Mother's Day With #Capstone!

Disclaimer: I received a book to review. All opinions are my own.

As a mother, one of my greatest joys besides being their teacher is story time. We have story time in school, but their night time story time is special and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love cuddling up with them and reading a book. Reading is one of my favorite things to do, so I want them to learn the love of books. When I managed the bookstore, I bought tons and tons of books while I was pregnant. I thought that would keep us satisfied for a while and I was wrong. That is one reason I love Capstone so much- there is always something new to discover. This Mother's Day is no different.

My mother-in-law is like me and loves to read, and she loves seeing me read to the kids and how excited they get. This year, I wanted her to make a special memory that was unlike any others and Capstone provided the perfect book for this.

Time with grandma is always special, and these special moments are captured in this picture book using beautiful illustrations and minimal text. From biking to bird watching, these small moments are the ones that create big memories and show the importance of family.


Time Together: Me and Grandma, by Maria Catherine, was the perfect book to help them create these special memories. I love that it shows the children how important every moment is and that the small things create huge memories. It is very important that children learn that you don't have to spend money or go to a theme park to make memories. This book illustrates just that. I'm honored to watch my kids and their Nina read this book together.

4 Alternative Ways To Heal ADD

A visit to the school nurse is a daily ritual for a growing number of American students who take a pill to calm their hyperactivity or to help them concentrate.

If that’s surprising, it shouldn’t be. The number of cases of attention deficit disorder (ADD), also called attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is on the rise among children and teenagers, up 43 percent over an eight-year period, according to a recently published study by the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University. Today, roughly 12 percent of children and teens have the diagnosis.

But medication isn’t the only alternative for treating ADD. Focusing on natural treatments and the individual ADHD type can produce great results, says Daniel Amen, MD, a clinical neuroscientist and brain-imaging expert who also is the Founder of Amen Clinics (www.amenclinics.com), which treat patients at six locations around the country.

“Through our work with over 20,000 ADD patients over the last three decades, using a powerful brain-imaging tool called SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography), we discovered that ADD is not a single or simple disorder; there are seven different types,” says Amen, author of numerous books, including “Healing ADD” and “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life.”

“In addition, many natural treatments can help all the ADD types.  I always prefer to start with the least toxic, most effective treatment,”

That doesn’t mean medication is never right, he says.

“For some children medication is the best option,” Amen says. “But whether they are on medication or not, there are several lifestyle changes that can help all types.”

He suggests parents consider these four non-medical interventions:

1. Nutrition. The right diet can have an impact. Amen says parents should try putting their children on a high protein, low carbohydrate diet that is relatively high in healthy fat. The reason: Such a diet has a stabilizing effect on blood sugar levels and helps with both energy level and concentration.
2. Exercise. Parents need to make sure their children aren’t just sitting around watching TV. Exercise increases blood flow to all parts of the body, the brain included. That, of course, is particularly beneficial to people with ADD. Exercise also increases the availability of serotonin in the brain, helping to calm hyperactivity.
3. Meditation. Parents should teach their children how to meditate because research shows that meditation can calm stress and enhance brain function. Help them find a quiet spot where they can sit comfortably, Amen says, then tell them to gently close their eyes and focus on their breathing. He suggests starting with just a few minutes and working up to 10, 15 or 20 minutes.
4. Neurofeedback. This is a specialized treatment that uses computer technology to balance and optimize the brain. During each session, patients play a video game using just their brain. Amen says it’s both fun for the child, and also helps strengthen their brains “to a healthier, more focused state.”

“Parents shouldn’t automatically discount medication as a way to treat children with ADD,” Amen says. “But they also need to be mindful that medication isn’t their only option.”

About Daniel Amen M.D.

Daniel Amen, M.D., (www.amenclinics.com) is a clinical neuroscientist and brain-imaging expert who heads Amen Clinics, which are located in Orange County, Calif., Atlanta, San Francisco, New York City, Washington, D.C., and the Seattle area. He has written numerous books, including “Healing ADD” and “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life.” Dr. Amen also has appeared as a guest on such TV shows as “The View” and was a consultant for the movie “Concussion.”

How To Help Your Son Or Daughter Realize Their Filmmaking Dreams

If your teen or 20-something thinks it would be amazing to work someday on the kind of films they love – don’t let anything or anyone stop them, says filmmaker Doug Vermeeren.

Often, budding filmmakers are discouraged by advice such as, “You have to be realistic and get a real job.”

“But what’s ‘realistic’ about denying a deep passion that may give others the same joy that you’ve received from movies?” asks Vermeeren, whose documentaries have been translated into 23 languages worldwide. He is of the director of the new Calgary Smartphone Film Festival. 

“What if Spielberg or Scorsese – or anyone who has ever done anything great – took the ‘realistic’ advice and accepted a safe career? We wouldn’t have great things.”

Your son or daughter can do what they love for a career, says Vermeeren, whose latest film project is “Creepy Zombies” (www.creepyzombies.com). He offers pointers for parents who want to help their child realize their dream as a filmmaker.

• Help them polish their people skills. It’s all about relationships. How do you get people to work for you before you have money? How do you convince people to do you favors, such as loaning you a vintage car or allowing filming to take place on private property, essentially for free? Again, your kid will need to sell people on their vision, and show them they’re worth rooting for. Make your passion infectious!
• Make sure they monetize! Films are expensive, but so are medical and law schools. Does that mean aspiring lawyers and doctors shouldn’t make the investment? If they believe in their vision, there are various ways for your son or daughter to raise money for the project, including through Vimeo and YouTube.
• Have them seek education wherever they can find it. Film classes are great, but don’t stop there. They should read books about their favorite directors, and enter every film festival they can. Festivals often offer cash prizes. More importantly, judges will critique the project. Their criticisms may be difficult to endure, but they can also greatly improve a young filmmaker’s efforts.  

“There are many obstacles in the way of a film’s completion, so confidence is a must,” Vermeeren says. “The first film is the hardest because figuring out the initial logistics is complicated. The filmmaker needs to get people – actors and anyone with the necessary resources – to commit before there is enough money – and there’s never enough money. People, however, are drawn to passion and determination. They need to put their full heart into it and, eventually, they’ll succeed.”

About Doug Vermeeren

Doug Vermeeren is an internationally renowned public speaker, author, movie producer, and director whose latest film project is “Creepy Zombies” (www.creepyzombies.com). He began his career in film as a background extra, actor, photo double and stunt performer on a variety of films, and his documentaries have been translated into 23 languages worldwide. 

10 Tips For Keeping Your Car Organized On A Road Trip (Organize With #ThirtyOne)

One of the things that gets my anxiety up on a trip is organizing the family. When we aren't at home things get crazy and I can never seem to find what I need, especially in the car. Over the years, I have found some things that work and they are going to come in really handy for our upcoming trip. Maybe these things can help your family as well.

