Five Family Friendly Destinations for 2017

It always takes a little extra thought to plan a holiday when you have kids. Long gone are the days when you could jet off at nary a day’s notice. As parents, we need to make sure any destination is child-friendly and suitable for the whole family. But taking some extra time doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the best destinations that the world has to offer. In fact, why not make a point this year to take the family on an adventure somewhere new? To help offer some inspiration here are five super places you should consider for a holiday in 2017.

Cape Verde

If you’ve ever fanciest taking the family to see the natural beauty of the Canary Islands, but were put off by the high-rise hotels and throngs of tourists, then Cape Verde is for you. With all the beauty and more of the nearby Spanish archipelago, Cape Verde makes a fantastic alternative to Tenerife and Lanzarote. The laid-back African island nation offers some of the finest unspoilt beauty you’ll find anywhere. Across its ten islands you’ll discover stunning beaches like Mindelo beach on São Vicente, ordramatic mountains like as Pico do Fogo on Fogo island. The island’s beguiling culture blends Portuguese and African influences and is worth visiting for in its own right.

Ibiza

Don’t doubt this Balearic Island’s family-friendly credentials. Ibiza may conjure up images of super-clubs and party beaches, but this multi-faceted Mediterranean gem has plenty to offer children. The island’s beaches are worth the plane ticket on their own, and there are enough of them that it can feel like you have one each! Visit Cala Llentrisca to enjoy some seafront seclusion, or take the wee ones to Cala Tarida for a more activity filled day by the beach. If lounging in the sun gets to much, then why not take the kids zorbing, or on a trip to one of the island’s waterparks? After that take a trip to the colorful Hippy Market in El Cana to pick up some mementos of the trip.

Sri Lanka

For the more adventurous families out there a holiday to Sri Lanka offers an unforgettable experience. Embodying the mysteries of the orient, the island still has the power to amaze and enchant. Few destination offer as much opportunity to discover amazing wildlife, and a trip to Minneriya National Park is a must. Here you can see herds of elephants roam in their natural environment, and even spot leopards, crocodiles, and the odd monkey! For some history take your children to Sigiriya and teach them about the county’s ancient civilization and colorful past. For family’s with older children, a hike up the famous and sacred mountain of Sri Pada will offer views and memories that will endure long after you get home.

St Lucia

If you have the picture of the perfect Caribbean island in your mind, then it probably looks like St Lucia. This stunningly verdant isle, offers the archetypal Caribbean experience thanks to the blue waters, golden beaches and lush greenery. The island’s most famous sites are the two Pitons. These towering volcanic stacks are a must see, and a trek up the larger of the two – Gros Piton – should be doable for older children and teenagers. Families with younger kids can just enjoy the breath-taking views from the beaches below.

Mauritius

This Indian Ocean nation is more than worth the long-haul trip. With unbeatable natural beauty, this tropical paradise has a world of things to experience. Thanks to its well-developed tourist network it is easy to get around and its turquoise coastline is peppered with first-rate resorts. Make sure and visit the amazing Seven Colored Earths, and enjoy a visit to one of the island’s many nature reserves. Keep a lookout for its colorful bird life, especially the famous pink pigeon! Thanks to the island’s Chinese, Indian, and French influences, the food isn’t bad either.

Radiators: An Exciting Prospect?

In today’s fast paced world of interior design, radiators are now (maybe surprisingly) the must-have essential in any home. Gone are the days of standard, run-of-the-mill items which were meant purely for practical purposes, as in their place are stunning centerpieces which not only provide warmth and heat, but look absolutely beautiful too.

These previously innocuous, rather cumbersome objects have been given a complete overhaul, and do not need to be hidden from view by unattractive radiator coverings. The era of the traditional radiator-typically an underperforming, clunky piece of metal, is now over. Designs have naturally advanced into more stylish, modern creations, and this began initially with the introduction of towel warmers in the bathroom.

Once homeowners start upgrading one room, they then think of ways in which to improve other areas of their property. And this is why there are so many different styles and shades to choose from when it comes to contemporary radiators. Plain, uninspiring single panels have been substituted by slim, lightweight multi-panels. Finishes such as brushed chrome, mirror and matt colored metals introduced consumer interest, and radiators experienced a massive resurgence.

