November 10, 2018 · 12:38 am

5 Practical Ways to Save in the New Year

With the new year just around the corner, you might find yourself thinking about resolutions. Is financial freedom part of those resolutions? If so, having a well-defined savings plan is one of the surest ways for you to reach your short or long-term financial goals.

Even with the best intentions, saving money is not as easy as it sounds. How many times have unexpected expenses popped up and depleted your savings?  Having a solid savings plan and sticking to it, will enable you to realize your goals effortlessly. Here are some expert tips to help you create a savings plan for the new year.

Set Your Goals

It is hard to succeed without a goal. Knowing your destination before embarking on a journey helps you avoid distractions and arrive on time. This is also the case with saving. The first and major step towards saving is knowing what you are saving for.

Maybe it’s the latest TV, tropical vacation or that gourmet kitchen you have been dreaming about. Perhaps you need to save for retirement or your child’s college education. Clearly stating these goals, will give you the vision and motivation to save.

When defining your goals, it’s possible to end up with a long list of things you want to save for. No worries, just go over the list and prioritize them. The best way to do this, is to categorize them according to their urgency. Then, separate long-term goals from short-term goals. When this is done, it will be easy to know what to start saving for first.

Set the Amount and Deadline for Your Goals

You already know what you are saving for, but that’s not all you need to get started.  If you are not sure of the cost of your goal or fail to set a timeline, you may be setting yourself up to fail.

Imagine saving money for your dream vacation only to find out you underestimated the cost. What a huge disappointment that would be to learn you now have to wait months or more longer.

Eliminate any unpleasant surprises by finding out what your goal will cost right after you set it. Having this information will enable you to come up with a specific amount of money that needs to be deposited in your savings account weekly or monthly to reach your goal.

For example, let’s say you want to purchase a car that cost $23,000 by the end of the year. If you want to save monthly, you would need to save about $1,917 per month for the next 12 months to reach your goal and get your car. Knowing the cost of your goals and setting a deadline helps you plan and save more efficiently.

Evaluate Your Current Financial Position

You can’t save what you don’t have. Doing a through analysis of your income and expenses will give you a clear picture of what you are able to save each month. If you have a substantial amount of money left after you pay your necessary expenses, saving will be almost effortless. However, if you are living paycheck to paycheck, saving will be almost impossible.

Make Changes 

If you find yourself discouraged due to the fact, you have little to no surplus money to save, there are some things you can try.

  • Reduce the cost of your target goal; take the car for example, you will need to find a different vehicle , one that will fit your budget.
  • Extend the deadline of your goal; if you are set on that car,  you will have to extend your deadline. If you increase your timeline to 2 years, the amount you need to set aside each month, is cut in half.
  • Change your spending habits; do away with unnecessary expenses.

 Have an Emergency Fund

You never know when an urgent and unavoidable financial need might arise. Setting aside some money to deal with such issues will help you stick to your savings plan.

Sometimes when people are faced with emergency financial needs, they prefer to dip into their savings rather than take out a loan. They will argue that loans from high interest short-term companies like lend up, net credit , cash net USA or  nation21loans.com  will result in more expenses, unlike the savings. When this becomes routine every time an emergency arises, it ends up depleting their savings and forces them to abandon their savings plan.

To avoid this pitfall, try setting aside some funds that are to be used specifically for financial emergencies, so you can stay on track with saving for your goal.

Automate Your Savings Deposits 

It is unlikely for you to spend what you do not have in hand. “Pay yourself first” is an idiom that you might have heard before. It means that you should deposit money in your savings before you spend it on anything else. However, you might find it is harder to do when you have that money in your hand.

A great solution is to set up direct deposit of funds into your savings account. When you do this, you put your savings plan on auto pilot and ensure you stay on track to reach your goal.

Get SMART

The tips above will let you create a SMART new year’s savings plan (Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic and Timely).

  • Specific: You have set a goal and know what you are saving towards.
  • Measurable: You have determined and know how much your goal will cost
  • Attainable/Realistic: An evaluation of your current financial status confirms you can save for the goal.
  • Timely: You have set a deadline for your goal.

With a solid savings plan, you are on your way to achieving your financial goals and attaining financial freedom.

This is a collaborative guest post. The views and ideas do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.


