Planning a Weekend Away with Kids

June 1, 2018 by Leave a Comment

When you’re a traveler, you focus on doing the things you’re passionate about and experiencing new things at every turn.

 

But when you have kids, a lot of that travel enthusiasm can seem to go by the wayside. If that rings true to you, then there are steps you can take to get back in the travel groove, even with kids by your side (or hanging off your arms).

 

That’s not to say that traveling with kids is easy — no one who has done it would claim that. But traveling with kids can still be fun, it just takes a hefty amount of preparation and a healthy reevaluating of expectations.

 

Here are a couple tips when you’re thinking about getting your feet wet with a weekend getaway — with kids.

 

Plan events ahead of time

Just because you’re towing a couple of kids along doesn’t mean that you should hole up in a hotel room and watch cartoons all weekend.

 

Plan a couple of kid-friendly events and activities in your destination area, so that you and the kids have things to look forward to.

 

The ideal activity for any kid (and any person, really) is an event that combines something they’re passionate about with something they’ve never experienced before. For instance, a kid who loves crafting and building things could be taken to a pottery class. They’ll get to try something new, while staying rooted in a passion you already know they have.

 

Bring your own entertainment

Especially with children who are young enough to be unpredictable in public, travel with an army of games, puzzles, coloring books, and whatever else your children like to spend their time with.

 

Even short car and plane rides can quickly become tedious for active children, so entertainment is absolutely key. For maximum impact, pack all the entertainment into one large tote bag that you can keep within easy reach at all times.

 

Also bring your own snacks

Kids, like everyone else, get hangry, and that should be avoided at all costs. Encourage the kids to try new foods, but also come stocked with some basic snacks to hold them through long lines and long restaurant waits.

 

For plane travel, this is extra important, as eating food can help to “pop” the ears of young children when the plane changes altitude. This can prevent tantrums and scream-crying, which everyone on the plane will thank you for.

 

Be flexible.

Let me say that again — be flexible, be very flexible. A seasoned traveler already knows that travel rarely goes as planned. With kids, those stakes are raised even higher: travel never goes as planned.

 

This doesn’t mean you can’t have fun, but it does mean that you’ll have to be willing to change plans on the fly to accommodate a tired child, or a hungry child, or a child who really hates ferris wheels a lot more than you expected.

 

But, with some flexibility and a whole lot of preparation, you can still plan a fun weekend away with kids — and as you go, you’ll become even more confident in your ability to plan longer and riskier trips together.

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Keeping Hands of All Ages Busy With These Fidget Toys

May 30, 2018 by 9 Comments

tactile toys

No matter what time of year, little hands (and maybe not so little hands) get into everything, especially when you just need a few seconds of stillness. No matter if you are in a restaurant, long car ride, or even just walking through a supermarket, it can be better to put something into the hands that want to touch everything and keep them occupied before they get into simply everything (or maybe just on your nerves).

Got a really little one? Manhattan Toy has several great options, one of which is the Click Clack Ball. This is a brightly colored, plastic ball with many handles to twist and turn. It’s also easy to connect to a baby stroller or seat so your kiddo can’t toss it onto any dirty floors (like they so love to do). It makes sounds when they turn the handles, and rattles as it moves. It is filled with tiny beads, so it makes lots of stimulating noise (but not so much that it will drive mom and dad crazy).  The Click Clack Ball is also a hit with dad over here- he can’t seem to put it down, either. It is listed from $9.99 to $15.99 depending on where you buy, so get your Google on before you shop! Love this toy- perfect for baby showers, too.

baby beads

Another great manipulative from Manhattan Toy is the wooden Classic Baby Beads. There is a reason these have such staying power. Your baby (and toddler, and beyond- really, dad plays with them all the time, and they calm his nerves. I bought him his own set) will enjoy twisting ad turning and rolling these wooden beads all over. The bright, water colored beads are non toxic, so no worries if your little one chews on them. The beads are able to be manipulated endlessly. They seem to love the clacking sound the beads make against each other as well.  The Classic Baby Beads are listed from $9.99 to $16 in different stores, so look online first to get the best price.

