Living in the U.S.: Top Spring Traditions

When moving to the U.S. in the spring, you will see the flowers blooming and people starting to get outside and enjoy the weather. You’ll want to be aware of the springtime traditions most Americans have. Here is a brief list:

Easter is more than a religious holiday for most of the children who expect the Easter bunny to bring them a basket full of goodies. Participate by buying some plastic eggs, filling them with jelly beans, and hiding them in the grass for small children to find. Or make genuine colored eggs with dyes that can be found at any grocery store.

Spring cleaning may not seem like a fun tradition, but it is certainly something most people do each spring. This is the time to actually move the furniture and vacuum under it, wash the baseboards, and wash the windows. You can assign children to clean out their own closets, and the man in your life to tackle the garage.

Opening day is special to baseball fans who have waited all winter for that first crack of the bat. Often you have to dress warmly for this day in the middle of April, but it is worth seeing the excitement on everyone’s faces. Get your first hot dog of the season, and buy a new t-shirt for your new favorite ball team.

The first barbeque is special because it signifies that warm weather is here and it’s time to get out the grill. Hopefully you cleaned it before the end of last season, but if not, be sure to scrub the grate before grilling. Invite some neighbors over when the day looks to be sunny and warm, and pass lemonades all around.

St. Patrick’s Day is a day of celebration for the Irish Americans as well as anyone who loves a beer and a parade. Most communities have a St. Patty’s Day Parade for the family, and most bars have specials, if you can even get a seat! Don’t forget to wear green that day, or you may get pinched.

These fun spring traditions get everyone smiling after a long winter. After moving to the U.S. hopefully you will feel like getting into the spirit and joining in.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adactio/43669173/
(Photo attributed to Flickr member @adactio via the creative common license)

Four Resources That Can Simplify a Move to the United States

If you’re thinking about Moving to the U.S., you might want to write up an elaborate checklist because there’ll be a lot of preparations to make. Here are five resources that can simplify this transition period and make your life a little easier when you’re ready to get settled.

U.S. Immigration

By referring to the U.S. Immigration website, you can learn how to obtain particular documents such as a passport, green card and work visa. You can also be directed to a number of immigrant resources that might help answer other questions you may have about the seemingly overwhelming process.

JustAnswer.com

One online resource that can be incredibly useful if you have any legal questions regarding your move to the United States is JustAnswer.com, which has a law section that specializes in immigration policy. You can get as specific as selecting from categories such as citizenship, visas and green cards, passports, deportation and general law. This crafty tool allows you to type in whatever questions you might have, and a certified lawyer will send you an answer within an average time of 9 seconds.

U.S. Department of Education

If you’ve either obtained a student visa or citizenship, it’ll be worth your time to check out the website for the U.S. Department of Education, which can give you information on school grants and loans, learning policies, as well as public service and community resources.

National Atlas

No matter what part of the U.S. you’re moving to, you’ll likely want to obtain some general information by browsing NationalAtlas.gov, which provides a wide variety of information. Specialized categories include transportation, climate, geology, mapping, history, government, boundaries, biology and agriculture. You’ll even have access to detailed maps that can help you locate lawyers or immigration professionals if need be.

Best Online Resources When Moving to the U.S.

When cross border moving, there is a lot to learn. Research can tell you a lot, but you have to know where to look. Try these websites for the info you need when moving to the U.S.

• 1. Start with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This is a department of U.S. Homeland Security. Its priorities are to keep terrorists and their weapons out of the country. This impacts you as you attempt to cross through customs. It secures and facilitates travel and immigration while enforcing hundreds of regulations and laws. You’ll find up to date information on documents needed to cross the border, advisories for travel. The Know Before You Go section is particularly helpful.
• 2. You’ll want to check out the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration. There you will find information on green cards, visas, working in the U.S., and gaining citizenship. All the forms you need are free on this site.
• 3. If you are overwhelmed with doing it all yourself, go to immigrationdirect.com. This site charges fees for helping you navigate the documents needed for immigration, but it might be worth it. They offer a step-by-step guided process with “Form Navigation” technology to help with your U.S. immigration application. The site is easy to navigate and understand. They offer customer support 24/7 including phone support. They also offer educational DVD’s and e-books to help you along.
• 4. Chiff.com/moving is your resource for relocating to a state in the U.S. Just click on the state you are relocating to, and you will find a page full of information and websites you need to check out. You’ll find info about laws, taxes, entertainment, costs of living, demographics, and more.
• 5. Movingtoday.com is full of tips and tricks for a successful move. There are articles about hiring movers, how to pack, moving out, a moving checklist, tips on storing your stuff, and moving with pets.

