Types Of Funeral Services

When someone you love passes away, one of the ways to remember that person is to hold a funeral service. There are three different kinds of funeral services to choose from depending on whether the person is going to be cremated or not and the number of people who you expect to attend the service. But all include a funeral director much like the funeral director Hills District.

A traditional funeral service is usually what most people think of when they think of a funeral. The service typically includes a casket, music and a pastor who gives a eulogy. The eulogy doesn’t always have to be given by a pastor. It could be by a close friend or family member. There is usually a visitation held the night before the funeral service. This gives family and friends a chance to say their final goodbyes. After the funeral service, the casket is normally taken to a cemetery for burial.

A direct burial doesn’t involve a memorial service. There could be a prayer over the body with immediate family members present. A memorial service is similar to a funeral but on a smaller scale. It is a service usually held at the funeral home before burial. This is the kind of service usually held for those who are cremated.

LBX: Little Battlers eXperience for 3DS

Disclosure- We received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest.

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LBX is one of the newest games for the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS.  In this game, you follow the adventures of Van Yamano.  Van is a little boy in a future where kids compete with LBX’s.  An LBX is a small, hand sized robot which is completely customizable and can be used to battle other LBX’s in a tournament style arena.  Van’s LBX is special though, and is one of the most powerful LBX’s available. As such, he gets into some rather sticky situations, the biggest of which is his battle to save the world from the evil corporation known as New Dawn Raisers.  The game is set up as a simple style action RPG.  This fits the game theme perfectly and makes for a fun gaming experiences for gamers of all ages and play abilities.

LBX

  • Collect and build your own palm-sized robot from more than 4,000 parts to create a one-of-a-kind LBX
  • Choose from more than 130 different complete sets of matching parts, or mix and match.
  • Customize both external parts and interior parts individually to enhance your LBX’s capabilities.
  • Battle as your LBX against friends and foes in third-person view with local wireless multiplayer mode.
  • Battle other LBX models in 20 different arenas with unique environmental characteristics.
  • In local wireless multiplayer play, up to six players can battle using a variety of different rules.

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This game is surprisingly good, to the point where even local play is a blast with friends.  We were given the opportunity to try out this game in person at the Nintendo Store in  New York City, and I can say from first hand experiences controlling and fighting other LBX players is great fun no matter the outcome.

LBX is available now for the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS and retails for $39.99, at retail stores as well as the Nintendo eShop.

The Beach House Inn, Maine

The Kennebunkport Area is one to explore in Maine and there are plenty of things to do to keep you busy. The Beach House Inn is a great hotel that you could go to stay whether it be for a family vacation, a getaway as a couple, or a seaside escape from the city. The Beach House Inn is a relaxing place to rest your head, no matter what your reason for visiting may be.

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Explore the beaches (just down the street in either direction), head into the village or Dock Square to dine or browse the shops, or visit the playground. You could also take the chance to visit the Breakwater Spa and treat yourself to a day of pampering bliss. If you just don’t feel like doing anything or going anywhere you can enjoy the view of the ocean from your room or one of the porches that wrap around the building.  The hotel offers beach towels and beach chairs for use free of charge, as well.  Just sign them out with your room number and you are good to go.

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Just a few things to do when you are in the area are visiting Maine Antiques, Kennebunkport Shopping, Kennebunkport Brick Store Museum, Seashore Trolley Museum, golf courses, whale watching, nature walks, sailing, the gyms, art galleries, shore walks, the beaches, and the First Families Museum.

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The First Families Museum is an 1853 Greek Revival house reflecting the lives of its early residents Charles and Celia Perkins, whose fortunes were connected to the thriving shipbuilding era of Kennebunkport, making the town one of the wealthiest in New England. Original furnishings and French wallpaper (in it’s original state, and full of arsenic if you can believe it!) reflect the luxurious living of the family. The guided tour presents stories and artifacts from sea captains and shipbuilders to rusticators to Kennebunkport’s most famous summer residents, former President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush and their family. It’s a fun stop to learn about the area, it’s residents, and the former president.  It doesn’t take long to get through, and yes- it has a gift shop.

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After you have had a long day of enjoying Kennebunkport, you will be hungry. Why not visit one of the local favorites, Stripers Restaurant. (Yes, the Bush family have eaten there among other famous diners.) Many, if not most of the tables offer views of the water and lobster boats that are heading to and from the ocean. Stripers Restaurant is delicious, and offers the best of coastal Maine.