1. Put a plan of action together and take time packing the car. How I do this is- when I make my packing list, I write what I will pack that group of items in and the general location it will be in the car.

2. When packing items that will be used in the car, pack in a back that is either really simple to open or that does not close at all. If you have to open and close while getting items out, items may end up being just laid on top.

3. Having several different items to pack food and drink in really helps me. I have a large cooler and tote in the back for extra food and drinks. In the front with me, I have either a large lunch box or insulated picnic basket (depending on what types of snacks I pack and how many), as well as snacks that do not need to be cold in a brown bag inside my tote. This keeps there from being so much around our feet and helps keep it a bit more organized. I refill the next day or for the trip home.

4. I keep a Large Utility Tote from Thirty-One in the very back, where it is very handy. This will usually stay in the car just about the whole trip. In this, I keep a couple of balls and some bubbles for playing at the park, swimming gear (I usually stick my beach bag down in it), an extra change of clothes for the kids, fishing poles, and bug spray/ sun screen/ other necessities. If we are going to have a picnic that day, I just throw our lunches in that and it is all handy.

5. Backpacks. The kids are responsible for their backpacks. Before a trip, I take out their restaurant kits that have coloring books, crayons, etc, and let them put whichever toys they want in them. We use those plastic links that kids like to play with and hang them on the handle of the seat in front of them. They are responsible for putting those items away. I can also put their tablets in these and they can just carry their backpacks in at night.

6. Kids Activities. I actually have two things I use for this. Between them, I put a box (more on this box later) and in it are books, toys, puzzles, that they can decide to play with as they want. It also has their sunglasses, travel pillows, and blankets in it. It has a lid, as well, which I have found very handy. With me, I have a tote that has surprises, magnetic boards, and activities that I pass out along the way. Sometimes they can put these in their box when they are finished and sometimes I take them back for the return trip.

7. Center Console. This is the tricky part because it is front and center. Of course, you need the map there, but I have also found keeping chargers, toll money, extra sunglasses, and other items you will need on the drive really helps. I also keep coffee cups front and center and water bottles handy. I usually keep a little cup, bag, or basket right up front with ibuprofen, caffeine pills (the dose that is the same as a cup of coffee), sinus pills, and an inhaler. This is so that when a problem comes, there is no time wasted getting the appropriate medicine in one of the adults.

8. When packing clothing for the trip, be very mindful of how you pack. I tend to pack the whole family together. As the kids get older, I'll probably make them responsible for their own. What I do is pack our "everyday" clothes in our duffel, and jackets, warm clothes, extra outfits, and other things we may need in a tote and leave that in the car until it is needed. If you are taking a serious road trip, with lots of driving each day and packing up each morning, consider a different approach. Consider bins, smaller duffels, or totes- one for the whole family per day and then a separate one for toiletries, cosmetics, shoes, etc.

9. The biggest thing is making sure to stay on top of putting things back where they belong. This is the hardest thing or me to get across to my whole family. Don't get to it later- do it when you finish. No matter if it is a toy, electronics, medication- put it away when you are done. Trash, throw it away (make sure there is somewhere handy to throw trash and empty when you stop.

(I received a product to review. All opinions are my own)

10. Thirty-One- As I have mentioned more than once how much I love Thirty-One. I got this bin to review and absolutely love it. I have tried using it several different times, including to organize the items I have to surprise them with along the way, but it just works best between them. It is super sturdy, with an awesome top that snaps on. One of my favorite things about it is the loop at the back so it can be seatbelted in (awesome huh?) The Flip-Top Organizing bin has to be one of my favorite items from Thirty-One. you can use to keep your car organized all the time, or like I do- I keep the kids' travel stuff organized in it when we are not traveling. There are so many way s to use it, even adding in drawer organizers or cups for art supplies. The uses are as endless as the ways it can be organized! After our trip, I'll share more about how I like it!

Some Thoughts on Home Schooling by Mac Bogert

"I never let my schooling interfere with my education," said Mark Twain.

I have met lots of people who either home-school their children or were home-schooled. Some of them experienced powerful, effective learning. And some of them were poorly served by the process because of several factors. First was fewer opportunities for them to develop a healthy sense of skepticism. As well, some had inhibited development of their social and emotional intelligence. And homeschooling is a sterling opportunity for over-controlling parents to restrict their kids' inquisitiveness and stunt their intellectual growth. As the saying goes, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

I am a fan of Sudbury schools—kind of a blend of homeschooling and the classroom—which provide a learning community run by the students and staff. The Sudbury model removes restrictions on learning—the students (ages 5-19) and staff (in a ratio of about 1:15) run the school, including decisions about money, discipline, and even construction. Whereas homeschooling is restricted by the focus and values of the household, however, exemplary those may be, the Sudbury model provides an expanding universe of possible ideas and perspectives.

The model resembles homeschooling in the sense that the traditional, regimented spoon-feed that makes some public schools seem like incarceration is absent. Unlike homeschooling, the Sudbury approach embraces a chaotic shotgun of ideas not limited by the boundaries of the family's emotional, intellectual, and spiritual horizons.

As a student in public school, I didn't care for a lot of school subjects. Luckily, my education was wide-ranging and encouraged a lifelong curiosity about all things. I thank some great (and not-so-great) teachers, interesting friends, and a home that respected thinking and creativity while not focusing on the "right way" to think. My parents took us kids out of school for lots of trips. We had to keep a journal, maintain our studies, and do reports about the history of where we went, but none of our teachers made a fuss.

I suppose we’re all a product of homeschooling, as we learn at least as much at home as we learn at school, right? The larger community of a traditional school, with all its flaws, provides lots of opportunities that we might not get only at home. Those factors may not be available in homeschooling environments. Even though my teachers were a mixed bag, they were diverse and stretched my ability to question, think, and judge. Two parents, no matter how well-intentioned, may simply not have enough diversity to do that.

I also wish parents would take their kids OUT OF SCHOOL more often. Schools should never be more than a part of education. Much real learning occurs outside of the classroom anyhow, like at recess. The family part of homeschooling can be nourished for kids in traditional school by traveling together, spending the day exploring museums, environmental centers, historical sites and such. That exploration could be a part of education that bridges the current divide between home and traditional schooling. For families who cannot find the time to do things together, I suggest forming a co-op with other parents. Take turns being the guide/chaperone for day trips. And school districts can become more flexible, trusting that parents have at least as much interest in their kids’ education as teachers do.

We parents can be aware that we are always home-schooling our kids. We can take that part of our home life seriously enough to model active learning, curiosity, an interest in the world of ideas, and a passion for our own growth and development. The continuum of learning from homeschooling to traditional schooling does not have to be framed as either/or. Maybe we can all engage in a conversation about combining the models for our kids’ sake.

And ours.