Perhaps the most notable of all are mock-Victorian style radiators, as they contrast particularly well in all types of settings. From industrial-inspired rooms to minimalist town center apartments, any kind of property will benefit from the inclusion of these highly desirable household items. The radiators of today come in such a variety of shapes and colors, so there is plenty to choose from if you are searching for something which perfectly complements the décor of your living quarters.

Horizontal radiators will comfortably fit into more tricky spaces, whilst vertical radiators make the most of small rooms beyond the bathroom or kitchen. Modern radiators can now be the central focal point of any lounge, living room or dining area. Neutral walls contrast perfectly with brighter colored radiators (especially greens and blues). If your walls are painted in more striking hues, then maybe understated cream or beige tones would be more suitable.

When it comes to buying the perfect radiator, you want to avoid a clash of colors and styles. For example, if you favor traditional, rustic pieces then sleek, metallic vertical radiators would not go with anything, and stand out like a sore thumb. However, vertical radiators are ideal for smaller flats or mid-terraced properties, as they are inexpensive and take up very little space.

In order to find the perfect centerpiece for your home, it is important to do a little research before settling on the right supplier. You need to procure a radiator from an established and reputable retailer in order to guarantee 100% satisfaction. At Designer Radiators Direct there is a widespread and varied choice of top of the range radiators for you to consider, entirely at your leisure.

When it comes to functional, aesthetically appealing electric radiators, then no other competitor comes close. And, if you need to make any adjustments and modifications to an item then all bespoke requests will be taken into consideration. Due to the fact that there are so many products on offer, it is certain that even the most discerning homeowner will find something which catches their eye.

Every radiator is thoroughly checked and tested out before installation by a team of fully skilled, qualified professionals who have years of expertise in the trade. So, if you want to save both time and money and cut down on heating costs considerably then investing in sleek, uber-stylish electric radiators is the way forward.

And who wouldn’t want to get straight out of the bath on a chilly winter’s day and snuggle in a cozy, pillow-soft towel, ready and waiting for you to wrap up warm and toasty?

Win 6 months of Hulu to celebrate The Powerpuff Girls #PowerpuffOnHulu #ad #RealLifePowerpuff

This post is in partnership with Hulu. All opinions are my own.

Hulu is celebrating the launch of The Powerpuff Girls by highlighting amazing girls across the country!

These #RealLifePowerpuff girls are doing rad things and inspiring others along the way, whether working in the fields of science or sports, or doing great things for their families and community. Do you have an awesome, inspiring young girl in your life? Share your #RealLifePowerpuff girl by posting a photo or video of them on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and tag it with #RealLifePowerpuff and #Contest. Don’t forget to include what makes her awesome and they might get shared and enter you to win a special PPG prize! Visit the official website for more information.

The #RealLifePowerpuff contest is currently running as of this post, read all Terms & Conditions here.

Rad, amazing, inspiring young women come from all walks of life and one of the most exciting are in the field of physics.  There is one young woman who built a working airplane at the age of 14, her name is Sabrina Pasterski and she is one to watch for.  She has already graduated MIT with a 5.0 GPA and is working on her doctorate as well as written multiple scientific papers.  Sabrina has given talks at Princeton, Harvard (including the Faculty Conference), MIT, and Forbes Summit Philadelphia. Apart from NASA showing interest in Sabrina, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and aerospace developer and manufacturer of Blue Origin, has also offered her a job.  She is currently researching black holes, gravity and space-time, areas of study tackled by Einstein and Hawking before her.  She is one to keep an eye out for because she will be making some huge discoveries and answering some very big questions in the coming years.

The Powerpuff Girls centers on three sugar-coated superheroes, Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, whose missions in life alternate between going to school, fighting crime, winning at hopscotch and saving the world before bedtime. The girls are frequently called upon by the town’s mayor to help fight nearby criminals using their powers. While their differences cause them to squabble and tease, their individual strengths combined always lead them to victory. They rely on teamwork, trust, and friendship to thwart evil (in the most adorable way).

