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GRINCH JUICE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

 GRINCH JUICE


(from the Popsicle Blog)

ingredients
2 drops blue food coloring
2 cups orange juice
1-1/4 cup lemon juice
4 packets Sweet’N Low
6 cups water
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 liter lemon-lime soda
Garnish – candy canes, maraschino cherries






 The Grinch Who Stole Christmas recipe


Directions
In a punch bowl, mix together orange juice, lemon juice, Sweet’N Low, water and food coloring. 

Stir until combined. next add vanilla extract and almond extract. chill overnight, or serve immediately following the next directions.

When ready to serve:
add add lemon-lime soda and ice to the juice. taste, and adjust any of the flavors to your liking. 

You can garnish each cup with a candy cane or a maraschino cherry.

Tip: to make your drink look extra Grinchy, tape or glue a heart to the outside of the container.



XMAS FIREPLACE VIDEO



It's time to get into the holiday spirit! How about a Virtual Christmas Fireplace to get you in the mood?  This is a gas fire, in a modern, classy room. Therefore, it is perfect to add a stylish ambiance to your Christmas Day.  Turn your TV into a Christmas fireplace on Christmas Day. This is the perfect background video for Xmas Day. With the natural sound of a fire in 5.1 surround sound.

Available in 4K Ultra HD resolution, so it will look crystal clear even on the biggest UHD SMART TV screens. You can also watch on HD SMART TVs, or even on your computer.

This classy fireplace was filmed in a modern home with Christmas decorations. It is a gas fire so we have use warm tungsten lighting to give it a really warming, cozy Christmas Day feeling.

It will help keep the atmosphere festive, the conversation flowing.

UScenes has used warm tungsten lighting to give the whole scene a very warming effect. It is all about making a room feel cozier looping this 4K Xmas Fireplace Video. Just by having the rich golden colors on your screen, you should naturally feel more comfortable and happy on Christmas Day.


Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanza, it is always fun to get into the spirit of the season. The 4K Video of Fireplace Scenes, by UScenes provides super realistic-looking, log fire videos that makes a room feel cozy, especially for the holidays.  It's perfect to put the video on the TV and have it running to make it look like a real fireplace is going.

I love it because you can avoid the expense and hassle of a real fireplace by just turning on the fireplace video.  I also thought it was pretty cool if you are having a  dinner party for the holidays, it adds a little ambiance as well.

There a lot of different choices for the fireplace scenes and each download (video) includes the choice of a 20 minute TV fireplace video and the choice of a Windows and Mac fireplace computer screensaver.


See the video below to watch the Xmas Fireplace Video in action:



If you want to learn more about these virtual fireplace videos, you can go online to see all the selections available at: USCENES: Scenes for Your Screens

HOW TO MAKE CROCK POT CANDY - by TIP HERO

Crock-Pot Candy

This sounds delicious and by the look of the video, super easy to make! Fun treat for the holidays or a birthday party.


Makes 36 pieces

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
 

Ingredients:
2 cups dark chocolate chips
2 cups milk chocolate chips
2 teaspoons coconut oil or canola oil (optional)
3 cups dry roasted unsalted peanuts or mixed nuts
Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)



MAKING A DIFFERENCE - HELPING TO SAVE THE LIVES OF CHILDREN IN ALEPPO


Some of us work. Some of us stay home with our kids. We all try to make a living in some way. Sometimes, we go on vacation. For the most part, we are happy and successful. 

Now, I ask, do we make a difference? It is easy to go on with life, checking our social media platforms daily, engaging in business, dealing with our kids, school, homework, sports, aimlessly going through our routines.  I wonder though, how can we just go on and not make an effort to help others and make a difference in the world, when possible?

I am aware that no one likes political conversation on social apps, or when we get too serious over things that may cause arguments or conflicts at our dinner table conversation, but as I read the articles and watched the news, I was shocked more and more every day with what's happening in Aleppo

Do most people even know what Aleppo is? What's happening in Aleppo? Do they even know where Aleppo is and why should they care?

Why Doesn't Anyone Care about What's Happening in Aleppo ??!! I think it may be because it does not affect our own little bubble here in our "great again, America world" but 11 million Syrians have been driven from their homes and the worst part is that thousands of CHILDREN ARE BEING INJURED and/or KILLED in Aleppo! As human beings, as citizens of the World, WE HAVE TO CARE!

As a mother, as a parent, I implore you to do something! We have to do something! We went to war over the lie that another country had weapons of mass destruction. Well, here we are in 2016-2017 and the world IS witnessing mass destruction! Mass destruction of an entire civilization in Syria! Innocent Children are dying at the hands of savages. If we as a Nation wanted to do something, we could. We should not be apathetic.

