SunSafe RX to Protect Your Skin

April 18, 2018 by 2 Comments

At our house, we are always looking at new ways to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful effects.  Some of us, mostly the men of the house, burn with just the mention of Summer, let alone the actual sun.  But we are trekkers and must be in the sun, so what to do? Well, lots of sunblock, for one.  We also found a product called Sunsafe Rx.  Sunsafe Rx is a natural supplement which helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays from the sun.  All you do is take them daily as directed and the benefits last all day long.  Not only does this help with sun protection, but also has anti-aging benefits.

There are powerful antioxidants in Sunsafe Rx which are good for both your skin and your eyes.  All the ingredients in Sunsafe Rx are natuaral and proven to help skin health.  Sunsafe Rx is also made in the USA, and is manufactured and tested in an FDA-regulated GMP-certified facility.  Sunsafe Rx prevents skin aging by preserving collagen and elastin and inhibiting the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun spots.  For your eyes, lutein and zeaxanthin protect from the oxidative stress of UV rays and may help fight the causes of age-related macular degeneration.  This is probably the only sun protection you actually want ending up in your eyes. Sunblock, not so much.  Sunsafe is great not only for those sunny Summer days but for year round, whether in the sun or not.  Some extra health boosts for your skin and eyes are never a bad thing. SunSafe Rx is available now on their website sunsaferx.com and retails for $29 for 30 caplets and up to $89 for 120 caplets.

Filed Under: health, review Tagged With: , , , ,

HOPESFALL Announce First Shows Since 2011 Playing Brooklyn & Charlotte This July

April 18, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Melodic hardcore legends Hopesfall have announced that they will be playing two special shows this July around the release of their new record, Arbiter. The band will take the stage for the first time since 2011 for Kerrang Presents on July 14th at Saint Vitus in Brooklyn, and on July 21st at Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte. General admission tickets go on-sale this Friday, April 20th, with VIP tickets available now at hopesfall.soundrink.com.
Arbiter is the long-awaited follow up to 2007’s Magnetic North, and marks the band’s first record in over a decade. Fans can check out an exclusive interview, alongside a brand new video for single “H.A. Wallace Space Academy,” on Loudwire. Arbiter will be released on July 13th, 2018 via Graphic Nature / Equal Vision Records. Preorders are available now at hopesfall.lnk.to/arbiter.
Hopesfall formed in 1998. Over the next decade, the band would undergo numerous line-up changes but always drew from the same core group of lifelong friends to source new members. The bond between the group was so strong that even after disbanding in 2008, guitarists Joshua Brigham and Dustin Nadler and drummer Adam Morgan continued to get together on Wednesdaynights to work on new music despite having no plans to release it. It was during these jam sessions that the music that would eventually find its way onto Arbiter first began to take shape.
In 2012, Brigham and Morgan visited frontman, Jay Forrest, in Chicago culminating in the decision that Forrest would add vocals to the demos. The lineup for the band’s reformation would then be cemented in August of 2015 when bassist, Chad Waldrup, joined the group to see Hum and Failure. Still, the idea of putting out new music as Hopesfall wasn’t part of the plan. With the lineup complete, the band brought their demos to another trusted collaborator – producer Mike Watts (Glassjaw, Dillinger Escape Plan, O’Brother) whom they had worked with on two previous releases, Magnetic North and A Types. It was Watts who brought the demos to Dan Sandshaw and Will Putney of Graphic Nature / Equal Vision Records where the idea of releasing it as a Hopesfall record was finally discussed. A testament to the band’s hard-earned legacy, the famed label immediately jumped on the opportunity to release the project.
Arbiter has a decidedly unique bend to it, but Brigham points out that it is built off of the same principles as Hopesfall’s previous catalog – “big riffs and dark melodies.” Forrest adds that the driving message of Arbiter remains the same as well: “Hopes fall. Tragedies happen. But that doesn’t mean you should give up or not stay the course.“
Arbiter is set for release on July 13th via Graphic Nature / Equal Vision Records. It is at once a reminder of why the band has become so influential and a beacon of the its continued evolution. Look for Hopesfall to support the release with select tour dates later this year.
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To Write Love on Her Arms Founder Jamie Tworkwoski To Speak At NCSP’s “Rally To Prevent Suicide” In Washington, D.C. this Saturday, April 21st

