Blues Clues and You: Let’s Learn with Blue Giveaway

 

MAKE LEARNING FUN WITH BLUE IN THE ALL-NEW DVD!
 

 

BLUE’S CLUES & YOU! LET’S LEARN WITH BLUE
 

 

LOS ANGELES– April 25, 2021– Clue into lots of play-along learning with Blue and Josh in the brand-new DVD release, Blue’s Clues & You! Let’s Learn With Blue. Available on May 24, 2022, kids will search for Blue’s Clues while playing active skill-building games along the way to help them learn their ABCs, 123s, colors, and science in four play-to-learn episodes.

Blue’s Clues & You! Let’s Learn With Bluewill be available on DVD from Paramount Home Entertainment and Nickelodeon Home Entertainment on May 24, 2022, for the suggested retail price of $10.99.

Blue’s Clues & You! Let’s Learn With Blue episodes:

  • ABCs with Blue
  • 123s with Blue
  • Science with Blue
  • Colors Everywhere with Blue

Blue’s Clues & You! Let’s Learn With Blue synopsis:
Join Blue, Josh, and their friends for clue-filled learning games! First, Blue will help kids learn their ABCs … and practice letter recognition and sound too. Next up, Josh is COUNTING on preschoolers to help him with his 123s as he counts Blue Dollars and figures out what Blue wants to buy at the store. By asking kids direct questions like he always does, Josh invites them to learn about science: examining the world through a magnifying glass, meeting the Sun, and learning the Planets Song too. And preschoolers will learn clue into colors and even color mixing as they help Josh and Blue paint a picture of their friends. Kids will love to learn and play the Blue’s Clues & You! way!

Blue’s Clues & You! Blue’s Big Baking Show fast facts:
Street Date: May 24, 2022
Catalog: 19132922048 (US), 191329220498 (CN)
Running Time: 1 hr 30 min
Audio: Dolby Digital English 5.1, French Stereo, Spanish Stereo
US Rating: Not Rated
CN Rating: G
US M.S.R.P.: $10.99
CN M.S.R.P.: $12.99

About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 42nd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon is a part of Paramount’s (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA) global portfolio of multimedia entertainment brands.

About Paramount Home Entertainment
Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.  PPC is a unit of ViacomCBS (NASDAQ: VIAC; VIACA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands.  The PHE division oversees PPC’s home entertainment and transactional digital distribution activities worldwide. The division is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment content on behalf of Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television Studios, Paramount Players, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and CBS and applicable licensing and servicing of certain DreamWorks Animation titles.  PHE additionally manages global licensing of studio content and transactional distribution across worldwide digital distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices and emerging technologies.

 
GIVEAWAY

Two winners will each receive Blues Clues and You: Let’s Learn with Blue($10.99). Open to U.S. residents of the 48 contiguous United States. You must be 18 years old to enter to win. This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on 5.30.22. See below for terms and conditions.style=”-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); color: #313131; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin: 0in; text-align: left;”>

All entries will be verified—only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. Any person who has won a prize (or whose household has won a prize) in any promotion sponsored by the Sponsor in the past thirty (30) days before this contest start date is not eligible to win a prize in this contest. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Entrants who have created social accounts purely to enter Competitions or Sweepstakes will not be eligible to win. All social accounts used must be public.

The winner will be chosen randomly through Rafflecopter and contacted via email. A reply to the winning email is required within 48 hours before a new winner is chosen. Void where prohibited by law. One person entering per household, please. Chatty Patty’s Place, Tabby’s Pantry, and The Review Wire are not responsible for the shipment of the prize

Surviving a Blackout at Home

Pexels – CCO Licence

 

Most of us are pretty lucky in the USA in 2022 that blackouts are not such a common problem anymore. However, they can and do still happen from time to time, whether due to storm damage, faulty wiring, or an issue with the power company.

 

That’s why it is never a bad idea to have a plan of what you will do to survive a blackout in your home should you ever need to. By having a plan in advance, you will not need to panic, and you can keep your family safe and happy until the lights (and everything else) comes back on again.

 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some tips for surviving a blackout at home:

 

Be prepared

 

It will be easier to get through a blackout if you have prepared in advance with supplies like candles, matches, torches, batteries, and maybe some backup propane for fuel. And of course, a generator. Having some physical books and board games or crafting materials to keep you entertained is a pretty useful idea too.

 

Get used to unplugging things

 

If a power surge happens and the power goes out, anything that is plugged in could be affected by the surge and stop working completely, even when the power comes back on, which is why it is a good idea to unplug things when not in use all of the time, but especially immediately after a surge has occurred (leave one bulb on so you will know when the power comes back on). You might also want to fit surge protestors to your sockets, to help save your electronics should a power surge occur.

