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A guest died aboard the Carnival Legend, on Monday, December 20, while the cruise ship was sailing an 8-day Eastern Caribbean Christmas cruise. Several passengers reported that a man overboard signal was sounded on the public address system saying that from the deck cams there were lights in the water and that the crew even lowered a lifeboat.
Carnival Cruise Line said that while there was a man overboard alert, this was not an overboard incident, reports CBS Baltimore.
Following the tragic event Carnival released a statement;
"We are sad to share that we had an incident last night. We are supporting the guest's family and others who witnessed the situation. With respect for the privacy of all involved, we will not say any more, but ask that you keep the family in your thoughts and prayers."
A source aboard the Carnival Legend told Crew-Center.com that the man fell down from his balcony on Deck 8, and hit the lifeboat on Deck 4. This happened at around 00:30 local time.
The cruise ship, which embarked on its journey from Baltimore, Maryland, with stops in Nassau, Princess Cays and Grand Turk has made an unscheduled stop in Freeport, according to ship tracking websites. The reasons for the stop are unknown however some guests said that the man’s body was taken off the ship.
“We have been in Freeport since around 5:30 am. We are fueling now but not one of our stops. I guess the man's body was taken off and from what we hearing taking off his girlfriend,” a guest reported on social media.
Two German Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) passengers were attacked in a violent robbery while sightseeing in Recife, Brazil, where the ship docked. One of the passengers was stabbed in the head during the incident and was taken to a local hospital, G1 Globo reports.
Wolfgang Duysen Gurkasch, 79, and Werner Duysen Gurkasch, 81, were attacked on Thursday, December 8, as they explored the local tourist sites. The elderly couple was sailing aboard the cruise ship Norwegian Star. The crime took place near the Nossa Senhora do Carmo Church, in the Santo Antonio neighborhood, when two robbers approached the victims.
Wolfgang had superficial injuries while Werner was stabbed in the head as the thieves made off with their cell phones and glasses. The stabbing victim was taken to Hospital Santa Joana, in the central region of the capital of Pernambuco, and remains hospitalized. The police said the couple was attacked while taking pictures. According to local merchants who witnessed the crime, one of the victims fell and hit his head on a step of a snack bar.
In a note, the Secretariat of Social Defense of Pernambuco reported that it “deeply regrets what happened” and that the security forces are working to identify and arrest the suspects.
Port Authorities released the following statement:
"Porto do Recife SA regrets the incident that occurred with the German passenger of the ship Norwegian Star, Werner Duysen Gurkasch, who disembarked through the Maritime Passenger Terminal and was attacked near Dantas Barreto Avenue, last Thursday (12/08). Porto do Recife SA has provided all possible assistance to the victim and the state Social Defense Secretariat is leading the investigations."
Viking Cruises is still performing regular daily saliva COVID testing for many of its itineraries including Ocean, River and Expeditions cruises. Currently, those who test positive are being quarantined for 5 days on board with no further testing required. After 5 days those affected are provided a letter of recovery. Daily temperature and oxygen saturation testing is being performed for those in quarantine.
When this will end is anyone's guess. For example, guests on a current itinerary for Viking Ocean to South America, were NOT required to provide arrival nor pre-boarding COVID testing but are tested daily. Does daily testing actually reflect local laws? You be the judge. View Viking's COVID policy here.
Is Viking is "over testing," which was a question we posed when we sailed to Iceland over one year ago, when local officials denied and entire ship from visiting one port when one passenger tested positive for COVID? Other ships at the same ports were not testing at all while Viking tested daily.
About 20 passengers are in quarantine due to COVID testing according to a current Viking Jupiter passenger, and up to 50 more passengers on currently have GI symptoms too.
Remember, if you have questions related to your health, always consult your doctor or medical professional. The information presented here is informative only and is not medical advice.
Find the latest updates about COVID-19 by visiting the CDC website.
Are the days of flying domestically using only your driver’s license numbered? Possibly, if you don’t have a new type of license. As the deadline for the REAL ID Act looms, it’s vital for you to know if your current driver’s licenses doesn’t meet the new criteria.
