HGTV’s Santa HQ at Freehold Raceway Mall #SantaHQ #loveHGTV

November 22, 2016 by 3 Comments

santa visit

It is that magical time of year again, where malls across the country are packed with shoppers, including kids and parents of all ages. One of the main draws of shopping at the mall, beyond the shopping, is to see the big man himself Santa. This year HG TV brings you a very special Santa’s HQ, where visitors travel to the North Pole and explore the big man’s abode. The visit starts interestingly enough, with an app download. There really is an app for everything. The app is called Elf-Ray vision, and should be downloaded before you get to the mall.

app for santa

This app gives the user a special insight into the working of the elves. Point your phone at the walls, and see what the elves have been up to. Once activated, the gears show elves working hard behind the scenes or getting ready for the big day. These scenes are dispersed at various places all along your trek, so keep an eye out. The first step is the “Elfie Selfie” in Santa‘s workshop where, after snapping your pic as an elf, you star in your own holiday video (that also features some HGTV favorite stars) that you can share with with your loved one as well- just email it to yourself on the tablet.

visit santa

Next up is the Naughty or Nice O’Meter. Users input their name, then they are measured on whether they have been naughty or nice. My son was just barely nice, according to the meter, but he made the cut…..so far. Then off to the observatory where your Elf Ray vision really kicks in, and you can see an incredible display with twinkling snow and presents. The end of your visit culminates in a family photo, and then a meeting with the big guy himself, Santa. Make sure your kids bring him a list- then you can avoid those post office lines 😉

mall santa

Guests of the mall are invited start to making reservations by visiting www.santa-hq.com. Guests also can enter to win $10,000 in cash online at www.santa-hq.com/sweeps orwww.mallsweeptakes.com or in mall at the Concierge Desk beginning November 14th.

Enjoy your visit!

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide 2016, holidays Tagged With: ,

What your pets do when you’re not home? #TheSecretLifeOfPets #PetsPack

November 22, 2016 by Leave a Comment

DISCLOSURE -Your post is in partnership with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment

Ever wonder what your pets do when you’re not home? The Secret Life of Pets is now available to own on Digital HD!

Download your copy today from iTunes (also available on Google Play, Amazon Video, and more). It’s the only way the whole family can watch The Secret Life of Pets over the Thanksgiving holiday. And don’t forget, Digital HD allows you to watch the film on any device, anytime anywhere.

The download also comes with three hilarious mini-movies: the all-new Norman Television and Weenie PLUS Mower Minions. Check out a clip from Mower Minions below:

ABOUT THE FILM

FROM ILLUMINATION ENTERTAINMENT AND UNIVERSAL PICTURES, THE HUMANS BEHIND THE DESPICABLE ME FRANCHISE, COMES AMERICA’S #1 ORIGINAL FILM OF THE YEAR!

In their fifth fully animated feature-film collaboration, Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures present The Secret Life of Pets, a comedy about the lives our pets lead when we leave for work or school. Max, voiced by Louis C.K., is a loyal terrier living a perfectly happy existence until his owner, Katie (Ellie Kemper) brings home Duke (Eric Stonestreet) a big, boisterous mutt she finds at the shelter. When Max and his unruly new “roommate” slip away from their dog-walker, they find themselves lost in the urban jungle of New York City. In an attempt to stay ahead of animal control and a rebel band of abandoned pets led by an unhinged bunny named Snowball (Kevin Hart), they put aside their differences to survive the epic journey back home.

With an all-star voice cast including Louis C.K. (TV’s Louie), Eric Stonestreet (TV’s Modern Family), Kevin Hart (Ride Along Series), Jenny Slate (Zootopia), Ellie Kemper (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Lake Bell (TV’s Children’s Hospital), Dana Carvey (Wayne’s World), Hannibal Buress (Neighbors series), Bobby Moynihan (TV’s “Saturday Night Live”), Steve Coogan (Minions) and Albert Brooks (Finding Dory).

OFFICIAL WEBSITES

Visit the Official Site

Like ‘The Secret Life of Pets’ on Facebook

Follow on Twitter and Instagram

Filed Under: entertainment, movie Tagged With:

Take advantage of furnace filters this winter

November 21, 2016 by Leave a Comment

pic3

FURNACE FILTERS – the unsung hero of effective central heating.

In this article, we’re going to figure out what a ‘furnace filter’ really does, how it effects the warmth and comfort of your house and whether all types of homes – including your apartment – needs them.
What is a furnace filter then?

