Archives for 2018

Teaching your teens about the benefits of the Internet

Teenagers now are coping with a world where everyone is connected and everyone has an online presence. Even from an early age, children of all ages are exposed to the wild west of the internet, and it’s important that they are taught the potential dangers they may encounter whilst browsing their favorite sites. Obviously, you want them to feel safe whilst online, but it’s important that you also teach them about the many benefits that the internet can provide them with, and offer advice on how to manage their online lives. While there are concerns for teens exposed to the realities of the online landscape, there are also many reasons to make sure that they take advantage of the many positive aspects of it as well.

 

Don’t frighten them off

 

The internet can be a scary place for the uninitiated, and although online safety should be taught as soon as your teens are even considering their first Facebook account, there are plenty of reasons why you should encourage them to use the available resources. Despite its dangers, the internet is a vast source of information, and can help with homework and life advice no matter your child’s age. Even though safety is a priority, don’t scare them off or persuade them to not take advantage of the help they can find for homework assignments or as a creative outlet.

 

Stress the importance of their online footprint

 

Just as a business has to brand itself in order to stand out from the competition, so should your teen be considering their future. With the future of the job market more unpredictable than any previous generation has encountered, it is more important than ever that your child learns some basic netiquette rules so that their time online is not going to damage their prospects.

 

Set them up with key skills

 

While many parents are dubious about how much time their child spends on the internet, it’s vital that you understand the benefits of the online community far out-weigh the bad. Learning online skills is important nowadays, as digital marketing, writing and even management are becoming more digitalized each and every day. If you have a business, then teach your child the skills you need. For instance, SEO is an important part of business now, so teaching your child about Managed SEO, content marketing and link building can aid them. It can be a great way to explore your child’s interests, and whether they teach themselves code and build a site from scratch, or use the services of sites like WordPress or Wix, they will be learning key skills that will benefit their education and future employment prospects.

 

It’s all too easy to read the scare stories and convince ourselves that the best way to protect our children is by not allowing them to explore the internet. However, as parents we need to ensure that the next generation takes full advantage of every opportunity, and the sheer scale of usefulness that the internet has to offer can make the difference to your child’s future.

 

 

These Snacks..and Sweets are a Must for the upcoming Weekend!

This weekend is the big game! Are you having a party or going to one? You have to have delicious food to eat! Here are a few of my favorites!

TGI Fridays has some tasty Potato Skins! I love the Cheddar & Bacon ones!  TGI Fridays Snacks will be a hit at your Super Bowl party this year! Boulder Canyon snacks provide a better-for-you crunch with vegan and gluten-free flavors everyone will love! I just found them on sale at our local Sprouts (Two for $4) and I love the Coconut Oil Kettle Cooked Potato Chips in the Mesquite Barbecue flavor! They are cooked in 100% Coconut Oil and they are healthier! Boulder Canyon also has quite a variety of different flavors!

    

Don’t forget dessert! Café Valley bite-sized cakes and treats will satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth. I received samples of their Dr. Pepper Cake and their 7-Up Cake and all I can say is “Wow!” These were sooooo good that they didn’t last long in my house!

   

The 7-Up Cake was my favorite! I will have to get another one soon!

Look for all of these delicious products at a store near you!

 

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

Looking for a safer Tuna?

Are you pregnant and have been told that you shouldn’t eat tuna? Or maybe you just want a safer Tuna. Well, now you are in luck with  Safe Catch!

 Safe Catch is the only canned tuna company that is actually able to test each and every fish (before they purchase them) to ensure that the mercury levels in their Elite Wild Tuna is 10 times lower than the FDA’s limit! This means that pregnant women and kids can now safely enjoy tuna every day if they want to!! That is a really great thing! I also received samples and I love the taste of this tuna! This pure tuna has the lowest mercury of any brand and individually tests each fish to ensure that the mercury content is 10x lower than FDA regulations. Not only is Safe Catch free of fillers or additives, it’s also non-GMO verified and sustainably caught so we can feel great about eating tuna again. I also really like that there is no salt added because I really don’t like to have extra salt in my food. It’s just pure Tuna! I am thrilled that it has the lowest Mercury of any brand and it tastes great too!

Look for it at Safecatch.com.

 

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

 

Four Tips for Planning the Best Camping Vacation with Friends

If you’re hoping to go on a successful and memorable camping trip with family or friends, then getting it right is all in the planning. The more effort that you put into planning every detail, the smoother your trip is likely to go – although it’s good to remember that some amount of spontaneity isn’t always a bad thing when camping! We’ve put together some top tips on what you need to prepare for a fun-filled camping trip with those closest to you.

Tip #1. Location is Key:

Before you can delve into planning the camping trip of a lifetime, it’s important to decide on a suitable location. When it comes to choosing your destination, it’s best to first start with a list of the things that you’d like to do during your trip. For example, hilly, green areas tend to be best for activities such as hiking, hunting is a sport that tends to be popular in forest-dense areas, while those who want to have fun with watersports are best choosing a location that’s close to the sea, a river, or a lake. Create a list of everything that’s going to be important for you and your group while camping to help narrow your potential destinations down.

