Category Archives: Lifestyle

Travel Tip: Real ID Card

16 Wednesday May 2018

Posted by in Featured, Fun, Tips

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

, ,

Have you heard the latest? Is your state compliant? Starting October 1, 2020, if you have not obtained a REAL ID Card, you will not be able to board a domestic flight with only your Driver License. A valid United States passport or other federally approved identification like a military ID will still get you on a domestic commercial flight. However, you will not be able to access federal facilities and nuclear power plants without a REAL ID.

I recently learned this when at the DMV renewing my driver license. I wish I would have paid more attention to the details of what I needed to bring with me in order to get the REAL ID card– which is basically your state’s driver license with a gold star added to it, stating you are in fact, a citizen of the United States. I had been hearing some rumblings of this, but honestly paid little attention until my license was about to expire. I looked further into the explanation behind the REAL ID, and in case you also are unaware here is a brief description of its purpose according to the Department of Homeland Security website:

Secure driver’s licenses and identification documents are a vital component of our national security framework. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards. The purposes covered by the Act are: accessing Federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and, no sooner than 2016, boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.

You can check the dhs.gov/real-id website to find out if your state is compliant or has an extension. Apparently, participation by states is voluntary, so each state basically has the option of whether or not they are going to choose to become compliant under the REAL ID Act. However, regardless if your state chooses to become compliant, a regular driver license will no longer be an acceptable form of ID to board a domestic flight or access federal facilities and nuclear power plants after October 1, 2020. Sounds like you will either need to have a REAL ID or a valid US Passport no matter what.

REAL ID US MAP

Clearly, I am not a federal agency, nor do I work for one. I obtained this information, just like you can, through the Department of Homeland Security and the Nevada DMV websites. The information I am sharing with you below is from a flyer given to me from the NVDMV. You should always check with your own state in regards to compliance information and if there are any further documentation needed in order to apply for and obtain your REAL ID. I am sharing this info with you because I was totally annoyed at the fact that I went all the way down to the DMV (with an appointment!) and did not have the right docs with me, and now I have to go back. So this is really just a courtesy post, not an official government issued certified one.

If you choose to update your current license with a REAL ID prior to October 1, 2020, here is what you need to bring with you to the DMV:

  • Proof of Identity:
    • US Birth Certificate
    • US Passport or Passport Card
    • US Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
    • Permanent Resident/Resident Alien Card (I-551) (Permanent Resident Cards must be updated at age 14 unless the bearer turns age 16 prior to expiration)
    • Foreign Passport with temporary I-551 stamp
    • Out of State REAL ID (not marked limited term)
    • Name change documents such as a marriage certificate or court order- if different from birth name
  • Limited-Term Documents: (Limited-Term will be indicated when limited-term Immigration documents are presented)
    • Employment Authorization card (I-766)
    • Foreign Passport, US Visa & I-94
  • One (1) – Proof of Social Security Number
    • Social Security Card
    • Paystub with complete Social Security Number
    • W-2 or 1099

*All documents must be valid, unexpired original or certified copies that were issued in the United States (except for foreign passports). The DMV does not accept photocopies.

By the way, you actually have to go to the DMV to update to a REAL ID because they will take your picture. No worries though! There are several DMVs in the Las Vegas and Henderson areas that schedule appointments. I did this last week, and it was easy peasy. Like in and out in 15 minutes, no joke.

For the record, the following items are NOT affected by whether or not you have a REAL ID:

  • Entering Federal facilities that do not require a person to present identification
  • Voting or registering to vote
  • Applying for or receiving Federal benefits
  • Being licensed by a state to drive
  • Accessing Health or life-preserving services (including hospitals and health clinics), law enforcement, or constitutionally protected activities (including a defendant’s access to court proceedings)
  • Participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations

I encourage you to visit the dhs.gov/real-id website and your state’s DMV website to learn more about the REAL ID Act. It is actually laid out quite well and answers a ton more questions than the snippets I have here.

*RSMLVTravel and RockStarMomLV is not and was not employed by any government agency to share this information. The information shared was taken directly from the Department of Homeland Security and NVDMV websites. My job is not to enforce the law or regulations…my job is to keep you traveling! 

twincapades :: The Nanny Files

21 Saturday May 2016

Posted by in Lifestyle

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

, , , , ,

The biggest disillusionment of having family in town is the idea of help at the ready.  Don’t get me wrong. Yes, I do have plenty of help when a much needed date night or weekend get away is in order. But, there are a few things that I have to be realistic about:

  • I have four kids.  If you only have 1, even 2, and people are offering to help you out…take them up on it.  If you plan to expand, keep in mind, the offers are fewer and further between.
  • My parents and in-laws have a life, too.  They cannot always be at my beck and call when I need them to, or better yet, keep my kids as long as I need/want them to.
  • My own siblings have kids, and therefore, my parents are spread thin…rightfully so, they want to spend time with their other grandchildren as well, who also live in Las Vegas.
  • Did I mention I have 4 kids??