Mac Bogert founded AZA Learning to encourage teachers and students to become equal partners in the learning process, which he details in his book “Learning Chaos: How Disorder Can Save Education,” (www.learningchaos.net). He served as education coordinator at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts and is still active in the arts for his community.

Five Tips For Choosing Your Next Travel Destination

Your Boston vacation was great, especially that side trip to Salem to learn all about witch trials.

The Grand Canyon lived up to its name and orca watching off the San Juan Islands was breathtaking.

That was all in the past, though. Now it’s time to plan the next big excursion.

But with so many places to visit, how do you choose the right one?

Blakely Trettenero, a world-traveling chef who has visited more than 30 countries, says her advice is to leave nothing to chance, which is the approach she takes for her own travels.

“It would be fun to say I just close my eyes and throw a dart at a map,” says Trettenero, host of the Hungry for Travels (www.hungryfortravels.com) and Cooking for Bimbos (www.cookingforbimbos.com) websites.

“But there’s a lot of planning and research that goes into every vacation.”

When pondering where to go next, she recommends:

• Pick five possible places you want to see. These could be in the United States, such as Las Vegas, New York City, New Orleans, Miami and San Francisco. Or they could be foreign destinations, such as London, Paris, Tokyo, Madrid and Venice. Then decide when you want to go, how long you want to stay and what you want to budget for flights and accommodations.
• Compare flights to every city. The internet makes this easy to do. Check the prices and the times that flights are available. If you’re on a tight budget, this is when crucial differences might begin to emerge. 
• Check out potential accommodations. Some cities are more expensive than others. Look into all the options, such as hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, and other possibilities. Could you save a substantial amount of money if you stayed just outside the city you want to visit?
• Find out about surrounding cities or countries. You don’t want to stay in one place the whole time, but you also don’t want to spend a lot of time traveling. Research how to get from one place to another, such as a bus, train, ferry or rental car. “You want to know this ahead of time,” Trettenero says. “In the Greek Islands, I made the mistake of not looking up the ferry schedule. Because of that, I missed visiting one island altogether.”
• Stalk social media and the internet. Hashtags can help you find what others are saying about your destination choices on social media. Travel blogs are a great source, too. You can also just Google the places and find statistics, photographs, and points of interest.

Once you’ve gathered the information it’s time to make your choice and your reservations.
“It’s worth pointing out that there isn’t really one ‘right’ choice,” Trettenero says. “If you have a blast and come home with great memories, then that destination was the right one.”

About Blakely Trettenero

Blakely Trettenero, the host of the Cooking for Bimbos (www.cookingforbimbos.com) and Hungry for Travels (www.hungryfortravels.com) websites, is a graduate of the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando, Fla. She is a world traveler, having visited more than 30 countries, and is becoming a frequent guest on TV.

Five Tips on How to Successfully Read to Your Child

Did you know?

• More than half the children in the country will not hear a bedtime story tonight
• Some children begin kindergarten having been read to as few as 25 hours
• By age four, low-income children have heard an average 32 million fewer words than their peers
• If a child is not reading at grade level by the end of the first grade, then there is an 88% probability the child will not be reading at grade level by the end of the fourth grade

"Reading has the enduring power to shape and develop minds, both in the home and classroom,” says best-selling author (Teach Like a Champion and Reading Reconsidered) and educator Doug Lemov. "The urgency to make the teaching of reading as effective and enjoying as possible should always be reinforced at home. The goal must be to show every child the power that comes from the world reading can bring to light.”

So, how can parents help achieve this?

Lemov has provided five tips below on how to read successfully to your child – a great tool to have as we are coming up on the end of school year and into the summer months when reading to your child is especially important.

Five Tips on How to Successfully Read to Your Child

By Doug Lemov

1. GET COMFORTABLE. Stories have been told and read for me immemorial because they are pleasurable and because sharing them draws people together. This is not necessarily obvious to children. At home, it’s good to mix reading with warmth and affection. I try to express that in the way I sit. We tuck in on the couch or in a comfy chair. I try to snuggle with my little one, and even with my older ones, ages 13 and 11. Or we lie on the living room floor, all of us, while I read aloud. Even if your child is behind in reading and there’s pressure to make progress, try to make reading time feel comfortable and caring.

2. READ SLOWLY. I like to stop for a couple of seconds about every half page or so when I‘m reading, especially to my youngest. The words and the story are more complex than she is used to. I want to give her me to absorb it. Sometimes I stop and look at her and smile when we’re reading. Sometimes she doesn’t say anything to me when I smile, and that’s fine. Sometimes she smiles back. And sometimes she makes a little comment. “Mrs. Frisby is afraid, I think,” she’ll say. I don’t have to do much to show her she’s doing well when she does that. Sometimes I’ll just nod and smile or kiss the top of her head. And then I keep reading. I read slowly too. Nice and steady to let the words sink in. There’s no rush.

3. GIVE THEM A FEW WORDS TOO. My kids love it when I say, “And the next chapter is called...” and they get to read the title of the chapter to me. Look for little moments when your child can help you read a more advanced book and see that it’s within his or her range someday. Even if it’s just reading the word ‘I’ or ‘and,’ it helps. “See, you’re on your way!” is a powerful message.

4. EXPRESS YOURSELF (as much as you can). The power of reading aloud for kids is in developing their ear for language, for what words sound like and how sentences work. Capturing that is key and it’s simpler than it might sound. You don’t have to act out the roles and make it theater, you just have to capture the sound of language and the cadence of words—which ones run together, which ones get a bit of emphasis.

5. DON’T FREAK OUT. Ok, maybe you’re great at reading aloud. But maybe you’re not. Maybe you fear it. Is it ok if you’re not confident in your own reading? Yes. But more important than telling you it’s okay I want to suggest a way to make you feel more confident and therefore more likely to read to your kids: preview the section you are going to read. The night before you read to your child, take the book to bed and read the part you’ll read the next night. If you’ve read it through beforehand, you’ll remember even if you don’t realize it. Please know that I do this all the time, even though I am a former English teacher and principal. I like to know where the book is going and to be ready for tough spots or content that’s challenging. It just makes me feel confident to know where things are going. If you’re nervous about reading, it will help you as well. As will starting simply. I know—I said read challenging books. But you can always build up to them. Reading to your child is a marathon, not a sprint, so it’s fine if you need some me to build your own comfort and skill. Just please don’t let that fear stand between your child and what will help them most.

Doug Lemov (with co-authors Colleen Driggs and Erica Woolway) is the author of Reading Reconsidered: A Practical Guide to Rigorous Literacy. For more information, please visit, www.teachlikeachampion.com and connect with Doug on Twitter, @douglemov.

How Your Family Can Celebrate National Pet Month In May

Now in its 27th year, National Pet Month is a celebration of the mutual benefits shared between people and their pets.