If you’re unsure whether your identification card is Real ID-compliant, here’s how to know: It generally has a star in the top right corner. If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card.
If you’ve been putting off getting a REAL ID, there is good news for you—the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) just announced that the REAL ID Act will not be enforced until May 7, 2025, postponing the deadline from May 2023.
Courtesy of NCDOT.gov
Even better some DMV will allow you to submit documents online. Check your state's DMV to see if and when that is available.
Inspired by recommendations from the 9/11 Commission, the REAL ID Act was signed into law by President Bush in 2005. The law prompted a mass crackdown on fake IDs and mandated that all states and territories enact stricter standards before issuing IDs.
New technology was rolled out that made it harder for criminals to trick the system and mimic ID cards. The new rules also meant that Americans needed more proof of identity — such as original birth certificates — when applying for the cards. Before you go to the DMV make sure that you have proper documentation to renew or obtain your new license.
Since then, most states have complied with the new ID rules, but several have dragged their feet for various reasons ranging from privacy concerns to budgeting issues.
Previously, LTD discussed how to travel if you lose your driver's license and it included what other acceptable forms of identification are at the airport. That still is useful information because what are alternatives to the REAL ID if you don't meet the deadline? According to the TSA here is the complete list for adults:
Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
A large fire on the Quintana Roo island of Holbox injured one person and damaged over 60 rooms at two Mexican Resort hotels on Monday night.
A gas tank explosion triggered the blaze on the small island located off the northern coast of mainland Quintana Roo.
The fire, which took place near the western tip of Holbox, was fueled by the organic material traditionally used for structures in the area and so beloved by guests. (Twitter)
The fire, which broke out at approximately 10 p.m. local time, destroyed at least 60 rooms at the Casa Las Tortugas and Posada Mawimbi hotels and damaged a restaurant, according to a report by news website Expansión Política.
Casa Las Tortugas was completely destroyed, the newspaper El Financiero reported. No estimate on a reopening date, if at all.
Casa Las Tortugas (Facebook)
Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama said on Twitter late Monday that a young person was injured by the fire, but not seriously.
Seguimos en el recuento de los daños del incendio suscitado en #Holbox, nuestro compromiso es ayudar a l@s ciudadan@s y turistas a recuperar sus pertenencias y brindar atención a quienes perdieron sus documentos. pic.twitter.com/LEGHSydCsy
“The Quintana Roo government has made all resources available to attend to the situation. The fire is being controlled, the fire is being extinguished,” she wrote just before midnight local time.
According to Expansíon Política, Holbox residents hurried with buckets of water to help extinguish the fire while it took time for firefighters and Civil Protection personnel to reach the island from the mainland.
Lezama, who visited the island on Tuesday morning, said on Twitter that the three levels of government, the business community and society in general will work together to build a fire station on Holbox.
“We acknowledge the volunteers and authorities that managed to extinguish the fire here in Holbox,” the governor said in another post.
Many guest lost their belongings including passports in the fire. The local government is assisting them to recover their possessions. All holiday bookings for the resorts are canceled and travelers are scrambling to find other accommodations.
Reports are coming in about a Tragic Accident on the Viking Polaris Antarctica Expedition during the Drake Passage portion of the sailing, off the southernmost portion of South America. By all accounts the company is handling the event with professionalism and compassion. There is a report of injuries and loss of one life. The cause is allegedly a rogue wave. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who are affected by this tragedy.
The Viking Octanis is returning to land to avoid the storm as well without any incident.
From a Viking spokesperson:
"There was a rogue wave incident involving the Viking Polaris on November 29 at 22:40 local time, while the ship was sailing toward Ushuaia, Argentina. The ship sustained limited damage during the incident and arrived in port in Ushuaia without further incident on Wednesday afternoon local time.
It is with great sadness that we confirmed a guest passed away following the incident. We have notified the guest’s family and shared our deepest sympathies. We will continue to offer our full support to the family in the hours and days ahead.
Four other guests sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident and were treated by the ship’s onboard doctor and medical staff.