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Enjoy New England seafood classics, locally sourced, as well as beautiful views. The sunsets are amazing. Feel free to take your food outside and dine on the waterside deck. Before you get started, there are cocktails and appetizers available on the Adirondack chairs on the riverfront lawn or at your table. For lunch or dinner, there are local fish, lobster, and shellfish meals-  if seafood is not your style, they do have alternatives for you.

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The dining area at the Beach House.

The lunch menu is a little lighter with salads, burgers, and sandwiches along with specialty seafood dishes. Make sure that you try their truffle fries or oysters on the half shell while you are there.  There is also a Sunday Brunch offered as a Kennebunkport  tradition with lobster omelets, Stripers burger and Bloody Mary mixes. If you would rather something more casual while you dine, The Sunset Lounge would be perfect for you. There is a huge selection of daily specials, cocktail menu and wine list for you to choose from.

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When you head back to the Beach House’s cozy rooms to get ready to relax for the evening, remember there is a fire pit outside that can be lit.  Pull up a rocking chair, grab some marshmallows or a s’mores kit  from the front desk, and enjoy your evening.  (There are no sticks to roast the marshmallows with, so make sure to bring your own).  The rooms are spacious, and have nice views and cross breezes- even though we were there in August, we didn’t need to use the air conditioner at all.  In the morning, breakfast is served in the front, and you can eat indoor or outside.  There is also a “snacktime” at around 5, when there are teas, coffees, cookies, muffins, and other food and beverages out.

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So come and enjoy the view and the great food at Beach House Inn and Stripers Restaurant. The duo is one of the best in Maine and will do the best to make sure that you have a full heart and a full stomach when you leave.  Make your reservations here.

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Win an Adorable ZippySack Bedding Set

Disclosure- We received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are our own and honest.

It’s a bright shiny day, and the best way for a little one to start that day is by making their bed, right? This is how it happens in your house isn’t it? A nice straightened out bed room with bed made with perfect corners on it? Yeah, mine too. In reality, mornings are a point in time when we all need some help sometimes- those days when little ones who just won’t move. Any way to make their morning go a bit smoother is a step in the right direction, and this is just one of the wonderful attributes of a ZippySack. This is a fun way to get kids to help- it’s a fitted sheet which also acts as a cover/thin blanket, and is easy to “make” in the morning. The easy way to make your bed with a ZippySack is by zipping it up. With a simple zip up your bed is made. Not only is it easy to make your bed, but it also adds some fun to bed time by being able to sleep as a plush.

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We were still able to use his breathe-right pillow under his zippy sack, which is great for us.

It’s hard to hold kids accountable for completing the bed-making task when really there is an art to perfecting it that most adults have problems with.  But, with ZippySack, a new, innovative line of kid-friendly zippered fleece blankets that allows kids to easily and creatively transform their bed into a cuddly friend, a simple ‘flip and zip’ makes a neat and clean bed in a synch and helps foster an early appreciation for household responsibility. Each ZippySack comes complete with a secret side pocket for bonus storage. Choose from four fun animal themed prints including Panda, Dino, Kitty and Puppy.  These are available in Twin ($29.99) and Full ($39.99) sizes (Walgreens, Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Toys R US).

ZippySack is simple and easy to use, it fits snug on a bed just like a regular sheet.  Solving one of the most common childhood sleep-time complaints, regular covers that fall off or untuck during bedtime, ZippySack keeps children warm and bundled under covers that stay in place throughout the night.

  • Soft Fleece Fabric = Cozy Throughout All Seasons
  • Snuggly and Safe
  • Cool, Hip & Fashionable
  • Strong Elastic Corners Keeps Sheet In Place
  • Machine Washable
  • Fosters sense of accomplishment

There are 8 different patterns available including robot, puppy, dino, and kitten. Each has a colorful character on it and a bright background. For those who don’t want a character, there are 2 without. One which sports a camo pattern in blue and the other, a pink floral design. As an added bonus, there is also a pocket big enough for a tablet or a book by the side of the bed.

The little guy loves his zippy sack. His main reason is that is has a huge puppy on it. He also likes the pocket on the side, a perfect spot for a small plush of course. The reason I like it because its an easy way to keep him sleeping in one spot without his nightly sleep around the bed.

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ZippySacks are available online at ZippySack.com and at fine retail stores everywhere. The twin size retails for $29.99, and the full $39.99.

