Thoughts Archives - Page 48 of 127

Top 3 things to keep the family entertained this Christmas

November 27, 2015 by Melissa

There are plenty of reasons for families to all gather round the TV at Christmas, there are always classic Christmas favorites, plus the latest movies and of course the Queens speech. But there are other ways to keep the family entertained on Christmas day without becoming a bunch of zombies falling asleep in front of the TV, why not explore other traditional and not so traditional avenues for festive fun? After all, Christmas should be all about spending quality time with the family, not squabbling over which TV show to watch next! But with so many activities to choose from, how do you know which one will suit everyone?

The Monopoly City Board Game is a revamped version of the Monopoly family favourite, this modern version of the traditional board game is sure keep everyone entertained on Christmas day! This latest version allows you to build up your own city from the start, developing properties in 3D to grow your fortunes in the centre of the board building for maximum profit while competing against other family members to bring their fortunes down!

Alternatively, how about organising your very own American Idol or X factor night? Nominate two people as judges and the rest of the family can be contestants using one of the many great karaoke machines available. If you really want to embarrass yourselves, invite the neighbours around too for a bigger audience!

Another great Christmas day option, is the latest Kinect Sports game. This can turn your living room into a sports stadium, bowling alley or soccer pitch – with you as the star player and/or controller. Though you do need the Xbox 360 console to play soccer, table tennis, volleyball, bowling or even boxing. The family can play together without controllers for the ultimate fun experience!

Not sure where to find all these wonderful games? You can find all of these at online stores like Argos and Littlewoods. Check out Shop2day for a full list of home shopping catalogues where you can order almost everything you want from the comfort of your own home!

Black Friday Verizon Deals with “Thanksgetting” #VZWBuzz

November 23, 2015 by Melissa

Verizon is changing things up this Thanksgiving by celebrating Thanksgetting. This is a celebration for loyal Verizon subscribers by offering AWESOME STUFF at great deals for the holidays plus some cool extras you have to see to believe.

First off, as a Verizon subscriber get a free 1GB of data NOW plus one on your next billing cycle. Who couldn’t use more data. More streaming, more surfing, more shopping.

Verizon Thanksgetting #VZWBuzz FREE 1GB Data

Get into the spirit of giving this Black Friday with these once in a lifetime deals:

Get $500 when you switch, trade in your smartphone and buy the Samsung GS6.

Samsung Galaxy S6

Now $3.16/month

For 24 months for qualified customers when purchased

in retail stores; 0% APR. Retail price: $576.00

New Ellipsis™ 10 tablet Exclusively from Verizon.

Now $49.99 | Save $150 New 2-yr. activation req’d

Fitbit Charge™ Wireless Activity Wristband

Now $89.99 | Save $40 Thursday through Monday

mophie® powerstation® plus

8x with Micro USB or Lightning Now $99.99

Save $50 Thursday through Monday

Beats Solo2 Wireless On-Ear headphones

Now $249.99 Save $50

Beats Solo 2 Wireless Headphones Verizon Thanksgetting #VZWBuzz

Bose® SoundLink® Color Bluetooth® speaker

Now $119.99 Save $10

Samsung Galaxy S6 edge +

Now $15.33/month For 24 months for qualified customers when purchased in retail stores

0% APR. Retail price: $768.00.

Samsung Galaxy S6 edge + Thanksgetting Verizon #VZWBuzz

Verizon Wireless is an innovative wireless communications company that connects people and businesses with the most advanced wireless technology and service available. I am a Verizon Wireless Lifestyle Blogger brand ambassador and will sometimes receive various products and other perks as a member of the #VZWBuzz influencer team. Staying connected to the world outside Facebook and text while staying mobile is important to me. It keeps me organized and aware and focused on real life. Verizon Wireless helps me do this and keeps me updated on the latest trends, products and tips out there to keep informed and entertained.

