Tag: summertime

Categories
Fatherhood & Family

How to Motivate Kids During The Summer

Remember being a kid and looking forward to relaxing during summer break and then your parents assigned you all sorts of chores? Well that’s the job of us parents, to keep the kids motivated and busy during the summer season. If you are a parent looking for ways to ensure those kids stay motivated in the summer season, then read on to learn some tips.

Assign Chore Lists

Have a chore list for each kid to ensure they all know what is expected of them each day or week as it pertains to chores. While you may wish to let the kids have some relaxation and fun during summer break, reality is the kids need to have some chores as well to maintain some sanity in your household. Assigning chore lists to your kids will help keep the home clean and ensure the kids continue practicing good habits of cleanliness.

Plan Some Fun

Assign your kids a summer research project. This project will be all about them using the internet to plan a summer bucket list. Have each kid look for places to visit and sights to see in your local area. Have them search no more than a 2 hour drive away from your home town and see what fun they come up with. This will help ensure they keep their writing and reading skills up to par while planning some fun for the whole family.

Watch Educational Shows

If your kids are having some electronic time, while you get that work at home done, consider having them watch educational channels like PBS, The History Channel or Discovery Channel so that they are soaking in some knowledge. When kids watch more educational options on TV they in turn become more motivated because they are keeping their brains active. Kids who tune into educational type shows are more likely to maintain some motivation during break.

Make a Routine

Demand that your kids have a specific summer routine, especially during the week days to ensure they don’t sleep all day or eat all of the food in your home. Consider setting up a poster board on your wall in a family area that showcases how the day will go. This is great for kids who have extra-curricular activities during the summer season, as it will keep the whole family on routine and moving along during summer break.

Whatever option you choose to start with, each of these shared today offer an easy way to motivate kids during the summer season. Sure you can allow the weekends to be more relaxed. It is summer break but you must learn to keep those kids motivated or else they may just lose all of the hard earned education from last year and return to school with summer brain.

What are some ways you keep kids motivated during the summer season?

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Categories
Health & Sports

Make This Summer a Fit One with Exercise, Diet, and Skincare

I have partnered with Lubriderm on this post. All opinions are my own.

With summer just around the corner, get ready to shed your winter layers and show off more skin. Prepping for the season requires a combination of proper fitness, nutritious eating and a healthy lifestyle. As you may or may not know, 2017 is the year of fitness for me. I’ve lost 50 pounds and am exercising regularly for the first time in years. I look so much better and I feel amazing. I know that I’m doing the best I can for myself and for my family, and it’s dope. So when Lubriderm told me about this fitness agenda, including a sweet Interval Workout with Kevin Curry of FitMenCook at Kore New York, I was more than psyched to join in on the fun. I know it would be tough, but I knew I was ready to step up my game.

SWEAT. STRENGTH. SOUND.

Kore New York in downtown NYC’s Meatpacking District and is all about a higher intensity type of interval training. Meaning…hold on tight, you are going to work out, have fun, and feel the burn. It’s 50 minutes of full-body, HIGH INTENSITY strength, cardio, core and resistance training set to a club inspired atmosphere. It’s REPS ON RHYTHM™. While there were moments I just had to catch my breath, I am pleased to say that I actually finished a good 95% of this class. Maybe I wasn’t a model student, but I was pretty darn good. And I felt great afterwards, not like death, so that’s a huge plus, right? It was even better to have the very cool Kevin Curry of FitMenCook there, too!!

After that kid of workout, your body is just craving something good. In addition to getting your muscles toned up and looking good, you have to feed your body the right foods. It’s all about what you put into it when you’re talking about getting something out of it. You know what I mean? While lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables in right-sized portions are the way to go, I have a soft spot for a really tasty smoothie. They have so much goodness in one nice, easy to drink package. They’re easy to make and you can really mix it up, getting different flavors, tastes, and nutrients each and every time!

One of the best parts of the day was when Kevin shared this awesome recipe. It’s really tasty, for sure.