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November 7, 2018 · 12:26 am

Grace + Soul & Mother Wit Cookbook Giveaway

Who remembers when Will Smith’s character got in one little fight and his mom got scared? If you do, then you know he was sent to live with his auntie and uncle in Bel-Air.

Okay, I know it was just a sitcom, and Daphne Maxwell Reid was not Will Smith’s real auntie, but she is a respected artist, designer and education activist. She also has a new cookbook out called, Grace + Soul & Mother Wit, filled with much more than recipes, it is actually a mini-memoir dressed as a ring-bound cookbook.

The beginning of the book is filled with Daphne’s family photos  and her  travels around the world while working on and off of television. This cookbook takes you through the basics of starting your own family memories centered around home cooked meals.

Early chapters include setting up a kitchen, essential tools and supplies, basic cooking terms, how to set a formal table, and measurements & abbreviations. The recipes include sections for appetizers, soup, bread, poultry, seafood, red meat, side dishes, dessert, beverages and remedies.

Please see my in-depth video review of this cookbook below:


This cookbook makes a great gift for just about anyone. That is why you will find Grace + Soul & Mother Wit on Mommy Ramblings’ 2018 Holiday Gift Guide.

About Daphne Maxwell Reid:

Everyone remembers Daphne Maxwell Reid as an iconic TV mom of the 1990s, from her three seasons as Aunt Vivian on “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.”  These days Reid is a Renaissance woman, respected artist and designer, and education activist.  Working from her home in Virginia, and still happily married to pioneering television actor/producer/writer/director Tim Reid (“WKRP in Cincinnati,” “Frank’s Place”), Daphne Maxwell Reid is living proof that a passion for creativity and a dedication to hard work can ensure a lifetime’s worth of success.

Breaking new barriers is nothing new to Reid, who decades ago became the first African-American homecoming queen at Northwestern University and shortly thereafter one of the first African-American women to appear on the cover of Glamour magazine.  But many fans of her modeling and acting career probably don’t know that Reid is a lifelong shutterbug, a hobby passed down by her father that has now become a focal point of her career.

With five books and 5 annual calendars already published, Reid specializes in fine art photography that features doors and doorways from around the world, including Cuba, Venice, France, China, Germany, and Belgium.  Now she’s added to her publishing resume with her first cookbook, “Grace + Soul & Motherwit,” which offers her favorite recipes spiced with personal memories and reflections from her life and travels.

Reid has also been a seamstress for much of her life, creating many of her own outfits and costumes as a young actress and model, and has now developed those skills into an exclusive, custom clothing line called Daphne Style, making Chinese silk brocade jackets that are wearable works of art.

Daphne also keeps busy as the Host of Virginia Currents (PBS), and as a spokesperson for Virginia State University, a historically black college/university (HBCU), doing outreach, public relations, and speaking engagements that allow her to preach the importance of education and career prep for students of color.

A thoughtful, inspiring, and fascinating professional with over five decades of experience, Daphne Maxwell Reid continues to demonstrate that mastering a new skill is always possible for an artist with a generous spirit and self-determination.

Giveaway:

Enter for your chance to win your own copy of Grace + Soul & Mother Wit. Thank you to Daphne Maxwell Reid and her PR company for sponsoring this giveaway and for the autographed cookbook. Open to US residents. 

Grace + Soul & Mother Wit Cookbook Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter for your chance to win by using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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November 5, 2018 · 3:08 am

Practical Ways To Help Your Adult Children

Raising children is very expensive, and just because they reach the age of 18, doesn’t mean  your responsibility ends. On the contrary, most parents continue to financially support their adult children in some way. Some parents want to ease their children’s financial burdens or to fund a business venture. Even retired parents find ways to assist their adult kids. If you are thinking about how you can best help your kids even if you are retired, we share a few common ways you can help below.

Set up College Funds

First, you could help to pay for college tuition. Going to college is expensive and it isn’t getting any cheaper. On top of that, professional jobs require a college degree, with even more requiring advanced degrees. If you want to help ease the financial burden of student loans, you can help out with their college tuition. This way, they won’t be graduating with a degree and a mountain of debt to repay.

