Second Honeymoon Travel Tips

October 6, 2016 by 2 Comments

How do you picture your perfect honeymoon?  Do you day dream of walking hand in hand on a tropical beach?  Maybe you’ve always wanted to visit Europe? Or perhaps you both want to pack your hiking books and head to Morocco?  To help couples worldwide, we  have put together 8 essential travel tips to help you with planning a honeymoon that you and your loved one will reminisce about for years!

 

 

tips for a second honeymoon

 

How do you picture your perfect honeymoon?  Do you day dream of walking hand in hand on a tropical beach?  Maybe you’ve always wanted to visit Europe? Or perhaps you both want to pack your hiking books and head to Morocco?  To help couples worldwide, we at WeLoveHoneyMoons.com have put together 8 essential tips to help you plan a first or second honeymoon that you and your loved one will reminisce about for years!

Set a Budget

Every project needs a budget including planning a honeymoon.  You can use a honeymoon-budget sheet to help you keep track. Start with a general budget and then drill down by categories.  If you prefer apps, use Expensify to keep track.

There’s no reason to cut corners on your honeymoon planning. After all, there are ways to honeymoon for less. This includes staying closer to home or choosing an affordable honeymoon package.  You can also save by booking your honeymoon online or by using your miles to get a cheaper flight. On top of that, you can try alternative means of transportation.
If you are renewing your wedding vows, be creative and set-up  a “Travel Fund”.  Set a travel date and start looking for more ways to save.  You can sell things or take on a few odd jobs to help raise the extra funds.
The best part is that you don’t have to lower the expectations. There are ways you can still have an amazing time and not spend a fortune or go in debt!

Look For the Most Suitable Destination

Easter Island or the Maldives sound like amazing destinations for a honeymoon on the island. However, do you know how far these places are from where you live?  So, when you’re planning a honeymoon consider the distance you will be traveling.

Here is some information:
• it takes 17 hours to fly from New York to Easter Island
• it takes 21 hours to fly from Los Angeles to the Maldives
If you only have less than a week to spend on your honeymoon, you don’t want to be on a plane for almost two days.  A better idea is to look for destinations closer to home. If you live in the US, a honeymoon in the Caribbean can be a great choice.  Just remember, you don’t want to be on a tropical island during the hurricane season.
When picking a honeymoon location, think about the weather. While being stuck inside with your spouse can be exciting, pick a place where there are interesting seasonal things to do when you’re ready to get out and about.
If you choose an early summer month, Southern Europe is a good idea. You can decide to go on a honeymoon destination in Italy or maybe choose a honeymoon package in Greece. When budget is a concern, consider a less popular time to travel.  Europe in the summer is expensive, but not in the winter. The Caribbean is always cheapest in August -September.  Find a destination to match your budget rather than the other way around.

 

planning a honeymoon

 

Choose a Good Airline

Flying business class for your honeymoon may sound good, but it can be a very expensive affair.  Save money either by using miles to upgrade or by simply booking economy and choosing seats with extra leg room.  Don’t be afraid to choose a low-cost airline. They have new fleet and are affordable.  Consider the leg room when choosing your seats.

 

Book In Advance

Book your honeymoon package six to eight months prior to the event! This window gives you a good chance to find affordable airfare and availability in the resort of your choice. If you want to stay at a certain resort or do something specialized, you may want to push that booking date back to a year if possible.  Sign up for fare alerts for the flights you are interested in.

Avoid making changes to the airfare or accommodation after you book. Changing the date on your plane ticket or accommodations could lead to paying penalties.   
 
Buy Travel Insurance
This is something that many people tend to overlook, but make sure you have travel insurance. Why? Because the right kind of insurance can protect you against a lot of things: from delayed flight to lost luggage or stolen goods.  And not to mention that it can save you a lot of grief during emergency situations or medical issues.   Lisa, blogger at Playa del Carmen agrees: “If any time should be stress-free, it is your honeymoon! It is worth the peace of mind.” Make sure the insurance you choose covers the activities you plan to enjoy (eg. scuba diving).

