Gift cards: Too impersonal or most appreciated?

According to a survey by BankRate, 84 percent of Americans have received a gift card and 72 percent have given a gift card to someone. At the end of 2014, about $124 billion have been loaded onto gift cards.

Despite the growing sales of gift cards, many are still against their use. The holidays, they say, are all about “showing family and friends that you care for them.” There is value in the effort made to look for a gift and in the thoughts put into giving it to someone. Instead of saying “here’s $25 you can spend on WalMart,” the giver can instead be saying “I remembered how you’ve been collecting trinkets like this so I decided to add another one to your collection.” This is also like saying that the giver keeps the receiver in their thoughts and cares a lot about them.

Image Source: seadogboatingsolutions.com

On the other hand, gift cards are still appealing to others. Adults who want something particular are often too shy to ask someone else to purchase it for them. Gift cards, meanwhile, allow friends and family members to contribute to their budget for that item and ease the guilt of spending too much. Additionally, many people (three out of four, according to online retailer Rakuten) confess to disliking or not being able to use the gifts that they received.

Gift-giving is an activity with no guarantees. Sometimes all the effort put in by the giver isn’t appreciated by the recipient. Other times, even the simplest of gifts could mean a lot to someone. All of this highlight the importance of sharing feelings outright. For at least once every year, people have the opportunity to say “I love you, I appreciate you, I’m thankful that you’re with me.” The gift is merely the icebreaker.

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REPOST: 7 secrets of packing a car for holiday travel

People always worry about packing enough for when they travel. This article from Observer-reporter.com shares some simple tips to pack for a road trip.
 

When planning a holiday road trip, finding creative ways to utilize vehicle space is essential. Here are some resourceful tips for making the best use of any vehicle storage capacity. | Image Source: observer-reporter.com

When it comes to packing a vehicle for holiday travel, the guy with the red suit and the white beard is the unquestioned master. For those who don't possess a magic sack with unlimited storage capacity, packing a vehicle for a family holiday trip is a critical logistical skill. Those who master it tend to have holiday adventures that are festive and fun. Those who don't can end up frustrated and frazzled and find themselves on the naughty list.


If a holiday road trip is on your schedule, here are some tips that can help it go smoothly:


Make a list and check it twice


Prior to the trip, make a comprehensive list. Prioritize according to the things you must take and the things that might be nice to have. When packing time comes, you won't forget any essentials and you will have already decided what things you can do without if there isn't enough space.


Plan for safety


Winter travel presents hazards. Although you won't be starting from the North Pole, you still could need items like tire chains and a tow strap, depending on your destination and the areas through which you will travel. Even with limited space, it is always important to have jumper cables, flares, a flashlight, a fully charged cell phone and a car charger. If you have a roadside protection plan included with your car insurance, make sure you have that information readily available. Also, you might want to have a backup service like AAA. If you break down on a holiday or a weekend, sometimes it can be difficult to connect with actual humans when you call those 24-hour emergency numbers.


Find extra space


Almost every vehicle has nooks and crannies that are easy to overlook. Many cars have room under and behind seats. Some have a shelf behind the back window where you can stash a few items, as long as you don't obstruct the rear view. If your vehicle has a spare tire compartment in the bottom or side of the trunk, remove the cover and you will likely find enough extra space for a few small items.


Pack smart


USA Today advises, “Many travel experts … agree that rolling is superior to folding. Tightly rolled clothes take up less space than folded ones. Plus, they're less prone to getting deep wrinkles from fold creases.” Also, remember to fill hollow spaces like those in shoes and boots. Pack them with socks, personal care items, or a rolled up shirt or jacket.


Organize the trunk


Hard-sided luggage offers better protection for fragile items, but it doesn't allow much flexibility in tight spots. Two medium-size bags will likely fit better in the trunk than one large suitcase. In general, put heavier, bulky items on the bottom and toward the front of the cargo area. Keep more fragile items like electronics at the top.


Be casual

Traveling is stressful. Make it easier on yourself by resolve to have a laid-back, relaxed attitude, and leave dresses, suits, hair curlers, dress shoes and blow dryers at home. If you think something needs to be on a hanger, then reconsider taking it. It will save space in the car and help you remember that your focus is on a fun, calm, casual trip.


Take it slow


Travelsense.org notes that winter driving is much more fatiguing than summer, so plan for slower speeds and more rest stops. The human cargo you carry is far more valuable than any of the possessions you've jammed into your vehicle. As Santa has proven for hundreds of years, the key to holiday travel is to arrive safely at your destination.