We are not here in this world to just coast through it and not make a difference. WE ARE HERE in this world to MAKE A DIFFERENCE for the BETTER!!! 


Most people do not know what to do. This is the least we can do - DONATE to help fund The White Helmets ! The WHITE HELMETS is group of unarmed volunteers, who risk their lives to help anyone in need - regardless of their religion or politics. The White Helmets volunteer rescue workers, operate in the most dangerous place on earth.

They have saved more than 73,530 people from the attacks in Syria, but there are many they cannot reach. There are children trapped in rubble they cannot hear. For them, the UN Security Council must follow through on its demand to stop the barrel bombs, by introducing a 'no-fly zone' if necessary.


The volunteers save people on all sides of the conflict - pledging commitment to the principles of “Humanity, Solidarity, Impartiality” as outlined by the International Civil Defense Organization. This pledge guides every response, every action, every life saved - so that in a time of destruction, all Syrians have the hope of a lifeline. The White Helmets mostly deal with the aftermath of government air attacks. Yet they have risked sniper fire to rescue bodies of government soldiers to give them a proper burial. Many of the volunteers, of White Helmet have been injured themselves. Let's help get them back on their feet, so that they can go in and rescue more victims. https://peoplesmillion.whitehelmets.org/

If we can't stop the violence, at least we can be part of trying to rescue the survivors! We must MAKE PEACE NOT WAR ! We must be a part of the solution, not the problem! TO SAVE ONE LIFE IS TO SAVE ALL OF HUMANITY!!!!

Make a Difference!
https://peoplesmillion.whitehelmets.org/... 

This is not about race or religion...this is about HUMANITY!!! Obviously, you do not have to donate or even care about this particular cause (disaster) but my point,when I started writing this, is that we should all make an effort to make a difference, to care, to get involved somehow. Not just sit on the sidelines in shock and say "Wow, that's horrible," and then do nothing.

No matter what your cause, no matter what you want to fight for, start today! "Stand up for what's right, even if you are standing alone!"

Thank you, Lissette Ro - MAKE PEACE NOT WAR

Buy your "Save Aleppo" T-Shirt here. Proceeds will be donated to: The White Helmets.

 


LEARN ENGLISH WITH IELTS AT COMMUNICATE SCHOOL

If you happen to be in the U.K. and need to improve on your English, especially if you are a foreigner, check out the Communicate School in Manchester.  They offer you high quality English courses conducted in a dynamic and friendly atmosphere.

In June 2015, Communicate School was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and exceeded expectations with ‘excellent’ in all 3 areas of the inspection: teaching, student welfare and management. The Independent Schools Inspectorate is an agency approved by the Home Office to carry out Educational Oversight inspections of English Language Schools in England and Wales.

“The language school exceeds expectations for the quality of education.”
“(…) Individual student needs are very well met.”
“Students report being highly satisfied with all aspects of their learning experience.”
“(…) The school provides a very warm and welcoming environment.”

One of the many courses and programs offered at Communicate, is the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Preparation Exam. It is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who are applying for a course at a UK university or work in English-speaking countries.
The course may be combined with General English classes if you take an intensive course.

FYI: The course is often needed for foreigners to prove their English is good enough for employment.




The course structure consists of: Academic Writing, Academic Reading, Speaking and Listening. The group size per course is usually an average of 8, with a maximum of 14.

You can also prepare you for the IELTS Life Skills for immigration and residency purposes.  They will recommend either one-to-one classes or group classes. 

Once you enroll, they can help you to register for the exam.

For more info visit Communicate School online or email: office@communicateschool.co.uk
T : +44 (0)161 235 8480

If you would like to learn on your own, you can always purchase: The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS Student's Book with Answers with DVD-ROM (Cambridge English)





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OLD SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOUR KIDS

Does your child always want to be on an electronic gadget?  Maybe always asking to use your iPad, or iPhone? Ever wonder why? Many of them have gotten use to this "new way of life," as their source of entertainment, and mainly it's our fault. Well, at least, I am taking blame for my kids addiction to electronics, but trying to remedy the situation.

Cell phones, iPads, Tablets - they are easy and engaging, so we tend to just hand it over and let them be "entertained." Actually, it is ADDICTING!  I also believe, that perhaps, it's because, they don't know how to have other kind of non-electronic fun. No one ever takes the time to show them the "old school" way of having fun!  Of course, there are exceptions. Not all kids are hooked on technology.  It just so happens that most of the ones I know, are definitely hooked, even the ones who play sports!  

