Family vacations are memory makers. According to a recent AAA survey, two-thirds of Americans say spending quality time as a family is the most important part of taking a family vacation and more than one-third are planning to take a family trip in the next year.

While it may not be a tough decision to take a vacation, deciding on a destination that is fun for both parents and children can be tricky.  Here are 5 sure-fire hits for family vacations:

San Antonio, Texas

If you are looking for pleasant weather and something other than the beach, think of the Lone Star state for your next family trip.  San Antonio is one of the most popular tourist attractions because the city offers so many things to do. The colorful Riverwalk is a family favorite with wonderful hotels, restaurants and shops peppered along the river.  San Antonio is also home to kid favorites’ Sea World and Six Flags amusement park. They say everything is bigger in Texas and that includes the family fun.  

Washington, D.C.

Do you have some history buffs in the family? Washington, D.C. is one of the most fun, yet educational, family destinations out there.  Bring your child’s history text book to life by letting him or her see actual artifacts of American history at any number of free Smithsonian museums.  Tour the White House, Lincoln Memorial and other monuments and take in the history together.  A visit to our nation’s capital should be on the top of every family’s list.

A Celebrity Caribbean Cruise

Want to explore the Caribbean with your family? Then cruising is the way to go. Children’s programs allow parents to have a chance to relax and have alone time. There’s a reason why cruising is so popular — with over 24 million vacationers sailing the seas: They are convenience and package a lot of family fun in one.  Cruise lines have made it a point to have something for literally everyone on board – all with the luxury of only unpacking once, while seeing multiple destinations.  

Las Vegas

When you think Vegas, you probably think flashing lights, slot machines and adult-themed shows. What many parents don’t realize is that Vegas is a great family vacation destination as well.  From the fountain show in front of the Bellagio, the roller coaster rides at the Stratosphere, to the Cirque du Solei shows, your children will have the experience of a lifetime.  Don’t fret that taking kids along means you won’t be able to pick up more roulette tips at the casino.  There are multiple well-vetted babysitting services available so that you can leave the little ones for a little while and participate in some adult activities while on the strip.

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the country, which is why it is a wonderful place to vacation with children.  The city is known for its outstanding children’s museum and aquarium as well as history, architecture and everything Irish. Mom, dad and the kids are guaranteed to have a wonderful time exploring,

Where will you take your family this year?

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This wonderful holiday dedicated to all mums around the world has just passed, but I really have a good reason to write about an ideal Mother’s Day Gift, in case you need some fantastic options for next year. Listen up ladies as well as gentlemen, because you never know when you’re going to need this. Rob found something so charming, I had to beg him to share the secret, so we can do a review on it. This Mother’s Day was very special, because I’ve been surprised with the best bundle of flowers I have ever seen. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t even blink if there were no flowers, but at the very first look of the flowers, I wondered how Rob suddenly developed such a keen eye for flowers.

It wasn’t him, it was all A Better Florist. This fabulous florist had just what it takes to craft flowers that are going to shoot happy tears from mums eyes. It was the exact balance between achieving the right sentiment, with the right gifts, from the right people.

Now, what is so special about this florist? Well, first of all, as my husband so vaguely hinted, they are as affordable as you can imagine. And if you don’t really decide based on the price, here’s another perk for you. The arrangements are visually appealing, different, unique and they definitely know how to craft bouquets to show the right sentiment. It’s not about the pure visual beauty; it’s about the meanings of flowers and what you want to show with your bouquet. This kind of careful and caring thinking is what I really appreciate, especially when it comes to businesses that are popular to this magnitude. Just take one look at their social media, and you’ll realize how many people discovered their genius craftsmanship.

Mother’s Day Flower Deliveries in Singapore are usually not the fastest, as it’s one of the busiest and most hectic days for most gift shops and florist. A Better Florist still guaranteed a fast delivery, and they obviously didn’t fail. Thank you for making my Mother’s Day fantastic, and I would highly recommend everyone to grab blooms from this florist, as they are unremarkable in every aspect of their business. I know where I’ll be getting my Mother’s Day flowers from next year, do you?

