How to Ensure an Excellent Beach Trip

May 10, 2018 by Leave a Comment

A beach getaway is a must for the summer months, but remember the last time you went? You likely forgot something, or maybe the trip there wasn’t as smooth as it could have been. From having the latest modern navigation devices to buying sunscreen beforehand (to avoid the high costs at local shops) a little planning can go a long way.

It’s tough because going to the beach makes you think of being carefree—but in reality, a beach trip demands at least one responsible member in the party. Here are the best ways to make your trip to the waters more enjoyable:

  1. Know where you’re going. Research not only the city but the actual beach before going there. What’s the weather forecast? Is the perfect beach for you open to the public right now, and is there parking? Does it fill up quickly? Is it in a historic town that only accepts change in their meters? Since you can get a full idea of what to expect with a little research, avoid any negative surprises. You might even stumble across a beach that’s better suited to what you have in mind. At the same time, make sure you have a navigation device that’s updated and works for you.
  2. Pack the essentials. Make sure you have plenty of unexpired sunscreen with at least an SPF of 20 and reapply it every two hours. For adults, you might want to make sure you have a sunscreen designed specifically for the face (otherwise you risk breakouts). Sunscreen does expire, and when it does that means it’s not as potent. It can be expensive, so shop your local discount store and make sure you have plenty available for everyone. You’ll also want to have plenty of beach towels, dress in layers, and a change of clothes. Stow some water shoes in the trunk, along with any props like boogie boards that you’ll need.
  3. Plan your dining destinations and/or pack a meal. Maybe part of your beach getaway is sampling the catch of the day at a favorite restaurant. Research dining options near your beach, or if you’d prefer to truly dine al fresco pack a picnic and save money. Whatever you do, don’t depend on hoping for the best and getting stuck with a subpar or expensive dining experience. For many people, a picnic on the beach is a hallmark of summer (and food always tastes better with that salty air).
  4. Have a means of protecting your phone. Smartphone and sand don’t mix. Either leave them in your car or come prepared with a waterproof and sand proof carrier. For many beachgoers, getting a simple magnetic key hider to tuck under their car keeps them from worrying about keys, wallets, and phones getting lost or stolen on the beach. Who wants to be stuck on their towel to guard the goods while everyone else enjoys the waves?
  5. Follow the beach directions. It should be obvious, but if there are warnings about diving, undercurrents, or anything else, pay attention. Every year there are injuries and casualties at the beach that could be avoided with a little common sense. Avoid drinking if you plan to be in or near the water, and save those indulgences for dinner afterward. Too often a fun day at the beach can turn disastrous because of carelessness.
  6. Choose a beach with an outdoor shower. Nothing is worse than a long trip back home covered in sand. With so many options available, make sure you choose a beach where you can spray off the sand before getting back in the car.

A beach trip can be an absolute blast with a little prep work. From researching the area before you go to making sure you pack everything you need, it doesn’t take much to optimize your sandy outing. For the best experience, try to arrive early and beat the crowds. Enjoy a beach to yourself and a gorgeous sunrise—it’ll easily be the peak of your summer.

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Announcement- PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE WILL OPEN NEW SEASON WITH THE HIT MUSICAL THE COLOR PURPLE #Theater

May 7, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Producing Artistic Director, Todd Schmidt-Managing Director), recipient of the 2016 Regional Theatre Tony Award, is proud to announce John Doyle’s production of The Color Purple will open the 2018-2019 season, replacing the previously announced Unmasked. The Tony Award-winning revival of The Color Purple that exhilarated Broadway will thrill audiences at Paper Mill Playhouse from September 26 to October 21. With a soul-raising, Grammy-winning score infused with jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues, The Color Purple is an unforgettable and moving revival of the American classic. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and Academy Award-nominated feature film, The Color Purple leaves its mark on the soul. Casting will be announced at a later date.

From Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning bestseller and Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated film comes a stage musical with a book by Marsha Norman and music and lyrics by Stephen Bray, Brenda Russell, and Allee Willis. This stirring family chronicle follows the inspirational Celie as she journeys from childhood through joy and despair, anguish and hope to discover the power of love and life. The original Broadway production ran from 2005 to 2008, earning eleven Tony Award nominations. An enthusiastically acclaimed Broadway revival opened in late 2015 and ran through early 2017, winning two 2016 Tony Awards—including Best Revival of a Musical.