Travel Light

You really don’t need to pack half of your closet.  However, you don’t want to go to a fancy restaurant and not have anything for the occasion, either. Pack smart and think layers.  For a honeymoon on the beach, consider packing a lightweight dress and a pareo or cardigan for the evenings.  You may want to leave your high heels at home if you plan to visit Europe, with its old, cobblestone cities. Also, it’s worthwhile to consider packing that ultra-light waterproof jacket no matter where you’re headed.

The less stuff you carry with you, the more flexibility of movement you’ll be able to enjoy. Also, get a bag with wheels and don’t strain your body! Your energy should all go towards enjoying your trip with your loved one.  Roll your clothes to maximize the space in your carry on.

 

planning a honeymoon

 

 

 

Share Your Travel Itinerary 

You should share your travel itinerary with at least a person you trust.  Things do happen and it might be useful and even life-saving if your loved ones know how to find you when necessary.

 

Relax and Enjoy Your Honeymoon

Make sure you plan for a balanced mix of activities and down time while you’re planning your honeymoon. That means allowing yourself to enjoy it. You’ll get back to the real world eventually – but you only get one honeymoon. Relish it.

About the Author – Cris Puscas is a contributing writer at WeLoveHoneymoons.com the best place to book memorable honeymoon travel packages. She is a hopeless romantic, equally passionate about discovering new places to explore and writing about them.

 

 

Filed Under: Travel, Travel Tips Tagged With: , ,

An England Family Vacation Is Worth The Flight

October 5, 2016 by 2 Comments

Getting to England with kids isn’t easy. And, it’s a pretty long flight.  So today, I’m sharing travel tips on a England Family Vacation.  If you want to see what the rest of the world raves about, it’s worth the trip.  England is the home of the British Royal family, cute accents, and incredible landscapes. Most importantly, if you want to take a vacation overseas, England is a great option for family fun.

 

 

england family vacation tips

 

 

Lots of people are curious about England. It’s a tiny country that packs a big punch when it comes to tourist attractions. The word ‘quaint’ is used a lot to describe English villages, houses, and local activities. After all, there are some pretty weird, wonderful, and whacky things that the English like to do! Rolling big cheeses down hills, Morris Dancing, and welly wanging. Those are just some of the village delights you might come across up and down the country.

English Yorkshire Pudding and Sunday Roast

Yorkshire Pudding

 

When it comes to food, you may also find some little gems and weird dishes. Most towns and villages have their own local delicacy. This might include cakes, biscuits, or cheeses. Seaside towns might offer jellied eels and liquor pie. What about a beef stottie? And the Cornish pasty will definitely delight your entire family. Common favorites include the traditional English Breakfast and the Yorkshire pudding roast dinner.

American theme parks may be huge, but the British are definitely catching up. There are several to choose from all over England. Your kids will probably find their favorite TV characters at the themed parks. English favorites like Thomas the Tank Engine and Peppa Pig have their own parks!  You can buy your attraction tickets online in advance or at the entrance kiosk. Many parks have special events at certain times of the year. It’s worth doing your research to find out what they’re offering. Some include large wildlife parks. Additionally, those that are by the beach offer extra value when you’re out for the day.

However, if it’s the beach that brings you to England, you’ll not be disappointed. Some are world-renowned for the surf. Cornwall, in particular, brings professional surfers to the UK. There are plenty of surf schools and courses to choose from around the coast of England too. English kids like to bring a bucket and spade to the sand. Then they make elaborate sand castles with sea water moats. You can find sand sculptures at some of the popular tourist promenades.  If you’re feeling particularly relaxed, you can enjoy letting your kids bury you neck deep in the sand too.

 

 

England Tourist Attraction

 

Scotland and Wales might boast some of the most characterful castles. But England certainly has some remarkable ruins and inhabited castles for tourists to visit. Some have been turned into hotels. Others are free to visit and roam around the old ruins. Many have activities to help engage your kids in the history of the place. They can even experience what life was like hundreds of years ago. As well as castles, you can find estates, manors, abbeys, cathedrals, palaces and country houses that are all open to the public.