We are investigating the facts surrounding this incident and will offer our support to the relevant authorities.
Our focus remains on the safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew, and we are working directly with them to arrange return travel.
After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the ship’s next scheduled departure, the December 5-17 Antarctic Explorer itinerary; all impacted guests and their travel advisors have been notified directly by Viking Customer Relations."
According to National Geographic, "a rogue wave is usually defined as a wave that is two times the significant wave height of the area. The significant wave height is the average of the highest one-third of waves that occur over a given period. Rogue waves can disable and sink even the largest ships and oil rigs." A rogue wave can generate thousands of tons of force.
The rogue wave affected the Polaris after another incident on one of the expedition ship's Zodiac boats. According to Larry Mah's Facebook page one day ago (public post), "There was a major accident with a zodiac with injuries. Evacuation options are limited, and the weather is deteriorating. So, we are returning to Ushuaia at top speed. The Drake Channel has gale force winds (30-60 MPH) with waves 15-20 feet high. The next 600 miles is going to be a very rough ride!!" There were many ships in the channel and according to passengers, the female captain of the Polaris performed well. The passenger who had the leg injury on the zodiac boat required surgery which could not be performed on the vessel, so the captain made the decision to return to the mainland. According to passengers, an explosion occurred on the zodiac boat sending a number of passengers about 3 feet into the air and some into the frigid waters, including the injured woman.
Viking issued a second statement about the Zodiac boat incident, saying: "On November 28, the Viking Polaris deployed a small boat with six guests and one crew member near Damoy Point, Antarctica. On this trip a guest sustained a serious but non-life-threatening leg injury while on board the small boat and was taken to the medical center on the Viking Polaris."
"Following a detailed diagnosis by the ship's medical team, the decision was taken for the ship to immediately sail to Ushuaia so that the guest could receive additional medical care from a shore-based hospital," it continued. "The guest is now recovering shoreside in Ushuaia and will then return home; Viking is continuing to support them during this period. We are committed to the safety and security of all our guests and crew, and we are investigating the cause of the incident."
The area of the ship affected was the port side forward. Our sources tell us several rooms were affected on a lower deck, with broken and missing cabin windows witnessed from many guests when tendering to and from the ship in Ushuaia. The broken and missing windows led to significant water and debris intrusion into the affected cabins affecting passengers' ability to get out of their cabins. Interior walls between cabins collapsed contributing to the wall of debris encountered by those with the most aft cabins. Most passengers’ personal belongings were left behind in the affected cabins (which are actually 8 rather than 6 as we reported earlier) and many are without anything, including passports. Fear of a second wave was paramount and passengers felt evacuation from the cabins immediately was necessary. Viking is assisting with local embassies to secure transport home from Argentina and some passengers are just getting back their belongings that were underwater for days. The crew actually gave shoes to some of the passengers whose belongings were underwater. Salvage of the affected has been performed by the submarine captain on board who is a salvage expert.
The deceased passenger was a 62-year-old woman who was hit by broken glass when the wave broke cabin windows late Tuesday during a storm, Argentine authorities said. The victim was confirmed as Sheri Zhu, 62, by Secretary of the Ushuaia Federal Court Melina Rodriguez. The victim lived in California, had family in Taiwan and her husband sustained injuries as well. Little is still known about the deceased woman.
Passengers on the nearby Ponant ship described 8 meter swells and over 50 knot winds.
Most of the cabins affected on Deck 2 have this appearance on Viking Expeditions' website.
December 1, 1800 PM
The Viking Polaris returned to Ushuaia and is now moved out of the port. Passengers are being disembarked and flown home. Passengers we know are reporting good support from Viking. We will not provide their entire ordeal to respect their privacy. Here is the Viking Polaris position at approximately 1800 ET today courtesy of cruisemapper.com.
While the ship has moved away from port, the current sailing and the one following, to depart December 6, 2022 are canceled.
This occurs after two US passengers drown during a zodiac excursion less than two weeks ago on another expedition cruise line. Additionally, the Scenic Eclipse has a lesser known incident, without injury, when a expedition submarine was unable to surface for two hours.
