Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Your Family

Live a greener life. Use this “green” month to teach your children how their efforts can help the environment. Conserve water by taking shorter showers, save energy by shutting off electronics when not in use and walk instead of drive when possible.

Make Irish Soda Bread. Combine 4 cups flour, 4 Tbsp. white sugar, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1 Tbsp. baking powder, ½ tsp. salt and ½ cup softened margarine in a bowl. Add 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 egg and 1 cup raisins (optional) and mix well. Knead dough slightly and form into a round. Place on baking sheet. Cut “X” in bread top and brush with 1 egg white. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Make rainbow cupcakes. Prepare a box of white cake mix as directed. Place equal amounts of the batter in 6 separate bowls. Add food coloring to each bowl to make yellow, orange, red, green, blue and purple batter. Spoon equal amounts of the colored batter into a prepared muffin tin. Do not mix. Bake as directed. Decorate with green icing and yellow mini chocolate candies to represent the gold at the end of the rainbow.

Make green flowersBuy a bouquet of white carnations. Fill a vase with water and several drops of green food coloring. Make a fresh cut in the bottom of the flower stems before placing them in the vase. Watch as the green food coloring slowly makes its way up the stem and into the white flower turning the petals green.

Share your blessings with someone else. Although the December holidays are over, the need for volunteers and charitable gifts are still vital. Use your family’s time and talents to give back to the community

 VALENTINE’S DAY IN RENO TAHOE

Nevada Museum of art

Valentine’s Day falls on a Wednesday this year and as a result the Nevada Museum of Art will be open until 8 p.m. Have a romantic date and stroll arm-in-arm through the museum’s exhibitions. Then, stop by the museum’s shop to find the perfect gift to commemorate your night. Finally, head over to chez louie  (you’ve already made a reservation, right?) for a special Valentine’s Day dinner with a menu by chef Mark Estee. Tyler Stafford will set the mood with acoustic music while you dine.

Couple’s Massage At Reno’s Newest Spa

Have a relaxing and sensual Valentine’s Day with a couple’s massage at Reno’s newest spa, The Spa at Silver Legacy. The massage takes place side-by-side in a luxury treatment room. Each duet couple’s experience includes a bubbly glass of Champagne. Before or after the massage, relax in the steam room, sauna, salt inhalation chamber, or one of three lounges.

Where can I propose in Reno?

The Reno Riverwalk District, with its charming nature trails, restaurants, and breathtaking views of the Truckee River, makes for a wonderful proposal spot. Plan a romantic stroll along the riverside, grab a bite at one of the local food joints, or take part in one of the frequent outdoor events.

6 Most haunted places in the USA

Mizpah Hotel, Nevada

Years ago, a female guest died on the fifth floor of the hotel and surprised the hotel staff with her soul as a return gift. Years later, many have claimed of hearing her whispering sound, especially men have found pearls from a broken necklace on the pillows in their room.

 

Myrtles Plantation, Louisiana

History has it that the plantation is home to ghosts of 12 people who were the victims of revenge. Apparently, a former master had cut off the ears of one of the slaves who was recognized as Chloe for eavesdropping. And in return, Chloe killed her master’s two daughters by poisoning their birthday cake. Post the incident, she was hanged in that very house and years later.

 

Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia

The prisoners learnt to deal with their demons alone in this solitary confinement. With torturous punishments like chaining, one’s tongue to their wrists, this place has witnessed cruelty in its true form which is being returned by the ghosts of those who lost their lives in this cell.

 

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RMS Queen Mary, California

Wrecking the lives of many, this ship has not sailed for a very long time. From a warship in the World War II to a luxury ocean liner, this ship has served many purposes apart from claiming the life of a sailor who was literally smashed to death by the door of the engine room.

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Villisca Axe Murder House, Iowa

In an incident that occurred in the month of June 1912, all the six Moore family members along with two guests who visited them on that night were found floating in their own blood by the authorities. Two adults, four children, and two young guests had suffered major injuries from an axe and what makes it worse is, it remains a mystery as the case stands unresolved until this date.

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Trans-Allegheny Asylum, West Virginia

An asylum for psychopaths in Weston, accommodated 2400 patients in a facility which could only accommodate 250 patients. The overcrowding not only led to lack of space, but also resulted in savage conditions due to which the extreme patients had to be caged in one of the most haunted places in America. While the patients lost control of their barbaric actions which ranged from attacking the staff to setting the site on fire, this asylum had killed many by the time it was shut down in the early 90s.

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Labor Day

Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.