Save Your Furniture By Creating Foam Seating for Kids

November 19, 2015 by Melissa

How many times have you asked the kids to stop bouncing on the furniture? Are your once-treasured couches and chairs gradually breaking down from excessive activity? There is a way to keep the kids happy and save your furniture at the same time. Creating seating options for kids is an easy do-it-yourself project and the finished product will bring smiles to young faces.

Adjustable Folding Foam Seating

Lounging in the family room is a favorite activity once homework is done and dinner is over. Large families often have issues with seating when everyone wants to watch a movie at the same time. The youngest are usually relegated to sitting on the floor. You can easily add more seating by creating a foam seat using inexpensive foam and a cloth covering that can even depict some of their favorite cartoon or comic book characters. A smaller three section seat is easy to make. Simply alter the ends that connect the three sections together for easier folding. It can be used as a seat, or quickly folded out into a lounge chair.

Slumber Party Foam Mattresses

Extra beds take up a lot of space and foam mattresses are the perfect solution for slumber parties and sleepovers. These can also be covered in delightful character patterns and are light enough to be stowed away anywhere. Everyone will a comfortable nights rest and you can feel good as the host knowing everyone has a real bed to enjoy.

Gaming and Large Group Seating

Gaming has become popular with both teenagers and young adults. You can easily see the size of a group swell to 15 or more without warning. Eventually the couch begins to wear from holding extra people on the cushions and arms. Simply take a full size mattress quality piece of foam and cut it in two lengthwise sections. Glue one on top of the other. Measure enough cloth to sew a cover for the foam and you have an instant couch that can seat four comfortably. They are easy to stow away when not in use. This will solve the seating problems and save your furniture from breaking down too soon.

There are various grades of foam, but softer will last longer when it comes to seating and mattresses. Contact a trusted source such as the Foam Factory and get started on your next best project today!

What Should I Look For In An Online Furniture Company?

November 17, 2015 by Melissa

These days, many homeowners are using the Internet to shop for furniture when it’s time to update their private living space. Nevertheless, many residential property owners lack the information and advice necessary to optimize and expedite the online shopping experience. If this is the case for you, don’t worry. The key to having a successful shopping experience via Internet is finding the right retailer. To do so, simply seek the following attributes in the online furniture company:

1. Product Diversity.

One of the first things you should look for in an online furniture company is product diversity. Companies that offer clients a wide range of furniture items will likely be able to supply them with each and every need they have. To ensure that you can attain the diverse product selection you deserve, consider doing business with an online retailer like Wicker Paradise. This company offers clients a wide range of Rattan patio furniture and much more!

2. Excellent Customer Reviews.

In addition to seeking an online furniture company that offers a diverse range of products, be sure that you select a retailer that consistently attains excellent customer reviews. This is tangible evidence that the company regularly provides clients with the detail-oriented services and excellent products they need and deserve. If you come across an online retailer that consistently attains mediocre or poor reviews, be sure to avoid them at all costs! One of the fastest ways to determine whether a retailer gets great feedback from customers is by doing internet research. You can access online reviews with a simple Internet keyword search including the company’s name and the phrase “Customer Feedback” or “Online Reviews.”

3. Reasonable Prices.

Although most homeowners want their private living space to look incredible, they generally don’t want to pay an arm and a leg to make it happen. To ensure that you get the great furniture rates you need and deserve, be sure to search for a retailer that offers reasonable prices. You can realize this objective by comparing the costs of several online companies before you make your final decision.

Don’t Delay-Buy Great Furniture Online Today!

If you’re ready to get your home in absolutely amazing condition, it’s important to know that you can shop for great furniture via internet. To ensure that you find an absolutely amazing company from which to make your purchases, utilize the information and advice outlined for you here!