Everyone has at least once experienced the painful aftermath of tooth decay. Though it’s a common experience, tooth decay can be prevented. If it happens too often, you actually risk losing your pearly whites. Tooth decay is a problem that affects both adults and children. And the methods for prevention are similar for all age groups.

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay occurs when the enamel, the white and hard outer layer of teeth, is destroyed by acids produced by bacteria. A sticky layer of bacteria called plaque forms on teeth regularly. It is what you brush off each morning. The bacteria in plaque digest foods we eat, especially sugary ones. A byproduct of this process is acid that seeps through the plaque into the enamel of teeth leading to cavities.

Tooth decay and cavities can be forced by gum disease as well, where the roots of teeth are infected when gums recede. This is a condition more common in older adults. On the plus side, tooth decay is preventable. Good dental hygiene practices can normally prevent tooth decay.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

There are several preventative measures you can take to prevent the destruction of enamel in your teeth. Here is a list:

Brush Your Teeth with Fluoride Toothpaste

The mineral fluoride is known to be capable of stopping tooth decay from getting worse. It may even be able to reverse the condition. That’s why dentists highly recommend the use of fluoridated toothpaste. It’s recommended to brush teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to keep tooth decay at bay.

Drinking fluoridated water is also known to promote dental health. About 74 percent of community water systems in the U.S. are fortified with fluoride. However, do not take fluoride without consulting with a doctor. Excess fluoride in your body can lead to death.

Don’t Eat Sugary or Starchy Foods at Night

Sugar and starch are the favorite meals of bacteria in the mouth. When you eat sugary foods and go to bed at night without brushing teeth, oral bacteria produces more acids that may accelerate tooth decay. So avoiding consumption of excessive sugar and starch is good for your health.

Get Sealants from a Dentist

Dental sealants are thin, plastic films that are applied to the surfaces of the back teeth most likely to come into contact with food. Dental sealants prevent food and bacteria from getting stuck on the uneven surfaces of back teeth, thus reducing the risk of getting cavities. You can think of dental sealants as a form of barrier that protects the enamel of your teeth. You can obtain dental sealants from a reputed dentist in your area. Dental clinics like Vibrant Dentistry specialize in high-quality sealants. Costs may differ depending on the area you live and your age. What matters most is having dental sealants applied by a reliable dentist.

Following the above steps are important for keeping cavities at bay. Also, you should regularly visit a dentist to have your teeth checked for cavities or gum disease. A dentist will be able to spot a potential decay problem in advance and prescribe treatments.

Your kids may be looking forward to a summer break from school, but as parents, the prospect of three months with the little ones at home can be less than exciting. Keeping the kids busy on those hot summer days can be tough. The first weeks few weeks may go well, but by week three, your little ones have likely come to you with this complaint: “Mom/Dad I’m bored!” By having a few activities and habits planned out, you can help your kids have a full, productive, and happy summer, and save yourself some frustration. Consider these fun ways to fight boredom and make this a summer to remember for every member of your family.

1. Get Crafty

Keep your kids’ minds active with a new craft each week. Cultivate your little one’s artistic side with fun painting projects, macramé lessons, or even crochet activities. While art supplies can get a bit pricy, there are a few ways to avoid breaking the bank while encouraging your little Picasso in the making. Grab Craftsy coupons and buy awesome art supplies and courses for a fraction of the price. Frugal and fun? That’s something every parent can get behind. The right crafts can help them foster creativity and use their imagination. Plus, you’ll have plenty of new décor to hang around your home.

2. Keep Up Their Writing Skills

Start a weekly habit of journaling with your kids. Give them a prompt and have them sit and write for at least 30 minutes. It could be something as simple as “What’s your favorite summer activity?” or “What would your dream house be like?” Keeping their noggins working all summer long is important and leaves them better prepared to enter school in the fall ready to learn.

Looking for ways to prevent boredom this summer? Keep your kids smiling and laughing from June to September with these boredom fighters. Whether you opt for family picnics or set up a tent in the backyard, these activities will make for memories you’ll always cherish.