Kevin Curry’s Smoothie Recipe

  • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/2 cup strawberries (frozen)
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1 cup almond milk (or more to loosen up)
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1/2 banana
  • 2 tbsp almond butter
  • cinnamon to taste
  • optional to make sweeter – 1g stevia in the raw or 1 teaspoon agave

Kevin Curry of FitMenCook was also awesome enough to share some of his great tips on simple ways to gear up for summer! Get Summer Ready!!!

Fuel Your Body

Make room in your recipes for seasonal fruit and vegetables like cucumber, berries and melons. Start each day with a smoothie to up your antioxidant intake.

Dare to Bare Skin

Make sure your skin is ready too! Using a light moisturizer and SPF combo, like Lubriderm® Daily Moisture Lotion with SPF 15, will ensure healthy-looking and protected skin you’ll want to show off.

Get Up and Get Moving

As temperatures rise, get a jumpstart on your summer fitness with simple activities that everyone

can do outside. Go for a morning run, bike in a local park or hike a scenic trail.

Swap Seasonal Styles

Switch out the heavy winter garments for breezy summer attire. Adding bright colors and breathable fabrics to your wardrobe will help beat the heat.

Show Off That Skin

Ok, so we have our fitness an diets working in high gear, but there’s one more really important part of looking and feeling great in this super fit 2017. While you are looking feeling all good, and the mercury keeps on rising, there’s a good chance you’ll be showing off a lot more of something. Shorts, t-shirts, bathing suits? What could it be that I’m referring to? Well, yes, silly, I’m talking about your SKIN! You need to get you epidermis in shape, too, if you’re really going to look and feel your very best!!! So remember to care for your skin by making sure it stays hydrated and healthy in the summer heat with the help of Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion SPF 15 that won’t weigh skin down during the summer and can moisturize for 24 hours!

Daily Moisture Lotion with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15 is the solution to moisturize and protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. This fast absorbing formula delivers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and long-lasting moisture, all with a clean, non-greasy feel.

Broad-Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection

Clinically Shown to Moisturize for 24 Hours

Clean, Non-Greasy Feel

So, what do you think? Are you ready to get your WHOLE body fit this summer? Diet, exercise, and skin care. That’s the trilogy I’m talking about. It works, trust me. My 2017 is looking really great so far and I can only hope and pray that it gets even better!

Lubriderm is Every body care

To find out more about Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion* and more, check out:

To find out more about Kevin and FitMenCook, check out

To find out more about Kore New York, check out:

*Uses
Helps prevent sunburn. If used as directed with other sun protection measures (see directions), decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun.

*Warnings
For external use only. Do not use on damaged or broken skin. When using this product keep out of eyes. Rinse with water to remove. Stop use and ask a doctor if rash occurs. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away

*Directions
Apply liberally and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply at least every 2 hours. Use a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating

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Categories
Tech & Appliances

5 Gadgets to Beat the Heat this Summer

Summer is heading our way, warm sunshine and beach days galore! With plans of BBQ’s, tanning and everything that summer brings, it’s no wonder many of you may be looking for some deals on summer gear. Did you know that you can be prepared to beat the heat this summer with these 5 gadgets?

Shaved Ice Machine

This is a must have for entertaining family at your BBQ’s and keeping cool on a hot summer day. This shaved ice machine is the perfect way to enjoy a sno-cone without having to venture out to the fair. Suggested retail price is $40 but you may find lower cost ones online.

Dyson Bladeless Fan

This is the perfect option if you have a lot of kids and pets running around. We absolutely love it.  The Dyson Bladeless Fan allows you to cool down a room or yourself without the risk of blades harming anyone. Suggested retail price is around $349.99 and can be purchased on Amazon.

Zoku Ice Cream Maker

You can have your own fresh, homemade ice cream with the Zoku Ice Cream Maker. In just ten minutes you can have your own ice cream created and ready to be gobbled down. This gadget would do well with the shaved ice machine at any family BBQ. Suggested retail price is around $30.

