieces on the top and bottom.
Next, start adding flowers, 3 in each side at a time, so that you can keep track of how they are balanced on the spray.
Finally, add the small accent flowers.
As you do the arrangement, cover the gaps with greenery and flowers. Cut the plants for the arrangement the night before the event. Cut on an angle with sharp garden shears.

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If you are planning to go on a family RV vacation, there are some things you should know and prepare. Before you book the trip, you want to make sure that you understand everything that needs to be done before and on the trip. With the help of this planning a family RV vacation checklist, your trip will be more enjoyable and safe.

Choose the Perfect RV

Before you head out to a nearby RV shop, make sure to think about these important factors. There are many options when it comes to RVs and your lifestyle will help determine what type of RV is best for you and your family. The vehicle you choose will impact everything from the length of time you will be able to stay on the road, where you can go, and how much fun it will be for everyone involved.

Before selecting an RV, there are two important things to keep in mind:

• Think about what you need versus what you want. It’s easy to get distracted by all of the bells and whistles that come with many types of RVs, but it’s better to focus on finding an affordable vehicle that has plenty of space for everyone in your group and meets your needs based on where you plan to go and how long you want to stay out on the road.
• Contact automobile insurance companies for quotes on coverage
• Be realistic about your driving ability. If this is your first time driving an RV, don’t opt for a huge Class A motorhome (the largest type) or a towable trailer that requires a full-sized pickup truck with dual tires and a heavy-duty tow package to haul it safely down the road. Start small – buy or rent one that’s easier to maneuver if this is your first time behind the wheel of one of these vehicles – and work up from there as your skill level improves!

Types of RVs

Class B Van Camper (Smallest, usually 1-2 people)

As mentioned above, the class B RV is commonly a van that has been converted into an RV. This type of camper has many options:

• A van with a pop-up roof. The pop-up roof expands when you are ready to use the bed, and lowers when you’re driving or storing it. You may have to lift your luggage into the RV or possibly through a side door depending on its dimensions.
• A high roof van without a pop-up roof but with plenty of headroom throughout. The top of this van will be level with the tops of vehicles around it on most highways so there can be some difficulty merging into traffic. These vans may require a ladder to climb in and out although many now include steps built into the body for easy access.
• A low-profile campervan that looks nearly identical to a standard delivery van from the outside but has ample room inside when parked. These vans can also be hard to merge into traffic due to their low height but are often easier than high roof vans as they sit lower off the ground and typically have running boards for easy entry/exit.

Class C Motorhome (Medium size, around 10 people)

A Class C Motorhome is a great choice for camping. It’s one of the most popular campers with families. Sleeping up to 10 people, it’s more affordable than a Class A motorhome and can be as large as a Class A, but more compact.

These are built on the chassis of a commercial van and usually have a raised roof, with a bunk over the cab. The driver and passenger sit in front while the kitchen and sofa area take over the back portion of the motorhome.

Some of these RVs can be used as standard motorhomes or even primary residences! They are perfect for traveling around in style without sacrificing any comfort.

Towable Trailers (Towed behind an SUV or truck; medium size)

Towable trailers are towed behind a vehicle. One of the advantages of this type of RV is that it tends to be easier to set up and take down than other types. If you have an SUV or truck, this could be a good option for you. Towable trailers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but one of their main advantages is flexibility. There are generally 1-2 bedrooms, but some can sleep up to three families comfortably! They may also have slide-outs (a section that can extend outwards from the side), which increases usable space inside your camper. You will want to make sure you have room for storage on your vehicle’s hitch after you add the trailer.

Fifth Wheel Trailer (Medium size; towed with a trailer hitch in a truck bed)

If you’re a fan of pickup trucks and don’t want to leave your truck at home, a fifth wheel could be the perfect choice for your family. Fifth wheels are a type of travel trailer that attaches to the bed of a pickup truck with a kingpin hitch. They offer more amenities than most other RVs, plus have greater storage capacity, making them ideal for long-term road trips.

Prep Your Vehicle for the Journey

Before you leave, be sure to have your vehicle serviced by a mechanic to ensure that everything is working properly – from auto body work and auto tinting to suspension checks. There is nothing worse than being stranded on the road with a broken-down RV while traveling with children. You’ll also want to make certain that you have all of the proper equipment, including a portable toilet, extra gas cans, and first aid kits.

You should also prepare yourself for what may come your way. Review the list below of items to pack for your vacation:

• Sunscreen and insect spray
• Extra Gas Cans
• First Aid Kits (for both humans and pets)
• Portable Toilet for use when campgrounds are full or closed down at night time

In addition to packing all these things prior to departure, you should also make sure you have a good supply of food and water before leaving home so that there will be no need for running back into town again mid-trip just because someone forgot something important like milk or bread!