In order to keep my life sane and smooth, and our family running on a tight schedule (with variable hiccups), my husband and I agreed that we really do need to hire help.  Of all people, my husband really does understand the anecdote, “If mama’s not happy ain’t nobody happy.”  So in order to keep order, we have to look beyond our immediate family.

How to Hire a Nanny

This in itself, is not easy to do.  For starters, there are so many definitions these days about who these people are and what their actual job description is and for how much pay and how many hours, and so on.  When I was working full time, we had hired help for just  few hours a day because mine and my husband’s schedules overlapped.  We needed someone to just be at home with the kids for like 2-4 hours during that gap.  My son was in pre-school and kindergarten so there was no stress about getting homework done, or getting to bed on time, or getting dinner on the table, or doing laundry…all the things that make a home function beyond the dual incomes.  When we learned about the twins, we decided then and there, someone to just fill a gap would not do.  My son was entering 1st grade, and my daughter pre-K.  There would be loads of laundry, dishes, messy rooms, homework, lunches, projects, after school activities, not to mention whatever attention the babies required, or the time off mommy would need as I was now a SAHM…I still needed me time.  There was no way my mother-in-law or mother would be able to support us in the way we needed. I didn’t want to feel like I was spending all my time doing loads upon loads of laundry, or constantly unloading and loading the dishwasher. I had a different life in mind.  And, yes, it was going to require compromising on budget and reworking things to fit it in, but it was something my husband and I agreed was important to our family structure.

Where to Start

Here is how my husband and I decided we were going to need additional help, and how much help we would actually need:

  • What is your regular day/night time routine like?
  • What do you need the nanny to do? Light housekeeping, laundry, pick up the kids, cook?
  • What is your budget? How many hours a week will you need someone and what can you afford to pay?

We agreed on 3 days a week, 4 hours a day. With the older kids in school 5 times a week, and the twins in school 3 days a week, if I managed my time right, I was able to get all my errands, house chores, etc. done without having to pay a nanny. My husband does not have a regular work week schedule, which helps with getting kids ready and dropped off at school in the morning. But, he does work late. I needed someone during that “Witching Hour” to come in after school and help with baths, homework, dinner and bed time.

laundry

Where to Hire

There are various ways to go about doing this. Over the last 5 years, we have had at least 10 nannies and/or babysitters. I explored many options when trying to find the right person for my precious entourage. The main ones being:

  • Word of Mouth
  • Agency
  • On-line Service (like Care.com)

Personally, our best nannies came via word of mouth, but many of my friends have had great luck using an agency or on-line service.

How To Hire

No matter which path you choose to find a nanny, always exercise caution when going through the interview process. For me, it didn’t matter if the applicant was my BFF’s cousin I had known for years, I needed the security to know she was professional, present and engaged with my children, and knew what to do when I wasn’t around. Do not falter in your decision, and if you have a gut feeling about something, stick with it. Good or bad. You are putting your babies in someone else’s care, make sure you feel confident in your choice.

  • Have a Check List ready of interview questions. Some important ones for us:
    • What is your experience in working with children?
    • Have you ever worked with twins?
    • What is your philosophy on discipline?
    • How do you keep the kids busy and engaged?
    • Do you know CPR? First-Aid? What would you do in an emergency situation?
    • How do you manage stress?
  • Background Check or Reference Calls
  • Ask for a Resume
  • 15 or 30 Day Trial Period

If you are a parent of multiples, definitely consider what that is going to mean for you and the nanny. They demand attention. Even with two adults around, keeping an eye on 2 year old twins is very challenging, and we have two other children we need to look out for. If caregivers are not familiar with how much time, noise and attention multiples need, they may not be ready to take on the job. I also like a trial period. This gives me the opportunity to work closely with my potential new hire. They can shadow me, and I can observe them. I start with a few hours a week coming with me everywhere, seeing what I do, letting them take on some tasks. Then I will plan to be away for a few hours and a little more each time, until I feel like a trust there. If it doesn’t look like it’s going to work out, then you have the option to walk away, no strings attached.