April 18, 2018 by Leave a Comment
To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) announces founder Jamie Tworkowski will speak at the National Council for Suicide Prevention’s (NCSP) first national Rally To Prevent Suicide this Saturday, April 21st from 5:30pm-6:30pm on the West front steps of Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Alongside the NCSP, the National Council for Behavioral Health, the American Psychological Association, the Cohen Veterans Network, and other leading health organizations, TWLOHA will add their voices to the call for Congress and the President to make suicide prevention a public health priority. For more information, please visit: www.rallytopreventsuicide.org.
On the upcoming event, TWLOHA founder Jamie Tworkowski shares: “We’re so excited to participate in the Rally to Prevent Suicide. It’s an honor to stand alongside so many organizations and individuals who are working hard to save lives. We’re proud to represent the TWLOHA community on Saturday in Washington, and you’re certainly invited to join us!“
Between 1999 and 2015 suicide claimed 604,878 American lives and an estimated 15 million more attempts. Current data indicates increases in middle-age adult suicides and in youth (ages 5-14) suicides reaching a 40-year high, compounded by 20 veteran suicides every day and additional active duty military suicides daily.
Everyone is welcome to attend the Rally to Prevent Suicideand show their support for improving the mental health of all Americans and preventing the tragedy of suicide. Attendees will be able to hear from top leaders in the field of mental health and suicide prevention and listen to stories of hope and resilience from individuals who have struggled personally and families who have lost loved ones to suicide.
To Write Love on Her Arms is a nonprofit dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. It exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery. Since its start in 2006, TWLOHA has donated over $2 million directly into treatment and recovery and answered over 200,000 messages from over 100 countries.
This past September, TWLOHA wrapped its 6th annual campaign to honor National Suicide Prevention Week and World Suicide Prevention Day. The organization was overwhelmed by the amount of love and support shown during this year’s campaign, titled, “Stay. Find what you are made for,”during which over $103.5K was raised for treatment and counseling. The campaign was shared by supporters all over the world, including NBA player Kyle Korver, US Women’s National Soccer Team stars Alex Morgan, Christen Press, and Ashlyn Harris, actress Shantel VanSanten, Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman, Dustin Kensrue of Thrice, actress and singer Debby Ryan, The Ready Set’s Jordan Witzrigreuter, and Jess Bowen of The Summer Set, all of whom were featured in a special video message directed by Dustin Miller, a Florida-based filmmaker and longtime TWLOHA collaborator: https://youtu.be/37cB2CQt_YA.
WHAT: “Rally To Prevent Suicide”
WHO: National Council For Suicide Prevention, TWLOHA Founder Jamie Tworkowski, and more
WHERE: Capitol Hill | West Front Steps | Washington, D.C.
WHEN: Saturday, April 21st | 5:30pm-6:30pm
National Council for Suicide Prevention:
The National Council for Suicide Prevention, a national coalition of seven leading nonprofits working to end suicide in the United States, works to advance suicide prevention through leadership, advocacy, and acting as a collective voice for those impacted by suicide.
Filed Under: charity/notforprofit, health Tagged With: , , ,

Spring into Fitness with this Gear

April 18, 2018 by 9 Comments

Now that the weather is starting to warm up, we are excited to be headed back outside more often. Here are some of our favorites for ready-for-Spring fitness wear.