There are several ways you can do this. You can open a separate savings account, then withdraw the money when your children or grandchildren are ready for it. You could also place the money in a trust, which would allow your child to access it when they turn 18. Finally, you could simply have the tuition payments directed to you and pay for the semesters as they come up. Whichever method you choose will depend on your own financial situation and how old your child is.

Help Then Become Homeowners

The other large payment many people have to deal with is their mortgage. Mortgage payments are large and last a very long time. If you want to help your children with a larger down payment for their new home, it will decrease the amount of the mortgage they need. If you son or daughter already has a home, helping them to pay off their mortgage sooner is very beneficial. While every dollar helps, you need to remember to keep your own future in mind. Talk to your kids about how much help they may need, then see if you can make it work.

Funding a New Business

If your child wants to start their own business, they may need additional funds to get it going. Starting a new business is expensive, if they don’t have enough money, they may not be able to do all the things they need to which could spell failure. If you believe in your child and their business plan, you should consider assisting them financially to get started.

Before you do, make sure the business plan is a solid one. While you want to help your kids, you don’t want to throw your money away on a bad idea. If you can, have an outside financial advisor review their business plan and give your their opinion if it is a wise investment. If not, consider other ways that you can help your child, or recommend ways they can improve their business model, so that you can help with funding.

Babysitting

Lastly, if you have grandchildren, you can always help with child care. Sending a child to daycare is expensive, and if your kids can skip it even once or twice a week by sending their kids to you, that will really add up in the long run. Not only do you get to help ease the financial burden of child care, but you get to spend time with your grandchildren as well.

Before you embark on this, make sure your home is safe and baby proofed. Have some fun things for the kids to do, as well as a safe play area with their favorite toys. You don’t have to turn your home into a daycare, but some preparation is a good idea.

How to Find Additional Funds

Now, maybe you want to help your children, but you aren’t sure you can afford it. If so, there are some ways that you can earn some additional funds during retirement. For starters, you could get a part-time job. Another option is downsizing your home which would lower your housing costs, especially your taxes. You could also talk to reverse mortgage lenders. You can use this reverse mortgage lender locater to get  started. There are many options, you just need to consider what’s right for you.

Helping Them Succeed

Being able to help your adult kids out is a great feeling. Even though they’ve left the nest (or are about to), it still feels good when you can help make their lives a little easier. Hopefully, the tips above provided you with some good ideas about how best to help your kids out even during your retirement.


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November 2, 2018 · 8:17 pm

Magformers 36 Piece Paw Patrol Building Set Giveaway

My kids love magnets. It is no wonder why they have such a great time playing with Magformers. They could play for hours building all kinds of things. We were please to add the 36 piece Magformers Paw Patrol Pull Up Pup building set to our Magformers collection.

What makes this set different is the  double-sided character cards, you can now add Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Zuma and Rocky-to Magformers magnetic shapes.

Packaged in PAW Patrol colors, the Pull-Up Pup Set contains 18 magnetic squares, 12 magnetic triangles and 6 inserts, as well as 6 double-sided character cards and 2 play mats to build pup houses, the Magformers magic ball and more!

Match colors, shapes and characters to 1:1 ratio play mats and pull up your 2D nets into 3D structures! Perfect for STEM education! Educational and fun, no wonder why you will find this great building set on Mommy Ramblings’ 2018 Holiday Gift Guide.

Check out my video below to see the set in action:

Giveaway

Magformers is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky winner will win their own 36 Piece Paw Patrol Pull Up Pup Magformers Building Set! Thank you to Magformers for the review set and for sponsoring this exciting giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US residents.

Magformers Paw Patrol 36 Piece Pull Up Pup Set Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules

Enter for your chance to win by using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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· 4:32 am

“Incredibles 2” Jack-Jack vs Racoon Papercraft and Movie Giveaway

This weekend we are getting ready for a family movie night with our advanced Blu-ray combo pack of Incredibles 2!

Incredibles 2 on Blu-ray

You can get the movie now on Digital HD and it arrives on Blu-ray 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™, DVD and On-Demand November 6th!

If you are finding it hard to wait for next week, there is a Jack-Jack vs Racoon Papercraft below along with an Auntie Edna mini-move clip to tide you over.


