Best Summer Activities For Kid's Growth & Development

Summer is known as that lazy, relaxing time of year. While all kids deserve a break, they still need structure and stimulating activities that nurture their growth and development. Do you need some tips to keep in mind when it comes to your kids this summer?

Vinay Saranga M.D. is a child psychiatrist and founder of Saranga Comprehensive Psychiatry (www.srangapsychiatrycom) and offers this advice:

Create A Summer Schedule: You don’t have to schedule something for every second of the day. The idea is to develop a predictable but flexible daily schedule that can help children thrive. Remember, sometimes boredom can be a trigger for bad behavior. The idea is to still have a routine and agenda, but know that it’s okay to be a little laid back when it comes to sticking to it.

Create A Calendar: Make it visible to your entire family. Write down daily activities and include a chore/activity chart. This helps children understand what’s expected of them. It also helps enrich their sense of responsibility and integrity all while building their confidence.

image credit

Don’t Skip Reading: Reading should be part of their everyday routine this summer. Whether in the morning or before bed (or both), make it a priority to read with your kids. Of course, the goal of reading is to make it enjoyed. Get your child involved by going to a local library and scouting out the latest book by their favorite author.

Sleep Is Still Essential: Sleep, especially at a young age, is essential for healthy growth and brain development. We all benefit from a good night’s rest! Even if you extend bedtime during the summer, make sure your child is getting the recommended amount of sleep each night. Try not to get too far off of their school routine because it will be back in session before you know it!

Cut Back On Screen Time: Sometimes it’s too easy just to turn on the TV. When they’re not swimming or riding bikes, find something productive for them to do. Stock up on fun and educational activities that will help your kids continue to grow and learn over the summer break. Coloring books, crosswords, puzzles, and board games are all great ideas.

Some Downtime Is Good: Remember that long days at the pool/beach can cause exhaustion which leads to frustration and overwhelm. Figure out what the right amount of activity is to stimulate your child and incorporate enjoyable activities into their summer routine.

image credit

Keep them social: Summer camps, group play and trips to the local playground are all ways to entertain children without screen time. Social settings often encourage imaginary play and creativity all while developing social skills that are essential for a child’s development.

Incorporate nature: Let nature be your inspiration this summer! Get your children outdoors for some fresh air. Plan a game of hide-and-seek or set up a nature scavenger hunt that will keep them entertained in a healthy way.

Make time for family: Our kids grow up so quickly, so make time to enjoy the summer as a family no matter how old your kids are. Whether planning a vacation out of state or simply a day trip to the beach, the best activities are enjoyed together.

First Trimester Pregnancy – The Dual Marker Test, Ultrasounds and Blood Screening

Maternal health during pregnancy is vital to the health of the baby, and there seems to be an endless sea of tests to be undertaken during any pregnancy. If you are an older mother, particularly a first time mother over the age of 35, have any pre-existing health concerns, or have any known health or genetic issues that run in the family, you will likely find that you get poked and prodded by expert maternity healthcare specialists more often that you could ever have imagined.  

There are regular urine tests looking for protein markers and signs of the ever common urinary tract infection, blood tests that monitor your iron levels, the hideous glucose test that generally induces nausea, takes hours, but can tell if you are going to be at risk of developing gestational diabetes, and there is also the double marker test in pregnancy which can alert you early on to whether you run the risk of having a baby with serious chromosomal abnormalities – if you get the right dual marker test you can also be screened for pre-eclampsia.

First Trimester Testing

Generally, the very first test a pregnant woman undertakes is her pregnancy test, but once that comes back positive there is a barrage of tests – all to ensure the health of both mother and baby.

