Fun Toys That Let You and Your Children be Creative

June 12, 2018 by 1 Comment

It can be hard to find something to do as a family, or something that will entertain the kids that doesn’t need to be charged. Getting kids away from screens can be challenging, but with toys like these, you won’t have to try too hard.

Have a little car lover? (Or maybe a big one, as well- Father’s Day is just around the corner) You can select from a handful of new mini-vehicles from Automoblox®, an award-winning line of high-quality collectible wooden car toy vehicles. Included the pick-up truck Grizzly, the X10 Timber Pack SUV with a trailer, and the very first Automoblox motorcycle. These cars have a body made of European beech wood, and can be manipulated multiple ways to create different designs.  Both kids (recommended for ages 4 and up) and adults love playing with the mix and max, fun to put together cars that don’t require tools to create. New minis are priced at $11.99 – $23.99. The larger  BR100 Hercules 16.5″ hauler (that can also be recreated into a dump truck) is $59.99.  It is not only larger, but also comes with two back ends, a ramp, two mini vehicles, and has room to hold five mini vehicles. Get yours on Amazon.

puzzles autism

If you are a fan of puzzles, TCG has an excellent line that you will want to get your hands on. They have s many options of different photos, scenes, and piece counts, there is something for everyone (and every family ability). These are really beautiful, well crafted puzzles you will be tempted to frame (and in fact, we are framing one of ours). In addition, TCG has a campaign that benefits both Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks Canada since 2016. As puzzles help calm and stimulate some children and adults with Autism, it is a wonderful fit and a great cause to support. Every box has Autism Speaks puzzle piece logo on it. “TCG’s Autism Speaks assortment includes puzzles designed for a wide range of puzzlers, from the whimsical and gorgeous renderings of fantasy artist Miharu to original TCG designs, and more.” (as per TCG) Prices range from $3.99 for a 200 piece puzzle to $7.99 for a 1,000 piece puzzle.

DIY kids

Have a creative teen or tween? Consider Juicy Couture Fruit Obsessions Bracelets and Juicy Couture Hair Candy Accessories- Juicy Couture is all the rage with the younger girls right now, and these definitely hit their mark in this house, let me tell you. My daughter was thrilled, couldn’t wait to get her hands on these kits, and was excited about the results. She wears them often, and I’m sure you will have similar results with your young fashionista. What is more fun then making your own accessories? Not much at that age. And these are definitely NOT the cheesy, kiddie kits from our childhood- these make high quality, really nice looking items. They look store bought, more like what you see adults creating on Etsy. If your child is a fan, you will want to check these out. Prices vary, but I’m seeing these for about $15.

Your child might also enjoy making his or her own blanket or hoodie blanket- these are both adorable. There is the “Make It Real” Unicorn Blanket Hoodie, which comes with everything needed to make a super cute blanket (although I think it looks more like a cape) complete with unicorn hood. This fleece knotted blanket will help your child develop and learn skills useful both for making the item and for the future, which I love. Learning toys are the best. Know how to sew? That much easier. Learning how? No problem at all, making the Unicorn Blanket Hoodie will help teach you.  $24.99 on Amazon and Jo-Ann Fabrics.

wear shark fin

Prefer something with a little more bite? ALEX makes the new DIY Knot A Shark for kids who’d like to try their fin at something new. The ALEX DIY Knot-A-Shark comes with everything you need to make your own snuggly, scary blanket. Not JUST a blanket, but also a tail- your child can get inside it once finished and swim off to bedtime or to cuddle on the couch for shark week. $30.99 on https://www.alexbrands.com

Filed Under: crafts, review Tagged With: , , ,

Introducing Monet: Beauty and Function for Your Phone The Perfect Phone Accessory #selfiebetter #monetallday @monet_brand

June 12, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Monet is beauty and function for your phone. The ultimate fashion accessory for the on-the-go minimalist.  It’s an extension of your hand with its easy slip on grip that provides a secure hold on your phone while taking better selfies. That same grip becomes your kickstand and Monet is a sleek wallet to hold money and cards. It’s currently available in 30 color variations with more colors currently in production. Monet is your 3-in-1 phone grip and the only accessory you need for a busy lifestyle:

cell phone strap

  • The Gym
  • Pilates
  • Coffee dates
  • Meeting for brunch
  • Dinner Dates
  • Night Clubs
  • Traveling
  • Quick shopping trips and more….

