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Roswell Uncovered: Must-Do Activities for a Memorable Visit

We couldn’t go to New Mexico without visiting Roswell. Roswell is Earth’s most famous UFO crash site. The International UFO Museum is also located there. The town is full of UFO-themed restaurants and shops.

There are plenty of opportunities to take photos in front of out of this world murals and fun props. Some of the scenes were so beautiful that I decided to turn them into backgrounds for our travel scrapbook. See the before and after images below.

International UFO Museum and Research Center

The International UFO Museum and Research Center was the highlight of our day in Roswell. This museum has wonderful exhibits dedicated to the 1947 Roswell Incident, and it also has information on other unexplained UFO-related phenomena around the world.

Display made for TV Show Making Monsters on Travel Channel

We spent about two hours at the museum before shopping for gifts. We were delighted to learn that the museum had a pressed penny machine. My daughter had fun choosing her design and cranking the machine to get another beautiful pressed penny to add to her collection.

The gift shop is stocked full of UFO-related items. Some of our favorite finds were alien-shaped coffee mugs, astronaut shaped-coffee mugs, alien stuffed animals and alien-themed socks.

Roswell UFO Spacewalk

The Roswell UFO Spacewalk was a quick, but fun stop. It took about five to ten minutes to complete this UFO-themed black light adventure. We were given space guns (i.e., toy guns that lit up and made sounds) to take out aliens as we made our way through the attraction. Although it was dark, the photos turned out surprisingly well. You can revisit the adventure multiple times as long as you keep your wrist band. They also have a good selection of alien-themed souvenirs.

Peppers Grill & Bar

We had dinner at Peppers Grill & Bar. This Southwestern menu had something to accommodate everyone in our party. The best part of our meal was the margaritas. I had the Mango Margarita, which is Peppers Frozen Margarita (Sauza Gold Tequila, triple sec, splash of lime juice and sweet and sour) blended with puree mango.


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Pressed Pennies: Budget Souvenirs Kids Love

Budget Souvenirs Kids Love Pressed Pennies

Want a fun souvenir that will not break the bank? Consider collecting pressed pennies. They cost less than a dollar and are fun to collect. You often find them at zoos, amusement parks like Disneyland, national parks and other tourist attractions.

girl cranking pressed pennies machine
Pressed Pennies Machine at Seattle Space Needle

My daughter loves collecting them. She keeps her eyes peeled for the pressed penny machines whenever we are traveling. She carefully considers the options available to her and enjoys cranking that handle to turn an ordinary penny into a shiny, collectible art piece.

Best Pressed Pennies Books

Keep your pressed pennies collection organized by placing them in pressed pennies albums.


Classic Pressed Pennies Books

This two-pack of pressed pennies books comes with two random pressed pennies to start your collection. Each pressed pennies book holds 44 coins (i.e., 36 pressed pennies and and 8 pressed quarters). This is a good option for young children or those who simply want a place to organize their coins.


Pressed Penny Journal

This pressed penny journal holds 146 coins (i.e., 128 pressed pennies and 18 pressed quarters or nickels), and includes pages to jot down notes and memories. This would be a good option for teens or adults.

Pressed Penny Jewelry

Turn your favorite souvenir pressed pennies into jewelry.


Wearable Souvenir Wristband for Pressed Penny

This wearable souvenir wristband has a sleeve to display your pressed penny. This wristband is also available in other colors.


Wearable Souvenir Necklace for Press Penny

This wearable souvenir necklace has a sleeve to display your pressed penny. The pendant sleeves are available in other colors.

This Etsy shop turns souvenir pressed pennies into cute cuffs.

Special Custom Pressed Pennies

These Etsy shop sellers create custom pressed pennies for special occasions. Here are a few of my favorite custom pressed pennies.


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My Travel Journal: Trip Planner and Memory Keepsake

My Travel Journal

I am proud to present My Travel Journal: Trip Planner and Memory Keepsake. This travel journal is primarily a trip planner that also serves as a memory keepsake. Planning a trip no longer has to be stressful. This book includes everything you will need to plan a successful vacation, and a place to record your experiences.

Contents

Calendar

Although this is a two week trip planner, I like providing this blank calendar so that you can cover events a week in advance and a week after the trip so that there is a seamless transition from everyday life to vacation life.

Pre-Trip Checklist

The  Pre-Trip Checklist is one of the most valuable sections in this book. By completing these suggested tasks, you can have things done in a timely manner and avoid certain disappointments. For example, a friend of mine had her heart set on attending one of the best luaus in Maui only to learn that the luau was already sold out for her trip dates. It was a hard lesson that could have ben avoided if she had followed this pre-trip checklist.

Budgeting and Spending

The Budgeting and Spending section gives you tools to budget your trip and stay on track financially.

  • The Vacation Goals page keeps you focused and inspired.
  • The Vacation Savings Tracker gives you a fun way to track your vacation savings progress.
  • Budget page helps you create a budget for your trip and to track your actual spending.
  • The Spending Log allows you to keep a detailed record of what you have spent.
  • The Shopping page keeps track of who you are shopping for and what you have bought them.