“The Color Purple is a title that has been on my wish list for a number of years and we are thrilled to produce this masterpiece for our audience,” commented Mark S. Hoebee, the theater’s Producing Artistic Director. “John Doyle’s visionary reimagining of this powerful tale will take our audiences on an unforgettable journey. We received news last week from our producing partners in London that due to unforeseen scheduling issues, Unmasked can no longer be presented as part of our 2018-2019 Paper Mill Playhouse season. We look forward to presenting it in a future season.”

Paper Mill Playhouse will produce eight performances a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Three, four and five-show subscription packages are available now starting at just $111. Each subscription package includes a different level of special benefits (see www.PaperMill.org for details). Youth subscriptions are available for children ages 4-18 with the purchase of an adult subscription with accessible discount pricing. Single tickets will go on sale on August 20 starting at just $35. Tickets and subscriptions may be purchased by calling 973.376.4343, or at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.papermill.org.  Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted.  Groups of ten or more can receive up to a 40% discount on tickets and should call 973.315.1680. Subscribers who have chosen Unmasked as part of their series will automatically have their seats transferred to The Color Purple. If subscribers would like add tickets to The Color Purple or modify their subscription, they can call the Paper Mill Playhouse subscriptions office at 973.379.3717.

Following The Color Purple, Paper Mill Playhouse will produce Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn (November 21-December 30) based on the beloved Bing Crosby/Fred Astaire film. This heartwarming, toe-tapping production features more than 20 classic songs from the Berlin catalog, including “Easter Parade,” “Cheek to Cheek,” “Steppin’ Out with My Baby,” and “White Christmas.” Next winter, Paper Mill Playhouse presents the world-premiere musical My Very Own British Invasion (January 31-March 3), directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. The 1960s British music scene comes to life with songs from Herman’s Hermits, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Petula Clark, The Moody Blues, and other legendary bands of the era. The spring brings the East Coast premiere of Benny & Joon (April 4-May 5). Based on the 1993 film which starred Johnny Depp and Mary Stuart Masterson, this new musical is a smart, funny, tender-hearted celebration of love: between children and parents; romantic partners; friends; and, most of all, siblings. The final production of the season, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast(May 29-June 30), an international sensation that has played to more than 35 million people in 13 countries. Based on the Academy Award–winning animated feature, the stage production includes all of the original songs from the movie by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, plus additional gems by Menken and Tim Rice. Titles, casting and dates subject to change.

Paper Mill Playhouse offers its audience an opportunity to enhance their theater experience with behind-the-scenes views of mainstage productions.  Have you ever wanted to sneak a peek behind the curtain? Or wondered what the director was thinking, or how the cast prepares for a show? Join us for one of many revealing insider’s experiences.  Visit the Paper Mill Playhouse website at www.papermill.orgfor dates for our Director’s Viewpoint Series, Conversation Club Series, Q&A’s with the Cast and more.

Paper Mill Playhouse offers people with disabilities the opportunity to see live theater with dignity and independence through a myriad of award-winning access programs and services, including audio description and sensory seminars for the blind, Braille and large-print programs, American Sign Language interpretation for the deaf, open-captioning for those with hearing loss, and assistive listening devices. In addition, Paper Mill Playhouse provides Autism-friendly performances of both mainstage and children’s shows throughout the season.

 

PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE, a not-for-profit arts organization under the direction of Mark S. Hoebee (Producing Artistic Director) and Todd Schmidt (Managing Director) and recipient of the 2016 Regional Theatre Tony Award, is one of the country’s leading regional theaters.  Paper Mill Playhouse programs are made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Paper Mill Playhouse is a member of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, the Council of Stock Theatres, and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.

For additional information, please visit www.papermill.org.

