Action-Packed Schedule Announced for Everything Outdoor Fest

Whether you’re in the camp of the curious, the brave or the explorer, Everything Outdoor Fest has something to satisfy. Organizers have announced an action-packed lineup of experiences with competitions, hands-on clinics, and demos for the new festival to be held November 4-6 at Historic Hopkins Farm in Simpsonville. 

“Everything Outdoor Fest has something for everyone! We welcome explorers from all walks of life to come out for three days of outdoor recreation, including fun family activities for children and dogs,” said Jacqui McGuiness, President and Owner of event producer JBM & Associates. “This is a wonderful time of year to be outside, and Historic Hopkins Farm is the perfect setting to appreciate nature and connect with outdoor experts and enthusiasts.”

The current schedule includes more than 35 hands-on clinics, plus trail runs, demos, a playground for all ages, kids zone, the DockDogs® canine aquatics competition, and UltiMutt Race obstacles – all free with festival admission. A music stage and food trucks will run throughout the event. A complete schedule of activities with dates and times is available on the festival website, everythingoutdoorfest.com. Check back often for updates.

Tickets are required with online purchase only. Admission cost for adults is $10 for a day pass and $25 for the entire weekend. Military and seniors 65+ are $8 per day. Children ages 4 to 12 are $5 per day and $12 for the weekend; kids 3 and under are admitted free.

Some of the world’s biggest brand names in outdoor recreation will offer professional guidance and the latest gear and equipment. Exhibitors interested in reaching thousands of outdoor enthusiasts can contact chelsea@jbmshows.com. 

Everything Outdoor Fest sponsors are Academy Sports + Outdoors, Adventure Golf Carts, Angels Three Development, Boyd Cycling, Dicks Sporting Goods, Greenville Water, HOKA, The Nobel Dog Hotel, PS Group, REI, Rocket Revolution, Run In, South State, and Winnebago.

Everything Outdoor Fest is a production of JBM & Associates, producers of many of the Southeast region’s largest and most popular consumer boat shows, including The Charleston Boat Show, Savannah Boat Show, Charleston In-Water Boat Show and Wilmington Boat Show. For information, visit JBMshows.com.

EVERYTHING OUTDOOR FEST – SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AS OF SEPTEMBER 22, 2022

Friday, Nov. 4

All-day Demos and Exhibits:

Mountain Biking, Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding One-on-One Instruction by REI Co-op Experiences

UltiMutt Race Obstacles for Owners and their Dogs

Upstate Archery Range: Take Your Best Shot

Vdovichenko Bee Farm

Wall of Shame presented by S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Heritage Trailer Nature Museum and Real Fur Exhibit presented by S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Clinics and Competitions:

REI Co-Op Clinics – Stop by the REI tent for the schedule of the day.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – All Levels Flow Yoga Class

12 p.m. – Flat Tire Clinic

12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. – DockDogs competitions

1-2p.m. – Introduction to Stand-up Paddleboard Yoga

1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Mountain Biking Skills Session and Trail Ride

1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Natural Habitat Pup Walk and Talk

1 p.m. – Nutrition Strategies for Health and Wellness

1 p.m.-2 p.m.  – Yoga, Shine Om Vinyasa

1:30 p.m. – Outdoor Eats: Elevate Your Dinner

2 p.m. – Introduction to Fly Casting

2:30 p.m. – Challenges of a Girl in the Outdoors

3 p.m. – Bike Wash Clinic

4 p.m. – The Importance of Sleep, Stress Management and Recovery for Optimal Health

Saturday, Nov. 5

All-day Demos and Exhibits:

Mountain Biking, Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding One-on-One Instruction by REI Co-op Experiences

UltiMutt Race Obstacles for Owners and their Dogs

Upstate Archery Range: Take Your Best Shot

Vdovichenko Bee Farm

Wall of Shame presented by S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Heritage Trailer Nature Museum and Real Fur Exhibit presented by S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Clinics and Competitions:

REI Co-Op Clinics – Stop by the REI tent for the schedule of the day.

9 a.m. – HOKA Trail Experience

10 a.m.-12 p.m. – Leaf Rubbings & Compasses for Kids

10:30-11:30 a.m. – Mindful Vinyasa Class

11 a.m. – Nutrition Strategies for Health and Wellness

11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – DockDogs competitions

11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Mountain Biking Skills Session and Trail Ride

11 a.m. and 3 p.m. – Introduction to Fly Fishing

11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Natural Habitat Pup Walk and Talk

12 p.m. – How to Prepare for a Gravel Race

12 p.m. and 2pm – Hook the Future Kids Fishing Clinic

12 p.m.- 2 p.m. – Trail Mix & Knot Tying for Kids

12:30 p.m. – Challenges of a Girl in the Outdoors

12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – Outdoor Eats: Elevate Your Dinner

1 p.m. – Intro to SUP Yoga

1-2 p.m. – Cricket Challenges: Building Outdoor Skills and Connecting with Nature

1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Discovering the Outdoors for Kids

2 p.m. – Nutrition Strategies for Women as We Age

2-4 p.m. – Packing a Backpack & Creating Hiking Boots for Kids

2:30 p.m. – How Do I Get There?

3 p.m. – How to Choose a Gravel Bike

3-4 p.m. – Cricket Challenges: Building Outdoor Skills and Connecting with Nature

4 p.m. – The Importance of Sleep, Stress Management and Recovery for Optimal Health

Sunday, Nov. 6

All-day Demos and Exhibits:

Mountain Biking, Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding One-on-One Instruction by REI Co-op Experiences

UltiMutt Race Obstacles for Owners and their Dogs

Upstate Archery Range: Take Your Best Shot

Vdovichenko Bee Farm

Wall of Shame presented by S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Heritage Trailer Nature Museum and Real Fur Exhibit presented by S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Clinics and Competitions:

REI Co-Op Clinics – Stop by the REI tent for the schedule of the day.

