Reading aloud is a great way to help your child learn and grow. The benefits of reading aloud are well documented, so it’s no wonder that parents want their children to participate in this activity. Let’s explore three reasons why reading aloud is an awesome activity for your kids – whether you do it or they do it.

• Reading aloud helps develop important cognitive skills and literacy techniques.

• • Reading aloud allows your child to hear words read by someone else – which is an excellent way for them to practice their understanding of how letters sound when connected together in words. It helps them to recognize words both phonetically and visually as well. 
  • Reading out loud also develops your child’s vocabulary skills because you will be able to explain new words simply (and perhaps even demonstrate) if it isn’t something they know yet. Explaining unfamiliar concepts while reading enables children not only to learn about those things but also helps to develop their curiosity. 

• Reading aloud provides an opportunity to bond with your child.

• • You can enjoy books together and talk about what you’re reading or look at pictures while children practice following along. It also provides children with an opportunity to ask questions, which will help them make sense of things they might not understand yet but want to know more about. 
  • Reading out loud reinforces positive feelings between a parent and child by allowing them time to share ideas and thoughts – without any distractions since everyone is focused on one thing only: enjoying themselves! This lets parents teach important values, too – such as empathy – through stories. You can find lots of books that can help your child with the different feelings they experience as they grow up.

• Reading aloud helps children increase their attention span. 

• • When children are exposed to books and stories from a young age, they learn how to listen for an extended period of time. This is because the brain learns that this activity is important – it’s not just about sitting on Mom’s or Dad’s lap in order to take up their free time. With repeated exposure throughout childhood, your child will find themselves becoming better at reading (and doing everything else) by simply paying attention more often.

• Reading aloud helps children learn to love reading for themselves.

• • The act of listening while someone reads a book is one thing, but participating in the activity yourself is something else entirely – and it’s an important step you should take with your child. By being part of the process together, as well as having their favorite books read out loud by mom or dad, they’ll be able to see how much fun it can be and why reading makes them happy.
  • Hopefully, reading becomes a lifelong activity that they love – so that when they get older, they might even continue doing so on their own time without anyone “making them” do it. These are small steps towards independence that may seem unimportant early on but will become valuable later down the line.

Reading is fun for parents and children alike, especially if they get to choose the book from an early age. So the next time your child asks you to read them something or says ‘I like reading’ – don’t be surprised! By reading aloud to your child, you are helping them to become well-rounded individuals who will have a great vocabulary, a love for books, and a parental bond that can’t be broken.

If you own your own business or you’re thinking about starting your own business, you know that there’s a ton you need to know in order to make it a success. And, while you’ve done your homework and connected with experts, there’s always more to learn

That’s where a good podcast can help! And today, there are a ton of good ones out there! Here are just a few to check out.

