Sunday, August 30, 2020

Go To Bed, School’s A Coming


With back to school around the corner, most of my mommy friends are talking about schedules and mainly how to get their kids back on them.
Have you had a scheduled bedtime?
Have your kids been sleeping until whenever they decide to wake?
Then it might be time to start rescheduling that school time clock again.
If you are letting your kids stay up until whenever, start sending them to bed around an hour earlier than usual. Over the course of the next three weeks move it up until they are back on schedule.
Having a routine at night will make the transition easier for all of you.
Family fun time (game, movie, playing outdoors, taking a walk around the neighborhood, snuggling together on the floor, or whatever your family loves to do that isn’t extremely active.
*A snack
*Bath
*PJ’s
*Tooth brushing
*A story or two
*Hugs and kisses, good-night
In the morning, start setting the clock for an hour or two earlier depending on when your little darlings are waking. Use that extra time to do something together as a family. Make them breakfast, take them to the park, a farm, or the library. The weather is nice and cool in the morning and no one else is there. Walk around and enjoy your last few weeks together before every one’s life becomes more routine.
Starting slowly will make the transition easy for everyone involved and make it a whole lot easier than waiting until the week before school.
Enjoy your kids because they grow out of us a whole lot quicker than we grow out of them.
Mwaaahhhh!

Saturday, August 29, 2020

September is Baby Safety Month! Get ready with Kidco’s Home Safety Tips

Parents are always wondering, “When the best time to start baby proofing the house?”  September is baby safety month and the perfect time to start looking around your home for potential hazards.   There’s no need to feel intimidated.  Baby proofing is a ritual we all have to go through when our little ones get mobile.  Especially now when working from home and many kids learning from home has meant that there is more time for babies to get into things. 

KidCo, the brand known for its high-quality line of baby gates, baby proofing and travel products, has put together important tips in honor of baby safety month.

We would love to work with you on a story for Baby Safety Month this September. Please let us know if you are interested! Best, Alise
 
 
 
 
 
Where to Start
Dan Kaiser from KidCo recommends starting with baby gates.  KidCo launched the first metal child safety gates to the US market nearly 30 years ago, setting a new standard of safety and style for baby safety. The company’s line of safety gates will cover all areas from the top of stairs, high traffic or large areas, and even fireplaces.  The basic recommended age of use with most gates is up to 24 months.  If you know that you need a gate, but don’t know where to start, KidCo has a gate finder that is helpful.
 
 
 
 
Photo credit: middle image @derekamoako; right image @thewiscomama
 
 
 
 
 
In the Kitchen
We start with the kitchen because so many people feel that it’s the heart of their home.  This space is one of the more challenging to baby proof since there are so many areas that need to be considered. 

Most people move into a home and put cleaning supplies and chemicals in the bottom cabinet under the sink.  Families with small children should opt for keep detergents, pesticides, cleaning products, and any other toxic household chemicals locked up, preferably in a high cabinet.  Remember that child-resistant doesn't mean childproof. Some children are very good at breaking in and opening products in the blink of an eye!
 
 
 
 
Be sure to secure cabinets and drawers.  A simple solution to keeping little ones out of cabinets. These Sliding Cabinet & Drawer Locks attach easily and fit snuggly around cabinet knobs or handles.  No screws or adhesive mount necessary, and this system is good for handles or knobs that are 2” – 7” apart. 

Use the back burners on the stove whenever possible and if you must use the front ones, turn the pot handles toward the back.  If your knobs are at the front of the stove, Stove Knob Covers provide protection from little ones turning stove knobs. These knobs offer non-adhesive installation and are easily removable for cleaning.

Kitchen cabinet drawers, which are often at the height of a toddler’s head, are another hazard.  Cabinets and drawers should all be secured with internal locking devices because external locks that need to be put back in place after each use are often forgotten.  These Adhesive Mount Cabinet & Drawer Locks are designed to keep cabinets and drawers off limits to little hands. Adhesive mount means no holes, no drilling, no tools, and easy installation.  Going on trip with the little ones? Install the in your rental home or cottage.
 
 
 
 
 
The Family Room
The family room might be doing double and triple duty as a home office, school study space, and playroom.  Be sure to put electronics out of reach of children can reduce the risk of kids getting hurt or damaging expensive equipment.  When setting up electronics, ensure that all wires are no longer than six inches. Consider wrapping them with electrical tape or Velcro ties. Use an outlet cover box to avoid exposed outlets should something come unplugged. Be sure to keep charging plugs out of reach.  Universal outlet covers work on both standard and decorator style outlets and does not require that you remove it every time you actually want to use the plug.
 