(Photo attributed to flickr member @Baddog_ via the creative common license)

Moving to the U.S.: 5 Fall Traditions You Must Enjoy

Cross border moving gives you the opportunity to learn about another culture. One of the quickest ways to immerse yourself in the local culture is to celebrate the seasonal traditions like a native. In America, there are many traditions that come with the fall season, all of which are great for a family to experience.

Start out the season by visiting an apple orchard. Usually there is a pumpkin patch where you can pick out your own pumpkins and gourds. You can take a hay ride, walk through a corn maze, or eat a caramel apple.

When you get home, carve up your pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns. Try this trick–cut a hole in the bottom of the pumpkin instead of the top. This way your candle can sit firmly on the ground and be lit more easily.

Dress up your little goblins for Halloween and take them trick-or-treating. The best costumes are those that are hand-made. You can find things around the house, such as an old prom dress for a Miss America costume.

Start off Thanksgiving morning with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Watch for the Broadway show tunes, the giant balloons, and Santa at the end.

Continue the traditions of an American Thanksgiving by roasting a turkey. Be sure to thaw the bird completely before cooking. Make all the traditional side dishes such as cranberry sauce, yams, stuffing, and pumpkin or pecan pie.

Enjoy the fun of trying out the traditions of another culture. Maybe you will find that cross border moving will bring new traditions to your family.

(Photo attributed to flickr member @cursedthing via the creative common license)

Moving to the U.S.: Life in Phoenix

If you are considering moving to the U.S., and have a penchant for warm weather, Phoenix is the city for you, with an annual high temperature of 85 degrees, and average of 310 sunny days per year. There are only 5 days per year when the temperature drops below freezing.

Phoenix is located in the Sonoran Desert, which is considered to be one of the most ecologically diverse deserts in the world. You can view the Sonoran desert at its best at the Desert Botanical Garden, or get up close with the Saguaros in a Jeep or Hummer tour of the desert.

Greater Phoenix is home to 4.4 million people, making it the sixth most populated city in the U.S. It is one of the largest cities by land area, and lowest in density rates. Divided into urban villages, each village’s planning committee ensures its own character and identity. Downtown Phoenix has been redeveloping; with a vibrant art scene that you can view on First Fridays in cross-Phoenix gallery openings, new restaurants, stores and businesses, which have opened in the area.

Due to its proximity to Mexico, and a high Hispanic population, Phoenix is known for its Mexican food.

Within the city are the Phoenix Mountains and the South Mountains. Other than that, the city is mostly flat. Home to the largest municipal park in the world, South Mountain Park and Preserve is available for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Phoenix is also known for its more than 200 golf courses, open all year due to the sunny and temperate winter weather.

Phoenix is home to the Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Arizona Cardinals (NFL) and Phoenix Coyotes (NHL).

The major industries in greater Phoenix are, high-tech manufacturing, tourism and construction.

To experience some of the history of the Southwest, visit the Heard Museum. For contemporary art, try the Phoenix Art Museum or Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Children will enjoy the Children’s Museum of Phoenix or the Arizona Science Center.

For high-class shopping, you will find that the Scottsdale Fashion Square won’t disappoint. Or try Kierland Commons, an open shopping experience with beautiful fountains.

Life in Phoenix is a mixture of sun, Southwest culture, and contemporary America. Consider cross border moving to Phoenix today.

Photo provided by Flickr user @tomweiskopf under the creative common license.