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5 Things you need to know about betting online

May 4, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Online betting, which is a form of gambling, is usually an easy way to get money but very risky. Before starting online gambling, make sure that you have researched and have the required knowledge. Placing of bets over the internet requires some expertise. With the passing of time, many people take part in online gambling. There are different ways of online betting such as casinos games, sports and even politics. Before you start betting online there are a few things you should know:

 

  • Gambling sites. When choosing a gambling site, it is important to look for one that is legit, trustworthy and can secure your funds. Different gambling sites have different ways of depositing as well as withdrawing the funds. Therefore it is important to choose one that suits you best and can carry out the transactions very fast. Finding the right bookmarkers is also important as they let you get rich through betting, if they are genuine.

 

 

 

  • Strategy. Before deciding to invest your hard earned money, it is important to come up with a smart strategy to avoid losing all your cash. Planning your investment is very important and if possible it is advisable to have a team of sports expert guide you and advise you when it comes to placing the bet. You should also try and think mathematically as the probability of events cannot be predicted. Once you have started betting, you should have a good management strategy, so as to keep your bankroll growing and avoid bankruptcy.

 

 

 

  • Patience. Patience is a very important virtue when it comes to betting. To become a pro in the world of online betting requires utmost patience and it will take time for your bankroll to grow. Greed, however, is a very dangerous vice that could lead to you losing all investments. Take time to master the art of online gambling and become a master at it. Do not be quick to get rich as easily come easy go.

 

 

 

  • Betting exchanges. It is advisable to bet with betting exchanges as they prevent you from banning with the bookmakers. This is because you will be trading with the customers and not bookmakers. Betting exchanges are preferred to bookmarkers in regards to the bet sizes available and the odds. There are a number of book markers that will limit or even ban their successful customers.

 

 

 

  • Legality. It is important to know that online betting is not legal in some states and there are laws against online betting. For example, some countries in the Middle East, it is illegal to play chess. In some countries, online gambling is totally illegal. Before you start betting online, ensure that you are conversant with the laws of the state on gambling to avoid any legal predicaments. However, there are countries where online betting is totally embraced making it easier to gamble.

 

Look for the best overwatch betting sites to enjoy online betting. Be patient, do not be quick to get easy money and manage your bankroll properly.

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Rose Art Outdoor Fun Chalk Paint

May 2, 2018 by 7 Comments

Spring is finally here. I have waited so long for my favorite season to arrive. I love the fresh, crisp smell in the air and the temperature is just right. With the Earth bursting with new life, beautiful flowers, and the melodious sound of birds chirping, it’s the perfect time to get the kids outside to play. When we are outside my son is usually off riding his bike; however, the girls like to create. Their favorite thing to play with is RoseArt Washable Sidewalk Chalk Paint Sets. This post is a sponsored post, but all opinions, stories, and my experience are all personal and true (like always).

Product Description

As far as fun is concerned, the sky’s the limit. Kids will love stepping outside and unleashing their creative talents with this fantastic assortment of jumbo chalk, chalk powder, brushes, rollers, mixing trays and stencils. With this outdoor set you’ll be ready to get out and get creative. Perfect for on-the-go fun.

Key Features:

  • Chalk paint powder and jumbo chalk sticks in an assortment of colors
  • Roller brushes, trays and brushes
  • Storage bucket
  • Easy to use, and chalk easily washes away with water
  • Fun outdoors for ages 3+

My Thoughts:

Every adult at some point wishes they were a little kid again. Although you can’t be a little kid again physically, you can act like one for at least a little bit. Buying this outdoor fun chalk paint set is a perfect starting point for acting like a kid. This set is tremendous! As I was getting things ready for the girls I couldn’t help but give it a try myself. I had lost track of time and we ended up being outside for three hours. The only reason we went in was because the girls were getting hungry.

The paint is super easy to mix and set up. It comes with different stencils and tools that helps them create an awesome art piece. The best part and honestly probably all moms favorite part, is it’s easy to clean up. The paint simply washes away with water. So in the end you have happy kids who are outside playing and you don’t have to stress about the mess. I think that’s a win for everyone.

 

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Exploring the Amazing Scuba Diving Sites of Malta And Gozo

May 2, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Both Malta and Gozo have multiple spots that are perfect for scuba diving and that’s precisely why thousands of people travel to the islands every year during the summer months. However, what we have for you today are the absolute best of the best. If you want to make sure you will get the best diving spots offered on your trip, book your dive tour with Atlantis Dive Center.