For rescue-animal advocate Cheryl Smith, who founded a non-profit that assists pets in need, the May observance is a time to recognize many of the things that really matter in life.

“How we treat the most vulnerable animals in our society says plenty about who we are as individuals,” says Smith, a public defender who has cared for rescue animals since childhood and believes they can help humanity as much as humans help them.

“As a public defender who spends long hours entrenched in legal issues, loving and caring for my rescue dogs is personally rejuvenating. I think caring for pets helps us stay in touch with our humanity.”

Smith, who was inspired by her pack of rescue dogs to write the children’s books “Oliver’s Heroes: The Spider Adventure” (www.oliversheroes.com) and “Oliver’s Heroes: Two Paws Up,” says there are several ways people can make a difference during National Pet Month, such as:

• Consider adopting from an animal rescue shelter. Pets bring out our inner nurturers and expressing TLC to an animal in need fosters warmth toward ourselves and others. More importantly, doing something good is good in itself. 
• Discern which pet is appropriate for your family. Think carefully before getting a pet. Learn about its special requirements. There’s plenty of information out there to help you decide which dog or cat breed is appropriate for your home life, so a minimal amount of time researching will go a long way.
• Make sure your pet enjoys a nutritious and well-balanced diet. Perhaps you already have a pet. It’s important to know that not all pet-food products are of the same quality. Many attentive owners go to the extent of cooking meals themselves for their pets.
• Ask your vet which health issues your pet is prone to. Various breeds are prone to specific ailments. Male cats, for example, may experience urinary issues depending on their food. Be your pet’s advocate since they cannot speak for themselves.
• Prevent unwanted litters. Each year, about 2.7 million animals are euthanized after entering animal shelters – 1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats. You can prevent an enormous amount of suffering simply by spaying or neutering your pet.

“I can’t imagine not having my little stress relievers around when I come home,” Smith says. “The better you take care of them, the more you’ll feel good about yourself.”

About Cheryl Smith

Cheryl Smith is a public defender who started a non-profit, Just The Place Inc., to assist in the care of pets when owners were experiencing difficult financial situations or environmental crises. She was inspired to write “Oliver’s Heroes: The Spider Adventure” (www.oliversheroes.com) after her courtroom deputy found Oliver, a dog who was alone, thin and scared on the street.

Want to make your pup more comfortable? Try dog boots!

Popular Restaurant in Cherokee, NC Open For Tour Buses and Groups

Cherokee, NC- Wize Guyz Grille opened in the Spring of 2012 and has quickly grown in popularity thanks to their quality ingredients, amazing customer service, and loyalty to the community. Wize Guyz offers burgers, hot sandwiches, pizza, wings, sides, kids' meals and more. Their artisan burgers have earned multiple 5-star reviews and are raved about. Combined with the food, the atmosphere, and friendly service have people driving hours to eat.

Wize Guyz Grille wants to offer their dining room to tour buses and groups. Whether you have a tour group, organization dinner, or school group, our dining room is open to you. The dining room has room for 75 patrons at a time and a small outdoor sitting area. The kitchen is well equipped to serve large groups, as is the staff. There is a close parking lot available to park buses and parking out front for cars. To make arrangements, ask about services, or for directions, call (828) 497-2838  or email support@nattaste.com. Please allow 48 hours for reservations.

Press contact: Cari of CariOnMedia carionmedia@gmail.com (864)280-7145

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10 Tips For A Stress-Free Bedtime Away From Home

Whether you are headed to grandma's house, on vacation, or even to a hospital, bedtime can be stressful away from home. It is for my family anyway. However, I have found some things to make bedtime away from home as stress-free as possible.

1. Try to keep your routine as close as it is at home as possible.

2. Bring along your child's favorite lovey- the one they will not sleep without!

3. Don't forget the bedtime book! If you do a family devotion time, don't forget to do it away from home too!

4. Make bedtime fun away from home. We all climb in the bed together and watch about 30 minutes of TV, then we separate them.

5. Don't forget the nightlight

6. Have a special prize for the first night away- we like to get the kids a new flashlight

7. Bring favorite pillows and blankets from home. The kids have a tote that we put bedtime stuff in: favorite fleece blanket, pillow pet, loveys, security blankets, nightlight, bible, and bedtime book- one bag for each kid.

8. Keep naptimes going, even while away

9. Get the kids to pretend they are away the last night or two you are home- make it like an adventure.

10. Don't stress- they feed off of your stress!

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What is REALLY Legal in the United States?

It’s absolutely critical to be up to speed on US laws and too often new laws get passed and no one even hears about it! It’s surprising how many people actually ask themselves “Is that actually legal?” Too often we go through our everyday lives so sure that we know what is legal and what is not. Most laws seem like common sense, but that’s not always so. It’s your responsibility to know what’s “right” and “wrong.”

Military laws, formally known as the UCMJ, can become even more complicated and questions are usually best answered by an attorney who specializes in this area.

In order to truly test whether or not you know the law of the land, Pala Online Casino created this quiz to unveil how much participants actually know about their nation’s laws.



To top it off, Pala Online Casino is offering a 2-night giveaway for two in New Jersey for a lucky winner who takes the quiz! Check it out let us know what you think!

Popular Restaurant in Cherokee, NC Open For Tour Buses and Groups

Cherokee, NC- Wize Guyz Grille opened in the Spring of 2012 and has quickly grown in popularity thanks to their quality ingredients, amazing customer service, and loyalty to the community. Wize Guyz offers burgers, hot sandwiches, pizza, wings, sides, kids' meals and more. Their artisan burgers have earned multiple 5-star reviews and are raved about. Combined with the food, the atmosphere and friendly service have people driving hours to eat.

Wize Guyz Grille wants to offer their dining room to tour buses and groups. Whether you have a tour group, organization dinner, or school group, our dining room is open to you. The dining room has room for 75 patrons at a time, and a small outdoor sitting area. The kitchen is well equipped to serve large groups, as is the staff. There is a close parking lot available to park buses and parking out front for cars. To make arrangements, ask about services, or for directions, call (828) 497-2838. Please allow 48 hours for reservations.

How To Build Authentic Character In Youth Sports

Not everyone deserves a trophy.

In fact, unearned rewards can be harmful, because artificially inflating a child’s self-esteem merely for participation in sport sends the wrong message, warns psychologist Jason Richardson.

“There are plenty of incarcerated felons with an inflated self-view and there are extremely successful people grappling with a more moderate self-concept, so self-esteem alone is not the measure by which we should prepare our children for greatness,” says Richardson, a Pan-Am Games gold medalist who is also known as “Dr. JRich” among colleagues. 

Richardson isn’t alone. Last year, Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison returned two participation trophies given to his two sons, awarded not for a specific victory that they’d earned, but simply for being student-athletes.

