Fulfilling Travel Dreams: Prepping For Israel

 I have wanted to travel the world ever since I knew there was more to it than home. I have loved studying foreign cultures. Trying foods that are exotic! In my early college years, I loved wearing Asian-styled dresses. I even wanted to buy a real kimono so I could get the feel of my favorite Japanese anime characters. I participated in a World of Nations event one year. It was amazing! When I worked at the library, I probably made some of the volunteers uncomfortable with all my questions. We had a Chinese guy, 2 Pakistani brothers and a guy from India. I wanted to learn what I could from these people. They had come to our country from theirs. And their knowledge would be firsthand. Not the visitors observations that I read in books! Since then I've also made Mexican-born friends, worked under someone from New Zealand, had a pen pal in Australia, and made friends with a family in the United Kingdom. My most recent friend I've made is the illustrator of my children's book from Sri Lanka. 

 

I've only wanted to travel more!

Talking to all these people has only furthered my desire to travel. I want to see the places they described. For the longest time, however, the idea of traveling seemed a dream unless referring to a place within the United States. My husband and I would talk about all the places we wanted to see "one day". His #1 place to see was Israel. While I thought it would be neat, it wasn't my first choice. Japan was. But the more he talked about it, the more I thought it sounded awesome. To walk where Jesus walked. "See where my faith began." To see an ancient city. Even more so if we planned this trip for just the two of us. We never did have a honeymoon after all. This would kinda be that for us. All while getting our feet wet in world travel. Best yet, we would be going with a group. Safety in numbers, right?

The church he was part of back in Colorado hosts a trip once a year (before the pandemic). They mention it often in their studies that we listen to online. It grew on me. Wanting to go with them. I didn't think it would happen any time soon though. We were working hard to pay off the vehicle we had purchased in early 2020 and had finally paid off the credit card debt. So when the church announced that they were planning a trip for February 2021, we were excited for them, while sad that we couldn't join in.

Then things changed!

One year after buying our new vehicle, we were able to pay it off! God has blessed us in that. We carefully planned out our budget month after month. That dedication has been rewarded. Our only remaining debt is my husbands school loans. And we have been paying towards that as well. About this time, we  heard the church announcing that the trip had been rescheduled for the end of 2021 due to travel restrictions. Well, with the car payment suddenly gone at the same time, we felt like God was opening the doors that would lead us to Israel. We decided that if this was truly meant to be, doors would continue to open for us. We just had to take one step at a time. 

Taking steps in faith...

The first step we had to take was to get a passport. Neither of us had ever done that. It can be a bit daunting, to be sure. But exciting nonetheless. We figured we would use that as the initial basis for whether this trip was meant to be. FedEx does passport photos! And they had a $2 off special when we did ours, making them cheaper than other places. So keep an eye open for deals. And remember, you might look like a killer because you aren't allowed to smile. But apparently, that is all okay!

Then we came up with the money for the first half of the trip fee. This was huge for us. Suddenly, I saw this as really happening. Which, for me, meant planning time! 

Making my lists and checking them twice!

I'm a huge list maker. I think it might even be a problem. Like a disorder. I have lists everywhere. For just about every thing. My first list was on Pinterest. I have created my own Travel Board there. I keep adding places I want to see to inspire me to push towards that goal. I started reading blog posts about traveling to Israel. What is the weather like? What do you need while there? What are some souvenirs that people bring back? I don't have to worry about where we are going. Those points of interests will be kept to where the group goes - including a camel ride! I have even learned that there are some restrictions on attire (especially for women). I decided to create a board just for my favorite blog finds. 

Now that I had answered some of my own questions through research, I needed to make a list of what we were lacking. We had planned the trip for November. Well, the weather is actually cooler in Israel at this time of the year. And since I'm not wanting to be wearing shorts when we might be going to places that prohibit them, I needed to get comfortable clothes. I've gotten by with my 2 pairs of jeans for so long. They don't fit comfortably, but they have been enough for those times when I had to get dressed to go out somewhere. But we are talking about a two week trip! Those jeans weren't going to cut it. So shopping for clothes was on my list. I'll post my clothing selections later on...

Comfortable Shoes!

My shoes were well worn. Our trip plans about 9 miles of walking each day. Can't do that without a good pair of shoes. Puma sneakers last us a LONG time. So we agreed to get me a pair of them, despite their price. Sadly, the shoe store didn't have my size in women's shoes. This giant lady had to get them in men's. To make sure my husband and I could stay comfortable the whole day through, we also invested in shoe inserts. Dr. Scholl's. My husband has been using those for years in his jobs. Plus there are those machines that give you a number to know which one will work best for you. Should have seen me on that thing, in my socks, moving as it told me to, and feeling totally uncomfortable while it took my results.

