itm test

Here are some of the fun things we chatted about this morn...

America’s Wackiest Summer Events

TripAdvisor has announced 10 wacky summer events in the U.S., as chosen by TripAdvisor editors. From the world’s largest mosquito, to a “slugburger” eating contest and bat costume competitions, these events feature off-the-wall fun for travelers seeking quirky pursuits as the mercury rises.

1. The Great Texas Mosquito Festival – June 26-28, Clute, Texas
2. Slugburger Festival – July 12-14, Corinth, Mississippi http://www.slugburgerfestival.com
3. World Chicken Festival –September 27-30. London, Kentucky
4. Humungus Fungus Fest – August 3-5, Crystal Falls, Michigan
5. Wausau Possum Festival – August 4th, Wausau, Florida
6. Batfest – August 25th, Austin, Texas
7. National Hollerin’ Contest – June 16th, Spivey’s Corner, North Carolina
8. Cream Cheese Festival – September 15th, Lowville, New York
9. Hope Watermelon Festival – August 9-11, Hope, Arkansas
10. Mattoon Bagelfest – July 19-21, Mattoon, Illinois

Dads are starting to feel the love on Father's day...

Families are closing the Father’s Day-Mother’s Day spending gap, with loved ones forecast to spend $117.14 on average, or 10 percent more than last year, according to the National Retail Federation. The spending estimate shows that the gap between Father’s Day and Mother’s Day spending has narrowed in recent years – shoppers expected to spend about $35 less for Father’s Day than for Mother’s Day this year versus a difference of $40 in 2007. Dad can expect to be showered with a special outing, such as golf or a sporting event, with consumers spending a collective $2.3 billion this year versus $2 billion last year, and electronic gifts, clothing and gift cards, each of the latter three expected to garner $1.7 billion in spending. More than one-quarter of mobile shoppers who own a tablet (25.2 percent) say they will use the tablet to make a Father’s Day purchase, and one in 10 smartphone owners will buy a gift through their smartphone. Overall, Father’s Day spending is expected to total $12.7 billion nationwide, up 14% collectively, from last year’s $11.1 billion.

Friday Toy Memory: Magic Potty Baby. Wha? I was in college when this toy came out but it amuses me. A much younger friend of mine mentioned this toy. It was a doll that came with a toilet and it would...uh, go potty. Ah, the 90's.

Recent Posts

Posts from July 2012

Getting Ready
by Greg , posted Jul 21 2012 10:01AM

Okay parents, it's that time of year, time to get ready to go back to school. So whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the world of getting the kids ready for a new school year, here are a few tips to help make the transition not perfect, but at least a little smoother.

First off, we'll get to the shopping part in a little bit, but first make sure your paperwork is in order. Since the new requirements for immunizations are in place, school entry may require documentation of updated shots as well athletes need proof of medical examinations. Trust me, doing this now will prevent you from having to cram it all in two days before you try and drop the kids off only to find out the school won't let them through the door. Call the school or visit the school website beforehand to find out what paperwork is required.

Now we can talk about back to school shopping. Since sales for going back to school begin as early as late July, an informed shopper is a smart, efficient and savvy shopper. Take the time to empty drawers and closets of outgrown or worn-out clothing, either donate them as I do, or discard them. Next sit with your kids and make a list of what they need as well as what they want, we all know budgets are tight, so sitting down ahead of time will help avoid in store tantrums and not destroy the family budget. Next, ask the school or log onto their website find the list of school supplies required, because the last thing you want is to get that call in the morning after the year has started saying they don't have any pencils or paper. Finally, shop early. Tardy shoppers will have a tough time finding supplies since stores will start having Halloween costumes and Christmas decorations in September.

Next, start easing into school routines. Hey, I know summer is still here, but easing into a school routine now will be better than drastic adjustment in late August. In early August, begin waking late sleepers earlier and earlier, close to the hour they'll need to rise when school begins. Also, don't forget meal times. Younger kids in particular, need to adapt new meal routines before the school day demands it. Plan meals and snacks to accustom little ones to rituals of the day before the school year begins.

Lastly, start organizing the family calendar. With families becoming more and more active, the last thing you want is to get lost in a sea of activities, so getting organized as early as possible will eliminate a lot of the chaos. Also, with new school and roads popping up, it wouldn't be a bad idea to travel the path to school to find the most efficient route. We all know the occasional missed bus happens as well as they often late for an after school activity, by planning out the route, you will be prepared for traffic jams along the way as well as trying not to make yourself late for work too.

There you go, a few tips for the up and coming school year. Remember, you have the power to turn potential chaos into order. Happy New School Year, and everybody will benefit from an organized home.

	(0) Comments
Tags : Topics: Education Social: Education