The Um El Faroud Oil Tanker

If you are looking to dive deep inside a shipwreck, there’s no better option than to explore the Um El Faroud in Malta. It is advised that you dive with a guide because the streams can get very strong in the region. The 115-metre long and 10,000-ton heavy oil tanker is more than 30 meters deep and scuba divers find it to be a fascinating spot for exploration, especially due to the marine life that has made its home inside.

Cave Diving at the Double Arch

Considered to be one of the best examples of Gozo’s diving spots, the Double Arch is a cave diving experience like no other in the region. Do be careful of the sea urchins, but there are also many other types of fascinating marine life (octopi, squids, scorpionfish, and cuttlefish to name a few) to see here. The two arches here are 20 metres and 45 metres deep respectively.

P29 Patrol Boat

While all underwater wrecks are somewhat haunting to look at, this one is particularly thrilling to explore. The Maltese patrol boat P29 was sunk intentionally to create a reef for scuba diving enthusiasts and the result is actually quite good – and a bit creepy!

Reqqa Reef

If artificial reefs are not for you, the Reqqa Reef in Ghasri, Gozo has you covered. It’s an ideal spot to see the marine life of the North Coast in all its diversity. Divers should see huge schools of fish, stingrays, moray eels, and lobsters among countless other examples of the fabulous marine life that thrives here.

Billinghurst Cave

The final entry on this list is the 50-metre long and 30-metre deep Billinghurst Cave, which is famous for the spectacular effects produced when sunlight hits the entrance. Once you enter the cave though, it’s very dark, so you will need to bring your own light source in order to see the red sponges, coral covered walls, and the various species of brightly coloured fish. It almost feels like a different world inside that tunnel.

If you are wondering why the Blue Hole is not on this list, in spite of it formerly being one of the best spots for scuba diving in the entire European continent, then that’s because the Azure Window collapsed last year into the sea during a storm and the Blue Hole is off-limits indefinitely, if not permanently. Keep in mind that the choice of best spots may differ from person to person and there truly are so many amazing scuba diving spots in these areas. Nevertheless, if this is your first visit, you cannot go wrong with any of the ones mentioned here.

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4 Ways that hormones can impact your mental health

May 1, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Mental illnesses have in the past 30 years shot up in men and women as well as children exceeding 8 million having a prescription in the U.S. Lifestyle and food culture have a huge impact on hormonal imbalances which is associated with mental health and here is how.

Adrenal Issues

The two stress hormones; adrenaline and cortisol can have a significant impact on your mental health if not they happen not to be balanced. This can result to one feeling anxious, depressed or even lacking sleep. Additionally, when in excess and when low, the stress hormones can have different mental impacts on you. When in excess, you will experience irritation, anxiety and nervousness. When significantly low, you experience tiredness, depression, moodiness, sluggishness and may have a difficult time concentrating. However, you can manage stress through the multiple known ways in order to keep your cortisol and adrenaline levels in check and this will in turn lower the psychological effect risks linked with the two hormones.

Estrogen and Mental Health

Every month during menstrual cycle, women often deal with issues that are quite out of their hand due to Effects of Estrogen Deficiencies and this often results to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). During a woman’s menstruation period, estrogen levels are low. Estrogen has an impact on serotonin and dopamine, which are chemicals linked to the brain, and are associated with depression as well as psychosis. According to statistics, 80% of women experience both mental and physical issues which are as a result of hormonal imbalances. Through a recent study, health professionals revealed Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a condition that causes seasonal affective disorder, anxiety and severe depression as a result of hormonal shifts.

Also, while pregnant and during post-partum, women experience varying moods and emotions, and later in life during menopause, their hormonal changes result to brain fog and reduced sexual drive. If you thought men don’t experience mood swings and depression, they do: when estrogen levels are too high.

Thyroid and Mental Health

Inflammation and chemical stressors are the major causes of all thyroid-related problems. Thyroid issues can result from a leaky gut; when the body begins attacking and destroying all kinds of tissues, the thyroid included. If uncontrolled, thyroid activity has two extremes; hyperthyroidism, when it is overactive and hypothyroidism, when it is underactive. During hyperthyroidism, insomnia, depression, panic attacks, mood swings and anxiety may result and unfortunately in the past, women have been misdiagnosed with anorexia and panic disorder when they actually suffered from overactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism on the other hand may cause; fatigue, depression, moodiness and in rare cases anxiety.