• Entrepreneurs on Fire: John Lee Dumas is the founder and host of the award winning podcast, Entrepreneurs On Fire. With over 100 million listens of his 3000+ episodes, JLD has turned Entrepreneurs On Fire into a media empire that generates over a million listens every month and 7-figures of NET annual revenue 8-years in a row. His first traditionally published book, The Common Path to Uncommon Success is the modern day version of Think and Grow Rich with a revolutionary 17-step roadmap to financial freedom and fulfillment.
• The GaryVee Audio Experience: Welcome to The Garyvee Audio Experience, hosted by entrepreneur, CEO, investor, vlogger, and public speaker Gary Vaynerchuk. On this podcast you’ll find a mix of my #AskGaryVee show episodes, keynote speeches on marketing and business, segments from my WEEKLYVEE video series, interviews and fireside chats I’ve given, as well as new and current thoughts I record originally for this audio experience!
• Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast: Pat Flynn from The Smart Passive Income Blog reveals all of his online business and blogging strategies, income sources and killer marketing tips and tricks so you can be ahead of the curve with your online business or blog. Discover how you can create multiple passive income streams that work for you so that you can have the time and freedom to do what you love, whether it’s traveling the world, or just living comfortably at home. Since 2008, he’s been supporting his family with his many online businesses, and he’s been openly sharing his wins, his losses, and all the lessons in between with the community of energetic but humble entrepreneurs who follow him. Self-proclaimed “crash test dummy of online business”, you’ll learn about building authority online, email marketing, building a team and outsourcing, content marketing, podcasting, search engine optimization, niche sites, social media strategies, how to get more traffic, creating online courses, affiliate marketing, and productivity tips so that you create something amazing without burning yourself out. It’s a mix of interviews, special co-hosts and solo shows from Pat you’re not going to want to miss.
• The BizChix Podcast: Host Natalie Eckdahl, MBA is a coach to high performing women. She is married with three children ages 6-19. Natalie helps women entrepreneurs own their role as CEO through her business trainings, on air coaching calls and expert interviews. Learn how to master your mindset, grow as a leader, refine your strategies, build your team and gain visibility in your industry. Natalie is also an expert in outsourcing at home and at work.
• How I Built This with Guy Raz: Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the world’s best known companies. How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built.
• The Mind Your Business Podcast: All entrepreneurs want to know the secret to success. James Wedmore, a seven-figure online entrepreneur, believes success is created by mindset over strategy, magic over metrics, and attitude over action. In this podcast, James untangles the common misconception that hustle and hard work are all it takes to be successful.
• The $100 MBA Show: Awarded Best of iTunes, The $100 MBA Show is a new kind of podcast where you simply get better at business with our practical business lessons for the real world. These no fluff episodes are packed with only the pure business building training you want. Omar Zenhom (@TheOmarZenhom) shares some of the best lessons, concepts, examples and insights from inside The $100 MBA training and community. Omar also calls upon some of the industry’s top experts as guest teachers on the show. Again, no backstories or promotions, just solid business lessons from the best in the game.

Podcasts are a great way for entrepreneurs to learn new things and stay up-to-date on best practices for their business – along with getting some inspiration from experts in the field. Take a listen to these podcasts and see what tips and tricks you pick up along the way.

***All podcast descriptions courtesy of Apple.

Are you a parent who wants to see your children be happy? Of course, you are! After all, children are the light of our lives, and we want nothing more than to see them be content with their lives. So, how can we make this happen? Here are some great ways to have happier children!

1. Show Your Happiness: Showing your happiness is the best way to teach children how to find joy. Children learn by example, so if you show them that you’re happy and content with yourself, they are much more likely to follow suit. Your own feelings will rub off on others around you, including your child’s.
2. Celebrate Things: Your child’s happiness will increase if you celebrate the little things that happen in life. It doesn’t need to be a big party, but celebrating with your child when they do something new or accomplish a goal is very uplifting and exciting for them. 
3. Give Kids Your Undivided Attention: One of the best ways to make children happy is by giving them your undivided attention. Your child will feel loved and appreciated if they are given time and space just for themselves. You can do this in a variety of ways – whether it’s reading a book together, playing board games with one another, or drawing pictures.
4. Spend Time Together: Spending time together is an important way to keep children happy. Whether it’s going out for a walk in the neighborhood, eating dinner as a family at home each night, or reading stories before bedtime, kids need to feel like they’re included and loved during their day-to-day life.
5. Teach Them to Manage Their Emotions: Children are often unpredictable, and there will be times when they’ll get angry or sad. The best way to help them manage their emotions is for you to show empathy – let your child know that you understand how they feel without judging what occurred. You can do this by saying something like, “I see why you’re so upset right now.” This shows your empathy and helps them acknowledge how they’re feeling.
6. Keep a Schedule – For the Most Part: Children need structure for their day-to-day lives. They should have a general idea of what the next hour, day, or week will look like – this way, they know what to expect and can feel more in control of themselves.
7. Let Them Play: When children are happy, it’s usually because they’re having fun! So make sure to give them some time every day for playing with friends or alone. 
8. Limit Screen Time: It’s recommended that children should spend less than two hours in front of screens each day. There is a lot of research that says more than this can lead to an increase in anxiety and depression among children, so it’s important not to overdo it. While it may not be possible to reach this goal every day – it’s good to keep the recommendation in mind.
9. Give Them Choices: Giving children choices is a great way to make them feel like they have control over what happens in their day. Whether it’s something as simple as picking out clothes or deciding where you’ll be eating for dinner, kids need to know that there are options and that they have a voice in certain decisions.
10. Let Them Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to teach children about the world around them and how they can help. When they volunteer, it teaches them that there are many needs in this world – and that giving back to those around you is a great feeling.

