How To Keep The Kids Entertained on Long Car Journeys

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bigstock_Family_travelling_by_car_6563169With the warmer weather now upon us (thank goodness!), it’s likely that most parents are starting to cast their thoughts forward to the summer holidays – but I just don’t mean the trip abroad, golden sands, and blue seas kind of summer holiday (because if you’re anything like me, then you’ll be more than ready for that), I’m referring to that probably little more dreaded kind of summer holiday; the children’s 6 week break from school kind of summer holiday. Ah.

Just what on earth are you going to do with them for the whole duration that won’t mean breaking the bank?

Well, one of the most fun and cost effective ways to keep your little ones occupied throughout the summer holidays is to go on a family road trip.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, quick short journeys to school or the supermarket are stressful enough with the constant echoing of “are we nearly there yet?” every 5 minutes. But, believe it or not, there are ways to keep everyone entertained to ensure that your ride runs as smoothly as possible.

So, if you’re planning a long car journey for this year’s summer holiday period, then here are a few ways to do exactly that:

In-Car Entertainment

There are plenty of cars out there with a screen built into the back of the front seats, which mean the kids can watch a DVD while in the car. So, if you’re a family that travels on the road a lot, then it may be worth investing in such a car for the future. Take a look at used car dealership in San Antonio to see what’s available.

Load the car up with DVDs and let the kids choose what they want to watch. A film should keep them quiet for a couple of hours.

Car Games

If you want to be a little more traditional with your games then perhaps think of one that the whole family can play…

Yellow Car

This is where family members get points if they are the first one to spot a yellow car. Bonus points for yellow Minis and yellow Beetles. Whoever has the most points at the end of the journey wins!

I-Spy

This is a traditional game that doesn’t need much explanation. It might not be the best game for very long journeys but it’s a good starting point.

Hangman

If you have a paper and pen on you then you can play hangman. If that’s not everyone’s cup of tea then dots or noughts and crosses might be an option. There are plenty of games like this that can be played, you can even get kids books with the basics already filled out.

Guess The Song

Who can be the first to guess the song on the radio from the opening bars? This also works if you have a new compilation CD. Make sure you hide the case, though!

Computer Games

This might be on a handheld console, smartphone or tablet. Give the kids a few games to play. The educational ones are particularly good for long journeys. A lot of games aimed at children will be able to teach them something.

Just Chat

Talking to your children can be a great way to pass the time. Long journeys are a great time to bond. There’s always the temptation to distract the children with games and DVDs but just chatting might be entertaining for all of you.

Take Your Time

If you’re not in a rush to get to your destination then perhaps take your time. Stop off at exciting destinations that will break up the journey to make it more interesting. It might be stopping at the side of the road to look at sheep in the field or it might be stopping at a pub with a great play area for a spot of lunch.

Write

You can get your kids to do something creative by getting them to write a story. It could be collaborative with the whole family joining in or it can be down to them to write something that you’ll read at the end. This can be a great challenge that will definitely get them thinking. Perhaps give them a topic on which to write about.

How to Stop Being a Couch Potato and Start Enjoying Life

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Lululemon_Yellow_Yoga

 

It’s no joke: a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to numerous preventable causes of death. A person who is seated for over five hours a day is put considerably more at risk of contracting cardiovascular disease than one who exercises for even just four hours per week. Furthermore, lack of exercise can cause depression or anxiety. If you want to start enjoying life you have to stand up and say no to being a couch potato.

 

Here are some useful ideas to help you get up off the couch and back in the game:

 