Interference of Gut Secretion of Neurotransmitters

The gut contains multiple hormones and bacteria which act as signal transmitters. They signal digestion responses, immune responses and most importantly production and release of serotonin and dopamine. The signal for serotonin use -which is responsible for digestion, mood, appetite, social behavior, memory, sleep and libido- is through microbiome, a bacteria found in the gut. Dopamine, although in relatively small quantities is linked with happiness and contentment.

Gut issues are mostly as a result of antibiotics, which kill bacteria including these important ones. Microbiome takes more than three years to re-populate once they are severely damaged and even killed by one round of antibiotics. Due to this, it is advisable to avoid antibiotics not unless you have to take them, and if you do, make sure you eat fermented foods and take probiotic supplements.

 

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Serenity Skin Care and Body Wellness in Englewood, NJ

April 30, 2018 by 14 Comments

Looking for a great Mother’s Day gift?

 

If your mom is anything like most moms, she can use a break. Some rest, relaxation, and perhaps someone taking care of HER for a change of pace. Who wouldn’t like a minute to herself? I can’t think of too many things I like more then a good massage, and I’m guessing your mom is not too different in that arena.

We recently headed over to Serenity Skin Care and Body Wellness in Englewood, NJ. It was located on a really cute “main street” type of road, with a bunch of cute shops and restaurants- it would be easy to make a day of this trip.  The atmosphere was calm and relaxing, and the people who greeted you as well as the therapists were all very relaxed, easy going, and pleasant.

serenity skincare

They offer quite a few services, from facials and massages to waxing and sugaring, to manicures and more. If you want to give it all to mom (or your spouse, mother of your children, your best friend, yourself- whomever), they also have packages available. Make an afternoon of it, and enjoy the time together.  You can read a list of available treatments here.

We enjoyed their couples massage, because there is nothing better than a relaxing treatment except maybe doing so with your partner. They asked us about sore spots, previous massage experiences, preferences, and made sure we were comfortable before the massage began. It was really nice to spend the time with someone I love and being able for us both to relax and enjoy ourselves. It was one of the nicest days I’d had in a long time, and we both felt so well afterward- I’d highly recommend the service and the location.

The time we spent at Serenity Skincare was much-needed relaxation and so rejuvenating, we were both ready for a nap and to take on the world when we were done. (PS, the nap won out, we felt amazing.)

Visit their site https://www.serenityskincare.com to get all the details, to find out more, and to book an appointment.

Serenity Skincare

7 GRAND AVE.

ENGLEWOOD, NJ 07631

(201) 816-3050

 

 

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Belli Beauty’s Anti-Blemish Facial Wash

April 30, 2018 by 2 Comments

Belli Beauty’s Anti-Blemish Facial Wash (www.belliskincare.com).  So many women are talking about this new product, which works wonders on pimples/acne due to hormones, stress or skin sensitivities. It’s also completely safe and formulated for pregnant women, so it’s pretty safe for just about anyone.

My partner and I have been trying it out the past two weeks, and I like how clean my face feels after using it. We both like that it cleans while not drying out our skin, especially his. He has really dry skin that is prone to flaking under and around his bead, but the days when we’ve used this as his facial wash has actually helped- and it smells like citrus, lemonish, not like flowers or a “girly” smell, so really- guys can use it as well.

Anti-Blemish Facial Wash is a pure face wash that leaves skin clear and refined, without over-drying or irritation. It also smells nice, and not perfume-y. Lactic acid (found naturally in the body) gently and effectively cleanses and exfoliates acne prone skin. Lemon peel oil is a natural anti-bacterial and skin brightener. Green tea extract and cucumber are rich in antioxidants. This face wash is free of any salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and benzoyl peroxide-common acne fighting ingredients that can result in over-drying and irritation. Anti-Blemish Facial Wash is a favorite of those struggling with blemishes, sensitive skin, or breakouts from any cause including hormonal changes. It’s paraben-free too as well.  You can get yours (and other skincare products) for $22 at https://www.belliskincare.com .

 

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