Celebrity Influencer Jake Paul introduced Monet at the Consumer Electronics Show in January with much fanfare. Additionally, many other celebrities including Scott Disick, Stephanie Shepherd and The Selfie Kid with Justin Timberlake are putting Monet’s on their phones to help them #selfiebetter! Available at Amazon.com and Monetbrand.com, with other retailers hitting this Fall! SRP $19.99

monet

Social media handle

@monet_brand

Instagram Hashtags

#selfiebetter

#monetallday

About Quest Basics

Quest Basics Corp was founded in 2013 to deliver creative design and hiqh-quality sourced products at affordable prices. Their first launch was IJOY launched at CES 2014 with incredible response leading to the company tripling sales by year’s end. The company continued to expand and in 2017, they launched SpinPop, a unique and patented phone holder mechanism. Monet is their next launch in the phone holder space. Quest Basics is based in Brooklyn, NY.

Filed Under: review Tagged With: , ,

Water Filtration System – Do You Need One?

June 12, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Turn on your tap and take a look at the water coming out of it. Chances are it will be clear and look quite inviting.

The assumption is that it is safe to drink. Of course, if it was yellow, brown or smelt of rotten eggs you would question how good the quality of your water is.

But the fact is usually it is not and you take it for granted.

Unfortunately looks can be deceiving. You could take a look at the website of your local water board. This will tell you how good the quality is.

However, it will only tell you the quality of the water leaving the plant; it can’t confirm what it is like when it reaches your home. This is why you should check this link and consider adding a water filtration system.

The Benefits Of Water Filtration Systems

There are several benefits of having a water filtration system:

Peace Of Mind

A water filter is designed to remove the chemicals used by the water board. They are no longer needed as they have done their job. These chemicals can be harmful to your health and will affect the taste of your water.

But the filter will also ensure the water is clean, providing you with peace of mind. You and your family are drinking the best water possible in your home.

Removal Of Smells

Have you ever noticed that your water has a faint chlorine smell or sometimes even smells of rotten eggs? This is a result of the chemicals used by the water board and bacteria managing to enter your water.

The right filtration system for your home will eliminate these issues and give you clean, odor less water. This will encourage you to drink more of this essential substance.

Reduced Risk Of Contamination

The water that leaves the treatment plan is tested to ensure it meets government standards. However it then travels through miles of pipe work to your home.

It is possible that these pipes can become damaged and allow debris or pollutants in; the water board simply cannot check every bit of pipe.

Pollutants include harmful bacteria, fertilizers from the fields, a variety of chemicals and even miniscule pieces of debris. All of these can be harmful to your health and you may not know about them until it is too late.

Your water filtration system will remove all these things.

Get the Right Filter

Once you realize that you do need a water filtration system it is important that you choose the best one for you and your family.

You’ll need to have your water tested to ensure you know what you want to remove from it. You should also check that the filters being supplied meet the certified standard; otherwise you could be paying for nothing!

It’s not worth the risk of not having a water filter; any of the nasty bugs that live in water can cause serious illness over a long period of time. It’s much easier to prevent them from entering your body in the first place.

 

Filed Under: health Tagged With: , ,

Mynt – Smart Tracker and Bluetooth Remote Control

June 12, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

What is it?

Mynt is a compact (2.5cm wide) Bluetooth device that can be used as a smart tracker for objects, or when paired with a smartphone, used for a variety of remote control actions.

How can it help me?

A Mynt Bluetooth device can be attached to your keys, wallet, purse or bag. You can download a free app to your Smartphone and connect it to your Mynt device(s) to turn it into a smart tracker.

When you activate the device within the app, your Mynt chirps so that you can find it.

A Mynt device has a range of around 150 ft. If you lose an item outside this range, the Mynt app shows you the GPS coordinates of the place the device was seen. So if you leave your rucksack in the pub, Mynt will tell you this.

If you report an item lost within the Mynt app, then the Mynt community springs into action. Each smartphone with Mynt installed can detect a Mynt smart tracker device nearby. So the more Mynt users using the app, the more Mynt smart tracker devices will be detected by the network.

[tweet_box design=”default”]Mynt is a smart tracker that will help you find lost objects like keys, wallet or Smartphone[/tweet_box]

You can also use the Mynt device to find your Smartphone. Each Mynt device has a button that, when pressed, can help you find your paired Smartphone.

You can also programme your Mynt device to remote control your Smartphone. You can use Mynt as:-

  • a presentation pointer, advancing slides in Powerpoint
  • activate your camera shutter to take a remote control picture
  • control your music player

… and lots of other actions that are supported by a Bluetooth remote control.

The battery life of a Mynt device is 6-months, and unlike many trackers, the battery is replaceable.

How much does it cost?

A Mynt device costs £18.99 from Amazon UK, and $19.99 from Mynt in the USA.

How can I get it?

Buy a Mynt device from Amazon UK or Mynt USA, and then download the Mynt app for iOS devices, Android devices or Apple Mac OS X.

You can also follow Mynt creators @Slightech on Twitter or visit the Slightech Facebook page.

MYNT Tracker is available on Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/MYNT-Smart-Finder-Remote-Control/dp/B01N09XZ1X.