Ultrasound Scans and Testing

In the first trimester (from the first day of your last period through to 12 weeks after this), you will normally have a ‘dating’ scan. This is an ultrasound to confirm how pregnant you are and to give you an estimated delivery date.  This will also tell you how many babies you have growing in your uterus and confirm the position of the baby and placenta. This is not done before 6 weeks, as the fetus is too small to see. https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/u/ultrasound-pregnancy/

From around 11 weeks you will be able to have a Nuchal Translucency scan (often the two scans done at the same time, but you can have a dating scan earlier). In this scan, the sonographer will measure the fluid-filled space at the back of the baby’s neck, although they will not usually interpret the results for you. The nuchal translucency scan is done as a way of checking the likelihood of the baby having a chromosomal abnormality. These can range from a more common Down syndrome which has a high survival rate, to trisomy 13 or 18 which has a very high mortality rate (and will often be an indicator for likely miscarriage).

You won’t be able to find out the sex of your baby until an anatomy scan in your second trimester (normally after 18 weeks). This will also be able to tell you, and your doctor, if there are any concerns about the way the baby’s organs and body are developing. Because this is technically about the baby’s anatomy, you may need to specifically ask your sonographer to check what the sex is (although it is not at all uncommon for baby’s to position themselves in a way that hides their genitals, denying parents an early indicator).  

An ultrasound is considered to be non-evasive (you have hopefully warm, gel placed on your belly, and the wand is run over your belly creating an x-ray like image from ultrasound waves bouncing back to the wand), and there have been no known negative effects on baby or mother, however it is still should not be used by anyone untrained, and having more than needed is not recommended.

Blood Testing

You are unlikely to need to confirm your pregnancy with a blood test, but this can be done as part of your routine first trimester blood workup. However, your first routine blood test will confirm your blood type and Rh factor. This is important because if your blood type is Rh negative and the father of the baby has an Rh-positive blood type, your body may develop a condition in this pregnancy or future pregnancies where the mother's body sees the baby as a foreign body to be fought off (see here for more information).

You will also be tested for anemia, as low red blood count is not uncommon in pregnancy, and amongst the serious health concerns can also increase first trimester fatigue and nausea symptoms. A standard blood test will also scan for hepatitis B, syphilis and HIV, as these are all transferable to the baby.

Another testing you may consider can include your immunity to rubella and chickenpox, cystic fibrosis, thyroid conditions, fragile X syndrome, hepatitis C, and a range of other conditions. However, most people will only include these for testing if there is a confirmed risk through exposure or family history.

Dual Marker Testing

This is technically a blood test, however, the results of the double market test (or double marker + PLGF) will often be used in conjunction with the first trimester ultrasound where the mother gets her Nuchal Translucency scan to make any recommendations.

The Dual marker test is looking for the presence and levels of the hormones Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (Beta hCG) and Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein (PAPP-A) in the mother's blood (research is available here).

If the results of these test indicate that there is a high risk of the baby having a chromosomal abnormality then the mother can weigh up the risks of getting a diagnostic test. Normally these are either the amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, both of which are more invasive than the blood test and to create a level of risk to the baby and the pregnancy.

Additional testing that includes detection of the PLGS is helpful in detecting the risk of pre-eclampsia in the first trimester.  Although there is no cure for pre-eclampsia, early detection can mean that healthcare professionals can assess the risk levels and provide a cause of action that can help keep both mother and baby as safe as possible throughout the pregnancy. This may be as simple as recommending that you sleep only on your left side, or may require medication, bedrest or even hospitalization.

What’s more, additional testing can help doctors detect other health issues in the expecting mother, such as vaginal infections, which can significantly up the risk of serious disability like cerebral palsy in the developing baby. Just like pre-eclampsia, cerebral palsy doesn’t have an official cure, but careful monitoring of the mother and the right medical help during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk in the child.

Non-Maternity Clothes for Pregnancy

You’ve found out that you are pregnant, and you can’t wait to show off your belly proudly. But, what to do when most of your clothes don’t fit anymore, and you wanted to wear them so much? Fashion for pregnant women has become very extensive, and that is the reason why it costs so much. However, there are some smart hacks you can use to be able to wear non-maternity clothes during pregnancy.