I made an attempt to get my kids off of their gadgets and outside trying to "figure out what to play."  Good forbid they run and play hide & seek, or play "kick the can" or stick ball. I remember as a kid playing outside games like: "Red Rover, Red Rover and Red Light, Green Light and even Dodge Ball. I tried this recently with my kids and even though they complained at first, they ended up loving a good old fashion game of four square (box ball) outside.  At first, when I was explaining it to them they thought it was dumb, but once they saw that I kept beating them at it, they started to get a little competitive and wanted to keep challenging me at it.  The next afternoon, they wanted to go outside again and take me on. (Score one for this old school Mommy Warrior!)

My next tutorial for them is, "back to basics board games" - to show them how much fun some of the very simple (non-electronic games) we use to pay as kids, can be. Some of my favorite old school board games were Operation, Jenga, MouseTrap, Twister and Trouble. Sure, your kids might mock you at the beginning or tell you "that's boring" or "that's old school," but trust me, once you take the time to play and show them and engage them in a game, whether indoors or outdoors, you might be pleasantly surprised at the result. 

http://amzn.to/2gyZFAu
My personal favorite and my family's favorite board game, (that I even remember playing with my great-grandmother,) was Parcheesi! This classic game has been enjoyed for over 100 years! High-quality wooden pawns, dice and dice cups for every player. I was the Parcheesi champ with my green pawn!

http://amzn.to/2hJXoU5If you also want to share some fun games with your kids, below are some old school board games and toys, you can get for them as well. I've included a few games that are pretty new as well, which will hopefully keep them off their electronic gadgets for a while.   

As simple as this was, I use to love playing the boxing 'Battle Bots" game with my cousins when I was young.                                                                                   
It is so important to get our kids up and out of the house and OFF of their electronic gadgets. But if they don't want to actually get out of the house, because sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate, are some fun board games you can entertain them with.

Here are a few ideas:

LOOKING FOR A PARADISE VACATION? CHECK OUT SONEVA FUSHI

Wondering what to get your family or significant other for the holidays?  Well, why not go all out this year and splurge on an amazing family vacation?  You can start planning your next summer vacation right now in the Maldives.

Imagine being able to go on vacation to paradise? From every angle, there is beauty to be seen.  Beautiful beaches, lush landscape of trees and enchanting villas, that will make you never want to leave.  The incredibly relaxing atmosphere and paradise feel will leave you speechless. 


 

If you are looking for the ultimate Robinson Crusoe castaway experience, the unique resort of Soneva Fushi is the destination of choice. Intriguingly-designed villas peak out from the rich jungle foliage that lines the stunning platinum white sand beaches and the cerulean lagoon beyond. Soneva offers a wide variety of accommodations, many with signature oversized outdoor jungle bathrooms. Shoes are confiscated on arrival, and bicycles are provided to get around on the sandy paths that interlace the island.






Visualize having dinner by the sound of waves rolling onto the nearby shore, you take your seat at the private candle lit table set into the sand and under the stars. Your ceviche, sashimi and sushi come straight from the sea that very same day. Linger over the Japanese and Korean inspired tapas, sharing and tasting off each other’s plates. A dream come true. This is Soneva Fushi Resort.  

Baa Atoll - Soneva Fushi is 25 minutes sea plane transfer from the capital, Male.

During the day, you can hang out on the beautiful beach or participate in one of the many sports activities offered such as Tennis, or visit the Water Sports Centre, Water skiing, Snorkeling, Windsurfing, Hobie cat sailing, Canoeing, Boules, Board games, Table tennis, Volleyball, Badminton, Deep sea fishing, Diving excursions, PADI instruction, Sunset cruises and Island Hopping by Speedboat.


Soneva Fushi is one of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives because of the amazing location and the 65 exquisite luxury villas. The resort consistently appears in top 10 lists from major publications, praising the accommodation. For example Condé Nast Traveler said you should book Soneva Fushi as it is the “Best for Designer Chic”. The theme is eco-chic, with sustainable materials like organic cotton sheets on the pillow top beds. Plus all the modern luxuries you would want such as high end TV and stereo systems, with speakers in the bedrooms and bathrooms.


Families, there is good news!  Soneva Fushi has a luxury offer - 2 Kids under 12 Stay Free!
Call 0161 233 0110 for pricing detail - 14 Jan 2017 - 17 Dec 2017
Up to two children under the age of 12 stay free with complimentary transfers and full board off children's menu, when sharing with parents staying a minimum of seven nights and booking a Soneva Fushi Villa Suite or above.
There are so many different sources of entertainment at Soneva Fushi, there is no room for boredom.

In-Villa Dining, Wine Cellar, Underground Chocolate Cave, Cinema Paradiso, Speed Boats, Library, Two Shops, Steam Rooms, Sauna, Gym, as well as various bars, including the Bar - So Spiritual Bar, which is the main bar and has one of the best selections of freshly made cocktails, spirits and liqueurs in the Maldives. An oasis of calm for reading, playing a board game or relaxing after a spa treatment. It's also a wi-fi hot spot if you really need to catch up with the outside world.