Raising happier children is what all parents want – and these tips can go a long way to making that happen. Which ones are you going to try?

Cleaning can be a difficult task sometimes – and it’s definitely something that most people don’t like to do. There are always going to be those hard-to-reach spots, and there will always be some tough stains that you just don’t know how to get out. But with a few simple tips and tricks – it might not be so bad!

1. Tip #1: If you have any stubborn stains, use a little vinegar to help break down the stain. Just spray some on and then rinse as normal; it should come out with just a few tries. Vinegar is also useful if there are oil or grease stains around the stovetop or sink area where food tends to get stuck.
2. Tip #2: Keep an old toothbrush handy so that you can reach those hard-to-reach places in furniture like corners of bookshelves or even inside drawers. You can also find uses for them when cleaning other things like bathroom tile or grout –  since they’re great at getting into all the nooks and crannies.
3. Tip #3: Skip the expensive store-bought cleaners and make your own! You can mix ingredients like baking soda, white vinegar, dish soap, or even lemon juice to create a customized cleaner that will work best on tough stains in your home. Then you know exactly what’s going into it since you made it yourself!
4. Tip #4: Keep a dry erase board handy, so you can jot down any hard-to-reach areas that need to be cleaned in the future or need extra attention next time. This is also helpful if your schedule gets busy and cleaning falls by the wayside; cross off “dry erase” items when completed as a reminder for next time.
5. Tip #5: If you want to clean window sills and tracks, try using an old squeegee or an oversized sponge and some soapy water to scrub away dirt. 
6. Tip #6: Use the right tools when it comes to deep cleaning floors! Try a vacuum cleaner first before going at it with traditional mops and buckets—this will suck up any leftover dust and debris hidden in corners. You can also use a broom with an attachment like an extendable handle to get underneath furniture or around other hard-to-reach spaces, which will make your floor that much cleaner! And when it comes to carpets, you might consider renting a carpet cleaner.
7. Tip #7: When it comes to cleaning those pesky hard-to-reach places, the easiest solution might be something you already have. Try using a broom with an extendable handle for extra reach when trying to clean high spots like corners of ceilings. 
8. Tip #8: If you have trouble getting your oven looking brand new again (especially if it’s been neglected with regular use), there are a few easy ways to bring back its shine. Wiki shares three easy ways – so you can choose which one works for you.
9. Tip #9: Clean regularly. The most common reason that you end up with stains or a collection of dust is that you’re not cleaning regularly – especially the hard-to-reach spots. Create a calendar so that you know what has to be cleaned and when – and then try to stick to it!

Keeping a clean home is important for many reasons – including your physical and mental health – so, while it may not be your favorite task – it’s one that has to get done. These tips should make it a little easier – and if you have others, please share in the comments!

When you take a look at your bank account, how do you feel? If you’re like most people, you’re wishing there was a little more (or a lot more) in there. After all, who couldn’t use a few more dollars in their checking or savings account?

But it’s not always easy to change your habits and or look at ways to make that happen. But here are some simple ways that might help you establish new habits while they help your wallet.