Tangle, makers of twisty fidget toys that help reduce stress and enhance creativity, are also known to be “brain tools”. Educators and physical therapists are using these toys to help people not only reduce stress and relax, but also opens up the imagination as well as helps gain (or regain) dexterity. Tangle now offers new additions to their lineup, which already came in many options to suit all sorts of sensory needs as textured, metallic, hairy, fuzzy, classic, rubber, and more.  One new option is Tangle BrainTools Imagine. It has bright and vibrant new colors, and uses ‘magic in motion,’ it seems to glide as you twist and turn it. It’s slightly larger then other tangles, and has transparent colors or solids. $5.99

The “Think” is our favorite, and larger the the “Imagine”. It is great for kids or adults, and often used in classrooms as well.  This very tactile fidget toy can also be used as a hand rehabilitation tool or for physical or occupational therapy. It is ideal for children or adults with sensory issues or who need help increasing hand and finger strength and mobility. $12.99

puzzle

Fidgitz by Thinkfun is a great fidget toy that is also a puzzle. Not unlike a Rubix Cube in that you have to manipulate it to solve, but very unlike it in that it’s also soothing. Shifting, turning, rotating the infinite loop of the beads had a calming effect, and it was indeed gratifying to solve, but the fun was in the turning of the beads.  It had a soothing feeling. It is like the other fidget toys because it keeps hands busy and occupied, giving relief to nerves and impulses and helping with sensory overload. It is different in that there is a goal, but you can do it again and again and not be “bored” with it. The fidget portion doesn’t end when you solve, and you can do it differently each time. It’s nice, because it adds a “brain teaser” to the fidget aspect, something new and fun to challenge the mind. $9.99 at https://www.thinkfun.com/products/fidgitz/

fidget toys

Switcherooz by Tastemakers are really interesting, because they are also collectible for fans of comics, cartoons, and the like. They also change into different characters, which I’ve not seen anything like before. They are 3 inches, and change from one person (IE Batman) to another (like Robin) by flipping the bottom chin on the face backward. Sounds a bit scary when I put it like that, but it’s simple and easy. Kids can keep hands busy as well as create stories, act out their favorite comics or shows, and be creative with these fun fidgets. These are a bit harder to find, but worth it! $4.99 on http://www.tastemakersllc.com is the only place I have seen them available.

switcherooz

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Complete Guide To Pre-Workout Supplements: Is It for Everyone?

May 29, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Working out is hard. During the first days of hitting the gym, you are always psyched up. It’s because you have got goals or objectives that you want to achieve. Maybe you want to lose some weight, or perhaps you are an athlete, and you want to keep fit. Despite your objective, after the first week or two. The laziness comes in. You feel like you don’t want to go to the gym. It almost feels like you are out of energy. This is where pre-workout supplements come in handy.

 

You have probably heard it from friends or colleagues on how these pre-workout supplements get them in the mood of working out. It’s okay to wonder if the pre-workout supplements are suitable for you. This post will provide you with all you need to know about pre-workout supplements. By the end of it, you will be able to make an informed decision on whether to use them or not.

But, what are Pre-workout Supplements?

It’s a supplement that you should take before hitting the gym. The supplement usually entails ingredients responsible for addressing a couple of issues that may occur during training such as low energy, loss of focus, fatigue and much more. A good pre-workout supplement should provide the user with an optimal hormonal environment that enables him/her to get the most out of a workout session.

What Are The Ingredients Responsible?

Before taking any supplement, it’s always best to know which ingredient you are taking into your body. In the case of pre-workout supplements, the ingredients used are usually similar.

 

Below are some examples;

  • Caffeine

Being one of the primary ingredients, coffee is known to improve alertness, arousal and improve the energy level.

  • Amino-Acids

Amino acids are responsible for building proteins that in turn increase energy levels. The supplements provide branched-chain amino acids that enhance physical performance.

  • Carbs

Workouts involve a lot of muscle strain. But thanks to carbs, it helps fuel your muscles with glycogen.

