Passing Chicago Area

As we leave the little town of River Grove, we continue our trip passing through the metropolitan area in Chicago.  

Airplane on flight, beautiful skies, I can't help but to take pictures of them.

I actually enjoyed driving through Chicago.  I love how they have an abundance of street lights.

We've never really explore Chicago for vacation in the past so I can't say much about the place but judging from what I've seen during our drive, it looks like a nice place.  Better than what I have imagined it to be based from the news I've seen.

Looks like Chicago has some major businesses going.

They were getting ready for the 4th of July so there's men putting every bridge.

I am sure Chicago is a lot more beautiful when you explore the whole place.  As they are  famously known as the Midwest's hub, I would like to see their well-known  magnificent skyline.   It would be great to explore the  kilometers of sandy beaches and beautiful parks.

Causes of Mold and Mildew Growth In Your Vehicle

If your vehicle is prone to mildew and mold growth, the best way to deal with the problem is to get it cleaned up immediately. This article discusses the main causes of mold and mildew in vehicles and some easy solutions to eliminate this problem. In addition to keeping the vehicle in the open in sunlight, you should open the windows at night so that the air inside can circulate freely.

Moisture

Taking steps to prevent the growth of mold and mildew in your vehicle is crucial if you want it to remain unnoticed. Have your vehicle serviced for mold and mildew cleaning Richmond, VA, every once in a while. It is important to remember that mold and mildew in a vehicle result from moisture, and the more moisture a car is exposed to, the higher its risk of mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew are especially common in closed vehicles since they thrive in moisture. Therefore, if you notice the presence of these growths, you should take immediate action to get rid of them. The removal process is much easier if you act quickly.

To prevent the growth of mold and mildew in your vehicle, the first step is to remove all damp items and clean the car thoroughly. Next, you can use a specialized glass cleaner to remove the mold spores and dab them with diluted white vinegar. For a complete cleaning, you may want to clean the interior surfaces with an interior shampoo. You can also purchase new car mats and floor mats, but you need to dry them thoroughly to avoid recurrences.

Lack of Air Circulation

The odor associated with mold and mildew is unpleasant. Mold and mildew thrive in moist areas and can cause discoloration of fabrics and furnishings. They can also eat away at wood or paper. Prevention is the best cure when it comes to mold and mildew. Excess moisture can cause toxins and pollutants to accumulate, as well as dust mites. As a result, a musty odor in a car is an indicator of an unhealthy environment.

Fortunately, the easy way to prevent mold and mildew in a vehicle is to ensure proper air circulation. Make sure there are no cracks or open spaces inside the car, and double-check all windows. Also, keep an eye out for signs of water damage. If you notice any signs of water damage, contact a professional to get the mold and mildew removed from your car.

The most effective way to remove mold and mildew from a vehicle is to open the windows and move the car into the sunshine for a while. You can also use a particle mask to protect the interior from cross-contamination. If you can't remove the mold and mildew from your car's interior, you can treat the mold and mildew-causing fungi.

Other Common Causes

While most people do not think of their vehicle as an enclosed space, it has a high risk of mildew and mold. These toxins harm your health and can lead to pulmonary diseases such as asthma. These toxins can also cause allergic reactions. While the amount of exposure you have to mold in your vehicle will be small, the long-term health effects of mold are significant.

Excess moisture is a common cause of mold growth. Common sources of excess moisture include rain leaks, clogged footing drains, and plumbing leaks. Other common sources of water can be stagnant water in appliances. Excess moisture can also occur due to water vapor migration, uneven indoor temperatures, inadequate air circulation, and poor insulation on chilled surfaces.

River Grove Illinois

As I mentioned in my previous post , we took a little detour in Illinois so we can eat lunch.   

We drove around to find Raising Cane before we continue with our journey.  

With the violent crimes being shown on the news, my  son was afraid of us stopping there but River Grove Illinois looks safe so we continued driving around until we found the place we were looking for.

I've never heard of Triton College but we passed by it on our way back to the Chicago area after we ate.

According to an article I read online, River Grove actually has a lower crime rate, 15% lower than the overall crime rate in Illinois.

River Gorge  is  a scenic small town nestled along the banks of the Des Plaines River.  This place is only a few miles away from the Chicago metropolitan area.

