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2019 Acura RDX Compact Luxury SUV Surpasses Competition

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2019 Acura RDX

2019 Acura RDX

2019 Acura RDX in Showrooms Now

I was so excited to be asked to test drive the 2019 all-new Acura RDX in Whistler, British Columbia.  My first luxury car was a 1995 Acura Legend.  I really loved that car.  It was stylish, comfortable, and dependable.  Basically, it was everything I needed and more in a car especially for someone in their early twenties.  When I sold the car on eBay, I was surprised to see a gentleman from South Dakota make the purchase.  He drove all the way from South Dakota to Atlanta, GA to pick up the car.  He loaded it on a trailer and off he went back to South Dakota.  That is 1500 miles each way!  When I made the exchange, I asked him why he drove so far to buy a car and his response was that an Acura with such great features and excellent body style is a car in hot demand in South Dakota.   Cars without salt damage and had not been in the “salt belt states” would go for much more than what the blue book listed and Acura’s even went higher than that due to their great reputation and reliable history in the automobile industry.   I knew I had purchased a great car, but felt even better about my purchase on the day I sold it!

Why Millenials are Flocking to Atlanta

2019 Acura RDX

2019 Acura RDX

Extensive Product Redesign

The all-new Acura RDX is a first in a generation.  It is the most extensive Acura product redesign in a decade heralds a new era for Acura design, performance and luxury.  The RDX has been the top-selling nameplate in the compact luxury SUV segment since launched in 2006.  With the Acura exclusive platform, powerful new turbo engine, available next-generation SH-AWD™ and top-of-class class power-to-weight ratio yields quickest, best handling RDX yet.

Acura Precision Concept

2019 Acura RDX

 

 

 

 

Designed in America
Developed at the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, California, and inspired by the Acura Precision Concept, the all-new RDX presents a more emotional, athletic and aggressive form to match its premium performance-luxury SUV image.  It is the first all-new Acura model to be designed around the bold new face of Acura and its signature design element, Acura’s diamond pentagon grille, from which the design intentionally flows outward.

Advance Interior

What’s Inside?
The RDX’s NSX-inspired high-deck floating center console – lends the cabin a more intimate “sports cockpit” atmosphere while providing a higher level of utility for the accompaniments of daily life, including cups, cell phones, handbags, tablets and charging cords. It also houses key elements of the Acura electronics interface – its prominent drive mode dial for control of the 4-mode Integrated Dynamics System, and Acura’s revolutionary new True Touchpad Interface™.  

Advance Interior

One of the things that I loved most, is the open and airy feeling of the new ultra-wide panoramic moonroof which is among the largest in a compact-luxury SUV and offered standard on every new RDX.

Key New Technologies
The 2019 RDX hosts a suite of advanced new technologies, including the Acura True Touchpad Interface™, featuring an all-new Android-based operating system, a high-mounted 10.2-inch full-HD display and an innovative touchpad with the first-ever application of absolute-positioning in a driving environment. Absolute positioning departs traditional touchpad interfaces, using one-to-one mapping to deliver a more intuitive and driver-oriented user experience. The new True Touchpad Interface™ is standard and all grades of RDX will include Apple CarPlay™ compatibility, plus Wi-Fi-enabled over-the-air system updates. Android Auto™ compatibility will be introduced later, pending release and certification of touchpad specification by Google.

2019 Acura RDX

HMI Screenview Samples                                                                                                A-Spec Interior

Sound System

You really have to hear it for yourself to believe how amazing it is!  The 2019 RDX  debuts the Acura/ELS Studio 3D™ premium audio system, tuned by Grammy-winning music producer Elliot Scheiner.  The 710-watt system utilizes 16 discrete sound channels and 16 speakers, including four ceiling-mounted Highline™ speakers to create a more natural and omnidirectional high-fidelity listening experience – the most advanced audio system ever offered by Acura.

Advance Interior

Advance Interior

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hidden Storage
Need extra storage space?  The Acura RDX has got you covered!  Hidden underneath the cargo area floor is a best-in-class 1.7 cu. ft. of additional storage. Flipping the multi-folding floor panel up and forward reveals a storage area 16 inches long, 30 inches wide, and 6 inches deep – enough to hold folding chairs (bag type) or two laptop computer cases. Flipping the cover up a second time reveals two additional storage bins. In addition, a handy open storage bin that can accommodate six wine bottles (yes, they tested this out), six beverage cans or a gallon of milk is positioned at the left side of the cargo area behind the rear seat. Two incandescent bulbs illuminate the storage area when the tailgate is open.