Hulu is THE streaming destination for the best of TV, and a great selection of films! Plus, you can stream almost anywhere, on any device, including gaming consoles, set-top boxes, tablets, mobile phones, and more. Visit Hulu.com to start your free trial.

You can win 6 months of HULU here. Just use the RC Form to enter. Good luck!

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Win Sci-Fi Junior High Prize Pack #ad #SciFiJuniorHigh

Disclosure- This post is written in partnership with Jimmy Patterson.

About the Book

Presented by James Patterson’s new children’s imprint, this gleefully illustrated space adventure is a laugh on every page. That’s a lot of laughs!

Kelvin Klosmo isn’t just the new kid at school – he’s the new kid in the galaxy! Welcome to Sci-Fi Junior High: an inter-galactic space station with students of all shapes, sizes, smells, and… slime content. As the son of Earth’s two most famous geniuses, Kelvin isn’t just the smartest kid in the world….he’s the smartest kid in the UNIVERSE. At least, that’s what everybody at Sci-Fi Junior High thinks.
So, maybe Kelvin lied a little about being a genius to fit in. And maybe a mad scientist is about to take over the universe unless Kelvin can stop him. Maybe everyone is doomed.
Well, at least Kelvin won’t have to worry about math homework anymore.
Sci-Fi Junior High is an out-of-this-world story about friendship, accepting our differences, and the fight against evil… bunnies. Yes, evil bunnies – don’t ask.

About the Authors

Scott Seegert is the author of the Vordak the Incomprehensible series. He lives in Farmington, MI with his wife, Margie, and their three children.

John Martin is an illustrator, graphic artist, and website designer. He is the illustrator for the Vordak the Incomprehensible series. He lives in Farmington Hills, MI, with his wife, Mary, and their three children.

You can follow online and on social media.

Visit jimmypatterson.org

Follow Jimmy Patterson on Twitter +  Instagram + Facebook

Follow John Martin on Twitter +  Facebook

Follow Scott Seegert on Twitter +  Facebook

Hashtag #SciFiJuniorHigh

One winner will receive the below prize package- ends April 1, 2017.

Smartest Kid in the Universe!

One (1) winner receives:

  • Copy of Sci-Fi Junior High
  • Kid’s telescope to explore the galaxy

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Personalizing Your Decor With Your Own Travel Photos

Our homes are intensely personal places. We love to bring our own touch to our home, to make it look like our own instead of just a generic space where we store things and sleep.

The personalization of a home includes every element, whether we rent or own. We choose an overall design based on what we like, and then we select paints, floor coverings, and other final details that match our personal tastes.

One of the things that really finishes a home is art. After getting everything else set according to what we like, we can get the final flair with artwork. And today, even that final element can be supremely individualized. It’s now easier and more affordable than ever to include fine art prints of our own photographs.

It used to take considerable effort and money to take and develop photographs that were suitable for framing. In the days before digital photography, you had no way of knowing if you had gotten a good shot until you were already back home–and by then, you might have had no way to go back and try again.

And even after all that, you still had to find someone in your hometown who could print the final product onto some type of medium that would look nice on your wall.

Everything has changed about that now. The advent of digital photography has made the whole process easier, and you can now get beautiful photographs from your own experiences–travel in particular–to decorate your home.

Imagine all the travel options you have, and then imagine being able to come home and document your journeys on the walls of your home! What would be the most unique would be to tie in the photos with the function or design of the room.

For example, after an amazing Brazilian hang-gliding excursion, you could have a huge print made for the soaring open space of a vaulted ceiling in your living room or foyer. Or a culinary trip to Italy could be remembered through a series of photos hung throughout your kitchen.

If you love classical music and had the opportunity to take in a performance by the London Philharmonic. The photo of you and your family in your formal attire standing outside the venue is the perfect choice for a portrait atop your piano or near where your own strings are played.

Of course, you can play it in reverse as well. As you think about what to use for the walls of your sports-viewing man cave (or woman cave), why not set out to get just the right photos? Travel to different pro stadiums, college sports venues, and Olympic cities to get photos of the places where your favorite moments have taken place.

