What To Put In An Easter Basket

April 6, 2017 by Leave a Comment

With Easter just around the corner, you are likely thinking of what you might put into your children’s Easter baskets this year. Here are a few fun suggestions that we think you and yours might enjoy.

Surprizamals are the perfect toy to put in your basket- they are cute for any time of the year, but love them for Easter baskets because they come in their own balls that are roughly the size of your basic plastic egg. The “surprise” is that you don’t know what animal comes inside each ball- there are even some very rare ones your child will enjoy looking for. These toys are small, cute, and inexpensive, and the “surprise” aspect of them really makes kids like them that much more. Not to mention, that they are easy to collect. An easy win.  Available at https://www.surprizamals.com/

We’ve mentioned Whiffer Sniffers before, but there is a new series out as well as new Spring/Easter exclusives that little fans or collectors will really enjoy. These scented plush characters really smell like they are supposed to.  They are fun toys that come with clips so that they can hand off your child’s backpack (or whatever they prefer). These small toys pack a large fragrance as well- several months later, I still smell the ones he’s had on his backpack from August. Not overwhelming. Also, the sweet smell of confections is one I will take over the gross “little boy playing” smell any day of the week, I will tell you that. There are several sizes and styles available for each character-  snuggley super size, a backpack clip, and scratch ‘n’ sniff stickers. You can also find exclusive characters only found inside specially marked mystery packs. Ah, the fun is in the hunt, right? Grab yours at a toy store near you or at http://whiffersniffers.com/ .

Perfect for Spring as well as any Doc McStuffins fan is the Doc McStuffins Baby Check Up Lil’ Nursery Pals doll collection. Yes, quite the mouthful of a name, but the doll is perfectly sized for little hands and arms and designed for kids in that Pre-K-K age. The outfits on the dolls (or doll styles) come in Bumblebee, Ladybug and Blue Bunny.  These baby dolls are inspired by the Doc McStuffins Toy Hospital Nursery your kids might watch on Disney Junior, and every doll wears her own spring themed costume and comes with an included pacifier. Available in most retails stores for about $9.99.

If you are traveling this holiday, you might want to take along a familiar friend. Peppa Pig has her own portable night light that kids will love and is easy to bring with you wherever you go- she also looks cute sitting in an Easter basket. So, fun meets function, my favorite. This Peppa Pig Soft Lites is plug free and needs 2AAA batteries (which are included) to emit a soft glow that will comfort kids as they fall asleep. $15 on http://www.tech4kidsdirect.com

Looking for a fun bunny to add? How about Mim-Mim? If your kids are fans of this newish TV show, they will love the toys available. Not only is there the large, purple bunny from Mimiloo, Mim-Mim, but also friends like Tack. You can get these toys in stuffed versions or in a figure pack. The Mimiloo Friends Figure Pack comes with Kate, Mim-Mim, Lily, Boomer, and Tack. These brightly colored and unusual creatures will be fun additions to your child’s basket, and let kids act out favorite scenes from the show or imagine their own adventures. Books and DVDs are also available, such as the new “Kate and Mim-Mim, The Mimiloo Zoo”. There are books for the littlest kids, such as “Kate and the Mitty Kats”, as well as stepping up readers. Prices vary.

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The 3 Best Big Budget Turntables in 2017

April 3, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Even before the advent of CDs and MP3s, vinyl record players had been around for a long time serenading homes, restaurants, and other public places. The best quality budget turntables were an important part of many people’s lives that up until today they are still of interest to many despite new advances in audio technology. Apart from avid collectors and vintage enthusiasts, many music lovers today still prefer listening to their favorite records on these prized turntables.

 

The increased interest in vinyl records has become so evident these days that most records are now also produced in vinyl. Vinyl record stores are beginning to see flocks of people buying the format. Hence, this may be the best time to buy a vinyl record player. Not to mention, you also get better sound quality than using regular headphones.