Test Driving the 2019 Acura RDX

They said to put the pedal to the metal to test it out, so I did!  Check out the video here:

RDX Performance

The 2019 RDX is powered by a direct-injected and turbocharged 2.0-liter, 16-valve powerplant with DOHC VTEC® valvetrain mated to the segment’s only 10-speed automatic transmission (10AT). Peak output of 272 horsepower (SAE net) and 280 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net) bests RDX’s key competitors, including Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Volvo, and delivers 40 percent more low-end torque than the outgoing 3.5L V6 for powerful acceleration.

Safety and Driver Assistive
As a mother of two, safety is extremely important to me. The third-generation 2019 RDX offers the highest level of standard safety and driver-assistance features in the model’s history – and in its class. The AcuraWatch™ suite of technologies is now standard on all RDX grades, along with a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, while the Technology Package and higher grades add blind spot information (BSI), front and rear parking sensors and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor. The RDX with Advance Package includes a Head-Up Display and Surround View Camera System for the first time.

Pricing

The pricing of the 2019 Acura RDX undercuts a number of other category competitors.  Fully loaded, it comes in at just a little more than $47,000, a reasonable price compared to less powerful, less spacious, and less technically advanced competitors.

  • RDX base model (adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and automatic emergency braking) –  $37,300
  • RDX AWD (adding all-wheel drive, panoramic sunroof and LED headlights) – $39,300
  • RDX A-Spec (adding a sports package and exclusive design details) – $43,500
  • RDX Advance model  (adding hands-free liftgate, heads-up display, surround view camera, and 16-way ventilated front seats) – $47,400
  • Delivery charge for all models- $995

Overview

The Acura RDX Compact Luxury SUV is going to give its competitors a run for the money.  The RDX has the latest and greatest in technology, enhanced safety features, a striking design both inside and out, superior sound system, and impressive value for the cost.  All this combined with the history and reputation of the Acura brand behind it, it is going to be one of the best car purchases you can make.

 

About Acura

Acura is a leading automotive luxury nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance, representing the original values of the Acura brand – a commitment to evocative styling, high performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability.

The Acura lineup features six distinctive models – the RLX premium, luxury sedan, the TLX performance luxury sedan, the ILX sport sedan, the 5-passenger RDX luxury crossover SUV, the seven-passenger Acura MDX, America’s all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV and the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar as a new and pinnacle expression of Acura Precision Crafted Performance.

Five of the six models in the Acura lineup are made exclusively in central Ohio using domestic and globally sourced parts, including the ILX and TLX luxury sports sedans (Marysville Auto Plant), the RDX and MDX luxury SUVs (East Liberty Auto Plant) and the Acura NSX supercar, which is built to order at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio.

Get Social with Acura!

Web Site  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter

Disclosure: I was Acura’s guest for this test drive; travel and accommodations were provided but all opinions are my own.

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Free Educators Open House – Atlanta

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World of Coca-Cola Atlanta - Educators Open House

Educators Open House in Atlanta 

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to attend the annual Educators Open House this September.  Registration is open now and is completely free

Every year, World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium and the Center for Civil and Human Rights invite local educators (including homeschool teachers) to visit the attractions for free to learn about educational and field trip opportunities to all three educational attractions.

All registered attending educators are able to bring one guest (both free of charge) and visit the attractions from 8-11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8th.  Tickets may be purchased for additional guests.

Pre-registration is required.  All interested educators should register as soon as possible.

Click on this link to register: https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/experience/learn/educator-open-house.

A valid teacher ID is required for entry to the event, and homeschool teachers may bring a copy of their Letter of Intent.

World of Coca-Cola Atlanta - Educators Open House

Teacher Toolkit

World of Coca-Cola welcomes school field trips throughout the year, and dozens of Georgia Performance Standards can be fulfilled at the attraction. World of Coca-Cola offers a teacher toolkit on its website, which outlines all of those Standards and provides pre- and post-visit activities to assist with lesson planning.

