5 Things to Pack for Your Ski Trip!

 If you're in the midst of planning a ski trip, whether it's to the French Alps or a snowy weekend in Scotland, packing the right gear can make or break your time on the slopes. You want to spend your time enjoying yourself, not stressing that you're missing something. 

The views are amazing, the hot chocolate is calling, but without the right kit, the cold can quickly become your worst enemy. Here are some essential things to pack to keep you warm, dry and smiling from the first run to apres-ski!

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1. The warmest thermal socks you can find. Cold feet can ruin the best day on the mountains, which is why it's absolutely worth investing in the warmest thermal socks you can find. Look for socks that are made with amazing thermal wool or advanced thermal fabrics that are designed specifically for snowboarding or skiing. They're not just about warmth, they help to wick away the moisture, which is so important when you're in boots all day. Avoid doubling up on socks because that can actually make your feet colder. And go for one great pair per day. Your toes will thank you for it.

2. Think about your base layers. Your base layer is your second skin, and it's there to keep you warm without making you sweat. Light wicking, breathable thermal tops and leggings are essential for maintaining a comfortable body temperature. You want blends that are made for active winter wear. Cotton is a no go because it holds onto moisture and leaves you freezing after your first run. Pack at least two full sets of base layers so that you can rotate and dry one while you wear the other.

3. Pack ski goggles and sunglasses. Some people choose one over the other, and that's fine if you have a preference, but sunlight reflecting off of the snow is no joke. It can be blinding, which is why ski goggles are a must. It doesn't matter if it's cloudy or not, that snow will be bright. They protect your eyes from UV rays of the sun, the wind, and the occasional snow spray when you wipe out. Don't forget a good pair of sunglasses for off the slope strolls as well. Polarized lenses can give your eyes a break and help you to avoid squinting your way down.

4. A good neck warmer. Scarves can be bulky and can come loose, and they can be a nightmare in high winds. Pack a neck warmer or a snood that fits snugly around your neck and under your helmet or jacket. Choose one that's warm and breathable because then it will trap the heat while letting moisture escape.

Bring a dry bag. Everyone focuses on what to wear, but few people think about what to carry. A compact, waterproof dry bag is perfect for your down the slopes because you can stash your phone, snacks and lip balm, along with a pair of extra gloves and an emergency alarm if you need one. You can even pack a spare pair of the warmest thermal socks ever, just in case you need them.

*This is a collaborative post thanks for reading

Making Your Move Feel Less Stressful...

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Moving is an immensely exciting time in your life, but it can also be filled with stress. Thankfully, it is possible to make the process less stressful by following a very simple strategy.

Small steps can make a huge difference to the long-term situation. Here are six of the best that can lead you to a better move.

Get The Best Prices

First and foremost, getting the best financial outcome will put you in a far better place mentally. Therefore, knowing how to negotiate a cheaper property purchase should be the first item on your checklist. It could save you thousands of dollars, thus making the whole process easier.

If you are also selling a property during this time, be sure to stage it well. When you get the best financial outcome from both transactions, the situation will look far brighter.

Know The Legal Factors

One of the first things you should know when making a move is that property purchase prices are only one aspect of the total cost. You can reduce admin tasks with items like templates for property deeds. However, you also need to know the other costs involved. 

Property taxes can cost you thousands. If you ignore this, as well as the costs of logistically moving, stress levels will inevitably soar.

Call Professional Movers

Speaking of the logistical aspects, hiring a moving company is highly advised. They have the vehicles and tools to ensure that your items reach the intended destination in perfect condition. It is the only way to ensure all items are protected with a practical door-to-door service.

Aside from avoiding the stress of broken items, it leaves you free to focus on collecting your keys. This is another simple step that makes the move less stressful.

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Get insured

This is an expensive and hectic time in your life. The last thing you need is to face further problems due to a lack of financial protection. Insurance should cover your home, health, life, and earnings. Otherwise, the risk of encountering problems will circle overhead.

In an ideal world, you’ll never need to make a claim. If you do, though, the right protection plan will save you from a potential nightmare. 

Research The Area

Moving home isn’t just about buying a new property. You also buy into a new way of life. Therefore, it’s equally important to research the neighborhood. Travel routes, amenities, and schooling opportunities should all be included in your research. 

A sense of familiarity makes the whole process less stressful. Organizing a day out to a local attraction and joining local social media groups may also help.

Be Ready For Day One

Hiring professional movers gets you into the property well, but you need to know that the first night will be enjoyable too. If you have children, having your WiFi connection sorted and home entertainment devices to hand. This will prevent a lot of potential boredom.

It allows you to get on with unboxing. When coupled with a nice meal, your life in the new property will be off to the perfect possible start.

*This is a collaborative post thanks for reading

Finding Peace When You Lose a Loved One...

 Losing a loved one is hard at any stage, whether it’s your first death that you’re experiencing or it’s a family member or friend that was lost unexpectedly and suddenly.