10:30 a.m. – Yoga, Mindful Vinyasa

11 a.m. – Nutrition Strategies for Health and Wellness

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Kayak Bass Fishing Demo

11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – DockDogs competitions

11 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Mountain Biking Skills Session and Trail Ride

11 a.m. and 3 p.m. – Introduction to Fly Fishing

11:30 p.m. – Clinic: Challenges of a Girl in the Outdoors

12 p.m. – Flat Tire Clinic

12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – Outdoor Eats Clinic: Elevate Your Dinner

1 p.m. – Nutrition for Athletes

1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – Natural Habitat Pup Walk and Talk

1pm and 3pm – Hook the Future Kids Fishing Clinics

1pm and 3pm – Discovering the Outdoors with Jo Hackl

1:30 p.m. –  How Do I Get There?

1:30 p.m. – Intro to Kayak Bass Fishing

2 p.m. – Wellness Coaching Q&A Session

2 p.m. – Yoga-Mindful Flow

3 p.m. – Performance Coaching Q&A Session

Great Food, Great Music and Great Times at the Lowcountry Fish and Grits Music Festival

Watterson Brands presents the Lowcountry Fish and Grits Music Festival in association with BurnBush Entertainment, Hilton Head MLK Committee for Justice and the Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor. On Oct. 1, join the community at Celebration Park, 90 Pope Avenue, from 1 – 6 p.m. for the festival of the year! 

The goal of the Lowcountry Fish and Grits Music Festival is to bring awareness of the diverse Gullah Geechee culture and its connection to the vast African diaspora. By curating international and local musical talent, unique crafts, and indigenous cuisine not easily accessible outside of the Lowcountry, the festival provides a unique cultural experience for everyone.

This family-friendly event features easy access from the festival grounds to the adjacent Adventure Playground and to The Sandbox Children’s Museum. There will be live performances by recording artists Latrese Bush, Votte Hall, Gwen Yvette, Angela Bonaparte, Latin percussionist Frankie Quinone֘s, and newly added McIntosh County Shouters, spoken word presentations by Louise Cohen, Vascola Stoney and more. Numerous local artisans, food trucks and craft beer venues will be featured throughout the park.

Festival organizers are proud to announce our partnership with the Holiday Inn Express Hilton Head Island located at 2 Tanglewood Drive. The package offers a great nightly rate that includes two (2) festival tickets! Follow this link or call 877-424-2449 and ask for Group Code: FGR the Fish and Grits Music Festival package.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Hilton Head MLK Committee for Justice. Festival also sponsored by Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association.

The Average American Family Spends $240 on Airport Food & Drinks due to Flight Delays

Travel Snack Surtax: The average American family spends $240 on airport food & drinks due to flight delays, reveals data. This is equivalent to 26% of their flight ticket costs. Families flying out of Delaware airports spend the most on food & drinks.

Airport Armageddon: A surge in flight delays this summer has created chaos in airports around America, with the delay domino effect leaving travelers spending more time (and money) inside airports while they await their unpredictable departure. Airports are infamously renowned for their massively marked-up food and drink charges. In fact, an outrageously-priced $28 beer from a vendor at LaGuardia Airport recently made headlines due to its alarming cost. For passengers on standby (and who perhaps weren’t expecting to spend much money at the airport), flight delays can result in unforeseen, but unavoidably exorbitant, purchases of meals, snacks, and drinks. This can rack up significant costs – especially for traveling families – and particularly so if there are specific dietary requirements that are necessary.

FamilyDestinationsGuide.com analyzed flight data, including the average air ticket fare* per family**, in each state to determine how much more of families’ vacation budgets are being eaten into (literally) by flight delays. This found that overall, the average family flying out of airports across America spends the equivalent of 26% of their flight ticket costs on food & drink surcharges alone, while awaiting their departure – that’s $240.51! 

When analyzed by state, Delaware airports were found to have the highest figures for families in terms of additional food and drink costs: the average family spends 87% of their flight costs on these purchases. By comparison, those flying out of airports in Alaska spend 16% of their flight costs on travel snack surcharges. 

Created by Family Destinations Guide • Viewlarger version

How to Manage Pain the Drug-free Way

Do you suffer from muscle pain due to participating in sports-related activities or exercise? I can speak for everyone in my family that we have had our share of muscle aches and pains. One of the best remedies is drinking a lot of water, resting, and using a muscle stimulator known  as a TENS unit. You might have experienced this type of treatment at the chiropractor's office. The Auvon brands makes it so affordable to have one at home. 

 

**This post may contain affiliate links. There is no charge to you, and we will make a small commission if you make a purchase.** 

The TENS muscle stimulator works by connect the wires to the electrode pads, and setting the intensity to what works for you. This particular unit is battery-operated (3 AAA batteries provided) and has a convenient clip to attach to your belt area or pocket for when you need to move around. You can use up to 8 electrode pads at once. 

This Auvon TENS Unit is a must-have for pain, and is perfect for travel especially since it comes with its own travel bag. 

This unit has a flip-open door with the buttons to turn on/off and for setting time and intensity. I recommend taking a glance through the instruction booklet to have a better understanding of how to use these functions correctly. It will initially feel like you are being zapped, but as you use it, you will get used to the feeling, and will gradually be able to handle a higher intensity. 

Product details:

• Drug-Free Pain Relief. This electric muscle stimulator machine stimulates sensory nerves and muscles, activate specific natural pain gate mechanisms so you get immediate pain relief anytime you need!
• 4-Output TENS Unit. This unit runs 8 pads simultaneously, and 2 channels can be set in different intensities as you like, e.g. CH1: mode 7 intensity 3; CH2: mode 7, intensity 10.
• 29 Modes TENS. Professional users can set pulse rate & width with 5 custom modes while others can start quickly with 24 pre-modes. The timer and continue mode allow you to set how long therapy lasts.
• Thoughtful Accessories. This TENS device provides 8 square electrode pads for your neck, back, thigh, etc. The cable tie keeps the wires organized and the pad holder stores the pads while not in use.

If you know someone who suffers from pain, this would make a thoughtful gift. You would be surprised how useful this little gadget is! We use ours frequently, and it's always a better option over taking pain medication. You can purchase one from Amazon for around $40, and there is even a coupon. 