Check out the Auntie Edna Clip Below:

It’s not a stretch to say audiences have missed their favorite family of Supers over the past 14 years. Disney•Pixar’s “Incredibles 2,” the sequel to 2004’s beloved Oscar®-winning “The Incredibles,” received a mega-strong reaction from critics and audiences — earning a 93 percent critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, rocketing atop the list of highest-grossing animated films, and surpassing $1 billion at the global box office.

Family members of all ages will be hypnotized by hours of delightful entertainment, with never-before-seen “Incredibles 2” bonus material highlighting the beloved characters in the film and the  filmmakers who bring them to life. When audiences instantly bring home the film two weeks early on Digital, they will receive additional exclusive featurettes, including two SuperScene Breakdowns and Samuel L. Jackson discussing his character Frozone a.k.a. “The Coolest Guy in Show Business.”

Overall bonus includes an all-new mini-movie “Auntie Edna,” which gives  a glimpse of fashion visionary Edna Mode’s all-night endeavor to design a suit to best harness baby Jack-Jack’s expanding super powers. Also included are an inside look at the impressive production team at Pixar Animation Studios; documentaries highlighting the film’s relatable characters and stand-out scenes; 10 never-before-revealed scenes; filmmaker commentary; the touching theatrical short “Bao” and a corresponding featurette about how the dumplings sprung to life; and much, much more.

In “Incredibles 2,” Helen (voice of Holly Hunter) is called on to lead a campaign to bring Supers back, while Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) navigates the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life at home with Violet (voice of Sarah Vowell), Dash (voice of Huck Milner) and baby Jack-Jack—whose super powers are about to be discovered. Their mission is derailed, however, when a new villain emerges with a brilliant and dangerous plot that threatens everything. But the Parrs don’t shy away from a challenge, especially with Frozone (voice of Samuel L. Jackson) by their side. That’s what makes this family so Incredible.

BONUS FEATURES (may vary by retailer)

            Digital Exclusives:

  • The Coolest Guy in Show Business – In this partially illustrated documentary, Samuel L. Jackson reflects how his childhood and love of comics shaped his passion for film and imaginative storytelling.
  • 2 SuperScene Breakdowns – Casual commentary-style pieces looking at specific scenes in the film (The Racoon Fight and Mrs. Incredible) through a particular creative focus like action choreography, set design or story.

             Blu-ray & Digital:

  • All-New “Auntie Edna” Mini-Movie – When Bob Parr visits super-suit designer Edna Mode looking for help with his high-energy toddler Jack-Jack, Edna pulls an all-nighter designing a suit to harness the baby’s seemingly limitless powers.
  • 10 Deleted Scenes With Introductions – Suburban Escape,  Kari Revisited, Return of the Supers, Chewed Out, Late Audition, Slow Day, Frozone and Honey, Restaurant Robbery, Fashion Show and Security Breakdown.
  • Super Stuff – From buildings and vehicles to costumes and props, every action movie requires a lot of really cool stuff. Meet the makers and learn what it takes to design and build such a uniquely incredible world.
  • Heroes & Villains – A collection of mini-docs about the backstory and major design ideas behind the “Incredibles 2” characters — featuring voice actors, director Brad Bird, and Pixar artists talking about the many elements that make these characters feel real.
  • Ralph Eggleston: Production Designer – This short piece explores the many ways a single production designer has influenced the look, feel and character of the Pixar universe, culminating in “Incredibles 2.”
  • Strong Coffee: A Lesson in Animation with Brad Bird – Brad Bird’s passion for animation dates back to his childhood and mentorship under Disney’s Milt Kahl, and that enthusiasm and powerful insight emanates from every film he’s made. Take a deep dive into Brad’s early years at Disney Animation Studios and his time at Pixar.
  • Paths to Pixar: Everyday Heroes – At its heart, “Incredibles 2” is about family dynamics and the challenges of being a working parent. Meet the parents of Pixar as they discuss their personal connections to the film and their experience with stretching to balance work and family.
  • SuperBaby – A documentary/hip hop music video hybrid hosted by Frankie and Paige from Disney Channel’s Bizaardvark. This piece explores how Jack-Jack came to life onscreen — from design to special effects to animation — all set to a hot beat.
  • Commentary – Get inside commentary from animators Alan Barillaro (supervising animator), Tony Fucile (supervising animator, story artist and character designer), Dave Mullins (supervising animator) and Bret Parker (animation second unit and crowds supervisor).
  • Theatrical Short: “Bao” – An aging Chinese mom suffering from empty nest syndrome gets another chance at motherhood when one of her dumplings springs to life as a lively, giggly dumpling boy.
  • Making “Bao” – Director Domee Shi shares her secret recipe for making an animated short — discussing how her rich cultural heritage, unique relationship with her mom, and her love of food all informed the making of the food-fantasy “Bao.”
  • Outtakes & Stories – Raccoon Fight Story, Evelyn Animation Outtakes, Puppet Animator Interview, Outtakes Goofy Arms Story and SuperBaby Music Video.
  • Character Theme Songs, Vintage Toy Commercial TV Spots , Toolkit Montage and Global “Incredibles 2” Trailers