One of you can win one of your own- feel free to use the RC form below. Ends Oct. 20, 2015. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Roadtrips with Kids- What to Take

When you are taking a road trip with the kids, you want them to be comfortable and occupied (and quiet!) so the trip will be more enjoyable for everyone.  Here are some new road trip accessories for kids of all ages to help you keep on truckin’.

You’ve likely heard of BubbleBum (an easy to take along car seat that folds up and flattens out for travel).  They have expanded their lines to include Sneck (a seatbelt travel pillow) and Junkie.

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The Junkie helps keep your kids organized, and the car cleaner.  It is both a car organizer and an activity station that can help keep the kids busy once you put their favorite things inside. It is easy to harness into the backseat and store activities, coloring books, snacks, drinks, and more between two children (and carseats).  There are two retractable trays, two cup holders, an insulated area for cold items, and plenty of storage.  The tote bag is removable, so you can bring your “projects” into the house, hotel, restaurant- wherever you are headed next-  easily.  Junkie makes road trips more organized.

Sneck is a travel pillow that lets kids nap easily in the car, filled with micro-beads and is plush on the outside.  The Sneck attaches most headrests easily with a Velcro strap so it stays where the child wants it to.  There is a small mesh pocket that can hold a small toy or electronic device.  Kids can use Sneck 3 ways to find the position that is most comfortable for them to sleep in.

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You can find BubbleBum, Sneck, and Junkie on Btheir website as well as Target.comBabiesrus.comSears.com and Walmart.com. You can also connect with them on FacebookTwitter and Pinterest.

NeckNapperz are easy to take along, adorable, transforming plush pillow/stuffed toys that are perfect for roadtrips, planes, trains- or even for your child’s own bed.  These neck pillows transform from plush toy into a plush neck pillow and back again, which makes them great for dual uses.  Kids are easily bored, as we all know, and being able to entertain themselves while you wait to board the plane or snuggle up with in the car, then use it when they are ready to nap is doubly-useful.
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The pillow offers support and cradles your child’s head, so none of those stiff shoulders and necks when they wake up from sleeping “funny”.  The neck pillow has a snap on the end, so they can snap it shut and secure if they would like to. It is easy to attach it to luggage or a carry on while you are moving about, so it doesn’t get lost.  They are priced at $19.99- you can get yours at http://www.necknapperz.com/

Equiptbaby is for the littlest travelers, and makes it easy to put baby to sleep wherever you are. This portable bassinet is so small, you can fold it up and put it into your diaper bag.  Made of rip stop nylon, it has SPF 50 protection from the sun to keep baby safe while he or she sleeps. Baby is visible from all angles and protected against insects with fine mesh- there are no chemical sprays used.  The inside, soft padded insert is machine washable, so if baby has an accident, cleanup is easy.  Setup is a breeze- it pops right out in about 2 seconds.  No worries!  It’s easy to fold back up too, and place back into your bag when baby wakes up.  Recommended for ages 0-6 months. You can get yours for $69.95 at www.equiptbaby.com

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If you are headed to a hotel, cabin, campground, or even a relatives house where you will need more sleeps pace then you have, check out Kid O Bunk.  These portable bunkbeds are perfect for camping, or anytime when you need an extra bed for the kids.  There are no tools needed to put it together, as it has lock in disks that snap together. They look somewhat like army cots, but are smaller in size and are built as multi-use bunk beds.  You can also use it like a bench/couch for daytime use, or side by side beds if you have the room or the kids prefer it.

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The bed’s material is machine washable, should anyone have a spill or an accident.  They come with a zippered carry bag for storage and to take it from place to place, and have side organizers to place “treasures” in for safe keeping while they sleep.  The Kid O Bunk is recommended up to age 12, but bigger kids will be too long to fit easily.  Each cot holds up to 200 lbs, so that’s a non-issue for most kids of those ages (one would think).  There are no ladders or mattresses needed- you can get your bunk for $289 at http://www.kidobunk.com or Cabela’s in lime green or teal.

Disclosure- I have received the above in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own and honest.

Disneynature’s Monkey Kingdom Out Now – Check out these fun activities

Activities available here!
Download Monkey Kingdom Activities
ABOUT MONKEY KINGDOM IN-HOME RELEASE:

Monkey Kingdom is releasing on Blu-ray, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) on September 15, 2015. The film is narrated by Tina Fey (Muppets Most Wanted, TV’s “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock”), directed by Mark Linfield (Disneynature Chimpanzee & Earth) and co-produced by Mark Linfield and Alastair Fothergill (Disneynature Chimpanzee & Earth). For more information, visit www.disney.com/monkeykingdom. And to connect with Disneynature, like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Disneynature; Tweet us at twitter.com/Disneynature, post to our Instagram http://instagram.com/disneynature and Tumblr account http://disneynature.tumblr.com..

