Archives for April 2017

Fun Date Night Ideas That Are Not Your Ordinary Dinner and A Movie

04/26/2017 By Jenn 2 Comments

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Date nights are great to strengthen your marriage. Not only does it give you two time away together without the hustle and bustle of the kids but it helps your reconnect as a couple. Fun date night ideas can be rather tricky and you fall into the rut of what restaurant or what movie.

Remember when you started dating? Date nights seemed to be so much easier back then but you can still have a fun date night or date day that adds a little excitement and quality time together.

Fun Date Night Ideas That Are Not Your Ordinary Dinner and A Movie

Get A Couples Massage

Head to your local spa and enjoy an hour or two getting massages, facials and spa treatment for just the two of you. It’s so nice to be pampered once and awhile together!

Take A Class

If you both enjoy cooking find a local cooking class together. Whether its painting, dance classes anything you both love to do go improve your skills and do it together. You can check out Eventbrite for local events in your area for so many more class ideas!

Town Fair and Carnivals

Rides, carnival games and different food vendors make for such fun date night ideas! Walk around together and be kids again.

Wine Tasting or Tour A Brewery

Unwind with a few drinks somewhere other than your local bar or restaurant. You’ll experience different drinks and compare your favorites.

Workout Together

Hit the gym together, go for a run or a hike as long as its something physically challenging you are doing together that’s all that matters. You can even check out your local CrossFit to try something new without the commitment of a gym membership, they offer drop-in rates to check them out.

No matter what date night ideas you have keep it interesting and fun. Think outside of the box when planning a night or day out together.

What are more fun date ideas you would add to the list?

4 Summer Party Ideas To Make Your Next Summer Bash A Hit

04/20/2017 By Jenn 1 Comment

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There’s nothing like having a good cookout in the summer with family and friends from the neighborhood. A simple summer celebration can turn into the best summer bash in no time with a few additions like special activities and the best food. Do a little research to see what others in the neighborhood are doing so that you don’t copy anyone, making your bash completely unique.

Here are 4 Summer Party Ideas To Make Your Bash A Hit!

Light It Up

Your backyard bash can sparkle in the evening with a few sparklers and fireworks. Make sure that the fireworks that you use are legal in your state. Also, you can put glow sticks in clear jars to light up the tables, giving a fun glow to the evening. Let guests bring their favorite fireworks to set off so that everyone can join in on the fun.

Game Time

You want to have plenty of games for your guests. Find games that are fun for adults and games that children can play as well. Offer prizes for the winners, such as a gift card to a restaurant or even money. If guests enjoy the time at your bash, they will want to come back in the future, which means you’ll have new friends at every turn. Hula hoops and bubbles also work along with sidewalk chalk so that you can remember the event.

Make a Splash

If you don’t already have one for your yard, get a pool, like those that The Pool Store has, for people to enjoy at your bash. It can be something simple like the inflatable pools that are four-feet high. As long as you offer a way for guests to get cool, then they will usually be very grateful. Have a few pool toys and floats, especially for the younger crowd as they enjoy doing things other than just swimming in circles. Set up a smaller pool for toddlers so that they can enjoy the time as well and you don’t have to worry about them so much.

Feed the Belly

No summer party is complete without delicious food. If you want to save a little money, then ask others to bring their favorite dishes. Offer a balance of traditional foods, like burgers and hot dogs, along with a few new items, like this tropical pineapple dip or bratwurst on the grill. Kale chips are an idea if you want a side item that is healthy but fun to eat.

Your summer party will be one to remember if you pay attention to detail. Provide entertainment in various forms, such as games and music. Also, don’t forget the decorations as you don’t want a simple party with nothing to look at but grass and tables. With these 4 summer party ideas your friends and family will have a great time!

What are your favorite summer party ideas when you throw a backyard bash?

This is a guest post written by Hannah Whittenly. Hannah is a freelance writer from Sacramento, California. A mother of two, Hannah enjoys writing on blogs of all niches.

How Parents Can Manage and Monitor Their Teens Cell Phone Usage

04/18/2017 By Jenn Leave a Comment

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There is no denying that cell phones have become a powerful and productive force in our society. At the same time, they can limit our ability to communicate effectively, and danger can lurk within if the devices are not properly managed. This is particularly true for young people.

Consider the following four ways that parents can manage and monitor their teens cell phone usage.