  • The average length of a school visit is estimated to be around 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • Tickets for school field trips are discounted.
  • The Teacher Tool Kit provides ways for students to explore educational connections for your class visit.  
  • Pre and post-visit activities are provided to assist with lesson planning.
  • Registering with My Coke Rewards for Schools will help schools get items necessary to facilitate a well-rounded educational experience for students.

Download your Teacher Tool Kit today!

Visit www.coca-colacompany.com for more information on The Coca‑ColaCompany’s history, products, sustainability initiatives and much more.

Center for Civil and Human Rights Atlanta - Educators Open House

Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta - Educators Open House

The Center for Civil and Human Rights
The Center for Civil and Human Rights in downtown Atlanta is an engaging cultural attraction that connects the American Civil Rights Movement to today’s struggle for Global Human Rights

Their purpose is to create a safe space for visitors to explore the fundamental rights of all human beings so that they leave inspired and empowered to join the ongoing dialogue about human rights in their communities.

Click HERE for tickets to the Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta - Educators Open House

 

Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta - Educators Open House

Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium is a leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Atlanta, Ga., committed to working on behalf of all marine life through education, preservation, exceptional animal care, and research across the globe. Georgia Aquarium inspires, educates, and entertains its millions of guests about the aquatic biodiversity throughout the world through its hundreds of exhibits and tens of thousands of animals across its seven major galleries.  Learn More
Click HERE to purchase tickets to the Georgia Aquarium.

 

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Chicago Metallic’s Mini 3 tier cake pans are everything

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Chicago Metallic Mini 3 tier cake pan

This is a sponsored post, but the thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  This post may contain affiliate links, for a copy of my disclosure policy click here.

How cute are these mini 3 tier cakes?

My daughter’s birthday is coming up soon and she wants something different for her birthday cake.  She doesn’t want a cake from a bakery, donuts, or cupcakes.  When she saw me trying out these pans from Chicago Metallic, it was love at first sight.

Choose Love

Chicago Metallic’s Mini 3 Tier Cake Pans are easy to use and the final results are adorable.  I am torn between wanting to be dainty and decorate them to look like a wedding cake and fighting the desire to pretend to be Godzilla and bite the top of the cake because they make me feel like a giant.  Nom, nom, nom.

Mini 3 Tier Cake Pans by Chicago Metallic

Baking tips for Chicago Metallic’s 3 Tier Cake Pans:

  • One box of cake mix will make three of the four min cake cylinders.  Make sure to fill the cake batter to the top of each cylinder.  It will overflow slightly when baking, but you can cut the overflow off after baking so that the cake has an even, flat bottom. 
  • Since one box of cake mix only makes three cakes, you will need to make several batches.
  • Make sure to spray the pan with non-stick spray so the cakes pop out with ease after baking.
  • Try making different flavors of cake mixes and cut the tiers off and stack the different flavors of cake. 
  • Each cake equals two portions.  I recommend cutting the cakes in half and serving as two portions as it is more than enough for one person.

For my daughter’s birthday next month, we decided on baking several of the mini 3 tier cakes and having each of her party guests decorate them individually.  A grand prize will be going to the one that decorates the cutest cake.

Overall, the Chicago Metallic 3 Tier Cake Pans are a huge hit in my house.  Easy to use, easy to clean, and they look absolutely adorable.

About Chicago Metallic

The baking experts celebrating 100 years of innovative and durable bakeware products including jelly roll pans, muffin pans, cake pans and more! At Chicago Metallic we believe that serious baking requires serious bakeware. That’s why we’ve been crafting innovative equipment for professionals and serious home bakers for over 100 years. It’s the reason we’ve been able to build a global reputation one kitchen at a time.

Get Social with Chicago Metallic!

Website | Facebook | Pinterest

 

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All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response | Volunteers Needed

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All Hands and Hearts - Smart Response

Four days into our program and the volunteers have begun their work. Team leader Gabi takes a moment to grab a photo with a local homeowner.

Puerto Rico is in Need of Volunteers

All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response is now accepting volunteer applications to help with recovery efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Maria.  In the fall of 2017, Hurricane Maria’s 155 mph violent winds severely impacted the island of Puerto Rico, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.  The island has yet to fully recover.  

Steven Tyler Opens Janie’s House in Atlanta

“It is the worst natural disaster on record in Puerto Rico and nearly four months later, the island still does not have power and potable water in many areas.  As always, our team worked with local partners to carefully assess the damage and identify communities with the greatest need for help” noted Erik Dyson, C.E.O. of All Hands and Hearts. “Now that the situation on the ground has settled we will be helping the families, in the areas of Yabucoa and Barranquitas, in the cleanup process and to be there alongside them on the long road to recovery.”