Pants for a casual day outfit

Your old jeans will probably become too tight and you won’t be able to wear them over your belly because they have zips and buttons. What you can wear are wide leg pants. They are super cozy, and will definitely be comfortable for your belly. You can wear them as a casual day outfit, or even as a work outfit if you are still working during some months of your pregnancy. When choosing high-waisted pants, make sure they go above your belly, so that you can wear shirts tucked in. If you choose low-rise pants, then opt for a loose shirt.

Another good idea of incorporating pants into your maternity clothes is to wear suspender jeans. In recent years they are no longer considered exclusively maternity clothes, and everyone wears them. You can use the trend of loose, mom jeans and wear them with a simple white shirt and white sneakers. You will look cute, while still being comfortable. You can even wear the jeans you already have, and if they don’t fit anymore, do a simple sewing repair and add a few inches of material on the sides.

Leggings for when you have errands to run 

The most comfortable item you can wear during pregnancy are leggings. They don't have to be a fitness outfit; instead, you can wear them when you have a doctor's appointment or some other errands to run. Today, numerous designs are available, so you don’t have to wear classic fitness ones. Basic, mono-colored and a simple loose T-shirt is all that you need. The good thing about leggings is that they can expand as your belly grows, so maybe you can even use the ones that you already have. Some casual day time leggings you can even wear with a tunic which goes down to your knees. Another interesting option to try is jeans leggings that you can style like any other regular jeans.

Dresses as formal wear during pregnancy

A lot of the times, you have a special occasion you need to attend during pregnancy. Whether it is an engagement, birthday, or a wedding, here are some tips on what to wear. There is no point, of course, in hiding your belly, which is why it is a good idea to do the exact opposite. Bodycon dresses made from a cotton-spandex blend or polyester are a perfect choice. For a wedding, you can wear a long bodycon dress that goes below your knees. You will look elegant, trendy and also be able to move since the material is stretchy.

A good idea to wear non-maternity clothes for pregnancy is to get empire waist dresses, either maxi or midi. They will not feel tight on your belly, instead, they will allow a lot of movement. If you have trouble finding the right style or you need ideas, great online clothes shops offer many cute designs, especially floral for summer. You can also choose a design to fit your style and order it online for those days when you don’t feel like going out. Straps or ruffles, just pick according to the occasion and you will look stunning.

Since maternity clothing can be quite expensive, look into some other options of wearing your regular clothes during pregnancy. Hopefully, these tips will give you an idea of what you can wear for different occasions so that you don't have to give up your favorite items of clothing.

The Top Six Apps & Resources For Home Schooled Students

We are in the final stretch of finishing of fifth grade, and our fourth year of virtual school. It has worked so well for us, and William feels ready for the next chapter: middle school. I am trying not to panic over the fact that the workload with be much heavier and harder. Fifth grade was a tough one. I am not ashamed to admit that I have to Google things all the time, because I simply do not always know the answers or solutions to problems, especially in math.

Over the last couple of years, I have found some life-saving extremely helpful apps and sites that have been a vital part on my side of things. Even if you don't home school or do virtual school, homework help is essential for all parents.

Here are some of my go-to sites for Math:

Hack Math is so good when you need to check over answers. I love that you can type in complicated math problems, and in most cases, find the solution.

Photomath is an app that you have to download on your smartphone. This app is especially helpful since they have a feature where you can use your camera to scan a math problem. The app solves the problem and gives step-by-step explanations. I tend to use Photomath so I can learn different ways to solve a problem. If you don't have this app on your phone, go get it now! Of course, it's free.

Math Antics is another great resource that offers videos for all levels of math. William has this one bookmarked on his computer and uses it frequently.

For Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies:

Quizlet has really been so good for all of the subjects outside of Math. If you Google a specific question and add the word Quizlet on the end, it will give you all the information you need. It works so well when you need a study guide for a specific unit, especially for Social Studies and Science.

Kiddle is a must-have for kids to do safe searches.