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Follow your stomach: The best road diners in America

Image Source: genius.com

For as long as there have been truck drivers, there have been roadside attractions to assist them in their long-haul journey. These attractions range from areas for them to rest to diners that offer inexpensive yet excellent dishes. The “diner” in fact has become an American standard; and is as much a part of this culture as French fries and burgers. In fact, it can be argued that diners, with their classic lines and signature fonts, bring a sense of nostalgia and have helped define popular culture. A single definition for these staples cannot be made; but many food enthusiasts and average Joes alike know a good diner when they see one.

Listed below are some of the most highly recommended diners, as suggested by several food magazines and food blogs:

Cookin’ From Scratch in Doolittle, Missouri

Along the old Route 66, this diner is a favorite of many truckers. Newbies should just look for an El Camino with a big chicken on top, and take that exit. This diner specializes in pan-fried chicken, which are cooked piece-by-piece in iron skillets. This process gives the signature crispy, non-greasy exterior that Cookin’ From Scratch is known for. Individuals should try “The Big Pig,” the diner’s signature dish, which is a piece of juicy pork tenderloin.

Image Source: theguardian.com

Blue Gate Restaurant and Bakery in Shipshewana, Indiana

This diner is known for their fresh baked pies and homemade bread. This eatery is located in the heart of Amish country, so materials are locally sourced and fresh.

Image Source: riegsecker.com

Space Aliens Grill & Bar in Bismarck, North Dakota

Some diners are not only recognized for their food, but for their funky exterior as well. A classic example is the Space Aliens Grill & Bar. Keeping up with its name, the owners of this diner made the exterior as sci-fi and “alien-y” as possible. But that’s not the only reason for stopping by. The diner is also known for its succulent ribs.

Image Source: theguardian.com

Many modern foodies may consider diners as “old news,” but the truth of the matter is, diners will be part of this society for quite some time.

Pete Scamardo is a food enthusiast who loves trying popular dining areas. For more related posts, subscribe to this blog.

New study ranks the most affordable housing markets for millennials

Contrary to how they're portrayed in media, the millennials aren't buying their own homes because of a desire to buck tradition: they want to buy one when they're sure they can afford it, and not before.

Millennials, young adults between the ages of 18 to 34, are ethnically diverse, more educated than their parents, typically struggle with student debt and limited job opportunities, and are less likely to enter into traditional marriages. These factors, combined with the unstable housing market of recent years, have led to this generation shying away from home ownership.

However, current housing affordability highs and mortgage interest lows have made owning a home a possibility for many of them.

A new study by RealtyTrac, a real estate information company and real estate marketplace, identified the most affordable housing markets for this demographic.

Topping the list of most affordable housing markets to buy is the Augusta-Richmond metropolitan area in Richmond County, GA, where the median home price is $64,100, followed by Fayetteville in Cumberland County, NC, with a median home price of $97,500. Other markets on the list include the following:

Image Source: royalstockphoto.com

• The Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and Marietta metropolitan area in Dekalb County, GA

• Jacksonville in Duval County, Florida.

• Philadelphia, Camden, and Wilmington metropolitan area in Philadelphia County, PA

• Baltimore and Townson metropolitan area in Baltimore City, MD

• Conway, Little Rock, and North Little Rock metropolitan area in Faulkner County, AR

• Columbus in Franklin County, OH

• Council Bluffs and Omaha metropolitan area in Douglas County in NE, IA.

• Milwaukee, Waukesha, and West Allis metropolitan area in Milwaukee County, WI

One of the biggest obstacles millennials when buying a home is coming up with down payments. While monthly payments might be well within their budgets, an $11,000 down payment on a home, coupled with closing and escrow fees, might seem to be too much. First-time young homebuyers should consult with a real estate professional to help them clarify their financial standing and discover opportunities for home ownership that they might not be aware of.

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Travelers' best kept secret: North Cascades National Park

Travelers who wish to escape the noise of the city and experience the beauty of nature without the crowds should consider visiting North Cascades National Park.

North Cascades National Park is located in Washington, just three hours away from Seattle. Despite its proximity to the city, the area has remained largely unspoiled and is frequented by less than 400,000 visitors per year, a far cry from the more popular Smoky Mountain National Park, which is visited by more than nine million visitors annually.

Despite rare appearance on lists of the country's most popular national parks, North Cascades National Park's breathtaking alpine landscape holds some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. The park encompasses 504,781 acres and ranges mountain peaks as high as 10,000 feet, valleys that plummet to below 500 feet, more than 300 glaciers, numerous rivers, over 500 lakes and ponds, and numerous types of forest.

Image Source: allleavenworth.com

Flora and fauna

A traverse of the entire park from west to east is an experience in extreme changes in terrain, climate, and elevation. The west side of the park is a temperate rainforest, while a dry continental climate characterizes the east. The upper portion is covered in snow from fall to spring. The combination has resulted in the park having one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.

The park is home to 75 species of mammals, including gray wolves, black bears, and pikas, about 200 species of birds, including bald eagles and peregrine falcons, as well as 28 species of fish and 21 species of reptiles.