Ways to Give Back While On The Go #VZWBuzz #MobileLife

November 17, 2015 by Melissa

It’s the season where we are reminded that there are others in need. The holiday season doesn’t create this sudden need but it creates awareness of what others are missing and how we can help. As a society we can turn any corner and find charity or organization that is in need. The children come home from school with food drive notices, payroll reminds us of the opportunity to increase a charitable deduction and our churches are asking for “angels” for their more needy members. There is no shortage of asking.

There are new ways to give now. We live our lives on the go and that doesn’t have to stop when it’s time to give. There are so many times that I think about a great cause and the efforts they are making in our community or in the nation but by the time I get to my checkbook or computer that thought gets lost with all the other details of the day.

These apps and services below help individuals like us stay on top of what we think is important.

Feedie. For the foodie and photographer in all of us, Feedie has an arrangement with restaurants around the globe to donate to the Lunchbox Fund in exchange for patrons snapping photos of their food. Share that photo on your social media channels and the restaurant donates $.25 to the Lunchbox Fund. The Lunchbox Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing daily meals to impoverished school children in South Africa. We provide a quarter of a million meals a year, and with your help, our goal is to increase that number to 10 million, and ultimately expand our reach globally. If you’re going to eat out, eat a Feedie restaurant or try a new restaurant that supports this amazing effort to feed hungry children.

CharityMiles. If you’re active why not earn money for a deserving charity while you get your sweat on. Download the app, choose an organization and start moving. When you’re done your selected charity will earn money for every mile walked, run or biked. Walkers and runners earn up to 25¢ per mile; bikers earn up to 10¢ per mile.

Donate a Photo. Did you take a photo today? Chances are you did especially with that nifty mini computer/smartphone in your hands. Johnson & Johnson wants to take those photos and turn them into $1 donations for a variety of causes that serve our communities. A photo a day is all it takes.

OneToday. Google created this simple way to give to others. One Today lets you easily give $1 each day to causes and nonprofits that inspire you. It’s a community of generous people like you doing one good deed a day. You’ll see others who have given to this cause. Tomorrow you’ll see a new need and a new community of givers. 100% of all donations are distributed directly to the charity.

Check in For Good. Do you check in at your local businesses to show support and loyalty. Turn those visits into dollars for causes in need. Your check in creates exposure for charities not just on the app but through social media. Create your own cause page for local charities or functions and spread the word to create a buzz and hopefully funds to what you care about.

No matter how you give it’s really the effort you put forth that counts. These mobile options make giving simple while on the go. Give while you’re thinking about it while at the grocery store or at soccer practice or waiting for the meeting to start.

I am a Verizon Wireless Lifestyle Blogger brand ambassador and will receive various products and other perks as a member of the #VZWBuzz influencer team. Staying connected to the world outside Facebook and text while mobile is important to me. It keeps me organized and aware and focused on real life. Verizon Wireless helps me do this and keeps me updated on the latest trends, products and tips out there to keep informed and entertained.

10 Things to Get Rid of Today

November 12, 2015 by Melissa

We all have a touch of hoarder inside of us. We hold onto things that we think we’ll use again or are of some value. The truth is “out of sight, out of mind” falls into place and we’re stuck with junk drawers, memory boxes and attics filled with stuff that we forgot about.

I’m a saver. I’ve gotten better over the years but I still have a hard time throwing away broken frames, half used craft supplies and glass jars. I think I’ll use this again. Maybe I will but probably not. I mean I save empty glass jars for bacon grease because that’s a practical application but the box of unused frames is just sitting. I keep thinking I’m going to create a lovely art piece for the bedroom but the truth is I look at them every few months and pretend it’s not there.

The result of just letting it all go is helps you achieve living a clutter free, less messy life. Imagine the freeing feeling you’ll have knowing there is a cleaned out spot in your home. A spot that doesn’t need your thoughts or attention.

Getting rid of things doesn’t mean you have to throw it out. Donating and recycling is always an option and should be first thought before heading to the trashcan.