This was a guest post from Richard Tubb and posted with permission.

Filed Under: technology Tagged With: , ,

Take Volunteering to a Whole New Level with VolunteerWorld.com

June 11, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Whether you are a philanthropist, an adventurer or simply a vacation seeking wanderluster, eager to explore the world and make your travels more meaningful, volunteering abroad is the best solution to make your journey most impactful.

Volunteering ignites a self-satisfying spirit of putting your one cent in a cause greater than oneself, while also dishing out a bonus ride in exploring new cultures, communities and ecosystems.

VolunteerWorld.com is the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform worldwide. We know saving the world from the evil forces of social and political injustice and utter ignorance of one’s environment can be quite intimidating, so here are the best 5 countries to volunteer in 2018 to help you spark some inspiration.

South Africa

South Africa is the most economically and commercially developed countries of Africa that offers a variety of beautiful natural landscapes and interaction with a number of ethnic communities with histories worth learning. Even with much advancement, it struggles with the dilemmas of HIV/AIDS, wildlife preservation and underprivileged communities.

Volunteer abroad in South Africa to conserve endangered species by signing up for wildlife sanctuary programs or help cater children in orphanage care, or programs regarding teaching, health care and sports.

India

Home to a blend of indigenous languages, religions and cultures, India provides a refreshing culture shock you don’t want to miss. An extensive history stored in its impressive architecture and diversity engraved in its ecosystem, it is one of the best places to travel and volunteer abroad.

With its economy constantly upgrading and society evolving, combating poverty, illiteracy and social taboos has created volunteering opportunities left and right.

Choose from a variety of programs relating orphanage work, healthcare programs, teaching and women empowerment.

Australia

Australia is a sunny beautiful nation with a number attractions that can never bore you. From the diving paradise of the Great Barrier Reef to the diverse landscapes in the Outback and the bustling cities of Sydney and Melbourne, various volunteering opportunities awaits outdoor travel enthusiasts in this country.

Find programs at VolunteerWorld regarding environment, wildlife and sea life conservation or explore projects for community development as well.

Thailand

One of the most popular, aesthetic and economical places to travel and volunteer in SouthEast Asia is Thailand. Famous for its cheap eats and exotic tropical beaches, ancient temples, palaces and ruins, this country open opportunities to a wide variety of activities.

Volunteer abroad in Thailand to help the victims of human trafficking, rescue elephants to wildlife sanctuaries or work in projects regarding child development, nursing and medical.

Peru

Peru is renown for the citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the world. Home to a large indigenous population who suffered from centuries long oppression, Peru is now building up by a number of social reform volunteer programs.

Opportunities awaits in the Land of Incas for people willing to work for community development, education and health care in underserved rural communities.

If you have the resilient adventurous spirit to hike up the Andes Mountain or surf  beaches or volunteer in the Amazon for environmental conservation then the variety alone makes Peru the best place to volunteer abroad.

These are just 5 countries out of 195 countries of the world with people, animals and nature struggling to set its course straight, but no worries, as Shams of Tabriz sums it beautifully, East, west, south, or north makes little difference. No matter what your destination, just be sure to make every journey a journey within. If you travel within, you’ll travel the whole wide world and beyond.

Explore VoluteerWorld.com and find the best package of exotic tourism and exciting volunteer package that matches your dream and passion for This year now.

Filed Under: charity/notforprofit, evergreen, traveling Tagged With: , ,

Kids and sightseeing: How to make it a match

June 11, 2018 by Leave a Comment

As any parent will testify, as soon as little people come along into our lives those relaxing sightseeing trips tend to come to an end. Or, if you do take the plunge and opt to go one, it would be fair to say that they are drama-filled – and the enjoyment-factor can be stripped away.

Unfortunately, like it or not, a lot of sightseeing attractions just aren’t going to tickle children’s fancy’s. However, in a bid to at least see a few during parenthood, we have penned the following guide which shows some of the best tips to adopt during your trips.

Choose strategically

Whether you are staying in Blackpool or Bournemouth, you will always have a wealth of different attractions in the vicinity. Of course, some of these attractions are more child-friendly than others.

As we have already alluded to, children in general don’t like sightseeing. There are some attractions which are more appropriate for them than others though. For example, an art gallery and a sculpture park might both be focussed upon art, but the latter at least allows children to roam around and enjoy themselves in the Great Outdoors. It’s a little more versatile so to speak, and that’s what you need to look out for as you choose your sightseeing attraction.

Timing is key

As well as choosing what to visit, choosing when to visit is just as important. There are a couple of ways of looking at this. The first relates to the best time for your child. If they are still having afternoon naps (or morning naps, if they are that way inclined), then it stands to reason that these are the periods where you most definitely don’t want to visit.