Your furnace works by drawing in air, heating it up, and forcing the air back out to the central heating system around your house or apartment. With all the air coming in and out of it, it needs a filter to make sure it doesn’t clog up with dust and gunk.

The furnace filter protects the blower fan from all the dust and yucky bits that the furnace’s duct pulls in. Its job is not to clean and purify the air, as many people believe, but to remove contaminants and prevent the air-circulation of dust, and any other type of debris, in your home – very useful indeed.

Thanks furnace filter.

How do I maintain my furnace filter?

Every home should have a furnace filter. It’s vital in controlling the air quality of your home as well as the smooth running of your heating.

So, how do you maintain your furnace filter? Does it need to be changed? How often?

Your filter needs to be replaced as often as is necessary, and depends on your home environment. If you have pets who shed hair or family members with severe allergies, you will have to clean it out more often than if you don’t.

Changing your air filter around 4 times a years (without any pets or other special circumstances involved) is a safe bet we’d say. Again, this all depends on the type of filter you have and individual circumstances.

You can also vacuum and clean your filter as often as possible to increase its lifespan.

Worried about costs? Don’t be! Filters are cheap to replace – don’t fear – it’s not going to be a bank busting investment every few months when it’s time for a replacement.

Tip: When buying a new filter, make sure you know what type of filter you’re looking for! They come in a vast range of different shapes, sizes and qualities and you don’t want to come home with the wrong one!

Does my apartment need a furnace filter?

Yes. Every furnace needs a filter to run efficiently.

Some apartment complexes will do this for you… however, some won’t.

When moving into your apartment make sure not to overlook this and ask the landlord how your heater/air conditioner works. If there is a misunderstanding and no-one is looking after your furnace, your air-quality and heating efficiency is going to start heading south. Not only this, but it will also hit your bank balance! A poorly filter makes for a poorly, ill-running furnace that will have to work twice as hard to clean the air.

If your landlord is not involved with the maintenance of your furnace, don’t panic! It’s easy to do by yourself.

Just follow the tips provided above as a brief guide to furnace filter upkeep.

Hopefully we’ve shed some light on your filter furnace frets and concerns. For more tips from the top about heating and radiator upkeep and repair, whether it’s for trade radiators, or stylish radiators check out Designer Radiator Direct.
 

 

Filed Under: home Tagged With:

How Does the Sun Age Your Skin?

November 21, 2016 by Leave a Comment

We all love when the sky is a pretty blue with a scattering of puffy clouds and a heaping helping of bright sunshine. Many of our best memories are made outdoors. From early afternoon picnics to lazy days spent at the beach to fun outings at the park, sunny days are the best kind of days. However, in all the busyness of those fun times in the sun, sometimes we forget to protect ourselves from the sun’s rays. Here is a quick look at how the sun ages your skin and what you can do to protect yourself from that damage.

What are three signs that your skin may have aged due to sun exposure?

  • The first sign you may notice is loss of moisture in the skin. Skin that has been damaged by the sun often loses some of its moisture and essential oils. This results in skin that is dry and can be scaly or itchy.

  • Another sign that your skin has been damaged is sunburned skin. Skin that has been exposed to the sun for too long can redden and hurt. Not only is this sort of sun injury painful, but frequent sunburns can increase your risk of skin cancer.

  • A third sign that your skin has been damaged by the sun is an increase in wrinkles. Sun-exposure damages the elastin in your skin, making your skin sag and loosen. It is no longer as elastic and doesn’t spring back when stretched, which increases skin wrinkling.

What are some ways you can prevent your skin from aging prematurely?

  • Limit the amount of time you spend in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm, when the sun’s rays are at their strongest and most damaging.

  • Slather on the sun block. Choose a sun block with an SPF of at least 30. Also, be sure that your sun block is broad spectrum, which means that it doesn’t just protect against one type of the sun’s rays, but instead protects against both UV-A and UV-B rays.

  • Reapply sun block after swimming, toweling off or excessively sweating.

  • Don’t forget to protect your lips. Many lip balms now come with sunscreen in them. Choose one in a scent you like which will make reapplying often more enjoyable.

How can you minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles?

  • There are several ways to minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Although injections are an option, many people prefer using a peptide cream both for its convenience and its exceptional results. Here is a website you can visit for more information on this type of cream and its benefits: http://eliteserumrx.com/anti-wrinkle-formula/argireline/ .