Ready to hit the trails? Us too! This has been a long winter (thanks, Phil) and we are more then enthusiastic about warmer weather and more outside time. If you are a runner, walker, or hiker, you will love these new sneakers from Brooks Running. The Launch 5 is a lightweight shoe with a mesh outer layer that keeps things airy. It has a “BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning and rebounding rubber create a springy feel underfoot”. (What does that mean? It’s basically providing adaptive cushioning throughout the midsole as well instead of just the usual support only in the heel and forefoot. The more you know.) It’s a truly comfortable shoe for everyday wear as well as for running. It works well for the gym (even if the treadmill you get stuck on is a bit shoddy), trails, and sidewalks- we’ve had no complaints over here. $100 at http://www.brooksrunning.com

Another option is the Adrenaline GTS 18, which is extremely supportive and well cushioned. These shoes are known and trusted for their amazing fit, and we completely agree.  One of their features that helps with this is an “asymmetrical 3D Fit Print and TPU saddle pulls from the heel and wraps around your midfoot for a secure fit”.  It also has the BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning that we had mentioned above, as well as an integrated Segmented Crash Pad that cushions your feet as they land.  If you are all about support and soft landings, this is the shoe for you. We’ve used these on about every terrain you can think of, both running and as casual wear, and they have been holding up extremely well and have become the favorite sneaker of a very, very picky runner.  $120 at http://www.brooksrunning.com

For ladies’ support without the underwire, check out the Fiona Bra. This bra is easy to get on and off, comes in a multitude of colors, and is easy to wear for a long day. It has molded cups, velcro adjustable straps (which actually stay in place, surprisingly) and a padded back hook-and-loop closure. The sides come up high enough so there is no leakage, and it will hold you in place as you move about. The compression is excellent. These run from $30-$50 depending on size and color preference on http://www.brooksrunning.com
 
 The Insect Shield Albany Pant by Craghoppers are great for year round travel and outdoor activities, and now that the weather is more agreeable to more time outdoors, we are making the most of them.  These  chino-looking pants are easy to wear to any occasion, they they are a true trail pant. Very lightweight, quick drying, they have both an Insect Shield as well as Solar Shield to keep your days out as pleasant and ouch-free as possible.  The material makes it easy to brush of water, mud, dirt (etc) and keep moving comfortably. Easy wash and dry (we prefer to hang them to keep the insect and solar shields lasting longer) and wear again and again. These are pants you will find yourself reaching for all the time, and wondering what you did without. $80 https://www.craghoppers.com/us/
 
The Insect Shield Luna Tights by Craghoppes are a go-to favorite now the the weather is starting to warm up. Soft, lightweight (but not see through, blarg!) the new Luna Tight is activewear you can wear on the trails, to yoga, or just running around. They don’t slide down or ride up, which means you aren’t tugging on them all day (and no one will see any more skin then you intended while in yoga class). These are truly comfortable, and the Insect Shield as well as Solar Shield gives you double protection while you are exploring the great ourdoors.  These come in dark navy and charcoal/white print.  $60 at https://www.craghoppers.com/us/
 
Nuu–Muu activewear sports dress goes from yoga to running to running errands effortlessly, and you feel good while wearing it. I love this dress, I always feel pretty when I wear it, and receive compliments and “where can I get that?” questions. It’s just “one of those” things. 

While it’s a dress you can wear to the gym, to yoga, on a hike- you can wear it to the PTA meeting or anywhere else you’d like as well, it’s super versatile. The colors are both vibrant and beautiful, and there are quite a few options available as well as new neckline options.

Designed to flatter women’s bodies and made from fabric that feels as good as it looks, Nuu-Muu is an easy option for exercise, travel and everyday life. Designed to cover most sports and regular bras completely for maximum versatility and made in the U.S.A. You can wear it alone or with leggings or shorts for more coverage (or for class), and that also makes it even easier to transition.  In sizes “0” to 3LX and in child sizes as well, prices vary depending on item. The sizing is different then other garments, so read the chart before you order- but the fit itself is fantastic. You can pick yours out at https://nuu-muu.com

 
Filed Under: clothes and shoes, fitness, review Tagged With: , , ,

Puzzles for Differently Abled Kids 

April 17, 2018 by Leave a Comment

TCG has assembled an exciting campaign to benefit Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks Canada. A leader in puzzles and games for the whole family, TCG is donating 1% of net sales on more than 80 of its puzzle products to help raise awareness and funds for research. It is a program the company initiated in 2016. Each puzzle box features the recognizable Autism Speaks puzzle piece logo.

TCG also created an Autism Speaks page on its website. The page includes more information about the company’s commitment to the charity as well as further details and stats about autism spectrum disorder, a condition that affects one in every 68 children in the U.S. and one in 66 children in Canada.