When we sailed Viking last, in the Summer of 2021, we felt the crew were exceptional in dealing with the COVID-19 issues our ship experienced. Certainly this is no comparison to what the affected passengers on board the Polaris experienced. This story is important to us because we have been considering this itinerary with Viking Expeditions.
Respectful updates as we hear them. This incident reminds the two of us how we take our safety and health for granted sometimes, and we are truly grateful for our health and each other.
December 5, 2022
All affected passengers' passports have been returned. A large amount of their possessions have been returned, and passengers are drying them out as best they can, using heated floors and boot warmers. Many electronics are beyond salvaging due to water damage. Most passengers who were not affected have flown home, others who had passport issues, about 30 passengers, have now been flown from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires.
December 12, 2022
The Polaris is docked in Punta Arenas, Chile undergoing repair. The boarded up windows are evident in this photo.
To say that the last few years have been unique is an understatement. Since the pandemic was declared in March 2020, safety precautions and protocols have become the stuff of everyday life — at home and on the road. With the holiday season upon us, most of us are getting itchy feet to hit the road again. For some, vacationing within the strictures of a public health crisis will be worth it; for others it won’t. LTD comprised this list of some of our favorite gifts for this year that will be helpful both at home and on the road to capture memories, inspire and make life healthier and more meaningful!
The purpose of our blog is to share with you everything we have learned to make Meaningful and Healthy Travel happen! We only recommend products that we use or would buy for friends! Please CLICK THE PHOTOS BELOW TO LEARN MORE, or BUY or SHARE this post to support our blog and keep it going! THANK YOU! For the first time this year, look for stocking stuffers at the end.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission. In turn, we donate profits to charity.
1. OOLER by Chili Technologies - This is our number one recommended product because it has been a "sleep changer" for us!
Give the gift of sleep!!!! Our number one recommended product of 2019, 2020 and 2021. We first encountered Chili Technologies, now known SleepMe, at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas in 2019! In a matter of no time we became customers ourselves and can't say enough how much the OOLER and chiliBLANKET have contributed to our well-being and healthy travel! The latest release from SleepMe is Sleepme+! It is the first and only technology that provides you with a dedicated virtual AI sleep expert that continually creates the ideal sleep environment based on your current sleep activity. Plus, you'll receive a daily sleep report that allows you take control of your sleep and health goals.
Interrupted sleep is when our sleep is studded with prolonged periods of waking up throughout the night, usually at least four times over the course of eight hours. This condition can be caused by a sudden shift in routine (for example, a new baby in the house), travel, unexpected noises (such as a party at your neighbor’s house or a partner’s snoring), bathroom trips, menopause or other health issues or racing thoughts. Temperature affects your baseline sleep quality and regulating temperature can help you phase shift your sleep for travel and help prevent jet lag. And do you know what we love best about the company? They stand by their product and you get a 30 day money-back sleep trial. See our full review of OOLER by clicking here!
Another product we saw at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show in 2020 and used throughout 2020 and 2021! We're sure you know that LTD loves swimming for health and this is one of the most innovative products we have ever used! The Vuzix Smart Swim is a heads-up display for swimmers, providing workout status and information about their swim. This enables users to continue uninterrupted and reach optimum performance. Used for open water and lap (pool) training. Luxury Travel Doc reviewer, Glenn Paige says, "Vuzix is one of the most unique swim training devices I have ever used. Besides allowing you to view and analyze your swim data real-time, it allows for open water navigation guidance, entertainment and training viewing options during your workouts. Try it to believe it!"
3. Our Favorite Smart Watch for the Active Traveler just got better with the convenience of making and taking phone calls from your wrist!
