The Fresh Market supports No Kid Hungry this September to fight childhood hunger in U.S.

This September, The Fresh Market will continue its national partnership with No Kid Hungry® during the fourth annual Cupcakes for a Cause campaign. The event will raise funds and awareness for No Kid Hungry, the campaign from the nonprofit Share Our Strength dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America by connecting children to healthy food where they live, learn and play.

September is National Hunger Awareness Month, and No Kid Hungry is rallying its community of supporters and partners, including The Fresh Market, to take action for the one in five kids who struggles with hunger.

In support of making no kid hungry a reality, The Fresh Market will host its Cupcakes for a Cause campaign from August 31 through September 20. The Fresh Market guests can support the fight against childhood hunger by purchasing paper cupcakes at store checkout counters for as little as $1, which connects a child to 10 healthy meals through No Kid Hungry’s programs and partnerships. One hundred percent of the paper cupcake dollar donations will benefit the cause.

Beginning Wednesday, September 14 through Tuesday, September 20, The Fresh Market stores will also host an in-store Cupcake Bakery Sale to benefit No Kid Hungry. Guests may purchase a single gourmet cupcake or a four-pack of cupcakes found in the store’s bakery. The Fresh Market will donate $1 from each gourmet cupcake purchase and $2 from each four-pack cupcake purchase to No Kid Hungry.

With the support of our customers, The Fresh Market has committed to contribute a minimum of $150,000 to No Kid Hungry during its Cupcakes for a Cause campaign this year. To date, the company has raised over $1 million to support the campaign’s effort to connect children in need with nutritious food, while teaching their families how to cook healthy, affordable meals.

About No Kid Hungry

No child should go hungry in America, but 1 in 5 kids will face hunger this year. Using proven, practical solutions, No Kid Hungry is ending childhood hunger today by ensuring that kids start the day with a nutritious breakfast and families learn the skills they need to shop and cook on a budget. When we all work together, we can make sure kids get the healthy food they need. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of national anti-hunger organization Share Our Strength. Join us at NoKidHungry.org.

Fabulous Fall Beauty Finds For Back-To-School

Today we will be talking about hair care. I have a lot of hair and have to wash/dry/style way more often than I care to. Having such long hair takes so much time to care for and it has become a chore that I wish I could avoid. The part that takes me over the edge is blow drying. It takes approximately 35-40 minutes to get my hair completely dry. Well thankfully I have a solution. I found the BEST blow dryer that has changed everything for me. The Hot Tools® Turbo IONIC® Dryer is perfect for anyone looking for something small, fast, and effective!

This dryer is so powerful and brought my drying time from 35 minutes down to 10 minutes! That is a HUGE time saver and I no longer dread hair wash days. What makes it so great? This modern dryer with a narrow, European nozzle packs an impressive airflow with quiet operation. Its PRO-MOISTURE SYSTEM™ with ION TECHNOLOGY® is supplemented with Tourmaline to deliver a hydrating “spa treatment” for your hair — while fighting frizz and locking in moisture for supremely soft, manageable hair. The contemporary dryer also includes a concentrator with a narrow opening for precise drying. 

I am so impressed with how sleek and straight my hair comes out with no frizz. My younger daughter borrows it and loves how much drying time has been cut out for her. She has biracial hair and noticed how less poufy her hair was after drying. With the super compact design, this dryer is perfect for dorm rooms. I will warn you though, roommates will want to borrow it! You can find the Hot Tools® Turbo IONIC® Dryer at Ulta stores for $70. It is worth every penny if you are looking for professional quality at home.

Not enough time on shampoo days? No problem! Simply wash and go in one easy step with Pert Plus Classic Clean. I know the guys benefit most with this type of product since they don't spend nearly as much time on hair like the ladies do. I absolutely love the clean scent and how soft it makes my hair. You can find Pert Plus at drugstores nationwide for around $3.39 (13.5oz), $5.49 (25.4oz).