Khan Academy is one of our favorites for practicing and studying. The videos are a good way to have your student see a problem being done step-by-step. You can watch a video as many times as you need until you really understand.

Aside from the sites and apps listed above, we have found that Minecraft has been the secret weapon to help with improved keyboarding skills. It isn't always easy for elementary aged students to type out a paper in a short time. With Minecraft, we find that William is so engaged in the game that he doesn't realize how much typing he does.

If you have any useful resources that help with homework, feel free to leave a comment. Thank you so much for stopping by today!

Our New College Graduate, Briahnna - Go Gamecocks!

This past Saturday, our younger daughter Briahnna graduated from the University of South Carolina. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with Leadership Distinction in Diversity and Social Advocacy, and minors in Spanish and General Education. It feels like her four years in college went by super fast! 

Her graduation ceremony was one of the best we ever attended. Despite the packed venue, things ran smoothly and was over in just 2 hours. It was neat seeing her photo pop up on the big screen! There was even a special moment honoring Phylicia Rashad becoming a Doctor of Fine Arts. She is even more beautiful in person!  

We are one proud family! Briahnna will continue her graduate studies at the University of South Carolina. Go Gamecocks!

California Design Den Luxury Sheet Set Mother's Day Giveaway

**CLOSED** 

If you took a poll and asked moms what they really want for Mother's Day, they would likely say sleep or to have peace and quiet. Let's face it, many moms are sleep-deprived and crave what some lucky people call sleeping in. Having time to yourself to be able to lounge in bed to catch up on your favorite show, or finish the book you've had sitting on the dresser seems like a dream.

Having the right bedding truly makes for a more restful night's slumber. You can count on a luxury sheet set from California Design Den to help make your bedtime extra comfy at a great value. I am definitely a fan of practical gifts, and luxury bed sheets would make me so happy! What makes a sheet set luxurious? I feel like when you slip into bed you should feel your sheets wrapping you up in comfort and luxury. Hard-working moms certainly deserve it.

If you are still unsure of what to give Mom for Mother's Day, I urge you to check out the highest quality luxury sheet selection from California Design Den. They offer the luxury and durability of hotel bed sheets and the look of crisp pillowcases with a 400-thread-count. They're made with 100% long staple cotton fiber and a gorgeous sateen weave. Their eco-friendly sheets retain softness for a lifetime and resist fading. You can even score a 10% off discount if you use the code: MOMCDD10 They have so many colors to choose from, and you can count of a durable yet soft sheet set to last wash after wash.

I'm thrilled to host a giveaway courtesy of California Design Den team for one lucky reader to win a luxury sheet set ($40 value) of your choice.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only until May 9, 2019. Winner will be notified via email. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Give The Gift Of Gourmet Food & Wine This Mother's Day

We are already heading into the end of April, which means Mother's Day is rapidly approaching. It seems like year after year we spend a lot of time, and perhaps even stress out a bit over what to get the important moms in our life as a gift. Every year I tell my family that you can't ever go wrong with food. When that food is paired with wine, that makes it even better!

Gourmet Gift Baskets is here to make your gift-giving effortless. The hardest part will be choosing from their huge selection. Regardless of what Mom's taste is, you are sure to find the perfect gift.

I was thrilled to receive the Mother's Day Indulgence Gift Crate. This amazing crate includes an array exquisite treats including a bottle of Chardonnay, red wine, Summer sausage, savory cheeses, tasty crackers, and some sweet treats. The presentation of how it is packaged was quite impressive. I was all smiles and filled with excitement to tear into this tasty gift.

Disclosure: I received a product sample at no charge in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% mine as always.

This gift came expertly packaged to prevent any damage to the contents. It even came with a Mother's Day card which takes another thing off the list that you don't have to buy.

I am a wine drinker, so this gift was quite fitting. It is nice having both white and red wine to choose from. Having both sweet and savory treats were the perfect addition to make this the perfect gift. The crate that it came in is super cute and works as a serving tray.