1. Day 1: Adjust the temperature in your home. If you have your heat on, turn the thermostat down a few degrees (and grab a sweater), or if you’re running your air conditioner, turn it up a few degrees. 
2. Day 2: Don’t use your credit cards at all.
3. Day 3: Gather all of your bills and call and see if they are running any promotions or specials. (This is great for things like cable television or your cell service.)
4. Day 4: Look at your current credit cards and check the balances. If you are carrying over balances each month, work to pay off the cards with the highest interest rates first.
5. Day 5: Make your coffee at home! No trips to see your favorite barista for a while.
6. Day 6: Pack your lunch, so you’re not always eating out at work.
7. Day 7: Check your memberships. Do you have memberships you are not using – for example, to a gym? Then cancel them. That’s money in your pocket.
8. Day 8: Create a budget. This will help you see exactly where your paycheck is going.
9. Day 9: Contribute to your retirement. Yes, you’re trying to save money, but if your employer has a retirement plan, this is almost always a good investment.
10. Day 10: Set up an emergency savings account.
11. Day 11: Cancel subscriptions. Do you have magazines coming to your home that you’re not reading? It’s time to call and get them canceled.
12. Day 12: Get an app to track your spending. You need to know where your money is going – and an app is an easy way to do this.
13. Day 13: Check your credit score.
14. Day 14: Make no major purchases for 30 days.
15. Day 15: Contact your insurance companies. Check-in with your insurance providers and see if there are ways to reduce your fees. You might get a reduced rate on your car insurance, for example, if you’ve been a while without a ticket or an accident.
16. Day 16: Set your bills up for autopay. No more late fees if you have everything automated and ready to go.
17. Day 17: Create some financial goals. Write down 3-5 financial goals you have (short-term and long-term) and come up with a plan to make them a reality.
18. Day 18: Think about ways to earn more income. Maybe a side hustle?
19. Day 19: Go through your home and declutter. Sell things you no longer need or use.
20. Day 20: Shop for better credit cards. It may be time to shop for credit cards with lower interest rates or that offer cashback on purchases. 
21. Day 21: Consider moving to “cash only” and putting your credit cards away.
22. Day 22: When making any purchases – make sure you are comparing prices.
23. Day 23: Eat at home for the next 30 days. 
24. Day 24: Seek free entertainment opportunities.
25. Day 25: Outsourcing a lot of tasks/services? It may be time to cut back.
26. Day 26: Shop for groceries wisely. Groceries make up a large part of your budget – so you want to make sure you are shopping smart by buying in bulk and shopping sales.
27. Day 27: Unsubscribe from online retailers. Retailers hope that all of their emails will entice you into buying something, but when you don’t get their emails, the temptation decreases.
28. Day 28: Negotiate loans. If you have loans (i.e., car or student loan), speak with your bank to see if better rates are available.
29. Day 29: Save your extra change. If you have a bunch of change hanging around, start putting it in a coin jar as an easy means of saving.
30. Day 30: Download some apps. There are all sorts of apps that can save you money. Restaurants, grocery stores, and many other retailers offer all sorts of savings via their apps. Download those places you frequent most often.

If you’re ready to save some money, then give this 30-Day Money Challenge a try! Even if you just try a few of the things on this list, you should see a few extra dollars in your wallet.

New moms and moms-to-be have a LOT going on in their lives! But one thing is for sure – moms always want to do the very best for their babies. Of course, with all of the information readily available, you may be confused by what you should be doing. 

The best answer is that you do what works for you! 

But if you want some additional information to help you make decisions – whether it be about swaddling, or sleeping, or transitioning to solid foods, then there are a lot of good books out there. Here are four that you might want to check out as you navigate motherhood.