  • Beetroot Juice

Beetroot juice isn’t a favorite for most people because of its taste. But it’s an ingredient of several pre-workout supplements. The juice can aid an individual workout for long hours.

The Advantages of Pre-workout Supplements

The main reason why pre-workout supplements are highly gaining popularity is because of the benefits that they offer the user. However, not all supplements are effective. Always buy from known brands. Below are some advantages of using pre-workout supplements.

 

  1. Enhanced Power and Strength

Power and strength are essential for any workout session. If you are feeling tired, then a pre-workout supplement can do the magic. Ingredients such as amino acid are capable of helping in muscle contraction.

 

  1. Muscle Growth

A good pre-workout supplement can help improve muscle growth. Carbs help in the preservation of muscle glycogen that keeps you strong. There is another essential ingredient found in pre-workout supplements known as whey proteins that are also effective in minimizing muscle wasting.

 

  1. Increased Focus

A pre-workout supplement can help improve focus. You should know that the brain is also a muscle. When your body gets tired, so does the brain. And this can really sidetrack your functioning at the gym.

What are The Disadvantages?

Pre-workout supplements have one disadvantage. If you use a particular supplement for an extended period, your body adapts to it, and its effectiveness reduces. This leads to the need of using a higher dosage to achieve better results. To be on the safe side, incorporate the strategy of cycling pre-workout supplements. You can either switch brands or rather give your body a break from a particular supplement for two weeks or even a month.

 

The above is all you need to know about pre-workout supplements. Before buying a particular supplement, do your research. Find the one with ingredients that are suitable for you. Read reviews to see if they actually work. Always consider your goals when selecting a supplement. Don’t take the supplement on days that you are not working out.

 

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

Win All-natural, Topical Pain Relief Creams

May 25, 2018 by 76 Comments

Looking for relief from pain, but don’t want all those chemicals on your body? Or those weird smells. Who wants to walk around smelling like a hospital.  There are other options available- check these out if you want all natural relief that really works.

Real Time Pain Relief – https://rtpr.com/, a U.S. company with decades of experience in skin care and topical pain relief, has just launched two new products for topical muscle soreness and pain relief for after workouts and other physical activities:


HEMP OIL PLUS ($40): is a rich cream that provides on-spot relief from pain and muscle stiffness. This homeopathic formula of Hemp Oil has a light feel when applied and pleasant smell from Turmeric Extract, Peppermint Oil, Wasabi Extract and 100% pure and organic Hemp extract (but does not have any trace of THC or any psychoactive ingredients).  You can see full product details here:
https://rtpr.com/hemp-oil-plus

 

REAL TIME SPORTS CREAM ($20): made with 25 all-natural ingredients including Wintergreen, Turmeric, Magnesium Oil and the lowest effective dose of menthol (0.5%). This sports cream provide a gentle cooling feeling where applied without any burn or medicinal smell. Use before or after exercise – it’s sweat resistant. Also free of GMOs, Parabens, SLS and Dye. This pain cream is FDA registered as an over-the-counter topical pain relief medicine. Full product details here: https://rtpr.com/sports-cream

Both products are formulated, made and packaged in the heartland of the USA – 100% American made.

If you’d like to enter to win, please feel free to use the RC form below. Good luck! Ends June 14, 2018.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Four Safety Tips to Follow before Leaving the House

May 25, 2018 by Leave a Comment

away from home

You want to always leave the house with a sense of peace knowing everything is in order even when you are away. Whether you’re off to work or embarking on a summer adventure to a faraway island, check this list of four safety tips before you step out of your home:

 

Make Sure You Have Your Keys

 

Your house keys are probably one of the most misplaced items you own. You don’t want to get locked out of your own home, so it’s best that you double-check that you got your keys with you at all times. A simple hack for making sure you do not forget your house keys is to keep them in one dedicated spot, like a decorative tray or bowl set in a place that’s accessible to you. Make it a habit to toss your key into this designated corner as soon as you get home so you’ll always know where to find it. Also this trick makes it easy for you to grab your keys and go when you’re rushing out the door.  If worst case scenario comes that you really can’t remember where you last placed your keys, calling a locksmith or using some nifty lock picking tools will be your friend.