For hair that needs a little more help, consider the Infusium23 Moisture Replenisher Collection ($6.99 – $8.99, Target)

Designed for moisture-deprived hair, the Infusium 23 Moisture Replenisher Collection is perfect to replenish your hair as you leave the beach and head back to school (or the carpool line). It is formulated with an exclusive blend of avocado and olive oil to lock in moisture and enhance shine, restoring dry and sun damaged hair in preparation for the fall. A unique i-23 Complex, enriched with provitamins, antioxidants, proteins and amino acids, instantly transforms dry, damaged tresses into soft, healthy-looking, more manageable hair, making it an essential collection to keep in your shower caddy. The collection includes Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave-In Treatment.

I received product samples to facilitate an honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 

$100 Amazon GC or PayPal Giveaway

Hi everyone! I hope back-to-school is going well for your family. Although we home-school, we still had to adjust to the school routine. I am so excited to announce that we are doing another great giveaway along with 9 fabulous bloggers. The prize is your choice of $100 Amazon GC or PayPal Cash. Who wouldn't want to win that? 

Leave us a comment and tell us what you would do with prize if you are our lucky winner. Enter below and good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

This giveaway starts August, 29 at 12:00 AM EST and ends September 12, at 12:00 AM EST. USA, 18+. One winner will be randomly selected from all qualifying entries and contacted via the email they provide. The winner has 48 hours to respond or new winner will be chosen. The winner will be announced on the Rafflecopter after they have responded.

Protect Your Family with These Vital Tips

Most parents have a strong urge to protect their family. Even if you don't have children, you probably feel protective over your family. We all want to care for the ones we love and make sure no harm can come to them. Although you can't protect others against everything, there are some ways you can help them avoid danger. If you want to protect your family, there are lots of things you can do. However, at the same time, you could be concerned about being too protective. Make sure your family is cared for without being a helicopter mom with these methods.

Via Eric Ward

Secure Your Home

Your home is your family's safe haven. You don't ever want anyone to feel unsafe there or to come to any harm. While someone breaking into your home is more likely to do when you're not there, you don't want to take the risk. One of the most sensible ways to protect your home and family is to set up a security system. For example, have a look at home-security.co to read about how a monitored security system by vivint home security could help you. Your system could have motion detectors, cameras, alarms, and more. Even just having motion-sensor lights can deter potential intruders.

Know Where They Are

Everyone will have varying requirements for keeping track of their family. You might want to know exactly where they are at all times. Other parents might take a more relaxed approach. As long as they have an idea of where their children are and who they're with, they're not as bothered about the details. If you want to keep track of everyone, there could be a few things you decide to do. Some parents use phone apps so they can see exactly where everyone is. You might also just give your child a phone so you can call them if you need to. Other parents just trust that kids are responsible and will be where they say they will be.

Via Evil Erin

Give Them the Skills to Protect Themselves

Part of protecting your family is setting them up to look after themselves. Your kids need self-preservation skills, which they won't get if someone is always looking out for them. They need to learn how to watch out for certain dangers and how to avoid them. Some of the skills they need involve things like crossing the road safely. You might also provide them with tools that could be helpful, like a cell phone. Some parents prepare for certain scenarios. For example, some give their children a "password" to be used by anyone picking them up from school. There are lots of ways you can help your family protect themselves.

Protect Them Online

Sometimes, the online world can seem more dangerous than the real world. Just referring to the offline world as "real" can make it seem like when you're online, it's not real life. But things that happen online can be very real and come with real dangers. Teaching your kids to be safe online is essential in the modern world. Supervising internet use is important, but you need to decide how far you should go. Find ways to protect your kids online at consumer.ftc.gov.

You can protect your family using a variety of methods. Just make sure that you have a balance between protecting them and allowing them freedom.

Secrets Your Dog Knows About You

Image source

Meet Our New Family Member, Bob #bobsweep

A couple weeks ago, we welcomed a new addition to our family. I can't even begin to tell you how happy and proud we are. He is perfect in every way!

Introducing, Bob. Bob came into my life to make my homemaking duties a whole lot easier. He sweeps, mops and vacuums on demand. This gives me fewer household chores to have to do which means more quality family time or even "me time". Moms need a break too!

bObsweep robotic vacuums are so easy to use. I received the bObsweep PetHair in the color rouge to test out in my home. This was a perfect choice since we have a dog who sheds everywhere. I find myself having to vacuum and sweep daily, and it gets tiring lugging a traditional vacuum all over the place. Bob comes packaged perfectly in a neat box with everything you need to get started. It comes with a remote control, accessories, charging unit, and instructions. I suggest you take a few moments to read the instructions and let your bObsweep charge fully before you attempt to use it.