Gourmet Gift Baskets does not skimp on quality at all. Every food item is scrumptious! The summer sausage with the spicy cheddar cheese on top of the cracked pepper water crackers was EVERYTHING! The perfect snack to go with a glass of red wine. I enjoyed the chocolate dipped pretzels on the side for a sweet finish. I'm hanging on to the milk chocolate cherries for the weekend. I have had them before and they are crazy good. I will NOT be sharing either! 

If your mom or a special mom in your life enjoys gourmet food and wine, this one is a winner. If she doesn't drink alcohol, no worries, there are dozens of other options to choose from. There's a spa day themed gift basket, snack towers, orchard fresh fruits, tea & coffee, cookies, and more. Show mom how much you appreciate her this Mother's Day with a lovely gift from Gourmet Gift Baskets. She will love it, and you will take the guesswork out of what to give. Just grab your credit card and head over to gourmetgiftbaskets.com. You can count on quick shipping once you place your order.

Be sure to follow Gourmet Gift Baskets on their social channels for product updates and promotions: Facebook Instagram Twitter

 Thank you for stopping by today!

The Best Keto Pizza

We have been steadily working on eating fewer carbs and lower sugar in our house. Of course, there are those days when we crave a good old-fashioned slice of pizza. I decided to try a keto pizza using a basic low-carb mozzarella (fat head dough) recipe. I have heard others say that it is just as good as traditional pizza, and it turns out that they are right! The vegetable pizza I made surpassed my expectations. Even my daughters were super impressed. If you are living the lower carb lifestyle, you must try this pizza recipe.

Ingredients: 

1 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella
2 ounces cream cheese
3/4 cup almond flour
1 egg, lightly beaten
pinch of salt (optional)

For the toppings:
thinly sliced red onion
thinly sliced fresh mushrooms
fresh spinach
shredded mozzarella
pizza sauce (you can use low sugar)

Extra items you need:
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Pizza pan or flat cookie sheet
wooden spoon

Directions:

Heat oven to 425° and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. In a microwaveable bowl, heat mozzarella and cream cheese until melted, about one minute. With a wooden spoon, quickly mix in the rest of the ingredients. You need to then use your hands to combine the dough a bit more so all ingredients are better incorporated. Next, place dough ball between 2 sheets of parchment paper and roll dough into desired shape. Transfer dough to baking sheet and poke holes all over the surface with a fork. Now place in preheated oven for 12-14 minutes. You will see it start to brown quickly in the last couple of minutes. 

Remove from oven and top with pizza sauce, vegetables, and cheese. Return to oven for 5 minutes or until you reach the desired color and cheese is melted. You can sprinkle some crushed red chili flakes if desired. Slice and enjoy!

You can add any toppings you like, but if you do use any meats, be sure they are precooked since the final baking is just enough to melt the cheese. This pizza, paired with chicken wings cooked in the air fryer will be our new Friday night dinner to replace takeout. I'm surprised by how easy is to make!

Be sure to check out these other low carb and Keto recipes:

• Keto Hot Dogs With Buns
• Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• Air Fryer Mushrooms
• Low Carb Italian Zucchini Boats

Keto Hot Dogs With Buns

If you are fairly active on social media, I am sure you have heard about the Keto diet. It seems to be the biggest trend in health and dieting. Although I am not doing Keto, I have changed a lot of what I have been eating this year. We have been eating very low carb foods, and have done away with sugar (mostly). Of course some days you need something more than just meat and vegetables. I won't lie, I have moments where I just want a few hot, crispy fries, or a slice of bread on the side of my breakfast omelet. I have been searching for different low carb and no carb bread substitutes. I did make a macadamia fat bread last weekend, but the overpowering nuttiness and richness just weren't for me. 

I have been hearing about keto fat head dough, so I took a basic recipe and tried it wrapped around premium hot dogs. The result was nothing short of amazing. I decided to share the simple recipe for those who are doing the lower carb lifestyle. 