 

“Incredibles 2” Cast and Crew

Holly Hunter and Craig T. Nelson return as the voices of Helen and Bob Parr, who still struggle to juggle their duties as parents and Supers. Sarah Vowell once again provides the voice of the teen-queen of sarcasm Violet, while Huck Milner joins the cast as the voice of 10-year-old Dash, and Samuel L. Jackson reprises his role as the voice of Lucius Best – aka Frozone. “Incredibles 2” also features the voices of Brad Bird as fashion visionary Edna “E” Mode, Bob Odenkirk as savvy businessman and Super fan Winston Deavor, Catherine Keener as tech pro Evelyn Deavor, Jonathan Banks as Rick Dicker, Sophia Bush as up-and-coming hero Voyd, and Isabella Rossellini as an influential ambassador and advocate for Supers.

Written and directed by Brad Bird (“The Iron Giant,” “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille”) and produced by John Walker (“The Incredibles,” “Tomorrowland”) and Nicole Paradis Grindle (“Sanjay’s Super Team” short, “Toy Story 3” associate producer), “Incredibles 2” is executive produced by John Lasseter. “The Incredibles” was the film that introduced Oscar®-winning composer Michael Giacchino (“Up,” “Tomorrowland”) to moviegoers, and he returns to the Incredibles universe to create the score for “Incredibles 2.”

Giveaway:

Disney is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky winner will win the Incredibles 2 on Blu-ray Multi-Screen Edition! Thank you to Disney for the review film and for sponsoring this incredible giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US residents.

Incredibles 2 on Blu-ray Multi-Screen Edition Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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· 3:22 am

Helpful Tips For Working Mothers on Balancing Work and Family Life

In today’s day and age, a two income family is not just a choice, but a necessity in many cases. With so many women in the corporate workforce full-time, we must address the issue of trying to balance work and family life. Some days we can find ourselves questioning if we truly can achieve a healthy balance. If you are stressed out and looking for help, the tips below may help restore some sanity to your hectic life.

Don’t Be Afraid to Delegate

Managing your home includes many different tasks. Keeping your home clean and organized should not fall solely on your shoulders. Every member of the household should be sharing in that responsibility. If you have divided up the household chores, but still feel like you are having to hound others to stay on task, it can really make things stressful.

You might want to make use of professional home cleaning services or hiring a housekeeper on a weekly basis. Another helpful option is to consider renting a storage vault if you need a place to store your off-season decorations and other things you don’t currently need at home. The less stuff you have around, the easier it will be to organize what’s left. You will be amazed at how much more efficiently things will run with all that extra space. 

Delegating responsibilities to others will give you more time to do the things that matter, like spending quality time with your family and friends.

Make Preparations

If you don’t want to be rushing to work in the morning, get in the habit of making sure everyone lays out their clothing the night before. Prepare lunches at night too, and plan your meals for the week so, you can shop more effectively. Electric pressure cookers let you cook delicious meals that used to take hours in about 30 minutes. Create a family message center so that everyone is aware of upcoming events, school meetings and activities. 

Create A Family Message Center

Create a family message center with a calendar, cork board and white erase board or chalkboard. This will help keep important dates of events, appointments, school meetings and activities where everyone can see them. Enter dates in your smart phone or planner. Knowing what is coming up will help you from being caught off guard and missing important events or appointments. Don’t forget to schedule in some family fun time!