Other activities in London that you may want to consider is the world-renowned museums and art galleries. You can visit Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament at Westminster. This is also the home of Big Ben. St. Paul’s Cathedral is a remarkable building. Its design is particularly interesting for those who have a passion for acoustics. Children will love the Whispering Gallery.

British theater is also lots of fun for an afternoon out with the kids. You can find plenty of shows in the West End. If you visit England in the winter, you can experience the delights of the British Pantomime. These productions are very funny and will leave your kids squealing with delight. Well-known celebrities and TV stars often perform, so you might even recognize a few familiar faces.  Some performers engage the audience with a little audience participation. Adults love them just as much as the kids, and the humor will definitely appeal to all.

Making the trip to the UK may feel like a huge undertaking, but the pleasures of an English vacation will make up for it. There are so many great attractions. There are interesting things to see and do that will suit the entire family no matter what their ages or interests.  The lack of language barriers definitely helps if your kids like to explore on their own. If you’re looking for something a little extra special,  start planning your next year’s vacation to England.

Filed Under: Vacation Destinations Tagged With: , ,

A Child’s Hobby Can Enhance Their Future

October 5, 2016 by 2 Comments

tips for turning hobbies into careers

Did you know that hobbies can be beneficial to a child’s future? First, it can be a great way for them to socialize and meet new people. They’ll be able to join clubs at school and outside of education.  For instance, if your child learns chess they’ll be able to join the school chess club.  This brings us to the next level of advancing their education.  Hobbies could be seen as a plus in the future.  Especially when colleges are considering accepting your child or even when they are thinking about applying for their first job. You always need to have their future in mind.  Speaking of the future, a hobby might also be profitable for your kid one day. So, let’s think about what hobbies might have these types of benefits attached to them.

Learn A Musical Instrument

Encouraging your child to learn a musical instrument could help them stretch their creative muscle.  If they are talented, they might be able to turn a hobby into a career.  We’ve all dreamed of our children being the next Beyonce or Taylor Swift. However, if you want something slightly more prestigious, joining the New York Philharmonic Orchestra is an option.  Children should be introduced to the idea of learning to play an instrument or sing.  Generally, most kids won’t pick up a musical instruments by themselves. However, most will love it once they get a chance to play or perform.

Collecting

In the nineties, a lot of parents scoffed when other parents spent a fortune buying their kids Pokemon Cards.  Others encouraged their children to purchase these cards with their pocket money. Who’s laughing now?  Pokemon Go has brought the craze back.  Rare cards those kids collected over the years could possibly be worth a fortune.  Collectibles don’t have to be attached to a craze.  Collectibles considered rare and valuable is an option too. For instance, you could encourage them to collect and trade rare paper notes.  Believe it or not, this could turn into quite a sizeable investment one day. Particularly, if you manage to help your child pick up a rare note like a Zimbabwe 100 trillion dollar banknote.

Youtube

YouTube  is another hobby you may want to encourage.  People are turning hobbies into money by using YouTube to sell products or creating tutorials.  You need an interesting hook and a personality, however, there are plenty of young teens doing this.  Parents should monitor their child’s online activity carefully. Furthermore, researching on-line safety and other essentials for utilizing YouTube can save you and your child from on-line predators.  Helping your child set up a Youtube account could lead to a future career.

I hope you think about encouraging your children to try some of these hobbies for themselves.

Filed Under: Education, Parenting Tips

How To Choose The Right Pediatric Dentists

October 3, 2016 by 4 Comments

Pediatric dentists are specialists and have been trained to treat the unique needs of children. They usually go through two or three years of specialty training after finishing dental school. When you are a pediatric dentist, they limit their practice to dealing with the oral health needs of infants, children, including those with special health needs.   Today, we’re sharing parenting tips on pediatric dentists.