Start planning your paradise vacation today.  Go online and check out this amazing resort for yourself!  Just scroll through the magnificent pictures of paradise and get inspired to book today! Request a Quote here!

Sponsored by Only Exclusive Travel - Soneva Fushi Resort

WHY BABY SHOES MAY NOT BE THE BEST IDEA FOR EARLY CRAWLERS & WALKERS



In the past, people would occasionally bronze their baby’s first shoes to preserve the memory of their first steps. Today, shoes carry a bit less emotional weight for parents, but they are nevertheless still an important aspect of any growing child’s life.

That said, there are certain guidelines you should follow to ensure you do not start putting shoes on your developing toddler too soon. As cute as shoes are, they can restrict movement and tamper with development if introduced before a child is ready to handle them. Therefore, you need to know exactly when and how babies should start wearing shoes regularly.

The History of Children’s Shoes
This is a smart question to ask yourself when raising a child, and you would not be the first worried parent to ask it. Today, 98% of people have ready access to the internet, and while the web can be a deep pool of useful knowledge, it can also cause more confusion than good. For example, you may decide to go online for advice about shoes. Some sources might suggest you buy rigid soles for your child, while others would recommend soft soles shoes for early walkers.

In the past, the belief was that rigid high-tops helped keep a child’s foot in the proper position and offered much-needed stability. After all, a child is not born with the skill of walking and must learn it through practice and time. Today, leading pediatricians agree that less is more when it comes to your child’s shoes during the first few years of their development.

Why You Should Wait
When your child begins to walk, you want to allow their muscles to develop along the right path. By taking away some of the work, you are actually making it harder for muscles to develop the strength they need to do it on their own. Flexibility is the most important issue as children develop their arch and begin growing the confidence to walk on their own.

The bones in a baby’s foot are soft and will not harden until the age of five, which makes it important to offer nonrestrictive options until this age. Although, shoes used for festive occasion or a family photo are not harmful in their own right. It is only when they begin using their feet to walk that you need to be careful.

At the age of five, a child can begin wearing shoes that have more support. This is also true of children who are pigeon-toed or suffer from foot deformities, though it may be a good idea to visit a podiatrist if you are overly concerned. Knowing when to offer rigid shoes is just as important as introducing new colors, shapes, and gestures to the baby as he or she develops. It is all done with the concept of development in mind, and being choosy in their footwear will help them along.

Sock Ya Baby socks.  We make it easy to dress your baby’s feet with care and with style.

HOMEWORK AROUND THE WORLD

Is Homework Overrated? Statistics Say ‘Maybe’ 

Homework. Does it help students become smarter, or is it just overrated? The results are in, and all signs point to homework only being moderately helpful, at best. Although the amount of homework assigned to students varies greatly by nation, it appears that allowing kids time to be creative and resourceful has a greater long term benefit than homework. 

South Korea leads the world in education, and students receive less than three hours’ of homework, on average, each week. Although it would be unfair to assume that’s the only reason South Korea has a high level of academic success, it’s true that the countries handing out significantly more homework – such as Russia (9.7 hours) and the United States (over 6 hours) – generally tend to find themselves lower on the academic rankings list. 

It’s also interesting to note that the United States spends a larger amount of money per student than any other country in the world. Despite this, and despite assigning a large amount of homework, the US still lags behind as only the 17th best education system in the world.

Chalk it up to overcrowding in the classrooms, a demanding amount of homework, or lack of parental involvement; however you slice it, there’s no easy answer to the education and homework debate. 

According to the following infographic, there’s a myriad of factors that impact the level of academic success in any education system.

Take a look at these interesting facts about homework around the world, compiled by Ozicare Insurance.

  Homework Around the World [Infographic]

HOLIDAY SNACKS - HOW TO MAKE GRINCH KEBOBS

GRINCH KEBOBS 


Grinch Kebobs Fruit Snacks - a fun and creative way to make snacks for your holiday party that are sure to be a hit.  You only need *4 (food/fruit) ingredients and it takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

    1-2 pints Strawberries *
    2 Bananas *
    1 cup Green Grapes* 

Directions:

Place the four ingredients on the long toothpick as shown. First the grape, banana, strawberry, and last the marshmallow.

 
     

No Cooking!



Cut and remove stem from strawberries to create a flat surface. With toothpick, place ingredients as follows:

-Mini Marshmallow
-Strawberry
-Sliced Banana
-Grape


Serve and enjoy!  Serving Size: Makes about 12-24 servings.

Number of Servings: 12


 

You can always serve your Grinch Kebobs on a pretty holiday plates like these:




















HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!