3. Wash the Car

Okay, okay, we know this might not be the most exciting suggestion at first, but you’d be surprised at how much fun the family can have suds-ing up the car. Outfit the kids with sponges, rags, and buckets of soapy water. Grab a hose and spray down the car (and your family) for some refreshing fun under the summer sun. Your car will be clean, your kids will be laughing, and the activity will provide the perfect opportunity for some family bonding—no electronics allowed when there’s water spraying, right?

4. A Backyard Staycation

We can’t always afford to travel, but there’s no reason you can’t embrace the feeling of vacation from the comfort of your home. Turn your backyard into a campground and make backyard camping a weekly occurrence with your kiddos. Grab some inexpensive camping gear from GearTrade.com and set up your yard into the perfect campsite. If you have a fire pit, roast marshmallows with the kids (or run inside for quick use of the gas stove). Lay back on the lawn and look up at the stars, tell campfire stories, and sing songs. This is one easy way to “get away” from it all—without the hefty price tag.

5. Park Picnics

Take advantage of the nice weather and head outdoors for some good old fashioned picnic fun. Drive over to your local park and set up a blanket and some lawn games that you and the kids can have fun with. Hook up with some other families and make it a picnic extravaganza—potluck style. This makes for easy playdates for the kids (and adults, too!) and provides everyone with some much-needed time outdoors.

6. Pull Out the Slip N Slide

The classics are considered such for a reason. Slip-n-slides have provided splashing fun for decades, and your kids are sure to love this addition to the back or front yard. Head to Wham-o.com  to grab all types of water slides. Your kids will love having their very own splash zone in the backyard.

Teen years and acne are particularly synonymous. It’s very common for teens of both genders to experience breakouts. However, some teens may experience severe acne, where breakouts can happen all over the face, chest, back or other parts of the body. It is important to make them aware of the consequences if the problem is left alone. In most cases, daily cleaning routines can be the solution for teen acne treatment. The sooner it will be enforced the better results can be expected. If the acne is severe, it’s important to receive proper medical treatment. Severe acne can last beyond teen years well into early thirties, which can cause serious self-confidence and body image issues for your child.

Why Your Teen’s Acne Needs to be Treated

There’s a common myth that acne needs to be allowed to run its course. If your teen is experiencing a single breakout once a month or so, that may be okay. Otherwise, you must get your teen to a reputed dermatologist like GunterMD Dermatology GunterMD Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center. If acne is not treated on time, it could leave the affected areas with dark spots and acne scars. Also, getting acne treated will make your teen feel more confident and boost his or her self-esteem.

Diagnosing Acne

There are different types of acne that affect teens. Going to a dermatologist is strongly encouraged to get a proper diagnosis. Dermatologists examine the skin of the patient first and then grade the acne on a scale of 1 to 4. The mildest acne is graded 1 and most severe is graded 4.

The dermatologist will then tell you what type of acne is affecting your teen. There are close to a dozen different types of acne that are classified as whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, and severe types like cysts and nodules. Severe acne like cysts has serious medical implications beyond appearance, so they have to be treated right away. The dermatologist in sun city west will determine the best course of treatment depending on your type and provide you medicine related to your problem. 

There are definitely over-the-counter treatments for acne such as face washes containing salicylic acid that may help clear mild acne. However, these common anti-acne products may not work for all teens. Those affected by severe acne will definitely require medical treatment.

There are a number of acne treatments dermatologists now prescribe. Doctors typically prescribe topical treatments for acne. Topical anti-acne treatments help kill bacteria that causes acne or may reduce oil on skin that blocks the pores. A dermatologist may prescribe topical antibiotics, prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide cream, topical retinoids, or salicylic acid treatments.

Some dermatologists also recommend oral antibiotics to treat acne. Hormonal treatments are also available, however, these are only recommended for adults and not teens. If your teen suffers from particularly severe blackheads, he or she may be able to benefit from acne extraction surgery, where a small metal tool is used to unclog blocked pores.

While acne treatments can work, dermatologists also advise parents to encourage teens to take steps to prevent acne. Acne cannot be completely prevented among some patients, but severity can be reduced by taking steps such as washing the face more than once per day. Tell your teen not to touch the face with unclean hands, which can transfer bacteria from fingertips to the face causing acne. Other tips include not scrubbing the face harshly, using gentle face washes, shampooing oily hair daily, and not breaking acne by hand.