Fat Head Dough Ingredients: 

3/4 cup almond flour

1 tsp baking powder

2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

2 ounces cream cheese

2 large eggs

Everything bagel seasoning or topping of your choice (dehydrated onion flakes, garlic, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, Parmesan) 

6-8 dinner size or jumbo premium hot dogs (I like to cut them in half)

Directions: 

Heat oven to 400° and place parchment paper on a baking sheet. Mix almond flour with baking powder in small bowl and set aside. Crack eggs into a small bowl and lightly beat with a fork. In a large microwaveable bowl, add cream cheese and mozzarella. Microwave for up to 2 minutes until completely melted. Add in the almond flour and eggs to the melted cheese mixture. Mix quickly with a wooden spoon until completed combined and a dough forms. The dough will be sticky! Place dough onto parchment paper. Cut into equal portions according to how many hot dogs you have. Shape each piece of dough into a rectangle that can be wrapped around the hot dog. Place each wrapped dog on baking sheet and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning. Bake for approximately 14-18 minutes or until nice and golden brown. 

These hot dogs with keto buns really hit the spot and took care of that pesky bread craving.  And trust me, using premium hot dogs makes a big difference. If you have a Kroger store nearby, I suggest the Private Selection Brisket Dogs. My husband and daughters loved them so it looks like these will be added to the weekend menu a few times each month. Next weekend I will make a fat head pizza. We are all looking forward to it!

Be sure to check out these other recipes:

• Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• Air Fryer Mushrooms
• Low Carb Italian Zucchini Boats
• The Best Keto Pizza

Thank you for stopping by today.

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea Opening In Columbia This Summer

Columbia will soon be home to Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea at 1002 Park St. in the Empire building, near the University of South Carolina campus. The 1,895-square-foot café is set to open this summer and will offer a globally-inspired menu featuring premium coffees, teas, pastries, sandwiches, salads and more.

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea to offer a destination for students and faculty at USC this Summer

Franchise owner, Greg Dodd, is excited to bring Sweetwaters’ unique atmosphere and quality ingredients to downtown Columbia. “Our global and Asian influence sets us apart. We have many beverages that aren’t found at your average coffee shop,” says Dodd. “We’re looking forward to becoming the go-to destination for college students, faculty and the greater downtown community.”

The Sweetwaters brand focuses on strong community engagement, such as hosting events for local clubs and student organizations and partnering with nonprofits, making it a perfect fit for the Vista location.

The Sweetwaters menu includes signature drinks such as the Dragon Eye, French Vietnamese au Lait, Napali Brew, Thai Iced Tea, and Red Moon coffee.

The grand opening will include numerous community events and week-long promotions that will be announced on Sweetwaters website and Facebook page. The Columbia Sweetwaters location is one of more than 100 expected to open across the country. 

N.C. Red Restaurant Opening In Charlotte, NC April 17th

From the award-winning creator of Barrington’s, Good Food on Montford, and Stagioni, New England-New South restaurant N.C. Red is officially ready to debut with an opening on April 17. Owner Bruce Moffett is also proud to reveal the restaurant’s menu. For starters or “Northern Smalls,” the menu includes Point Judith Calamari, Stuffies (NC clams with peppers, bread crumbs, and Chouriço), Baked Seafood Casserole, Seafood Cakes, and Lobsta Roll. An impressive oyster and clam program sourced from both coasts made the menu as well, served up as Grilled, Rockefeller, Casino, or Broiled. As if that doesn’t already make your mouth water, the “Fixin’s” section includes a large selection – from Buttermilk Biscuits, Smoky Mac and Cheese, and Braised Collard Greens, to Corn Pudding and Fried Pickled Green Tomatoes. View the full menu here.