 

Quality vinyl record players are not hard to find in today’s market. Online and brick and mortar stores have lots to offer depending on your preferences. The challenge is finding one that is cheap, but at the same time, provides satisfactory quality for your listening pleasure. For those on the lookout for affordable vinyl record players, here are the three best budget roundtables for you.

 

  1.    Pyte PLTTB3U

Costing only $96, this budget roundtable has all the basic features that you need. It has a familiar classic 1210 style known for product quality. It is a 7.8 lbs belt drive player with line out and USB port. It runs at  33 1/3, 45 RPM boasting good, solid performance with no major gripes. It also has adjustable counterweight and antiskating controls. For sound upgrades, investing in a good cartridge is highly recommended.

This stellar performer is good for those who are new to vinyl record players or those who don’t want the complicated accessories and additions but still get a satisfying performance.

 

  1.    Lenco L-85

This belt-drive performer is a great choice for those who want it dead simple. Weighing very light at 5.5 lbs the cartridge included, it can easily be moved around from your bedroom to any part of the house. The Lenco L-85 runs at 33 1/3, 45 and has a USB port but doesn’t have a line out, which is okay for those who want a private music experience. For $150, this good performer may not be able to compete with pricier models, but it does good enough in providing great music experience. This very easy-to-use turntable may not be within the likes of experienced vinyl record player owners, but it is definitely perfect for those who want it very simple.

 

  1.    Pro-Ject Elemental

For $229, this turntable loved for iconic design, boasts of killer sound performance that can rival even the pricier alternatives. The Pro-Ject Elemental is a 6-lb direct drive player with line out and plug-and-play design that works extremely well. Stability can be an issue, considering the design, but it’s a minor glitch for the quality you get in the amount you pay for. This turntable is not only pleasurable to the ears, but also to the eyes as it can fit easily into modern home interior design.

 

With the many choices in turntables available on the market, buying one that is perfect for you may be very challenging. But with great advice from experienced people and some patience in researching, you will be doing just fine.

 

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6 health gurus to follow on Instagram in 2017

April 3, 2017 by 1 Comment

Getting fit is among the priorities that most people like to put on the top of their list. It’s no wonder with all the work-related stress, unhealthy food, and inactivity that we are all exposed to. But sometimes getting fit is easier said than done. And so, we need a little more push, a little more motivation, and a little more inspiration to get moving. Look no further because here are some  top fitness gurus with the most likes on Instagram that are worth following.

Jeanette Jenkins (@MsJeanetteJenkins). Being a celebrity trainer and nutritionist, she is one fit lady that will motivate you to get up and get moving. She has over 25 years of experience as a health and fitness expert and has trained celebrities like Pink and Kelly Rowland. Her Instagram account showcases workouts, healthy eating advice, and positive thinking.

Natalie Uhling (@natalieuhling). This lady is a beauty both inside and out because she puts in the work needed to be fit and to stay fit. She is known for creating NUFit and for being an international movement specialist. NUFit is a combination of kickboxing, dance, and total-body toning that will surely get your body moving and sweating. Her Instagram account features a lot of movement with pictures of her doing handstands and kickboxing, as well as videos that will inspire you to build your balance and be stronger.

Keoni Hudoba (@keonihudoba). Keoni Hudoba was once overweight, weighing around 300 plus pounds. He decided to turn his life around and lose weight. Now, he is a master trainer and is known for creating the Cyc Fitness indoor spin class workout. You’ll find a lot of motivation and challenges on his Instagram account with his complex moves that will involve bringing a friend along for your fitness training. So team up with your buddy and get in on the action.

Massy Arias (@massy.arias). Massy Arias is a health coach and personal trainer that has a massive 2.2 million people following her account. She was born in the Dominican Republic but has been living in America since she was 14 years old. Her Instagram account has captions that are both in English and Spanish and provides inspiration for getting fit as well as inspiration to eat well. Find your balance and take your workout up a notch with her fitness training.