  • Avoid eating on the settee. The more you get used to doing this the more time you will be able to spend on the couch. Try to make a habit of setting aside time for meals away from the TV.
  • Rest and relaxation are integral ingredients of a healthy and happy life, but too much idle behavior will do you no good in the end. When you go to sit down in front of the TV, set yourself a limit on the time spent in front of it.
  • Get rid of your unwanted DVDs and video games. You’ve seen or played them all before and it’s time for something new. You can sell them easily on http://www.musicmagpie.com/ and use the money for a gym membership or a bicycle.
  • Why not watch TV while riding an exercise bike and THEN see how many episodes of Prison Break you can watch in a row!
  • Studies have shown that prolonged periods of little or no movement inhibit the effectiveness of one of the key enzymes which break down blood fat. If your occupation requires you to spend lots of time sitting down, make sure to periodically stand up and stretch your legs.
  • Apply the principle of active transport to your daily life. We spend too much time in a sitting position, even while travelling. Walk or ride a bike, leave early and take the scenic route to work and you’ll feel the benefits of a greater sense of wellbeing.
  • Get a hobby. Count up the hours you spend on the sofa in a year and think what you could do with that time. If you cut out just an hour of TV time every day just imagine what you could achieve in a year. Whether it’s Ping-Pong or marathon running, find something to suit you and stick at it.
  • Join a sports team. It could be at your local soccer club or it could be as simple as forming a bowling team with good friends. The commitment necessary to be a valued team player will give you the encouragement you need get off the settee regularly.

Everybody needs time to relax and a good long couch session every now and again can be good for your state of mind – but too much is detrimental to your health. Don’t think of it as a loss of relaxation time, but rather as time gained socialising, improving your health and extending your lifespan

 

WIN: Tickets to see the AlunaGeorge Vevo Go Show with Lucozade Energy

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This post brought to you by Lucozade Energy. All opinions are 100% mine.

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Lucozade Energy is all about seizing the moment and making it happen. With this in mind they have teamed up with Vevo for the launch of Vevo Go Shows which are powered by Lucozade Energy. These are special one-off music experiences in secret and unexpected locations with some of the most exciting artists working today. The only way to win some of the exclusive tickets is with Lucozade Energy. You can win tickets to see AlunaGeorge at a Vevo Go Show which will take place in London this summer.

All you have to do is go to the Lucozade Energy website or the Facebook page, go to the Yes Project and enter the code from your bottle. The competition runs until the 14th of June but you should like the Lucozade Energy Facebook page for daily chances to win other prizes. The exclusive events will be in a London location that will not disappoint.

You can see AlunaGeorge, who are a dynamic duo who consist of Aluna Francis (vocals) and George Reid (instruments/synths). They incorporate rhyme and Blues and Hip hop with sounds not commonly found in such genres, such as electrosynth with an aura of 80/90s pop. Their songs hinge on the chemistry between Aluna’s cool, commanding, distinctly British vocals and George’s disorientating brew of warped samples, twitching beats and thick, woozy bass.

They have had huge success with ‘White Noise’ and ‘Attracting Flies’ AlunaGeorge are on their way to even bigger things. The VEVO Go Show with Lucozade will showcase a sample of their tracks and some lucky person will get a chance to actually meet them.

There are also more opportunities to win amazing prizes daily along with the chance to hear the best in music exclusives with The YES Project. So what are you waiting for? Get your hands on a promotional pack and enter the code on your bottle along with your email address.

 

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Submissions open for Britain’s first Web Fest

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raindanceRaindance London Web Fest
Raindance hosts Britain’s first Web Fest in London
September 28/29, 2013

What do The Guild, Anyone But Me and The Lizzie Bennet Diaries have in common?

They were all started by independent writers who rejected the traditional broadcast commissioning process to create their own shows their own way… and were rewarded with loyal fans worldwide and millions of views of their web series.

And they are making money.

Britain’s first Web Fest has been created to celebrate the best independent online content from around the world in a 2 day feast of screenings, panels and special events that takes place during the 21st Annual Raindance Film Festival in the heart of London’s West End.

“It was only natural for Raindance to create a showcase for web series. Online content is becoming the place for filmmakers and creators to be discovered. Web series creators are the perfect example of independent filmmakers who have plugged into the social media landscape.” said Raindance founder Elliot Grove.

Raindance WebFest is currently open for submissions until July 15th.