Anyone can give and get a trophy, but the true value of youth sports is in the occasional tough lessons – and successes – children experience through hard work and merit, says Richardson, author of “It’s All BS! We’re All Wrong, And You’re All Right!” (www.drjasonrichardson.com).

He offers practical tips parents can share with their kids.

• Stop saying “the problem is …” Fill in the blank. Too many people say the problem is with the coach, the school, the other kids, the equipment, the schedule – and so on. This kind of thinking implies failure because it immediately rules out your child’s goals. Instead, say things that rule in positive outcomes, such as, “I/We/You can do this!”
• Make failure a teachable moment. Sports can test a kid’s emotional fragility. They may want to give up with failure, but that’s a terrible lesson. If your child missed a free throw that would’ve won the team the game, encourage free-throw practice the next day. Better yet, ask them what they are going to do differently next time! Use a coach’s staple: remind your child that Michael Jordan was cut by his high school basketball team during his sophomore year. Parents can always reward persistence and effort.
• Don’t let your child’s ego run wild. The flipside of low self-esteem due to failure can be cockiness with success. Children have far less experience keeping the ego in check, so if he/she is the best athlete in school, they may become arrogant. Try to catch this early; people evolve at different rates. Temper their ego by showing examples of humility, respect and gratitude. Use examples of great athletes who have overcome slumps or adversity.
• Show them how to be a better student. It may seem odd that a star quarterback can memorize every detail of a complex playbook, but has trouble with class studies. If he’s having trouble with chemistry, for example, place the playbook next to the textbook and show him the parallels of complexity. Don’t let him believe he’s “just a jock.” 

About Jason Richardson, Psy.D., MBA

Dr. Jason Richardson (www.drjasonrichardson.com) is a psychologist who earned his principles for self-improvement as a world-traveling athlete, doctoral student and student of life. He maintained top-10 status on the professional BMX circuit for most of his 15-year career, retiring with a gold medal at the 2007 Pan American Games. 

How to Find Balance in Your Life

By D. Scott Trettenero

Much has been written and discussed about how balance in life will help us be happier and healthier. It is easy to notice when one’s life is out of balance with feelings of distress, anxiety, and uneasiness. Being in total balance is a goal that may never be obtainable as life is always changing and full of surprises.

Life seems to be a juggling act of its many different aspects.

To strive for the best balance possible, it is important to know what to balance. Life is full of contradictions and we are sometimes forced to manage situations that are not comfortable for us.

Dr. Robert Quinn of University of Michigan Business School gives us a description of these contradictions with his Competing Values Model that he applies to business and leadership. He says that we must juggle certain opposite and conflicting aspects of life to be successful.  If we apply his model to our everyday life, we can better understand what the important areas are that we must concentrate on to create our balance.

• Healthy Relationships:  We all have a need and a desire for healthy and respectful relationships. Relationships are our connection to others and help to create feelings of belonging, camaraderie, and ultimately love. Giving of ourselves creates a goodwill that attracts others to us.
• Meaningful Work:  Work is an environment where we can use our given or learned talents in a way that creates value for services needed or wanted by others. If one is passionate about their work, it can become a part of one’s identity. The more value we can create, the more rewards we can earn.
• Adequate Recreation: Recreation is a time to relax, recuperate, and enjoy ourselves. We can recharge our batteries and let go of our burdens. All work and no play can make us one dimensional. Recreation can broaden our interests and capabilities.
• Self-Time:  This is something that is much needed for a multitude of reasons. We all need time for introspection, reflection, and the space to create new perceptions of how we are living.  This is also a time for exercise, reading, learning, and meditation. We need some time for working on our body, mind and spirit.

As we get out of balance in any of these areas of life, we will want to devote more time and energy to them to regain our balance. One thing to notice about these different aspects of life is that they are in opposition to each other. Work is the opposite of play and relationships are the opposite of self-time. We all might have an area of life that we are stronger in by our natures and our temperaments. The area we will be weakest in might be the one opposing it.

Working toward balance will help us not only to be more centered and grounded, but to become more and better rounded. We can all use more of that.

About D. Scott Trettenero

D. Scott Trettenero is a practicing solo dentist and a student of human temperaments, the latter of which formed the basis for his first book, “Unlocking the T-Code.” His recent book, “Master the Mystery of Human Nature: Resolving the Conflict of Opposing Values” (www.masterthemysterybook.com), helps readers learn about themselves, others and how the world works because of our differences.

Hope for Procrastinators in a White T-shirt

I just love this post and this blog- this is a guest post from stabbinginthedark.com

Saturday afternoon laundry.  I had things to do and places to be (those are lies).  My mind raced as I reduced the size of this mountainous pile of laundry one article of clothing at a time. “I don’t have the time to waste folding laundry.”   I grabbed a white undershirt and began to fold it.

The T-shirt was inside-out.  I hesitated before folding it. Should I fix it?  I held and stared at the T-shirt as I contemplated right siding it.  Truth be told, I could have right-sided and reversed it four times in the span that I contemplated what to do.  But I was no longer thinking about the T-shirt, my mind shifted into metaphor mode.

Someone is going to fix this T-shirt.  It’s either going to me or future me. One of us is going to do it, and I get to choose. That doesn’t seem very fair to future me – he gets no vote in this?.  The choice was obvious.  I’m Saturday me with nothing pressing on my plate and future me is going to be running five minutes late for work and grab this shirt.  Which one of us should tackle this?  No brainer, right?

But that’s not how those of us with the procrastination bug roll.  We are selfish and disrespectful of our future selves.  Worst of all, our tactics for living a successful life suck.

Time is the most precious commodity in our lives and it is limited. Every other “self-help” book on the shelf is a 300-page treatise on how to convert your time into success. Piling up crappy tasks on a man (future me) who is always rushing to leave the house on time seems like a poor decision.  He’s the guy who I am counting on to achieve my dreams, maybe I should be working harder at freeing up his time so that he can get moving on that.

I’ve read every book there is to read about procrastination (probably because I had something important that needed to be done), and it wasn’t until I held that T-shirt in my hand did I see a twinkle of light from the end of the tunnel.

My new anti-procrastination pep talk is:  “Don’t be so freaking selfish.  Show your future self the same level of respect you would show anyone that you loved.  Start being more Sun Tzu-ish with your time.”

Remember, someone is going to unscrew that T-shirt.  Who’s it going to be?

5 Unique Wedding Send Off Ideas

When the Mr and I got married, I wanted the send off to be a special part of the reception. I knew that it is illegal to throw out rice because it can harm birds. I had thought about doing bird seed, but that is done a lot and where we got married, we didn't know if it was a good idea, so we put our heads together to come up with different ideas. Here are some that we thought of.

1. Bells- I wear a bell on my necklace every day. It is very special and I have always loved the sound of bells. We actually chose this as our send off. We had little cards with bells attached and it was beautiful. It was nice for our special day to include something so special to me.