Tip #2. Scope Out the Best Campsites:

Once you’ve decided which lovely destination you are going to be visiting, it’s time to start looking at the campsites on offer. In some instances, there may not be very many to choose from, however, if you’re hoping to visit an area that is popular with campers, you can expect to have to do some research before finding a suitable place to stay. Think of the main things that you need from a campsite – for example, if you’re planning to stay a while, then shower rooms may be an essential.

Tip #3. Get the Right Gear:

The last thing that you want is to turn up at the campsite with a tent that won’t stay up and sleeping bags that aren’t keeping you warm at night. Investing in high-quality camping gear is a must for anybody who wants to have a good time. If you’re unsure as to whether you’ll be going camping again afterward, then you might want to consider second-hand items or even camping gear rentals. However, if you want to invest in gear that you can use over and over again for more camping trips in the future, be sure to purchase from a reputable retailer such as Woodbury Outfitters.

Tip #4. Pack for All Weather:

Even if the weather is forecast to be sunny for the duration of your trip, don’t forget that things can change at the last minute and the last thing you want is to be caught in a sudden shower without waterproof and warm clothing. Packing a waterproof coat, thick socks, and warm clothing is a must for unexpected weather changes and staying warm at night.

If you enjoyed these tips, we’d love to hear from you in the comments!

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Burke Williams Gift Card Package

Burke Williams is pleased to introduce three special Valentine’s Day Gift Card Packages to celebrate the ones you care for. Give the gift of luxurious relaxation with a selection of services offered at an incredible value, and each gift purchased will include the extraordinary “Member for a Day” pass and the special LOVE blend body spray by Body Bliss as gifts just for you.

Burke Williams Day Spas are a destination for health, wellness, & luxurious relaxation, and will leave the special someone in your life feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. The “Romance”, “Enchant”, and “For Two” Gift Card Packages include signature services at a special price and are available Monday, January 22; packages and prices vary slightly per spa and include special gifts just for you!

Pamper the ones you love with Burke Williams “Romance” package, which includes a Spa Pedicure with choice of a 50-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancement – or – a 50-minute Spa Style Facial with brightener or peel. Feel refreshed with the “Romance” package starting at just $175 (regular price $205 and up).

Unwind and escape with the “Enchant” package, which includes a Spa Pedicure with a 50-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancement – and – a 50-minute Spa Style Facial with peel or brightener. A truly lavish and luxurious experience, “Enchant” starts at just $300 (regular price $355 and up).

Join someone special for a luxurious spa day with the “For Two” package. Enjoy a rejuvenating experience that welcomes each of you to enjoy an 80-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancement – or – a Spa Style Facial with peel or brightener. “For Two” is perfect for couples or best friends to celebrate Valentine’s Day and starts at just $340 (regular price $400 and up).

Each gift card package comes with the special LOVE blend body spray by Body Bliss and a “Member for a Day” pass. “Member for a Day” passes invite you to experience the extraordinary world of Burke Williams Essential Membership. For 30 consecutive days receive member pricing anytime you come in starting with the first day of use. Enjoy transformative services and Burke Williams exclusive H2V skincare line at member pricing.

Spa services and pricing for the packages vary slightly per spa location. For information on Burke Williams and to find a spa near you visit www.BurkeWilliamsSpa.com or call 1-866-239-6635. Celebrate the season of romance with Burke Williams Valentine’s Day Gift Card Packages and receive gifts just for you.

We have teamed up for a Valentine’s Day Giveaway! One winner will win a 3 Day Spa Pass (additional services are not provided). To enter, leave a comment below telling us why you would like to visit the spa! Deadline to enter is February 10th, 2018 at noon PST. U.S. Residents only, please.

More about Burke Williams

For over 30 years Burke Williams Day Spa has been committed to creating an environment of refinement that inspires and provides its guest with a luxurious sanctuary to unwind. Family owned and dedicated to rejuvenation and renewal, Burke Williams exists to transform each guest’s day. With ten locations across Northern and Southern California, relaxation awaits with each of our European-inspired treatments including massage therapy, body wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures, baths, and an array of signature spa service
Self Disclosure: I received a free Spa Pass and samples to facilitate this post. Info and Images were also provided.

Family Entertainment Ideas For The Weekend

Everyone loves weekends. They are a good way to relax, take a break from work and spend quality time with our close ones. Even though everyone is excited for the weekend, not many people seem to make plans. It is good to be spontaneous, but every now and then it is nice to know that you have something to look forward to. Weekends allow you to spend time with your family and create nice memories together. You don’t necessarily need to do something spectacular every single weekend, but your kids will definitely appreciate your effort to plan something special.

There are a lot of entertainment ideas for the weekend, and there are so many places and people around. All you need to do is find the right time, place and the perfect people to have fun with. Here are just a few entertainment ideas for families.