1. What to Expect the First Year by Heidi Murkoff
   • Some things about babies, happily, will never change. They still arrive warm, cuddly, soft, and smelling impossibly sweet. But how moms and dads care for their brand-new bundles of baby joy has changed—and now, so has the new-baby bible.
   • Announcing the completely revised third edition of What to Expect the First Year. With over 10.5 million copies in print, First Year is the world’s best-selling, best-loved guide to the instructions that babies don’t come with, but should. And now, it’s better than ever. Every parent’s must-have/go-to is completely updated.
   • Keeping the trademark month-by-month format that allows parents to take the potentially overwhelming first year one step at a time, First Year is easier-to-read, faster-to-flip-through, and new-family-friendlier than ever—packed with even more practical tips, realistic advice, and relatable, accessible information than before. Illustrations are new, too.
   • Among the changes: Baby care fundamentals—crib and sleep safety, feeding, vitamin supplements—are revised to reflect the most recent guidelines. Breastfeeding gets more coverage, too, from getting started to keeping it going. Hot-button topics and trends are tackled: attachment parenting, sleep training, early potty learning (elimination communication), baby-led weaning, and green parenting (from cloth diapers to non-toxic furniture). An all-new chapter on buying for baby helps parents navigate through today’s dizzying gamut of baby products, nursery items, and gear. Also new: tips on preparing homemade baby food, the latest recommendations on starting solids, research on the impact of screen time (TVs, tablets, apps, computers), and “For Parents” boxes that focus on mom’s and dad’s needs. Throughout, topics are organized more intuitively than ever, for the best user experience possible.
2. The Baby Owner’s Manual by Louis Borgenicht M.D. and Joe Borgenicht
   • At Last! A Beginner’s Guide to Newborn Baby Technology
   • You’ve programmed your DVR, you’ve installed a wireless Internet connection, you can even check Facebook on your cell phone. But none of this experience will prepare you for the world’s biggest technological marvel: a newborn baby.
   • Through step-by-step instructions and helpful schematic diagrams, The Baby Owner’s Manual explores hundreds of frequently asked questions: What’s the best way to swaddle a baby? How can I make my newborn sleep through the night? When should I bring the baby to a doctor for servicing? Whatever your concerns, you’ll find the answers here—courtesy of celebrated pediatrician Dr. Louis Borgenicht and his son, Joe Borgenicht. Together, they provide plenty of useful advice for anyone who wants to learn the basics of childcare.
3. Managing the Motherhood: A Guide to Creating More Ease, Space, and Grace in Motherhood by Rebekah Borucki
   • A candid, humorous, and heartfelt guide to self-care in motherhood from a meditation expert and mother-of-five.
   • Managing the Motherload is a practical system for sanity from a happy, ultra-productive, and sometimes tired mother of five. This five-part system will help readers create a life that they love while allowing all the items on their to-do list to flourish in their own time.
   • In the book, meditation guide and popular YouTuber, Rebekah “Bex” Borucki features her favorite healing and stress-reducing modalities, including her signature 4-minute meditations.
   • Deeply personal, heartfelt stories of her struggles and tender moments raising five children are highlighted throughout the book. As a birth doula and meditation guide, Bex offers a wealth of personal and professional experience in managing the demands of motherhood and the need for self-care and stress management.
4. 50 Things to Do in Baby’s First Year: The First-Time Mom’s Guide for Your Baby, Yourself, and Your Sanity by Amanda Rodriguez
   • Indispensable advice for flourishing in baby’s first year.
   • Discover the sanity-saving, must-have manual for every new mom! From nursing and teething guides to managing anxiety and finding support, 50 Things to Do in Baby’s First Year is bursting with simple and straightforward tips, plus plenty of encouragement.
   • You’ll find the most important information for making the most of your baby’s first year—including suggestions for ways to get enough sleep and be your best self.
   • 50 Things to Do in Baby’s First Year includes:
   • Baby care begins with self-care—From reconnecting with your partner to refreshing your wardrobe, make sure you remember you between all the diapers and doctor appointments.
   • Easy-to-navigate—The book is divided into three-month sections, making it easy to locate the tips you want right now—and the ones you’ll want soon.
   • Expert help is here—Get supportive advice for making it through baby’s first year from experienced professionals, including doctors, nutritionists, doulas, preschool directors, and more.
   • Take a deep, cleansing breath and relax—50 Things to Do in Baby’s First Year is here with the baby (and mommy) care help you need!

If you have a new baby or a baby-on-the-way, you probably have lots of questions. And yes, there are lots of places you can go for answers! But why not check out a couple of these books and learn what the experts recommend? You might just find some great advice!

(**All book descriptions courtesy of Amazon)

When football season comes around, tailgating season comes back, too. After all, good football and good food go hand in hand! 

But you don’t actually need to be at the game to tailgate – you can do it at home, too! Just put on the colors of your favorite football team and prepare some great dishes that remind you of being at the game in person!

You may have a few tried and true recipes that you’ve got to make, but if you’re looking for a few new ones, take a look at these!