 

Install a carbon monoxide detector

 

When the power goes out, you might switch to using other forms of power like a generator or grill. If so, you should not let these run inside your home due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, but it is also a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector just in case. Carbon monoxide can make you sick and even kill you very quickly, so it is always better to be safe than sorry.

 

Fill up the tub

 

It is not always the case, but quite often, you will find that, when the power goes out, the water source will stop functioning soon after due to problems with the municipal supply. By filling up the tub, and any other containers you can find, as soon as this happens, you can ensure that you have access to fresh water when you need it. It might be a good idea to boil it before consuming first if it is not usually a drinkable source though.

 

Use the car to charge

 

If you desperately need your phone to contact family or your laptop to work, for example, then charge it while you’re running your car. A cigarette lighter attachment will work in most cars for most devices so you don’t have to go without your tech for too long.

 

Surviving a blackout is not so tough when you are ready for it and you stay calm!

 

Giveaway: Celebrate DinoMAYnia with Nat Geo Kids Books

We got these books for free in exchange for an honest post.  All opinions are our own.

 

Little Kids First Board Book; Dinosaurs (ages baby – 3, hard cover, $7.99)
The prehistoric world comes alive with dinosaurs small, big, giant, and gigantic in this colorful book for the very youngest dinosaur lovers! Each spread in this sturdy book features a different dinosaur, along with super simple facts and lively, age-appropriate language to keep babies and toddlers–and their grown-ups–fascinated by every colorful page. Not only will readers learn about a variety of dinosaurs–and how to say their names, they can also find recurring shapes and patterns in the art, while adults can keep their eyes open for occasional funny commentary from the animals. Sidebar text offers additional learning for older siblings or those ready for more complex information.  The Little Kids First Board Books mirror the beloved First Big Books while taking a fresh new approach to excite a baby’s sense of wonder and make learning about nature and science fun.
NG Kids Dinos Sticker Activity Book (ages preschool – 3, paperback, $6.50)
From T. rex to Stegasaurus, Diplodocus to Triceratops, this super engaging activity book is packed with mazes, spelling and pattern games, drawing activities, and more. Dino-crazy kids are sure to love these pages loaded with fun, learning as the go!
So Cool! Dinos (hardcover, ages 3-5, $6.99)
Those sharp, pointy teeth! Those terrifying claws! Those long necks and pointy spines! Let’s face it … dinosaurs are SO COOL! Blending dinosaur art with silly quips and Informational fact boxes about when dinosaurs lived on Earth, stats about dinos, dinosaur feathers, and more, this is the perfect little reader to get kids’ brains buzzing and keep them laughing while learning.
 
National Geographic Readers: T.Rex (ages 4-6, paperback, $4.99)
Giant teeth! Crushing bite! Slicing claws! And … feathers? Scientists have unearthed new knowledge about the king of the dinosaurs, and now you can, too. Travel back in time to the Mesozoic forests to meet the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex. Learn how their bodies were perfectly adapted for hunting, how T. rex parents guarded their nests, and just how much meat they could guzzle down in a single bite. Then explore some of the fascinating fossils―including Sue and Scotty―that have helped scientists make important discoveries (for example, T. rex may not have roared at all!). National Geographic Readers’ combination of expert-vetted text, brilliant images, and a fun approach to reading have proved to be a winning formula with kids, parents, and educators. This level 1 text provides accessible information for kids just beginning to read on their own, perfect to encourage the scientists and explorers of tomorrow!
 
Ultimate Dinopedia, 2nd ED (hardcover, ages 7-10, 296 pages, $24.99)
Big, beautiful and gift-worthy! The new edition of the popular Nat Geo Kids Dinopedia includes all the latest species and is the most complete, up-to-date dinosaur reference available. Find favorites, like the fierce T-rex and the gentle Brontosaurus, plus audacious new finds, like the Anzu, Kosmoceratops, and Yi. Every dino profile is colorfully illustrated and features descriptions of when they roamed the Earth, how they lived, what they ate, and more. There are more than 600 dinos featured in all, including 10 profiles of recently discovered dinosaurs and new entries in the Dino Dictionary. Reports from paleontologists present the latest news and insights from the field.

Get ready to meet the record-setting creatures from the time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, including the biggest, smallest, smartest, weirdest, deadliest, most notorious, and most mysterious of all time. Young paleontologists can explore fantastic firsts, including the first dinosaur fossils found and the first dinos in space. They’ll also meet other rad, remarkable creatures that lived before, after, and alongside them.  Did you know that the largest fish, the largest turtle, and the largest flying animal that ever existed lived during the time of the dinosaurs? Or that mammals – no bigger than a small dog when dinosaurs roamed – eventually evolved into massive land animals? See who wins in head-to-head species smackdowns and enjoy games that complement the records.