Guardian Gear Cooling Pet Coat

Don’t forget about your doggy this summer. With the Guardian Gear Cooling Pet coat you can keep your dog cool for up to six hours. This gadget to beat summer heat is pretty nifty and will come in handy as your dog mingles during your next family BBQ. Suggested retail price is around $5 and can be purchased on Amazon.

Mini Misting Rechargeable Fan

This tiny fan is easily charged via micro USB and has a rechargeable battery. Easily cool off this summer with this product that combines water misting with the cool air of a mini fan. An affordable way to beat the heat with summer with a suggested retail price is $19.99 and can be purchased on Amazon.

Well there you have it 5 gadgets to beat the heat this summer! What are you waiting for? Go on now and stock up so that you are prepared to be cool once summer hits.

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Categories
Fatherhood & Family

The Summer Has Come Finally…What’s Your #EveryDayCare Routine?

I was part of the Every day, care™project with Whirlpool® as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars.The assignment was very broadly structured, so all options and ideas are my own. #EveryDayCare

With a family, there’s no breaks, there’s no “summer vacation.” Anyone with kids and a spouse know this very, very well. If anything, the summer months are even more jam-packed with activities and things to do. The pool, the beach, the park, BBQs, vacations, who knows what? Everyone is looking to soak in the sun, enjoy the weather, and breathe a little bit easier. The shuttle bus is always rocking…and that’s a very good thing. What would we do otherwise, right? It would be slow, boring…peaceful.

Whatever your routine is during the school year, it’s turned on its head when the weather gets hotter. I mean, the kids are home. Sure, you’re still washing, cooking, and cleaning like always…but it takes a different turn…a more vibrant, more outdoorsy turn. Sometimes you may feel like you are being pulled in 100 different directions and you just need a break, but I think that everything is just a little bit easier, lighter, more care free. It’s summer, baby…how can you not be happy?

How do you show your family and friends some new, improved, summer-style Every day, care™?

For me and my family, the summer is all about freedom and outdoors. Vera and I know full well that this is the best time of the year, but it’s the best time for us to enjoy the kids. They won’t be around forever, and they won’t be in the house for long. Summer vacations won’t last forever and they won’t be as great as they are now…at least in the ways they are great now. You have to enjoy them while they’re young, and when better than the summer?

We love to hit the beach, just hang in the yard, and have people over for some grilling and chilling. The kids love to hang out in the backyard, playing ball, lounging on the hammock, or setting up a lemonade stand. I am always there to help them along, spend some time playing with them, and letting them know that care is alive and well when they want to enjoy themselves outside. When can you go out and just play, all day long, deep into the night like during the summer? There’s no school in the morning, no stress…it’s just fun…the way childhood is meant to be!

Whirlpool Care Collage 2 6-15

Cleaning takes a different path during the summer. Sure, you may have more clothes to clean since they always seem to be changing…but they’re smaller and lightweight. It’s easy!! My favorite part of cleaning and prepping for all the good, outdoor fun and BBQ-driven company…power washing the deck and house!! It’s awesome and it’s just so good to clean all the soot and dirt that’s accumulated from the winter months. The house glistens for my family when I’m all said and done…because I’ve been know to get a little tiny bit manic when I’m cleaning. Hey, it’s for a good cause!

Screen Shot 2015-06-04 at 2.10.22 PM

Even cooking has a new look, a new feel, a new meaning in the summer. It’s outdoors, it’s open flames, it’s light and airy foods. I love to hit the grill when the weather warms up. This is the way we were all meant to eat and enjoy our meals!! I show my family care this way…and I love to do it. Who doesn’t love to see big smiles and full bellies?

Whilrpool Care Summer Collage 1 6-15

So there you have it. My 2 cents on how the summer brings about more change than you even realize. You still care and do so much for your loved ones, but it’s just…different. I dare say my friends…it’s better. How can you argue with the above pics? I mean c’mon…

The Every day, care™ Project from Whirlpool® celebrates the simple acts of care that enrich and nourish the lives of those we love. Are you ready to show how much you care? Click here to check out the Every day, care™ website and see how the little things can add up to big changes. You can also check out Whirlpool® on Facebook and Twitter.

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