Watch Voices of Puerto Rico video here:

A

All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response is now accepting volunteer applications.  Please donate today or apply to volunteer to continue helping those affected by Hurricane Maria.  Click here to find out more:  All Hands and Hearts

All Hands and Hearts - Smart Response

Get Social with All Hands and Hearts!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

The Mission of All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response

All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response efficiently and effectively addresses the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters. By listening to local people, and deploying our unique model of engaging volunteers to enable direct impact, we rebuild safe, resilient schools, homes and other community infrastructure.

All Hands and Hearts - Smart Response

The end of the day brings substantial exhaustion, but also substantial happiness from our homeowners and their volunteers. Moments like these are prime motivation for a hard day’s work.

Choose Love Campaign 2018

 

 

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A Simple Pregnancy Guide for Dads to Be

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A simple pregnancy guide for dads to be.



Simple Pregnancy Guide – First Time Dads

When your partner is pregnant for the first time, it can be a strange transition for you too.  As a Dad-to-be, you aren’t going to carry the baby or have that immediate connection, but there are some things you can do to being bonding with your baby and help your partner through her pregnancy.

Stephen Tyler’s Janie’s House in Atlanta

It’s All About Her

Yes, gents, the next 9 months will be all about your partner and baby. In fact, this is an idea you should get used to because even after the baby shower, your partner and baby will still be reliant on you to look after them. This is what being a Dad is all about: supporting Mommy and nurturing your baby.

So while you might not be experiencing pregnancy symptoms week by week, you can help her through doing a few practical things. Make up a bunch of meals you can keep in the freezer for those days when you just don’t get a minute to cook something healthy; make sure that the car is in good shape with good tires ready for the trip to the maternity ward; listen to your partner’s needs and respond with empathy – she’s going through a lot right now!

Pregnancy guide for dads.

Bonding with Baby

Mommies have an incredible opportunity to connect with their babies while they are in the womb and for many Dads, this can make you feel a little bit left out. However, there are some things you can do to bring yourself a little closer, even when you don’t have a womb!

Singing and talking to the bump might feel a bit weird to start with, but since babies can learn to recognize the voices of their family at an incredibly young age, it is a good way to begin to bond. Tell your baby how much you love them and sing nursery rhymes or lullabies if you like, or try reading from a storybook for youngsters if you like. It doesn’t really matter what you say, as long as you are talking.

Touching Mommy’s bump is also a good way for you to bond, though you should respect that sometimes she won’t want to because she is uncomfortable. Feeling a baby kicking is one of the most life-affirming experiences and will make the whole thing so much more real for you!

Nesting

Nesting is a term that is generally applied to mothers-to-be and describes the urge to clean and prepare the house for the new arrival, including decorating and furnishing the nursery. However, there is no reason that Dads can’t share in this activity.

Work together with Mommy to choose a color, pick out soft furnishings and do your bit figuring out how to construct the flat pack furniture you are bound to buy! You should also start taking over some more of the household duties as she gets bigger because movement will get harder for her and frankly those last few weeks are tiring!

Being a Dad is such an incredible journey and it starts well before the birth of your baby. This is your time to get responsible, help your partner and become a parent.





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The Baby Shower Gift Guide

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Baby Shower





Been invited to a baby shower and not sure what to bring as a gift? Baby showers are a chance to celebrate the baby as well helping out the parents. Any gift is certain to be appreciated, but if you want to buy a gift that stands out here are a few special ideas that are certain to make an impact

Don’t Stop Believing.

Clothing

Baby clothing is often the go-to gift – but think twice before buying newborn clothes. Babies can often get inundated with newborn size clothes, but rarely do they ever all get worn. Some infants are born so big that they immediately skip the newborn size altogether, resulting in lots of clothes that never get worn at all. Plan ahead and buy a few clothes in a bigger size.

If you’re looking for baby clothes that stand out, consider getting a sleepsuit or bodysuit that’s monogrammed or one containing an embroidered personalised message. You can find lots of companies online that offer this service. You could also consider splashing out on some boutique baby clothes – if you visit here you’ll find lots of elegant baby clothes for a touch of luxury. You could even consider buying seasonal accessories such as hats and gloves for the winter and sunhats for the summer – these important items can often get forgotten about.