Make Them off Limits at School

School should be a place for learning. Phones can be a distraction, and teens can rack up quite a bill when they think nobody else is looking. While computers might be useful tools in a school environment, phones are not. Avoid the temptation that your teen will have to misuse the phone and require that it stay either in their locker or at home.

Turn Them Off at Night

Teens are already notorious for not getting enough sleep at night. This is becoming even more serious of a problem today as more and more young people are using their phones all night to test and talk to their friends in the privacy of their own rooms. While building friendships is what being a teenager is all about, it should not be done so at the compromise of a good night’s sleep. Require that they be switched off after a certain hour.

Secure an International Data Plan

More and more young people are traveling abroad these days. Mobile phones are certainly a useful piece of technology to have, as it will enable your teen to keep in touch with friends and family in relatively easy fashion. At the same time, you need to make sure that you have an international data plan assigned to the phone in order to avoid those sky high charges hitting you when your teen returns home. Managing your phone bills can be a little daunting, but it is definitely possible.

Use Centralized Billing

If you have a centralized bill, you will be able to see how many text message and data your teen is using. This isn’t about you checking up on them; rather, it is about you managing the limited resources that you have as a parent. Boundaries should be set on how much the phone can be used.

These four tips can help you, as a parent, better manage your teens cell phone usage. At the end of the day, you want your teen to be independent and free to learn from his or her own shortcomings. It is your job to also protect them at the same time, so consider these tips as a way to do just that.

This is a guest post: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook

4 Health Exams Every Youngster Needs to Maintain Their Health

04/13/2017 By Jenn Leave a Comment

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Health exams and screening tests should start as early in life as possible. The early detection of health conditions such as diabetes or hearing loss allow for prompt treatment. Be sure to schedule routine visits with your child’s pediatrician so these important tests can be performed on an annual basis.

4 Health Exams Every Youngster Needs to Maintain Their Health

Urine and Blood Tests

Tests of your child’s urine and blood help to detect chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease. These medical issues are developing more frequently in children. If you have a family history of diabetes or you had gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, these screening tests should be performed once per year to monitor your child’s health status.

Pediatrician Visits

Visits to the pediatrician are important to monitoring your child’s overall health. During routine visits to the pediatrician, the doctor will measure your child’s height and weight. Professionals, like those at Entira Family Clinics, realize that basic tests such as blood pressure and heart rate may also be performed. If your child is due for any vaccinations, the doctor will let you know. Well-child checkups are a good way to get to know the pediatrician and allow the doctor to understand your child’s overall health. This will help the doctor to care for your child during times of illness.

Vision Exams

Many vision disorders are detected during a child’s first few years of life. If your child bumps into things, trips a lot or seems to have trouble seeing pictures in a book, it is a good idea to request a vision exam from the pediatrician. This is a basic screening test that can detect myopia and presbyopia. If your doctor finds a problem with your child’s vision, a pediatric ophthalmologist referral can be provided.

Hearing Tests

Children can be born with or develop conditions that cause a loss of hearing. A hearing test can help your pediatrician to sort out a medical hearing problem from a behavioral issue such as your child’s lack of listening or attention. If your child has had frequent ear infections, a hearing exam can detect any hearing loss that has happened as a result of damage to the inner ear.

Each of these tests only takes a few minutes to perform. This is a small investment of your time in order to protect your child’s health. You and the pediatrician can explain how the test will work, what it is for and why it is important. Explaining the importance of being healthy will help your child to cooperate.

6 Reason’s I Am A Bad Mom According To Society & I’m Perfectly Fine With That

04/12/2017 By Jenn 3 Comments

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Kids, they do not come with instructions. As moms and dads, we try to do our very best every day to raise them as upstanding human beings to society. So here is my question…

Why is there so much judgment when it comes to someone’s parenting style? No one is perfect so why should parenting be? No one should be shamed and be called a bad mom, we do our best!

We all make mistakes, learn as we go and that’s okay! Judge me if you will, I’m perfectly a-okay with that.

6 Reason’s I Am A Bad Mom According To Society & I’m Perfectly Fine With That

Lying

Yes, I lie to my children! Nights that I could not cook yet another chicken dinner and make pork I tell them it’s chicken. I have been known to turn the lights off on them head to my room. Lock my bedroom door to pretend mommy is going to bed too just so they will go to bed.

Cursing

I’m a NY girl at heart born and raised, we curse – a lot! It adds character to what we are saying just like we talk a lot with our hands. I have a potty mouth, I will not deny that. I curse in front of my kids, they know it is wrong for them to say the curse words, so they don’t. But, when they spell them back at me well, I check them for spelling it correctly.