I found that Bob bumped into the furniture a whole lot when I first used him. As time has gone on, he seems to be a lot smarter maneuvering around spaces. I love the remote control function for when I need to have Bob clean areas where I need to avoid certain spots. It is very important to be sure the floors are clear of loose cords and objects that you don't want to get sucked in. Bob is strong and can pick up toys and pens (ask me how I know). It is very easy to empty the dirt receptacle and I am always so shocked at how much it picks up!

Pretty impressive and disgusting at the same time, huh? 

Let me tell you, Bob is powerful. I must warn you if you have little ones to monitor them when Bob is in operation. We don't want itty-bitty finger or toes getting run over just in case they get a little too curious. It is recommended to clean the rotary brush (cleaning tool is provided) for any excessive hair or stringy items that can easily wrap around it. Also be sure to keep an eye on the filter to make sure it's not clogged. There is a nifty side brush that is so good for cleaning along walls and furniture. The bumper on Bob is really effective in protecting your furniture from getting damaged. I also love that it easily adjusts to different flooring types and heights with ease.

Look at bOb go! Sweeping my floors like a champ! @bobsweep This is a homemaker's dream come true ❤️😍 . . . . . #bObsweep #bobsweeppethair #pethair #ad

A video posted by Shelly 🇬🇾💞 (@momfiles) on Aug 8, 2016 at 10:33am PDT

I really love how you can command Bob to return to his charging station when it is in range. My guests are so jealous of entertained by him. My son is even learning how to use the remote so he can guide Bob safely through different rooms. This is probably because he doesn't want any of his LEGO pieces to go missing :)

You can "adopt" your very own bObsweep PetHair and other bObsweep products through their website as well as on Amazon. This compact machine is sure to become a very important member of your family! We love the difference he has made in our busy lives. Be sure to follow bObsweep on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for product updates and promotions.

I received a bObsweep unit in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own as always. 

Maintaining A Superb Relationship With Your Parents

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When you were growing up, your parents were your constant companions. Your relationship was filled with love, trust and fun. Even though you annoyed each other from time to time, it’s a bond unlike any other. But now you’ve grown up and have your own family to look after, maintaining this relationship can be difficult. You’re both facing new challenges from health concerns to changes in career. So it’s vital that your relationship adapts to this change in dynamic to help keep it in a strong and healthy condition. Here are some simple ideas you should consider to make you and your parents closer than ever.

Call each other regularly

Instead of making excuses for your lack of communication, do something about it. Schedule a suitable time each week where you can call and talk to each other. Even if it’s only for five minutes, your conversations can assist you in maintaining a good relationship. You can update each other on what’s going on in your lives and plan days out together. You can also use these conversations to find out about their health conditions and whether they need more help. Without these conversations, you might be unaware that your Father has hired senior care companions. Or that your Mother needs to have a hip replacement. Take an interest in their lives to stay fully involved.

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Ask for their help

Many parents feel they lose their purpose and feel insignificant once their children have grown up. But there is still a lot you and your family can learn from them. If you've always wanted to bake like your Mom, ask her to give you some lessons and share her tips. Your Dad could show you how to change the tyres on your car or how to start saving money more efficiently. If something goes wrong in your life, whether small or large, turn to them for support. This will make them feel important and that you appreciate their advice and wisdom. They then might feel more inclined to ask for your help whenever they need it too.

Let them know how you feel

As children, we don’t like to think of our parents no longer being here. But sadly, this is a harsh reality we all have to face. So make the most of every second you have with your parents.  Let them know how much they mean to you and how important they are to your family. You can do this by writing a letter or sending them a video via email. Surprise visits where you can both talk face to face also provide this opportunity too. They may even return your feelings of gratitude with their own and tell you how proud they are of you. This is a conversation will be one that neither of you ever forget, and it can instantly strengthen your relationship.

While these ideas can help you to maintain a healthy relationship with your parents, they all require two key ingredients. Time and effort. Making the time and effort to spend time or to communicate with each other is essential to preserve this special bond.