Thank you Auvon for the product sample. As always, all opinions are our own. 

Get Your Mind Right with Fungies Lion's Mane Mushroom Gummies

Do you find yourself feeling a bit scatter-brained and forgetful sometimes? This is quite common as you get older, especially when you are a parent who has a lot to juggle daily. Some days my husband gets super frustrated because the little things will slip his mind. We both have had our share of lack of energy, focus and feeling out of it. 

We have been studying up on the health benefits of mushrooms, primarily lion's mane. We have checked out a few documentaries and they all seemed to show that lion's mane mushrooms are a great natural source to improve mental clarity, boost mood and overall cognitive performance. We were pretty excited to get the opportunity to try out Fungies lion's mane gummies. Simply put, Fungi + Gummies = Fungies™. Lion's Mane has also been shown to help improve mood, increase energy, provide immune support, and support a healthy inflammatory response from exercise.

Fungies are perfect for anyone looking for an extra boost for better focus, memory and mood. They are all-natural, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO and gelatin-free. These gummies have a delicious blueberry and strawberry flavor while having a great texture. All you need is one per day. Each gummy contains 500mg of lion's mane mushroom powder. 

We have been taking them for a week now, in the morning. So far we have both noticed we had a lot more energy. I usually get a little tired at a specific time each day, and take a quick nap to perk back up. I have not had the need for a nap! I really do feel a lot better with no sluggishness. I am able to cross off tasks from my to-do list with time to spare. 

We are quite pleased with the results we have experienced so far, and will continue taking these gummies daily. I think the fact that we have transitioned to a plant-based lifestyle, paired with taking these gummies will really keep us on a healthy track. Nothing beats feeling energetic, healthy and ready for whatever comes our way.

🠞🠞🍄BUY FUNGIES HERE🍄🠜🠜

Have you heard about the benefits of lion's mane mushrooms? You can get more info here. Fungies Lion's Mane Gummies can be purchased online for $19.95 (60 count) or you can save 20% if you sign up for their subscribe and save program. All U.S. orders get FREE shipping with a 100% money back guarantee. For every product sold, they make a 1-for-1 donation to Vitamin Angels to reach a pregnant woman or child with life-changing nutritional support. What a great company! We definitely recommend this product to anyone who needs to improve their memory, focus and clarity. 

Thank you Fungies for sending samples for us to test out! 💚

Learn to make a genuine Thai Khao Hom Mali at home

Southeast Asia has many beautiful landscapes to offer and an interesting culture behind which can also be learnt through its food. As a region, it’s pretty diverse and every meal mirrors that diversity, so much so that you’ll find very simple dishes next to most intricate ones, not only in terms of ingredients but in terms of the elements used. 

What can’t be denied is the fact that they, sometimes, may be seen as weird and bizarre because of the combination of ingredients. However, the landscape offers a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and crops. That’s the reason why rice is such a staple element in this region. Moreover, this gastronomy is rich in seafood and herbs. All that combined gives as a result diverse textures and flavors. 

Rice types and Khao Hom Mali

Jasmine rice is a typical medium-grain rice type used in this gastronomy because of what its name describes: the fragrance it releases when cooked. It can be steamed or boiled, but, common to every recipe, as this type of rice is gummier and creamier than other kinds, the process of cooking has some specific steps. For example: you need to rinse it three or four times before cooking in order to get rid of most of the starch. Besides, once it is fully cooked and strained, you’ll need to move it around with the help of a fork so that the grains stay separate, otherwise, the rice will compact as it cools down.

However, the true secret to cooking rice is to know the proper water to rice ratio. In the case of Jasmine rice, you’ll need one cup of rice and 1¼ cup of water. Depending on the cooking method, this is generally the best way to do it. And last but not least, the heat should be low for the grain to cook evenly.

One country, one recipe

Now, as for jasmine rice recipes, as said, every region and country has its own delicacies to offer so, let’s focus on how to cook the rice first and you’ll find two Jasmine rice-based dishes you can make from different countries. Either of them will be a pleasure to make and eat.

How to cook Jasmine rice

Rinse the rice two or three times under abundant cold water.

Pour three cups of water and 2½ cups of Jasmine rice.

Cover the pan and bring to a boil. Once it boils, take the heat to low and cook for fifteen minutes.

A pro tip is to let it sit for five or ten minutes with the heat off and the lid on before serving or using.

Thai Basil Chicken

Ingredients:

2 cups of rice.

1 onion.

2 cups of ground chicken.

Soy sauce.

Fish sauce.

Fresh parsley.

Basil leaves.

2 tsp of salt.

2 tsp of pepper.

Preparation:

Preheat some oil in a wide saucepan and add the minced garlic and the diced Thai chili. Fry that for a minute and add some previously peeled and diced onions. Sauté the onions for 2-3 minutes.

Take the ground chicken to the pan and break it up with a fork. Fry it for at least five minutes or until it’s golden.

Pour some soy sauce and then some fish sauce. Mix and blend everything together. Keep frying for an extra two minutes. 

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir continuously.

Place some roughly chopped basil and fresh parsley.

When the chicken is ready, serve with the previously cooked Jasmine rice. 

Vegetable rice

Ingredients:

1 Onion.

2 cloves of garlic.

Ginger.

1 carrot.

Bay leaves.

Green beans.

1 cup of Jasmine rice.

Preparation:

In a wide pan, sauté some previously peeled and diced onions together with minced garlic and some ginger. Do so for a couple of minutes, until the onion is translucent.

Now, add a diced carrot, roughly cut bay leaves and some green beans.

In this case, you’ll cook the rice here, add the rice and toast it. Stir continuously so it doesn't burn.

Then add the right ratio of stock (you’ll save time if you have it already made).

Season the mix with a teaspoon of salt and one of black pepper. You can also use some paprika.

Bring the mix to a boil and at that point, reduce the heat, as explained before.

Turn the heat off and let everything rest for ten minutes before serving.