At the same time, rush hour is a definite no-go area as well. The reasons for this should be clear for all to see; there are less options at peak times, while most kids tend to be at their worst in crowded places.

We should also add a point about the Monday-factor. This is the day where a lot of museums around the world happen to be closed, and the last thing you want to be doing is planning your day around this only to be hit by a giant closed sign.

Travel at their pace

Even though a lot of sightseeing attractions might not be solely targeting children, they will find many elements of them interesting. This is something that you need to take full advantage of. If they are seemingly intrigued by a section of the museum or your destination of choice, travel at their pace and let them enjoy it. Don’t drag them around looking at the things that are only of interest to you; it’s only going to spell disaster for the day.

The flexibility factor

Finally, don’t be afraid of being flexible. In other words, if you spot a cafe halfway around the attraction, take advantage and give everyone a break. At the same time, don’t expect to stick to a rigid itinerary. You can have the best intentions in the world when it comes to these attractions, but with kids alongside you things might not always go to plan and you may have to adapt.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,

The 4th International Day of Yoga

June 8, 2018 by 2 Comments
Consulate General of India
presents
The 4th International Day of Yoga
with FREE Yoga and Meditation Sessions
Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 11am
Governor’s Island
Consulate General of India presents The 4th International Day of Yoga on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 11am at Picnic Point on Governor’s Island.
The admission to the event is free for to participate, but advance registration is required:
Free ferry access to Governor’s Island at 10am.
Consulate General of India is back again with the celebration of the 4th International Day of Yoga on June 16, 2018, bringing together communities to enjoy the spirit of Yoga.
Fifteen minute yoga and meditation sessions will be led by such organizations as Hindu Temple of North America, Mallakhamb Federation USA, Isha Foundation, Sahaja Yoga and the Art of Living Foundation, and the event will conclude with a live performance.
The United Nations proclaimed June 21, as the International Day of Yoga at the initiative of the Government of India. Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit, means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and mind. Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. International Yoga Day aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.
Filed Under: fitness, health Tagged With: , ,

Tips for a Fit and Healthy Summer

June 6, 2018 by Leave a Comment

By Samantha Clayton, AFAA, ISSA, Olympic runner & VP Worldwide Sports Performance & Fitness for Herbalife

Summer is just around the corner and summer body preparation should start now.  With proper planning, and an early start, you can avoid crash diets that do little for you waistline and even less for your mood. By focusing now on an exercise routine and a balanced nutrition program, you can get your body ready for summer and beyond.  Avoid the extreme crash diets and replace them with a sensible balanced diet and exercise to set yourself up for long-term success.

 

Below are my top tips to getting fit for summer.

 

  • Commit to a Fit and Healthy Summer!  Think about increasing the types of activities that work for your lifestyle and that can easily be built into your day. Make it a point to read up on fitness news and information.
  • Perform Simple Stretches.  Ensure you’re moving your muscles and joints through their full range of motion each day.
  • Get Moving!  Increase your daily activity level by taking the stairs, parking in the furthest space from the store, gardening, dancing or playing with your children. If you become more active in your everyday life you’ll get fit faster.
  • Add Regular Walks to Your Day.  You can slowly increase your time until 30-minutes feels comfortable. Then, increase your intensity level by walking faster. Start including varied terrain such as hills, then progress to a jogging or running pace.
  • Perform Body Weight Resistance Exercises. Try simple squats, lunges, push-ups and then progress to using weights. Ideally, you need both resistance exercise and aerobic exercise to keep your body operating at its peak.
  • Engage in Aerobic Exercise.  Repetitive motion, such as running, swimming or cycling, is important for the cardiovascular system. It can also tone muscles. Incorporating a little of both aerobic and resistance training is best for your daily routine.
  • Eat More Mindfully.  Eating snacks that contain carbs and protein before a workout can provide you with energy, keep you focused and give your body what it needs to build muscle once the workout is over. Consistently pay attention to the foods you choose in order to properly fuel your body.
  • Keep Hydrated.  Consume at least two liters of water each day. It is even more important to drink water before, during and after exercise. Even low-intensity exercise requires you to be well-hydrated.

About Samantha Clayton, AFAA, ISSA
Samantha Clayton is a former Olympic runner, personal trainer, and vice president of Worldwide Sports Performance and Fitness at Herbalife, where she is responsible for all activities relating to exercise and fitness education for Herbalife Nutrition Independent distributors and employees. Before joining the corporate ranks, Samantha, a native of Liverpool, England, was a professional athlete. She represented Great Britain in the 2000 Sydney Olympics in both the 200m and the 4x100m relay events. Samantha is a personal trainer and group exercise coach through the American Fitness and Aerobics Association (AFAA) and International Sports Science Association (ISSA).

Filed Under: fitness, health Tagged With: , , ,