1,000 Facts About Dinosaurs, Fossils and Prehistoric Life (ages 8-12, National Geographic Kids Books, Hardcover, $14.99)
T. rex, triceratops, pterosaurs, saber-toothed cats! This eye-catching, comprehensive, and “browsable” title is jam-packed with 1,000 fascinating facts about what these prehistoric creatures looked like, how they lived, and the evidence they left behind. Uncover amazing fossil facts about the first four-legged creatures; find out what it’s like to be on a dinosaur dig; and marvel at some of the fiercest, most fascinating claws and teeth. Learn how dinosaurs and birds are connected, find out the biggest prehistoric mysteries that scientists are still trying to crack, and sink your teeth into some seriously supersize dino stats.

Your child will be able to do the work of a real paleontologist as they excavate a T. rex tooth replica from the large dig brick with tools similar to what paleontologists use in the field. This T. rex tooth is a very special item because it was molded from a real T. rex tooth fossil, so your child will have the chance to see, feel, and treasure an artifact from one of the most famous and fearsome dinosaurs yet discovered. A genuine coprolite (dino poop) fossil is also included.

On behalf of National Geographic Kids Books, I am pleased to offer your site a Nat Geo Kids DinoMAYnia Prize Pack, which includes all 8 items described above (ARV $92).  US only and we will be happy to ship directly to your winner. Book covers are attached for your convenience and the DinoMAYnia banner can also be incorporated into your post and can be accessed HERE.
Helpful links and social media info:
  • National Geographic Kids has an amazing DinoMAYnia website packed full of games, video shorts, facts, and even a dinosaur personality quiz!: natgeokids.com/dinomania
  • National Geographic Kids Books twitter – @NGKidsBks
  • To maximize social media reach, please also tag @mediamastersbks so we can amplify as well
  • DinoMAYnia video featuring Nat Geo Explorer Nizar Ibrahim: https://youtu.be/C1aQVApevDM
  • One-stop shopping:  https://books.disney.com/dinomaynia
  • #DinoMAYnia

We have an awesome giveaway too all.  Enter on the form below then hit these links for 2 more chances to win

Chatty Pattys Place

The Review Wire 

This is for the U.S Only .  Good Luck All Winner will have 48 hrs to respond to the winning email

Giveaway: Celebrate DinoMAYnia with Nat Geo Kids Books

 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


Giveaway: Scooby-Doo! and Guess Who?: The Complete Second Season

SCOOBY-DOO! AND GUESS WHO?:

THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON

AVAILABLE ON DVD JUNE 28, 2022

FROM WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT

 

Release Features 26 Thrilling New and Star-Studded Mysteries from

the Animated Series’ Second Season

 

 

BURBANK, CA (April 19, 2022) – Join the Mystery Inc. gang as they team up with their superstar friends to solve all-new spooky mysteries onScooby-Doo! and Guess Who?: The Complete Second Season, available in the United States on DVD June 28, 2022 and December 6, 2022 in Canada from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. This release includes 26 action-packed mystery adventures from Warner Bros. Animation and features an exciting mix of celebrities from television, film, music, sports and more. Jump into the Mystery Machine with Scooby-Doo and his pals for brand-new adventures with some of today’s biggest celebrities and pop culture stars! Scooby-Doo! and Guess Who?: The Complete Second Season is priced to own at $24.98 SRP ($29.98 Canada) for the DVD. 

 

It seems like everybody wants to be one of those meddling kids, so Scooby-Doo recruits a different pop culture icon to join the gang in every episode of Season 2 of Scooby Doo! and Guess Who? Get sleuthing with Scooby, Fred, Velma, Daphne and Shaggy because they’ll need all the help they can get if they want to solve these mind-boggling mysteries. So, who’s on board? Music icon Cher returns to the mystery-solving stage 50 years after her first team up with Scoob in The New Scooby-Doo Movies. Terry Bradshaw gets off the bench to tackle a case, Axl Rose will rock these monsters, and Jason Sudeikis will have these villains laughing out loud! Classic Scooby fans will love to see Sandy Duncan returning to team up with the Mystery Inc gang. And how about Kacey Musgraves, Tim Gunn, Jessica Biel, Macklemore and many more! See if you can solve the mystery of who will be joining the gang next!

US Release date 6.28.22

MSRP $24.98

Running time 572 minutes (26 x 22 Minute Episodes)

Scooby-Doo! and Guess Who?: The Complete Second Season features the familiar voice talents of Frank Welker as Scooby-Doo/Fred Jones, Grey Griffin as Daphne Blake, Matthew Lillard as Shaggy Rogers and Kate Micucci as Velma Dinkley. Scooby-Doo! and Guess Who?: The Complete Second Season is executive produced by Sam Register. Chris Bailey serves as producer.

 

Digital

 

Scooby-Doo! and Guess Who?: The Complete Second Season will be available to own on Digital on June 28, 2022 in the U.SDigital purchase allows consumers to instantly stream and download to watch anywhere and anytime on their favorite devices. Digital movies and TV shows are available from various digital retailers including Amazon Video, iTunes, Google Play, Vudu and others.