Celebrate Your Child

Sometimes it simply isn’t possible for us to be physically present at our child’s special event. While it is upsetting to have to miss your child’s concert or soccer game, sometimes there is no other choice. If you do have to miss an important event, show your child you love them and wish you could be there with a special note or little gift. While it is not a substitute for you being there, it will let them know how much you love them and how you wish you were there. You might be surprised at how much emotional support your child can gain from a small note. 

Make Use of Technology

If you have to be away on business or are working late, you can record a video of yourself singing or reading a favorite bedtime story for your kids to watch. A phone call to catch up or even a Facetime video can really help you stay connected. Make use of the technology at your fingertips. Something as simple as hearing your voice can be so comforting to your child. 

This is a collaborative guest post, the views expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.


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October 31, 2018 · 9:50 pm

Tips For Planning a Fun Beach Vacation in Phuket with Kids

No matter how experienced a traveler you are, and regardless of how many miles you have trekked as a solo traveler, traveling with kids is an entirely different ball game. It takes planning way beyond your standard travel planning, and you cannot pack as light as you otherwise would. In addition, you have to be very particular about choosing your travel destinations. Interestingly, no matter how well planned your trip is, you should never expect everything to work exactly how you imagine when you are traveling with kids.

If you are planning a vacation with your kids, a beach getaway may be the perfect choice. Beaches are not only meant for sun worshipers and honeymooners, they can be a fantastic destination for kids, since they love sand and water. Phuket would be a great place to head to, since it is renowned for its beaches and is family friendly.  You wallet will be happy too, since Phuket is affordable. Here are some tips that will help you pull off a memorable beach vacation in Phuket.

Plan in Advance

Planning is essential and it cannot be stressed enough that when traveling for kids, this is something you just cannot skip. Plan your itinerary, make a list of supplies that you want to pack and consider your children’s sleep and meal patterns when making your travel plans. Remember that once you arrive, everyone will need to adjust to the time zone change, and how that will affect your sleep schedules.

When traveling changes in times are not the only thing your kids will need to adjust to. Changes in their diet must be considered, especially if you have picky eaters. Finding out about what types of food is available and taking along some foods they like is important. If you have an infant who is still on baby formula, make sure to pack enough as it probably will not be available in Phuket. Scheduling a visit to your child’s pediatrician is imperative, as they can advise you of any important medical issues when traveling abroad.

Do Not Compromise on Accommodations

As a solo traveler, you might not be as finicky about your lodging. In the past you might have accepted almost any type of room or even a bunk at a hostel to crash for the night.  However, it is different with kids, and you should not mind paying slightly more to get a proper hotel room. This does not mean that you need to book some extravagant suit at The Hyatt, but it should be something clean, comfortable and with the necessary amenities at the very least. You can find many three star resorts that will easily fit your budget while providing you with comfortable accommodations so you and your family can rest easy.

Phuket Beach Vacation

Say No to Long Day Trips

Your focus on a beach vacation should be on relaxing and chilling out, rather than being in a rush with exhausting schedules. Day trips sound fun, but they can be a nightmare with kids, especially with the younger ones. Most Phuket excursions will require you to leave very early in the morning, travel long distances, explore the area and be back later in the evening. The whole schedule is very rigorous for younger children who need to rest, nap and eat on time. It is certainly not something to pursue unless you like dealing with cranky, tired children. If you are taking long excursions such as the Koh Phi Phi tour, consider making it an overnight stay rather than a day trip, so your kids can rest and relax.

Phi Phi Island Tour

This is a collaborative guest post. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Mommy Ramblings.


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· 3:01 am

How to Help Kids Be Internet Awesome #BeInternetAwesome #ItsCoolToBeKind

I was compensated for this post as a blogger who is part of the Forward Influence Network. As always my words and views are 100% my own. 

As the month of October is coming to a close, I think it is important to remind ourselves that it is National Bullying Prevention Month. Let’s hope that we carry the message through every month of the year, because bullying, especially on the internet, is prevalent.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we all did our part to spread some kindness online. There is something about the ability to hide behind a computer screen that brings out the worst in some. Online bullying and hateful behavior is real, and it can cause real hurt and have devastating consequences.