Practical

As sweet as soft toys and funny parenting books can be, they’re not exactly practical. If you’re buying a gift for a mother-to-be who is financially struggling, consider small gifts that are certain to get some usage. Diapers, baby wipes, and formula milk might not seem gift-worthy, but they could be essentials that the mother needs. Other practical gifts like bibs and blankets might allow more personalization (you can get these items monogrammed for a personal touch or even hand-knit your own blanket if you’ve got the craft skills). On top of this, there’s always the option to give money or vouchers, which can be spent at their leisure.

Something for Mommy

Baby shower gifts don’t have to be aimed at the baby. New moms often need some TLC so consider small gifts aimed at them that could help to make the transition to parenthood that little bit easier. Gifts to help them relax when they get their moments of peace could include bath bombs, herbal drinks to help sleep, chocolate and even perhaps a bottle of champagne.

Joint Gift

If they need certain big gifts like a bed, stroller or a car seat, consider chipping in some money with some of the other people attending in order to afford such a large gift. This could be a surprise gift, or it could be a planned gift (planning with the mom-to-be it could ensure that you buy something that’s to their liking). You could even consider all putting money in a pot and then allow the mum-to-be to spend this on what they want.





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7 Best Animated Films

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Despicable Me 3

Despicable Me 3 promotional photo.





There are so many amazing animated movies that you can watch. These are often the sorts of films that are great for both kids and adults alike, so they can be excellent for a movie night. With that in mind, here are some of the best-animated films in no particular order.

New Life Movie

Toy Story

Toy Story is a classic Pixar film about toys coming to life. It is one of those films that you can watch time and again, and not grow bored of it. It tells the story of Woody and him coming to grips the fact that he might not be the favorite toy anymore. It is a tale of childhood, of growing up and the toys that we loved when we were young. A lot of kids won’t see this aspect until they are much older. Instead, they can enjoy a fun story about toys that might even be similar to some of the toys that they have. The jokes in Toy Story, like many on this list, are ones that both adults and kids can appreciate. Toy Story is a classic and a welcomed addition to any movie night. If your kids haven’t seen it yet, then you should definitely organize a time to watch this fantastic movie. Once you have watched Toy Story, then there are two sequel films that are just as good and well worth watching.

Wall-E

Wall-E is another Pixar film, but it is much newer than Toy Story. It tells us a story of a small robot who is tasked with cleaning up a planet Earth that has gone to ruin. There is trash everywhere and it is Wall-E’s job to clean it up. The little guy has a fantastic little personality of his own and he goes on all kinds of adventures. There is a twist that won’t be spoiled here, but suffice to say that Wall-E is a fantastic film that everyone can enjoy.

The Iron Giant

The Iron Giant is a slightly older film about an iron giant that falls from the sky. This giant befriends a young boy. It is a story about friendship against the odds as the two try to evade the authorities and incorporate the Iron Giant into normal everyday life. It is a brilliant film, that is still fantastic to watch despite its age. It is touching, humorous and well worth you and your kids time. It would make a great addition to any movie collection or film night.

The Lion King

The Lion King is a classic Disney film that everyone will have heard about. You likely know the story beat by beat, but your kids might not. There is something quite fantastic about seeing them love a film that you will have loved throughout your life. This is a timeless classic that even has a few sequels for your kids to enjoy. While these sequels are nowhere near as good as the original, your kids can still enjoy watching them. The songs in The Lion King are just as classic as the rest of the film. It won’t take much for The Lion King to become your kid’s favorite film and for them to go around singing the various songs. If you haven’t already introduced your kids to The Lion King, then you should make sure to do so. It might inspire a lifelong passion for animation or voice acting. To learn more about voice acting and voice overs, you can do a little internet research.

Despicable Me 3

The family at dinner before Despicable Me 3

Despicable Me

Despicable Me is the film that spawned the minions obsession that stormed the world. The little yellow people who do hilariously silly thing have gone on to outshine the rest of the film. Kids love them because they are basically naughty children who are adorable, so nobody ever really tells them off. There are three Despicable Me films for you and your kids to enjoy. Each of them has a unique plot, jokes that Mums and Dads will find hilarious and ones that your kids will also be able to enjoy. You follow a super criminal as his adopts three young girls and watch as chaos ensues. You get to see all kinds of funny, crazy things happen throughout each film. If you haven’t introduced your kids to Despicable Me or minions, then this is a good place to start. The minions even have their own films and shorts for you to watch afterward.