For a personal touch, join a wedding photo with some more modern shots of you returning to the site of your honeymoon or destination wedding. You could even repeat it periodically to document your marriage in year 0, then year 10, 20, and so on. You’ll not only decorate, you’ll make an amazing tradition.

Your home should reflect what you like and what’s important to you. What fits the bill better than your own photos? Hit the road, document your stops, and return with some perfect personal decor.

 

Unique Ways to Preserve Family History

Connections are a critical part of our culture. It is in our basic nature to search for connections with other people. Ancestors and families can assist in creating a huge sense of connection. Many times though, we can feel as if we are alone, but if we reach out and try to learn more about our ancestors, it can at times give us the answers and or the sense of belonging that we need. We feel as if we are a part of something larger than ourselves. Each family has its own heritage and it is well worth it to preserve that heritage.

Photos

How many boxes of old family photos do you have in your attic? How many photo albums are on your shelves? Now, how often are those photos looked at? Maybe once a year? When family comes in from out of state? At reunions? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could have some special photos, or one special photo to pass down that would be looked at more often? That is easy to do. Now, you can have custom photo blankets made. Just find that special photo that you want to remember and for your progeny to remember for years to come and have it made into a blanket!

Videos

How many of you remember mom, dad, or some other older family member chasing you around with a video camera of some sort? That was a great way to capture more than just a moment. Do you ever go back and watch those old home movies though? You might consider having a family movie night one night and get out all of those old home movies and watch them. This could be a great way to show your kids what life looked like when you were their age.

Record Those Memories

Yes, media changes through the years, but you can always have recordings changed over to the latest and greatest media. How cool would it be if you had recordings of your great grandparents’ voices as they were telling stories? This is a great way to preserve family memories. Even if you don’t have recordings of your elders, you can make recordings for your future generations to listen to. You can also interview your elders to make recordings for you and for the future. Preserving living memories and connecting with your family members are critical aspects of a family history. You can use a digital recorder or even a smartphone app. A camera will also help you preserve those old stories and share them with other members of the family while preserving them for future generations.

Record Everything You Learn

As you begin to learn more and more about your ancestors, you can add the information you come across to the family tree. You can also share it with other members of your family. Remember to encourage them to share what they learn with you as well.

Start a Blog

This doesn’t have to be for the general public, but it would be a good idea to start a family or personal blog. It can be a fun way to make sure that the important experiences in your life will be recorded for future posterity. You can also share the blog with your family and friends. Many of the blogging services you can find online are free and most of those free ones are also quite easy to use.

Social Media

There are so many tools that you can find online today. Take advantage of these tools to share your photos, or other types of updates with your friends and family. You can even upload images of important family documents. Social media is a great way to make sure that your family history is shared with the family.

Remember that your family history consists of so much more than simply research, records, and dates. It is the stories behind the people. It is the culture and knowing where you came from. It can’t define you, but it can let you know what is in your past. It is important that you learn this and then save it for future generations. Knowing your family history can give you a sense of purpose and belonging. It can connect generations past, present, and future. Take the time to discover and preserve your family history while you can.

 

Google Chromecast at Best Buy #ad @BestBuy @Chromecast

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.

Chromecast Audio is a fun little gadget, it lets you stream many forms of online audio to any speaker system.  All you need is a smart phone, tablet or computer, wi-fi and an audio in jack, which is available on almost all audio systems made.  The device is small and easy to use, and also doesn’t eat up your cell phone battery with Blue Tooth usage.  Chromcast Audio itself interfaces with your cell phone and supports many audio apps, including Pandora, Google Music and Spotify, for a full list check here: chromecast.com/apps.  Now you can easily fill every room in your home with synchronous music. Simply group Chromecast Audio devices together so you can listen to the same song on multiple speakers.  Making a full home audio experience possible.  This is great for cleaning days when zipping from room to room, cleaning up the kitchen, bathroom, dusting, etc.  No one wants to clean quietly.  Music is a great way to pass the time and actually enjoy yourself while working.

