If you’re planning a kitchen upgrade for 2019, there’s one word to keep in mind: Wellness.
“Wellness is going to be a huge theme for 2019,” said Dan DiClerico, HomeAdvisor’s smart home strategist and home expert. “Many people are living longer, healthier lives, and they’re looking to the kitchen to support those efforts.”
Not only are homeowners looking for appliances that will help them cook healthier and faster, but they are even working wellness into their kitchen decor.
DiClerico, along with National Kitchen and Bath Association Industry Relations Manager, Elle H-Millard, noted some popular trends are on the way out for 2019, but there are plenty of fresh ideas emerging in their place.
Here’s a look at five trends you may want to avoid if planning a kitchen upgrade or remodel this year.
Out: Lots of white. While white has been a long-time standard in kitchens, the all-white kitchen in no longer in vogue.
Try Instead: For wall color and backsplash tile, go for neutral tones. Color trend: muted greens. H-Millard said emerald and earthy greens are taking off. “I spoke to someone else about those colors, and they read as neutrals because we see them so much in nature, and they come across as very positive optimistic colors,” she said. (Photo: via Harvey Jones.)
Try Instead: Under-the-counter microwaves, which allow for more space above for cabinetry.
Out: White cabinets.
Try Instead: Colorful cabinets in bold colors. H-Millard noted some homeowners are looking to blue hues for cabinets, and then accenting them with brass and stainless.
As I present winners for the last several giveaways, I want to also make the post useful for everyone, even if you didn’t win a prize. So I asked followers on Twitter what they wanted me to write about…
Ahh, Katie, if only I knew the answer to that! We would all be guaranteed a run-away hit!
But seriously folks, what I do is try to stay on top of what’s being released and what’s coming out so I don’t duplicate something that’s already out there. Has that tactic worked? Scanning announcements in Publisher’s Marketplace and Publisher’s Weekly? Visiting bookstores twice a month? Asking my local librarians what new titles they’ve acquired?
Well, yes and NO. Definitely NO.
I wrote a blobfish manuscript right before a barrage of blobfish books got bought. Nice timing, Tara. I had thought to myself, “I haven’t seen any picture books about blobfish,” which is really code for “everyone is writing a blobfish book RIGHT THIS SECOND!”
Now that doesn’t mean the world won’t want YOUR blobfish book. It’s just that the world didn’t want MINE (at the time).
Unique hooks are like strikes of lightning. Hold an umbrella during a storm and you might get hit. What that means is—be open to all the inspiration going on around you. Something you see or overhear might lead to a hilarious title that inspires a whole new story. Ducks circling my table at an al fresco breakfast led to a knee-slapping title.
Put aside time every day to just sit and daydream. Let your mind wander. Go out in public and eavesdrop.
I happen to like wackiness in picture books. A new book with a fantastic hook IMHO is LLAMA DESTROYS THE WORLD. The llama in the story is so hungry he eats EVERYTHING and creates a black hole. Now that’s ludicrous. And I gotta read it.
What books hook you? Study them. Figure out why. What about the title and premise makes you want to pick them up immediately? And then try to do that in your OWN, UNIQUE WAY.
After all, you’re a unique writer. You’ll find your unique hook.
With my book 7 ATE 9, I began by thinking of a popular schoolyard joke that every elementary student would know. I wanted a punchline to be the title. AND BOOM! “Why was 6 afraid of 7?” smacked me upside the head.
BECAUSE 7 ATE 9!
And then I was off to the races. Seriously. I immediately thought about 6 visiting a “Private I” and things went from there.
For the sequel, coming out in October, I wanted Private I to continue with his punny sleuthing, so after numbers, I naturally turned to letters. AND BOOM! The title THE UPPER CASE came to me for its play on a detective CASE and a letter CASE. Fun times, fun times. (Then it took me over a year to think of the 3rd book’s hook!)
Another fantastic thing I learned about finding subjects for picture books is asking a toy store: what’s new and hot in toys at the moment? Typically trends in toys lead to trends in books. So make friends with your local librarian and your local toy seller!
And now…onto our recent winners! Congratulations to all. I will be emailing you shortly.