A look at the Oysters Rockefeller, featured on the menu at N.C. Red, opening April 17

“N.C. Red is unlike any of my former restaurants,” explained Moffett, owner of Moffett Restaurant Group. “The artwork in the space along with the atmosphere of Plaza Midwood give it this unique quality that just makes you want to come and stay for a while. I’m thrilled to share this with Charlotte.”

Andrew Dodd will join Moffett at N.C. Red as a partner and Executive Chef, transitioning from his previous executive chef position at Stagioni. A native of Nashville, Dodd has an impressive background of working in the restaurant industry since he was 15 years old. Dodd moved around the U.S. and worked in kitchens in Seattle, Spokane, and Boston before moving to Charlotte in 2007 to attend Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte.

“The more we worked together, the more I loved the vision Bruce had for N.C. Red, and I look forward to introducing an elevated culinary experience to our guests,” says Dodd. “Coming up with a menu that included a mix of classic Southern cuisine with Northeastern style seafood, with a focus on sustainably-farmed bivalves from coast to coast farms, was really exciting. Additional dishes featured on the menu include Nashville Hot or Fried Classic Chicken, Firestyle Steamed Mussels and Clams, Rhode Island Clam Chowder, Poached Crab Salad, and a daily special of pies."

The restaurant will open in the former Penguin Drive-In space in Plaza Midwood, with some original design features remaining from the drive-in. The restaurant selected award-winning, local artist, Randall Kane, known for his mural art and decorative painting, to add local flair to the space. Some of Kane’s work will include an octopus painting on the exterior of the building, and hand-painted oyster wallpaper in the restrooms.

Stemming from Moffett’s upbringing along the New England seashore, the restaurant is a nod to both his past and present. The name N.C Red combines his love for his adopted home of North Carolina with Rhode Island’s state bird, the Rhode Island Red Rooster. Moffett plans to continue expanding in Charlotte with a fifth restaurant, Bao + Broth, opening later this spring. The restaurant will be located within the forthcoming Optimist Hall with executive Chef Larry Schreiber at the helm.

Teen Plastic Surgery: How Ethical Is It?

As advancements continue to be made to plastic surgery, it becomes more and more attractive to potential patients. It's no wonder that the number of plastic and cosmetic surgeries across the United States continues to rise. Adults are receiving these surgeries at a record level, but they aren’t the only ones. Teens and young adults are also receiving plastic surgeries, which has drawn the ire of certain groups. Some argue that teens are too young to fully understand the risks and dangers of plastic surgery. This begs the question, exactly how ethical is teen plastic surgery?

image credit

Competency

The biggest gripe people have with teen plastic surgery is the competency of the teen. Are they old enough to fully understand what they are undertaking? Are they old enough to fully understand both the risks and benefits of the surgery, as well as everything that is going to take place? There’s a reason why minors are typically barred by U.S law from entering things such as contracts, as the vast majority of minors lack the competency to make their own decisions when it comes to matters this big. Plastic surgery is something very serious and could forever change your life, and if a teen is unable to fully grasp its severity then it is a major issue.

Physical Maturity

Another major issue surrounding plastic surgery is the physical development and maturity of the teen. Some physical deformities that people seek to correct will either go away over time or will simply be grown out of. In addition, what a teen may consider as a major physical detriment may actually be not that important or serious once the patient has grown up or maturity. For example, a teen probably shouldn’t undergo breast augmentation surgery if they are not fully grown yet. Although teens may want to have any deformity or scars removed in their teen years in order to avoid things such as bullying, it may be best to wait until they are older and more physically and emotionally mature.

image credit

Parents’ Involvement

The involvement of parents in a teen plastic surgery case is another major issue that people have with the ethics of teen plastic surgery. Is the plastic surgery actually something that the teen wants, or is it something that the parent wants? Are the parents pressuring the teen into getting the surgery? On the flipside, if the parents are unsupportive of the surgery then it could create a potential parent-child rift. Unless plastic surgery for the teen is something that both the teen and parent can fully agree upon then it could cause major issues for the family.