What we like best about the Chromecast is its ability to interface with all manner of speaker systems, where all that is needed is an open audio port and an outlet.  This brings the music with you wherever you go.  From parties to vacationing, you will find many reasons to plug in the Chromecast Audio.

Since this is a Google device, the interface is easy, the device itself is well built and works exactly as you wish it to.  The audio quality is sharp and on point with little to any drop outs.  Since this works off wi fi the connection is stronger and the bandwidth greater leading to better more reliable sound.

Head over to Best Buy and see for yourself, you will really enjoy this lightweight and super portable device.

Johnsonville’s Spark the Season #FirstBrats #ad

Warmer weather is on the way, get your grill ready! If you are like us, and on the older side of millennials- one of the over 80% of “mature millennials” – you might also rank grilling as one of your favorite summer activities.People who love to grill can’t wait to grill – and these extreme grillers may even do it when it’s not quite time yet.

Johnsonville’s Spark the Season is ready to come out of the “dark period” of winter and get grilling. Spring, and new chances to cook and eat outdoors, signifies Spring beginning just like flowers and warmer weather.

Former Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher helped Johnsonville grill and serve bratwursts at Sunday’s Chicago Polar Plunge on March 5, 2017, in Chicago. (Jean-Marc Giboux/AP Images for Johnsonville)

To kick off this new beginning, Johnsonville has partnered with former pro linebacker Brian Urlacher and is sponsoring the 2017 Chicago Polar Plunge, so shivering participants can warm up with our piping hot Johnsonville #FirstBrats of the season, fresh off the burners of the Big Taste Grill.  What could be better? Other then a warm beach somewhere, LOL.

The Big Taste Grill is a 20-foot tall, 65-foot long grill, which cooks 2,500 brats an hour or 750 bratwurst at a time on its 40 square feet of grilling surface.

The Plunge is hosted and benefits Special Olympics Chicago, which aligns directly with the charitable mission of the Big Taste Grill. If these extreme plungers are willing to jump in freezing water for a good cause, Johnsonville should be a part of it, as we don’t let weather get in the way of what we love – grilling brats.

Former Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher helped Johnsonville grill and serve bratwursts at Sunday’s Chicago Polar Plunge on March 5, 2017, in Chicago. (Jean-Marc Giboux/AP Images for Johnsonville)

Also, you can enter Johnsonville’s #FirstBrats contest, which begins March 8, 2017 and ends May 15, 2017.  Here is some info!

  • Contest Period: The Contest begins at 12:00 PM Eastern Time on March 8, 2017 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on May 15, 2017.
  • There are two (2) ways to enter:
    • Online: During the Contest Period, an entrant may visit www.FirstBratsContest.com, enter his/her email address, and follow the instructions to register by entering all information requested on the registration form. After an entrant has registered, he/she may follow the instructions to upload one (1) photo of his/her “first grill of the season”.
    • Social Media: During the Contest Period, an entrant may (a) log in to his/her Twitter or Instagram account, follow @Johnsonville on Twitter or @jvillesausage on Instagram (if he/she does not already), and post a Tweet/post that includes one (1) photo of his/her “first grill of the season” and the hashtag “#FirstBratsContest” or (b) log in to his/her Facebook account, visit Sponsor’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/johnsonville/, and post a comment responding to Sponsor’s Invitation Post that includes a photo of his/her “first grill of the season” and the hashtag “#FirstBratsContest.
  • One (1) Grand Prize winner will receive snow removal or lawn care for a year, a value of $1,500.
    • Following the Contest period, all eligible entries received during the Contest period will be judged by a panel of qualified judges selected by Johnsonville. The judges will score the entries according to the following weighted criteria: creativity, photo quality and relevance to the Contest theme (e.g., entry captures the passion for grilling even if the weather is not ideal for grilling).
  • Limit one (1) prize per person
  • There is a limit of one (1) entry per entry method per person per calendar day during the Contest period (i.e., an entrant may receive one entry each via www.FirstBratsContest.com, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) for a total of five (5) entries per day.
  • Official Contest rules can be found at www.FirstBratsContest.com.

Good luck! And enjoy Spring and all the upcoming grilling.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Johnsonville. The opinions and text are all mine.