The Garmin Venu has an enormous number of features, a long-lasting battery and an attractive build. The original round version was introduced in 2019 with an amazing response from users and in 2020 Garmin introduced a less expensive square version that has all of the same features at a fraction of the price. But in late 2021, Garmin made the Venu even better when it introduced the Venu 2 Plus. For serious outdoor travel or fitness enthusiasts, it's hard to beat. The GPS features of this watch are unrivaled and work all over the world. The beautiful AMOLED display brings Venu 2 Plus to life, even under bright sunlight. A built-in microphone and speaker make it easy to take calls on the go when connected to your compatible smartphone. And from the durable glass to the sleek stainless steel bezel and comfortable silicone band,
this smartwatch is ready for anything. This is a high-performance timepiece that meets big challenges and there is even a version without voice control that fits smaller wrists. During the pandemic many Venu users are happy to have their pulse oximetry tracked on their wrist! There is a white version too. Don't like the band color? There are plenty of replacement bands available.
Inspired by the Japanese art of origami, this folding tote bag has been one of Longchamp's most popular designs for nearly 30 years. While the original Le Pliage bag was always popular, the updated version with an expanding design is perfect for those looking for a little extra storage.
Made from lightweight yet durable nylon with leather accents, the Le Pliage Expandable Tote is an easy choice for travel, running errands around town or heading for a day at the office.
A zippered inset lets you expand the bag in a flash for added storage, and when it's not in use it conveniently folds up to roughly the size of a paperback book.
This tote bag has earned an impressive reputation among Nordstrom shoppers, who have rated it a near-perfect 4.8 stars. Hundreds of shoppers have raved about its versatile expanding insert, as well as it's space-saving design.
OK here is my disclaimer...My name is Michelle, but I do not speak French. Please excuse my pronunciations but I gave saying the French words my best shot in the video below!
We are heartbroken by the tragic death of Memphis jogger Eliza Fletcher but being runners ourselves and knowing many friends that do- please be safe! Walking, running, whatever- we must learn to protect and defend ourselves. We urge you to run with a buddy, run in public and well-lit places, carry pepper spray, or other self-defense items and take a self-defense class. Not just a one time class, but one where you continuously practice the situations so they become engrained in your muscle memory.
Many of us are not diligent about carrying self-defense items or practicing scenarios that could save our lives. Something so simple as being vocal when in a situation could make a huge difference!!
Some may consider carrying self-defense items an annoyance for something as simple as running, but just remember Eliza when you feel that way. Understanding self defense for runners is key to staying safe and protected on a run. Whether you run alone or with a group, in a city or in the country, attacks on unsuspecting runners are unfortunately becoming all too common.
Running self defense can be comprised of multiple different tactics: strategically planning your route, knowledge of how to fight back, and carrying self-defense products that can help scare or fight off an attacker.
Hey everyone how’s it going?! We’re so happy you’re joining us today! Before we get started we wanted to remind you that all proceeds from our channel go to charity. Please help GIVE by visiting our sponsors, subscribing to our channel, commenting or just giving us a thumbs up. We really appreciate your support! We have loads more videos about meaningful locations around the world, great travel hacks and useful travel gear, like what we’re gonna show you today.
Are you trying to find the best pill box for travel? Overwhelmed by all the options? The following is a comprehensive guide to our favorite pill box for travel.
The sheer number of options out there makes going through thousands of reviews extremely frustrating. Look over the reviews of what may appeal to you, then make an informed purchasing decision. Personally we love versatility and something that fits our particular meds. This is most important for us, and after all the pill boxes we have gone through to find the perfect one, we have donated the others to a local charity so that others can find inexpensive options. The pillbox graveyard of our misses is no more and they are going to good use!
First some important information. We get asked all the time: "What do I do with my medications when I travel to a foreign country? Do I need the prescription bottles? What if I need more medication if I am delayed? Can I travel with my medication?" Our advice is that the CDC has a great traveler’s health page to point you in the right direction of most questions. It is a great resource and we always start there.
Here are a few tips that you might find helpful from the TSA:
Reported this year – tragic loss of life due to hotel carbon monoxide poisoning. We have a new safety device every traveler should consider.
We've been reading these tragic stories about people who've died on vacation or traveling away from home for work in a hotel room because the hotel didn't have its act together, had a carbon monoxide leak and that's a silent killer. Recently, an American man was found dead inside a room at a popular Bahamas resort where another three tourists tragically died in their rooms from carbon monoxide poisoning earlier this year.