I bought a new luggage set to surprise my husband for his birthday. I got carry-on approved sizes. One thing I've learned in my study of international travel is that carry-on really is the way to go. Too often, your luggage can be lost or damaged when checked in. And the airlines love to tell you, "We are not held responsible". So, carry-on it is! But how do you fit 2 weeks of clothing for 2 people into your carry-on bags only? Well, there are plenty of packing tips out there. Some are truly genius! Check out this board if you need some guides on that. I just have to get a set for myself next.

With luggage, you should have luggage tags. Just in case anything happens, they can contact you. Make sure you write your name in pen, but your contact information should be in pencil. That way if you move or change your number, you can just erase and rewrite it. Or use white out if you'd rather use pen. I had one that was plain black that my mom gave me a long while back. My husband had one that was Back to the Future themed from a Lootcrate box. Then Walmart had these Nintendo controller ones for $1 in the travel section! I want to find another one for me. Maybe a unicorn! Something nerdy, and me.

I started prepping each thing we would need. Filled our pill case. After a comment from a reader, I looked into bringing medicine to Israel. From what I've learned, prescriptions have to stay in their original containers and the name on them has to match your ID or Passport. I've also made sure that my husbands inhaler won't be a problem. Apparently, some countries have outlawed inhalers. Others view ADHD or mental health issues as criminal. So I urge you to do your research before you start traveling!

Then I packed the clear quart-sized bags that follow TSA regulations. Ever heard of the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on? I had no idea what that meant. Everything liquid has to stay at 3.4 fluid ounces (3). This includes your deodorant! Everything in a single quart-sized bag (1) - clear being the best and fastest way to get through the searches. And only one of these bags per person (1). I ordered these from Amazon to carry our liquids. From what I've read, the travel sized hand sanitizer doesn't have to be included in this for now. Those can be clipped to the bag. Since Covid-19, this is now in addition to your normal packing to help stop the spread. Granted, that is iffy. It is up to the one searching your luggage to decide if they are okay with you bringing it that way or not.

I like to lay everything out and take stock of what I have chosen. By doing so, I can make sure that thought is put into each item. Do I really need it? Is there anything I'm missing here? Keeps me honest with needs versus weighing in too many 'what if' ideas. 

My husband and I both have picked which backpacks we will bring along for our days of walking. 

We also have our CamelBak packs to bring. Mine is an Ozark Trail one. I have fallen in love with this brand! They are high quality and often, less expensive than comparable brands. We will tuck them into our backpacks and have water to drink the whole day through. However, another tip you might consider is to bring an empty water bottle through the security check. You can fill it up once you pass through. And of course keep refilling on your trip.

I've been considering making snack packs of trail mix. My husband is not a fan of fish or hummus, both of which are popular in Israel. But we will see as we get closer! I've been so excited for this trip, despite recent events. Our group won't go unless the contacts there and travel agent can say it is safe. More posts on the preparations and then the trip to follow. So keep reading! Let me know what you think about my travel prepping in the comments below. I love hearing from you guys!

Stepping Up To the Challenge With the Silk'n ToothWave

I'm back with another great Silk'n product to share with you all! 

*Disclaimer: I was sent this product in exchange for my honest review and to host a Silk'n party. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are strictly my own.*

Silk'n is an amazing company. They took spa and salon treatments, put them into hand-held devices and now sell them so that people, regular people, can enjoy those luxuries from the comfort of their own homes. Pretty cool, right? I have hosted parties for them before. One of their products, the Silk'n Infinity, I've hosted 2 parties for. It is the hair removal device. Then there is the Titan. That one firms up and tones the skin on your face. It regenerates it and replenishes your elasticity. I've enjoyed using them both! 

This time, however, they sent another device. This one uses RF technology to whiten your teeth and remove stains. I'm glad they did send this. My dentists had been getting on to me about brushing too hard. This device has a sensor in it that tells me when I'm brushing too hard against my teeth. It has made me lighten up and I'm noticing a difference. 

Who is Silk'n?

You ever hear the movie quote, "See a need, fill a need"? Well, these doctors and scientists, who normally created products for spas and salons, got to thinking. There are so many people who can't afford to go to these places. They can't afford to or don't have the time to. But we all want to look our best, right? So how can they reach those in need? Silk'n was born. They saw a need, got together, and created the perfect solutions. They came up with simpler, smaller, affordable devices for home use. And perfect for pandemic shut downs, don't you think? 

How does it work? 

 Using RF (radio frequency) waves of charged molecules energy, it breaks down the hold of tartar and other stain-causing impurities. These are alternating electric currents, using low power that is activated by toothpaste as its conductor. Once they loosen their hold, you will start seeing a smoother and brighter smile. It is amazing how well things can really cling to your teeth. Things you might not have noticed. You can use it with the vibrations or without, depending on your preference. The vibrations are simply to put those who use electric toothbrushes already, at ease. It doesn't do anything more to help your smile than that. By the way, you will notice that the toothpaste will foam more as you use the Toothwave (rather than regular brushing) as the radio frequency charges through it. 