Since its founding in 1998, TCG has been dedicated to social responsibility for children and adults and the alliance with Autism Speaks is a reflection of that commitment. With the Autism Speaks’ puzzle-piece logo, which symbolizes that autism is just a piece of a person’s story, puzzles seem like a perfect fit for the partnership.

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. SRPs range from $3.99 for a 200-pc puzzle to $7.99 for a 1,000-pc puzzle.

In addition, TCG’s future plans include introducing a unique line of puzzles geared specifically to the autistic community that would feature images with distinct colors and contrast.

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One Thousand Nights and One Day,” a new musical at ART/NY Mezzanine Theatre

April 16, 2018 by Leave a Comment
One Thousand Nights and One Day will play the ART/NY Mezzanine Theatre (502 West 53rd Street between 10th and 11th Avenues) and is produced by Prospect Theater Company (Cara Reichel, Producing Artistic Director.)
 
In mythic Persia, a daring young woman spins tales to save the kingdom and her life. In modern-day New York, a Jewish man and Palestinian woman fight to find love in a fractured world.  This world premiere musical, adapted from Jason Grote’s critically-acclaimed play 1001, reinvents “The Arabian Nights,” colliding the contemporary and the ancient.  Through a genre-bending score, it questions past and present images of the Middle East, exploring the power of story in our everyday lives.
 
One Thousand Nights and One Day features Sepideh Moafi (“The Deuce”, “Falling Water”), Ben Steinfeld (Fiasco Theatre Company’s Into the Woods), Ashkon Davaran (The Great Comet – Ars Nova), Yassi Noubahar (The Body Politic), Chad Goodridge (Passing Strange), Gabriella Pérez (Anything GoesNational Tour), and Graham Stevens (Peter and the Starcatcher).
 
One Thousand Nights and One Day features choreography by Karla Garcia(Regional: In The Heights; currently performing in Hamilton), scenic design by Jason Ardizzone-West (The Royale, Illyria), costume design by Becky Bodurtha (The Strangest; The Wife), lighting design by Carolyn Wong (This Was Written In Water; The Oracle) and sound design by Jeremy J. Lee (Tamar of the River; Broadway Associate: Superior Doughnuts; Mary Stuart). Kurt Crowley (currently the musical director/conductor of Hamilton on Broadway) serves as musical director and co-orchestrator with Marisa Michelson.

Photo: One Thousand Nights and One Day PHOTO CREDIT – Richard Termine

In Prospect Theater Company’s new play One Thousand Nights and One Day, a musical adapted by composer Marisa Michelson and librettist Jason Grote from the 2007 play 1001. Based loosely on a retelling of the Arabian Nights story of King Shahryar (Ben Steinfeld) and his wife, Scheherazade (Sepideh Moafi), who tells stories in order to delay her own execution and to save other women in her kingdom, the play then tells a more modern tale of Alan and Dahna (same actors). These students, a Jewish man and a Palestinian woman, go through the trials of a relationship in current New York City.

The new musical has been developed with the support of New Dramatists, Montclair State University’s New Works Initiative, Theatreworks Palo Alto, the York Theatre Company, and the Weston Playhouse.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting ProspectTheater.org or calling (212) 352-3101.

Filed Under: lifestyle, theater Tagged With: , ,

Create a Family Holiday Tale of Two Cities – Birmingham to Andalusia

April 16, 2018 by Leave a Comment

It’s always fun to travel abroad with little ones, however it can be just as challenging as it is exciting. Whether you live in Birmingham or this is just the first leg of your holiday, the one thing you may want to make easier on yourself is getting the kids safely to the airport. If you are encumbered with luggage and kids, parking far from your concourse makes it almost too stressful to make it worth taking such an extended holiday.

Make Travelling Easy with Birmingham Airport Park and Fly

Perhaps you should take advantage of the hotel park and fly Birmingham Airport service that makes it easy for you to get everyone and everything to the flight safely. According to birminghamparking.com, you should arrive the day before your flight, stay at a Birmingham Airport hotel and leave the rest to the park and fly service. It’s amazing just how easy they make it for families travelling with children!