Visit the Zoo

Kids absolutely love animals. No matter where you live, there must be a zoo close by. This is a simple and cheap entertainment idea for the weekend. The local zoo is a fascinating place where your kids can learn facts about animals, see how they live in nature and have a great time together. If you’re going to visit the zoo during the summer you need to make sure your children are dressed appropriately and have lots of water to drink so that they can stay hydrated.

Explore Nature

Families who wish to have fun over the weekend without spending too much money could go on a picnic. This is a nice way of spending time in nature and playing different games as a family. You can pack different snacks, toys and even a kite. If you live near the beach, you could organize a nice getaway under the sun. You can build sandcastles and play in the sea or eat ice-cream while relaxing in the shade. Camping or hiking can be included in the same category.

Try Something New

Having fun as a family does not always mean inviting friends over and having a barbeque in the garden. Entertainment can take many shapes or forms. For example, going to the library and lending books or cleaning out the garage can also be entertaining and productive ways of having fun. Watching sports, such as football or a tennis match is another good alternative for families. Kids love trying out new things for the first time, and these days you can purchase tickets US Open online. You can find different sales and your tickets are usually delivered before the event.

Bake Something Delicious

Everyone loves cake, especially kids. Preparing cookies on a rainy day gives you the opportunity to have a good time as a family while baking something delicious. The good thing is that you can choose different flavors. If you bake too many cookies, you can share them with your neighbors. They will definitely appreciate your sweet treats. You can even take pictures of your masterpieces and stick them in the family photo album. This is a good way of remembering good times together as a family.

Entertainment can be defined in so many ways. The main idea consists of having fun and willing to experience new things,

Ling Ling Asian Food Los Angeles Event with Katie Chin

Self Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Ling Ling, all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

   

Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Ling Ling Asian Food Los Angeles Event (at Hipcooks in West L.A.)  with a wonderful group of Bloggers and the amazing Chef Katie Chin. It was an amazing experience and I especially enjoyed learning great cooking tips from Katie Chin and tasting the delicious Ling Ling food products! We were put into small groups and we actually made two recipes: Kale with Ginger, which is a delicious salad and Sweet & Spicy Green Beans. They were simple recipes and Katie Chin made everything seem super easy!

I know that I will be making both of these recipes for my family for Chinese New Year! My favorite was the Sweet & Spicy Green Beans!

    

Besides having so much fun at this event and meeting Katie Chin, my favorite thing was trying the delicious Ling Ling food! I had tried the Fried Rice before but had not tried the Noodles or the Potstickers. So, I was really excited to try both of them!

     

It’s really difficult to just pick one of their products as my ultimate favorite because everything was so good! I loved the delicious Authentic Asian Style Noodles! They were absolutely tasty! I tried the Drunken Noodles and the Yakisoba Noodles and I liked both of them so cannot choose between the two! I am already a big fan of Ling Ling’s Fried Rice so I am planning to make it for Chinese New Year for my family. If I have to choose a favorite though, it would be the Potstickers! I hadn’t tried them before and let’s just say…you can’t just have one! I REALLY can’t wait to find these at my local store and make them for the Chinese New Year! You can check out Ling Ling’s website here!

I also learned so much about Chinese New Year from the knowledgeable Chef Katie Chin and I am truly looking forward to making a celebration for my family this year! I actually am planning to make a feast with Ling Ling Fried Rice, Noodles and Potstickers. I am also on the lookout to find their Spring Rolls!  I will also be buying a few Red & Gold decorations and you can easily use red napkins and Oriental Trading and World Market have some really nice decorations.

I also learned about some Chinese New Year customs and superstitions from Katie Chin. Two of my favorites are the following:

1. Greeting friends with oranges or tangerines during the New Year will ensure that your friendships remain intact.

2. No sweeping on New Year’s Day as you’ll sweep all your good luck out the door. No sweeping for me on February 16th!

Here are a couple more:

Stepping into new shoes on New Year’s morning to start your year off on the right foot (A Personal Favorite of Chef Katie)
Distribution of Red Envelopes (signifying Joy and Luck) filled with money to start the year with prosperity.

So, how do you plan to celebrate Chine New Year this February 16th? Don’t forget to look for the tasty Ling Ling products at your local store! Find out where to buy here!

 

Asian-Inspired Blount Bowls are a must-try!

     

Looking for a tasty meal that is ready in just a few minutes? The Asian-Inspired Blount Bowls are a hit with me! I had the opportunity to try a few of them and my favorite is the Hibachi Chicken & Rice Bowl! It’s so good and a great item to have for lunch or dinner especially on a Winter day! There are gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options and literally, they take less than 5 minutes to make! They cost under $6.00 and are available at select retailers nationwide. I love how fresh they taste and that they are a healthier option. The Chicken Ramen Noodle is also really good! Also available in Coconut Chicken & Noodle and Vegetable & Rice. Look for them at a retailer near you!

Check them out at www.blountbowls.com 

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