Post Operation

Other major problems could stem from teen plastic surgery. It's no secret that teens and young people often have a feeling of invincibility. These people also don’t like spending extended periods resting or out of commission, something that could lead to some problems during post-op recovery. Teens may lack the attitude or discipline to follow the post-operation plan that the surgeon typically gives, something that could raise the risk of surgery and be potentially dangerous to the patient.

10 Tips for RVing With Kids

Going on an RV trip can be a fun experience with children. You can have a great time traveling together on an adventure and also help instill a love for the outdoors in them. However, to have the best experience, it will take some planning and organization. Here are 10 tips to take note of when RVing with kids.

1. Explain That Everyone Will Have a Job
If you have children that are old enough to accept responsibilities, then you need to let them know ahead of time what they will be responsible for doing. Setting up and taking down camp in an RV takes time, and older children can definitely help.

Other tasks will need to be done as well such as taking the trash to the dumpster, making beds and washing dishes. Make it easier on yourself while RVing by enlisting the children’s help.

2. Designate a Storage Space for Kids’ Items
Kids like to bring along all sorts of things on trips, such as toys, books, electronics and games. Designate a space for them to put their belongings where they will stay neat and organized when not in use. Otherwise, the RV will become cluttered in no time. Oh, and don't forget the Car Seats!

3. Designate a Living Space for Kids
Everyone needs his or her own personal space — including kids. In RVs beds often double as dining room or living area seating. At a certain time of the evening, the space might be assigned to a child or two.

4. Let Your Kids Work With a Paper Map
Even though GPS installed in your vehicle or on your phone is the way most people navigate nowadays, it might be interesting for you to hand your children a map and ask them to highlight your route to your destination. You might need to give them a little direction on reading a map first, however.

You can also show them how to determine how many miles are between each town on the map. As you’re traveling, your children can consult the map instead of saying “Are we there yet?”

5. Have a System for Dirty Shoes or Feet
If you’re not proactive and you don’t take the time to let children now that coming inside the RV with dirty shoes or feet is unacceptable, it won’t be long until you have dirt, mud, sand and water all over the floors.

Require everyone to remove their shoes before coming inside. Keep a doormat at the entrance. Make a rule that if a child’s bare feet or dirty or muddy, they need to wash them off and dry them before coming inside. Keep a jug of water and a towel right next to the steps for this purpose.

6. Make Sure Someone Is Always Watching the Youngest Children in the Group
Never assume that someone will keep on eye on a baby, toddler or young child that needs constant supervision. Other people traveling with you might also assume that someone else is watching the child or children and that’s when accidents can occur. If you’re not able to watch your children yourself, then you need to ask someone else and get a confirmation that the person will watch the children.

7. Bring Entertainment
Although you’ll likely spend tons of time outdoors while on an RV trip, there will be times that you will be hanging out at the campsite. Bring entertaining items for children like kid-friendly board games, bubbles, movies, coloring books or arts and crafts supplies.

8. Bring Bicycles
RV campgrounds offer a great opportunity for kids to ride their bikes, so pack them. Once you get to the campground, go over some bicycling safety rules and make sure the children know where they can and can’t ride. Also, don’t forget to pack helmets.

During busy arrival times, such as a Friday or Saturday evening, you might want to keep children off their bikes until the campground settles down.

9. Do Traditional Activities
Don’t discount traditional activities. Even though you might not like eating s’mores, your children will likely be delighted to participate in this decades-old camping tradition. Other traditional activities are sitting around the campfire telling scary stories.

Or you can come up with a new tradition of your own. For example, you could plan a scavenger hunt for your children by making a list of 10 to 50 things they have to find and cross off during your trip.

10. Have a Plan for Mechanical Emergencies
Anything can happen out on the road or at a campground with your vehicle or RV, so it makes sense to have a service plan in place. Check the Good Sam website for extended service plans for your vehicle and/or your RV, which you can purchase for an affordable price. Such a plan will give tremendous peace of mind and will keep you and the children from being stranded indefinitely.