Amanda Bisk (@amandabisk). Get fit and motivated with yoga, fitness inspired routines and workouts, and beautiful scenery. This is what you’ll get from Amanda Bisk, a former Australian pole vaulter and at present, an exercise physiologist, athletics coach, and yoga instructor. You’ll be inspired by the story of her journey from being an athlete to what she is now. Be prepared to bend and stretch with her yoga moves.

Jessamyn Stanley (@MyNameIsJessamyn). Being fit does not necessarily mean having a certain body type. This rings true in Jessamyn Stanley’s Instagram account where she posts about yoga and being positive about your body. She is a yoga teacher, a writer, and a body acceptance advocate. So no matter what body type you have, believe that you can do yoga.

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Sing Movie Gift Pack at @BestBuy #bbymovies

April 2, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Disclaimer:  The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Good news- you can grab the new Sing! movie at Best Buy. It’s really cute.  If you haven’t seen it, now is the perfect time. Grab a copy and have a movie night with the family!

If you don’t know much about the movie yet, SING is a wonderful, funny, heartwarming film with great music and a fantastic cast. My son loved it, and is so excited to have his own copy. He has watched it about a zillion times now, and he said it’s one of his favorites.

Best Buy has an expanding selection of kids and family movies that you can get either online or in-store.  Movies are always a great gift, or fun for your family’s movie nights or rainy days.  You can check out the amazing selection right here– see what strikes your fancy.

Pick up a copy of the SING for your next family movie night, it’s the perfect movie for everyone. Do you watch “American Idol” or “The Voice” or any of those? If so, you will really enjoy it. We don’t watch a lot of singing shows, but we still thought this was a fun one.  For a limited time, you can get an adorable collectible lunch box as well 🙂  If you spend $25 on select movies, you get a $5 gift card as well. It’s a win-win.

And there is another bonus of getting the DVD, even if you already saw the movie in theaters. The music-filled comedy will include over 60-minutes of bonus content and will incorporate three all-new entertaining mini movies featuring the cast from SING as well as an exclusive Tori Kelly music video and a variety of musical extras.

 

I think your family will really enjoy this one. Head over to Best Buy and pick up your copy today!

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Candy Free Easter Baskets

March 29, 2017 by 1 Comment

With Easter around the corner, you are likely starting to gather items for your children’s baskets. You probably don’t want to fill them with candy, and might be looking for other small items to put inside. Here are a few toys we think are a great fit.

Are your children fans of Super Wings? The new Super Wings Vroom ‘n Zoom are great for pre-k and toddler aged kids, they push to rev up, then release them to speed away.  Jett and friends available, $5.99.  Also available are the Super Wings Transform-a-Bots four Pack. These planes can transform from planes to robots in just three easy steps, each slightly differently, since they are shaped uniquely. Transform-a-bots let your kids recreate favorite scenes from the Super Wings TV show or imagine whole new helpful deliveries. $11.99

super wings toys
PJ Masks, another show for young kids, makes similar cars. PJ Masks Mini Vehicles feature your favorite heroes from the hit show.  You can get Catboy in his Cat-Car, Gekko in his Gekko-Mobile, and Owlette in her Owl Glider. Each car is $6.99 at stores like Walmart and Toys R Us. The cars are a good size for small hands, and are easy to push and roll around.

Madballs are great for slightly older kids, and even tweens. They are fun, gross, and collectable. Millennials and kids born around that time might remember them- they were first out in 1985 (so dad will likely get a huge kick out of them as well).  Icky faces made of foam that are also great to throw, hit, bounce, etc- everything you’d do with any other ball, but these are “way more better” since they have gruesome features.  They come in the classic 3 inch (typical ball-ish size) and mini blind bags. Six Madballs characters are currently available: Dustbrain, Horn Head, Oculus Orbus, Screamin’ Meemie, Skull Face, and Slobulus. $7.99 each, $2.99 for the mini blind bags.

