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Wednesday, May 30, 2012

NY Dad's Kind of Luau Giveaway!

HEY DAD IT"S 5 O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE!!

DO YOU HAVE THAT GREAT DAD THAT DESERVES HIS FUN TOO?

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY BROUGHT TO YOU BY

COUPON HAULS AND DEBBIE DOES COUPONS

ALONG WITH THE MANY OTHER GREAT BLOGS LISTED BELOW

ONE LUCKY PERSON WILL WIN A

Margaritaville Frozen Blender

Jimmy Buffet Greatest hits CD

Margaritaville Mixers

Margaritaville LOGO shirt for Dad

To all the Dads that were our 1st love: THANK YOU!!

The First Man That I Loved is so special to me

You are the first man who cared that I was here

held me so gently and wiped away my tears

a shoulder to lean on, and chase away my fears...

All you have to do is enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below!!!

**This giveaway is open the U.S. only. The prizes are going to be shipped directly to the winners from the page owners of Coupon Hauls. The other sponsors in this giveaway are not responsible for the shipping of these prizes. This giveaway is also in no way sponsored or endorsed by Facebook or Twitter.. This giveaway is sponsored by all of the participating blogs.** Void where prohibited.
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Monday, May 28, 2012

The importance of travel insurance

In the past, I never bought travel insurance. I just decided that I was going and that was it. It seems I never really thought about all of the possibilities, like illness or injury in a foreign country. When I was in the Caribbean on my first cruise, I ended up with ear problems and needed to see a doctor on board our ship. It was a shock to me when I was told that rates for seeing the on board doc started at $100. That was before any kind of treatment. Now, I am from Canada, and unaccustomed to paying for medical services, at least directly. However, I needed to see the doctor and get things straightened out before flying home. So, I sucked it up and paid. I was fortunate that it was not worse and I can tell you that I will always buy travel insurance from here on in! In our travel agency we use RBC insurance and I have read and heard about many stories where people were not only reimbursed their lost trips, but had medical coverage and support in foreign countries. I have friends who were involved in a car accident in the US and had to pay tons of money for treatment. It's just good sense to have coverage. Following is an article I borrowed from MSN.ca about the value of travel insurance, particularly for us Canucks.
By Gordon Powers, March 17, 2010 Why you need travel insurance If you plan on traveling outside Canada, consider getting the best medical insurance you can afford. Provincial healthcare plans rarely cover the full cost of medical care. Gordon Powers Thanks to a rapidly rising Canadian dollar, more families are choosing U.S destinations for their March break vacations. If you're one of them, make sure you pack more than just sunscreen for protection. Spending an extra $150 or so on travel insurance could save your family thousands in medical expenses related to illness, injury or death while heading across the border. Bing! Where can I find financial counselling? Step one in shopping for a broad-based plan is to determine if you're already covered. Your employee health plan or credit card coverage likely includes some form of group health insurance and that's a good place to start. If you're self employed though, chances are that you're on your own. Find out the details, including whether family members are covered (many employer plans have an age limit for children) and any restrictions on the length of the vacation. Many insurers, for example, won't pay for emergency hospital stays lasting more than three weeks. Be sure to shop around — there's a wide range of possible policy features and costs. You may, for instance, be able to get lower rates from some carriers if you work with a familiar company or from organizations like the Canadian Automobile Association. And consider one policy that covers the whole family, rather than buying one policy per person. Once you do buy a policy, carry proof of your insurance with you on your trip. Getting good medical coverage is probably a smart idea every time you travel, even if you're just entering the U.S. on a day trip. Even though it costs several thousand dollars a day for hospital care across the border, provincial healthcare plans will pay only as much as that service would have cost in Canada. Ontario's OHIP, for example, only covers up to $400 per day and BC's plan covers less than half that. You'll be responsible for the rest. The cost of your policy depends on several factors including your age and health, the duration of the trip, the extent of coverage and deductible amount. Some policies contain clauses that require you to pay part of the costs of any medical treatment you receive, expressed as a deductible clause. For example, if your policy calls for a $250 deductible, you'll have to pay the first $250 towards any claim. You may be able to reduce your premiums somewhat by agreeing to a higher deductible, which some companies will waive if you're under a certain age. Standard plans should cover unexpected illness, disease or injury, emergency transportation, doctors' fees, hospital stays and medication. More elaborate plans may also include X-rays, diagnostic tests, dental treatment, air and ground ambulance, paramedic fees and private nursing. Some plans also cover transportation and related costs if you, your spouse or dependent children have to return home or stay at the bedside of the hospitalized person. They may also provide a per diem allowance for meals and accommodation, if the medical emergency prevents your return to Canada. Most insurers have a 24/7 toll-free number you must contact prior to seeking medical treatment. From there, they'll coordinate treatment with an approved network of medical providers, arranging emergency transportation, and making billing/payment arrangements. If you visit a doctor outside the approved network, you may end up paying these expenses, then claiming them from the insurer - not a smooth process. Be aware of what else may not be covered. Standard limitations include emergencies due to political unrest, suicide, high-risk sports, and alcohol or drug abuse. Pre-existing medical conditions are also often not covered and there's little value in playing dumb here. Before paying anything, the insurance company will ask to check records with your local doctor if they suspect problems are due to a pre-existing condition. Ask questions if you're not sure exactly what the pre-existing limitations refer to, how they apply to your medical history or how they affect your coverage. Some policies will still cover you, but at a higher price. The terminology in travel insurance policies is open to interpretation, so you have to study the fine print in order to discover what a "medical emergency" means to each company. When examining different policies, ask the following: What won't be covered? Is there a deductible? In the event of an emergency, do I have to pay upfront or will the carrier pay direct? What procedures need to be followed to obtain medical attention? Is childcare covered if I or my spouse is hospitalized? Will someone drive our vehicle back to our home if we're not able to? What happens if one of us dies while travelling?