Be Internet Awesome:

Be Internet Awesome (BIA) is Google’s free multifaceted program designed to teach kids the fundamentals of digital citizenship and safety, so they can explore the online world with confidence. You can find the program in both English and Spanish and consists of an ISTE standards aligned curriculum, ready-made Pear Decks for each lesson, Interland – an adventure-packed online game about digital safety and citizenship – and plenty of resources for educators and parents.

BIA will help families and students to learn how to make choices that disempower bullying behavior and create healthy, productive spaces to interact.

Some Important Facts About Bullying:

  • 28% of students have experienced bullying personally.
  • 71% of students have witnessed bullying directly.
  • Only 20% – 30% of students notify adults about bullying.
  • Over 50% of parents are concerned about their child being bullied.

If you are an educator, you should check out the teacher curriculum online. A family guide is coming soon, in the meantime, the Interland games   covers each of the 5 areas for Internet awesomeness shown below. It will give you vocabulary and talking points to help you have family discussions that help build a strong foundation for your kids’ safe, successful use of the Internet. The ability to have honest and open-minded conversations with your kids is the most important tool to keep them safe online.  

In the curriculum you will find helpful ways to open up family dialog that will help you encourage one another to step up and become “upstanders”. Upstanders are people who help the person being hurt when they see something hurtful happening, and help turn negative situations into positive ones.

You can play Interland with your kids and put your kindness skills to the test at g.co/KindKingdom, but don’t stop there. Learn more about how you can Be Internet Awesome at g.co/BeInternetAwesome and tell your kids’ teachers about the online curriculum so they can introduce these activities in the classroom.

I implore everyone to help make a positive difference and to start today by spreading kindness online. It is an easy thing to do, and it can make a real difference. Let me know how you are spreading online kindness in the comments. Together we can make the Internet a kinder place. Won’t you join me?

 


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October 30, 2018 · 8:11 pm

The Best Tourist Destinations in Victoria, Australia

If you are visiting or living in the great city of Melbourne, you should take advantage of all that Victoria has to offer. With just a few hours of driving, you can reach Victoria and all that it has to offer like, scenic coastal drives, beautiful gardens, amazing Australian wildlife, delicious food, rejuvenating mineral springs and so much more.

All kinds of accommodations can be found in Victoria. Beyond the traditional hotels you can opt to stay at rustic cabins, quaint bed and breakfasts, beachside lodging, mountain retreats, farm stays and many other awesome places to hang your hat.

Below you can check out some of the most popular destinations in Victoria for nature lovers, romantic trips or getaways with family and friends.

Daylesford & Hepburn Springs

Want to experience ultimate relaxation? Check out Daylesford and Hepburn Springs – Victoria’s famed Spa Country. You can choose from more than one hundred natural spa treatments that are sure to leave you well-replenished, or just enjoy the rejuvenating powers of immersing yourself in naturally occurring mineral springs.

Mornington Peninsula

You’ll find this paradise just over an hour from Melbourne, but you’ll feel like you’ve traveled a world away. Strewn along the coast are quiet Victorian seaside towns, lovely sheltered beaches, fancy wineries as well as local markets. Here you can spend your days lounging by the beach in the pleasant Sorrento or Portsea. Enjoy tasting local wines and  gourmet cheese in Red Hill. In Mornington Peninsula everything you want is at your fingertips.

The Dandenongs

Located a mere hour from Melbourne, The Dandenongs is a paradise near the city. Lavish foliage, abundant gardens, forests of tall ash trees, and quaint towns are the charms of Melbourne’s concrete jungle. There’s more to do than just enjoying the nature here. It’s possible to visit here via ferns and gullies on the historic Puffing Billy. Be sure to visit the region’s most famous establishment, Miss Marple’s Tea Room for a delicious taste of scones and tea.

Yarra Valley

Yarra Valley is a real foodie haven in Victoria that’s renowned for its world-famous wineries, beautiful accommodations and fine restaurants. Yarra Valley is a renowned weekend destination both for Melbourne’s visitors and residents. Go out for a stroll, take photos of the rolling vineyards of the valley while on a hot air balloon ride. You can also get up close and personal with wildlife such as dingoes, wombats, platypuses and kangaroos at the Healesville Sanctuary. Don’t forget to savour exquisite meals matched with the some of the region’s best red and white wines to complete your gourmet experience.