About Warner Bros. Animation

Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) is one of the leading producers of animation in the entertainment industry, producing and developing projects for multiple platforms, both domestically and internationally. WBA’s current series include Animaniacs for Hulu, Green Eggs and Ham and Wings of Fire for Netflix, Batman: Caped Crusader, Batwheels, Bugs Bunny Builders, Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai,Harley Quinn, Jellystone!, Little Ellen, Looney Tunes Cartoons, My Adventures with Superman, Tiny Toons Looniversity, Tom and Jerry Time, Tom and Jerry in New York, Velma and Young Justice for HBO Max, DC Super Hero Girls and Teen Titans Go! for Cartoon Network, Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz, Scooby-Doo! and Guess Who?, The Tom and Jerry Show and Yabba-Dabba Dinosaurs! for Boomerang. WBA is also in production on a series of animated longform movie specials for ACME Night, WarnerMedia Kids & Family’s family programming block on Cartoon Network and HBO Max. Programs include Did I Do that to the Holidays? A Steve Urkel Story, Merry Little Batman and an Untitled Looney Tunes Cartoons movie.  The studio is currently in production with New Line Cinema on the upcoming original anime feature film, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.  WBA’s full-length theatrical film, Teen Titans GO! to the Movies, was released in summer 2018. As home to the iconic animated characters from the DC, Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes libraries, WBA also produces highly successful animated films — including the DC Universe Movies — for DVD, Blu-ray® and digital media. One of the most-honored animation studios in history, WBA has won six Academy Awards®, 40 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, a BAFTA Children’s Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, the HUMANITAS Prize, two Prism Awards and 21 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).

 

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s physical and digital distribution businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.

 

About Warner Bros. Discovery 

Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world’s most differentiated and complete portfolio of content and brands across television, film and streaming. Available in more than  220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, discovery+, CNN, CNN+, DC, Eurosport, HBO, HBO Max, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies and others. For more information, please visitwww.wbd.com.

 

 

Scooby-Doo! GIVEAWAY

Two winners will each receive Scooby-Doo! and Guess Who?: The Complete Second Season ($25). Open to U.S. residents of the 48 contiguous United States. You must be 18 years old to enter to win. This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on 5.24.22. See below for terms and conditions.

All entries will be verified—only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. Any person who has won a prize (or whose household has won a prize) in any promotion sponsored by the Sponsor in the past thirty (30) days before this contest start date is not eligible to win a prize in this contest. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Entrants who have created social accounts purely to enter Competitions or Sweepstakes will not be eligible to win. All social accounts used must be public.

The winner will be chosen randomly through Sweep Widget and contacted via email. A reply to the winning email is required within 48 hours before a new winner is chosen. Void where prohibited by law. One person entering per household, please. Chatty Patty’s Place, Tabby’s Pantry, and The Review Wire are not responsible for the shipment of the prize

6 Tips To Help You Study At Home

We’ve all heard the expression “knowledge is power,” and for this – and many other reasons – most of us who have children will normally emphasise the value of education and learning in their development.


At the same time, education and learning are not the only things that should be emphasised during childhood and youth. Rather, there are numerous advantages to expanding your total knowledge and comprehension of the world throughout your life.

Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-about-to-write-on-paper-574285/

 

Whether you are investigating topics such as learning via laptop in the classroom or at home, or reading history books, a commitment to lifelong learning can provide you with insights you would not have had otherwise, and can make you more successful and interesting in a variety of ways.
Here are a few ideas for fitting in some additional study when you have a hectic schedule.

Using Tech 

Use organized virtual education platforms like Coursera to increase your grasp of many topics in a time-efficient manner. When it comes to teaching yourself about a specific topic or studying a new area of interest in-depth, a degree of organisation is always quite important. One of the most significant recent advances has been online learning platforms such as Coursera, which allow you to engage in a wide range of different courses, covering a wide range of topics, and which can be completed from home – and frequently with a great deal of schedule flexibility. Furthermore, several of these courses are university-accredited.

 

If you want to learn new things, it would be a good idea to look into online classes from a reliable organisation. Consider listening to audiobooks to brush up on various subjects while doing domestic chores. Reading books is an amazing pastime that may not only feed your imagination and transport you to fascinating worlds of adventure but also provide you with a tremendous depth of learning on a wide range of topics. However, reading books takes time – and you may not have the luxury of being able to fit in a lot of reading every day if you have a lot of other duties to deal with.

 

So, why not listen to audiobooks on one of the most popular audiobook services, such as Audible? One of the benefits of audiobooks is that you may listen to them as you cook, clean, commute, or do other household activities. Join reading clubs and other support networks to help you stay accountable and structure your study. Sometimes you know you should be studying a specific topic that you’ve committed to learning, but you just don’t have the motivation. This is when book clubs and other forms of support might come in handy.
Accountability networks can be really helpful in keeping us constant and on track.

