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Chore war reality check, get tweens, teens to pitch in no complaints

July 29, 2015 By Leave a Comment
  1. Take Advantage of Kid’s Love of Technology … Why threaten to take away a child’s technology when you can use that technology to take advantage of a teachable-moment or drive home a larger message about being responsible? By using an online job chart like MyJobChart.com, children consistently log in, see their responsibilities that need to be done, register the completion and find out their rewards. Your kids will find themselves motivated by seeing their bank account grow or positive notes from mom and dad.

 

  1. Let Kids Earn Money to Support A Special Charity They Pick … Help your child find a charity or cause they want to support, and tell them by finishing tasks around the house, the money they earn will go as a donation. The donation could be made once a year, every month or every week, depending on your child, but if they can see how their hard work helps animals, another child or to help find a cure, they will be more engaged.

 

  1. Parents/Grandparents Match (Double) Any Savings or Donation … Make an agreement with your kids that whatever they earn, you (and even grandma/grandpa) will match the dollar amount to go toward a charity or that new toy they have been wanting.

 

  1. Connect Helping Around the House with a Special Day or Additional Activity Time … Sometimes all a child wants is some special time with mom and dad, maybe a trip to the zoo, to see a movie or to go out to eat at a favorite restaurant. Have a standing arrangement that every week or month, if assigned tasks are completed properly, you will grant them one wish to do something.

 

5. Allow Overtime … Just like mom and dad, give your kids the chance to work overtime to earn more money. Even though some jobs have a clear ending, find other jobs that your children could go above and beyond  if they request. Examples include working in the garden, painting a room, doing advance homework or helping neighbors with their projects.

 

  1. Go on Strike … If you give your children something to do and they skip out on it, do not do it for them. Even the most stubborn teen will take notice when they run out of clean laundry.

 

  1. Allow Help … During summer break or on a long weekend give your kids a large project to complete and let them invite friends over to help. While painting the backyard fence or shoveling mulch for the yard might not sound fun to you it could be a blast for a group of kids. Especially if you offer to host a pizza party after the work is done.

 

  1. Create Trades … Competition runs rampant between siblings so take advantage of it. If one of your kids is assigned a task and he/she doesn’t want to complete it, allow for trades between kids. The child who wants to trade his/her task can give up the reward tied to that chore to a sibling in exchange for the sibling doing it. If one sibling is willing to put in all the effort, the others will quickly take notice and want to contribute when they are not getting any of the rewards.

 

About MyJobChart.com

MyJobChart.com is a free, easy to use, online and mobile job chart and reward system designed to teach, organize and motivate kids to earn, save, share and spend responsibly. Located in Scottsdale, Arizona and the anchor product for LeapSpring, Inc., MyJobChart.com brings together the latest technology and basic personal finance principles to help parents teach their children responsibility, accountability and how to manage money wisely. MyJobChart.com can also be used through its Apple and Android mobile apps, allowing parents and kids the opportunity to save, share and spend from anywhere.  For more information, visit www.myjobchart.com.

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received to post.

 

Filed Under: Announcements

Really Cool Coffee is….

July 28, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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REALLY COOL COFFEE is a great way to get your daily pick-me-up in an easy to make, environmentally friendly way! Simply place one of our filter bags into a pitcher of water, let it steep for 18-24 hours, and voila: a week’s worth of fresh, cold brew coffee! REALLY COOL COFFEE sends our filter bags directly to your door, saving you time standing in line for your cup of coffee every morning. Say goodbye to a Five dollar cup of coffee and say hello to a five dollar pitcher of cold brew.

I received samples and I have to say, I was quite impressed! I was surprised that this is a quick and easy way to make coffee and it tastes good too!

Find out more at at www.reallycoolcoffee.com. They currently have free shipping too!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Zarbee’s New Vitamin Drink Mixes Fulfill Daily Nutritional Gaps in Diet

July 28, 2015 By 1 Comment
Supporting your body’s vitamin needs every day can be a challenge, especially with today’s hectic lifestyle. That’s why Zarbee’s has introduced a new line of vitamin drink mixes. The new mixes feature a proprietary blend of handpicked natural ingredients formulated to help fill the nutritional gaps in your diet to maintain better health. The new line features six unique formulations that offer a wide variety of benefits and therefore can be catered to your mood and what your body needs most daily.