Clever Ways To Make Your New Business Premises Standout From The Crowd

Drawing customers into a new business is vital to its growth and survival. And while advertising and word of mouth are integral to this, ensuring your business premises stand out from the crowd is equally essential. There is a glut of commercial websites online, meaning it's surprisingly easy to get lost in cyberspace, so an instantly recognizable presence is equally vital online as physically. In order to be successful in the physical world of shops, there are so many elements to keep on top of. For example, if your premises don't feel safe to the customer, you will have to invest in some alarms (more info here) to ensure they feel as safe as possible. Also, decoration and furniture choices are key when it comes to bringing customers in! 

Check Out Your Competition

If you don't know what you're trying to stand out from, it's hard to achieve the end goal. As such, before choosing color schemes and signage, you need to scout out the competition. Once you know what you're up against, then you can make your business stand out by doing something different like using channel letter signs. Looking at the online presence of other similar companies can also give you an advantage; for example, if they aren't using social media, there's a convenient advertising gap.

Signage

For a business with physical premises, signage is essential as it helps customers identify where they are. Internal signage is vital for customer service, as no one likes feeling lost, meaning an adequately signposted business will do better than one that leaves it vague. Printed Dibond signs are a cost-effective and stunning-looking option that works both outside and inside. Have your storefront sign, interior signage, and artwork printed to Dibond for a long-lasting, contemporary look. 

Online

Implementing a robust and cohesive advertising campaign is vital to be seen in the cyberworld. This cohesion will help people recognize and identify your business instantly wherever they see your name. Spend time planning the color scheme and logo for your business, making it relevant, unique, and slick. Then implement it across online and offline advertising, from the storefront to social media and print ads. 

Break The Mould

Don't be afraid of choosing a unique look when choosing furniture and furnishing. Mass-produced office furniture and homeware can be cheap, but it’s so common it can be hard to give individual personality. Where appropriate, look for something different, such as recycled furniture in a café, an upcycled statement piece in a meeting room, or rustic-looking shelving. A unique slant not only creates an attractive working environment for staff but will create a mental hook that sticks in customers' minds, helping draw them back.

Superb Customer Service

Give excellent customer service, and you'll steadily grow a loyal customer base who happily recommend your company far and wide. It doesn't matter how good your business premises look and how comfortably set out the inside is; long-term people will avoid you without excellent customer service. Negative feedback always travels faster than the good, so a half-hearted to poor customer service reputation is exceedingly detrimental to business growth.

When you consider all the possibilities and eventualities, it doesn’t take much hard work to create new business premises that will stand out from its competitors, both physical and online. 

Try Mary's Gone Crackers for Healthier, Plant-Based Snacking

About a month ago, I had a real awakening in regards to my health. I made a drastic change in my diet which included eliminating meat, eggs and dairy. While I am still working out the little kinks here and there, a plant-based diet has been a necessary shift that I am committing myself to.  My family decided together that we will all take part on this journey to better health. 

One of the biggest changes for us has been what we snack on. I think snacks have been the trickiest for us since we all love our share of junk food. We have really cleaned up our act and have discovered some new things we love. Mary's Gone Crackers are a delicious, savory snack that really does cure your craving for something a little salty and crunchy. 

Mary’s Gone Crackers products are minimally processed from consciously and sustainably sourced ingredients. These healthy choices are not only good for our bodies, but also healthy for the planet. It's comforting to read the ingredients on the box and actually recognize all of them. 

What do they taste like? The real thin crackers have a unique texture, crunch and taste that make them irresistible. The olive oil and cracked black pepper variety is my family's top pick. If you like the taste of freshly cracked pepper, you will love these. We were all so surprised that these gluten-free crackers don't taste like dried out cardboard as many GF snacks do. 

Mary's Gone Crackers snacks come in so many varieties and flavors. They are perfect for everyday snacking, charcuterie boards and for when you are on-the-go. Organic, vegan, cruelty-free, and Non-GMO certified, these crispy, crunchy, and delicious crackers will go great with your favorite cheeses and jams. 

If you are on the hunt for healthier plant-powered snacks for yourself or your family, you must try these crackers. I want to try all of their amazing varieties. Learn more here. Many thanks to Mary's Gone Crackers for the product samples to try. We love them! 

Cold Stone Creamery is celebrating National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, July 17

Cold Stone Creamery is celebrating National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, July 17 with a few delicious offerings that will keep ice cream lovers coming back for more!  

Get ready to celebrate with a special offer that will be loaded on to the Cold Stone app! Simply download the app, create an account and a sweet deal will appear on Sunday, July 17! 

And since one day is never enough to enjoy ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery, free delivery will be available for online orders placed on ColdStoneCreamery.com all weekend long, July 15 - July 17!

In addition, National Ice Cream Day is made that much sweeter this year as Cold Stone Creamery celebrates alongside OREO® in honor of their 110th birthday this year! 

To commemorate this incredible milestone, Cold Stone Creamery is featuring two new OREO® Creations made with the always in-demand OREO® Crème Ice Cream throughout this seasonal promotion. 

A smooth and creamy treat for the eyes and the tastebuds, the OREO® Cookie Goldmine Creation™ features OREO® Crème Ice Cream, OREO® Cookies, Golden OREO® Cookies and Caramel.

Nothing says “party!” like confetti and sprinkles! The two come together in our OREO® Cookie Confetti & Crème™ made with OREO® Crème Ice Cream, OREO® Cookies, Rainbow Sprinkles and Fudge!

The OREO® Crème Ice Cream and Creations™ will be available in Cold Stone Creamery® stores nationwide until August 30.

Summer Camp Essentials: Outdoor Health & Safety Checklist

Many kids are getting ready to head to camp this summer and enjoy the great outdoors – but coming down with a sunburn or a painful bug bite can easily put a damper on their day, and even cause long term illness. 