No death is easy to navigate, here are a few things to do to navigate through the loss when it happens.

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Allow yourself to grieve and don’t rush the process.

It’s important that you’re taking the time to grieve, especially when it comes to losing someone that was close to you. Whether they died suddenly, or it was a slower transition to death, the pain remains just as strong, which is why it’s important to take the time to grieve.

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to grieving and everyone manages it in their own way. Ultimately though, grief takes a lot of time to process and sometimes never gets any easier. Allowing yourself to grieve though is imperative.

Seek support from loved ones.

When you’re ready to, it’s important to surround yourself with people where you can. Those who may know what you’re going through, whether that’s because they know the person you’ve lost or simply have experience with death.

Seeking support from loved ones can certainly help with managing your grief and allowing yourself the time you need to process it further.

Get plans together for funeral arrangements.

Funeral arrangements are something you’ll want to start planning sooner rather than later.

Making use of www.familyfuneralservices.com.au is a helpful way of managing the process and allowing professionals to help you with all of the necessary proceedings required.

Prioritize your self-care.

While grieving, it is important to look after yourself where you can. This can be hard, especially when in the midst of all the grief. However, if you’re giving yourself some time to pamper yourself or do something for you, you can start to feel a bit more like yourself amongst the grief that you’re feeling.

Find ways to celebrate them going forward.

I lost my dear angel mom several years ago. I am eternally thankful for the love and support I continue to receive. I find ways to celebrate and honor her often and it really helps me a lot!

Losing a loved one is never easy, but hopefully these tips help you find peace.

*This is a collaborative post thanks for reading

I use insoles for flat feet...

 

My flat feet need lots of pampering. A perfect way to start out the new year is looking for good insoles that will help! 

I travel often and I use insoles for flat feet to help keep my feet happy with all of the walking I do. 

Having flat feet often causes overpronation, where the feet and ankles roll inward, placing pressure on the bigger toes and inside of the foot. Insoles for flat feet are clinically proven to relieve and prevent pain.

I think the best insoles for flat feet include cushioning for enhanced comfort from heel to toe. Another thing I look for is good arch support.

The idea of amazing insoles in my shoes really makes a huge difference. I like ones that have an odor control top fabric that helps reduce heat, friction, and perspiration.

Making my feet happy is one of the important things I do that helps me to stay calm. :) 

I have so many different shoes and these are going to be perfect to help with pain relief and prevention.

When we are doing outdoor activities insoles for flat feet are a must! I look for insoles that are antibacterial, breathable, lightweight and colorful. 

Keeping my family healthy is so important and with spending hours on our feet, good insoles really help.

Another thing I look for is to make sure they have premium support and that they are firm but flexible.

Finding the right insoles can be challenging, but after doing some research you can pick the right type of orthotic insoles for your needs. 

When I am looking for insoles for flat feet, I order some for my hubby and dad also. Good insoles will make the perfect gifts to give your loved ones! 

*This blog post is in collaboration with Responsival!

The Ultimate Financial Checklist for the Holidays...

 Save, Spend, and Celebrate:

From budgeting and gift lists to meal planning and travel tips, here’s how to keep your finances in check during the busiest season of the year.

 

The holidays are coming up fast, and while this season is full of joy, family time, and festive fun, it can also come with a bit of stress—especially when it comes to money. That’s why I’ve put together this detailed financial checklist to help you stay on track, enjoy the holidays, and start the new year without a budget hangover.

Let’s dive in!

Set a Holiday Budget

 

The key to a financially stress-free holiday is having a clear budget in place before you start spending. Start by reviewing your overall finances to determine how much you can comfortably allocate to holiday expenses without dipping into savings or going into debt. Your holiday budget should include:

• Gifts: Factor in everyone from close family to teachers and friends.

• Holiday meals and entertaining: Don’t forget about ingredients and extras like table settings.

• Travel: If you’re visiting family or taking a vacation, include transportation, lodging, and meals.

• Decorations: Plan for a few new ornaments or lights but aim to reuse most of what you already have.

• Unexpected costs: There’s always something that sneaks up—an extra gift, last-minute plans, or event tickets.

Set up a separate bank account for holiday spending. Deposit your budgeted amount in there so it’s easy to track how much you’ve spent and how much you have left.

Prioritize Your Gifting List

 

It’s tempting to want to buy for everyone, but that’s not always realistic, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Start by listing everyone you typically buy for, then break the list into two groups:

• Must-buy-for: Immediate family, close friends, and teachers fall into this group. These are people you won’t want to skip on gifting.

• Nice-to-buy-for: Extended family, neighbors, and co-workers may fall into this category. Consider DIY gifts, such as homemade treats or personalized crafts, to keep costs low but thoughtful.