How to Create Your Own Dixie Deadzone Diners

Dixie, the leader in disposable tableware, has launched ”Deadzone Diners,” a campaign inspiring people to disconnect from their mobile devices and connect over a meal.  The initiative will transform the negative perception of cellular dead zones into unique opportunities for people to “Be More Here.”  To help families better connect over the dinner table, the company had a created a set of tips to help them create their own “Deadzone Diners” and foster conversation and interaction.



With a focus on family, friends and mealtimes, Dixie is committed to promoting environments where meaningful interaction can occur in the absence of distractions such as phone calls, social media and text messages. 

​1. ​Put your phone away during mealtime.  Establish a guideline that everyone must put their phones on airplane mode and leave them in another room. This will allow families to focus solely on having meaningful face-to-face conversation with the people around them.

​2. Have dinner in unique location with no cell signal.  Make dinner more fun, compelling and unique by finding a change of atmosphere.  See if you can find a cellular dead zone to have a meal, such as your basement, a park or an isolated spot in the backyard. A change of scenery with “no bars” will encourage engaging conversation.

3. Come to the dinner table with one topic to discuss.  Everyone in the family should come prepared with a conversation topic.  It can be as simple as the best thing that happened to you that day.  A shared meal is an important opportunity to have your family's full attention to talk about the things that matter most. 

4. Make sure everyone is involved.  Make sure everyone at dinner has a role, whether it’s helping in the kitchen, setting the table or cleaning up.  If everyone has a responsibility, it will limit the time they can spend on the phone and create a shared experience. 

5. Try a new recipe, but keep it simple.  Introducing a new recipe could be the start of great conversation.  A home-made meal doesn’t have to take hours and it can be fun to prepare.  Cooking will bring the family together, while avoiding the distraction of cell phones.

Costco Offers More Than Just Buying In Bulk (Giveaway)

CLOSED- Winner is Naima G. Congratulations!! 

The first thing that comes to mind when I hear the name Costco, is bulk shopping. After all, it is a warehouse store filled with a variety of items for home and business. I was beyond thrilled to learn that my local area is FINALLY getting a warehouse! I have watched the documentary on TV before about the Costco Craze and have been obsessed intrigued ever since. I will be taking a tour of the new Costco and will report back with the details. I do want to share a few things in advance. Of course, Costco offers an array of well known brand names of food, household, health and beauty items as well as their very own brand, Kirkland Signature. I have to say that I am very impressed with the selection I have seen so far. Their signature line of products even include organics. I have tried out several of the food products and the quality has exceeded my expectations.

Those dried blueberries are great for snacking or adding to oatmeal, cereal, trail mix or even in pancakes or muffins. The fruit snacks are so yummy and are perfect for lunch boxes. 

Costco has a pharmacy and offers health and wellness clinics on scheduled dates/times. They have delivery service too. Planning a trip? Costco can help with their travel services to help you find the perfect destination for a cruise, rental car, hotel and more. You can even shop their different areas of service including phone services, auto program, bottled water delivery, mortgage services, and even life insurance. Needless to say, Costco seems to have most areas covered! They have different membership levels so take a look and see which one suits you best. I am so happy that I can finally experience Costco for myself. I'm looking forward to checking out their fresh produce, meats, and wine selection.

I am so thrilled to be able to offer a HUGE giveaway to my loyal readers. Enter below to win a Costco gift bag filled with a variety of Kirkland Signature products and more.

Here's what's included (KS= Kirkland Signature):

KS Cooking Spray- $4.99
KS Bacon Crumbles- $10.99
KS Protein Bars- $17.99
KS AAA Batteries- $18.99
KS Cashews- $13.99
KS Minced Garlic- $4.39
KS Organic Salsa- $7.69
KS Cashew Clusters- $11.99
KS Pepper Grinder- $5.69
KS Balsamic Vinegar- $10.99
KS Chocolate Covered Almonds- $11.99
KS Wild Pink Salmon- $11.99
KS Dried Steak Strips- $9.99
KS Trail Mix- $12.99
KS Crushed Red Pepper- $3.19
Charisma White Bath Towel- $6.99
Charisma Gun Metal Bath Towel- $6.99
Charisma 4 pack small towel set- $9.99
Costco Keep Cool Bag- $6.99
Total value: $188.81

Enter here:
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This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will close on August 22, 2016. One winner will be selected at random and will be contacted via email to claim prize. Be sure to follow rules in Rafflecopter for entries to count. Good luck!