MedStar Health shares the checklist below to help parents pack the essentials for any outdoor adventure: 

Bug Spray 

Your kids will most likely explore spaces occupied by creatures such as ants, spiders, flies, bees, mosquitoes and ticks, which can cause harmful rashes, or serious illness (such as Lyme disease). Make sure they apply bug spray on their exposed skin and clothes before venturing outdoors. Children should also have long pants and long sleeved, lightweight clothing options to wear on hikes to help decrease the risk of insect bites. It is also important to teach your children how to check for ticks each night.

Calamine Lotion

Bug bites are very common during the summer months.  When bites occur despite use of bug spray, calamine lotion can be applied to ease itchiness and irritation.  Be sure your child knows to notify staff if there are any signs of infection, such as oozing, pain, increasing redness of the  area affected, so they can be seen and treated for a possible infection. 

Sunscreen 

A sunburn can creep up on you, especially during a hike! Medical experts recommend the use of sunscreen lotion with an SPF of 30 or higher for any extended outdoor activity. It’s also important to reapply sunscreen every two hours - more frequently if you’ve been sweating or swimming. 

Sunglasses

Sun exposure damages the eyes as well as the skin. The best way to protect your eyes is to wear sunglasses that provide 99-100% UVA and UVB protection. This will greatly reduce sun exposure that can lead to cataracts and other forms of eye damage.

Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen 

Sunburn can be painful and uncomfortable so acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to help alleviate the pain or discomfort.  Sun poisoning can cause a range of symptoms including headache, fever, nausea and fatigue so young campers should know to reach out to an adult if they have these symptoms along with a significant sunburn, as they might need additional treatment. 

First Aid Kit

Not only will a great first aid kit help you with injuries that commonly occur while out camping, but it can keep you prepared for survival situations that might arise while you are on your trip.

Refillable water bottle

Staying hydrated is extremely important, especially with increased outdoor activities over the summer.  Be sure your child knows to drink at least 3 bottles per day.  Help them get into the fun of having it with them all day by decorating it themselves with stickers and such.

The Fresh Market Kicks off 40th Anniversary Celebration

The Fresh Market, Inc. is kicking off the best summer celebration ever and marking a milestone in the company’s history. The company will commemorate its 40th anniversary beginning on July 1 with an array of special deals, a 4th of July meal, and exclusive products for its guests – including a chance to win the golden ticket and a $40 gift card through two anniversary chocolate bars! 

Special, limited-edition product offerings

The retailer is selling a curated collection of exclusive items created in partnership with its vendors that can only be found at The Fresh Market for a limited time. Those include:

Special Anniversary Wine: Exit 96 Anniversary Edition

Special Anniversary Ruby Red Bouquet

Poppy Hand-Crafted Pimento Cheese Honey Butter Popcorn

Homestead Raspberry Lemonade

TFM Celebration Crunch Snack Mix

Anniversary Elevated Bacon Cheddar Burger

Le Fermier Lavender Yogurt

Killer Brownie Cookies and Cream special edition

Pimento Cheese Panini

Thomas Sauce kabobs

“Our goal at The Fresh Market is to make every season special for our guests, and our 40th anniversary is one we want to make especially memorable!” said CEO Jason Potter. “Our team has curated these one-of-a-kind commemorative products and offers that not only embody the origins of our brand, but more importantly, we know guests will really enjoy.”

A complete list of all 40th anniversary products, including recipes and a history of the company, can be found in The Fresh Market Magazine’s special July edition. 

Win the Golden Ticket!

Beginning July 5 and while supplies last, The Fresh Market will also introduce two Anniversary Chocolate Bars in Dark Chocolate Himalayan Sea Salt and Toffee Pretzel Sea Salt flavors. Guests have a chance to win a $40 TFM gift card if their package has a golden ticket inside! There is a 1:24 chance of winning and supplies are limited.

Save Even More

The Fresh Market also recently introduced its first loyalty program, the Ultimate Loyalty Experience, where guests can save even more during on items throughout the store with special loyalty pricing that’s only available for members. Sign up is free and takes seconds!

Count on Gourmet Gift Baskets for Your Summer Gifting Needs

Father's Day is this Sunday, June 19th. For any of your last-minute gifting needs, or even as a belated gift, be sure to keep Gourmet Gift Baskets in mind. There is always something for any taste from sweets, chocolates, wine, savory meats and cheeses, and more. 

I wanted to share what's new for '22 -- Father’s Day Chai & Bundt Cakes, $99.99 

This Father's Day Chai and Bundt Cake Collection includes six mini-bundt cakes, in flavors: vanilla with strawberry inclusions, cinnamon coffee cake, and lemon poppyseed. They taste like they came fresh from the bakery. 

This fabulous gift also includes chai tea concentrate, which the gift recipient can combine with 1/2 cup of cold or hot milk to make the perfect Chai drink to complement these delectable desserts.

This basket is perfect to cure any sweet tooth, and a great choice for my husband who enjoys tea and cake. The round basket is a plus. It's nice for serving up some tasty treats. 

Every gift from Gourmet Gift Baskets is carefully hand-packed and shipped properly to ensure the perfect presentation and freshness. These gift baskets are so well received. and you don't have to do any of the work. A greeting card is attached to the package, so all you have to do is choose, click, and send. 

So if you are doing any gifting this summer, give Gourmet Gift Baskets a try. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, graduation, get well soon, or my personal favorite, just because! 

Thank you Gourmet Gift Baskets for providing a gift sample for us to enjoy. 

Shelly 

Most Important Tips for Renting Luxury Apartments

If you are planning to rent a luxury apartment, here are some tips to help you out. These include knowing what you're looking for and how much you can afford. Luxury apartments are not for everyone, so take your time to find the right one for your needs. Renting a luxury apartment can be a daunting task, especially if you're not sure what to look for. To help make the process easier, here are some of the most important tips to consider when looking for a luxurious rental property. From researching the area to understanding the rental agreement, these steps will help ensure that you're getting the best deal possible and living in a comfortable and stylish home. Check out apartments for rent in orange ca.

By following these tips, you can make sure to find the best match for your budget. Read on for more tips! Listed below are some of the most important tips for renting luxury apartments. 