Be honest with yourself about what you can afford. It’s better to give small, meaningful gifts that fit within your budget than to overspend and regret it later. If cutting back is tough, talk with family and friends about setting gift limits or doing a Secret Santa exchange, where each person only buys for one other person.

Plan Your Meals & Groceries Early

 

Holiday meals are often a highlight of the season, but they can also be expensive—especially if you’re hosting. Take time to plan your holiday menus now, whether it’s a big family dinner, holiday brunch, or an intimate gathering with friends. Once you know what meals you’ll be preparing, you can start shopping for the essentials.

• Buy non-perishables early: Things like canned goods, baking supplies, and frozen items can be purchased ahead of time to avoid the last-minute rush.

• Look for sales: Many stores run sales leading up to the holidays, so keep an eye out for discounts on ingredients like butter, meats, and other essentials.

• Split the cost: Don’t hesitate to ask guests to bring a dish or dessert. Potlucks not only lighten the financial load but also make the event more fun by incorporating everyone’s favorite recipes.

Use Last Year’s Decor Before Buying New

 

Holiday decorations can really add up, especially if you’re tempted to refresh your décor each year. Before buying anything new, take inventory of what you already own. A little creativity can go a long way in making old decorations feel new.

• Repurpose what you have: Use last year’s ornaments in new ways—fill clear vases with ornaments or turn old ribbons into garlands.

• DIY it: Get crafty with the kids and make new decorations from inexpensive items. Pinecones, branches, and recycled materials can all be transformed with a little holiday magic.

• Only buy what you need: If you do want to purchase something new, stick to a few key items. Focus on pieces that will last and that you’ll enjoy for years to come, like a high-quality wreath or timeless ornaments.

Take Advantage of Sales & Cashback Offers

 

The holiday shopping season is full of opportunities to save—if you plan ahead! Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other seasonal sales are the perfect time to buy gifts and even stock up on essentials like holiday decorations and groceries.

• Sign up for store emails: You’ll often receive exclusive coupons and discounts.

• Use cashback apps: Programs like Rakuten or browser extensions like Honey can give you a percentage back on your purchases, or help you automatically apply coupons at checkout.

• Price compare: Use tools like Google Shopping or PriceGrabber to compare prices across multiple retailers and ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Check Credit Card Rewards

 

If you’ve been building up credit card points, miles, or cashback rewards throughout the year, now is the perfect time to use them. Whether you redeem points for travel, gift cards, or even cash back to use toward gifts, this can be a huge help in easing holiday expenses.

• Look for gift card deals: Some credit card companies offer better redemption rates for gift cards during the holidays, giving you more bang for your buck.

• Use points for travel: If you’re flying or driving long distances, check your card’s rewards program to see if you can cover travel expenses with points or miles.

• Cashback bonuses: If your card offers cashback, consider redeeming it to help cover part of your holiday budget.

Plan for Travel Costs

 

Holiday travel can be one of the biggest expenses, especially if you’re traveling as a family. The earlier you plan, the more likely you are to snag better deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals.

• Book early: Prices rise as we get closer to the holidays, so lock in your travel plans now. Sign up for price alerts to get notified of any fare drops.

• Consider off-peak travel: Flying or driving during the middle of the week or on less popular days can often save you a lot of money.

• Pack snacks and meals: Save on expensive airport food or road trip stops by packing your own snacks and meals ahead of time.

Start a Holiday Savings Fund

 

While it’s a little late to start a major savings fund for this year’s holiday expenses, it’s never too early to plan for next year. A holiday savings fund allows you to gradually set aside money throughout the year, so by the time the next holiday season rolls around, you’ll already have a cushion in place.

• Open a separate account: Many banks allow you to create additional savings accounts, which makes it easy to keep your holiday funds separate from your other savings.

• Set up automatic transfers: Schedule a small amount to transfer into your holiday fund each week or month. Even $10 a week adds up to over $500 by the end of the year!

Plan for Emergencies

 

Even with the best-laid plans, there’s always something that pops up during the holidays—an unexpected gift exchange, a last-minute dinner invitation, or that one forgotten gift. Set aside a small buffer in your budget for these surprise expenses so they don’t catch you off guard.

If you don’t have life insurance yet, this is a great time to look into it. Instant life insurance allows you to apply online, get approved, and have your policy in place without having to go through a lengthy medical exam or waiting period. It’s affordable, convenient, and ensures your family is protected in case the unexpected happens. Many companies now offer customizable policies to fit your budget and needs.

Review your coverage regularly, especially during big life changes like having a baby, buying a house, or starting a new job. It’s always a good idea to make sure you have enough coverage to protect your loved ones.

With a little bit of planning and a solid financial game plan, you can enjoy the holidays without the stress of wondering how you’ll pay for it all. The key is to stay organized, be realistic with your spending, and remember what the season is really about—spending time with the people you love. Wishing you a wonderful, festive, and budget-friendly holiday season!

This article is in collaboration with Responsival!