Set A Good Study Routine 

It may take some time to develop a study schedule that is both personal and academically beneficial. However, setting a timetable and intentionally attempting to keep to it is the first step toward obtaining that perfect routine. Having an accountability partner is another technique to ensure that the routine is adhered to and effective.

 

Study After A Lesson

While learning from the comfort and convenience of one’s own home, there may be a temptation to postpone and shift study schedules. However, the optimal time to study a topic is immediately following the class. This strategy works because the mind is still in learning mode and the lesson memory is still fresh. So, before those new words leave your mind, take out a pen and paper and write them down.

Ask For Help When You Need It

No one is too young, too old, or too experienced to seek assistance or to learn new skills. Asking a tutor, friends, or other students for assistance is a terrific method to learn new things and gain clarity on previously taught topics.

Get Plenty Of Rest

While it may appear counterintuitive given the goal of studying hard while yet having time for personal pursuits, sleeping allows the brain to recover. Even when courses are hectic or tests are approaching, making time for appropriate sleep can allow the body to be renewed for additional work.

Share Your Knowledge

One of the finest ways to learn a subject is to try to teach it to someone else. This method is beneficial because you are explaining certain procedures to yourself while also learning more. To accomplish this, one should have a study companion or study partner so that everyone can take turns teaching each other. It can also be incorporated into the study regimen. Teaching others may also assist you in making new acquaintances and expanding your network from your online class.

 

These six tips should help you to study well at home. Do you know of any other tips that could help? Please share a few in the comments below. 

 

Planning A Safe BBQ Party

The BBQ season has officially begun! Yet, before you send out the first invitations to your garden grill party, it’s essential to make sure the space is safe for everyone. Indeed, the typical BBQ gathering happens mostly outdoor. So, you need to consider potential risks in your garden and ensure you can keep these at bay:

  • Burns
  • Excessive sun exposure
  • Pests
  • Toxic plants
  • Dehydration

Unsplash – CC0 License

 

Getting familiar with the grill

The main actor in your BBQ party is the BBQ itself. So, if you are collecting delicious marinade recipes and tips on how to grill corn on the cob, make sure as well to learn how to use the grill safely. Too many burning accidents occur during grilling parties as people don’t know how to safely start and maintain a fire. Make safety a priority!

 

Don’t stay outdoor without sun protection

It takes no longer than 20 minutes to catch a sunburn. The spring months may be less hot than summer, but it doesn’t mean it’s safe to stay in the sun without sunscreen protection. It may be a good idea to keep a basket with sunscreen lotion by the BBQ table. Ideally, you want to pick SPF 30 protection for the exposed skin on your face, arms, and hands, which is what most dermatologists recommend as the minimum protection. 

Remember as well to reapply regularly during the day. Wearing a hat and long sleeves doesn’t replace sunscreen protection. 

You will also need a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. 

 

Remove garden pests

Garden pests can turn your BBQ party into a nightmare. So, before inviting everyone to come to your outdoor gathering, it’s a good idea to check your garden for bugs, insects, and other unpleasant critters. These could affect your family and visitors in many ways. They could sting and lead to discomfort or even allergic reactions. They could also disrupt the party by flying over and invading the table and food. If you are worried about pest infestation, it may be safer to plan for removal before organizing the party. 

 

Avoid toxic plants

Young children and pets are likely to play in the garden. They may touch or even eat poisonous plants without knowing it. It’s important to create a safe environment for younger guests and animals to ensure that your garden party can be a success. Some of the plants to avoid include: 

  • Daffodil
  • Water hemlock
  • Hydrangea
  • Monkshood
  • Philodendron
  • Lily-of-the-valley

 

Stay hydrated

It’s tough to stay hydrated when you are having fun outside! Younger guests, especially, and pets, are most likely to get dehydrated in the sun as they play and enjoy the warm weather. If you have dogs and cats, you may want to keep a bowl of fresh water outside, preferably in the shade. 

As for children, make sure to refill their glasses frequently. You can even make water more exciting to drink with flavored water and fun-looking ice cubes. 

 

Are you ready to plan the first BBQ party of the year? Keep your guests and loved ones safe with these few safety tips. And remember to have fun and enjoy the day together! 

 

It’s Spring! Here is Your Spring Cleaning Check List

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

 

Spring cleaning is more than just a tradition – it’s a necessary ritual for keeping your home clean and healthy. By dedicating some time to spring cleaning, you can get rid of all the dirt, dust, and grime built up over the winter. As a result, your home will look and feel better, but you’ll also be protecting your family from harmful allergens and bacteria.