I received products samples and information from Costco in partnership with them to share the latest about their brands/products. All opinions are my own as always. 

How to Light Your Home Like Hitchcock Would

When you walk into a room, what is the first thing you notice? For me, it’s the lighting. My mood instantly changes for the worse when I walk into a poorly lit space. It feels unwelcoming, even lazy. It’s as though the house doesn’t care anymore, its proverbial light has burnt out.

I get it, it does come off as a little odd that I have assigned a sort of humanness to space, but don’t we all do that? We appreciate space based on our experiences and conceptions. I associate the darkness with depression dereliction, and if you’re still reading, I’m going to venture a guess and say that you do too. So, what can we do to make our rooms more appealing. One way to go (and my personal favorite) is to highlight the architectural intricacies of my home with light, much like Hitchcock elevated feeling in his films using light.

Lights, Camera, Action!
Every area of the house is designated for a particular use, be it to eat, sleep, relax or bathe. We know what a room is used for based on the furniture and appliances stationed in the space, along with how the light is used in the space.

Kitchens are bright because we need to be able to calculate seasoning to tablespoon and chicken grease to counter space. It’s a functional space where we cook and eat and must keep clean. The living room is often warmly lit. This way we may sit comfortably in the space and enjoy playing a game of Yahtzee with our family or catching up on the piling Last Week Tonight episodes in our DVR. The bedroom is a little a more dimly lit, helping us to get cozy and ready for bed.

How does lighting design come into the feeling of our home? Isn’t it the furniture pieces that tell us how the space is used? Architectural lighting, such as with recessed, track and dimmers help us to create atmosphere. Alfred Hitchcock understood what lighting design could do in a space, and he knew how to change an audience’s perception of a character or a scenario in seconds. Let’s examine three of Hitchcock’s films and discuss how we can bring his lighting mastery into our own homes.

Rear Window, 1954
Hitchcock is known for creating menacing, suspenseful moments in his films through light manipulation. Movie buffs are quick to forget the scenes in which we’re first introduced to the protagonist of the story. The lighting is (to use an overused description) warm and inviting. The lighting gets us into the headspace of the character, into his emotional state. This is probably why the beginning of Hitchcock’s films are usually so engaging. In Rear Window, we are introduced to a man named Jeffrey, a news photographer stuck at home with a broken leg. When we first see Jeffrey in his apartment the interior is naturally lit. To get the “natural” look, Houzz suggests layering multiple light sources. Layering will bring attention to your furniture, wainscoting and other elements of the home. We can layer using recessed lighting (to provide the overhead light) floor lamps, (to provide the task lighting) and table lamps (to provide accent lighting). Layers of light create a “natural” looking light source, seemingly bringing daylight into a dark house.

Vertigo, 1958
In this Hitchcock film, the director focused on bringing a vivid and saturated color scheme to the forefront. In Midge’s apartment, in the flower shop and out at dinner, color permeates the space. To fill your living space with bursts of color, highlight a mustard, teal or sienna accent wall with a table lamp. Using an accent lighting source will bring the user’s attention to the space around them. You can also accessorize your space with colorful throw pillows or a rug to bring in texture and create mood.

Marnie, 1964
We are shown two different housing interiors in this film. One is the title character Marnie’s mother’s home, and the other is her husband’s family’s home. We see the societal differences between Marnie and her husband in the way the family homes are lit. The mother’s house is dark and sepia-toned, while her husband’s is bright and enchanting. Light and color can trick us into feeling particular moods. The darker somber home will make us quiet and reflective, while the brighter, cheerier home will enliven our spirits and bring out good energy. For a “positive vibes” space, layer task and accent lighting. This will create a mood of contentment and put you in a positive head space. If you have dimmer technology, use it! Using a dimmer gives you complete control of the lighting without needing to fill up your home with lamps.

It’s astonishing what a little light and color can do for a home. All it takes is a coat of paint and some new light fixtures to make it happen.