• Ham and Cheese Sliders: Melty ham and Swiss on squishy Hawaiian rolls never tasted so good! And the buttery Dijon sauce is what puts this simple yet totally delicious sandwich over the top. Make a double batch!
• Slow Cooker Beer and Garlic Brats: You don’t have to live in the Midwest to enjoy a good brat – you just have to know how to make them properly. This recipe has you using your slow cooker, beer, and plenty of garlic to pack in a lot of flavors. 
• White Chicken Chili: Chili is definitely a fall football food, and this White Chicken Chili is a great twist on a more classic red chili. It’s got plenty of garlic and onions in it – and the fresh lime juice just brightens it all up.
• Bacon-Wrapped Smokies: Sure, you could do pigs-in-a-blanket – and everyone will love them – or you could try this recipe for Bacon-Wrapped Smokies. You’ll love their flavor – especially the hint of sweetness from the brown sugar.
• Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip: Is it really a tailgate without buffalo chicken dip? This one is thick and creamy and has just the right amount of kick. 
• Easy Sausage Dip: Here’s another easy recipe that only requires three ingredients – sausage, Rotel, and cream cheese. It’s great with tortilla chips or cut-up pieces of sourdough bread.
• Mexican Beer Cheese Skillet Dip with Soft Pretzels: Grab your cast iron skillet and get ready to make some delicious pretzels with a gooey beer cheese dip. And if you’ve never made homemade pretzels before – this recipe will show you just how easy it is.
• Black Bean Salsa: Grab an extra bag of tortilla chips if you make this recipe because it’s fabulous! It’s hearty, healthy, and filled with all sorts of delicious ingredients. 
• Crispy Oven Baked Potato Skins: These potato skins are so tasty you’ll never even miss the fact that they’re not fried like the ones you’d get at your favorite restaurant or bar. Just pile them high with all of your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
• Football Whoopie Pies: Every tailgate needs some sweet treats! These Football Whoopie Pies have a fantastic and fluffy marshmallow buttercream filling and look like mini footballs. 
• Touchdown Brownies: These brownies are sweet, salty, and sticky – and you’re going to love them! And while this recipe has you making brownies from scratch, you could always start with a box of your favorite brownie mix.
• Bloody Mary: If your football game kicks off early, you may want to make some bloody marys to start your day. This recipe from Food Network Chef, Geoffrey Zakarian, kicks up the spice and allows you to get creative with your garnishes. 
• Apple Cider Sangria: Of course, if you want a drink on the sweeter side, this Apple Cider Sangria is perfect – and tastes like a little piece of fall.

Get ready to cheer on your football team – and enjoy it all while having some tasty food! Give some of these recipes a try for your next at-home tailgate!

What do your children like to watch? Are they a fan of all the classic Disney films? Do they love the Cartoon Network? Or, do they spend their time surfing YouTube?

If YouTube is their thing, you might be concerned about what they’re actually watching. After all, YouTube has a HUGE variety of channels – geared for all ages.

But there are lots of fun – and parent-approved – YouTube channels that your kids can check out! Here are just a few of them.

