There are a lot of questions surrounding the vaccination card. Until there is one centralized way to present proof of vaccination, that card is going to be very valuable. The card provides information regarding which vaccine you received, when to return for your second dose and serves as proof of vaccination.

​Here are answers to some of the FAQ's I have been hearing:

1. Should I laminate my card?
Apparently some of the large office supply stores started advertising that they will laminate the card for free. This is actually NOT recommended since there may be additional information like booster shot details that need to be documented on that card. Instead, you can consider using a plastic sleeve to protect the paper.

2. Will there be a vaccination passport?
It is expected that there will be some type of vaccination passport to help with travel, however, right now there is no one, centralized app or website to upload your vaccination information. Some airlines have made it possible to upload the information into the app along with boarding passes. CLEAR has also included a digital upload feature for its members. We need to wait and see if there will be a unified approach to the proof of vaccination in the coming months.

If you are a NY resident, Governor Cuomo announced the new Excelsior App, in which New Yorkers can show proof of vaccination or a negative covid test for entrance into participating theaters, stadiums, arenas, and other events. Learn more about the Excelsior App here: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/excelsior-pass

3. What if I lose or damage my card?
The card is pretty important right now so it's best to keep it with your other important documents. It is recommended that you take a photo of front and back to have a copy. If you do lose it or it becomes damaged, try returning to the site you received the vaccine and ask if they can reissue one. Additionally, most states are asking administers to record who receives the shot, so check with your state if they have a database. I live in NY, as per the NYSDOH guidance, vaccinations are registered with NYSIIS/CIR which a physician can access.

Keep those vaccination cards safe!

It's not about where you go, it's about how it makes you feel.
If you have ever been on a trip or a vacation that didn't meet your expectations, you probably have figured out that it's not about the destination. When you go away, you bring yourself along!

Last December my husband and I took a quick trip to Jamaica and it was awful! It wasn't Jamaica's fault, we've had many amazing adventures in Jamaica before. So why was this trip such a bust? It was right before the holidays and we both stressed out over work and buying gifts, plus we had winter colds so we weren't feeling great. We figured a quick getaway would be perfect to relax and unwind. Guess what - we brought our problems with us - we couldn't stop talking about the same stressful issues we had been discussing at home. Was it a lot nicer to discuss them on a beach with the sun on our faces, of course, but my point is - vacation is a mindset, not a destination. We failed at turning it all off during our vacation.

The vacations that have been the most successful for us, are the ones that we were able to table everything and let go. I propose that you could do that anywhere - even at home! Am I saying you never need to travel again, of course not! But you can achieve the same break during this travel ban that you can on vacation if you are willing to take a break from it all and give yourself a mental vacation.

So grab a bottle of wine, make your favorite meal or sit down to a comforting movie and take a mental break from it all! We can dream and plan for our next vacation during the down time!
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Where are you dreaming about going when you feel safe to travel?
Ready to travel now, click the button below and let me know how I can help!

As we get older, it's a bit harder to see. I know, I have reading glasses in every room of my house and my husband has become very accustomed to using his phone as a flash light to illuminate a menu in a dark restaurant! The struggle is real my friends!

Trying to see the print on a tiny phone, or even a tablet, can be straining on your eyes. Sometimes it can be so frustrating you just don't even want to bother. Fine, I admit, when I am out and about with my daughter, I generally ask her to look at my phone rather than try to find my glasses! But it doesn't have to be a constant battle. First, I offer you 2 EASY ways to help see things on your phone a bit better. Second, I will explain some additional, slightly more techy, ways to enhance visibility.

Ok, first, turn up that brightness and increase your font size! Most phones default to 'auto brightness', which means the brightness will adjust based on the lighting in your current surroundings. You can turn this feature off (usually something like  Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size). Once auto brightness is turned off, you can set the brightness at whatever is comfortable for you.
*Note - setting the brightness at higher levels does use up more battery, so be aware of your battery life. 
As far as font size, it can be as simple as pinching the text and dragging it out to make it temporarily bigger or going into the settings and changing the size of the font there.

While you are in the settings... there is a wealth of information there that we simply don't take advantage of. Now, you probably didn't know this but your phone likely has 'visibility enhancements' or something similarly labeled. Here you can find all kinds of wonderful features that are designed to help you see things on your phone without straining your eyes. I have an android and mine offers the ability to change the contrast of the phones theme, fonts and keyboard. You can highlight buttons, invert colors and even remove animations if you are sensitive to screen movement.

The magnifier window may just be my favorite! It's a rectangle that literally acts as a magnifier anywhere on the screen! It does take some getting used to, but boy, it sure is nice to see peoples faces in pictures! 

Of course, every phone and tablet is different, so see what works for you! And don't be shy, there are plenty of resources to help you navigate the tech space. Try reaching out to the store where you bought your phone or look up a local non-profit that might be offering tech support. And definitely let me know if I can help you find a resource you need!