Considerations before renting a luxury apartment

While luxury apartments for rent are available in many locations, the process of renting one is coldblooded. A property manager can't afford to take a chance on a poor tenant, and you should ask about their lifestyle and financial profile. You can also ask them questions about their lease history and current location. Then, once you have a shortlist of potential renters, you can start the screening process. Considerations before renting a luxury apartment should be made based on these factors.

One of the biggest mistakes that many tenants make is skipping the contract. Luxury apartments are often very expensive and come with several amenities, including a gym, apartment wifi, swimming pool, and other amenities. However, it is important to read the contract thoroughly so you don't end up paying more than you intended. Also, it is essential to check parking facilities. If you have to park your car, luxury apartments can have a limited number of parking spaces. While luxury apartments may seem tempting, they are not a good option for early retirement. 

Cost of renting a luxury apartment

The cost of renting a luxury apartment is largely determined by its amenities. Luxury apartments typically come with more amenities, including a gym and washer-dryer. These extras can be a better use of your budget, depending on your lifestyle. For example, an average three-bedroom apartment in Manhattan can cost more than $4,400 a month. The average rent in other cities is lower than that, but it's still important to consider these additional costs.

Although there are some cities where the cost of renting a luxury apartment is more expensive, many small cities are turning into luxury real estate markets. For example, luxury apartments in Charlotte, NC, and Austin, Texas, cost roughly $1,000 more than their low-end counterparts. This difference between high-end and low-end rents can add up over the course of a year. In those cities, savvy renters are willing to bargain down some of these extra incidentals in advance. 

Amenities in a luxury apartment

Amenities in a luxury apartment make all the difference when it comes to attracting potential tenants. In fact, 87% of current renters say that amenities are one of the top factors in choosing a luxury apartment. This can be a big help in keeping occupancy rates high and resident satisfaction high. For example, many renters want an apartment that is pet-friendly, but this doesn't mean you have to fence off an area of the apartment for your furry friend.

Apart from being a good location, luxury apartments also offer excellent finishing and furnishings. You may find an on-site concierge and parking as part of the package. In addition, you may also find countless amenities, including high-end fitness centers, large pools, and even spas. You can even find a movie theater in a luxury apartment. It will make your living space more comfortable and enjoyable. You can even purchase smart home devices to make your living experience more convenient. 

Finding a luxury apartment

Whether you're looking for a luxurious apartment in an exclusive area, or are just seeking a stylish and sophisticated place to live, luxury apartments are an excellent choice. They are often located on prime real estate and feature updated stainless steel appliances and smart home technology. Luxury apartments are also pricier than average apartments, so you will likely have to pay more for your rental. It's also more difficult to find luxury apartments than standard apartments, so you should set a budget beforehand.

The first step to finding a luxury apartment is to find a realtor with a track record of success in the luxury market. A good realtor should also have an extensive database of luxury apartments available for rent in your area. 

Why Buying a Home in Texas is a Smart Move

If you’re planning on buying a house, one of the most important things you need to consider is where you want your house to be. While some people may need to look in certain areas due to a job or other responsibilities, others may be free to go wherever they please. If you are not sure where to buy your next house, Texas is a good idea.

There are many reasons why buying a house in Texas is a smart move, and we’ll be discussing a few of them.

Texas homes are often more affordable

While there are always exceptions to the rule, generally, houses in Texas are much more affordable than in other places. And even if a house costs the same as in another area, the odds are that the one in Texas will be much bigger, so you will be getting more value for money. 

Buying a house isn’t cheap, so you need to try and save wherever you can. Texas homes are known for being both big and affordable, making them a great option for those with smaller budgets. Have a look at Texas real estate to see more of what a house in Texas can offer you. 

Warm temperatures

If you are someone who loves summertime, you’ll probably enjoy Texas. While there are months that have more severe weather, Texas in summer is a paradise for those who prefer warmer temperatures. Even the winter months are often much milder in Texas compares to other locations.

So, if you love swimsuit season, the odds are that you will love the summers in Texas. That being said, you should keep in mind that you may not have as much snow there as you are used to.  

There are plenty of opportunities

Texas is one of the fastest-growing US states, which means that if you are seeking more opportunities, it’s a great place to be.

With it being one of the bigger states, you are bound to find something you will enjoy doing in Texas, and if you’re lucky, you could land a job with room for growth. If you feel suffocated and like you don’t have many options where you are, buying a house and moving to Texas might just be the change you need. Of course, you will also need to follow these steps for getting a better job once you are in Texas. 

The resale value is great

Another important thing you need to consider when buying a house is what the resale value will be. Luckily, as you can imagine, houses in Texas often have great resale value.

This is because of Texas’s reputation for low real estate, its warm climate, and the opportunities that it offers. If you do buy a house in Texas and you ever decide to sell it, you will probably have many willing buyers. 

For that to be the case, however, you also need to make sure that you keep the house in good condition and take on these projects if you want to boost its resale value.

4 Reasons Why Sweet & Spicy is the Best Flavor Combination

Sweet and spicy, also known as sweet heat, is such a classic and delicious combination- yet many forget to include it in their diets.  Not only is there room for this in every meal and dessert, but it's also something you might find yourself starting to crave over time. 

These are the top four reasons why sweet and spicy are the best flavor combination and why everyone should give it a try.  

Complex Flavors Expand Our Palate 

The more complex the flavor, the more it’ll expand what you’ll be willing to enjoy.  If you find yourself enjoying chili and cucumber popsicles, you might be more willing to branch out and try other options.

This is most important when you're raising a family and you want your children to have a balanced and interesting diet.  The more foods they try and enjoy, the more likely they'll be to want to try new things and be adventurous with foods and experiences.  This is a healthy way to spark curiosity in your children.

It Makes You Hungrier For More

Although capsaicin in a lot of spicy foods will lower your appetite: sugar can expand it and make you hungrier.  This means that the more sweet and spicy foods you eat and enjoy, the more you'll want!  If you're struggling to get yourself to eat breakfast in the morning but want to start doing it as a healthy habit, you can simply spread mango pepper jelly on your toast and watch as you start getting an appetite for it in the morning.  This can help create a more balanced lifestyle in the long run.  