• Sesame Street: Your children can find all of their favorite characters on YouTube. The YouTube description says:
  • Welcome to Sesame Street! A colorful community of monsters, birds, grouches, and humans. A place where everyone counts. Spend time with all your favorite furry friends and subscribe for new videos every week.
  • For more fun games and videos for your preschooler in a safe, child-friendly environment, visit us at http://www.sesamestreet.org.
  • Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street that has been reaching and teaching children since 1969. Today, Sesame Workshop is an innovative force for change, with a mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. We’re present in more than 150 countries, serving vulnerable children through a wide range of media, formal education, and philanthropically-funded social impact programs, each grounded in rigorous research and tailored to the needs and cultures of the communities we serve. For more information, please visit sesameworkshop.org.
• PBS Kids: PBS Kids has its own YouTube Channel and it’s full of the content your children love. The summary reads:
  • Welcome to the official PBS KIDS Channel on YouTube.
  • PBS KIDS is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children through curriculum-based media, using new and traditional platforms to support children in their acquisition of knowledge and critical thinking skills while empowering their imagination and curiosity of the world. 
  • Providing the highest-quality programming and learning environment for children, PBS’ children’s media invites kids on a journey to explore the world around them with non-violent, age-appropriate content that offers positive role models for children to learn from and grow with. 
• Storyline Online: Virtual story time brought to you by famous people – how fun is that? YouTube says this about Storyline Online: 
  • The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s award-winning and Daytime Emmy-nominated children’s literacy website, Storyline Online, streams imaginatively produced videos featuring celebrated actors including Viola Davis, Allison Janney, Chris Pine, Wanda Sykes, Justin Theroux, and Betty White reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations, helping to inspire a love of reading in children.
  • Storyline Online is available 24 hours a day for children, parents, and educators worldwide. For each book, supplemental curriculum developed by a literacy specialist is provided, aiming to strengthen comprehension and verbal and written skills for English-language learners worldwide.
  • Visit Storyline Online at storylineonline.net
• The Brain Scoop: This YouTube Channel is brought to you by The Field Museum in Chicago. The YouTube description says: 
  • I’m Emily, the Chief Curiosity Correspondent of The Field Museum in Chicago, former volunteer of the University of Montana Zoological Museum, and I’d like to share some of the amazing things we have in the collection with the Internet!
• Cosmic Kids Yoga: The kids can be active and have fun by doing some yoga! YouTube says:
  • Yoga, mindfulness and relaxation for kids. 
  • Interactive adventures which build strength, balance and confidence – and get kids into yoga and mindfulness early!
  • Stream all our videos ad-free: https://app.cosmickids.com
  • Train to teach kids yoga with Jaime – http://cosmickids.com/learn
  • Support us directly on Patreon: patreon.com/cosmickidsyoga
  • Subscribe! http://bit.ly/cosmickidsyoga
  • (Secret yoga codeword = Namaste!)

Have your children check out these YouTube channels! Maybe they’ll find a new favorite that they like! 

(**All descriptions taken from individual YouTube channels)

When you go shopping, where do you go? Do you hit the mall? Head to the outlets? Or are you among the millions of Americans who head straight for the thrift shops?

If thrift shops are your jam, you’re in good company. Thrift shopping is a great way to save money, reduce waste, find a DIY project, and help your community.

Of course, you want to have a plan if you’re heading out to do a little thrift shopping – and these tips will help you make the most of your thrift shopping experience!

• Clear Your Closet: It’s always a good idea to do a little closet cleaning before you head out shopping. This can help you reduce the clutter around your place, make room for new items you might find, and you may even be able to sell a few things and make some money to use for shopping.
• Create a Plan: When it comes to thrift shopping, it’s essential to know what you’re looking for. This will prevent you from overbuying – which can be a serious problem when you see so many good deals. Keep a list of needs and wants with you – and always know what your budget is.
• Know Where You’re Going: Do you know where your local thrift stores are? Do you know what they specialize in? It’s a good idea to figure out where you’re going – and what each store is known for.
  • Additionally, you might want to hit thrift stores that are a little out of the way for a better selection of merchandise. Thrift stores in areas with a large population see more traffic, and you can find that the good things disappear fast.
• Dress for Thrifting: If you are shopping for clothes, you want to dress so that you can easily slide things over what you’re wearing. Think about wearing bike shorts or leggings and a tank top so you can try things on in the middle of the store if needed. (You may find that your local thrift store has limited dressing rooms or none at all.)
• Take a Look Around: When you arrive at the thrift shop, take a quick look around – especially if you don’t know what they specialize in or you don’t have a specific plan. Take note of items that interest you, and circle back once you’ve made a loop of the store.
• Look for Quality Merchandise: Thrift stores have merchandise that ranges from excellent quality to the not-so-great. You want to make sure you’re looking for good quality merchandise – so you can avoid buyer’s remorse later on.
• Shop Off-Season: People often drop their items off at thrift shops at the end of a season – so if you’re willing to shop off-season – you can get some great deals. 
• Think About Repurposing: You might not find EXACTLY what you’re looking for, but with a bit of creativity, you may be able to repurpose things. There are lots of TikTokers showing how they are repurposing their thrift shop clothing finds or it might be time to attempt that DIY furniture project.
• Get to Know the Staff: If you want the inside scoop on when items are put out or the best day to come shop, then get to know the staff. They’ll have all of the inside information – and if you’re friendly and personable, they just might share it with you.
• Carry Cash: Yes, lots of thrift stores take credit cards nowadays, but it’s always wise to carry cash when you’re thrifting. Make sure you stop by the bank before you head out for the day.