Earlier this week, Everett Community College’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to offer the college presidency to Daria J. Willis, Ph.D.
Willis has accepted, pending completion of contract negotiations.
The decision was made at a special board meeting Monday after a national search, a campus visit earlier this month with student, faculty, staff and community forums and an in-depth interview with the Board of Trustees.
Willis is provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, New York within the State University of New York system.
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Willis began her career as an adjunct faculty member teaching History at Tallahassee Community College. She relocated to Houston, Texas serving as an Assistant Professor of History, department chair, faculty senate president and executive dean of centers at the Lone Star College system with over 95,000 students. She also served as dean of Academic Studies in Baytown, Texas at Lee College.
Throughout her career, Willis has implemented programs focusing on transforming the lives of students, faculty, staff and community members, with special attention to providing access and equity to underserved and underrepresented populations. Programs such as Weekend College, Box of Books, and the adopt-a-school partnership with local elementary schools have engaged campus and community stakeholders for the benefit of students.
Willis is a 2018 recipient of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges’ “40 Under 40” award. She was featured in the national publication of “Diverse Issues in Higher Education” magazine as a 2017 Cohort Fellow for the Thomas Lakin Institute for Mentored Leadership.
She has also served in a variety of community organizations, most recently as the chair of the NAACP’s education committee and a member of the Executive Leadership Team for the Syracuse Chapter of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign.
Willis earned a doctorate in history from Florida State University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history education and a master’s degree in history from Florida A&M University.
Current Everett Community College (ECC) president David Beyer announced in September that he plans to retire in June 2019 after 13 years leading the college.ECC worked with the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Searches to conduct a national search. ACCT will continue to assist ECC during the contracting process.
ECC’s next president will lead an institution that educates more than 19,000 students per year at several locations throughout Snohomish County, with most students at the college’s main campus in Everett. In the past decade, ECC has added more than $150 million in new construction.
You have an important bill to pay and not enough money to pay for it. A payday loan might be the solution to your problem – if you don’t mind paying very high interest rates. It’s not uncommon for payday loans to have APRs above 100%.
Is there a better alternative? We can think of at least nine.
1. Credit Cards – Credit cards are not a long-term answer for debt but the interest rate is still considerably lower than the rates of payday loans. They may be a better choice for a short-term debt you can pay off relatively quickly. If you want more credit, check out our list of credit card offers.
2. Negotiation with the Lender – You might be negotiating from a greater position of strength than you think. Lenders may be willing to work with you to alter your payment plan, or even defer a payment if you’ve had a good credit history. If you’re going to negotiate, do it quickly – once you start missing payments, your lender will be less sympathetic.
3. Personal Loans – Personal loans may be a better alternative for larger debts, assuming you have good enough credit to qualify. Interest rates will be near or above the rates of credit cards – usually between 10% and 32%, depending on your credit rating. You can check your credit score and read your credit report for free within minutes using Credit Manager by MoneyTips.
4. Selling Items – Do you have any assets you don’t use anymore? The answer to your temporary cash flow problem could be sitting in your attic or garage. Can you sell enough to cover your debt?
5. Borrowing on Life Insurance – If you have a whole life insurance policy, you can borrow from that and take as long as you like to pay it back – although death benefits will be reduced if you don’t pay the loan back before you pass away.
6. Borrowing From a 401(k) – It’s best not to borrow from your 401(k) plan, as you lose the compounding effect of that money – but at least you don’t have to worry about qualifications, and the interest you pay goes back to your account. You must pay the loan back, including interest, within five years to avoid significant penalties.
7. Borrow from Family/Friends – This is a great way to borrow money under favorable terms. It’s also a great way to alienate family members and lose friends. Make sure you agree on a repayment plan and on the consequences of not making payments. Put the terms in writing to avoid future disputes.
8. Payday Alternative Loan (PAL) – As the name suggests, PALs are small loans that federal credit unions offer to avoid payday loans. The loans are small ($200 to $1,000) and terms range from one to six months. Credit unions require membership, but there are many credit unions available with diverse membership requirements. Note that you must be a member for at least one month before you are eligible for a PAL.