We all have to start somewhere so feel free to take it slow. Work on this list 2 -3 items at a time so you don’t feel overwhelmed or don’t feel that de-cluttering is going to take too much time.

Old Clothes. If you don’t have technical skill of a seamstress to alter and repurpose old clothes into new creations then let it go. Jeans that haven’t fit for 5 years are probably out of style in color and silhouette anyway. This goes for your children’s clothes too. It’s time to clean out closets and drawers and make room for new, better fitting, better looking styles to go with a new you. Keep working on your weight loss goals but AGAIN, a new you deserves new duds.
Old Technology. Does your current computer even have a disk drive? Have your memories professionally transferred to digital format and get rid of the VHS tapes, floppy disks, walkmans and obsolete cables. Don’t forget those old remotes.
Plastic containers. Unless you practice Once a Month Cooking there is NO need for an entire cabinet of Tupperware and Rubbermaid containers. First go through and get rid of mismatched lids and bowls then keep the ones you know you’ll use. Make sure they fit your fridge and freezer and make sure lids close tightly. With the recognition of hazardous BPS this is a great time to weed through the pieces that could be the most dangerous.
Coffee Mugs . How much coffee do you actually drink? Do you really need 4 mugs with your name on it plus the 3 other touristy mugs that others have brought back from your during their travels. Keep the few that you love plus a couple more for guests.
Old Food. Scour that pantry, cabinets, basement storage and even the fridge for anything expired. Don’t stop at expired though. Pull everything that you know you’re not going to eat like that vegan cheese pasta topping or super spicy wing sauce that set your tongue on fire. Double check your spices. Now is a good time to set up a system so you know what you’re not using so you can get rid of them. Turn everything backwards and once it’s used turn it so the label can be seen. In a couple months toss those that are still facing the wrong way.
Magazines. This is something I find really hard to do. I love leafing through magazines and getting ideas for crafts or recipes but when my pile starts getting too high I know it’s time to start minimizing the stash. I pull out recipes and put them in a binder full of sheet protectors for later use. Crafty or design ideas are also ripped out and stashed with the appropriate supplies.
Medicines and Health Products. Our hall closet is sifted through once a year because there is nothing worse than reaching for children’s pain reliever in the middle of the night to find it expired 4 months previous. Resist those sales that make you stock up on the same cough medicine unless you plan on sharing with another family. Keep the staples on hand, cough relief, pain relief, allergy medicine antacids, first aid supplies and cough drops.
Hangers. Don’t keep the terrible wire ones from the cleaners or the flimsy plastic styles from the mall. Hangers aren’t expensive so you can easily buy good ones as you need them. Choose a style and color and moving forward stick to it.
Cosmetics and Beauty Items. Mascaras and Eyeliners have a very short life due to their exposure to the eye. Face creams and foundations may last longer but it’s important to keep a close eye AND nose to everything that you use on a regular and not so regular basis. Smell things as you apply to make sure they don’t smell rancid. Look at your eye shadows and bronzers to make sure they aren’t appearing wet or shiny in a way they didn’t before. Wash your brushes monthly also.
Office and School Supplies. How many pens can you find if you opened every one of your junk drawers? It’s time to downsize them, the notepads and the leftover folders from last years class. Keep items that are new and appropriate for your child’s age (toss the Wiggles pencil case when they are in Middle School). Check each pen and marker so you know they work.

We don’t let our lives be over run with old and broken toys, shoes that don’t fit and furniture that has live well past it’s life. Don’t let the rest of your home get in the way of being clutter free and organized. Start with a room or a closet or a family member; just start somewhere.

Sell That House With These 5 Projects

November 7, 2015 by Melissa

Everyone wants to get the best return on investment when they sell their homes. It’s likely they’ve lived there for years, doing little projects or periodic remodels that increase the house’s ultimate value. Still there are some projects that are known for garnering more bang for the buck when it comes to resale. Let’s take a look at some home work that makes for a wise investment.

