These days you can find more separated or divorced couples than married ones. The times have changed, and now people have learned better to step away from hurtful and troubling relationships than to keep progressing for other people’s happiness. Likewise, there are divorced and single moms everywhere you see, struggling to make ends with for their kids while also pulling themselves back up from the difficult time.

There is no doubt that a single mom’s life is busy and stressful whether she is still young and in her 30 somethings or of age. And a day like a mother’s day can be something rewarding and restful that they deserve. If you are a kid, friend, or a relative to such a person, here are something that you can give them on this special day to make it up to them:

Motivational Books

No matter how goal-driven a single mom is to help her kids get the best in life and be an assertive person in front of the world, she always needs a positive push or helpful guide. This can be in the shape of a motivational or self-help book or two. The chances are that your single mom friend is a book lover, an avid learner, and a potential seeker in life. If so, she will love books like these to relax, have a cup of coffee or glass of sparkly water and read it on this day.

A Gift Basket

Nothing beats the happiness of a basket filled with different kinds of delicacies or gifts to a person or a single mom. Your gift basket can be filled with anything that this mom likes to enjoy on mother’s day. It can have her favorite snacks, fruits, self-care products, and anything else that can fit in. You can always get more mother’s day gift ideas on what to add to a gift basket to add ones that will mean the most to her.

Coffee

Coffee is a power juice that single moms run on. This drink is an essential item on a divorced mom’s morning routine and at least once throughout the entire day. So she would really like it if you presented her with the best cup of coffee that she saves for special occasions. You could get your mom or friend a nice bag of quality coffee to run on that daily fuel.

Spa Coupon

This goes without saying. What mom wouldn’t use a relaxing day at the spa on a special occasion such as this. All you have to do is offer because there are chances she will never get there herself and be running errands all day. Book a spa treatment or a few days at a soothing resort to help her energize for all the fights she has to face in life alone. This could be an excellent means of therapy for her as well.

Become a Binge Companion

A day to just laze around and not have any kid errands to run or work to do is what every single mom dreams of. You can help your single mom in quest settle down on her couch with a soft blanket, and your favorite Netflix shows to watch. This can be some quality time you spend together while catching up on all the shows missed or reminisce the older ones.

A Girls Trip

Having good friends in life can be a gift itself. If you’re a friend of a single mom, you can help arrange a girl’s day out filled with fun activities and new things to try. For this, set up a weekend getaway and help the kids stay somewhere else for the time so that the mother doesn’t worry. Pick a great place to rest and arrange recreational things to do for the whole time without a dull moment passing.

Treat to a Buffet

What is better therapy than a happy tummy with all the favorite foods of the single mom to make her happy on mother’s day in an all-you-can-eat? This may be something extraordinary for her if she’s a foodie. A buffet is a better option than a dinner as it can help her get a cheat day and fill her tummy up until there is no worry or sorrow in her life. A great way to end the event can be her favorite cake or, better yet, a cheesecake.

The post What Gifts to Get a Divorced Mom on Mother’s Day? appeared first on Mom Blog Society.

Mother’s day is just around the corner, and everyone I know is still hunting for that perfect gift. It isn’t just this time of year that present-hunting for moms is difficult though – what about birthdays and every Christmas? I thought I’d put together a handy unique gift guide for all my readers, to make the task a little easier this year…

• Knitted tech case

If your mom regularly surfs the internet on her iPad or smartphone, this is the gift for her. A patchwork, embroidered case or cover is ideal for all those moms that are forever leaving their technology lying around.

• Family photo art

If your mom loves to cover every sideboard with personal photographs, why not get her a new family snap with a difference? Why not have her favorite photo prints on wood for her to hang up? Or in black and white with an elegant framed print for a professional look?

• Personalized cookbook

If you have fond memories of your mother cooking up a storm in her kitchen, don’t bother buying her a chef’s cookbook this year – buy her one of her own! You can get cookbooks in a variety of different styles these days, even with her name printed on.

• Baking accessories

If she prefers to spend most of her time baking and trying new cake recipes, buy her a selection of unusual baking accessories. It could be a laser-cut rolling pin so she can print a pattern onto her dough, or some funky shaped cupcake tins for special occasions.