It was a quaint little town and I'm glad we drove around there as it changed my son's perception about Illinois.

Road trip to South Dakota, Day One

Doing family road trips is fun although it's hard for someone who's doing all  the driving (Thanks Hon).  He drove 10 hours on our first day though Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and then we stopped for the night in Madison, Wisconsin.  

It's always a treat to me when we drive where there's farming scenery.  

The three states that we passed by are pretty have those farming scenery which I love.  

There's a charm about farms that attracts me, maybe because I grew up in a farm and I kind of miss that now that I am older.  Yeah, I wasn't fond of living in a farm when I was younger, I always wanted to explore but now that I am older, I'd like to live in  a FARM, again lol.

Farmers here in the US has it easier because they have machineries that does things like watering system, big machineries for plowing the field, planting, harvesting, and lifting heavy stuff.  The farm where I grew up from, we  do all the work manually and to this day, a lot of farmers there still do manual labors.  Farmers in the Philippines can't afford to buy  machineries to use in the farm.

The good thing about it is that, a lot of people still know how to grow  plants and still willing to  do manual farm jobs.

I remember when I was about 7 years old, my dad  was already teaching us how to do things in the farm and that knowhow and skills still stuck in me so if I ever decide to live in a farm, I would survive for sure as long as I am  strong enough to do  manual labors.

We noticed that Indiana most have  a lot of corn fields and soy beans in their fields.  According to an article that I read,  their valuable crops includes Corn, Soybeans,  Hay & haylage, wheat, melons,  pumpkins  and mint.

The farming scenery ended when we entered Chicago.  I will continue about  our little adventure in Chicago on my next post. 

Why Book Travel Packages During Off-Peak Season?

Why do people book travel packages during the off-season? These times are generally more affordable, so you might wonder why you should book a vacation during the off-peak season. Well, there are several reasons.

Reasons

Travelers can benefit from booking travel packages with https://www.retailmenot.com/view/expedia.com during the off-peak season. During the peak season, everybody wants to go somewhere. Therefore, prices are high, and demand is high. However, during the off-peak season, there are fewer tourists and lower costs. The prices of travel packages during the off-season are based on the destination, time of the year, and purpose of travel. 

Traveling during the off-peak season includes smaller crowds, cheaper flights, less crowded attractions, better service, and more affordable prices. The weather is also more pleasant, and you may find better deals during off-peak seasons. But remember that the off-peak seasons may differ from destination to destination, so you need to know which ones will be best for you. Also, be aware of significant concerts and national or international conventions, as these can increase prices.

The lowest airfare rates can be found during the off-peak season. Airlines determine off-peak seasons based on weather, holidays, and school schedules. Make sure you research beforehand, as you can get excellent deals on flights. And since you're already saving money at the airport, you can usually find a lower price for your accommodation, too. You can also find better hotel rates during off-peak seasons.

Off-season travel deals

Many people are unaware of the many advantages of booking travel packages during off-peak season. Off-peak travel is ideal for people who want to travel to places that are not as crowded during peak seasons. In addition, some destinations are more affordable during this time of the year. Other benefits of off-peak travel are greater freedom, more vacation days, and more premium experiences. The low season is determined by weather, school schedules, and holidays. This means you can often find great deals on airfare and save on hotel rates. Many travel websites offer incredible discounts this time of year, so don't miss out on these opportunities. You'll also find a lower hotel rate during the off-season - many hotels are more affordable than they advertise. It's worth checking out these deals for your next vacation.

When booking a travel package during the off-season, you'll find that prices are much lower compared to the high tourist season. However, some attractions will be closed during these times, so you'll need to plan your travel around these hours. You should also check if public transportation is available during this time. If you're planning to explore a place without a car, check on this before you book your travel package.

Cheaper rates

Off-peak travel offers many benefits, including lower airfare and hotel rates, fewer crowds, and less expensive hotels. Here are five tips for booking your vacation during off-peak travel periods:

Off-peak seasons are generally between November and February. Prices and demand are lower during these times. For instance, flights and hotel rooms are cheaper in June than in August. In Hawaii, hotel rates are lowest between September and mid-December, and in California, travel during late April and early June is the cheapest time to visit the islands. In California, airfare is cheapest between November and February, and flights are more affordable between November and February.