Shrek

The original Shrek film is another classic bit of animation. It is beloved and tells a classic fantasy tale but with a slight twist. It is a story about the fact that it is what is on the inside that counts and one of friendship, romance and inclusivity. Your kids might not see all of these things immediately, but some of the lessons Shrek has to teach will sink in through your kid’s subconscious. The film is also hilarious and has plenty of action scenes. Both kids and adults can enjoy this fantastic movie. Once you have watched the original Shrek film, then you can enjoy Shrek 2 and Shrek 3. While neither of these films is quite as good as the first ones, they are still brilliant films that bring a lot of humor and touching moments to your screens.

The Land Before Time

The Land Before Time is a film about young dinosaurs trying to survive in a world that is starting to fall apart. There are volcanoes erupting, carnivores trying to eat them and all kinds of other dangers. Throughout this, they separated from their parents and need to find them again. The Land Before Time is touching tale that is full of lots of memorable songs and music. If you and your kids enjoy dinosaurs, then this is a must watch. Each dinosaur is from a different species and has a different personality depending on who it is. The story can be little scary for younger kids, but it can also be thrilling and there are times when you aren’t sure that they are going to make it. However, it is a brilliant film that you should definitely put on the movie night list.





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Set Your Kids Down The Path To An Olympic Medal!

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Skiing




Winter Olympics Inspiration

If you’re like me, then you’ve probably been watching some of the Winter Olympics that has been going on for the last few weeks. It amazed me how many of the athletes there were pretty much just kids. There was a 17-year-old that won a gold medal, and I think an 18-year-old too. Then, in the summer games, you have athletes as young as 15/16 competing!

Choose Love Campaign

It got me thinking, imagine that was one of my children one day! Now, I’m not suggesting you start forcing your children to become Olympic athletes! But, I did start wondering about various sports that are both great for your children, and could well lead them down the path to Olympic success if they so choose. Here are a few of my thoughts:

Skiing

I’ve taken inspiration from Pyeongchang for this one; skiing is probably my favorite winter sport. It just looks cool, and there are many different events on skis. If you live in an area of the country that sees a lot of snowfall, then you’ll probably take your kids out skiing quite often. Even if you don’t, then a skiing holiday is always a great idea! Children love skiing, and they might get better at it as they grow older. Who knows, it could light a fire within them that sends them on a path to Olympic glory. Or, it could just give you an excuse to go on some cool winter holidays with the family.

Trampolining

This one’s from the summer Olympics, and I think it’s a great idea. What child doesn’t love jumping on a trampoline? They all do, it’s just plain fun! Start them off on a little trampoline, and then they might get more confident, enjoy it more and more, and want to attend actual classes. You can have a look at the many trampolines for kids compared before you buy, just to ensure you get one that’s actually worth your money and not a gimmick. The great thing about this idea is you can have a trampoline in your back garden, and your child can play on it whenever they want. Even if they don’t go pro, it’ll still keep them healthy and active!

Cycling

Cycling

Children love getting on their bikes and cycling around the block. So, this immediately makes it a viable option for a possible sporting career. Children also love to try and go as fast as can be, which is another reason they may be interested in taking this seriously. There are loads of cycling events in the Olympics, so they’re bound to find one they enjoy. Again, if they just want to keep doing this casually, then at least it encourages a healthy lifestyle.

I thought I’d have a bit of fun with the article today as I have been amazed at some of the young athletes at the winter Olympics. Of course, you don’t need to make your child into an athlete! I just thought it would be amusing to look at a few ideas for fun sports/activities they can do, which may also lead them down the path to becoming a pro athlete. Worst case scenario, you end up with healthier children!





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Moms, It’s Time To Think About Working From Home

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Calling all Moms!

It might seem like a daunting proposition at first, especially if you’re not incredibly tech-savvy or you have little experience working with the internet. But working from home is becoming much more accessible and it’s moms who are some of the biggest beneficiaries of the trend. Here, we’re going to look at why working from home could be right for you and how you can prepare for the next leg of your career.

