Get Out of Town!

This coming weekend marks the celebration of Columbus Day and for many of us, that means a three day weekend!  With only three days, you can’t travel too far from home, but Mad Maps, Inc. has come up with the perfect resource for planning a quick trip!
Mad Maps has created all sorts […]

Tip of the Week - Put Together a Jigsaw Puzzle!

I love this old fashioned pastime, especially during the summer months!  For the last few years, our family has brought a large, 1000 piece puzzle along on our beach vacation.  We set the pieces up on the coffee table and everyone gets involved from the youngest […]

How to Prepare for Vacation Countdown Checklist!

Packing up your family to leave for vacation is a crazy and chaotic project, which often leaves me wondering if going away is worth the effort involved!  In order to simplify your departure, here’s a day by day vacation preparation checklist to insure your peace of mind!
Three days before […]

Your TSA Solution - On Board Bags!
The FAA has made several changes in the past year regarding carry on liquids.  In Tips for Carry-ons, I gave readers the specific details about the new restrictions which basically limit liquids to three ounces stored in a one quart zip lock bag. And here’s a creative upgrade to “sandwich […]

Navigating Vacation Souvenirs!
Family vacations, which already cost a bundle, can become even more costly if your kids are avid shoppers like mine!  In my case, I know that the apples haven’t fallen far from the tree, but this can be a challenge for any family.  Theme parks have it figured out – guests exit from […]

Selecting Beautiful Toiletry Bags Made Simple!
Shortly after writing about the items that should be included in a well prepared toiletry kit, readers asked for more specific suggestions for purchasing toiletry bags. 
My first recommendation is the line of bags created by Vera Bradley.  But while I love Vera Bradley’s bags, the sheer number of styles and patterns […]

Top Travel Tips For Your Next Theme Park Vacation!

Over the years, my family has enjoyed many trips to various theme parks.  Most recently we took a fabulous trip to Universal Studios, where I was reminded that being properly prepared for a theme park can make all the difference in the ultimate enjoyment of your experience.  I […]

 Make the Most of Your Trip to Universal Studios!
My family and I are just back from a six day visit to Orlando, Florida.  This is the first vacation that we have taken since the creation of Busy Bee Lifestyle and of course, I looked at everything that we did and everywhere that we went with […]

Most airlines today allow you to carry on a pocketbook and one tote bag or small suitcase.  Here’s what I suggest you carry on the plane when you travel:
Pocketbook
Along with the usual items such as wallet, cell phone, sunglasses, lipstick, tissues, and car keys, be sure to include

Airline tickets
A valid driver’s license!
Passport if needed
Birth certificates for […]

Perfect Packing Tips!
Here’s my tried and true method for efficiently packing your suitcase!   Each time I pack, I do it exactly the same way!  (For the fun suitcase pictured at right, see couverture.com)
Count Out the Number of Days You Will Be Away
Count out the number of days and nights you will be away.  This will […]