Flooring
Besides paint, nothing can renew a home like installing new flooring. Whether this means cushy carpet in the bedrooms, heated tiles in the bathrooms, or hardwood floors throughout the living spaces, flooring that hits on current trends makes sense as a wise investment. Make sure to get solid advice about options before you commit to one, and remember that although you might not see a directly correlation with sales price, it’s likely the home will sell more quickly as a result.

Bathrooms
We’ve all heard that bathrooms are one of the two major spaces that sell homes, and it’s not an exaggerated statement. However, you don’t have to do a complete teardown and remodel of your bathrooms in order to sell your house. You might be able to get away with cosmetic changes such as a refinished bathtub, new vanity, or fresh color scheme. Get rid of gold shower doorframes and medicine cabinets while you are at it.

Kitchens
Just like bathrooms, kitchens can be improved and appeal to buyers without the expense of a massive overhaul. You can reface cabinets, get new appliances, or switch out cabinet hardware without breaking the bank. Also, consider adding trendy conveniences like a built-in recycling center or centralized message board.

Windows
The simplest fix for windows is just washing them. Having a bright, clear view to the outside will not only make the space look larger and sunnier, it will appeal to potential buyers as they are walking through the house. If your home still has single-paned windows with the old school silver aluminum frames, it’s time for an upgrade. Shoppers are looking for energy-efficient windows and won’t want to do the replacement themselves.

Curb Appeal
There are plenty of things you can do to the front of your home to make it more appealing from the street view. With tidy landscaping, a welcoming entryway, and cheerful plants, you will have potential buyer eager to ring the doorbell during an open house.

Taking the time to do a few simple projects around your house can pay dividends when it comes time to sell. These easy changes may be all you need.

Great Family Holiday Destinations

October 30, 2015 by Melissa

Family holidays create some of the best, longest lasting memories, whether you’re a fan of relaxing at all-inclusive resorts along the coast, or taking a cruise from one destination to the next. But if you and your family are looking to get off the well-trodden path and explore some new places that you’ve not seen before, it’s time to consider some new exotic destinations. From hanging on secluded beaches to strolling through medieval towns, here are five less explored travel destinations.

1. The Baltic Countries

If you’re looking to start organizing a summer vacation, there are few destinations more ripe for exploring during the long summer days than the Baltic region, which is home to a number of fantastic cities, including Stockholm, Helsinki, Copenhagen, and St. Petersburg. This region is rich with a cultural history that includes everything from old Viking settlements, the Winter Palace, and some of the world’s most famous restaurants. The tangible history and atmospheric city streets, which are home to large squares and waterways, make it a fun place for families to discover.

2. Iceland

For those after a little adventure come wintertime, you might want to start packing your warm weather gear for a trip to Iceland. With some of the world’s most famous geothermal sites, such as the Blue Lagoon natural hot springs, Gulfoss Waterfall, and colors of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), a trip to Iceland is something the whole family can get excited about.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/benhusmann/4620202568/sizes/l

3. Greece

Greece might be a slightly more popular destination than Iceland and the Baltics, but with most tourists heading directly to the resorts in the islands there is plenty of country left to be explored. Athens is, of course, one of the world’s most important historical sites, with monuments such as the Acropolis of Athens and the Temple of Hephaestus. There’s also a plethora of historical wonders to visit outside the city, including Delphi on the slopes of Mt Parnassus. The legends and myths of Greek culture will entertain the kids and further enjoy your exploration of the past.

4. Malta

There are few places in the world where you can see so much history packed into such a small country, which is also home to some of the Mediterranean’s best beaches. In fact, the capital city of Valletta was said by UNESCO World Heritage to be one of the most concentrated historical sites in the world. Aside from the beach, Malta is home to a number of family activity options, including historical re-enactments featuring knights in shining armor, horse riding, hiking, mountain biking and more.