(The bell on my neck was on my baby shoes, my dad's baby shoes, and his dad's baby shoes. It was given to me after my grandma passed so that my family would always be with me.)

2. Bubbles- I love the idea of bubbles being blown as the couple leaves. It's just so fun and there is no harm to the environment or animals.

3. Whistles and Other Noisemakers- These can be really fun, but one must consider the location before choosing this one. If you are out in the country away from people, it would be perfect. Please consider any special needs of guests before choosing something loud.

4. Balloons- You can have your guests release balloons in your wedding colors- it kind of works as an announcement to the community that a very special union has been created. You could even have your guests tie cards or well-wishes to the balloons.

5. Sparklers- This is one I wish I had thought of. There are even special heart shaped sparklers that are safe for indoor use. What better way to be sent off into the night than a special fireworks show just for you.

Don't forget the wedding speech! Wedding speeches are an integral part of any wedding. Whether you are planning a wedding, are the father of the bride, or are the best man, be sure to make your speech memorable! 

Whitmor Will Serve Up Your Summer Parties with Ease

From backyard barbecues and pool parties to bonfires and birthdays, summer is the season to be outside with family and friends. Whether you're entertaining at home or headed to the beach, Whitmor will ensure you entertain with ease!

Whitmor offers a range of products to help store, organize and transport your essentials. You can take an entire party to the beach or to the backyard with the help of Whitmor’s rolling cart.

Rolling Cart Features:

• Black extra large deluxe utility cart on wheels
• Extra large capacity for hauling groceries, sports equipment and of course party supplies!
• Handle is covered with soft-grip foam
• Lightweight (only 4.6 lbs.)
• Durable steel construction
• Easy to assemble, no tools required
• Folds up for storage

You can also keep your kitchen clutter-free with chrome shelving that adds shelf space to your home, while looking clean and classic. This will help you keep all of your party essentials within reach and all of your guests’ needs will be met with a smile.

Chrome Shelving features: 

 

• Expand the shelf space in your kitchen or anywhere you need extra storage
• Durable shelf unit 
• Made of heavy duty chromed steel 
• Each shelf holds up to 350 lbs  
• Ventilate shelves adjust at one inch increments
• Adjustable leveling feet adds stability on any floor surface 
• Set up is easy, no tools required
• 10 year limited warranty
• Wire shelves adjustable in 1-inch increments; no tools required

ABOUT WHITMOR: 

Whitmore specializes in bringing organization home. They are a fourth generation owned and operated business established in 1946. They strive to provide extraordinary products for their consumers to successfully and happily bring greater organization into their everyday lives. They have created a careful balance between functional and innovative products, keeping their high quality standards and value pricing. 

How To Prepare Your Teen To Succeed In A Complex World

When a bright, happy preteen evolves into a self-absorbed or anxious teenager, apprehensive parents can’t help but wonder, “What’s wrong with my child?”

The answer could be “nothing,” other than the typical struggles adolescents have always faced, says Jeffrey Leiken, author of “Adolescence is Not a Disease: Beyond Drinking, Drugs and Dangerous Friends – The Journey to Adulthood” (www.Leiken.com).

As CEO of Evolution Mentoring International, Leiken provides mentoring for teens and young adults, going beyond the typical work of a therapist by building a relationship so that they come to see Leiken as a trusted confidant who answers their late-night text messages and isn’t quick to label them.

“I don’t start with the premise that there is something wrong with them that needs to be fixed,” Leiken says. “The teens and young adults I work with often are saner than the system they are in – a system that seems to forget we are raising humans, not building robots.”

Parents sometimes get caught up in that system, too, but in many cases they just need to chill, he says.

Leiken says parents who want to prepare teenagers for the day they will venture out on their own should:

• “Great advice, wrong source” – Enlist the aid of other adults. Parents are puzzled when they give excellent advice that their teenager promptly ignores. But adolescents often discard words of wisdom from their parents that they would embrace if the guidance came from someone else. That’s why it’s important to enlist the help of other adults who can offer coaching, training and guidance to the teen.
• Avoid letting fear be the guide. Too many parents are on edge, worried that if their teen isn’t in the top 1 percent of the high school class, they will be denied hope for economic prosperity, status, and independence. Their anxieties can rub off on young people who become hesitant to take risks for fear of endangering their future. Instead of scaring them, parents need to encourage teens to step outside their comfort zones and take risks that will help them grow into confident, well-rounded adults.
• Help teens eliminate choices. One popular bit of advice parents hear is they should encourage teenagers to keep all their options open. That sounds like a good strategy, but isn’t. In reality, parents need to encourage teens to eliminate options – such as for colleges or careers – that aren’t and never will be right for them. The teens’ decision-making abilities will increase as a result. 

“Parents also need to realize they don’t have to become experts in raising teenagers,” Leiken says. “They just have to become an expert in raising their own teenager.”

About Jeffrey Leiken

Jeffery Leiken (www.Leiken.com) is the CEO of Evolution Mentoring International and is co-founder of HeroPath International. Leiken also is author of “Adolescence is Not a Disease: Beyond Drinking, Drugs and Dangerous Friends – The Journey to Adulthood.” He has presented at TED in Athens, Greece; guest lectured at Stanford University; and facilitated programs for teenagers on three continents and in seven countries, among other accomplishments. He has a master’s degree in educational counseling.

Book Review: Peg + Cat: The Pizza Problem

Disclaimer: I received a product to review. All opinions are my own.

Math is a tough one for me, but I am truly enjoying teaching Tbomb math. I love finding new ways of teaching him a concept. Even when he seems to have "mastered" something, I look for a new way to teach it to him to make sure that he is actually learning it, and not just memorizing things. I strive to make it fun for him, so when I was offered a copy of Peg + Cat: The Pizza Problem, I knew this would be the book for him because he loves that cartoon!

We are starting to study a little about fractions, like quarters and halves. He's getting it, but a visual is always best, especially in the form of characters he loves! Peg + Cat: The Pizza Problem ($10.72), by Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson, definitely caught his attention.

It’s lunchtime at Peg’s Pizza Place! Peg and Cat are excited to take their first order — from the Teens! — only to learn that some of their customers want a whole pizza while one of them wants half a pie. How can Peg and Cat make half a pie when they don’t know what half is? Luckily, Ramone and Mac are there to help, with a slice up the middle of the pizza. As more customers come in, things get entertaining, with Peg singing a jazzy song and Cat doing a dance. But soon there’s another problem: four orders, but only two and a half pizzas left. Peg is totally freaking out — until Cat reminds her that when it comes to halves and wholes, it’s all in how you slice it.

 Of course, pizza is just about the best way to teach about fractions (especially when we can eat it!). Tbomb has already asked for pizza for dinner, asked for the book several times, and is starting to recognize fractions in everyday life! I think tomorrow night, well have pizza and the book!