Pack the Essentials

• Clothing – You’ll want to pack clothes for all types of weather, especially if you’re exploring the great outdoors. Make sure you have enough socks and underwear for each person in your party. Don’t forget rain gear and swimsuits!

 

• Kitchen – The kitchen is the most important room in a motorhome or campervan, so don’t skimp on supplies. Pack an assortment of plates and utensils, cooking tools such as pots and pans, cutting boards, a can opener, and more. If you’re camping off-the-grid with no electrical hookup for your refrigerator/freezer unit, make sure to bring plenty of ice!

 

• Food – If you’re planning on cooking on vacation (and why wouldn’t you?), make sure to bring seasonings, condiments, salad dressing, and other items like oil or butter to use in food preparation. Bring plenty of water bottles with you–you’ll need lots of fluids while traveling!

 

• Personal Items – Some people love having their creature comforts on hand when they’re away from home–pillows from their bed at home are one example! Have everyone in your family pack their favorite pajamas or stuffed animals if that’s what makes them feel at ease during travel.

 

• Medication – Even if it feels safe to overdo it on the travel days by taking an anti-motion sickness pill beforehand, it’s best not to skip medicine altogether! Pack any medication that anyone in your family takes regularly so that nothing gets left behind at home. This includes over-the-counter meds like aspirin as well as prescriptions from doctors’ visits.

Make Proper Pet Accommodations

If you bring your pets along on your RV adventure, remember to consider whether their personal needs and comfort can be accommodated. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re abiding by campground regulations regarding pets, including dog training and the type of dog bedding or kennel set-up that’s allowed. If you plan on bringing your dog for walks outside of the campground, look up information on parks and trails in the area so that you know where it’s safe to take them.

Don’t forget to restock your pet’s food supply before departing as well as bring a proper water bowl and toys. And while it’s important to bring identification tags with you in case they get lost, it could also be a smart idea to get your dog microchipped too – just in case they manage to shake off their collar while they’re out exploring.

Plan Out Scenic Stops

If you’re planning your RV vacation, make sure to plan for a few scenic stops. Pick out a few scenic spots along the way that you think everyone will enjoy and plan to stop at these places as you travel to your destination. This will create a more enjoyable experience for everyone. Fading murals and paint work are amazing places to stop and take those Instagram-worthy pictures.

Buy Tickets Ahead of Time

Be sure to purchase tickets for the attractions you want to see beforehand. Many of the most popular museums and axe throwing events sell out quickly and may not have available tickets by the time you arrive. If your family enjoys theme parks and broadway & musicals, buying tickets online is a great way to save a little money, and ensure that your crew spends more time enjoying the activities rather than waiting in line.

Make Sure Your RV Is Insured

It’s important to make sure your RV is insured because if it’s not, you could be held liable for personal injury or property damage caused by the RV during an accident. While it might seem like common sense to make sure your RV is insured before you go on a trip, most people forget this step and end up taking out unnecessary insurance when they could have saved money by getting a policy that covers both the vehicle and its contents.

The good news is that many companies offer both comprehensive coverage and personal effects protection in their policies. Comprehensive coverage provides protection for losses due to fire, theft or vandalism while personal effects coverage will protect any belongings inside the RV from theft. If you have any questions about which type of policy is best for your needs, contact your insurance provider before you depart.

Tips for Planning A Family RV Vacation Checklist

• Plan a budget
• Research your options online
• Choose your vehicle type (Class-A, Class B, or Class C) based on the size of your family and how much you want to travel with them.
• Get an RV that fits within your budget.

Planning a family RV vacation can easily be done with this checklist!

• Choose a location. If you’ve thought about it long and hard, now might be the time to settle on a preferred RV park or campground. Though this probably won’t be your home for the duration of your trip (unless you have relatives who happen to live nearby), choosing a site will help you when it comes time to book your hotels and restaurants.
• Make a checklist. Once you’ve chosen a location, come up with an idea of what you want to do at the place (e.g., visit museums, hike trails, shop, sightsee). Now add these activities to your planning a family rv vacation checklist. You’ll be glad later that you did!
• Logistics and documentation. If you don’t have much experience in traveling with others, this task will seem daunting at first—you may even find yourself resisting checking off each item on the list! Make sure the RV is covered by renters’ or homeowners’ policies as well as auto insurance if needed; check with local laws about what’s required by law before making any purchases!
• Determine where you will park it when not in use (driveway or storage).
• Budget and finance. A family’s finances can quickly become complicated if there are children involved (especially by someone’s ex-wife). You’re going to need some way of tracking expenses during the vacation period so that everyone knows where their money is going. Fortunately, there are plenty of free budgeting tools available online if your family isn’t into spreadsheets yet.

Hopefully, this post with the planning a family RV vacation checklist will help you feel more confident in your planning efforts and ready to start the family vacation of a lifetime. With these tips and resources, your RV dream trip is within reach!