“Rooted in science, our new line of vitamin drink mixes are specifically designed for adults, and like all of our products, contain natural ingredients that are safe and effective for the whole family,” said Bret Furio, Chief Executive Officer of Zarbee’s Naturals. “It’s often easy to overlook your body’s vitamin needs throughout the day while you are busy at work or taking care of your family. Our easy-to-use mixes allow for a simple and refreshing way to give your body the vitamins and nutrients it needs, allowing you to easily maintain a healthy vitamin routine.”

Being hydrated is an essential part in maintaining good health. There isn’t a part of the body that doesn’t depend on water to function. Zarbee’s various mixes are designed to be combined with 4-6 oz. of water (hot or cold depending on the variety) or with more water for a lighter flavor. Through the drink mixes, the body is getting essential vitamins while simultaneously staying hydrated. The products are also free from gluten and artificial dyes.

These new vitamin mixes have been selected by Target’s exclusive 2015 “Made to Matter” collection of leading natural, organic and sustainable brands. The drink mix line comprises six varieties, each with different properties that address different vitamin needs – including:

Multivitamin with Antioxidant: Intended to be served cold, this natural mixed berry flavored mix contains 12 essential vitamins, including 100% of the recommended daily values of vitamins A, C, D, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folate, biotin and Selenium. This high potency antioxidant formula helps combat free radical damage.*

Antioxidant Support with Honey: This high potency antioxidant formula supplies four essential vitamins and minerals to help promote healthy cells and combat free radical damage.* Served hot, its natural apple spice flavor tastes as good as it makes your body feel.

Calming Blend: This mix can be served hot or cold, and is designed to help support your nervous system and help promote calmness and tranquility in your life. In a unique natural lemon mint flavor, it delivers 12 essential vitamins including A, C, E and B-complex, as well as a blend of passion flower, chamomile and mucuna prurines.*

Invigorating Blend: In a natural lemon ginger flavor, this mix can be served hot or cold. Delivering essential B vitamins, which play an important role in energy metabolism, the invigorating blend also contains green tea leaves and guarana seed extract to help promote temporary alertness.*

Immune Support Blend: Designed to deliver key nutrients your body needs to maintain a healthy immune system, this mix contains five key essential vitamins and minerals including A, C, E, Selenium and Zinc in a natural citrus spice flavor.* This mix is intended to be served hot.

Multivitamin with Prebiotic: Best when served cold, this multivitamin is specially designed to support a healthy digestive system and contains natural inulin, a prebiotic. In a natural orange flavor, this mix also includes 100% of the daily recommended values of vitamins A, C, D, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folate and biotin.*

*THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT DISEASE.

I received samples and loved the taste and that these provide so many vitamins and health benefits!  I like that there is no unplesant after taste.

About Zarbee’s Naturals
Founded in 2008 by physician Dr. Zak Zarbock, Zarbee’s Naturals manufactures the nation’s #1 natural cough product and a complete line of “family-safe” health and wellness products that are free from drugs, alcohol, gluten and dyes. Recommended by physicians nationwide, Zarbee’s products are formulated with a special blend of natural actives and fortified with vitamins. Zarbee’s continues to innovate with doctor-formulated and recommended products for the entire family, including immune support supplements and products for cough, sore throats, and occasional sleeplessness.

Zarbee’s Naturals was just awarded 552nd place on the Inc. 5000 list for 2014.  Inc. Magazine creates this list to showcase its “picks” for the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the United States year by year. Zarbee’s is proud to have been selected for this prestigious list. Zarbee’s products are available at these and other retailers nationwide: Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Kroger. For more information, visit Zarbees.com.

Self Disclosure: I received samples to facilitate this post.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Duchess is Pet of the Week!

July 28, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Dutchess, July 30 Pet of the Week

Meet the other Duchess! She’s about four years old, sports cream-colored fur with markings that hint at a royal Siamese lineage, and is at least as lovely, genuine and sweet as that other cover girl! You can have an audience with Duchess on the shelter side of Companion Animal Village at 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A551944.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

 

Credit: Companion Animal Village.