The park contains at least 1,630 vascular plant species, including Douglas fir and western red cedar trees in the lowlands and Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pines at high altitudes.

Activities

Visitors to the park can enjoy a number of activities: hiking (the park has more than 400 miles of trails), alpine trekking, kayaking, fishing, boating, camping, and horseback riding are just a few examples.

Admission and wilderness permits are free.

Travelers who want to experience North Cascades National Park should plan their visit for between mid-June and late-September, when the weather in the park is at its best and most of the trails are free from snow.

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Why it's better to live in American than anywhere else

A lot of folks across the globe do not view America with favor. But no matter how much disfavor they show, their hunger for everything American never really subsides. Their secret love for America lives on and they keep coming back to this land for a staggering number of reasons.

This is where the good grub is.

From curated cupcakes and unlimited refills to finger-lickin’ supersized burgers, American food spells B-I-G, affordable, and fast. The nation is also the home of varieties of culinary experimentation, like the world-famous cronut. All-you-can eat buffets proliferate in every street corner, which are uncommon in many countries.

Image Source: americabyrail.com

There’s endless freedom everywhere.

“Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better,” Albert Camus once said. He proved his words right because so much about America is a result of the fight for freedom. There’s freedom of speech to freedom of religion. Not to mention the sheer number of what is legal in many states, which are unthinkable in several countries.

Things work based on convenience.

Having 24/7 pharmacies and drive-through fast food outlets is the standard in America. In other countries, this is impossible to have.

There’s unity in diversity.

America is a lodestone of different races, nationalities, religions, and genders. It attracts different people who, together, recognize various skills sets, orientation, backgrounds, and attitudes. This very same diversity encourages people to recognize things other than what they consider normal and usual. Putting one thing and another together, can create, generate, and innovate for the common good.
Once in a while, it’s nice to sit back and take pride in America and everything it offers. This veers the mind from inimical forces to focus on the good, instead.

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REPOST: 3 spooky Halloween road trips in the Midwest

Hungry for a perfect getaway this Halloween? Be sure to bring a travel companion as this article from the Indy Star lists down three haunted places that you need to see.

(Photo: Athens County Convention and Visitor Bureau ) | Image Source: indystar.com

Every Midwest town has a ghost story or two, but some places seem to attract more ghostly activity than others.

In Paulding, Mich., locals report a mysterious phenomenon called the Paulding Light. In Decatur, Ill., the ghosts of bootleggers and theater stagehands haunt buildings throughout the city. And in Athens, Ohio, a former mental hospital is packed with the ghosts of disgruntled patients.

All three are perfect choices for a spooky Halloween road trip this weekend.

1. Paulding, Mich.

Located on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the tiny town of Paulding is known for a phenomenon called the Paulding Light.

Pull up alongside U.S. 45 in the evening, and you're likely to see a series of mysterious lights, which appear to float about five feet in the air.

Legend says the lights are the ghostly lanterns of a railroad brakeman who was killed trying to prevent a train accident.

The Paulding Light appeared on Syfy's "Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files" in 2010, and the investigation found no source for the phenomenon.

But students at Michigan Technological University recently suggested otherwise, showing that the lights are actually the headlights and taillights of cars on a nearby highway. Because of atmospheric conditions, the light becomes distorted, giving it a ghostly appearance.

Despite that explanation, a steady stream of visitors still comes to see the phenomenon firsthand.

2. Decatur, Ill.

According to legend, Decatur has been doomed from the beginning, when it was built atop a cluster of Native American burial grounds.

In the 1850s, the town became known as Hell's Half Acre because of its brothels, distilleries and gambling activity. For decades it retained its reputation as a hotbed of political corruption, prostitution, bootlegging and other criminal activity, including plenty of murders.

Today, one of the city's most haunted spots is the Lincoln Square Theater, which opened in 1916. It replaced a hotel that had burned down the previous year, killing two men.

Locals say the theater is haunted by multiple spirits, including a vaudeville stagehand named Red.

The theater is one of several stops on the Haunted Decatur history tour (www.haunteddecatur.com), which has been named one of the "most authentic" ghost tours in the Midwest.

3. Athens, Ohio

Athens has been named one of the most haunted cities in America — perhaps because five of its cemeteries allegedly form the shape of a pentagram on a map.

The epicenter of ghostly activity is The Ridges, formerly a mental hospital. The ghosts of former patients are said to roam the halls. Locals have also noted unusual activity at the The Ridges cemeteries, where some graves were marked with patient numbers rather than names.

Ghost hunters also visit the Moonville Tunnel, which is allegedly haunted by a railroad worker who was killed there.

Hungry for more hauntings? Head to the West State Street Cemetery, where a stone angel presides over the graves of unknown soldiers. If you're lucky, you may catch her crying.

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