 

 

tips for choosing a pediatric dentist

 

 

It is very important that your kid gets regular dental care with a pediatric dentist they are comfortable with. So you would want to choose a competent and patient professional who is great with children. However, finding the best pediatric dentist is not a walk in the meadow. It’s most likely because you are not sure of the important factors to consider while choosing one. This often leads to confusion, thereby postponing your kid’s dental check-ups. Therefore, in order to help you find the best pediatric dentist for your kid, here are some things that you should consider:

 

Ask for Recommendations

It’s a great idea to ask for a recommendation from someone you trust,.  Either a friend, family member, co-worker, your dentist, even your kid’s pediatrician are excellent resources. Additionally, you can also take opinions from local pharmacists and family doctors into consideration.

If you are moving to a new place, ask for a reference from your child’s current dentist. Additionally, you can perform your own search if you want by zip code or using the “Find a pediatric dentist” tool at www.aapd.org. You can even look at local websites or magazines for recommendations.

 

Consider Education and Experience

Once you have narrowed down a list of a few pediatric dentists, it is time to find out about their educational background and experience. Most importantly, they should be a licensed member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to ensure that his/her practice is at par with the latest and most effective clinical procedures.

 

Start out with a Basic Appointment

Unless it’s an emergency, you should start out with a basic appointment which requires less work to be done. As a result, you can find out how the pediatric dentist interacts with your child. If he or she offers any additional dental care advice or not, it means that he is investing in you and your kid.

 

Evaluate the Office Environment

You should consider these points while you are at the clinic:

· Is the clinic’s environment kid-friendly? Does it offer toys, games, or children’s books?

· How does the clinic handles emergencies?

· Is the staff friendly and accessible?

· Is the clinic located near your home or your child’s school?

· Does the practice consider your dental benefit plan?

 

Is Your Child Comfortable With the Dentist?

Most of all, it is important that your child feels comfortable any pediatric dentists you choose.  Observe the dentist ‘s chairside manner.  Good pediatric dentists should clearly be interested in treating children. They should pay attention to your concerns. Additionally, they should be patient and should be able to calm down scared or anxious children.

 Author Bio:

Roman Beres is an expert writer and blogger with a strong passion for writing. He shares views and opinions on a range of topics such as Business, Health/Fitness, Lifestyle, Parenting and lot more. He works for Dental Clinic and helps you find the best Dentist Floral Park, NY.

Filed Under: Health, Parenting Tips Tagged With: , ,

Water Infuser Pitcher Review

October 3, 2016 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing a product review on the Ultimate Kitchens Water Infuser Pitcher.  I received a discount in exchange for an honest review on this product.  This post may contain affiliate links.  Any purchases made may generate compensation; however, there will be no additional cost to you.  Mother 2 Mother Blog uses the funds to sustain the expense of blogging.

Let me start by saying I love this product. I purchased an infuser for my daughter this summer.  So, receiving an infuser for myself was exciting.  The Ultimate Kitchens Water Infuser is a lot nicer than the one that I previously purchased.  This infuser holds 3.2 quarts of water or whatever beverage you decide to use.  You can infuse tea, lemonade or other drinks as well as water. As a result, the possibilities are endless.

 

 

water pitcher infuser review

 

 

After I removed the infuser from the box, I hand washed it before using it.  It is dishwasher safe on the top shelf; however, I think I will continue to hand wash mine. I love the red top and handle on the pitcher too.  It’s great to serve guests at holiday gatherings, dinner and birthday parties or just relaxing at home.  I love that the pitcher is clear.  The pitcher is easy to assemble or disassemble.  When disassembled the infuser becomes three pieces.  The pitcher, cylinder and the top.  Place the ingredients that you want to infuse into the cylinder and than twist the top on.

 

 

 

infused water pitchers

 

 

 

 

The ingredients that you decide to use, will be stars in this pitcher.  Oh what to use? I fell in love with cucumber water in Las Vegas years ago.  The water was welcoming when I entered the lobby of the hotel.  It was 100+ degrees that day, and heat like I’ve never experienced before.  So, the water was refreshing.  But, cucumber water was a new experience for me.  Who knew that a cucumber could change water from blah to delicious.  I decided to use cucumbers and basil in the cylinder this time. 