Eating Habits

In the beginning, I made all my kid’s baby food. Thought back then what a “perfect mother” I was, knowing everything that went into their mouths. All organic and healthy. Yeah, these days a couple nights through a drive-thru won’t hurt them.

Patience

What patience? By the time they get home from school after I’ve, broken up fights about who was staring at who. Heard about someone not liking the lunch I packed for them after they picked out what they wanted the night before. Or my personal favorite the homework battle I’ve about lost it before we even make it through the door. I try my best not to get annoyed, I feel guilty after I’ve screamed my head off, I do! But between all the hats we wear sometimes kids just suck that last bit of patience out of you to the point where your head feels like it’s spinning out of control.

Me Time and Kids Screen Time

Gasp, I do not monitor my kid’s screen time. Now, let me clarify they do need to have their homework done that is a rule but after that, it’s a free for all. They are allowed on game systems and iPads if they’d like to be until dinner. I take me time when it is available and do not feel guilty about that either. Whether it’s 30 minutes every day while I’m cooking dinner while they play in their rooms. Or on the weekends, I’ll take a day to get a pedicure, have lunch with my sister anything to de-stress.

Breastfeeding

This is a more serious topic that is hugely judged. I did not breastfeed any one of my three children. With my first child, I was unable and to be honest by the time I got to my third I wasn’t into it. I felt like the worst mother on this planet for the comments I received for not breastfeeding. Guess what, I did not care by the time I got to my last child. I know the health benefits, read all the books but what’s best for you may not be best for me so let’s not judge.

Side note – I am going to flip this to the breastfeeding momma’s, I applaud you! You will never get a look from me out in public breastfeeding your child. That is whole other topic, but why are these mother’s judged for feeding their child in public? You eat in public, right? Let that mom feed her baby in peace she does not need the stares and judgment. End rant!

So conclusion, my kids are loved, they know that. Just because society thinks I may be a bad mom, I know I am not. Your kids, my kids, her kids are all taken care of to the best of our ability every single day. Our kids know that so why can’t other mother’s understand that? The mom guilt we have about other things we worry about is enough on ourselves, there doesn’t need to be this label of what makes you a good mom.

What are things you do that makes you a bad mom according to society? Leave me a comment below, let’s keep it clean though.

4 Tips For Helping Your Home Express Your Style

04/11/2017 By Jenn 3 Comments

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Your home is your personal sanctuary. It’s a physical manifestation of your personal style. It’s important to put in the effort and make your home reflect your style for a few reasons. It allows you to feel comfortable in your space. It also allows others to get a better understanding of who you are as a person.

If you’re unsure of how to express your style through home decor, start with these four tricks.

Mix of Old and New

One of the best ways you allow your home to reflect your style is through mixing and matching of old and new items. Take a look at some of your favorite items from childhood. If you still have them, try to place them throughout the house. If there’s a clock or a vase that belonged to your parents, try and find a way to work it into the decor. These older pieces help tell the story of your past. If you have a favorite animal, find a small figurine of it and place it somewhere visible. It doesn’t need to match the decor verbatim, but can become an easy conversation piece.

Artwork

Use artwork throughout your home to adequately express your style. If you have certain mantras or quotes you live by, get a custom-made canvas with the words and hang them up. Look online and figure out what type of artwork you gravitate toward. Whether it’s a style of a specific artist or the mood a piece puts you in, try to gather artwork that makes you feel something. When you feel it, you’ll be able to invoke that feeling in your living space.

Interests

Consider some of the things you’re passionate about. If you’re an avid baseball fan or you’re in love with music, try to figure out neat ways to incorporate your passions into a room. If you love music, check out vintage shops to find a few vinyl records. Put them in a fun display case. You might even want to find a fun record player that you can use from time to time. If you really enjoy outdoor entertaining, set the ambiance with a custom patio from somewhere like Lifestyle Patios. You can even get really comfortable deck furniture and make it a place where people want to hang out.

Color

While you may not want to put your favorite color all over the room, you can choose shades of your favorite color and try them in different sections. Take a look at the color wheel and see which colors relax you the most and include those in your home.
The more you experiment and infuse your passions, interests and things that make you light up, the more your personal style gets expressed. Don’t be afraid to take risks and have fun. It’s your home and you can make your own rules.

Guest Post: Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.