There’s More Creativity in What You Can Make

If you realize you have a love for sweet heat, you may be more willing to try new combinations and flavors to see if you enjoy them, like candied spicy bacon or spicy hot chocolate to warm you in the winter.  Getting to be creative with these combinations will leave you excited to try new things and ready to introduce them to other people. 

It’s Awesome for Entertaining

One of the most nerve-wracking parts of hosting a party is waiting to find out if your guests like the food you're offering.  We all want to try something new, and give people the chance to have unique experiences, so creating something sweet and spicy for a party or event can allow people to try something new in a controlled environment where they didn't pay for it.  You might be able to spark a love for sweet and spicy combinations in someone else, which can lead to them wanting to swap recipes with you or try new things.  It's an awesome way to make friends or ensure you can keep the ones you have.

Sweet and Spicy Combinations Should Be In Every Diet

Whether you're ready to try new things or you want to stick to what's tried and true, it's a good idea to get to know all of the different flavors out there.  Sweet and spicy are a combination nobody could ignore.  

Different Types of Trusts

Keeping finances in order is an essential part of life. When the time comes when an individual or family needs to think about planning their estate, setting up a trust account may come up. There are a variety of trusts one can sign up for, and there are four common types that most may consider. 

What Is a Trust?

The basic description of a trust is an arrangement is made to allow a third party, also known as the trustee, to hold onto certain assets as a favor to the beneficiary or beneficiaries. They are primarily used in estate planning to transfer the assets to the beneficiaries easily. A trust is similar to a will, and most of the time, the beneficiaries are a spouse, children, or other family members. Sometimes it is even a close friend or a charity depending on the situation. These beneficiaries will receive the assets to the trust based on how the trustee is directed to distribute them.

Living and Testamentary Trust

Every trust account must be selected and set up by the trustor. Some situations will call for an Advisor Directed Trust if the assets are considerable. But the two common trusts are the living and testamentary trusts.

The living trust can also be called an inter vivos trust and is created while the person is still alive. One of the most common purposes of this trust is so the trust's assets can be effortlessly transferred to the beneficiaries. It can accomplish this by avoiding probate, saving time and court fees, and reducing the estate taxes for the beneficiaries.

A testamentary trust is set up after death and is influenced by what is said in the last will and testament. The terms of this trust can be changed at any time up until death and can be a more straightforward process with more flexibility than a living trust. The main objective is to ensure that the beneficiaries can only acquire certain assets at a prearranged time.

Revocable and Irrevocable Trust

A revocable trust is also known as a revocable living trust, and it allows the trustor to keep control of their assets during their entire lifetime. They can change the trust or even dissolve it if they deem it necessary. These types of trusts offer flexibility because they can transfer their assets and switch their guidelines for handling said assets during their lives.

On the other side, an irrevocable trust cannot be changed or modified once established. Therefore, if a transfer of assets occurs to a trust, it can no longer be changed or undone. This gives the trustor less flexibility and asks why someone would choose this trust? The main reason someone may choose this trust is that they benefit from a safeguard. Their assets are safe and protected from claims of creditors or beneficiaries. It also can remove certain assets from the estate, making them exempt from estate and gift tax.

When planning an estate, a trust can significantly benefit the trustor. And depending on the assets, choosing the right trust is crucial.

Top Tips to Save Money As a New Parent

New parents spend thousands of dollars a year for the first few years of their newborn’s life on medical bills, baby clothes, nursing equipment, and nursery essentials. Although nothing can compare to the wonders of becoming a parent and raising a beautiful baby, there’s no denying that they are expensive!

Whether you’re a new parent who has just given birth or you are currently pregnant and trying to plan ahead, getting your finances in order is important. Creating a budget and figuring out how much money you can spend each month on your baby will ensure you don’t overspend or buy unnecessary items.

Despite the cost of being a new parent rising each year due to inflation and the increasing cost of living, there are ways that you can cut costs and save money as a new parent. Here are some top tips to help you save money as a new parent so that you can minimize stress and worry around finances. 

Swap Clothing With Your Friends

If you have friends with newborns or young children, doing a clothes swap is one of the best ways to cut costs and reduce waste. Instead of throwing out your baby’s clothes when they grow out of them, swap them with a friend in return for larger or looser fitting clothing.

Ask around and see if any of your loved ones have spare clothing that they no longer need. If none of your friends have infants or young children, see if there is a local community-wide baby clothes swap for you to join. 

Stick to the Essentials

Newborns require a lot of different things, from diapers to formula to sleeping equipment. It’s easy to overspend when there is a long list of things to buy and several variations of each of these items.

But by sticking to the essentials, you can avoid spending too much money on unnecessary and extravagant items. Resist the temptation to buy anything and everything that you come across to keep your costs (and your clutter) to a minimum.

Make sure to stock up on the following essentials for your newborn:

• Cot or crib
• Soft blankets and fitted crib sheets
• Clothing sets and onesies
• Nightgowns
• Hats, socks, and booties
• Diapers
• Changing pad
• Baby wipes
• Breast pump
• Nursing bras and pillows
• Breast pads
• Infant formula
• Plastic bowls, plates, and cutlery
• Feeding bottles

Focus On Quality

Make sure you buy high-quality items that are going to last you a long time. Sometimes, the higher quality items cost a little more but it’s sometimes worth spending those extra few dollars to get something that will survive several months or years of usage.

For example, buying an organic baby clothes gift set will last longer than a cheaper alternative. Spending money on a sturdy cot and quality baby stroller means you won’t need to replace these items after just a few months.

Show Mom how much you appreciate her with a gift from Gourmet Gift Baskets

Don't forget that Mother's Day is almost here. Hurry up and order the special mom or mother figure in your life a delicious gift from Gourmet Gift Baskets. They have you covered to with all things savory, sweet, fruity, and even wine if she fancies that. I know that as a mom I love receiving food gifts, especially sweet treats. I was thrilled to receive the Love for Mom Cookie & Brownie Gift Box. 