Book Review: The Complete Book of US Presidents

Disclaimer: I received a book to review. All opinions are my own.

I love history. Truth be told, it was probably my favorite subject. I also love learning little tidbits that you really don't think you will ever need- then one day it is brought up and you know the answer (yes, even at trivia night). I want my children to have that same love of history, especially for the great country we live in. Part of that is knowing about the leaders our country has had. I remember in high school I had to memorize the presidents in order, including their vice president, years in office, party, interesting fact, and one thing they did in office. I actually enjoyed this. I was nervous about it being an all or nothing exam, but I got it and I'm still proud of that. The things I learned while memorizing the presidents was cool too- like that tthe Baby Ruth candy bar was actually named after Grover Cleveland's duaghter, not Babe Ruth!

The Complete Book of US Presidents ($18.11), by Bill Yenne, has me very excited. I know that I will use it as a reference book for the kids, and probably even do a president unit study, but I love to read it as well. If I'm bored, I grab it a read for a bit. The book has beautiful photographs, interesting facts, and must know facts as well. It is the perfect book to have on your reference shelf. From George Washington, to Barack Obama, your child and you will learn about some of the most influential men in history.

From the first president, George Washington, to the most recent, Barack Obama, the United States has seen a host of extraordinary men take office. Their stories are all included in The Complete Book of US Presidents by journalist and historian Bill Yenne. This book features short, biographical essays about the lives of each of the 44 presidents, jam-packed with unusual details and expounding on the significant roles each commander-in-chief played in the shaping of the United States and its relations with the world. Vastly illustrated with sidebars about each and every vice president, First Lady, and interesting anecdotes on each president, this book is accessible to a broad audience and will captivate any history lover during election season.

This extremely informative and beautiful book will stay on our bookshelf through the kids' school career. I hope that I can, with the help of this book, instill a true love of history in my children- making this a book to be passed down through the generations.

Book Review: The Secrets Of Sand

Disclaimer: I received a book to review. All opinions are my own.

As I mentioned before, the kids and I will be heading to Florida with my mom so they can see where she grew up. My least favorite thing about Florida? The SAND! Seriously, I am not a fan- it is dirty and sticks to everything. However, I try to not show the kids my dislike for things and let them make up their minds for themselves. So, when I was told about The Secrets of Sand (From the same publisher as The Snowflake: Winter's Frozen Artistry), I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to get them interested. Maybe they will not notice my distaste for the stuff!

The Secrets of Sand:  A Journey into the Amazing Microscopic World of Sand ($27), by Gary Greenburg, Carol Kiely, and Kate Clover, is a beautiful book full of facts and fun.

Every grain of sand is a snapshot in time: Each grain originated somewhere and is headed somewhere else. Biogenic sands often contain fragments of the hard tissues from marine organisms such as shells, corals, sponges, sea urchins, forams, and bryozoans. When these organisms die, the hard tissues that are left behind erode into some of the most spectacular grains of sand imaginable. In this book, deep-focus microscope photography, x-ray images, and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy reveal their secrets. 

Personally, I was amazed at the beauty that is in sand as we took this tour of sand across the world and beyond. My kids were completely intriged. I even overheard my oldest saying "I wonder what this dirt would look like under a microscope." I even look at sand differently now.

Our #DisneyKids Preschool Playdate: How To Save A Rained Out Party!

Disclaimer: As A #DisneyKids Preschool Playdate host, my family received a box of goodies to throw a party, inform about Disney, and write this post with. All opinions are my own.

As soon as I got confirmation that my family was chosen to throw a #DisneyKids Preschool Playdate, I was planning a fun Easter playdate with my kids and their cousins. I knew it was going to be a blast.

the magic arrived #disneykids

A photo posted by cari (@cari_on) on Mar 12, 2016 at 11:00pm PST

By the time our box full of magic arrived, I had games planned, an Easter Egg hunt planned, amazing decor, and so much more- all to happen outside. Here comes the morning of the party and it was going to rain. Mom brain kicked in and I made some last minute changes. We did have a few cancellations, but the kids still had fun.

Easter Egg Hunt

Before the rain came in, we decided to go ahead with the Easter Egg hunt. Because the kids vary a bit in age and ability, we color coded the eggs and it worked perfectly! They loved the bite sized chocolate bunnies inside the eggs! 

The kids had a blast hunting eggs and for some of the kids, it was their first time hunting eggs, and it was magical. The color-coded eggs really made a big difference. I was extremely pleased with the outcome and many of the parents were raving about this idea and said they would be doing the same. (Yes, we ended up doing it again after the party, but inside because the kids had so much fun!)

Puppet Theater

Because we were not going to be able to be outside long, we weren't going to be able to do the puppet theater. My husband had put one together using some bushes and a sheet for the kids to do their puppet show with. We didn't have room in the house for a theater, so I came up with something different. 

I got out the kids' magnetic games with their cookie sheets and pulled out their magnetic Mr Potato Heads. I then added Xyron magnetic tape to the back of the puppet show pieces that were meant for paper bag puppets. Then, they could play Mr Potato Head #DisneyKid style!

Disney Fun

Disney had sent a whole box of goodies for the party- family thank you, treats, decor, party favors and more to help fill the party with Disney magic. The kids had a blast, as did our guests. 

Family Challenge: Chick-Fil-A Family Challenge #ChickFilAMoms

While I am a member of the #ChickFilAMoms, I have not been asked to write this post, nor have I been compensated. I just think this is really cool and want to share it with my amazing readers!

Sometimes life gets a bit crazy and scheduling a family night can be more of a chore than anything. Chick-Fil-A is helping families everywhere with this! Even with a 5-year-old and 2-year-old, it is tough to get my family device free at times. Between my work, my husband chilling with his xbox after work, school, kids playing games on their tablets, and movies- it isn't always easy to slow down and get everyone on the same page with no devices. How do we fix this? Take a trip to Chick-Fil-A, and if you succeed, you even get free ice cream!

While some locations put the boxes on the table automatically, at some locations, you have to request the 'coop'. Also, this is something that is not at all locations just yet, so be sure to check with your own location. If your family successfully completes the challenge, everyone in the group will receive a free small Icedream cone! Pretty awesome, huh? 

I love this new challenge and have heard that some families have requested to take the 'coop' home with them so they can do the challenge at home! I think I'm going to try something like this at home as well. I may even extend it and make it for a weekend (besides a limited amount of time to check for emergency business emails). 

I challenge you to have a meal without screens, at Chick-Fil-A or even at home! 

Smart Ways to Save on Energy Costs

As the weather warms up, many people will turn to their air conditioners for relief. This can lead to significantly higher energy costs -- there are few things more unpleasant than a "surprise" utility bill that's double or even triple what you were expecting. If you're looking to keep your utility costs and energy consumption in check, there are several things you can do.