no candy Easter Basket

If you want to take the fun outside, check out Bunch O Balloons. These are like classic water balloons, except you can fill AND tie 100 of them in less than one minute. Really. These balloons not only fill quuickly, but are self tying. If you ask me, that’s alwyas the worst part, the tying.  Just connect the ballons bunch to your hose or sink, and fill them up- done. The balloons are also biodegradable, so if you miss a few pieces when picking up after yourself, at least it’s safer. OK, maybe that’s the best part. We love these, it’s hard to pick a best part. Oh wait- did I mention they now come in “Minion” form? Yes! SO much fun. You and the kids will have a blast with Bunch O Balloon warfare. $9.99

You can also get the portable Bunch O Balloons Filler/Soaker to take with you on the go. Wherever you want to take your water balloon fight you can. No need for a hose, just put the balloons on the front nozzle, put the filler into a pool, bucket of water, any body of water, and fill it. It also doubles as a water gun, huzzah for double use!  It is $14.99 for the Filler/Soaker and 3 bunches of included Bunch O Balloons.

Animal Jams are adorable toy pets that you “adopt”. After you open your new friend, you can also activate them online on the Animal Jams website.  The site helps you keep track of your collection as well as unlock special online accessories and play games. Kids can also learn about plants and animals, but we recommend parents monitor all chat on the site to be safe. There are all sorts of options, ranging from blind packs, pets that come with their own pet (really), playsets, and more. They are a great size for an Easter basket, and quite a few of them are even “Easter Egg” sized. Just right! Prices vary per product. Available in many stores as well as online at places like Amazon.

animal stickbots

To add more animal fun to your Easter basket, a personal favorite of ours, Stickbot, now introduces Stickbot Pets. These are so much fun and let your child be so imaginative, we can’t say enough good things about Stickbots. They are inexpensive, nearly impossible to break, teach your child technological and creative skills like photo and video editing, and inspire hours of fun. With the addition of pets (including not-so-pet-like animals like gorillas and pandas) your Stickbots and Pets can have more companionship on their adventures. Who knows where they will end up? Let your kids find out. Love. These. About $5 each in stores like Target.

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5 great accommodation options for surfers in Bali

March 29, 2017 by 1 Comment

Bali Island offers more than just majestic white sandy beaches, alluring tropical rainforests, world class restaurants, and shopping centers. The paradise island is also home to the best surfing spots in the archipelago. Because of the favorable weather conditions existing almost all year round, and the diverse forms of waves that you can find in the surrounding waters, Bali has become a popular choice for local and international surfing competitions and of course recreation. Whether you are a beginner or a professional surfer, you will surely find your place on Bali Island.

 

Here are five of the great accommodation options that you should consider for a complete and memorable surfing experience in Bali. These hotels and private villas are not only close to the best surfing spots on the island, but they also feature incredible architectural design, exceptional service, and outstanding amenities.

 

  1. Mick’s Place in Bingin Beach

 

Resting on a low-lying cliff in western Bukit Peninsula, Mick’s Place is a one-of-a-kind resort with its 180-degree view of Bingin Beach and the stunning sunset scenery of the Indian Ocean horizon. The resort complex consists of seven bungalows of Polynesian architectural style and beautifully landscaped tropical gardens. During the day, you can enjoy a variety of water activities such as surfing and snorkeling in the cool and pristine waters. At night, you may treat yourself to a relaxing coconut oil massage.

 

  1. Blue Point Villas and Spa

 

With 57 guest rooms and 29 luxurious villas, this resort complex is considered a paradise for surfers and regular tourists as well. Blue Point Villas and Spa overlooks the famous Suluban Beach, also known as Blue Point. It is famous for its unique cliff-top chapel, exquisite restaurants, and lush spas inside the estate. This resort complex is also strategically located near the best surf breaks in Bali including Suluban, Padang-Padang, and Uluwatu. Surfing lessons are also offered for beginners and long-time enthusiasts alike.