Giveaway $100 PayPal Cash or Amazon GC

We have teamed up with a great group of bloggers to bring you a fun giveaway. The prize is your choice of $100 PayPal or Amazon GC. It is back-to-school time and $100 would be a big help to offset the cost of school supplies and clothing. Or perhaps you're like me and have a wish list on Amazon of some items you have been wanted for so long. This is an awesome prize, isn't it? 

I am so curious to know what you will do with the prize if you are the lucky winner. Leave a comment and let us know, then enter through the Rafflecopter widget. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway starts August, 1, 2016 12:00 AM EST and ends August 15, 2016 at 11:59 PM EST. USA, 18+. One winner will be randomly selected from all qualifying entries and contacted via the email they provide. The winner has 48 hours to respond or new winner will be chosen. The winner will be announced on the Rafflecopter after they have responded.

Save On Back-To-School Items And More With Groupon Goods

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own as always.

Do you love saving money? Of course you do! Who doesn't want to get the very best deal on items you need or even want. With back-to-school season here, many of you might be looking for electronics for your kids. In my case, my college daughters have never-ending lists of things they need. If you are searching for laptops, printers, headphones or just about anything else, Groupon Goods is your answer. I was browsing their site and was blown away by the amazing deals they offered. It made me kick myself when I saw the price of an activity tracker compared to what we recently paid at a department store. We could have gotten three for the price of one had we gone through Groupon.
::Insert the stunned, wide-eyed emoji here::

Look at these deals for a laptop computer and wireless printer.

If you are on a budget sending your kid off to college, this is a great deal. $200 for a printer and computer is unheard of. 

Another great thing I like about Groupon is that you can get local deals. This is perfect if you are taking a trip and need some discounts for local services, things to do or dining spots. I am going to Charleston, SC next next month and I am going to browse around Groupon to see what deals I can find there.

If you are looking for specific items, I urge you to check out Groupon Goods first. I am losing my mind over the kitchen appliances! I found an oil-less fryer and electric pressure cooker that is screaming my name! There are so many amazing products to choose from and the prices are so reasonable.

Be sure and follow Groupon on Facebook and Twitter for product promotions and updates.

Where Do The Smart Families Go When They Visit The UK?

Little old England. It’s a place that many of us want to visit at some point if we haven’t been already. But where should we go once we reach the island’s shores? After all, there are so many places to see and things to do crammed into such as tiny space. Here’s where the smart families go when they visit the UK.

Yorkshire

Why do so many visitors flock to Yorkshire each year? Well, there really is no place like in on Earth. Yorkshire is an area renowned for its strong identity and culture. This is a place where you’ll find some of the best restaurants and attractions in the country. In fact, there are more Michelin-starred restaurants per head here than in any other part of the country.

The great thing about Yorkshire is that it is full of wide open spaces and even a couple of wildernesses. North Yorkshire is far from the hustle and bustle of life in the South East. If you visit, make sure you go to the North York Moors. Here you’ll experience what it truly means to traverse an English wilderness. The Moors themselves are all but deserted. To the south, you’ll find little market towns, like Pickering and Malton. And you can stop off her for a classic pub lunch or fish and chips. The perfect finish to a family adventure.

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If you prefer, you can swap the bleak beauty of the Moors, for the lush, sweeping valleys of the Dales. The Dales are about fifty miles to the West of the Moors. Yet this is a landscape with an utterly different feel and character. It’s also the home of Wensleydale cheese. There’s a good lad, Gromit!

Blackpool

Blackpool has been drawing in the crowds for well over a hundred years now. And the coastal seaside town is still going strong as the UK’s most famous family resort. Blackpool tourism is fuelled by a combination of the beach, the attractions, and the rides. The seafront is littered with arcades and amusements for all the family. Many Brits make a habit of going to Blackpool every year because there is nothing quite like it. It’s a must-visit on any whistlestop tour of the UK.

But Blackpool isn’t just about getting an adrenaline fix or a tan. It is also a town that knows how to put on a show. Every year thousands of people flock to see shows on everything from magic to hypnotism. There is something for everybody in your family.

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Lake District 

The Lake District is the UK’s finest exhibition of natural beauty. Here you’ll find the country’s biggest lakes and tallest mountains. But you’ll also find a charm and at atmosphere which is verging on the magical. The Lake District, a couple of hours drive north of Blackpool, covers an area about twice the size of London. Packed into this small space are thousands of hotels and pubs, waiting to meet the needs of tourists.