Love is Everything

You’re in control

A lot of people working from home work for themselves. Providing services as a freelancer, a virtual assistant, or a home business offers you a lot of control over how and when you work, as well as how you use the profits. But even if you’re a remote employee working for a company, the freedom in not having to follow all the rules of the office, including dress and etiquette rules, can be very freeing, offering a much less stressful work environment. You might have to get in charge of your own schedule and productivity, which can be a challenge for some, but it’s far from impossible.

It doesn’t cost a whole lot

The cost of travel, of work clothing, of buying every day, it can all add up. Even if you want to start a business from home, you might need some fast cash to set up a website and get some marketing, but it’s way less expensive than starting a business elsewhere. If you’re trying to be ultra-frugal, then the only expense that most people working from home need to be concerned with, initially, is paying for access to the internet. In time, it’s a good idea to invest the money you’ve earned to set up a real home office with ergonomic furniture, however.

There’s help to get you there

Since working online has become a huge opportunity for moms who are trying to get back into their career, there have been initiatives started to help you do just that. Groups like DigitalMums are helping lots of people in that position learn relevant skills, such as social media use, copywriting, and other digital talents that allow for a more flexible career. The marketplace may have changed a great deal since you took a break from work, so updating your skills could be crucial.

You don’t have to wait to get back your career momentum

Pregnancy is one of the leading reasons that mums have to take a break from their career. Nowadays, women have more options to prepare their career so that they can ease back into it with less difficulty. But if you haven’t had that luck, working from home allows you to get right back into things when and to the degree that you are ready. It allows for a much more flexible career that helps you better maintain that all-important work-life balance.

Working from home does have its risks, so you shouldn’t expect everything to be flowers and rainbows, but you can work around them if you stay aware and be prepared. A lot of women who have had to take breaks from their careers can have difficulty getting back into things and working from home can be a great way to kickstart it again.





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How To Get Your Child Excited About Bedtime!

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Child Bedtime Routine

Photo credit: John Morgan




Make bedtime a fun time!

More often than not, every parent will go through a phase of finding it extremely difficult to get their child to sleep. Unfortunately, some parents beat themselves up about this thinking it is a reflection of their parenting skills, but it most definitely is not.

New Life Movie

Kids are kids, and when they reach a certain age, they begin to test the boundaries and see how far they can push you until you give in and they get what they want.  But rather than having a war and going into battle every night with your child, you may want to focus on making it fun.

If your child associates bedtime with boring routines that end up with them having to sleep – they aren’t going to want to do it, because they feel like it’s an ending to the day. They won’t like the idea of having to miss out on things because you’re still up and about, regardless of what you’re doing – like endless amounts of laundry and getting the house back in order – they still see it as things that they’re missing while they sleep. So, the idea of bedtime being only the beginning may work to your advantage.

Tips on how you can get your child excited about bedtime:

  • Exciting stories

A lot of experts will say that you need to a nightly routine in place so that your child knows what to expect every night and knows that sleep is coming. And while this is correct, there’s nothing wrong with changing it up. As an adult, you’ll know that although routines help us and give us structure, they can become a drag, and we’ll find ourselves craving for some excitement. Guess what, the same goes for your child too.  For example, the usual pattern of a nightly routine is a bath or shower, getting into their pajamas, brushing their teeth, reading a story, kisses and cuddles, and then time to go to sleep. Now, try pairing your routine up with surfing the waves in the tub, putting their most extravagant nightwear on for the ‘dream’ party, and then allowing them to create their own stories with you, before giving them magical powers that allow them to control their dreams – sounds a lot more fun huh’?

  • Exciting beds        

If your child is used to a dull looking bed that’s plain and just, there, they aren’t going to feel any desire to get in it because it’s not inviting them in any way. There are many incredible toddler beds available that come in many different shapes and sizes. Teepees, treehouses, racing cars, and princess castles are just a few examples of what’s on offer. What better way to entice your child to bed than a bed like that waiting for them? This is a brilliant way of working new things into your bedtime routine because it can always be a fantasy, rather than a chore. If you have a little girl that’s obsessed with all things princess, create your routine around that, only to finish with her in her castle to drift off into another land full of tiaras and ball gowns.

So, try changing up your child’s nightly routine and make it a fun experience for them and see if that helps to get them looking forward to bedtime or at least, making it a positive part of their day. 

May your children’s dreams always be sweet.




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