This gift box came beautifully packaged and is filled with freshly-baked deliciousness all for me! Just kidding! These cookies and brownies are definitely enough to share. Let me tell you what comes inside the pretty pink heart keepsake box: 

Chocolate Chunk Brownie, Butterscotch Blondie, Peanut Butter Brownie, Chocolate Chip Blondie, Lemon Sugar Cookies - 2 pack, Fudge Brownie Cookies - 2 pack, Chocolate Chip Cookies - 2 pack, and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies - 2 pack. 

They are all wrapped for freshness to ensure a straight-from-the-bakery taste. Each item has the name of what it is printed on the wrap, which is helpful to know what variety it is. Let me tell you, these baked goods are super fresh and taste like they are homemade. The brownie's are perfectly moist and chewy, and the cookies are delectable. I cut each cookie and brownie in fourths so that I could try them all. My top faves are the chocolate chunk brownie, and the lemon and oatmeal raisin cookies, but truly they are all my favorites. These are definitely a wonderful treat for Mother's Day. 

The best part about ordering from Gourmet Gift Baskets is easy to get gifts that will be so well received and with minimal effort on your part, complete with its own greeting card for the recipient. We all know how valuable time is! Get this tasty box delivered for only $34.99 with super speedy shipping. 

Be sure to keep Gourmet Gift Baskets in mind for all your gifting needs like birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, Father's Day, any holiday or just because. Thank you Gourmet Gift Baskets for the delicious sample. All opinions are my own as always. Thank you for stopping by today. 

Shelly

Writing Travel Articles: Tips and Examples

If people who work for a custom writing service are asked what travel writing is all about, they will say it is about taking a reader on a journey. A good travel article will inspire readers to explore new places and experiences, so they can open their eyes to new cultures. 

For those who don’t know how to write a travel article, it can be very tricky to know where to begin. According to professional paper writing services, writing about a place means talking about things like food, music, people, landmarks, and more. Below is a look at useful tips one can use to produce a top-quality travel article. 

1. It is important to have a storyline 

When university or college students are writing a travel article, they need to make sure that their story has a series of events that will interest the readers. Climbing Mount Everest, for example, that’s an interesting story to tell, but one can add more spice to it by adding events in between. 

These events can be things like experiencing bad weather, losing bearing, things like the hired coach to get to the mountain running late, and more. Writers need to make sure that readers are engaged and need to pick events that will tell their story properly. 

2. Writers need to ensure that their content has an end goal 

There are some trips that people talk about in their articles that have what is known as a physical objective. These physical objects can be things like reaching the Grand Canyon or crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. When readers are given a goal, there’s a very high chance they will read the article from start to finish. Some trips might not have an end goal, but they are about discovery and meeting new people. Overall, an end goal needs to be created so that readers are heavily invested in the content. 

3. Edit the article to match the story 

When writing a travel article, it will have drama, suspense, well-written characters, good pacing, a nice plot twist, and dialogue. These are all designed to grab the reader's attention and when the storyline is established, writers need to gather the right experiences and fit everything in while getting rid of the rest. The majority of travel articles are around one to two thousand words long, meaning a writer will produce between 20-30 paragraphs on their papers. 

4. A good first paragraph is super important 

Professional writing services say that travel articles can be started in many forms it is all about the writer, however, the introduction needs to grab the reader’s attention. If the introduction is badly written, it can put off readers from finishing the content. To successfully write a good introduction, writers need to put themselves in the reader’s shoes and ask themselves if they were the reader, what sort of introduction would they be glued to.

5. Dialogue needs to be included in the article

“Hey look, the lion is stalking its prey” whispered Chisomo. Another example of dialogue can be “We could see the lions from a distance hunting their prey”. These are the sort of sentences that a paper writing service writer needs to put in their article because they bring scenarios to life. 

Dialogue also gives personality to the people in the story and helps sell what is happening. When one is traveling, they need to make sure that they pay attention to everything people around them are saying. The more authentic and accurate the dialogue the more credible an article will be which ultimately gets readers engaged.

6. A writer needs to know the difference between “tell” and “show” 

Plenty of expert writers always say that there is a difference between telling and showing. These are two very different ways of getting a story across, and many people don't realize that. When a writer slows down their story and explains scenes in detail, this is known as a show. 

This can be what the writer felt at that moment, what they tasted, what they heard, or what they saw. The art of telling is where the writer pushes the narrative forward. To ensure an article is of high quality, a writer needs to switch between the two.

7. A writer needs to produce an entertaining article

Expert college paper writing service writers say that people who don't have a lot of experience writing this sort of article often think using complicated phrases or big words is the way to go. This is not the way to go and not the tone this type of article should be about. Writers should seek to entertain readers because no one wants to be bored reading a piece.

8. Proper language needs to be used to talk about the surroundings

The environment one is in can help tell the story they are trying to convey to readers. Words such as diverse, incredible, bustling, and stunning need to be used a lot. These words can be applied to a variety of destinations across the world to paint a clear picture to the readers. Using as many of these words as possible is highly advised according to professional writing services.

9. Signposts need to be left in the article

Each paragraph needs to let readers know the next direction the article is heading. Readers need to be reminded of the article’s goal, for example, a writer could write something like “The day after we traveled from London to Manchester”. The reader here will see where the article is going next, and they'll have every reason to stick around.

10. Provide a good conclusion

Many writers always try to go for the big finale, which can often leave readers dazed and confused. It is advised to slow down and start putting the conclusion pieces together first by leading them slowly to the finish line. Show them that the story is coming to an end, rather than just hit them with the ending.

Final thoughts

Traveling is a wonderful hobby for those that have the money to see different parts of the world. For those who cannot afford to visit some of the world’s most luxurious locations, reading about other people’s experiences can be just as exciting. The tips above will help any aspiring writer produce an impressive travel article about their adventures and let readers see things through their lens using words. Even writers, who have been writing travel articles for many years, can suffer from writer’s block and find it hard to express some of their ideas. This is where essay writers come in who will help bring those ideas to life.