Transportation and Lodging

  • The Flight Information section has fun boarding passes where you can record your flights.
  • The Car Rental & Transfers page allows you to record your car rental information and any type of transfers (e.g., hotel transfers, activity shuttles, etc.).
  • The Lodging section allows you to record and review the places you stay at. This is very useful. My husband and I are big on comfort, and when we find a wonderful place we make note of what room we were in so that we can book that same exact room again. If we stayed at a place that was less than desirable, we also make note of that so we can avoid that place in the future.

Dining

I am a foodie and I do extensive research of the restaurants I want to try before a trip. I list what foods or drinks a restaurant is famous for and what I would like to try. Then I record my review of the restaurant. I always get asked recommendations on where to eat, and this is an easy way for me to pass on that information.

Entertainment

There are so many activities to choose from and so little time so I like to do the research in advance and make the most of my vacation. This section allows me to also review each activity, write down who participated that day and make additional notes. For example, if an activity requires closed-toed shoes to participate, I make note of that. If I had an outstanding tour guide, I make note of their name and contact information so that I can use them again or refer friends to them.

Packing Checklist

The Packing Checklist is my favorite part of this book. I love this section because it has everything that I would consider bringing on a trip. It is a huge time saver and also gives me peace of mind that I am not missing anything. There is additional space to write down other items.

Itinerary

This section gives a snapshot of the activities that you will do each day.

Schedule

This Schedule section is for you Super Planners. I plan out each activity in detail and take in consideration the estimated length of the activity, how much time it will take to get from one activity to the other and so forth.

Travel Diary

Most of your thoughts on experiences, lodging and dining have already been recorded in previous sections. This space is for you write additional thoughts on each day. Each day has a temperature and weather icons, a mood tracker and a space to add a 2 x 3 inch photo. You can write down the best part of your day, the worst part of your day, the funniest thing that happened to you that day, something that you have learned, etc.

Important Contacts

Write down important contacts in this section in case your phone breaks on your trip.

Insurance

Record your health insurance, travel insurance and car insurance.

Doctors

Record your doctors contact information in case you need to get in touch with them during your trip.

Nearest Medical

Research the nearest hospitals, clinics and pharmacies. Specify whether these are in-network facilities and out-of-network facilities because in-network facilities will cost less than an out-of-network facilities.

Medication

Write down your prescription medication, dosage, frequency, etc.

Embassy and Consulate

Write down the Embassy and Consulate information in case you need passport replacements or need other emergency assistance while abroad.

Common Travel Phrases

If you are traveling to a place that speaks a different language, translate these common travel phrases in advance.

Notes

Includes additional space for extra note taking.

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The Ouachita Highland Games and Mountain Market

On a whim, my husband and I decided to check out the Ouachita Highland Games and Mountain Market while we were in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The games were held at Cedar Glades Park. We enjoyed driving along the quiet road through the forest. The well placed signs led us to the event with ease.

People of all different ages attended, and a good number of people were wearing their kilts. Queen Mary of the Scots and her court were dressed in period attire.

We enjoyed watching the athletes compete in the highland games (Braemar Stone, Open Stone, Heavy Weight for Distance, Light Weight for Distance, Heavy Hammer, Light Hammer, Caber, Sheaf Toss, Weight Over Bar). There was a bleacher at one of the events but I would bring a picnic blanket or some lawn chairs next time.

There was food, beverages, Scottish-Irish music, and plenty of merchants. There were booths selling drinking horns, metal crafts, jewelry, gemstones, clothing and more.

Favorite Shoppes

Medieval Romance Crystals

There were several wonderful jewelry booths, but Medieval Romance Crystals was my favorite. This mother and daughter team love what they do and their designs are beautiful.

I bought some drop-style earrings that this talented, ten year old designed.

Rainbow Obsidian earrings (left); Amethyst earrings with matching wire wrapped amethyst ring

They also have intricate beaded earrings, and sell necklaces, crystals, gemstones, candles and more. They have an online shop, but it only shows a fraction of what they have. You can see more of their jewelry on their Instagram page.

Northman Horns

Want to drink like a viking? You can with your very own drinking horn! This booth sold drinking horns (with or without a holder), horn mugs, and blowing horns. They also sell clothing online.


I did not see viking drinking horns for sale on Northman Horns’ online store, however, KelticKaravan Etsy Shop sells them:

Large 24oz Viking Tankard Drinking Horn Mug image 1
KelticKaravan – Large 24oz Viking Tankard Drinking Horn Mug
Viking Ship Drinking Horn Scrimshaw Beer Mug Stand and Holster image 1
KelticKaravan Etsy shop – Viking Ship Drinking Horn Scrimshaw Beer Mug Stand and Holster

Odin’s Horn

Howard Allman, Blacksmith

My husband and I were both drawn to Howard’s booth. We appreciated the beauty and quality of his work. These handmade grill tools will be the perfect gift for a couple of family members who love to grill. Howard also does custom work. His contact information is below:

Howard & Kathy Allman

PO Box 1865

Hot Springs, AR 71902

(501) 276-7542

odinshorn1431@gmail.com


Overall, this was a fun event. To stay informed on future Ouachita Highland Games, follow their Facebook page.