• Vintage picnic hamper

If you’re the kind of family who likes to go for long walks and day trips together, look out for one of the many vintage picnic hampers that come with crockery and even a cool-box section for your next outing together.

• Gardener’s hamper

Your mom might be the green-fingered type instead though, in which case you could put her together with a selection of gardening tools to help her now that spring has come around.

• DIY terrarium

A vase of flowers is a traditional gift, but how about something that requires less maintenance that will last much longer? Terrariums can be used as ornaments and accessories within a home, and never need be touched – you can find a guide on how to make one here.

• Pamper package

New pajamas, bath salts, facial oil, scented candles and an eye mask – all the essentials you’ll need when you put together the ultimate pamper pack for your mom this year.

• Overnight bag

If your mom likes to stay over a lot with you, or you regularly go on short breaks together, she’ll appreciate a stylish new overnight bag with matching toiletry bag.

• Bouquet of…

The traditional mother’s gift is a bouquet of flower, but who says it has to be? It could be a bouquet of chocolate tulips, rose-decorated cupcakes or herbs for cooking with!

What are you buying your mom for Mother’s Day?

The post Top 10 Unique Gift Ideas for Difficult Mothers appeared first on Mom Blog Society.

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I’m getting ready to take my first international trip since February of 2020, and I realized that I’m not very prepared to do so. After 20 months of only traveling domestically – I’m out of practice. I’m specifically rusty on the continuously changing COVID testing rules, as well as the changing world of travel insurance. I had been blocking all of this out until I really needed to figure it out and the time has come.

I’m a procrastinator…even when it comes to travel! Don’t even get me started on my penchant for last minute packing!

There’s just so much to consider now when traveling in these COVID times, and it’s impossible to stay on top of everything. But a few weeks ago I had a message saying that my annual travel insurance plan was about to expire, so I was forced to get on top of travel insurance again and all of the new possible scenarios to consider now as we travel in a post pandemic world.

I binged on what all the latest things were in travel insurance, and researched all kinds of new scenarios. I’ve done all this research, so you hopefully don’t have to. We’re so busy these days and things change so fast, how can we stay on top of everything?

So when you need this. Here it is – things you need to know about travel insurance and epidemic coverage.

Should You Get Travel Insurance?

I’ve been using travel insurance since 2006 when I started traveling long term, however I know many people that always opt to not get it. However, with the pandemic, I’m pretty sure all of those people who normally refused travel insurance are now at least thinking about it as they make their future travel plans. Our world is unstable now, and who knows if we’ll ever feel stable again.

I personally am a believer in travel insurance – especially these days with the possibility of destinations closing their borders at a moments notice, cancelled flights, etc. In fact, my upcoming international flights have changed multiple times already since I booked them a few months ago.

Travel insurance will help with things like trip delays, cancellations, lost or delayed luggage, emergency medical care and transportation. In addition, there are many other perks such as concierge service, a great phone app for finding medical assistance in foreign countries, and rental car coverage.

Whatever you do – make sure you read through my 8 things you should do before you purchase travel insurance!

Learn more about the Travel Smart App and why it’s an essential part of my ‘packing list’ for every trip. Download the TravelSmart app here

Full Disclosure:
I am a member of the Allianz Ambassador Team. No – I’m not selling insurance – I’m just here to share my experiences with travel insurance and help educate people on the why I use it and how it may be able to help you save money and time. I’ve been using Allianz Travel Insurance plans for the past 5 years.

How Allianz Travel Insurance Covers Travel During COVID

No one saw COVID coming, not even travel insurance companies. However all travel insurance had terms in their plans that didn’t cover you in case of an epidemic – so none of them were really on the hook to pay out claims as the pandemic blew up around the world. However, even though they didn’t have to accommodate these customers – Allianz tried to.

They’ve also been working to refile their products to make this epidemic accommodation permanent. Now their plans will provide benefits for trip cancellation, medical expenses or trip interruption, should you or your travel companion become ill with COVID or any other new epidemic.