 

Turn Off the Plumbing

 

This tip will depend on how long you are staying out of the house and if you have any household appliances that require your plumbing system to be constantly turned on like automatic sprinklers. Otherwise if you are going out of town for a couple of days then you should turn off the main shut-off valve of your home’s plumbing because, among other things, water pressure could unexpectedly surge while you’re gone. You want to keep your water bill under control while you are gone. This will also ensure your different toilet fixtures from your sink to your high quality macerating toilet to be in tiptop condition when you get back. If you will be gone for a few months, request a friend or house-sitter to turn on the water at least once a month to prevent plumbing fixtures from drying up or cracking.

 

Make Sure Your Pets Are Taken Care Of

 

It can be quite tricky to go on extended vacations if you have a pet at home. Still you can make arrangements with friends or neighbors to help you care for your fur babies while you are gone. Ask a friend to watch over your pooch or feline in the meantime. You can either leave your pets at your friend’s house or ask the pet-sitter to drop by your home every day. Either way make sure you leave behind a good supply of dog food or cat food and any special vitamins your furry friend is taking. Also, make sure to leave the contact details of your pet’s vet so your friend can easily contact them in case of medical emergencies.

 

Put Your Mail and Print Subscriptions on Hold

 

This tip will also depend on how long you will be gone. If you will be out of the house for weeks then you should contact the post office and request them to hold your mail. Do the same for newspaper or any magazine subscriptions that you have. Doing this could save you money and prevent any important mail or packages from getting lost. Last but not the least, this will also keep deliveries from piling on the front door and making it apparent that you are out of the house which can be a very tempting sight for burglars.

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Gululu, The Interactive Water Bottle for Kids, Launches Gululu Go

May 25, 2018 by Leave a Comment

The most portable and interactive design yet,

Gululu Go “talks back” to kids as it motivates them to keep hydrate

 Gululu, the world’s first interactive water bottle designed to keep kids hydrated, has just announced the international launch of Gululu Go, a lighter, more portable version with a sound speaker. This marks a major step forward in the product’s interactivity and toward the brand’s goal of enabling kids to love drinking water and build a healthy habit.

According to a recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health, dehydration in children can result in poor health, including cognitive and emotional problems, and is associated with diabetes and obesity. Research by the UK Natural Hydration Council found that if children become dehydrated, their auditory number span, visual attention and fine motor skills in school – such as their handwriting and ability to copy text – will be significantly reduced.

Invented by Bowhead Technology, Gululu ensures that children stay hydrated by engaging them to care for a virtual pet. As kids drink more water from their Gululu interactive water bottle, their chosen virtual pet grows and makes friends. At the same time, Gululu keeps parents informed of their children’s hydration progress through a connected smartphone app.

Gululu Go is the latest introduction to the brand’s innovative line and is smaller, lighter, and therefore easily portable. Most significantly, Gululu Go features a sound speaker, which allows the Gululu pets to talk to children for the first time, using over 200 phrases and different voices for the individual pet characters.

After releasing over 15 versions of the game and app since its global launch in October 2016, Gululu has developed an operational model of frequent content updates to keep users continuously engaged toward building a healthy habit. Every two to three weeks, Gululu introduces additional features, such as new thematic online campaigns, new drinking animations, new accessories for pets, new sound effects and new audio phrases, all pushed to the bottle through the cloud. Children can redeem the accessories for their pets with the virtual coins collected along their journey of discovering the Gululu Universe. A fourth character was released at the end of March and more characters are expected to come in order to expand the Gululu Universe.

The multiple aspects of social interaction and UGC (user-generated content) are important to promote Gululu users’ engagement and retention. Users have been invited or selected to co-create content such as drawing the pets’ accessories and recording short voice stories for the “GBC News” online radio. Gululu now allows users to make friends by shaking bottles next to each other or on the app remotely, check the social leader board for the game progress, and send emoji animations to poke each other in the bottle.