Trident Smiles Across America #healthysmiles #ad @tridentgum

 

Disclosure- This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Trident.  All opinions are my own.

pic5Trident one of the most well known makers of sugar free chewing gum have teamed up with Oral Health America’s non-profit program Smiles Across America for the past 11 years, donating more than $2,500,000. This donation has helped more than two million children get preventative dental care so they can have a healthy smile.  Dental health is an important part of overall health and is important to learn and teach while young.  Learning proper hygiene while young may be difficult to ingrain into your children but once it is learned as habit it is a great one to have. 

During the week of September 20th, every pack of Trident gum purchased will spur a $0.05 donation to Smiles Across America, up to $250,000. Void in AL, MA and SC.

A few tips proper dental hygiene:

Brush teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes each time

Floss daily

Visit a dentist regularly – every six months

Chewing Trident for 20 minutes after eating and drinking helps to clean and protect teeth. In fact, 4 out of 5 Dentists surveyed would recommend Trident to their patients.

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What I like about is the variety of flavors, there is everything from classic flavors like spearmint, peach mango layers gum, and even orange swirl splash and strawberry lime splash.  There is currently a seasonal flavor called Pumpkin Spice variety out- because, what isn’t pumpkin spice right now? Ha. Whenever we stop at the supermarket, or local pharmacy it is always interesting to see if there are any new Trident flavors, and 9 out of 10 times there is a new interesting flavor to try.

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Trident Unwrapped are another great way to get your Trident.  Each container has 30 to 50 pieces which are already to be popped into your mouth as quickly as possible, without bothering with a wrapper for each piece, making sharing and grabbing a piece of gum while driving, very easy.

Be sure to check out Trident at a store near you and let us know what interesting flavors you have found.

National Dog Week celebrates with a gourmet Wellness TruFood truck

The city’s hottest new food truck is arriving this week! Featuring trendy ingredients like lamb, purple carrots and coconut oil, the Wellness TruFood Wagon could have dinner for – not you – but your pet! A farmer’s market food truck for the most epicurean of pets, the TruFood Wagon has made its way to the east coast after traveling across the U.S.

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A perfect way to recognize National Dog Week, the wagon features an agility course, samples of the new gourmet Wellness TruFood, a chance to win a year’s supply of pet food, prizes from a spin-to-win-wheel, a doggy drink station and more!

Pet parents can stop by any of the following events this week:

  • Friday, 9/18: Dog & Cats Rule, 3495 US Highway 1 South, Princeton, NJ, 3:00pm – 7:00pm
  • Saturday, 9/19: Bag of Bones Barkery, Mercerville Shopping Center, 364 NJ-33, Hamilton Township, NJ, 11:00am – 4:00pm
  • Sunday, 9/20: The Hungry Puppy, 1288 NJ-33, Farmingdale, NJ, 10:00am – 4:00pm
  • Friday, 9/25: Pet Central, 2643 Broadway, New York, NY, 2:00pm – 8:00pm
  • Saturday, 9/26: Pet Central, 247 West 23rd Street, New York, NY, 11:00am – 5:00pm
  • Sunday, 9/27: Atlantic Antic Street Festival, Hicks & Henry Street, 88 Atlantic Ave. & 339 Hicks Street, Brooklyn, NY, 12:00pm – 6:00pm
  • Friday, 10/2: New Rochelle Down to Earth Farmer’s Market, N. Ave. at Huguenot Park/Twin Lakes, New Rochelle, NY, 8:30am – 2:30pm
  • Saturday, 10/3: Central Park Conservancy’s My Dog Loves Central Park Fair, New York City, NY, 11:00am – 3:00pm
  • Sunday, 10/4: Bideawee’s 100th Anniversary Pet Adoption & Fall Festival, 3300 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh, NY 1:00pm – 5:00pm

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Wellness TruFood is a brand new natural pet food made with whole foods such as whole prey protein, raw produce and antioxidant-loaded superfoods. Made with colorful ingredients you can see like chicken, beets, coconut oil, kale, pumpkin and live active yogurt cultures, TruFood recipes provide pets with the vibrant, natural nutrition they need to stay happy and healthy.