This is the type of place that you go if you’re a family that loves adventure. Here you’ll find some of the best walking in the whole of Britain. You can walk around any one of a dozen lakes, including Windermere and Derwentwater. Or you can climb a mountain trail, what the Brits call footpaths, for stunning views. The best views can be had from the top of Catbells near Derwentwater and the Old Man near Coniston.

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The Lake District was a place that inspired the famous eighteenth-century poet, William Wordsworth. The grandeur of the lakes inspired Wordsworth to put its majesty into words. Now there’s a museum in the small town of Cockermouth, dedicated to his legacy.

Suffolk

If you want a UK beach holiday, Suffolk is the place to go. It’s far enough from London to avoid the crowds. And it hosts some of the UK’s finest seaside towns. There are no doubt, places in the world with better weather. But if you want to go to beaches with real history and charm, you can’t beat Suffolk. Frinton is a popular destination on the Suffolk coast. At this old Quaker town, you’ll find a sandy beach with a long promenade. There is a fish and chip shop, of course. And plenty of space to park. Go further up the coast, and you’ll end up at Southwold. This has a stony beach. But it’s an area famous for its amber jewelry.

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Finally, you can visit the Broads. Here’s a place where the family can get up close with nature. It’s one of the UK’s richest areas of wildlife. Here you can get up close with hundreds of rare species.

Ways To Help Your Teens Drive Safely At College #BeThereMoments

Today's conversation is sponsored by Michelin's Be There Moments campaign. 

Both of my daughters start their fall college classes in a few short weeks. This year, I have two student drivers that I panic  have great concern over. My older daughter has more experience under her belt, but my younger girl has very little. One of the things I have learned in my experience of being a mom to teen drivers is I need to try to worry less. I honestly don't know if that is really possible, but I try very hard.

Our girls are commuter students and make the drive back and forth to campus each day. I know they are already dreading the back-to-school traffic jams. They have to make sure to leave early enough each morning to secure a decent parking spot in the garage, as well as avoid getting stuck in traffic. I don't know what it is about a college campus that seems to make drivers really impatient (and crazy). I'm constantly telling my daughters to be mindful of their speed and allow enough space for sudden stops that they may have to make. Trust me, driving around a college campus means a whole lot of slamming on brakes will be happening daily. I've been on the road around the University during peak school hours and my nerves are usually shot.

This is why it is very important to have general safety checks before having them take the car back to school. We have a thorough inspection done on the brakes, tires, alignment, lights/signals, fluids and more. I think if you start with having peace of mind that the car is safe to drive, it helps your teens feel more secure. One of the biggest things I try to help the girls remember is that you have to keep a cool head when driving. Being one to get overly defensive about and angry over every little thing other drivers do that you don't agree with makes driving stressful. Calm and collected is the way to go.

Another thing we stress to the girls is not having distracting things that can obstruct your view from all angles. I know they love to show their school pride by sporting flags, decals, and other adornments, but this can backfire on you. If you can't see clearly, you are not going to have a safe driving experience. I know they get a tad annoyed with us, but we are all about safety first. Being cute doesn't matter if you're not being smart.

One more important thing to help your teens drive safely at college is to be sure they have an emergency kit packed in the trunk. Jumper cables, portable battery charger, and phone charger to name a few are helpful if your tire is low on air or the car won't start. The girls know that they should only use the phone in the car for emergencies. Calls can wait. Texts can wait. Both me and my husband try to be the best role models for all of our children and practice what we preach. We do not talk on the phone while driving. No matter how good of a driver you think you are, it is really easy to get distracted.

Ultimately, it is so important for parents with college students to instill values and the urgency of safety and following rules. Are you a parent of a college student or have a high school senior preparing for their next journey? You can share your stories or moments on social media using the #BeThereMoments hashtag and check out the stories on the Be There Moments website by Michelin.