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Practical Stocking Stuffers for Travelers

stocking stuffers for travelers

Stumped on stocking stuffers for travel lovers? Consider these 10 stocking stuffer ideas that travelers will love and actually use.

1. Universal Airplane in Flight Phone Mount



Universal Airplane in Flight Phone Mount. Handsfree Phone Holder for Desk with Multi-Directional Dual 360 Degree Rotation. Pocket Size Travel Essential Accessory for Flying. US Patented and Protected.



On a plane that does not have a built-in screen for entertainment? Instead of holding your phone the entire flight and risking neck strain, just use this gadget. This neat gadget allows you to hang your phone so that you can watch movies handsfree.

2. Vaccination Card Protector, 3-count



3 Packs-CDC Vaccination Card Protector for Business Travel, 4.3X3.5 Inches Waterproof Sealed Vaccination Card Protector, Plastic Transparent CDC Vaccination Card Protector



Protect your vaccination cards with this CDC Vaccination Card Protector.

3. Travel Perfume or Travel Cologne, Refillable Atomizer Bottle



Portable Mini Refillable Perfume Atomizer Bottle,Atomizer Perfume Bottle, Refillable Perfume Spray, Scent Pump Case, Perfume Atomizer Refillable Travel 4 Pcs Pack of 5ml



Instead of buying travel size perfume or cologne that are often overpriced, just use these refillable, perfume atomizer bottles. They are easy to use and you can travel with your favorite perfumes or colognes without having to bring full-size bottles.

4. Portable Luggage Scale



Etekcity Luggage Scale, Digital Portable Handheld Suitcase Weight for Travel with Rubber Paint, Temperature Sensor, 110 Pounds, Battery Included



Never wonder whether you are over the luggage weight limit with this nifty, portable handheld suitcase scale. This gadget weighs only 2 ounces and makes weighing luggage a breeze.

5. Passport and Vaccine Card Holder, RFID Blocking



ACdream Passport and Vaccine Card Holder Combo, Cover Case with CDC Vaccination Card Slot, Leather Travel Documents Organizer Protector, with RFID Blocking, for Women and Men, Rose Gold



This passport holder is the ultimate travel organizer and comes in assorted colors. This light weight travel organizer holds your passport, vaccination card, driver’s license, credit card, insurance card, boarding pass, 2 sim cards and a small pen. This passport holder also includes advanced RFID blocking that prevents identify theft through RFID chips.

6. Collapsible Water Bottle



Nefeeko Collapsible Water Bottle, 26oz Silicone Foldable Water Bottles Leakproof BPA Free Travel Water Bottles with Carabiner, Portable Sport Water Bottles for Camping, Hiking Outdoor Indoor Sport



Bring this reusable, compact water bottle with you to the airport, and fill it up after you have passed airport security. You can avoid buying pricey water at the airport and help the environment by reducing single-plastic use. The carabiner allows you to conveniently attach it to your bag.

7. Pocket Picnic Blanket



BEARZ Outdoor Pocket Blanket Picnic Mat, Waterproof Picnic Blanket, Travel Blanket, Waterproof Blanket, Beach Blanket Waterproof Sandproof, Outdoor Blanket, Festival Accessories, Hiking, Park (Green)



This light weight, waterproof picnic blanket is easy to pack and is useful for impromptu picnics at the beach, the park or while hiking. This travel blanket is 55 x 60 inches unfolded, and seats two people comfortably but can accommodate up to four people. It has loops at the four corners for stakes, but the model above does not include stakes. If you want a travel blanket with stakes, click here.

8. Travel Containers, TSA Approved



17 Pack Silicone Travel Bottles Set For Toiletries, TSA Approved Travel Containers Leak Proof Silicone Squeezable Travel Accessories 2oz 3oz for Shampoo Conditioner Lotion Body Wash. (Multicolor)



Fill up these cute, pastel colored TSA-approved travel bottles with your favorite shampoo, conditioner, body lotions, facial creams, makeup remover, etc. I love that these come with a small funnel, spatulas and cleaning brush to fill and clean these bottles easily. The spray bottle is great for storing facial toner. It even includes tooth brush covers and labels for easy organization.

9. Waterproof Travel Shoe Bags



YAMIU Travel Shoe Bags Set of 4 Waterproof Nylon with Zipper for Men & Women, Black



Use these waterproof, travel shoe bags to protect and contain your shoes. Not only is it good for travel, but it also can be used in the meantime for gym workouts and sports activities.

10. Travel Slippers with Pouch



Snoozies Skinnies & Travel Pouch | Purse Slippers for Women | Travel Flats with Pouch | Cute Prints Mixed Designs | Navy w White Dots | Large



Considering the amount of foot traffic hotel gets, it is reasonable to conclude that hotel carpets are dirty. Vacuums only pick up so much and dark, patterned carpets are good at disguising stains. So do your feet a favor and wear slippers. These cute slippers come in assorted patterns to fit all different personalities and comes with a matching travel pouch.


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