As of end of April 2018, more than 40 thousand units of Gululu have been shipped globally across 70 plus countries including the US, the Greater China region, South East Asia, Europe and other parts of the world. The most loyal users have been with Gululu for over 400 days. Over 30% of Gululu’s users worldwide have made friends on the platform and their retention is significantly higher than those who don’t have Gululu friends.

Gululu Universe is becoming a center pillar to support the brand’s product roadmap and the company is enhancing its patented IP by branching out into diverse formats such as WeChat emojis, its own music and songs, and preparing for animated short videos.   

On its quest and mission to perfect children’s well-being, Bowhead Technology is also in the process of making several new products. Besides Gululu Go, the company is also researching the AI version of Gululu for the next generation, to enhance the human-machine interface and strengthen the user interaction. A non-bottle innovative product that addresses other healthy habits is also under way.

The pre-sale for Gululu Go starts May 24. On this date, Gululu Go may be purchased for $119 at www.gululugo.com.

Learn more at www.gululu.com

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Colorado’s Crown Jewels Offer Travelers the Royal Treatment #VisitCOS

May 23, 2018 by Leave a Comment

The world is abuzz with the royal nuptials of Prince Harry and American actress Meghan Markle. Billions of people tune-in to watch lavish traditions, flowing gowns and fascinators that flash across every sized screen. After tuning in to the globe’s most-watched love story, head to these impeccable and unforgettable Pikes Peak region castles and landmarks for a taste of the royal treatment. Find more memorable things to see and do and order a free Vacation Planner at VisitCOS.com.

Glen Eyrie Castle is home to over 800 acres of stately pines and whispering aspen, lush lawns, sparkling waterfalls and majestic sandstone rock faces. The site offers tours, afternoon high teas and overnight accommodations, whether inside the castle or the nearby cottages. The castle, originally built as the home of Colorado Springs founder General William Jackson Palmer, will make anyone feel like the heir to the throne. Whether planning a grand or intimate romantic escape or family retreat, the historic site is the perfect place for a few days away.

Miramont Castle, located in Manitou Springs, was originally built as a private home in 1895. Later, throughout the 1900s, the structure was used in many other capacities. Today, the castle is dedicated to preserving the heritage of Manitou Springs and the Pikes Peak region. The museum houses four floors that total more than 14,000 square feet. Constructed of now-rare hand-quarried greenstone, it features 30 rooms, nine styles of architecture, five fireplaces and a Victorian garden. Guests can enjoy High Tea, Light Victorian Tea or lunch year-round.

The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park began construction in the summer of 1929. The impressive structure held the title of world’s highest suspension bridge until 2001. Today, the highest suspension bridge in North America dangles 956 feet above the Royal Gorge and roaring Arkansas River. This Colorado wonder offers panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, thrill rides over the Gorge, a rich history and even a café platformed 1,230 feet over the base of the Gorge.

Bishop’s Castle may seem like any other castle and famed roadside attraction, except for the fact that from inception to construction, the entire structure is a single-man project. In 1969, Jim Bishop originally envisioned the land as home to a small family cottage. Once complete, it took on a life of its own. Rock after rock used from the nearby National Forest turned the small cottage into a towering, medieval structure of sheer imagination. Free and open to the public, the attraction relies on gift shop purchases and donations.

 

About Colorado Springs, CO

Founded as a resort town in 1871, Olympic City USA has drawn travelers from around the world for decades offering unrivaled natural beauty, endless blue skies, a mild climate and more than 55 man-made and natural attractions. Home to iconic landmarks such as Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, Garden of the Gods Park, the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center and U.S. Air Force Academy, the city and surrounding region is a popular destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts and couples.

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Fun, free family event in NJ

May 23, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Families are welcome and encouraged to join Universal Kids for a fun, free family event in NJ offering an interactive art & crafting experience for families tied to various summer premieres. 
 
The morning will feature activities tied to the new tween home decor show, Get Out of My Room, kids crafting competition series, The Big Fun Crafty Show, a dream room diorama with Oh! Canary and more.
Filed Under: family, kids, lifestyle items Tagged With: ,