 

  1. Villa Impossibles

 

Villa Impossibles in Uluwatu is a luxurious six-bedroom villa resting on top of rugged boulders at the bottom of the cliff. Similar to a lighthouse, it has a perfect uninterrupted view of the beautiful coastlines and clear ocean waters. Villa Impossibles is also just a few minutes away from some of the most popular surf breaks on Bali Island. The incredibly-designed estate can be rented for up to 12 guests or as individual rooms for smaller groups. It is also a perfect venue for tropical weddings and other different occasions.

 

  1. Puri Dajuma Beach Eco-Resort and Spa

 

This beach resort is a four-star resort located on the western side of Bali Island. From Puri Dajuma Beach Resort and Spa, the black sand surfing area of Medewi Beach can easily be accessed. There is no need to worry if you are a beginner, as surfing lessons are offered to guide you. Puri Dajuma is also just a few minutes away from Pekutatan Beach where you can enjoy a lot of activities including diving, snorkeling, and trekking across adjacent rice fields.

 

  1.  Premier Surf Camp

 

Premier Surf Camp is perhaps every surfer’s ideal place to stay while in Bali in terms of price, convenience, and service. The eight-room resort is close to two of the best surfing spots, namely Pererenan Beach and Echo Beach. They offer surfing lessons for any skill level and board rentals as well. During sunset, you can enjoy a picturesque view of the ocean while dining authentic Balinese seafood cuisine. You can also experience utmost serenity on the Premier Surf Camp as it is not as crowded as other surfing spots on the island.

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Plan Your Next Vacation to Dubai – The Pearl of the Desert

March 28, 2017 by 1 Comment

The rise of Dubai has been more than exceptional. Come on, even in the 1960s, it was a sea-facing piece of desert. Now, it is the land of world’s tallest building, Audi cars made from white gold and is the most popular work destination (no, it is very difficult to buy land and live there even if you have money) for almost everyone. It is equally good for travel, as we can see from those travel packages, being offered by many of the known operators. Another added advantage is the ticket price which is affordable for Indians. Whether you love to play it safe and get a package tour or you want to be adventurous and do everything by yourself is up to you. I will suggest that you buy a travel insurance for your Dubai Trip, and not just any insurance, the best travel insurance policy available in either case. It will keep you safe, trust me. In case you lose your luggage, passport or any other important item, one call to the insurer can ease all your worries.

OK, now that I have told you that, it’s time to tell you what to do when in Dubai; what to see, what to eat and where to take selfies.

Dubai, at max, is a megacity, going by the geographical size of it. Most of the attractions would be urban attractions. And it is very easy to cover these locations I am going to suggest, firstly, because they are not far from each other and secondly, as you can guess, Dubai is very well connected. The view of Dubai when the plane descends can tell you that.

I would have loved to start with Dubai airport itself, I love to spend some time there every time I land in Dubai or taking a connecting flight from there, but some of my readers may find it too stretched. Keeping that urge aside, let me tell you what you can find in the city itself.

Burj Khalifa: Ah! The famous Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. What’s more magnificent is that it is not a solid, tall, un-poetic building like Empire state or the now-gone twin towers. This is a well-designed building, something you would love to admire, for quite a while. Once you are done comprehending how big it is, how tall it is and taking selfies in the front, take the elevator and move to the top of this building.

There is an observation deck at the top from where you can see the skyline of Dubai and the view is simply breathtaking. Experience this, you will not forget it. Once you come down, look back to realise how far you climbed really. You might get vertigo, standing on the ground!

Dubai Mall: Every Indian city has one “largest mall of Asia”. Old joke? Alright. If you want to see a big mall, visit the Dubai mall, you might get lost and ask for directions, this is an incredibly big mall. It provides entry to the famous Dubai Aquarium, as well as Burj Khalifa. The number of shops and eateries is virtually endless and if you want special discounts, like every other Indian, try either the Dubai Summer Surprises in July-August or Dubai Shopping Festival in January-February.