August 17th is National Thrift Shop Day, and if you haven’t joined the legions of people who are thrifting – it’s the perfect day to start! 

Do you enjoy the occasional glass of wine after work or on the weekend? Are you always looking to discover new wines that won’t break the bank, yet have fantastic flavor? Do you find yourself wanting to sip lighter wines in the summer?

Then you’re in luck! This summer you can find a whole array of great wines that won’t hit your wallet too hard and deliver great flavor profiles. 

Here are a few that you can look for the next time you need to purchase a bottle of wine!

• Rodney Strong Vineyards Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay 2018 (California): Rodney Strong 2018 Chalk Hill Chardonnay boasts toasty vanilla and spice due to time spent in seasoned French oak barrels during fermentation. During the 11 months of barrel aging, the winery regularly stirred the lees in the barrel, which imparts an elegant fullness and creamy texture on the palate. In the glass, the wine is both creamy and crisp, with flavors of golden pear, vanilla, Meyer lemon, and a hint of minerality on the long finish. Enjoy with soft cheeses, fresh crab, or roasted pork loin.
• Marchesi di Grésy Barbera d’Asti DOCG 2018 (Italy): The Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Gresy 2018 Barbera d’Asti offers a mild and elegant expression of a grape that is normally overflowing with rich and succulent fruit character. Instead, this wine introduces a soft and subdued side of the grape that suits it very nicely. It offers a mid-weight appearance with ruby and garnet highlights. The wine also shows versatility in terms of food-pairing possibilities. It could be served with pasta and meat sauce or roast chicken.
• Bertrand Glabrun Bourgueil “Chatrois” 2019 (France): Bertrand Galbrun Chatrois Cabernet Franc is a classic Cabernet Franc with bright pepper notes balanced by strawberry and earth.Pair with fresh herb salad or tomato curry.
• Bedrock Ode to Lulu Rose 2018 (California): Pale to medium salmon-pink in color, the 2018 Ode to Lulu Old Vine Rosé, from vines planted in 1922, is scented of yellow peach, raspberries, cantaloupe and fresh chopped herbs with notions of crushed rock and saline. The light to medium-bodied palate gives up oodles of ripe fruit layers tempered by a mineral streak and mouthwatering acidity, finishing long and flavorful.
• Inama Vin Soave Classico DOC 2019 (Italy): Dried-apple and pureed-pear aromas follow through to a dense, full body with layers of fruit and intense flavors. Such focus and purity. Benchmark, classic Soave.
• Gundlach Bundschu Estate Vineyard Gewurztraminer 2019 (California): Honeyed lychee, peaches, and nectarine notes all emerge from the 2019 Gewürztraminer, a juicy, lively white with great acidity, medium body, and a clean, dry finish. It’s going to shine on the dinner table.
• Raventos i Blanc Black de Blanc 2017 (Spain): A sleek, finely knit sparkling wine, with a backbone of mouthwatering acidity and a delicate mousse carrying flavors of crunchy green pear, salted almond and dried white cherry. A touch of briny mineral chimes in on the finish.
• La Crema Pinot Noir Rose 2019 (California): Aromas of Mandarin, pink grapefruit, and guava. Flavors of watermelon, strawberry, and blood orange are complemented by undertones of minerality. Delicate, crisp, and vibrant. Pair with wild salmon, Dungeness crab, and grilled rock shrimp.
• Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio 2019 (Italy): The wine is dry with intense aromas and appealing flavors of Golden Delicious apples and citrus with a long, multi-layered finish. Excellent as an aperitif and with a medium body that makes it versatile to pair with everything from salads to chicken or grilled fish. Wonderful pairing ideas include butter lettuce with apples, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds, pizza topped with prosciutto and arugula, scallops, with tarragon cream, or tagliatelle with Italian olive oil, lemon zest and pine nuts.

This summer, no matter what kind of wine you like, you’ll find lots of great choices all under $25. From sparkling to cabernets to pinot grigios, this list has something for everyone!

(*All descriptions/reviews are from Wine.com)