 
 
 
You never know when little fingers will touch your keyboard or mouse. Very young children have become extremely adept at finding YouTube and watching their favorite videos.  Putting a password on to your computer is the easiest way to ensure your child does not “edit” any documents or visit any unsafe sites. You may want to put your tablet in child safe mode if you haven’t done that already!

Secure TVs or Furniture to the Wall with anti-tip furniture straps.  Fall hazards are one of the most common, and most deadly, dangers for children inside the home. Bookcases can be extremely dangerous if not secured to a wall. New or moved furniture (i.e. a television) should be anchored to avoid tipping.
 
 
 
 
 
Multitasking
Many working parents are now taking on tasks that had been done with an army of babysitters, day care centers, and cleaning crews.  Now so much of this has stopped, the ability to multitask has been put to new levels of efficiency and often frustration.  Some of the best tips that we’ve also found from parents is to try and stress less and set new expectations under these new conditions. Parents have found ways to cope with a variety of products and tips that range from baby carriers to activity seats. 
 
 
 
 
Photo credit: left image @lilysslittlelungs, middle image @saracozzaniofficial, right image @mamacopfer
 
 
 
 
Keep little ones happy, safe, and occupied in an activity seat. The GoPod Plus Activity Seat​​​​​​​ is one of our favorite products that helps you with multitasking chores, exercise, or helping older children with schoolwork and their needs.  Travel products can be repurposed for keeping kids occupied and are often easy to open and close for storage.  The KidCo TravelPod is a portable play yard that provides a safe and comfortable environment for children between the ages of birth and three years. It can be set-up easily in any room of your home which has been turned into a home office.

Parents and caregivers have many responsibilities. Keeping baby safe and healthy is a top priority. With a bit of planning and patience, your home can be made safe and sound

After The End by Clare Mackintosh - Gripping Story by NY Times Bestselling Author



New York Times bestselling author Clare Mackintosh's latest novel AFTER THE END (G.P. Putnam's Sons) was released in paperback on June 16th

“I devoured this book on a rainy Sunday, and then felt dizzy afterwards—like the book had almost knocked me over . . . it works beautifully.”
—Jenny Hollander, Marie Claire

 

After the End is a beautifully written novel, compelling and clever, tender and true. 

I can’t stop thinking about it.”
Liane Moriarty, #1 New York Times bestselling author of 

The Husband’s Secret and Big Little Lies

 

“Mackintosh veers from the thrillers for which she is known into quieter, but no less captivating, territory...[After the End] is tailor-made for book clubs and for fans of Jodi Picoult.”
Publishers Weekly

 

Max and Pip are the strongest couple you know. They’re best friends, lovers–unshakable. But then their son gets sick and the doctors put the question of his survival into their hands. For the first time, Max and Pip can’t agree. They each want a different future for their son.  What if they could have both?

A gripping and propulsive exploration of love, marriage, parenthood, and the road not taken, AFTER THE END brings one unforgettable family from unimaginable loss to a surprising, satisfying, and redemptive ending and the life they are fated to find. With the emotional power of Jodi Picoult’s My Sister’s Keeper, Mackintosh helps us to see that sometimes the end is just another beginning.




Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe Soundtrack Available NOW #DISNEYMUSIC

DIGITAL SOUNDTRACK FROM THE DISNEY+ ORIGINAL MOVIE

AVAILABLE NOW

   BURBANK, CA -- August 28, 2020 --"Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe," from Disney Television Animation premieres exclusively on Disney+ today. The soundtrack from Walt Disney Records is available now. "The Phineas and Ferb Ultimate Playlist" can be heard here.

 The soundtrack features 17 songs including the singles, "Such a Beautiful Day performed by Ashley Tisdale; "We're Back' performed by Vincent Martella, Ashley Tisdale, Dan Povenmire and the end title credit "Silhouettes" performed by Robbie Wyckoff and the Phineas and Ferb cast.  The music is composed and produced by Danny Jacob ("Phineas and Ferb") and features guest songwriters Karey Kirkpatrick ("Something Rotten!"), Emanuel Kiriakou (Whitney Houston's "I Look To You") and Kate Micucci ("Garfunkel and Oates").

  Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe track list:

 1. "Such a Beautiful Day"   

2. "The Universe is Against Me" 

3. "Meet Our Leader" 

4. "Unsung Hero" 

5. "Adulting"

6. "Girls Day Out"

7. "This Is Our Battle Song"

8. "Us Against the Universe"

9. "Silhouettes"

10. "We're Back"

11. "Space Adventure"

12. "Chop Away at My Heart"

13. "Step into the Great Unknown"

14. "Candace Against the Universe"

15. "Cowardly Story/Fall Out of Ship"

16. "Candace Rocks/Showdown"

17. "Heartstrings to Hero"

 About "Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe"    

"Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe" is an adventure story that tracks stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb as they set out across the galaxy to rescue their older sister Candace, who after being abducted by aliens, finds utopia in a far-off planet, free of pesky little brothers.

 Voice talent reprising their roles from the original series and movie include: Ashley Tisdale as Candace Flynn; Vincent Martella as Phineas Flynn; Caroline Rhea as their mom, Linda; Dee Bradley Baker as Perry the Platypus; Alyson Stoner as Isabella; Maulik Pancholy as Baljeet; Bobby Gaylor as Buford; Olivia Olson as Vanessa Doofenshmirtz; Tyler Mann as Carl; and Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh as Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz and Major Monogram, respectively. David Errigo Jr. joins the cast as Ferb Fletcher. The movie is executive-produced by the creators/executive producers of the Emmy Award-winning "Phineas and Ferb" series, Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh and directed by Bob Bowen ("Family Guy").

The 411:

My kids were so into Phineas and Ferb a few short years ago. It was one of my favorite shows to watch with them especially since Ashley Tisdale from High School Musical voiced Candace. We still occasionally watch when we can't think of something to put on and are so excited there is a new movie to hopefully introduce them to a whole new generation of kids. 

I have been singing Such a Beautiful Day while driving to work this week. It is so cheesy and I love that about it. 

The sun is shining, not a cloud in the sky

My stars are aligning and I swear that I
Could do anything
On such a beautiful day

My life's an open book, I'm gonna write a new page
And I know that I'm mixing my metaphors
But you can probably get the main gist of what I'm trying to say

Candace is one heck of a character. If you don't know anything about Phineas and Ferb Candace is their sister. Like most big sisters she is usually babysitting her younger brothers and they get into all kinds of outrageous shenanigans (OMG I love that word) but the only one who ever sees what they are up to is Candace and just when she thinks she will finally be able to show someone else what they are up to, everything is back to normal. 

In this movie the brothers have to rescue Candace in outer space and I cannot wait to see it!

The soundtrack starts with Candace singing about this beautiful day she is having, a fun, bubbly, happy song then the next song The Whole Universe is Against Me an edgier song again sung by Candace after her apparent abduction.

What I love about this soundtrack was how we had pop, rock, Broadway style and so much more. I friggin love it and could listen to this anytime. All the songs stayed true to the style of the show and made me long for the days when my kids and I lay around watching Phineas and Ferb without a care in the world.

It was so much fun and my favorite score was probably Candace Against the Universe. It was epic. So high energy and fast. That double bass and shredding guitar was very Metallica!  I have played it way too much and really appreciated the "Doofenshmirtz Incorporated".

All in all a great soundtrack with something for everyone. 

 About Disney+

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. As part of Disney's Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment, Disney+ is available on most internet-connected devices and offers commercial-free programming with a variety of original feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. Alongside unprecedented access to Disney's incredible library of film and television entertainment, the service is also the exclusive streaming home for the latest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Disney+ is available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+. Visit DisneyPlus.com to subscribe and/or learn more about the service.

 For more information on Walt Disney Records' releases become a fan at Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic and Instagram.com/disneymusic.

 

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Top Career Options for Those Who Love Water Sports


It’s natural to want to turn a beloved hobby into a viable career option, especially if you’re young and trying to decide which career path to take. If you’ve been honing your strength and skill with a particular water sport for the majority of your life, then you’re probably wondering what you can do for a career to support this. 

Here are some great career options for those who love water sports. 

Sport Instructor

With any water sport comes the need to learn, and you could put your skills to good use by helping and teaching others to learn and participate in any chosen water sport. You could aim to become an instructor of a specific sport, or perhaps you’d like to try your hand at a few if you’re skilled at more than one. 

Instructors can open up their own instructor business so that learners can hire them privately for lessons, or you could see which opportunities are available in water sport hotspots, such as vacation complexes or those businesses at beaches or lakes. 