 

Cucumber and Basil Infused Water Recipe: 

  • Wash a cucumber and slice
  • Remove fresh basil leaves and rinse
  • Spring Water

 

Add the ingredients to the cylinder and add the cylinder to the pitcher of spring water.  Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours and enjoy.  

 

There are many combinations of fruit and vegetables that can be used.  For example:  

Cucumber and Lemon
Watermelon and Jalapenos
Raspberry and Mint
Blackberry and Sage
Oranges and Blueberries

 

I highly recommend this ULTIMATE KITCHENS Water Infuser Pitcher.  Update:  The Ultimate Kitchens Water Infuser Pitcher is no longer available.  However, I recently purchased the Classic Cuisine Infusion Pitcher and it is comparable.  

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Product Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #92

October 1, 2016 by 6 Comments

image-sundays-best-scary-nights

 

Welcome to Week 92 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We’re continuing our Boo, Scary Nights theme.  Halloween is around the corner.  Everyone will be in search of the perfect costume for a night of spooky characters and delicious treats.  We’re looking for crafts, recipes, DIY, mantel makeovers, porch decorating tips and more.

We also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and share those on our linky too. They’re great for inspiration.

Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the festivities too. 

Each week your hosts will select their favorite post and it will be featured the following week. An image from your post will be used on our linkup post the following week with a link back to your blog. Be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Linkup Pinterest Board too!

The Reader’s Choice post(s) will be determined by the post(s) with the most clicks. We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best will be promoted on Twitter.

In addition to the Reader’s Choice and Host selections, a post for our monthly themes will be selected and featured each week as well.

If you are interested in becoming a Sunday’s Best host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Hosts Are:

mother 2 mother sunday's best co-hosts

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother ~•~ Kim U. at Pinterested Parent ~•~ Kim M. at Life in a House of Testosterone
 

Here are the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

The Pinterested Parent: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin before you leave.

Life In A House of Testosterone: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin, or Instagram before you leave.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!

Sunday’s Best Featured Posts Are:

Kim U. selected Perfect Hair Ideas That Your Girl Will Love from Crystal and Comp

 

hair styles for little girls

Rhonda selected Cute As a Button Cupcakes  from Avas Alphabet

 

 cupcake decorating ideas

Kim M. selected Fall Mantel from Virginia Sweet Pea

 

fall decorating ideas

 

The Post with the Most Clicks

Pokémon Birthday Party Invitation from The Scrap Shoppe Blog

 dog treats

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) –  Boo, Scary Nights:

Zombie Graveyard Pudding Cups from Comic Con Family

Halloween Food Ideas

and

DIY Candy Bar Costumes from Comic Con Family    

Halloween Costume Ideas

 and

Monster Planters for Halloween  from Jennifer Perkins 

Halloween decorating ideas

Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you linking up. We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again … you could be selected next week! While you’re here, take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media!


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Tips for Home Security

October 1, 2016 by 2 Comments

home security

 

 

It’s mo surprise that more people are wondering how to secure their home. With things like burglary on the rise, you need to be able to protect your assets. However, not everyone has a fortune sitting in the bank for a state of the art security system.  Which is why I thought I would share some of the budget friendly options for home security without breaking the home.  Check out these tips:

Fencing

One of the biggest ways to deter anyone is catching them at the first hurdle. A great way to do this is by adding a fence. Thankfully, with things like chain link fencing you don’t have to worry about it costing you a small fortune. Fencing is one of the best ways to deter anyone from entering your property. Don’t make it easy on them.

Plants and Shrubs

If updating your fencing isn’t an option then you can still create a boundary to your home. You can do this by planting new bushes and shrubbery in your garden. These can be difficult to climb over or get around when planted strategically. You could consider high vertical hedges and bushes for the boundary, and then some smaller ones for your pathway and driveway.

Adding Your Own Security Cameras

A state of the art camera and alarm system could be quite pricey, but that doesn’t mean cameras are out of reach. You can purchase webcams that can link to an app downloaded on your phone on Ebay. Often a cheaper alternative, but still giving you a good level of security. Of course, you won’t have the benefits of an exterior security camera deterring anyone from entering. But it does allow you to keep 24 hour access to the interior of your home.