Other people fortunately survived the carbon monoxide poisoning at that hotel. And the weird thing is that there were people who had gone to the doctor or the hospital the day before complaining of symptoms that carbon monoxide symptoms manifest like so many other things that people don't even know, medical professionals don't automatically think, oh, wow, wonder, could this be carbon monoxide poisoning? There are enough symptoms that are similar to other illnesses that they could miss something that's more relevant in most people's cases. Either way it's something that is preventable.
From the CDC:
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide, or “CO,” is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you.
This "It's Travel Time" Father's Day, spoil your Favorite Dad who loves to travel with traditional gifts, but kicked up a notch. Use LTD's 2022 Father's Day Gift ideas to keep him healthy, safe, worry-free and traveling in style as the Globe reopens! Click on the picture to learn more or buy!
Are you a Son, Daughter, Wife or friend looking for a gift for you favorite Dad or Husband? We’ve got you covered for travelers of all types with our favorite things, perfect for all budgets! Maybe even the family pet needs to find something for its traveling Daddy!
❤️❤️There is still time to order for Father's Day. Remember, all proceeds from our links go to charity like the Navy SEAL Foundation that helps GOLD STAR FATHERS who have lost their Military Sons and Daughters and for whom Father's Day is not the same. Please SHARE this post to help...❤️❤️
We have frequented hotel spas around the world, places like the Four Seasons in Chicago, Mandarin Oriental in Las Vegas and Boston, Waldorf Astoria in Shanghai, Ritz Carlton Ranch Mirage and the Langham Hotel in London, just to name a few. Montage International is a newer brand that stands out. Featuring a distinctive collection of hospitality brands, Montage International encompasses the ultra-luxury brand Montage Hotels & Resorts, the new luxury hospitality brand, Pendry Hotels, Montage Residences, and Pendry Residences. Pendry Hotels is a collection of new luxury hotels for today’s world traveler located in existing destinations including: Pendry San Diego, Sagamore Pendry Baltimore and Pendry West Hollywood, with Pendry Manhattan West and Pendry Park City opened in early 2022 and Pendry Natirar opening in 2022. While staying at a private residence in Park City, Utah, we were pleased to try the newest hotel spa in this ski Mecca and get some much needed TLC for our bodies after a long ski week.
Pendry Park City, the brand's first year-round mountain resort located in the heart of Canyons Village at Park City Mountain and opened in January of 2022. It is always a pleasure to experience brand new facilities, which we hope will have the newest amenities and clean crisp facilities. We spent a few evenings at the Pendry Park City, enjoying it's apres ski offerings, rooftop views, cocktails and Kita, its Japanese-inspired upscale restaurant.
From the greetings received from the Valet, to the Spa Pendry reception and technicians...service and amenities are wonderful but the facility is small and not very warm, considering it's mountain location. Overall our experience was excellent, but we expected more.
The Conrad at Resorts World in Las Vegas is a new offering from Hilton's boutique luxury line. It reopened in August 2021 after a full renovation and rebrand of the property formerly known as The Stardust.
Now the site is three hotels in one: Hilton, Conrad and Crockfords (the only British Crockfords in the USA). The property had been the site of the Stardust Resort and Casino until 2007, when Boyd Gaming demolished the resort to develop its Echelon Place project. Boyd halted construction in 2008 due to poor economic conditions and sold the property to Genting Group in March 2013. Plans slowly came and went. Construction stalled multiple times. For a while, the parking garage just stood there without much happening. An idea for a panda exhibit was floated (there isn't one). Between all the stops and starts, Resorts World threatened to be another failed project in a post-recession Las Vegas like the Fountain Blue eyesore nearby. After so much uncertainty, the project finally gathered momentum and even a COVID pandemic couldn't slow it down. We were lucky enough to enjoy this combination hotel, theatre, event space and of course, casino recently, and understand the potential for this location to add sparkle to the north end of the Las Vegas strip.
Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to splurge on your mom, or any loved one who is a mom, and give her something extra special!