 

There are many different ways to go about spring cleaning your home. The best approach depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are a few tips to get you started:

 

1. Clean your windows inside and out

Windows are a great way to let natural light into your home and give you a view of the outdoors, but they can get dirty over time. This makes your windows look bad, and it can also affect your home’s energy efficiency.

 

Window cleaning is a simple task that can be done with a few basic supplies, but it’s important to clean both the inside and outside of your windows to get the best results. 

 

2. Clean your baseboards, doors, and trim

Cleaning your baseboards, doors, and trim is important for spring cleaning. It will help your home look cleaner, but it will also help to protect your health.

 

Baseboards, doors, and trim are often forgotten when it comes to cleaning, but they can be some of the dirtiest places in your home. They can collect dust, pet hair, and other allergens. By cleaning them regularly, you can minimize the amount of allergens in your home and improve your air quality.

 

3. Vacuum your furniture, carpets, and rugs

 

Carpets, furniture, and rugs can all collect dust and dirt over time, which can cause allergies and other health problems. So spring is a great time to clean all your indoor surfaces and eliminate any allergens and dust mites.

 

Cleaning your carpets, furniture, and rugs is also a great way to protect your investment. Vacuuming removes the dirt and dust that can damage fibers over time. It’s also good to have your carpets and furniture professionally cleaned at least once a year.

 

4. Dust your blinds, fans, and light fixtures

Dusting your blinds, fans, and light fixtures is an important part of spring cleaning because it helps remove the built-up dust and dirt that can cause allergies and other respiratory problems. It’s also an excellent way to eliminate any spiders or cobwebs that may have formed over the winter.

 

To dust your blinds, start by removing the blinds from the window and laying them down on a clean surface. Use a vacuum cleaner with the upholstery attachment to remove the dust from the blinds, then use a damp cloth to wipe them clean. Be sure to let them dry.

 

5. Polish your furniture

 

Polished furniture is one item you may want to avoid during your spring clean. While it may look and feel great when freshly polished, it will not last long. The wax and polish used to give the furniture its shine will wear off over time, and it will start to look dull again. However, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. It just depends on the type of polish you use.

 

If you have some furniture that needs a fresh shine, give it a quick polish with a cloth and some furniture oil. This will make it look better, but it will also help protect the wood from moisture and sun damage.

 

6. Wipe down your kitchen counters and appliances

It’s that time of year again to break out the rubber gloves and 409 and give your kitchen a good scrubbing. But why do we always focus on the floors and the cabinets and forget about the counters and appliances?

 

Well, for one, wiping down your kitchen counters and appliances is a great way to get rid of any bacteria or dirt that may have built up over the winter. And, two, it’s a great way to give your kitchen a fresh start for the spring. So break out the supplies and give your kitchen a good cleaning!

 

7. Clean your stovetop and oven

Spring cleaning is oven and stovetop cleaning. It’s essential to do this because they get dirty over time but can also be dangerous if not cleaned regularly. For example, baked-on grease and food residue can cause a fire. In addition to being a fire hazard, dirty ovens and stovetops can lead to decreased efficiency and increased energy bills.

 

Cleaning your oven and stovetop when you spring clean is an excellent way to ensure that they are both safe and efficient. It is best to clean your oven and stovetop when they are still warm from use, as this makes the job easier.

8. Scrub your bathroom tile and grout

Tile and grout are notorious for collecting dirt and dust. This makes your bathroom look dirty, but it can also be a health hazard. Bacteria and mold can grow in the nooks and crannies of tile and grout, which can cause respiratory problems.

 

The best way to clean tile and grout is to use a scrub brush and elbow grease. However, this can be a time-consuming task. If you want to save time, you can use a tile and grout cleaner to get the job done quickly, especially if you have the idea of a bathroom remodel in place. 

 

9. Shampoo your carpets

Shampooing your carpets may seem unnecessary when doing a deep spring clean, but it’s one of the most important. Shampooing gets rid of all the dirt and dust that’s built up over time, but it also refreshes your carpet’s color and smell.

 

Shampooing is a quick and easy way to give your carpets a major overhaul, and it only takes a few minutes to do. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than hiring a professional carpet cleaner. So don’t skip this task.

 

What Can You Do To Make Your Business Rise On The Market

What is going wrong in your business right now? Is there something wrong? Is it just a slow time? You need to find the answers that you are looking for and start working out what you can do in order to make your business rise. It might not be the easiest thing to do, and it’s often tough to admit that there is something wrong with your business at any given time, but it’s necessary to be able to move forward. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that you can do to make your business rise, so keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.

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Pinpoint The Issue

 

The first thing that you are going to need to do is pinpoint the issue. Once you have found out what the problem is, you can start working on ways to sort this out. Then, as another problem pops up, you can deal with it. But, to be able to do this you have got to be highly critical of your business and this doesn’t come easily to a lot of people. The main reason for this is because you put everything that you have into it, and sometimes hearing that this isn’t enough right now is difficult. But, if you want there to still be a business, you need to do it.