How To Keep Your Nanny

Might sound funny now, but just you wait. Once you find an amazing nanny, you will pray everyday that she doesn’t leave. We have had our fair share of the good and the bad. If you have ever worked as a manager, it is good experience on how you run your family and treat your employees. Being a parent is a full time job beyond the parenting. There are many daily tasks that have to be completed as well. Our current nanny is fabulous. We have had her for almost two years and I have to start coming to the realization, that sometime next year she will probably leave. She is graduating from college and the twins will be 3. At some point, you have to let go. In the meantime, it is important to make sure you work together so your nanny wants to stay.

  • Communication is key.
  • Organization- have a family calendar that includes the nanny, chore charts so everyone knows their expectations
  • Weekly Meetings with the Nanny
  • Advanced notice on important dates or special events
  • Pay on time, as agreed
  • Allow room for vacation and sick days
  • Recognize special events in their lives

The secret to hiring a good nanny? Hire someone who has the passion and dedication to want to be with your kids all day.  Someone who is mature enough and experienced enough to know what you need before you do.  Someone who is proactive enough to see what needs to be done and does it. They are two steps ahead and yet, they walk easily behind without stepping on toes or forgetting they are not the parent. They are someone who fits easily into your family and your kids adore them, yet respect them because they know there are rules to follow. Though the nanny is there to make my life easier, I still function as mom first. That’s my job, and I would never give that up, to anyone.

 

How To Visit An American Girl Store

07 Friday Aug 2015

Posted by in Featured, Lifestyle, USA

≈ 17 Comments

Tags

, ,

Today’s post is sponsored by the American Girl Store location at Tyson’s Corner in Washington, D.C.

American_Girl_McKennaIt was the best gift you gave and she received this year. No, you didn’t go to Jared’s, but you did research the heck out of this one special gift, deciding on the perfect American Girl Doll for your little American girl. Whether she resembles your daughter in looks, or matches her interests in history, it is the one she wanted. She had the biggest smile from ear to ear when she opened that big red box- it was the most memorable moment of the season. For the last few weeks, she’s been the center of your daughter’s world, taking her along on daily errands and joining your family for dinner. Well, that was easy. Hard part done, right? Haha…uh, no, sweetie, you are just getting started. Welcome to the world of the American Girl.

I’m not even going to mention how many dolls my daughter has, and how many more she plans to collect. We have Historical Characters, a Girl of the Year, and a couple My American Girl dolls. As much as I like to complain, the truth is that my daughter really loves these dolls. She dresses them every day, brushes their hair (that hair!), and takes them along on outings. She convinced my father to build a condominium out of plastic bins that take up a whole wall in her playroom. These dolls have travelled as much as she has, and been to as many fancy dinners, plays and special events. And, yes, they may be pricey, but they have replaced any other toy on the market for us. YouTube videos have showed her how to make her own furniture using recycled products like boxes, paper towel holders and socks. She asked for and received a sewing machine for Christmas and is learning how to make doll clothes and accessories. These dolls keep her busy and entertained for hours, and allows her to escape her reality of being the only girl out of 4 children, and into a world of girlfriends and sisters. We have spent endless amounts of time re-organizing her space to keep her items nice and neat and easy to find. Even still, it seems like we are adding new wardrobe pieces, furniture, and other accessories every month from friends, family and special occasions.

American_Girl_Travel

That all sounds like fun and games, right? Well, here comes the “hard part”. She is allowed one trip a year to the mecca- an American Girl store, and only receives new items based on grades, behavior and other realistic measures (like, eh-hem, budget). If you have not had the opportunity to visit one of these mega-stores, then continue reading. If you have, please read on, and add any of your favorite tips to the comments below. Our first store visit was to the Garden Grove location in Los Angeles, California. A skip, hop and a jump away from Las Vegas, Los Angeles seemed to be the perfect city for our first experience at an American Girl store, however, there are locations all around the country. Here are some tips on how to make your visits productive, fun and memorable, and still stick with your budget. This is how to visit an American Girl store like a RockStar!

American_Girl_Catalog

Pre-Game Plan Yes, she’s your little girl and you want to give her the world, but let’s face it, you could literally blow her college savings in this one store with one visit. It’s worse odds than Vegas. Make sure you go in prepared and confident and know where you are willing or not willing to budge on your budget. Follow these easy steps for a fool-proof pre-game plan:

  • Order a catalog. This could take a few months to get your first one, or maybe one was sent along with the doll you just purchased. Save it. It is an integral part of the plan.
  • Decide on your budget.
  • Have a conversation with your child about the budget.
  • Determine the top priority items, then rank from there. This is key because sometimes not all items are available in the store. Make sure she has a back-up just in case.
  • Book a Personal Shopping Experience for your visit. See below.