❤️❤️There is still time to order for Mother's Day. Remember, all proceeds from our links are donated to charity. Please SHARE this post to help...❤️❤️
Let's face it - she may not have the time or knowledge to look for great traveling items herself. Fortunately, LTD can give you some outstanding selections for all budgets that will certainly put a smile on her face!! Our guide includes items that are fashionable, healthy, useful and practical for the traveling female. Click on the product photo if you wish to learn more!
1. One of Our Favorite Travel Pants are Unitop Women's Quick Dry Cargo Hiking Pants with Drawstring
With a high level of breathability and flexibility, unitop’s Quick Dry Hiking Collection are designed for daily cragged adventures. They are always actively seeking soft fabric that is both lightweight and suitable, but with durable elements to adapt to a range of terrain, so the key element of these pant’s versatility is functional motion which results in a relaxed aesthetic and dynamic movement. They can be worn everyday too, providing a balance of outdoor activities and casual life when she needs versatility.
2. The MIZOO 140db Emergency Personal Alarm Keychain is perfect for Self Defense.
While some may use their car key alarm as a safety when walking to your car, what do you do when you're traveling or away from your car? This compact alarm has a flashlight and a loud Alarm. Test it outside because it is LOUD.
3. Wide Brim Paper Straw Fedora
With an adjustable drawstring, this positively fun hat won't fly off when the beach breeze hits. Multiple colors are available.
4. For the Sofa, Car or Plane Snuggler!
If she loves to curl up with a good blanket, let her relax more with cozy feet. An ordinary throw blanket usually just doesn't do to keep her toes warm, and that's why PediPocket developed their patented throw blanket with a pocket for feet! She'll say, "Why didn't I think of that?"
We are proud to recommend two books this year, each from REMARKABLE mothers! Please be sure to check out numbers 5 and 6!
5. The Extraordinary UnOrdinary You by Simone Steinbach Knego
"Follow Your Own Path. Discover Your Own Journey." These inspirational words couldn't ring truer in life and Simone is a perfect example. She realized that what you do every day matters and inspires others. By sharing her story, she motivates and encourages all of us—and in doing so, maybe change the world. As a wife, mother to six children (and three dogs - since publication FOUR dogs), and a serial entrepreneur, she splits her time between her family, businesses, and personal growth. Simone takes you inside her unique journey and the extraordinary moments which have shaped her life and defined her mission. Sharing the lessons she’s learned from life’s ups, downs, and laugh-out-loud moments, you’ll be inspired to discover your own journey, and to go out into the world and be the good. The world is waiting for the Extraordinary UnOrdinary You, and you already have everything you need to get started, simply by being you.
6. Everything But the Toast: Anti-Inflammatory Recipes by Haley Broyhill
After studying Holistic Nutrition at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, the cutting-edge leader in holistic nutrition education, Haley created this Anti-Inflammatory recipe book that is designed to benefit anyone, but especially those with risk of auto-immune diseases, hormonal imbalances, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and more. She has learned that Inflammation can be very sneaky in our lives, and it has been inappropriately vilified. She created her book to educate people about what role inflammation can commonly play in our bodies. It explains what the most common symptoms are, why they happen, and how to heal through dietary holistic and lifestyle choices. Readers will discover the deleterious roles that gluten & other inflammatory foods play in our bodies, and how our environment can make a drastic impact in our overall health. Haley says, "I grew up in a small town where living holistically was not common. The incentive for writing my book came from my love for my family and hometown. My hope is to help the people that suffer from limited resources learn how wholesome choices can change their lives."
7. MORE MEANINGFUL THAN A CARD! I Love You Mom: And Here's Why
After all she's done, your mom deserves an entire book spelling out all of the ways she shown her love to you over the years. Take a night to fill this book with all of the memories, inside jokes, and characteristics that the two of you share. Put photos of your travels together or places you want to see with her!
5. The Extraordinary UnOrdinary You by Simone Steinbach Knego 
7. MORE MEANINGFUL THAN A CARD! I Love You Mom: And Here's Why