 

If you don’t think that you will be able to pinpoint the issue on your own, then we recommend you hire someone else to do this for you. Ideally, this will be someone outside the business who doesn’t know much about it. An outside perspective is likely exactly what you need to figure out what the problem is, so don’t hesitate to do this.

 

Hire More Staff

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It might be the case that you don’t have enough staff to cover the demand that you are experiencing. One of the most important parts of a business is their customer service, and if yours is lacking because you don’t have the numbers to cover the demand, this is simply not good enough. As such, you need to start looking for new employees immediately. This does not mean that you should just hire anyone and everyone because you need to make up numbers, but it does mean that you should take a chance on some people even if they have no experience.

 

If you don’t want to go through the whole hiring process again, then you can always use a recruitment agency to help you. They will send you the people that they think are the best for the job.

 

Come Up With A Solid Plan

 

If you want to make your business rise through the ranks on the market, then you have got to have a solid plan. Look at your business as a whole and decide what needs to be done in order to improve overall. Make sure that you aren’t targeting single people or departments, but rather are extending the effort where it needs to go in order to ensure success. This is called a corrective action plan, and should be taken seriously by everyone in the business.

 

A lot of people think that a corrective action plan is a punishment or some kind of discipline for employees, but this is not the case at all. Instead, it seeks to help the business correct some of the things that are going wrong so that you can see better results. If you want some corrective action plan tips, there are plenty of sources online happy to give you some.

 

Outsource Certain Departments

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Have you given much thought to outsourcing over your time as a business owner? A lot of owners have already gone down this route for a number of reasons, depending on what their situation was at the time. For example, one of the reasons that people choose to outsource is because it’s a cheaper option than hiring in-house staff. You only pay the outsourced company for the service that they provide, and the time it takes for them to provide it, rather than a salary.

 

It is also a more efficient way to run your business if you choose high-quality firms that complete their tasks well. You can check this by looking at reviews before you hire them, ensuring that you are getting what you are paying for.

 

Introduce A New Product Or Service

 

If you are in a slump at the moment, it may just be that people got a little bored of your business. Offering the same old things all of the time can get a little boring, so it might be time to change things up a little. We’re not saying that you should go all out and change the entire course of your business as this would be counterproductive for your business, but add something new. Think about the things you offer now, and then work out something that works well alongside it.

 

Take some time, call in some experts if you like, but you have got to come up with something. This is something fresh, it keeps your business current and in people’s minds so it’s well worth considering. Once you have got all of the details sorted and you’re ready to get started, you need to start marketing the life out of this new product or service.

 

Research Your Competition

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It’s always important to know what your competition is doing. You should be looking at this maybe twice per month, so either conduct the research yourself or hire someone to do it for you and get a report done. The point is that you need to know what they are up to, what they are doing that is working, and what they are doing that is falling flat. You may be able to try some of their successful ideas for your own business, whale strategically avoiding those that didn’t work out so well.

 

Knowledge is power, and the more knowledge you have, the more powerful you become. When you have power, you have the means to take over the things that you want to see success in, which is why research is so important.

 

Communicate With Your Employees

 

The final thing that we are going to mention is that you should be communicating with your employees. Ask them what they think the problem is, ask them if there is anything more that you can do for them to aid them in their job, ask them if there is anything that they need, ask them if they are okay. These are all important questions that we guarantee the majority of people are not used to hearing from their bosses, but they should be.

 

Each and every single one of these questions is essential to the running of your business. Your business needs all of its employees to be healthy mentally so that they can work hard, and have everything that they need in order to succeed at their job. So, communicate with your employees, and make sure that they feel comfortable coming to you when they need to.

 

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you can do to ensure that your business starts to rise on the market. It’s important that you are taking the correct steps to ensure that you are always on the right track with your business so that you can keep your numbers up high. If you want your business to soar, you’ve got to take the risks, and understand the criticisms as they come. We wish you the very best of luck and hope that you see the success that you are looking for sooner rather than later.

Giving Your Back A Little Extra Care As You Get Older

Wear and tear is all a natural part of the human process of aging. However, there are some parts of the body that take it a little rougher than the rest and, without the right care, can cause some bad pain. Given that back pain is the single leading cause of disability amongst adults, it should be clear that it can strike anyone, and that you need to do a little extra to keep your back healthy. Here are a few tips to do just that.

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Keep your core strong

Gravity is the primary force that’s wearing down on your spine and your spine supports your body to effectively fight against it and keep you upright. However, you can support your back as well to make sure that your spine gets some backup, as well. Our core muscles are rarely used during our everyday activities. As such, you need to make sure that you’re putting effort into actively doing core exercises, which can strengthen your abs as well as the muscles in your back, which can then help support your spine. If you’re already feeling some back pain, core exercises are often recommended as a way to help relieve that pain, as well. Of course, exercise, in general, is highly recommended, and we’ll cover another reason that this is the case, next.