9. Increase Your Income – Can you work overtime at your current job? Is a second job a possibility? Do you have a side gig or hobby you could grow into a suitable income source? If you can’t bring in enough extra income in a short time to make a required payment, consider asking your current employer for an advance on your salary – just remember, your future check(s) will be lower until the advance is absorbed.
All of these steps are reasonable alternatives to payday loans, but none of them are pre-emptive. If you’re in a position where you need a payday loan – especially more than once – consider credit counseling to help you establish a good budget and put your finances in order.
DINKS (Dual Income No Kids) Finance focuses on personal finance for couples. While by no means financial experts, we strive to provide readers with new, innovative ways of thinking about finance. Sign up now to get our ebook, “Making Money Tips for Couples” FREE.
There’s a kid’s song that has gone viral on YouTube. The song “Baby Shark” has amassed over 2 billion views at the time of this writing.
2.2 billion views…that’s insane, isn’t it?
What does this simple song do to draw kids in and engage them?
It’s easy to sing. Only a few phrases are repeated throughout the song.
I’ve seen a trend in children’s ministry where the worship leader uses songs that are really geared toward adults and are not age-appropriate. I can always tell when that happens. The majority of kids just stand there and don’t even try to sing the song.
I believe we should use simpler songs with the kids. Songs that repeat a few phrases rather than a full blown worship song that has lots of words that kids can’t keep up with.
Songs like “I get down and He lifts me up” and “Every move I make” and “Here I am to worship.” I know these are older songs but they are songs that kids will engage with.
It only has a few motions. The motions are easy to follow and are simple. I have observed kids trying to keep up with all the motions the worship team is doing to the point where they get distracted from worshiping. Many kids, when they can’t keep up, will stop singing and stop trying to keep up.
We must remember that the main goal of worship is to be able to focus your worship toward God. When the song or motions take the focus away from that, then it’s doing the kids a disservice.
It is kid-friendly.It uses bright colors and animation that kids love. When you choose worship videos, keep in mind what the music video looks like. Is it kid-friendly? Does it keep things moving? Is it fun?
Kids are singing it. Kids are more prone to sing along when there are other kids helping lead the song. Make sure you develop a praise team of kids who help lead worship.
Here’s the video. If you haven’t seen it, check it out. Share your thoughts with us. Why do you think kids love it? What else can we learn for children’s ministry from this song? You can leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
My 4-year-old daughter Liv and I just got back from one of the best vacations ever at Walt Disney World® Resort! We visited the brand spanking new Toy Story Land inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, and had SUCH an amazing time.
It was so fun to essentially become the size of a toy. Everything in this section of the Park is giant to make you feel itty bitty. We sure made some lasting memories with just us girls—enjoying so many exciting attractions, marching with the Green Army Patrol, eating yummy snacks, and even getting to meet Buzz Lightyear himself (Liv’s favorite character)!
To make the most of your visit, I’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks—from the planning phase to day-of—to ensure your vacation is as smooth and fun-filled as possible for the whole family.
You’ll be walking throughout the day, having a blast! So, be sure to bring a pair or two of comfortable, already broken-in shoes—and the same goes for the kiddos.
To make sure you’re prepared for all the magic, I recommend bringing a backpack to the Park to keep your hands free for fun (and carrying a baby). Bonus points if the pack can easily attach to your stroller with a hook, which can easily be purchased ahead of time. Make sure to keep a water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, wet wipes, and a poncho inside. You never know when you might need these. But don’t overpack your Park bag. You want to be kind to your back, plus leave room for souvenirs!
Have a Game Plan
It’s nice to count on your little ones getting to experience their most anticipated attractions. And thanks to Disney FastPass+*, you can secure up to three per day…in advance! Parenting is all about planning—which is why it’s a lifesaver that you can do all this prior to even leaving home. With a ticket or annual pass purchase, you can make selections 30 days before. Disney Resort hotel guests can even make reservations 60 days from their hotel check-in. You can secure your experiences online, on the mobile app, or on the same day at an in-Park Disney FastPass+ kiosk. For a complete list of experiences for tykes, click here.