Vacation packages typically combine airfare, hotel accommodations, and car rentals. Therefore, you should book in advance and travel during off-peak seasons to save money on your package. You can even enjoy lower fares during off-peak seasons if you plan your vacation in a precise location during the high season.

Class Rings - Are They Worth the Money?

While collegiate class rings may not be worth the money, students may be tempted by the excitement of graduating. However, class rings from Jostens are simply a tradition, not a necessity.

Our Daughter's  Junior Ring Ceremony 

Class rings are a portfolio of your school life.

A class ring represents your school life by reliving your past, preserving the memories, and celebrating accomplishments. High school rings feature icons representing favorite subjects, activities, and accomplishments. For example, a ring commemorating a Varsity sport can be engraved with a player's picture. Likewise, a National Honor Society ring can contain the student's designation. Class rings can represent any part of your school life and include a photograph.

In some high schools, a formal graduation ceremony is held to award class rings to the class. Alumni hand them out to students at this time, and family and friends gather to celebrate the achievement. The ring represents a student's accomplishments, giving them confidence and encouragement. Most people wear their class ring with the symbol facing outward, making it easier to read the school's name.

They are an excellent way to celebrate your different accomplishments.

A college ring is a perfect way to commemorate your various achievements in college. You can personalize your college ring by engraving lettering, images, and numbering. The lettering can be in all capital letters, elegant cursive, or a school signet. You can also engrave the year, with roman numerals being a popular choice. Customization options can help you celebrate your different accomplishments even more.

If you have friends and family still at your school, consider purchasing a ring featuring their name and the year you graduated. It would be especially meaningful if you graduated in the last five years. These rings are the perfect way to commemorate your various achievements, as they can also be worn as necklaces. If you do not want to purchase a ring for each of your friends, consider choosing a pendant instead.

They are expensive

Although you may not think class rings are very expensive, they are a great way to commemorate your school days and celebrate the end of your college career. Class rings are crafted from precious metals such as yellow gold, rose gold, and sterling silver. These materials ensure that the rings last for years, and the price tag reflects this. Class rings are important keepsakes you can keep for life or sell for money. However, many people can't afford to spend hundreds of dollars on one of these rings. There are many ways to save money on these valuable gifts, though.

First of all, consider your budget. College rings can be expensive, and buying one for your daughter can be a great way to pay for her education. A ring made of sterling silver will cost you around $100. A more affordable option is to buy a used one. College rings can also be customized to reflect the traditions of your school or college. You can even select icons that represent the academic aspect of your life. The price is a factor, but it is well worth the memories you will make with your class ring.

They are a tradition.

Buying class rings is a tradition that most students are eager to continue. While college classes once had to settle for class rings designed by the school's art department, today's college rings are much more personalized and customizable than ever. In addition to the traditional metal ring, students can customize their rings with engravings and photos. Purchasing class rings now may not seem like the most practical use of your money, but it's a great way to celebrate your achievements and show off your school spirit!

They are a memento of your high school or college years.

While the term "class ring" may conjure up images of low-carat signet rings, these jewelry pieces aren't necessarily scams. While these items can feature a school's crest, graduation year, and artwork, they're just plain signet rings. In addition, the school gets a cut of the sale, which means the school gets a commission.

Class rings are often made of sterling silver, gold, or platinum. Choosing quality metal ensures that your ring will last for a lifetime. It won't fall apart, change colors or turn your fingers an unrecognizable color. If you wear it often, a class ring is a great investment. 

DMV in Moundsville

Our daughter had to take her driver's test at the DMV in Moundsville during the pandemic era.  She had to make an appointment before she could take it.  On the day before the test, we went there just so she could practice on parallel parking.

While my husband was  with her as she practiced, my son and I spent our time at the kiosk.

As much as he doesn't like to be photographed, he didn't have a choice.  I had the camera with me and just clicked as he moved lol.

I'll take whatever I can get as he is transitioning into "Don't take a picture/don't post" phase of his teen hood.  I really miss the times when they would literally asked me to take pictures of them, now  it's impossible!  But anyway, we didn't go with my husband and daughter the next day but she passed and has been driving since.