When we know a trip is in our future, we save the latest catalog. I let my daughter devour the catalog, circling her favorite items, starring her must-haves. After my husband and I set a budget, we have this conversation with my daughter. She then goes back to her Wish List, and decides which ones she wants now, and which ones she can save for later (Christmas, birthday, special initiatives, etc.). We take that catalog directly to the Personal Shopper, and she handles the rest. If it is your first visit to the store, you may want to have a look around, but remind your little one about the items she has already selected that fit within her set budget.

American Girl doll Rebecca Rubin

Store Visit Visit the store on a Monday-Thursday if possible. If you can sneak away with your daughter during the week, the store itself will not be as crowded as it would if on a week-end or during a shared holiday like Christmas and Spring Break. This will allow you more freedom to move around the store, visit the book store and the doll museum, and book appointments for hair styles, ear piercing, or general maintenance at the doll hospital. Yes, this is all a thing.

American_Girl_Bistro

Dining Options Decide if you are going to eat in the cafe for lunch, dinner or tea prior to your visit as sittings book up. Depending on location, each American Girl store offers either a Cafe or Bistro. Pricing is moderate and the menus offer a 3-course option with appetizer, main entree and dessert. There are specialty drinks for both mom (wine, champagne) and daughter (seasonal themed milkshakes and mocktails), and of course, the doll is treated like a super star given her own seat at the table along with place setting. If it is a special occasion, like a birthday, I would recommend considering the package options that include a cake and special gift for your daughter. We have done both- the birthday package for her first visit, and just lunch with the dolls and her friends. My honest opinion- is it world class dining at its best? No. But, the experience, at least one time, is worth it if it means that much to your daughter. It’s an adorable set-up, very girlie, and caters to the fantasy that her American Girl is her BFF. In any location I have been to, service staff has been friendly, and efficient. Rooms are clean, and food is good. Our recent trip to Washington D.C. happened to be during the holidays. We spent a Mother/Daughter Day at the American Girl Store at Tyson’s Corner, and they had the most adorable winter themed drinks for the little girls. My daughter also loved having mini-hamburgers and hot dogs and a fruit kabob. It really is like a Disneyland for dolls.

 American_Girl_Personal_Shopping

Personal Shopping This is a complimentary service provided at every American Girl store, and one I have found to be underrated. Book an appointment with a Personal Shopper for the day you plan to spend at the store. Check in at the main desk, and you will be directed to a private area with couches and tables. It is fabulous, and it is free. This is also how you will be able to stay within your budget. Once you have established your Pre-Game Plan (see above), put everything onto a list, or go through the catalog with your Personal Shopper. There are different ways the final task will be completed.

1. The Personal Shopper will go through the store and retrieve all the items for you, while you sit in the room, spending time with your little girl.

2. (my favorite option) The Personal Shopper will place your order through the computer and have everything shipped directly to you, shipping fees apply.

American Girl Personal Shopper

Of course, you could do both- let your daughter pick out a few items to bring home, and ship the rest, based on your situation. I prefer the shipping because normally we are flying or driving home with an already completely full vehicle. In addition to the easy shopping, the Personal Shopper will also escort you around the store and provide you with a tour of the store if desired. Another great component of utilizing the Personal Shopper is that you can call ahead for special things like having her set aside your daughter’s requested doll, scheduling hair appointments and suggesting additional items like books and videos. The book store is pretty impressive. Each Historical Character has her own series as well as videos of their own movies. There are also great finds in there for the ‘tween who has questions about her changing body, and fun activity books to share with her BFF or mommy (if you’re still cool like that).

AG_Books

OK. You can do this. You got this. Be smarter than the doll. All joking aside, a visit to an American Girl Store can really be a very enjoyable and memorable experience to share with your daughter. If you are a detailed oriented personality, you will love all the little accessories and components, and if you are a history buff, you will fall in love with the outfits and story lines. In the end, you may be the one who needs to stick to the budget! Take the time to make the experience pleasant for both of you. If you plan on incorporating more visits in the future, think of ways you can start making the visits your own and follow your inner star.

A special thank you to the American Girl Store at the Tyson’s Corner location for sponsoring today’s post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.