To keep track of everything day-of, I’d recommend using the My Disney Experience app**. You can view your Disney FastPass+ selections, the height requirements for attractions, previews of your Disney PhotoPass photos, and even order food. The interactive maps are also another priceless feature. When your toddler tells you they need to use the bathroom with no time to spare, you can use the app to search for nearby restrooms. You’ll be ready for anything!
Imagine attending an (almost) empty Park, with little lines, and riding some of your favorite attractions at sunrise. We got to do just that at Toy Story Land. Since we stayed at a participating Walt Disney World Resort hotel, we took advantage of the Extra Magic Hours benefit. With a valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID, you can experience select attractions before regular Park hours. So naturally, we rode the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster—and it was unlike any experience. You can find the early hours for your specific vacation dates here.
Bonus Tip: On occasion, Disney’s Hollywood Studios allows guests to start their magical journey sooner—opening up the Park to Hollywood Boulevard. You may be able to get Disney PhotoPass pics taken, shop at select stores, and (critical to the success of any mission) grab some coffee! I was so grateful for my morning blonde roast to start the day.
Get to the Park in a Jiffy
Once your family is ready to hit the Park for a day of adventure, knowing the best route makes it effortless.
From where we stayed at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, it was only a 10-minute walk along the canal, which made it SO convenient and a beautiful stroll. But in the evening when we were tired from all the fun, the Walt Disney World® Bus Service was exactly what we needed. Just remember that while you can take strollers on board, they have to be folded. This is yet another reason to bring a backpack to carry your items. (My fellow mommas know the difficulty of trying to fold a packed stroller—impossible!)
If you want something a little more special, you can also board a boat from select Disney Resort hotels. Talk about magical!
Essentials for the Whole Family
Walt Disney World Resort has so many family-friendly amenities—from facilities to help your baby to stroller rentals for ease of traveling.
If you’re on the fence about bringing a stroller to the Park, remember that if your little ever gets tired on walks and asks to be carried, you definitely want one! You also have the option to rent a stroller for the length of your stay, throughout the Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Disney Springs. You can even save money by prepaying for all the days you’ll need it. But be sure to get there early as they can go fast.
When heading to Toy Story Land, pick yours up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Then look out for the convenient signs by the stroller parking areas—available at all of the Land’s attractions!
Next to the stroller rentals, you will also find lockers that can be used throughout the day for a one-time charge—so you can store your personal items with ease.
And if you’re traveling with a little one, note that there are facilities in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (and within all four Theme Parks) to care for your baby. Inside Guest Relations, near the main entrance, you’ll find everything you need to feed or change the littlest member of your family.
There’s an Attraction for Everyone
When your family is ready to enjoy the magic, head to one of the three main attractions at Toy Story Land. No matter your kiddo’s age, there is something for everyone.
What’s great about Toy Story Mania! is that it’s truly for all ages. It’s a 4D action-packed game starring our favorite Disney•Pixar Toy Story characters.
But my personal favorite is Alien Swirling Saucers. It features the adorable little green aliens that swirl you around. Liv could not stop laughing during the entire ride. I think we rode this about six times. Seriously!
Then, there is the super fun roller coaster Slinky Dog Dash. As soon as you walk into the Land, you can hear Slinky Dog laughing as he buzzes by over you.
Children and adults will love it! If both you and your partner want to experience the attraction but have a little one who doesn’t fit the height requirement, you can utilize the Rider Switch, taking turns waiting with them.
Throughout the new Land, you may get the chance to encounter some of Toy Story’s beloved characters, including Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl.
Also be on the lookout for Sarge and his Green Army Patrol, who will march around several times a day and play “Sarge Says” with guests. Liv had such a fun time, and it was cute seeing her up there marching with the Patrol! If you have an older kiddo, they can even join in on the interactive boot camp to see if they have what it takes to become an official recruit in Andy’s backyard.
After a morning of running from attraction to attraction experiencing some of our favorites, a nice break is in order. Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land is a perfect little pit stop. You can rest your feet at the cute Mini Babybel® picnic tables, which offer some much-needed shade under their umbrellas.