What to Do in Family Friendly Andalusia

When visiting the autonomous community in the South of Spain, it isn’t so much what to do but rather where to go. Spain is known for its fun-loving atmosphere and so you’ll find the historical region as the perfect part of the country to enjoy a family friendly holiday. Whether you choose to stay in the area’s capital of Seville or one of the other amazing cities such as Cordoba or Granada, you will find an amazing number of things to do and see that are truly family friendly.

Fun in the Sun – Seville

What parents love most about Seville are the sunny beaches and beautiful parks to enjoy with their children. Not only is this the birthplace of the flamenco and bullfighting, but Seville sports some of the loveliest architecture in the nation. If you are looking to see more of the region, hire a car in Seville and then take a road trip with the family. Plan your day well so that you know where to stop to enjoy a picnic, explore some of the whitewashed towns and village off-grid, and then hike the numerous footbridges seemingly suspended in mid-air. You must also make time to take the kids to the olive groves and olive oil farms because it’s thrilling to see how this heart-healthy oil is produced.

And Then There Was Food…

While you may think that Spanish food is a bit too spicy for the sensitive tastes of children, that isn’t quite accurate – spicy maybe, but not necessarily hot. It is rare to find a café, restaurant or even a bar in which children are not welcome. Don’t be put off by the fact that few restaurants in Andalusia sport children’s menus. It is rare to find one that does have separate offerings for kids. However, most restaurants will cater to children with smaller appetites and if you ask, they will delight you with plates especially prepared for those little people with little stomachs.

Don’t forget to join your kids for a traditional siesta before hitting the streets again for a bit of shopping and sightseeing. This may be the one time of the year where parents don’t need to feel guilty taking a nap in midday. It’s a way of life here, so enjoy it while you can.

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Travel Tips for Young Families

April 16, 2018 by Leave a Comment

It’s that time of the year again. Summer is quickly approaching, and it’s time to plan your next family vacation.

After you select your destination, you must plan the logistics of your trip. This is especially true if you are traveling with young children.

With careful planning, your trip can be exciting and stress-free. Here are a few travel tips for young families.

Pack the Essentials


It’s easy to get carried away when you are packing for a family vacation. If you’re not careful, you might pack more than you and your family need.

Take a moment to think about your destination. Make a list of essential items that your family will need to make the trip enjoyable.

For example, essential items for a beach trip include swimsuits, goggles and water shoes. Although it would be nice to pack inflatables, they might take up too much space in your luggage or your car.

Purchase Snacks Before the Trip


Whether you are traveling by car or airplane, buying snacks on the road can be expensive. For a family of 5 people, one trip to the convenience store could cost you over $25. Spending large amounts of money on snacks isn’t as cost-effective as getting title loans in Rock Hill.

Before you leave for vacation, take a trip to the grocery store. Purchase your snacks in bulk. By taking this action, you can select healthy snack options and save money in the process.

Dress Casually


When you travel with young children, you must be able to move around freely. Keep this in mind as you are packing your attire for the trip.

Be sure to pack plenty of casual clothing including tennis shoes, athletic wear, flat shoes and t-shirts. It’s okay to pack a few pieces of dress clothing for a special outing.

Pack an Activities Bag


Most children are active. They like to be occupied at all times. One way to satisfy their need to remain active is by packing an activities bag. Here are a few things that you can include in the bag.

  • Crayons
  • Coloring books
  • Reading books
  • Electronic tablet
  • Playing cards

Use Curbside Baggage Check


Walking through the airport with young children and multiple bags of luggage can be stressful. Although bringing luggage on the airplane can save money, it can be a chore to keep up with the luggage and your children. It might be worth the cost to spend the extra money to take advantage of curbside baggage check. 

Enjoy Every Moment


It seems as if time passes quickly when you have children. For this reason, you should make the effort to enjoy your vacation.

You should be mindful that some parts of the trip will be challenging no matter how carefully you plan. Try not to get upset when things don’t go as planned.

Traveling with young children doesn’t have to be stressful. These travel tips can help you enjoy every minute of your family vacation.

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