There is an ice skating rink, cinema halls (multiplexes, for modern day Indians) and gaming zones. There are endless daily shows as well and you will invariably walk into a fashion show or live music show or something similar.

Jumeirah Mosque: This is probably the most beautiful mosque you will see in your life. It is large, like many other Dubai attractions, but surely it is not kept like we keep our pride, Jammah Masjid in Old Delhi. This is an exact copy of Al Azhar mosque of Cairo, but it is eight times bigger.

One of the finest examples of Islamic architecture, this grand structure is awe-inspiring. You can get a guided tour of the mosque and apart from wowing at the grandeur, you can also develop a better understanding of Islamic culture, a much-needed commodity in the modern world.

Dubai Aquarium: Dubai Aquarium is the attraction which you should not miss at any cost. It has over 140 species of undersea life which are in an incredible display in a tank which is suspended in the Dubai Mall (on the ground fall in case you are wondering). You can immediately view the aquarium when you enter the mall for free! Moreover, you can have access to the aquarium tunnels if you enter via the Underwater Zoo.

If you are looking for thrills, then you have the shark diving activity along with the milder cage snorkelling. Don’t forget the glass bottom boat tours either, you will simply love it. 

There are so many places left in Dubai that I am planning for another blog. Pack your bags and experience something incredible. You will love every moment of this tour. But don’t forget to buy a travel insurance, as I said above, if you want to enjoy the journey, an insurance is must to take care of any risks or losses. I have no intention of dissuading your holiday mood, but as said, “precaution is better than cure”, so what if any unforeseen event happens? So, make some space in your bag for your travel insurance (though you can buy travel insurance online and store it in your phone as a soft copy!)

Go ahead, enjoy and don’t forget to repeat, Dubai is the pearl of the desert.

 

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Great Tips for Traveling While Studying

March 28, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Many of us dream of seeing the world. In truth, there is no better time to do it than while you are at college. You’re young enough to enjoy it, experience everything, and have no responsibilities at home, but old enough to appreciate all the world has to offer and be safe while you travel. Unfortunately, however, many students are put off traveling due to the rising costs of both travel and tuition, as well as the worries that they won’t be able to commit to their studies while they travel. This doesn’t have to be the case; if you want to travel while you are at school, you can. Here are some great tips to help you.

Study Online

There are some great options when it comes to online study. With so many courses now available, there is bound to be something that suits you. Degrees available include addiction studies online from the University of South Dakota. Courses such as this in growing industries could offer you a fantastic future career, but studying online gives you the opportunity to study flexibly, and on the move, while you travel.

Travel Out of Season

Avoiding the main holiday seasons is the easiest way to save money. You might be surprised to learn just how much you could save by moving your vacation dates by just a week or two. Traveling out of season also allows you a more relaxing time, and a better chance to experience local life.

Avoid Tourist Spots

Another way to save money on your travels is to avoid tourist hotspots. Traveling to quieter destinations will save you money, allow you to relax, and give you a more authentic view of local life. Eating away from touristy restaurants and instead opting for local, family run eateries is another excellent way to save money.

Plan Ahead

Think about when you should travel. If you’ve got big exams or assignments coming up, either avoid travel completely, or head out for a relaxing week away. Save the exciting adventure breaks for after exams. Use it as a way to celebrate and unwind after all your hard work.

Technology

Technology can be exceptionally helpful when it comes to traveling while you study. Especially if you are intending to travel for long periods of time and study while you are away. A lightweight laptop means you can study from anywhere, without losing any ease of use or connectivity. An eReader is also incredibly useful, as it allows you to take all your course books away with you, without worrying about the weight or baggage.

There are also some great smartphone apps, which can help you to study and aid your travels. These include maps, translators, budgeting tools and itinerary creators.

Traveling while you study isn’t just possible; it can also be incredibly rewarding. Travel can help you relax and blow off steam, both of which can improve your focus, making you more likely to succeed at school. You may even gain experiences on your travels, which will help you secure a great job upon graduation.

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