Another sensor will let you know if you are pressing too hard into your teeth. This is something I struggled with, but have gotten better with since I started using the Toothwave.

This technology has been in use for 80 years by regular dentists and their hygienists. Silk'n just decided it was time to make that technology available for home use. Thus, the Toothwave was recently released as the first toothbrush you can get! It is proven to be safe. With that being said, I feel I must lay out some disclaimers. They have not, and will not, run clinical tests on pregnant and breastfeeding women. They don't do animal testing! And they suggest that you do not use their devices if you have electronic/magnetic medical implants - such as pacemakers. This is in case the devices' energy could interfere with your pacemakers workings.

There are timers that ring out letting you know it is time to switch sides. Every 30 seconds, for a total of 2 minutes. This way, you know you have covered a zone completely.

Where can you get one?

Silk'n has an easy to navigate website you can use to check out all their products. The Toothwave is HERE. They are running for $299. Seems like a lot, but it really isn't when you think about long term. But I have something even better! 

Exclusive offer for my guests and friends!

The reward for joining my Silk'n party is an exclusive Tryazon promo code valid for you to receive an amazing $100 off the ToothWave. This Tryazon offer will be available with the exclusive coupon code from May 14-23. Go to: https://silkn.com/products/toothwave-1?_pos=1&_sid=62a3a5973&_ss=r

For your convenience, Silk’n offers an interest-free installment, payment plan. See details online when ordering. Use Promo Code TOOTHWAVESET at checkout for this exclusive discount!

Another thing you can find on their website are videos and explanations for their products. They will have real people create videos showing how to use it, what they think about it, and they answer frequently asked questions ahead of time.

Final thoughts.

At first, I wasn't sure about using it with the vibrations on. It sorta 'sings' to me. A loud humming noise. I've gotten used to it, however. I love that it has sensors to let me know when I'm pushing too hard. I have learned from my dentists and their hygienists that

When a House Becomes a Home

I've been considering where we live. For me, it is so temporary. Waco isn't 'home' for me. For us. It has become just another step towards the goal. Yet, I want this place to be more like my dream home. We have been putting thought and prayer into where we are going next, but it is still to be seen. So in the meantime, I've started re-evaluating things that I've been saving for that "one day" of purchasing our first house. Wondering if we should even bother. Or are wasting our time? 

But the thought comes back to me every time - Live for today, for tomorrow is not promised. This means a lot to me. It means that I can't keep trying to gaze ahead. I can make plans in pencil, but I need to be open. I can save up for the future, but be ready to adjust course. 

Turning this place into my dream home.

Temporarily speaking, this place is my dream. I have the most important people in my life living within the same walls. Little by little, I'm making this place into what I imagine my future home will be like. 

Star Wars posters covering a wall. 

Minecraft figures will one day be lining a custom-made shelf. 

Star Wars figures will be on one shelf, and Wonder Woman on another. 

My husband will have a decent amount of shelves occupied by Star Trek, NASA, Alien, and other game themed memorabilia. 

You get the idea. My husband bought bookshelves that we lined with books for each person in our family. I treasure the ability to read. It is something I am teaching my own kids to enjoy as well. This was the start of bringing about that vision I've had for my dream home. On my Bucket List, I included wall-to-wall shelving as a library feature. 

We are Nerds. And our home greatly reflects that. I've decided to put a little more pride into that. I pulled things from bins, found places for them and started showing them off. This place is home. Time to truly embrace that feeling, no matter how little time we have left in it. 

What kind of a setup do you enjoy in your home? What theme do you find trickling into every room?

Marry Where You Met - Yay or Nay?

Ever think back to that first time you met the love of your life? I sure do. Often. When I first met him, I hated his guts. True story! I couldn't stand him. Didn't want to have to work with him. That is where we met. At work. At Target. But that isn't the story I'm wanting to tell today. 

I have seen a lot of posts online that show people getting married where they met. I knew another couple at the first Target I worked at who had requested to get married in the store. That request was promptly denied. 

Personally, I couldn't dream of the perfect wedding including walking through the clothing section of Target and ending in a cross section walkway. Something like this seems more like a joke to me than committing to a serious life choice. But to each their own, right? 

This got me curious about where other people might have gotten married that is... unusual. Apparently, grocery stores have even made that list. As have graveyards - taking 'til death do us part' to a whole new level. Fast food restaurants like McDonald's and Taco Bell have joined in for their food lovers. This post even showed one couple that said their vows while standing over a net stretched out over a canyon. Um, no thanks! 

What is the strangest wedding location you have heard about? Or what unique place might you want to get married at? If I were to do it again, maybe a comic convention....