Allianz Partners USA announced the rollout of its new Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, which adds enhancements for new purchasers of some of its travel insurance products that may provide coverage to customers who become ill with COVID-19 or a future epidemic, are individually ordered to quarantine, or are denied boarding due to a suspected illness. This new coverage formalizes and adds to some of the temporary accommodations the company put into place in March 2020 to assist travelers who had been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

They added this epidemic-related coverage to some of their most popular insurance plans in response to COVID-19.

The Epidemic Coverage Endorsement Explained – With Examples!

The first and most important thing to note – benefits vary by plan and are not available in all states. Any time you are dealing with insurance – you have to read all the details, so please don’t assume that you read this and that it’s gospel – many things can affect benefits – so be thorough with your research before you buy.

In general Allianz’s epidemic coverage includes (note coverage amount depends on your benefit limits in your plan):

Trip Cancellation

If for example you must cancel your trip after being diagnosed with COVID-19. This also includes a serious illness suffered by a traveling companion or a family member. The Epidemic Coverage Endorsement also includes the serious illness of a family member who’s not traveling with you. Your trip cancellation can be covered if a family member is diagnosed with COVID-19 (or another epidemic disease) and their illness is considered life-threatening by a doctor or requires hospitalization.

Trip Interruption

If for example during your trip you are specifically named and individually ordered to quarantine (not including generally or broadly applicable quarantines).

Travel Delay

If for example you are denied boarding based on a suspicion that you are ill with an epidemic disease such as COVID-19.

Emergency Medical Care

If for example you are diagnosed with COVID-19 and need to be hospitalized while traveling.

Emergency Transportation

If for example you’re diagnosed with an epidemic disease such as COVID-19 while you’re traveling and you require an emergency medical evacuation.

Be sure to check out more great scenario examples that Allianz lists on this article – it really helped me understand what is and isn’t covered in scenarios that I hadn’t even considered!

From lost luggage coverage, to a sprained ankle, to a trip delay, to an epidemic – travel insurance can help, check it out for yourself; Allianz Global Assistance Travel Insurance.

Get a free quote for your next trip!

Cancel for Any Reason Insurance

Suddenly – this term ‘cancel for any reason’ has become a part of our travel vocabulary – but what does it mean?

Cancel for Any Reason insurance (CFAR) cover you if you cancel your trip due to a “fear of getting sick” or travel advisories. For example, if the COVID numbers are going up in the destination you are going to and you decide it’s too risky to travel there any longer and want to cancel – you will not be covered under typical plans.

However – you can purchase a CFAR plan separately after you purchase a base travel insurance plan. You normally need to get coverage within 14 to 21 days of your first trip payment. The deadline for adding CFAR will depend on the travel insurance company, and not all companies offer it.

With CFAR coverage, you can cancel your trip for any reason that’s not already a reason covered by your policy. You will generally be reimbursed for 50% or 75% of your pre-paid, forfeited and non-refundable trip costs. And you can Expect CFAR to add about 40% to your travel insurance cost.

Allianz does not offer any CFAR currently. To find places that do – check out this list.

But I still question – is CFAR really necessary?

Keep in mind that if you’re concerned about traveling due to COVID and need to cancel your trip, many airlines and other travel suppliers now allow you to change the dates of your travel without change fees (I’ve done this many times already!). So – even if you don’t have CFAR Coverage, you could just change your trip’s dates, and companies like Allianz will allow you to move your plan coverage dates to cover a new or rescheduled trip, so long as that trip is scheduled to be completed within 770 days from the plan’s original purchase date. This may allow you to just wait it out if you can financially do that.

Annual Plans Help You Save Money

When looking at travel insurance, make sure you consider (and run the numbers for) annual travel insurance plans. I use annual travel insurance; it’s the best way to get travel insurance if you travel frequently. If you do 3 or more trips a year – you’ll want to look into the Annual plans. OR – if you take a bunch of micro-cations/shorter domestic trips (think road trips, a weekend in a city that had a great airfare sale, a national park trip, or maybe even the new Rocky Mountaineer train trip through Colorado), you’ll want to consider an annual plan.