 

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With the growth of the Industrial Revolution came the demand for labor and trade unions. Around the 1850s, eight-hour movements across the world aimed to reduce the working day from ten to eight hours. At its first congress in 1886, the American Federation of Labor called for a general strike in Chicago on May 1 to demand an eight-hour day, which culminated in what is known today as the Haymarket affair.

 

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The First Labor Day

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The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

American labor has raised the nation’s standard of living and contributed to the greatest production the world has ever known and the labor movement has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership – the American worker.

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TIPS FOR GETTING KIDS READY FOR BACK TO SCHOOL

Early to bed, early to rise

Getting back into a school sleeping schedule won’t happen overnight. A few weeks before school starts, get your child into the habit of going to bed earlier.

 

Re-establish a routine

Establishing a consistent routine is important for kids. This could include doing homework, playtime, brushing their teeth, having a bath, and reading before bed.

 

Choose the right backpack

Backpacks that are too heavy or worn improperly could result in muscle strain, headaches, and neck pain. Try to choose a backpack made of sturdy, lightweight fabric with wide, padded straps that will support your child’s shoulders.

 

Talk about safety

Review outdoor safety rules, things like looking both ways before crossing the street, taking the same route every day if they are walking, familiarizing themselves with crosswalk rules, and being cautious in talking to strangers.

 

 

Limit screen time

Back to school is the perfect opportunity to re-establish screen time limits. Use an alarm clock instead of a cellphone to wake up in the mornings.

 

Map it out

If your kids are starting at a new school, practice walking or driving to the bus stop or to the school building a week or two before school starts.

 

Talk about first week jitters

Reassure your child that being nervous is natural – even for teachers.

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TOP 5 BEACHES IN THE WORLD

The most secret: Los Roques, Venezuela

Here is a wonder of nature, the promise of an enchanted break. Los Roques archipelago stretches out across 160 km of the Venezuelan coastline. Some 300 islands of varying sizes, long strips of fine sand and crystal-clear waters: an authentic and heavenly setting.

 

The most colorful: Pink Beach, Indonesia

The only pink sand beaches in the world. A unique feeling enhanced by a clear sea, a pure blue sky and lush deep green hills. These out-of-the-ordinary landscapes have the Indonesian island of Komodo as their backdrop, which is also home to fascinating fauna.

 

 

The most well-preserved: Fakarava, France

Fakarava is a small atoll winding its way in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. A strip of white sand listed as a “biosphere reserve” by UNESCO, found 450 km north-east of Tahiti. Even though white dominates the colour palette on land, there is infinite variation in the blue of the waters of the Fakarava lagoon.

 

 

The most like paradise: Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles

Fine white sand like powder, silvery rocks as if sculpted by human hands, Anse Source d’Argent is perhaps the most famous beach in the world. It’s warm, crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation make it a treasure trove waiting to be discovered on La Digue island.

 

 

The most peaceful: Palombaggia, France

In the shade of a pine parasol, it’s so sweet to relax on a beach with entirely Mediterranean charm. Palombaggia is hidden in the south-east of the Isle of Beauty and is a fine sand beach bordering the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. The pink rocks add a touch of magic to this unrivalled Corsican setting.

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MAY BLOG – How life changes after graduating High School

How life changes after graduating High School

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Graduating high school is an amazing achievement, and you should be proud of that. Here are some things that are either coming your way, or already have come your way once you’re finally out.

Your Friend Group Dynamic Will Change
Unless your entire high school friend group goes to the same college, spending significant time apart is inevitable.

More Responsibilities Will Be Expected of You
Whether it’s getting a job fresh out of high school, moving out of the house, or paying for your phone bill or car insurance, once you turn 18, you’re officially considered an “adult.”

Your Work Will Intensify
Whether it’s schoolwork in college or a full-time job as an assistant, you can most likely expect to work around the clock once high school ends. In college, classes take up a huge chunk of your day.

Money Will Suddenly Take Up a Lot of Headspace
If you’re in school, you may be thinking about paying back your student loans. If you’re not in school, you’re probably saving up for an apartment or even clothes and things to get by.

You are a lot less sheltered
Your college professors tell you things that a high school teacher wouldn’t.

You become WAY more independent
You learn to lean on yourself, versus other people. You get to make your own school schedule; you’ll have your own money that YOU earned.

Take your education seriously
It’s YOUR choice to be paying thousands of dollars at a school, you better do the best you can.

Everyone is in their own lane
Your friend may not be in college, but she’s working full-time, while you’re in college full time and working. Everyone is on their own track in life. Just keep doing what you’re doing.