5. Indonesia

This might be a long trip, but Indonesia has a fascinating landscape and culture that will enthral visitors of all ages. From the tropical shores of Bali with its world famous surf and sand to ancient heritage sites like the 9thcentury Barabudur Buddhist Temple and Prambanan Hindu Temple. This volcanic region is also home to a number of stunning stratovolcanos, such as Mount Merapi, Semeru, and Bromo.

Wherever you decide to head for your vacation, be sure to find a spot away from the crowds and experience the culture and life of being abroad as a family.

Images by Ben Husmann and Ben124, used under Creative Commons license

The Babiak’s Weekend Breakfast Routine

October 25, 2015 by Melissa

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of The Motherhood for Pillsbury. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation. All opinions are my own.

If you read my last weekend breakfast post which you can do HERE you will know that we are big into eating breakfast as a family once the weekend rolls around.

The week is extremely hectic with school and work so once the week comes to and end we look forward to the weekend and relaxing. Our day usually starts with a nice homemade breakfast and ALOT of coffee. The kids are huge fans of pancakes and Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls. I feel like Sabreena, Shaun and Shae eat the same breakfast every weekend which consists on pancakes and a lot of times cinnamon rolls and could do so every weekend. I am an egg and scrapple fan and Melinda loves bacon and eggs.

Shae loves weekends as well not only because she doesn’t have school for two whole days but because she get to help Melinda in the kitchen and guess what she wants to make? You guessed it Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls. She needs no help what so ever because she has made them so many times. I am grateful that Shae makes them because I hate opening any kind of biscuit products due to the poping/explosion when you peel the wrapper off, LOL. I know it’s weird but that is how it is.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and the Babiak’s make the most of it. We go for the gusto every single weekend which is just fine by me because I LOVE breakfast and could eat it ALL day long.

The kids agree too!!!!!

For more information, visit Pillsbury on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Tips and Tricks with the New iOS 9 Update

October 1, 2015 by Melissa

The newest Apple iOS update came out recently and like usual it was full of enhancements and changes that throw users into a panic. We have to search for our favorite apps and programs because names and folders get changed. We are turning off new notifications and authorizations that are switched to a default. We are made to relearn what we love the most.

With this and any update there are always new ways to work and use your device. I’m highlighting some of my favorite tips and tricks for you.

Add up to 3 hours of battery life with the use of Low Power Mode. Once your battery gets down to 20% your phone will be able to disable some apps and operations running in the background, decrease your visual display a bit which will allow you to save on battery life. The yellow highlighted battery indicator shows when this is on.

WI-Fi Assist is a new feature with 1OS 9. It automatically turns on your cellular data when your device is on a weak Wi-Fi signal. While this is a great option to keep your apps running and reduce buffering for streaming it also means higher data usage when you may not even realize it. Even on your own home network there may be spotty connectivity issues, Wi-Fi Assist will switch over to cellular data without warning when you think it’s safe to stream that movie while lounging on your own sofa.

Looking through your Photos you’ll notice a new folder called Selfies. I laughed right away with this one. It really shows just how self-absorbed we can be at times. At least mine weren’t just of me but also lots of dogs sitting on my lap. There’s also a Screenshot folder too.

Notes just got a boost by allowing users to add photos and take write notes. This is great when trying to take measurements of potential new furniture or create a shopping or to-do list without using a 3rd party app.

Read the News you want to read with the new app on your home screen. If you’re like me you stow lots of iOS loaded apps into a folder labeled extra or useless. News would’ve been one of them but I opened it. Your able to design your news footage based on your preferred topics. Your newsfeed is sourced from multiple channels but will learn your reading behavior and start to become the perfect handheld newspaper.

Six Digit Passcode. Need I say more? This added level of security keeps unwanted fingers off your content.

Did you find a feature or hidden gem of iOS 9 you love? As a member of the Verizon Wireless #VZWBuzz team I’m much more on top of what’s happening in the tech world especially what’s in my own hands.

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