Filed Under: Pet Corner

The Ghost Of Donley Farm By Jaime Gardner Johnson

July 28, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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Rebecca, the red-tailed hawk, is not afraid of ghosts! One night she bravely ventures into the barn to meet the famous ghost of Donley Farm. But when she finally meets him, Rebecca is surprised to discover that the “ghost” is much more familiar than she’s expected. Join Rebecca as she stays up late to talk with her new friend and find out what they have in common and how they are different.

I love how this one shows how the two characters (Rebecca and Bernard) are similar and how they are different. The For Creative Minds section allows children to continue these comparisons with activities that include: Diurnal or Nocturnal, Raptor Diets and Raptor Fun Facts. I recommend for grades K-3.

Find this fun and educational book at Arbordale Publishing.

Self Disclosure: I received a free book for review purposes.

 

 

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Logic Products: BarkLogic

July 28, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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Looking for safe and natural grooming products for your pet dog? BarkLogic products are the answer! BarkLogic is a safe, natural and effective grooming and home care line for dogs. Made without toxins or pesticides, your pet will not carry any toxic residue into their living environment or yours. All products are freshly scented. All products are also made in the U.S.A.

I received samples of the Shampoo for dogs and really liked the lemon scent. My dog smelled really clean after his bath. They also make conditioner, ear wash, Daily Odor Eliminating Spray and other products. You can find them all on their website! 

About Jill Taft, Creator of Logic Products: Entrepreneur and mother of two, Jill Taft founded Logic Products in 2011 after discovering questionable ingredients in what she thought were “natural products.” LiceLogic was the first all-natural and organic line Jill created with her unique eco-friendly formula. She soon expanded Logic Products to include brands for the family, pets and home.

 

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Photo Credit: Logic Products.

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Logic Products: TotLogic and InsectLogic

July 28, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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TotLogic from Logic Products are Natural, Safe, & Gentle Bath, Body and Hair Care Products for Infants, Toddlers, and Kids of All Ages.  TotLogic products are formulated by a leading natural product chemist, and made with a unique proprietary scented blend that is calming and soothing for the entire family. Free of sulfates, phthalate and formaldehyde, TotLogic is a pure, gentle and natural line of safe and lush body, bath and hair care products for babies and children. They are Sulfate Free, Paraben Free, Formaldehyde Free, Phthalate Free, DEA Free, PEG Free, Triclosan Free…and…Stress Free! All Logic Products are Made in the USA.

I received samples of the 2 in 1 Wash & Shampoo and I love how gentle it is. We tried it out on my 4 year old nephew and he didn’t even complain about washing his hair! My favorite is the the InsectLogic though! This is a Natural Bug Repel Gel that repels, soothes and moisturizes. It also has a pleasant citrus scent and is made with 100% plant based oils and botanicals. It is definitely eco-friendly and is DEET-free. I like that it is super easy to apply and can be used after bug bites too! A Must-Have for summer outings and camping trips! This is one product we have been using a lot lately! 

For more information go to: http://www.logicproducts.com/collections/tot-logic.  They also have sunscreen products!

About Jill Taft, Creator of Logic Products: Entrepreneur and mother of two, Jill Taft founded Logic Products in 2011 after discovering questionable ingredients in what she thought were “natural products.” LiceLogic was the first all-natural and organic line Jill created with her unique eco-friendly formula. She soon expanded Logic Products to include brands for the family, pets and home.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Any opinions expressed are my own. No other compensation was received.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Paper Towns

July 27, 2015 By Leave a Comment

PaperTowns

This highly anticipated film, Paper Towns is adapted from the bestselling novel by author John Green.  Paper Towns is a coming-of-age story centering on Quentin and his enigmatic neighbor Margo, who loved mysteries so much she became one. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Brianna B. comments, “Paper Towns is a really good film that I’m sure that teenage girls will definitely love to watch. This well-anticipated film is interesting, fun and different.”  Harmony M. adds, “The film is great and entertaining, no doubt about that, but the ending does not seem to do justice for the amazing build up.” See their full reviews below.