The Best Hummingbird Feeder You Can Buy

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If you know me personally or follow me on social media, you know my love for hummingbirds. We keep multiple feeders around our yard and love watching those tiny beauties stop by for a sip of sweet nectar. Although this is a very enjoyable hobby, there is an ugly side to it. Earlier this week, one of my feeders was hit by a swarm of bees (probably 200+) and they cleared every drop of nectar. I suspect the fact that the feeder was dripping was attracting them even more. I keep a feeder on a window hook that is attached by suction cups. The problem with the feeder I had on there was that it faded and dripped too much. Also, with the South Carolina heat, mold would start to grow so fast and cleaning the feeder became an unwanted chore. I shopped around at local stores and searched online for something small, lightweight, and drip/leak proof.

I decided to take the chance with the Hummzinger Humm Blossom Hummingbird Feeder. Isn't it so pretty?

I like that it holds only up to 4 ounces of nectar which means I can mix it up fresh daily. I also purchased these cute little brushes to clean the feeding ports. They are the perfect size and can be used for other small cleaning jobs.

My favorite thing about this feeder is that you can see the entire hummingbird while it feeds. How could anyone not enjoy looking at this all day? Look at those precious feet!

This hummingbird feeder is hands-down the best one I have ever owned and I will be purchasing two more to replace my other ones. Oddly enough, they come in purple too. I read the reviews and people say that the hummers are attracted and still feed regularly. I'm not sure I'm brave enough to go with any color aside from the traditional red. I hope to be able to capture some photos of multiple birds feeding at once. It's the sweetest sight! Are you a Crazy Bird Lady like me?

Choosing to Have Hope - Make Frozen Donor Eggs Your Fertility Alternative

Life doesn’t always work out the way we think it will. Sometimes, even the most perfectly laid plans go awry. If you dream about having a big family, maybe with a black lab and leisurely weekend breakfasts on the porch with the little ones running around, you may feel like your dreams have been shattered after several rounds of unsuccessful IVF.
But don’t give up hope-- remember what your grandmother used to say? When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. With major advances in donor egg IVF treatment, now you don’t have to give up on your dream of working on the Sunday crossword while nursing your infant, and all the other little pleasures that come from being a Mom.

Moving Forward

Whether you’ve already experienced a successful pregnancy or are trying for your first, some couples never find out the reasons behind their negative pregnancy tests, for others the facts can be cold, hard, and inescapable. Those three little words, “no longer viable,” can be devastating for any woman to hear. For many couples, deciding to use a donor egg is one of the toughest decisions they will ever have to make – but it can also be one of the most rewarding.

You and your partner may find it helpful to speak to a therapist or counsellor when weighing up your fertility alternatives, as the psychological impact of using a donor egg needs to be fully understood by both parties. This can be a testing time in your relationship.

Coming to terms with the fact that your child won’t share your DNA can be hard, but knowing that you’ll experience the joy of carrying your own baby and feeling her kick and hiccup inside of you is still a real possibility.

Using Frozen Donor Eggs

If you and your partner are seriously considering your fertility options, then using frozen donor eggs may be something for you to look into, as there are numerous benefits of this technology. If the high price (typically between $35,000-50,000 per cycle) of using fresh donor eggs is an issue, the good news is that a frozen donor egg cycle generally costs around half as much, and some companies also offer flexible financing plans.

Frozen donor eggs are also much more convenient for women who work or lead demanding lifestyles. With traditional fresh eggs, the donor’s cycle has to be synched to your own, which can mean lengthy delays and high amounts of medication. When using frozen donor eggs, any potential complexities have already been taken care of, and cycle synchronization is no longer an issue. You can start embryo transfer as soon as your schedule is open and your uterus is ready.

You’ll also have access to a national donor pool, which means you’ll have a greater selection of nationwide samples from different ethnicities to choose from, and you won’t be restricted to finding a donor locally available.

But Are Frozen Eggs Successful?

If you’ve done your research, then you’ve probably read that success rates are still slightly higher when using fresh donor eggs; that’s partly because fewer studies have been conducted regarding frozen donor egg fertility treatment. There have been major breakthroughs in vitrification (egg freezing) over the last few years.

Vitrification is a flash freezing process that minimizes the risk of ice crystals forming in the eggs, which was a major problem with previous slow-freeze methods. This latest technology, combined with overall improvements in thawing protocols, means that your chances of success with frozen donor eggs are now higher than ever before. So, now you can choose to have hope by making frozen donor eggs your fertility choice.

This guest post was provided by Heidi Hayes, CEO of Donor Egg Bank, USA