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Noxicare Giveaway!

Guest post on behalf of: NaturalHairLatina

Source
In 2005 I encountered a serious medical injury which effected majority of my right side. Due to the injury, I suffer serious residual and have a difficulty performing various task due to chronic pain and serious discomfort. So when given the opportunity to review Noxicare Natural Pain Relief,  I became excited.


Product Claim: 
Noxicare™ Fast Acting, Long Lasting, Natural Pain Reliever

Top Ingredient:
  1. Turmeric: one of the powerful healers found in nature, recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties.
  2. Willow Bark: has been used to treat pain and inflammation since the time of Ancient Egypt and Greece.
  3. Ginger: helps alleviate muscle strains, arthritis and rheumatism, and is a catalyst for improving the effectiveness of other herbs.
  4. Holy Basil: properties include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral.
  5. Rosemary Extract: has served a variety of purposes including topical use for joint or musculoskeletal pain.
  6. Alpha Lipoic Acids: antioxidants used to treating diabetic neuropathy and increasing blood flow to the nerves.
  7. Boswellia Extract: an anti-inflammatory used to treat arthritis and joint pain.
Uses:
Source
  1. Acute and chronic inflammation: your body’s immune response to irritation or other injuries with features like redness, swelling, warmth and pain.
  2. Muscle aches: Muscle aches can be acute (as a result of athletic injury) or chronic (experienced by fibromyalgia or cancer sufferers) and involve ligaments, tendons, bones and organs.
  3. Nerve pain: Painful nerve endings in the layers of your skin can cause burning, throbbing and stinging.
      
    Price:  
    3.5 fl oz 19.95

    Pros:
    Odorless
    Non-Greasy
    ParabenFree

    Cons:
    No deep tissue penetration

    Conclusion: On a scale of 1-5, I would give the product a 3 and a half stars. Used product for 6 consecutive days, morning, noon and night. What I did like odorless, non greasy or menthol smell. Also, the product is formulated with natural ingredients. From personal experience. Natural formulated items take longer to work in my opinion
Tip: Read directions and clean area prior to use.

Our friends at Noxicare would like to offer: 
3 tubes for 3 winners
Also, we will be giving away t-shirts as well for the winners.

Source: Noxicare.com (Italic)

Please, complete Rafflecopter
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*Disclaimer NaturalHairLatina or Event Bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. Full disclosure on rafflecopter

Friday, May 18, 2012

June Fan Appreciation Event

Are you a blogger? Do you want to increase your social media exposure by rewarding your fans with a chance to win a cash giveaway?

If you answered yes, then you should join our upcoming cash giveaway event, which will run from June 1-11th.

Sign-ups are open now!

Prize: Cash sum which will be determined by participation - the more bloggers that join, the larger the amount of the cash giveaway.