Furthermore, you can even offer instruction for other water sport activities, such as jet ski or boat hire, if you’re also skilled in sailing or using water equipment. 

Lifeguard 

If swimming is where your strengths lie and you’d like to turn your skills to having more responsibility for others (as well as spending all your time by the water, whether at a pool or the ocean) then a lifeguard could be a valuable career choice. 

This is a great option for those who already lead a highly active lifestyle and want more of an incentive to keep it up in order to pass their physical as a lifeguard!

Play Professionally 

Maybe you have athletic dreams of playing professionally in your favourite sport. A good way to develop your skills and get noticed is through seeking out scholarships for water sports, like with asmscholarships.com. This will help you to study and progress in your chosen field in order to work towards a professional athletic career. 

Swimming Instructors 

Maybe you’d like to work at a local pool and give swimming lessons to those who need it. You could teach children and adults alike in providing private or group lessons to assist people in learning to swim. 

Water Aerobics 

You may have had dreams about becoming a fitness instructor, but want to stick close to the water. Becoming a water aerobics instructor is a great way to help people keep fit whilst being able to spend time in the water. 

There may be opportunities for water aerobics anywhere, such as local indoor pools, outdoor pools or even opportunities in other countries, such as classes offered at hotels, vacation complexes or on cruise ships. 

Final Thoughts 

Looking for a career tailored around water sports can open up many opportunities for you around the world. As water sports are so popular, both as a healthy pastime and as a vacation activity, there will always be opportunities to put your skill and passion to good use.

The 4 Biggest Safety Hazards for Your Home (And the Solutions)


SOURCE

Your home should serve as a haven for both you and your family. Yet, accidents can happen in the property that could lead to minor, serious, or fatal injuries. To keep your loved ones safe and secure throughout the years, you must identify the potential dangers and their solutions. 


Find out more about the four biggest safety hazards for your home and how to protect your family from them.


1. Fire Hazards

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fires can lead to approximately 2,620 annual deaths in the United States. It is also responsible for 11,220 injuries.


There are, however, actions you can take to prevent a fire from breaking out across your property. For example, you must install fire alarms in your kitchen, hallways, and the basement, which you should check monthly. You also must never leave a hot pan unattended, and you should place a damp tea towel over it if it goes up in flames. 


Other fire protection tips include:


• Never leave a candle burning overnight or when leaving the home
• Extinguish all cigarettes
• Keep both lighters and matches away from children
• Hire a qualified electrician to regularly test your wiring

Some products could also protect your family in the event of a fire within the home. For example, you should consider buying various APFE Corp. fire protection products, such as fire sprinklers and fire extinguishers. Even with being extra diligent with fire safety, accidents can and do happen; therefore, investing in these products will ensure the ultimate protection for all who live under your roof. 


2. Poisoning

Children are curious by nature, so they will be eager to explore different kitchen cabinets. However, as a kitchen can contain many poisonous substances, you must take the steps to keep them out of your child’s reach.


For example, you must:


• Store cleaning products and other harmful substances in higher cabinets
• Add child-proof locks onto all kitchen cabinets
• Never leave children unattended in your kitchen
• Store paint and pesticides in locked garages or sheds

 

3. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning can prove fatal following lengthy exposure. There are also minimal signs of a leak, as the gas is colorlessodorless, and tasteless. While it is not always possible to experience carbon monoxide poisoning side effects, common symptoms can include:


• Feelings of nausea
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Breathing difficulties

You can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by ventilating various fuel-burning appliances, such as water heaters, furnaces, ovens, and dryers. It’s also essential to install a CO detector that will alert your family if it identifies the presence of carbon monoxide.


4. Falls

Falls can happen in any environment, and the home is no exception. In addition to causing fatalities, it’s possible for every age to experience serious or minor injuries, such as broken bones, muscle injuries, and head injuries.


Thankfully, there are actions you can take to prevent falls in the home. For example, you could install safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases, which can prevent children from tumbling down. Stairlifts can also prevent seniors from experiencing a fall when walking up or down the stairs.


You also should:


• Stick down or remove rugs
• Declutter every room
• Tidy loose electrical cords
• Add a rubber mat into a bathtub and/or shower
• Install grab rails in a senior’s home

Accidents can happen almost anywhere in the home and with little notice. It’s for this reason why you should consider the above preventative products and tactics to protect both you and your family.