Allianz recently surveyed travelers about their micro-cation plans and found that 34% of Americans — more than one in three — were planning to take multiple shorter trips vs. the traditional week-long (or longer) vacation. Breaking down the results even further, of the 44 percent who said they would travel at the first opportunity, the majority (51 percent) said they would take multiple trips. The uncertainty that ebbs and flows around the pandemic has prompted more American travels to eye domestic itineraries, which are typically shorter.

Why consider an annual plan? Because you’ll save money. If you take just three trips in a year, going with an annual travel insurance plan is more cost-effective than buying three separate plans. For my upcoming trip I looked at renewing my annual plan for approximately $140 a year, or buying a single trip coverage for approximately $45. Knowing that I have many more trips coming up over the next 12 months, it was a no-brainer to just renew my annual policy.

I personally think annual travel insurance plans are the best thing that has happened in the travel industry in recent years! I’m sure that’s because I travel a lot and often found myself getting yet another single trip plan…just another thing to remember on my travel checklist.

And the good news is that the Allianz annual plans have added the epidemic coverage endorsements!

It’s easy to get a quote and do the math, so before you buy single trip coverage – check into the cost of annual coverage too so you can make the most economical decision.

To read all about why I chose an annual plan and why you should consider it read my past article here – I have a pretty thorough article on it that I wrote right before the pandemic and much of it still applies!

Travel Insurance Questions From Readers

I recently asked you what questions you had about travel insurance and I collected a few of them.

Will it cover a COVID quarantine if you test positive and can’t get back in to the US? From @brakercarol
Answer: The Allianz plans do have that coverage as part of their Epidemic Coverage Endorsement. If you are looking at other plans, check them carefully.

Do you still have more questions? Leave them in the comments and I’ll try to answer them!

Note: Please make sure you read all of the fine print and ask your questions of agents when you are purchasing travel insurance. As with all insurance you buy – the devil is in the details.

I’m Ready to Travel Internationally!

Now since I have reacquainted myself with travel insurance changes, I think I’m all ready to go! I’ll be letting you know where I’m heading in my upcoming newsletter so be sure to sign up and follow along in my social channels!

Now I just have to find where I put my passport!

The post Travel Insurance in COVID Times: How to Make Sure You Are Covered appeared first on Ottsworld Unique Travel Experiences.

Summer is almost over, but there is still time for that last minute vacation! We’re planning a vacation soon and I’ve been searching around trying to find the right Home Automation System to give me peace of mind while we are away.

I’m in the market for an affordable DIY home automation system. With my husband always traveling, implementing a smart system for my family is a must. No matter if we go on vacation or not, with the way things are now going I want to make sure my family and home is protected every day!

• Friends and family recommended Nexia Home Intelligence.  You may be asking what is this Nexia? Nexia Home Intelligence is the easy, reliable, and secure way to make your home smarter and your life easier. Once connected you will be able to control and automate your home from any smart mobile device from anywhere in the world—all in one app.

One of my favorite features is the ability to assign a smart lock code for each family member. So when the kids get home from school and I’m still out running errands, they just punch in their personal code to unlock the door and I receive an instant alert via text. I’m telling you, being a busy Mom always leaves me worried about the kids but with Nexia my mind will be at peace for sure!

Nexia has so many awesome innovative Home Intelligence products that work well in everyone’s home. I’m interested in installing a Trane XL824/ XL850 Thermostat. I think our poor thermostat is way overdue for an upgrade.

I can take control of my home’s heating, cooling and energy usage with the Trane XL824 or XL850 Thermostat. This thermostat is packed with so many great features—I can monitor and control my home’s climate from anywhere. I look forward to coming to a cool home during a hot summer day.

Overall, I think Nexia Home Intelligence is a great company if you’re seeking to connect your home. They have great compatible products to remotely monitor and control your home’s most basic functions, including heating / cooling, security, lights, cameras, blinds, sprinklers and more.  You can get started for less than $100 and can add over 200 compatible products…now that’s the type of price I’m looking for!!!!

Don’t forget to visit their site and connect with them via Facebook| Twitter|

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