Eligibility: This giveaway is open Worldwide, prize is in US dollars, Paypal account is required.

Cost: $5 per entry link - Facebook, Twitter, Email subscription, RSS subscription, or other (could be either a voting link, entry into a different giveaway you are running, etc. whatever - your choice). Each type of link will be listed together in categories on the Rafflecopter form beginning with Facebook pages and moving through all the options in the order listed above. Each entry link in the category will be listed in the order payment was received. Sign up and pay as soon as possible for your chance to be near the top of the list.

Payment: Accepted via Paypal - send to frugalexperiments@gmail.com.

Blogger Prize: There will be a cash prize for the participating blogger that refers the most participants. Total prize amount will depend upon the number of participating bloggers. Minimum prize amount of $10 and will go up $1 per participating blogger that signs up after the initial 10 so this would be a progressive prize amount.

Requirements: You will be required to post twice about this giveaway. Once before the giveaway begins, to announce your participation and to tell other bloggers how they can participate also, this is to help drive new traffic and hopefully get more bloggers involved. Your second post should go live after the contest begins, detailing the giveaway and containing the Rafflecopter form so your visitors can enter this awesome giveaway.

Sign-up Now Through May 28, 2012

Your payment will be pooled with the payments from all other participating bloggers and will go toward the total prize (minus Paypal fees, blogger prize and administrative fees). In exchange, your blog will be included with all other participating blogs in the Fan Appreciation Giveaway as an entry method.

Friday, May 11, 2012

What Women Want Giveaway!

A new season of fashion and beauty if quickly approaching. Butler Bag, Karren's Avon (creator/writer for Oh! My Heartsie) and Mom to Bed by 8 (the Iowa-Mom)want to offer one lucky reader a prize package that is sure to tickle your fancy and bring joy to your wardrobe and skin all at the same time.
Butler Bag, "The World's Most Organized Handbag"
The Butler Bag Everyday Tote is a perfectly versatile back. Offered in three colors and create from genuine Nana leather. This bag offers two zippered pockets outside and a compartmentalized interior with zippered "privacy pocket" inside. This is a true organizer's purse dream come true.
Karren's Avon is generously providing a bath and body package plus a few accessories extras to make you smile.
Odyssey Cologne Spray, Odyssey Roll-On Anti-Perspirant Deodorant and Odyssey Perfumed Skin Softener
RARE DIAMONDS Body Lotion, RARE DIAMONDS Shower Gel and RARE DIAMONDS Eau de Parfum Spray
SKIN SO SOFT Signature Silk Moisturizing Shower Gel, SKIN SO SOFT Signature Silk Gelled Body Oil and SKIN SO SOFT Signature Silk Replenishing Hand Cream
Florence Gift Set
Leading Love 2-Piece Gift Set
Silver Coin Purse and Black Wallet
Finally Mom to Bed by 8, the Iowa-Mom wants you to enjoy your stylish night out and is bringing a $50 Visa Gift Card to the What A Woman Wants party for you to do just that.
Giveaway starts on May 11 at 12:01AM and ends May 25 at 11:59PM. Open to the US residents only; must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
Enter to win the What Women Want Giveaway below!
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Wednesday, May 9, 2012

HP Home Office Giveaway!

Coupontrade.com and HP are offering the biggest giveaway event so far! HP Omni 27t series including Microsoft Office Home and Student 2010, Norton Anti-Virus, keyboard, mouse, 3 Care Pack House Service, Windows 7 Home Premium Founded in 1939, HP is the world’s largest IT company and brings to market a vast array of innovative, advanced, and reliable products that continuously improve the way their customers live and work. At the HP Home & Home Office Store you will find an unparalleled selection of notebooks, desktops, printers, accessories, and more! Whether shopping for your home or small business, HP has a solution for you.     CouponTrade.com is your new source for discount gift cards and NAME brand coupon codes. Now you can combine these discounts in ONE place to save more than ever before! Now you can SELL your unwanted gift cards too! Are you sitting on any unclaimed cash?   Entry is easier than ever! Check out the Rafflecopter form below!  

Monday, May 7, 2012

When Should You Use a Travel Agent?