High Country

Take in the majestic snowy peaks, pleasant heritage towns, rolling countryside, and superb wineries all while breathing in the fresh alpine air. There’s plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Victoria’s High Country. Sample creative cuisines in Milawa and Beechworth or spend an afternoon sipping wines in Rutherglen. Relish in the amazing scenery by biking or horseback riding through mountain trails. In winter, you can ski or snowboard down the slopes of Mount Buller, Falls Creek and Mount Hotham.

Victorian river trips

Want to fully enjoy Victoria’s natural wonders? Here you can find some of the best river scenes in the world where you and your travel companions can enjoy a plethora of activities. Check out the list of river trips from DriveNow and have a fun weekend break at Victorian Rivers. Take some time to relax  riverside under the sun or swim through unspoiled waters nestled by nature and wildlife.

There you have it! Don’t forget to plan your itinerary in advance to maximise your stay. While you’re at it, it’s best to book your personal transport in advance so you can avoid lines, traffic, and even visit locations that aren’t normally reached by public transportation.

This is a collaborative guest post. The views and ideas expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Mommy Ramblings.

 


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October 29, 2018 · 11:38 pm

Glass Vs Acrylic Fish Tanks. Which One Should You Buy?

When you are looking for a fish tank, the first choice you need to make, is whether you want glass or acrylic.  Acrylic tanks are more expensive than glass tanks, but they do last longer. Glass is more affordable, but it probably will not last as long. If you are not sure what to choose, check out our glass vs acrylic comparison below to decide what is best for you.

Scratch Resistance

Glass tanks are more scratch resistant than acrylic tanks. To scratch a glass tank you would need to use something hard with a good deal of force. On the contrary, acrylic tanks can scratch easily. With an acrylic tank, a cleaning pad that has sand or gravel on it, can scratch and blemish your tank walls.

Acrylic tanks may even get scratched during shipping from the manufacture to the store. Acrylic is much more delicate than glass. With an acrylic tank, you need to be careful about the types of cleaning solutions and products you use. Make sure all products are safe for acrylic surfaces.

If you do damage your acrylic tank, the good news is, they are easy to clean and repair. Kits to repair and polish acrylic aquariums are readily available. Never use any abrasive chemicals in an attempt to repair your tank.

Lightweight

The dense nature of glass means that acrylic tanks are much lighter, glass tanks are generally 4 to 10 times heavier than acrylic. If you plan on having to move your tank frequently, you might be better off with an acrylic tank.

An acrylic tank will put less stress on whatever is supporting it. Even though acrylic tanks are lighter, the water and aquarium decorations will add weight. Still, there is no doubt that moving an empty acrylic tank is easier than moving a glass tank.

Durability

Since glass is weaker than acrylic, it is more prone to breaks and cracks. If something crashes into the tank with force, it can crack or even worse, break. In most cases, a crack can make the whole tank useless. A leaking tank can damage any electronics stored under the tank as well.

On the other hand, you need much more force to break or crack acrylic. While light impact will not break an acrylic tank, it will probably scratch it.

Flexibility and Distortion

Since glass is dense and rigid, trying to create non-rectangular tanks is very difficult. Thus, buying a non-rectangular tank, is expensive.  Since glass has a different index of refraction than water, light gets bent four times when passing through the tank. This means the image that gets reflected back is distorted. So colors, position and size will not be as true.

Acrylic has nearly the same index of refraction as water. This means, when you look at the fish in an acrylic tank, light has only been bent once or twice. This makes the fish look true to their actual size and color.

Conclusion

As stated above, acrylic tanks cost more and are easier to scratch, but they don’t chip, crack and break like glass tanks. Glass tanks are more resistant to scratching but are heavier and have more distortion than acrylic.

You need to carefully weigh the pros and cons when comparing glass and acrylic tanks. While both tanks can create a beautiful aquarium, your own needs should help you decide between glass vs acrylic aquariums.

Regardless of which construction you choose, be sure you create the best possible environment for you fish to help them thrive. Tanks require regular cleaning, proper filtration and water testing. Fish and other aquatic creatures need proper nutrition and a healthy habitat. With some planning and research, your new aquarium can add beauty and tranquility to your life.

This is a collaborative guest post. The ideas and views expressed are not necessarily those of Mommy Ramblings.


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