Now that you know how simple it can be to take good care of your skin and to prevent it from being damaged in the sun, you will be able to implement these ideas into your daily skin care regimen, which will give your skin a more youthful and glowing appearance that you’ll love.

Filed Under: beauty Tagged With: , ,

The 5 Most Beautiful Natural Attractions in Canada

November 21, 2016 by 2 Comments

Canada is known for many things, but one of the reasons why many people decide to plan a visit is to take in the country’s natural beauty. Canada is renowned for its multitude of National Parks, each one featuring unique and different natural wonders to take in. For the outdoorsy type, one of Canada’s parks or popular tourist spots is perfect and each of them provides opportunities to indulge in nature and get plenty of fresh air while enjoying the sights. Here are 5 of the most beautiful locations in Canada for the first time or well seasoned traveler.

canada vacation

Niagara Falls

The Niagara Falls are located in Ontario, directly across the border from the United States. They are a part of the large, flowing Niagara River that makes up a 36 mile length along the area. The falls are known for their pretty scenery as well as their high power flowing strength, which is used for hydro power. There are three waterfalls that make up the Falls are named Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Niagara Falls hotel options are plentiful, as the Falls are an extremely popular tourist destination for travelers worldwide.

The Niagara Falls region has tons of entertainment options, from clubs, pubs and shopping malls all the way up to amusement parks and museums. It is also known for its vibrant nightlife with thousands of visitors from the greater Ontario area and Northern United States filing the streets. The region offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban charm which makes it a perfect destination for the whole family.

Gros Morne National Park

Located on the coast of Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park offers fantastic views of nature and exciting activities for hikers and outdoorsmen. The park is located in the cold region of the country, and is the second largest park in Atlantic Canada. Summer and spring are the best times are the year to visit due to there being more options of activities when the weather is warmer. During the warmer months, hiking, fishing, boating, and more are available to Park visitors. If you are lucky, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of some of the protected wildlife that roams Canada’s parks.

The Rocky Mountain National Parks

The Rocky Mountain Parks are located in the Canadian Rockies. They consist of four national parks and a handful of other nature parks, each one full of visual splendor for visitors to discover. The area is very diverse, with almost every park exhibiting different characteristics. Hiking, fishing, and other mountainous activities are very popular in this area with locals and tourists alike. The Rocky Mountain National Parks span a large enough space that any number of sports and natural attractions are available to those who wish to see them.

Historic Lunenburg

Historic Lunenburg was discovered and settled in 1753 by the founding fathers. The town itself is full of cultural and historical sites, as well as beautiful natural marvels. Located in Nova Scotia, Lunenburg was a site of the French and Indian War that occurred in the mid 1700’s. Historical landmarks such as battle sites and safe houses are easy to find in this old town rich with the cultural and natural beauty that visitors have come to expect from Canada. Today, Lunenburg is a huge fishing area, where experts and amateurs alike can come partake in the many fish and lakes available. It is known for its large, old shipyards during the 1920’s, many remains of which can be seen today.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise, named after the daughter of Queen Victoria, is located in Alberta, Canada, in the mountains. Lake Louise is well known and picturesque due to the water’s bright emerald coloring, which it gets from the water run off from melted glaciers. The lake sits on a ski resort, which is a very popular pastime during the winter months. During the other half of the year, hiking and watersports abound on and off the lake. Canoeing and kayaking are very big in this area due to the length and speed of the water.

These are only a few of the many natural wonders Canada has to offer. Scenic views are plentiful throughout the entire country and span through all regions and seasons. Winter activities are easy to find in the colder regions with fresh snow and friendly ski lodges at almost every turn. So if you want a change of the ordinary, with a down-home charm, why don’t you head up north and see what this beautiful country has to offer.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: , ,

pediped® Reveals Limited Edition Web-Exclusive Styles @pedipedfootwear

November 21, 2016 by Leave a Comment

baby shoes

Award-winning children’s footwear brand pediped® has just launched launching their Limited Edition style. You can purchase these limited styles on their website at www.pediped.com/limitededition.aspx

The Charlie Herringbone and Faith Snake limited edition Originals® baby shoes have a small run of 72 pairs each. Each pair in this exclusive series will come with an individually signed and hand numbered card.

Dressed in a brown and tan herringbone pattern with chocolate leather accents, Charlie is sure to bring a sophisticated and classic style to any baby’s wardrobe. Wrapped in sparkly and colorful faux snakeskin with a large black velvet bow accent, Faith exudes major chic attitude and is here to grab all the attention.