Robert Reid from The Lonely Planet's Blog has this to say about using travel agents.
27 April 2012 5:41am Filed under news When should you use a travel agent? Robert ReidLonely Planet author That tiresome argument between what makes a ‘traveler’ different from a ‘tourist’ is sometimes split along the lines that the latter used a travel agent. A tourist goes where he or she’s led by an agent or package tour, the traveler does it all on your own. Yeah, well… While the number of travel agents have dropped by two-thirds in the past couple decades, the news of agencies’ death, per a recent New York Times article, has been greatly exaggerated. The 14 to 15,000 still-active agents have racked up two years of growth, and actually make up a third of the US$284 billion travel market still, particularly regarding ‘complex leisure travel’ like cruises, per this PhoCusWright study. (According to a 2010 Travelmole piece, travelers aged 16 to 24, often first-timers surely, are the most likely to use an agent.) When should you use a travel agent? Here are a few reasons why an agents are working for some travelers. 1. Saving time and money Some travelers just don’t have time to plan for themselves, or they hate the time and effort it takes. And at the end of sorting through the myriad options online, it’s hard to be confident that you’ve found the best deal. We wondered how much of the Lonely Planet community would be willing to pay for five hours’ of saved online planning time, maybe just $30 to $50, and our poll (below) showed a nearly 50-50 split: It’s worth noting that over half of the US responders (52%) said ‘yes,’ while just about a third (35%) of Brits would. One of the Americans who said yes was Travel Channel’s Samantha Brown, who told me, ‘I like planning myself, but if they can save you five hours, sure, I’d pay $30 to $50.’ 2. Special access The Times article suggests that agents with specific niches have the relationships built to offer travelers access to places DIY planners couldn’t find on their own, like a special after-hours tour of the Sistine Chapel. That’s a temptation, surely. Even if you could find some of these special experiences yourself, they can save hours of research. 3. Building on your research What’s most interesting in the Times article is how agents are changing how they work. Travelers know much more what they want before going in than before. According to one upscale agency network, the better approach today is to say, ‘You’ve done a lot of research, now how do we work together?’ It’s frequently like that for guidebook authors when we meet fellow travelers. People sometimes ask what’s cool or new, but just as many already know the basics already and ask for a recommendation for a specific need, like a beach hotel with nanny service and oodles of kid-friendly activities so the parents can feel like they’re on vacation too. 4. Help with difficult/remote locations The more challenging the place, the more useful an agent can be. Even intrepid guidebook authors find agents useful in certain circumstances. I’ve relied on agents for a number of things, such as add-on trips to river lodges and river cruises in eastern Siberia, or transport details and tickets from a private agent in Myanmar. Local agents are often invaluable when there are language barriers or when it takes someone with connections in the local community to facilitate travel or lodging. How about you? Do you, or would you, use a travel agent? Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/blog/2012/04/27/when-should-you-use-a-travel-agent/#ixzz1uDwknGWJ

Do you have a travel bucket list?

If so, what is on it? Have you ticked many places off that list yet or are you just beginning your journey? Travel for me when I was young was done mostly by car, but my dad grew up taking trains everywhere. Now, I fly at least twice a year and will likely continue to do at least that now that I am in the travel industry. I don't know if there is anywhere in the world I don't want to go. I have been doing my Princess Cruises training and I get giddy reading about each and every single itinerary. Don't even get me started on the world cruises! Whoa! Truth be told, I haven't been to many places, so I have a lot of catching up to do. I do know my own country very well and have been to several American cities, but my recent cruise was my first trip outside of Canada and the US. The thing is, the more I travel, the more I want to. If I had to come up with a short list for the next couple of years, I definitely want to go to; Alaska - My parents cruised there and my father came home with the most amazing photos. Everything I have seen about Alaska suggests rugged beauty. It is also a highly accessible destination for me, since sailings go from Vancouver and Seattle, both of which I can get to within the day. Then there is the fact that, as a travel agent, I feel I should know the areas which are accessible to my clients. Western Caribbean Now that I have done the eastern route, I really want to go back and try the western. I loved the people, the sun and the beautiful blue waters. I can't wait to go back one day! The Caribbean is more accessible than ever with more ships and flights going there than ever. There are amazing all-inclusives and so many great cruise itineraries, some combining land and sea adventures! MexicoI remember studying the ancient peoples of Mexico in grade seven and ever since then, I have wanted to go. It is also very accessible to the people in this area with choices abounding when it comes to west coast departures. So, this is my short term bucket list. That said, I want to go to Russia, The Med, Asia and Australia so very badly I can taste it. Better get to making some money so that I can support my travel habit!