 

Consider your weight seriously

Unfortunately, there is a very strong correlation between being overweight and back pain. Your spine doesn’t grow to accommodate the extra weight. If you’re heavier, you’re putting more stress on it, which doesn’t make it strong like it would a muscle. As such, if you are overweight and you’re feeling back pain, there is a good chance that controlling your weight might be able to lead to some relief. Even if you do not feel very mobile, there are options for everyone to start making a difference in their activity levels, as well as their diet, that can make it easier to start gradually making progress towards a weight that isn’t as likely to stress your back.

 

Make sure that you’re sleeping right

Your choice of bed and mattress might have deeper health implications than you might think. When you sleep is supposed to be when your back muscles and spine have the opportunity to relax but if you’re not giving them the proper support, then that might not happen. Which kind of mattress is best suited to you will largely depend on the position that you sleep in. The most important factor, however, is that you’re getting the support that your spine means. If you’re a back sleeper, for instance, this means that you should be using a firm or medium-firm mattress. If you sleep on your back, you should also consider placing a pillow between your knees to make sure that your hips stay balanced, distributing your weight more evenly on your back.

 

See the doctor early

When it comes to your back, you really shouldn’t be taking any chances. When you start to feel any aching or other symptoms there, you should make sure that you’re looking for some professional advice. You might think that some types of back pain are nothing to worry about, perhaps just caused by lying in your bed wrong, but if you’re feeling a sore back that worsens while walking, after sleeping, or after sitting, it could be a sign of a herniated disc. The sooner that you get it treated, the better your chance of treating the degeneration of the back tissue before it leads to a much more painful disc prolapse.

 

Try to maintain your posture

It might sound like you’re being told off by a teacher or parent as a child if you’re told to sit up straight or stand up straight. However, there’s plenty of good reason to make sure that you’re not slouching too much in your daily life. If you slouch or are slightly bent over, it puts more pressure on certain parts of your back, which can lead to some of the early degeneration mentioned above. Try to maintain a good posture while standing, walking, and sitting. If you need some help, investing in an ergonomic chair might be able to help you manage it more easily.

 

You might not be able to stop the aging process and completely eliminate the chances that you will ever get back pain. However, if you take care of your body, you can make sure that you’re less likely to suffer the worst symptoms of wear and tear that can lead to debilitating pain.

Free and Low Budget Marketing For Home Businesses

Small businesses often have a tight marketing budget to work with, which can make promoting your business very tricky. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to market your business without much or even any money. 

Image – free for commercial use

 

Create A Free Google My Business Account

For local businesses, a Google Business Profile has become one of the most effective free marketing strategies there is. This allows your business to show up on Google Maps, the local section of Google Search, and the right-side Knowledge Panel for branded searches. 

 

In order for your Business Profile to show up higher on Google Maps or local results, you need to optimize it. To do this, you need to have verified ownership of it which is done through your Google My Business account. 

 

Post And Engage On Social Media

Increasing social media engagement and building a community online is a free way to grow your business while expressing your brand’s personality and building audience trust at the same time. Create accounts for your business and take part in sites like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and more. You can do this whenever you have a few minutes to spare. 

You can:

  • Promote your blog posts, which will drive traffic to your site
  • Talk to your followers to express your brand voice and create more engagement
  • Run polls and ask for feedback
  • Take excerpts from longer content and make quick, informational posts that are easier to digest
  • Advertise on video with OTT marketing (what is OTT?)

 

Whatever your motivation, make sure you are active and proactive on the accounts that you create. Be consistent, create community, collaborate, and be committed. 

 

Develop An Email Marketing Plan

Email marketing is a great way to get new visitors to engage with you as well as maintain relationships with your existing customers. Email marketing isn’t new, but it’s still one of the most reliable ways to achieve a strong return on your marketing investment. 

 

To do that, you should:

  • Put thought and creativity into your subject lines
  • Make sure every email has an offer that encourages your readers to take the next step
  • Track your performance and run A/B tests to see what copy and offers resonate with your list

 

Try some more easy email marketing ideas:

  • Get new website visitors to sign up for your newsletter by offering a bonus content piece or coupon/discount for subscribing 
  • Nurture your subscribers via email until they are ready to become paying customers
  • Start your promotional email campaigns with a free email marketing service

 

Host Classes and Events

Plan an event or a class, then print out some flyers and post them on community bulletin boards in the local library, coffee shop, college, and adult education center. Most community bulletin boards don’t allow businesses to advertise, but they will usually let you post a flyer that promotes an educational event or a class.  

 

If you can’t host an event, attend local events that would benefit your business. You never know where you might meet your next business partner or customer.