A Neighborhood Watch

A great way to improve the security of your whole community is to create a neighborhood watch.  A cost effective way of keeping your home secure is to have neighbor’s keep an eye on each other’s property. You could even put up signs warning that you have a neighborhood watch in place.  Again this can be enough to deter any opportunists from attempting to break into your home.

Using Common Sense

Sometimes we just need to use our own common sense to improve the security in our homes. Many doors and windows are installed with added security features. Windows often have a key lock and doors sometimes have double locks or extra security along the top and bottom.  When you leave your home, make sure the windows and doors are locked. Especially for long periods like vacations.

Lighting

Finally, You could add some exterior lighting to your home. Or keeping certain lamps on a timer switch. This is an easy way of making your home look occupied when it might not be. Many attempts of break in happen when the property is empty.  So giving the impression that someone is home could help you avoid any nasty issues in the future.

I hope this has provided you with some ideas on home security and the importance.  Most importantly, using our tips won’t break the bank.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: ,

Feel Like Royalty in BikeBandit Fashion

September 30, 2016 by 1 Comment

fashion and accessories for bikersIt’s been years since I been on the back of a motorcycle.  I loved riding years ago, but my bike riding was placed on the back burner when life happened.  The job, kid, house and other life events became a priority, and than fatigue set in.  I’ve dreamed about riding from time to time.  Seeing a motorcycle or hearing the sound of a Harley brings back memories.  I admire biker’s out for a Sunday afternoon ride or those who are taking a road trip.  I look forward to 3,000 bikers converging on our small town with police escorts yearly for Bike Night.

I’ve often thought about purchasing a leather jacket or a pair of motorcycle boots for my next ride too.  My skinny jeans would be the perfect accessory for the pair.  BikeBandit would be my go to for the boots, jacket and accessories.  Their leather jacket selection is huge.  They have hundreds of styles to choose from in a variety of sizes in ladies leather jackets.  I found the perfect jacket for my next ride.

womens-enchantress-jacketblk

Bikebandit’s Enchantress leather jacket is at the top of my list.  It’s every lady biker’s dream jacket, stylist and affordable.  For example, the jacket is made of top leather.  YKK  zippered sleeves for comfort put the icing on the cake.  I would wear a sleeveless shirt under the jacket in the summer, but a shirt under it in the spring, fall, and winter.  The removable, quilted and insulated liner makes the jacket a great investment.  The insulated liner can be inserted on cool mornings and evening rides.  Also, it can be removed on days when it heats up during the cooler weather or in the summer.

This jacket also has two sleeve and a back vent to help keep you cool on hot days. People often wonder why bikers wear leather in the summer.  They assume that the leather is hot and sticky.  Not so. These jackets are made to keep you warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather.

Because Bikebandit has a great selection of fashion and everything else relating to biking.  I recommend you head over now and grab your share of the bargains.

 

 

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: , ,

How To Throw an Epic Fall Barbeque

September 30, 2016 by 2 Comments

 

fall barbaque tips

 

The summer might have come to an end, but there’s still plenty of time left in the year to make use of your barbeque. The weather is still mild enough, but the change in season makes it a little different to your average midsummer cookout. So get your family and friends around, and fire up the barbeque while you still can! Here are just a few of the ways you can make a fall barbeque special, and ensure your party is an epic success.

 

bbq grilling tips

Photo from Wikimedia

 

Cook Seasonal Produce

Now we’re in fall, take advantage of the awesome fall produce that’s available! Don’t be afraid to think out of the box when you’re planning your fall barbeque.  Just because certain things aren’t traditionally done on the barbeque doesn’t mean they won’t taste great. Ingredients like squash, sweet potatoes, meats marinated in warming spices are all great options to cook on the grill. You have things like mushrooms (which are at their best during the fall and winter) and corn on the cob which are both in season.  We all know they work well on the barbeque. You could even grill some seasonal fall fruits such as apples, quince and figs. Serve with some mascarpone cream for something tasty yet unusual.