Don’t miss the opportunity to own one of these Limited Edition styles! The 144 pairs are expected to sell-out quickly so keep an eye on the pediped® Limited Edition webpage to make sure you grab your pair.

About pediped®
Exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort, and distinctive styling have made the award-winning company the fastest growing children’s footwear brand in the United States. pediped® footwear has been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for the promotion of healthy foot development, and preeminent orthopedic medical professionals, Dr. Mininder S. Kocher and Dr. Thomas W. Vorderer, deem pediped® shoes an excellent choice for parents/caregivers who want their children’s feet to develop naturally and healthily. pediped® has received numerous industry awards and accolades including recognition from Earnshaw’s, the premier media resource serving the children’s market. In 2015 pediped® was recognized by the Footwear Industry Awards as the Children’s Footwear Brand of the Year and Best Children’s Shoes by Prima Baby Magazine. In 2016 pediped received a National Parenting Product Award, the Cribsie Awards honored pediped with Best Toddler Kicks, Earnshaw’s recognized pediped® with an Earnie Award for Best Footwear, and pediped received a reader’s choice award for Best Footwear from Baby & Children’s Product News.

pediped® is sold in over 750 stores worldwide with an offering of more than 150 designs for boys and girls between its three lines, Originals®, Grip ‘n’ Go™ and Flex®. The award-winning footwear is available in EU sizes 17 to 38 (US newborn to 6 Youth). For more information, visit www.pediped.com or call 1-702-567-0311. LIKE on Facebook at /pedipedfootwear and follow on Twitter and Instagram @pedipedfootwear.

Filed Under: clothes and shoes, kids Tagged With: ,

Skylanders Black Friday Deals

November 21, 2016 by Leave a Comment

black friday

If your children love Skylanders, you are going to want to know about these deals.

Black Friday Deals

  • Starter packs at $39.99 at all major retailers
  • Senseis at $9.99 at all major retailers
  • Portal Owners Pack at $25 at WalMart
    • Owners of Skylanders SuperChargers, Skylanders Trap Team, Skylanders Swap Force or Skylanders Giants do not have to buy the Skylanders Imaginators starter pack and can get the Portal Owners pack instead and use the portal from the other games!
    • Included in the Portal Owners Starter Pack:
      • Skylanders Imaginators Video Game
      • 2 Skylanders Sensei Figures –  Master King Pen and Golden Queen
      • 1 Imaginite Creation Crystal – Fire Creation Crystal
      • 1 Sticker Sheet
      • Collection Poster featuring the complete set of Skylanders Imaginator Figures

 

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide 2016, saving/money Tagged With: ,

Starry Station for Internet Control

November 21, 2016 by 4 Comments

The internet is a huge big open place with lots of distractions, and some not so nice things for kids’ eyes and ears.  The best way to keep them from seeing these things is with a fine tooth comb where you can sift through their activity and deliver only what you deem fit.  School and information related web sites, appropriate entertainment, and also limiting their time online.  In an ideal world, this would be as easy as a few button swipes or pushes, but we live in a  less then ideal world where we use flashing blinking lights on a router to show the health of our internet connection, and then complicated connection settings dialed in via specific addresses to maybe get the control you are looking for.  There is another way.

ui

The Starry Station is a wireless router which has a built in touch screen to let you not only see the health of your network, but also what devices are connected to it. You can give these devices certain access, including time limits, content limitations, and cutting content completely. This could be for things like going outside time or bed time, meal time (am I right? Get your phone off the table!) whatever works for you.  No more hiding a phone under the sheets and playing games until the wee hours of the morning.  What is most interesting about the Starry Station is how well it fits into the decor of any room, be it a living room, computer room or a dining room.  It looks like a mini work of art with lots of color and activity, but not so much that it is a distraction.

product-ambient-screentime

There is also an App to interface with the Starry Station to give even more control over your router and the devices connecting to your network.  With custom names, icons, and rules for each device it is a breeze getting started and even easier to add new devices when a friend comes by or a new device is added to the household.  Starry Station is available online at Amazon and retails for $299.95.

There is a Cyber Monday promotion for the Starry Station. From Thanksgiving (11/24) through the following Tuesday (11/29), the Starry Station will be available for $224.99 (25% the MSRP) on Starry.com, Amazon.com, B&H.com and Best Buy.com as well as in store.

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide 2016, review Tagged With: , , ,