Become More Energy Conscious

Just by thinking more about how you use water and energy will help you avoid wasting it. Consider this: when you don't think about wasting water, it's much easier to run the tap while brushing your teeth, take long showers, and be less thoughtful about running laundry loads. However, committing to being more thoughtful about the amount of water and energy that you use will cause you to pause, think, and act differently.

Use an Energy Calculator

It can be difficult to monitor just how much water, gas, and electricity you use each month, and many utility companies don't provide comprehensive data. Fortunately, there are several useful apps and websites that will provide information about your energy consumption. An example is the free website Savvy on Waste, which calculates that amount of water and energy that you use. It can also estimate the amount of gas and fuels that your home uses. Tools like this not only help you save money on utilities but also ensure a lower carbon footprint in your home.

Schedule a home energy audit to determine how much energy you are using and discover easy, affordable ways to save.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

There's no need to run your heating or cooling system when you're away from home, but few people want to return to a house that's uncomfortable just for the sake of saving money. This is where programmable thermostats come in and are not only great for maintaining the comfort of your home, but saving energy. Quality programmable thermostats can be found for less than $50, and you can recoup the investment through utility savings. Programmable thermostats also make managing your heating and cooling systems very convenient, and some come equipped with features such as WiFi capability and the ability to be managed via your PC, smartphone, or tablet.

By using these tips, you'll be on your way to lower utility costs and a more energy efficient home.

Another way to save energy and make your house look better is to have the roof professionally pressure washed. Algae and dirt buildup can retain heat, which means you are using more air conditioning. Plus, cleaning the roof can extend the life of the shingles.

Healthy Snack Options For Travel and Tips For Preparing Them (Plus #CrispyGreen #Giveaway)

Over the next couple of weeks, I will be bringing you lots of travel posts and I prepare for summer travel to the beaches. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be bringing you lots of travel posts and I prepare for summer travel to the beaches, camping, day trips, and our big road trip to Panama City, Florida. There will be posts about entertainment, organizing, and staying healthy. I will be sharing my favorite products, tips, and more- you might even win something! The next couple of weeks are going to be packed with goodness, so stay tuned. (Subscribe and never miss a post! Just check the sidebar!)

One of the things I stress about the most when we travel is what the kids eat. Not only do I want to make sure that they are eating healthy, I want to keep the arguing about food to a minimum, and make sure their snacks are easy to eat on the go and can stay cold when needed. It used to take me a few trips to the grocery store to get it right, but now I have figured out what works for us and I just make a list. 

Here are a few things that I have found to make snack time easier on the go. While I do make sure to bring along some special treats (usually Hershey's miniatures, gummy snacks, or sugar-free candy), for the most part, the kids have somewhat healthy snacks. 

1. Bananas- The only thing about bananas is that I have to have a knife to cut Kodabug's in half long ways go make sure she doesn't choke. Grapes are great too! However, I cut them in half ahead of time- Kodabug is too young for them whole and in the car, I always worry if one chokes, I won't be able to get to them, so I try to cut down on choking hazards. Halos and Cuties are great too, but I peel them ahead of time and double check for seeds. 

2. Apples- While you can leave them whole, I don't like to because they are harder for the kids to eat. There are a couple of ways to prepare them for travel though- and keep them from turning brown. 

A. Cut with an apple slicer, put back together, then wrap in cling wrap.

B. Cut with apple slicer, soak in gingerale, lime soda, or juice then seal in zip bag.

3. Purchase bags of somewhat healthy "kid snacks" and divide into cups, zip bags, or formula container. I usually get graham crackers, goldfish, animal crackers, cereal, and pretzels. Each kid has a formula container that I put snacks in each compartment- then I pour them into their no-spill snack cup. Same when I put them in a zip bag. I have also been known to get those cheap packs of peanut butter crackers- there are about 8 packs of 4- the kids love them and they are only $1 a box. 

4. Peanut Butter Sandwiches. My kids love peanut butter, so I usually make them a peanut butter sandwich and put in their bento boxes with some fruit and use the other compartment to hold a drink. 

5. WATER. Whenever we are out running errands or traveling, the kids always have their water bottles filled up. When we travel, I use a waterbean, so that I'm sure the water is good to go. They have to drink that water during the day- after they are half done with it, they can have a juice. I am always staying on them to drink water because it is something I struggle with. 

6. Juice Boxes. Do you remember your mom freezing juice boxes for you? I do and my mother-in-law recently reminded me about her doing that for my husband. On our trip to Florida, I will definitely be freezing boxes for the ride and then freezing more for the ride home. 

7. Applesauce, yogurt, pudding: I like to include some of these because the kids love them. Applesauce is healthy, as is yogurt. Pudding is a nice treat. I usually put these in our reusable snack pouches. If I don't think I'll be able to wash them good enough, I'll buy individual size ones and give the kids a straw to poke in the top and they can drink it. (confession: I'll grab extra fast food straws for this because they are bigger. Because Kodabug is young and wild, I actually cut them in half ahead of time and put them in a ziplock bag)

8. When you can, don't buy travel/ snack sized items. It may seem convenient but think of the money you save by packaging it yourself. It could even pay for a lunch or even special ice cream stop. 

9. Cooler: There are going to be things that you need to keep cold. It may be drinks, yogurt packs, cheese sticks, or anything. There are also much easier ways of keeping those items cold besides relying on ice- I cannot stand melting ice everywhere. I have an insulated picnic basket that works perfect or road trips- I can easily fit it up front.

A. Wet sponges inside zip bags then frozen.

B. Cool Blue Packs

C. Ice in zip bags

D. I have a cooler size pad that freezes

E. Cold Pack (they are large)

F. Ice packs for injuries (dual purpose)

10. Crispy Fruit Snacks from Crispy Green are my absolute favorite snack option for anytime, especially travel. They are freeze-dried fruit- and that is it. They look and taste like fruit and the kids love them. No added ingredients, convenient package, and the kids love them- what more can a mom ask for? Find out how I fell in love with them about a year ago here!

Crispy Green Giveaway:

I have mentioned several times how much I absolutely love Crispy Fruit Snacks from Crispy Green. My kids love them too. We love all the varieties except mango (I'm allergic, so I don't let the kids have it)

I always have some on hand for errand days, to throw in the picnic basket, for day trips, travel, and more. They are also great for a quick afternoon snack outside. 

I have huge news! Crispy Green is offering an amazing giveaway to the readers of The Palmetto Queen. You are going to love this. You can win a variety box of Fruit Crisps and a Crispy Green picnic blanket. Even better- there are three to give away! Pretty exciting, huh? If you would like to win this gift set, just comment below for your chance and let me know what your favorite snack for travel is! Three winners will be chosen April 15, 2016. 

Good Luck!