 

Serve Up Warming, Seasonal Drinks

You could whip up a big batch of warming apple cider with spices for guests when they arrive. Or you could create cocktails using seasonal fruits to sip on through the evening. Think pear mimosas, blackberry margaritas and bourbon hot toddies. You could even make some homemade hot chocolate and keep it warm in the slow cooker ready to serve later in the evening. Mugs served with whipped cream, sprinkles and maybe even a shot of Irish cream liqueur are bound to go down well.

 

Keep Everyone Warm

While the weather is still nice, there’s definitely more of a chill in the air especially as the evening draws on. So investing in fire pits or outdoor fireplaces could is a great investment for the garden. You could provide guests with blankets, and all sit around the toasty fire.  Toast some marshmallows or drink hot chocolate in the cool, crisp evening to finish off the night. Perfect!

fall bbq tips

Photo from Pixabay

 

Think About Lights and Decorations

There are so many ways you could go with fall decor ideas. Hollowed out pumpkins displaying seasonal flowers make a fabulous fall decoration which doesn’t look ‘halloween-y’. You could line some mason jars with pretty fall leaves and put some tea light candles inside. You can even buy cute battery operated autumnal fairy lights featuring things like faux leaves. These kind of things will set the ambience. Having lots of lighting around is useful when the days are shorter too. As well as your smaller light sources, it’s worth having an outdoor light or floodlight if your party is going to carry on through the evening.

Have you ever thrown a fall barbeque? How did you make it different to a standard summer one?

 

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: , ,

How to Instill Good Brushing Techniques in Your Toddler

September 28, 2016 by 2 Comments

From the time your little one cuts their first tooth, you are probably wondering when you should start brushing those sprouting white pearls. Today, we’re sharing parenting tips on good brushing techniques for toddlers.  When your child’s first tooth comes in, start brushing with water and a soft kid’s toothbrush.

Once they turn 2 – 3 years of age, you can start using a non-fluoride tooth paste.  As they continue growing, you can introduce a bigger drop that will cover all of their teeth.  The habits you cultivate on your child’s first set of teeth are transferred to their permanent adult teeth. If you are planning on instilling healthy brushing habits in your child, these tips will come in handy.

 

 

 

 

tips for brushing toddler's teeth

 

 

Begin Early

The earlier you introduce oral hygiene to your young ones, the better. Brushing becomes a habit, and there will be fewer struggles to get your child to practice dental hygiene.  At first it may be difficult, but with time, you build the habit. Start building trust so your child  understands it is a necessary activity.

 

Set an Example

Teaching good brushing techniques for toddlers includes visuals.  Children who see their parents brushing will adapt quickly to the routine more quickly. Let your child see their own teeth in the mirror before and after brushing. This will help them understand the importance of brushing and what it does for their teeth.

 

Make it Enjoyable

Toddlers and adults don’t like being forced to do stuff. Make it fun for both of you.  Purchase dental supplies tailored for your kids. Children’s toothbrushes are usually decorated with appealing themes such as cartoon characters and princesses. Allow your child to choose the toothbrushes and toothpaste with their favorite characters. This will increase their enthusiasm on brushing habits.

 

Be Creative

Make brushing time creative so your child will look forward to it. For instance, you can think of a song to sing while brushing. You can even create a particular dance you do before or after brushing. Create a story that is related to brushing.

 

Take Turns

An effective way of encouraging routine brushing is reversing the power dynamic by allowing your child to brush your teeth. Dentists encourage such positive feelings as they help kids become more comfortable with the idea of brushing. They take it like any other playful activity.

Your kids will probably have different opinions regarding brushing. Some may resist it while others may embrace the practice. Make brushing relatable to your children early on. Encouraging proper dental hygiene will ensure your kids have sparkling teeth that can last a lifetime. 

Do you have a game or song that you sing when your children are brushing?  How do you instill this habit in your children.

freelance writers

 

 

 

About the writer: Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.

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