I also use a break as a time for the family to reapply sunscreen and lip balm with SPF, as sun protection is super important to us!
We couldn’t help but take a pic by this adorable Mini Babybel cheese (that’s in fact not so mini).
Get Refueled
It’s also important to eat and stay hydrated to keep your energy up throughout the day. Woody’s Lunch Box offers delicious eats, too. So, we grabbed some yummy Mini Babybel® cheese to recharge.
There are so many fun photo opps at the Park, and Toy Story Land is no exception—offering the perfect colorful backdrops to capture your family memories. These are some of Liv and my top picks:
Pose in front of the Toy Story Land sign with the 20-foot Sheriff Woody statue, right at the front. Another option is standing on Andy’s giant footprint.
Liv also had a blast trying to push the huge Luxo Ball. So cute!
Reflect on the Day
After a full day at the Park, I love talking with my daughter about her favorite parts of the vacation and reflecting on all the fun. We take as many pictures as possible while we’re out, as long as it doesn’t interfere with our enjoyment, of course. And at the end of the day, we get cozy in bed or on the couch and scroll through the pictures from the day. It really is an incredible way to relive the trip. And though my feet may be throbbing, so is my heart!
There isn’t much that’s more magical than experiencing joy through your child, and I hope all of you have the chance to do so. Happy planning!
You can enter for a chance to win a Walt Disney World® Resort Vacation from Babybel and see the new Toy Story Land! Visit Babybel’s One Magical Mission website to learn more. No Purchase Necessary. US 18+ only. Ends 9/30/18. See the Official Rules for details.
*Valid Theme Park admission and online registration required. Disney FastPass+ attractions and entertainment experiences, the number of selections you can make, and available arrival windows are limited.
**App includes products for purchase. Availability subject to device limitations and features may vary by device or service provider. Message and data rates may apply. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.
Even rural kids today spend more time in front of screens and less time outdoors, according to a new study of middle-school students in South Carolina.
Researchers at North Carolina State University and Clemson University found that gaps between screen time and outdoor time were most pronounced for girls, African American students, and eighth graders.
“Middle school can be a turning point for many activities because priorities shift and young people’s lives become more and more structured. This often results in fewer opportunities for outdoor recreation,” says Lincoln Larson, assistant professor of parks, recreation and tourism management at NC State, and co-author of a journal article about the research. “This is a problem because connection to nature plays a positive role in young people’s physical health and psychological development.”
“We want to understand how recreation choices might influence youth at this formative time,” added Edmond Bowers, associate professor of youth development leadership at Clemson University and a co-author on the study. “Research on the impact of electronic media such as smartphones on youth development is just emerging, and the findings for well-being are mixed. A more holistic examination of youth activities could shed light on the benefits and costs of recreational choices.”
Researchers asked about 550 rural students to report the amount of time they spend in nature (outdoor time) and the amount of time they spend using electronic media (screen time) over an average week. They found that screen time eclipsed outdoor time for most students, and that these gaps increased significantly in older youth.
“We understand that technology is an integral part of life for middle-school students, so this isn’t an attempt to scapegoat screen time. But it’s clear that we need to find ways to balance outdoor activities and electronic media,” Larson says. Pokemon Go, for example, was a screen-based phenomenon that also got people moving outdoors.
Concerns about safety, particularly among girls and their parents, may influence students’ time in nature as well, he adds. “Issues related to safety and access create barriers to outdoor recreation for diverse urban youth,” Larson says, “but this study shows that time in nature may be slipping even among rural students.”
“We’re not going back in time when it comes to nature and electronic media. They’re now intertwined,” Larson says. “The question becomes, how do we find ways to effectively integrate nature and technology? Can we design programs or experiences that appeal to young people’s inherent love for technology, but also get them outdoors to improve to their lifelong health?”
I happen to like wackiness in picture books. A new book with a fantastic hook IMHO is LLAMA DESTROYS THE WORLD. The llama in the story is so hungry he eats EVERYTHING and creates a black hole. Now that’s ludicrous. And I gotta read it.
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Teen Celebration 