 

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April Blog

As communities come together this month to bring awareness and acceptance around autism spectrum disorder, it’s important to reflect on what this condition means. While there is no single cause of autism identified yet, we do know that it is a spectrum condition that affects people in varying degrees. It is a neurological and developmental disorder that causes social, communication, and other behavioral challenges. 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention. It is important to note that some people without ASD might also have some of these symptoms. But for people with ASD, these characteristics can make life very challenging.

 

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There are many ways to demonstrate your support of autism awareness, acceptance, and advocacy during April, and throughout the year. Autism Awareness Month begins with the United Nations sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. The first awareness day was created in the 1970s by the Autism Society and it has evolved over time, officially being adopted by Congress in 1984.

Important Autism Statistics

  • Over 7 million people in the US are on the autism spectrum
  • 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism, according to the CDC
  • Boys are 4X more likely to be diagnosed as girls
  • Autism is 1.9X more likely to be diagnosed in black children than Hispanic children
  • 2.2% of adults are autistic
  • A child has 19% higher risk of autism if an older sibling has autism as well
  • More than a 1/3 of autism caregivers use an ABA therapy provider

 

What Are the Average Costs of Autism Care?

As with most aspects regarding autism care, covering the costs of therapy and other treatments has come a long way. The CDC reports that most parents need anywhere from $17,000 to $21,000 per year for costs relating to medical care and therapy for their child with autism.

There have been many recent developments for covering these costs of care. Some states now mandate that insurance companies cover the costs of autism treatment. Also, the cost of intervention is typically covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Families can find support to cover these costs through a variety of funding methods including private insurance, state-funded care and school-funded care. 

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February Blog

 

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.
Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.

 

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Among the notable figures often spotlighted during Black History Month are Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who fought for equal rights for Blacks during the 1950s and ’60s; Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American justice appointed to the United States Supreme Court in 1967; Mae Jemison, who became the first female African-American astronaut to travel to space in 1992; and Barack Obama, who was elected the first-ever African-American president of the United States in 2008.

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Why Is Black History Month Celebrated in February?

February is the birth month of two figures who loom large in the Black past: U.S. President Abraham Lincoln (born February 12), who issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and African American abolitionist, author, and orator Frederick Douglass (born February 14). Since the deaths of Lincoln and Douglass (in 1865 and 1895, respectively), the Black community had celebrated their contributions to African American liberation and civil rights on their birthdays.

 

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Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme.

 

The Black History Month 2023 theme, “Black Resistance,” explores how “African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms and police killings,” since the nation’s earliest days.

 

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December Blog

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December is known around the world as a family time of celebration honoring cultures, religions and traditions that have been with humanity for hundreds of years.

This is why we have gathered a list of places you can visit this month with family, friends or just by yourself. 

 

Boulder, Colorado

Boulder is most famous for its fantastic view of the Rocky Mountains, making it a unique winter destination.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is a highly recommended travel destination in December because of how beautiful, peaceful, and quiet it is.

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is one of the best places to visit in December in the USA, especially if you are looking to enjoy a cozy romantic getaway with your significant other.

 

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth takes Christmas seriously, and the lighting and the ornaments decorating the town are a beauty to behold. 

 

Breckenridge, Colorado

Walk through the town and enjoy the beautiful sights of the festive season with buildings decorated with holiday ornaments. 

 

Burlington, Vermont

If you want to have a magical Christmas in a scenic city, Burlington is one of the best places to spend your December vacation in the US, let alone all of North America.

 

Lake Tahoe, California

There is a mix of outdoor and indoor activities you can do at Lake Tahoe. Some outdoor activities include snowboarding, skiing, going on candlelit cruises, and catching the sunset from sleigh rides. 

 

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  • Sweden celebrates Christmas with a giant, straw Yule Goat.
  • The longest-running Santa Claus parade happens in Illinois.
  • One of the oldest Christmas markets dates back to the 1600s.
  • “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was recorded by a 13-year-old.
  • Brazil set the record for the world’s largest floating Christmas tree.
  • In Ukraine, spiders are considered symbols of good luck at Christmas.
  • There is a Christmas tree in Spain worth $15 million.
  • Eggnog dates back to medieval times.
  • Americans expect to spend around $837 on Christmas gifts this year.
  • Americans spend nearly $2 billion on holiday treats every year.
  • Decorating Disney World involves 8.5 million lights.
  • The tradition of putting up Christmas trees is more than 500 years old.