Paper Towns

By Brianna B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

 

John Green’s adaptation of Paper Towns is a really good film that I’m sure that teenage girls will definitely love to watch. This well-anticipated film is interesting, fun and different. The comedy is great and will absolutely keep you laughing.

Quentin (Nat Wolff) and Margo (Cara Delevingne) spend an exhilarating and heart racing night together as they go on an adventure through their hometown. Afterwards Margo unexpectedly vanishes. As Quentin and his friends go on a quest to find Margo, the mystery of her life begins to unravel and Quentin discovers a little bit more about himself.

Paper Towns is a mystery, drama and romance all wrapped up in one. It offers a view of high schoolers that is pretty true to life. I’m sure it will remind some adults of their younger days and the adventures they took. This is Cara Delevingne’s first leading film role and I appreciated her acting and the chemistry she seemed to have with the rest of the cast. As a Floridian, I feel great pride and joy that this film is set in the state where I live. I enjoyed seeing some familiar places.

My favorite character in this film is Ben (Austin Abrams) because he’s very funny. His actions, words and expressions all have great humor. Even though I don’t have a specific favorite scene, a couple of the scenes that I really enjoy watching, are the scenes during the long road trip from Florida to New York. The conversations and situations that take place during this drive and, especially while in the rest area, are very funny and it definitely made me laugh. The score fills itself with many familiar songs and I enjoyed the music throughout the film.

I had some confusion throughout the film and questioned many of the characters’ decisions and their reactions to some situations they were dealing with.

I recommend this film for ages 13 to 18 due to some language and mature content that are inappropriate for younger ages. I give Paper Town 3½ out of 5 stars, because of the confusion in the film.

Paper Towns is in theaters now, so please check it out.

Paper Towns

By Harmony Makhfi

The highly anticipated film, Paper Towns is a great, complex, well thought-out movie that sadly falls a little short from my expectations. The film is great and entertaining, no doubt about that, but the ending does not seem to do justice for the amazing build up.

Paper Towns, adapted from the famous book by John Green, is about a shy teenage boy named Quentin whose long developed love for his mysterious neighbor, Margo influences him to join her mission to get revenge on the people who have betrayed her. After a long night of adventurous mischief, their completely different personalities connect and Quentin realizes that he may be the only one who really understands Margo and decides he cannot get over his love for her.  The next day, Margo goes missing and it is when Quentin gathers her clues and uses his ambition of love to search for her.

This film is the hardest film I have ever reviewed because it left me with mixed emotions. The character that the movie revolves around is not one that the audience gains a connection with. Margo, who is amazingly well played by the wonderful Cara Delevingne, is not loved by or emotionally connected to the audience, which is intentionally used to provide unexpected depth but doesn’t leave the viewer with any sort of attachment to the character. The movie is wonderful, but disappointing because the ending is not a happy or sad, it is a confusing in-between where you feel that no one really gets anything out of it. However, many would appreciate that because it shows realism and avoids a cliché ending. The film has great cinematic value and proves to be of great quality but I can understand how people can either love it or dislike it due to the unpredictable ending and feeling like there is no climax. Most films are either good or bad based on the quality of the aspects such as storyline, dialogue, acting, sets, music or costumes. This film’s aspects are good but the depth and realism may not give the audience what they want and lead to some people appreciating that and some people not. Because of that, I definitely recommend people watch it and decide for themselves if they think it is good or not.

On the other hand, the movie is hilarious while also maintaining the complexity to make the audience think. The film is really well written and directed. It is extremely satisfying for all the John Green fans to see the reappearance of Nat Wolff and a cameo of Ansel Elgort, which made the theatre gasp and squeal. At times I also found myself laughing really hard and not wanting the movie to end. The acting, cinematography, music and dialogue are works of art. I recommend the film for people between the ages of 13 and 30 and give it 4 out of 5 stars.  It is in theaters July 24 so go check it out.

Credit: KIDS FIRST! Upcoming Attractions. www.kidsfirst.org.

Filed Under: Media Reviews
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