For details: http://www.raindance.org/festival-2013/raindance-london-web-fest/

Women over 32 less impressed with men in suits compared to women in their twenties

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LIP Shameless BG _A2The Power Suit

Women in their 20s more attracted to a man in a suit than women over 32

 

At Frost we love a man in a suit, while the men, erm, don’t really have an opinion. Women of all ages cannot deny men in suits are exceptionally attractive, turning even the average looking man into a fine-looking gentleman.  However, it seems some ladies aren’t as mesmerised by the tailored suit as others.  According to a new survey women over 32 are less impressed with a man in a suit than women in their twenties.

 

The survey carried out by bespoke tailors, King & Allen, used an online dating site* to conduct a picture survey.  Twenty men from different backgrounds and sizes, and aged between 23 and 38, were each photographed wearing casual clothes and then traditional suits.  Women aged between 18 and 38 were invited to rate the men on their overall looks.  The suited men were rated considerably higher in desirability than their casual counterparts.

 

To give the findings a scientific explanation, a new study called The Journal of Social Experimental Psychology, led and conducted by Professor Adam D. Galinsky of the Northwestern University in the US, revealed that wearing certain clothes really does altar cognitive performance and perception.*

 

Jake Allen, co-founder of King & Allen says:  “We were surprised by the findings but it seems women in their twenties associate men wearing tailored suits with success, wealth and high status.

 

“Women in their thirties are far more experienced in the workplace than those in their twenties. They may find the tailored suit a reminder of their job and are so accustomed to the suit, it becomes less desirable outside the work environment. “

 

Mr Allen concludes, ‘To support the scientific research, our customers are always saying that they feel at least ten times more confident and a couple of inches taller when wearing one of our suits.”

 

Thousands descend on streets of London as Hero Ride raises funds for Help for Heroes

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Thousands descend on streets of London as ground-breaking Hero Ride raises crucial funds for Help for Heroes

The biggest cycling show of support for our wounded this country has ever seen concluded today as over 1,300 Hero Ride cyclists crossed the finish line at Horse Guards Parade to fundraise for Help for Heroes.

 

help for heroesMembers of the public and Help for Heroes celebrity Patrons lined The Mall in support of the annual event, which has seen riders from all corners of the country stage fundraising bike rides, meeting en masse in Blackheath this morning before riding together into central London.

 

The 2013 Hero Ride cyclists, led by over 150 wounded veterans and service personnel from the UK, USA and Canada, paused to pay respects at the Monument to the Women of WW2 before riding in formation along The Mall towards Admiralty Arch to reach the finish line at Horse Guards Parade.

 

The 2013 Hero Ride then culminated at Horse Guards Parade with a military celebration including performances from The Games Maker Choir and The State Trumpeters.

 

The participation, public support and fundraising from the 1,300 cyclists is expected to see around £1million raised, with the total to be confirmed over the coming days. The funding will provide direct practical support to those who have suffered injuries in recent conflicts, as well as their families.

 

Hundreds of organised bike rides have taken place in the lead up to today’s finale. The first was the Big Battlefield Bike Ride which saw 300 cyclists ride over 350 miles from Paris to London. The large group of fundraisers were waved off by the Duchess of Cornwall at Les Invalides when they set off on Tuesday 28 May.

 

In another gallant feat, the Dawn Raid cycle challenge saw 250 cyclists leave the Help for Heroes Tedworth House Recovery Centre in the early hours of this morning. The riders pedalled 90 miles through the night, departing at 2am in order to meet with the other cyclists at Blackheath for the final ride in to central London.

 

The 2013 Hero Ride also saw a ride come down from Edinburgh, which included a triple amputee who cycled the 420 mile journey on a handbike. Another ride made up of wounded, injured and sick troops from Help for Heroes run Recovery Centre in Colchester also joined Hero Ride.

 

Bryn Parry, Co-Founder of Help for Heroes who joined the Paris to London leg of the 2013 Hero Ride, said: “This year’s Hero Ride has seen over one-thousand cyclists finish on the streets of London in the biggest national demonstration of support for our wounded heroes.

 

“I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved with Hero Ride to make this wonderful event take place. The people that deserve the most thanks are the cyclists themselves, who have put in their own time to train and fundraise for this event – all in the name of our wounded heroes.

 

“With the withdrawal from Afghanistan just a year away, it is easy to think the job is over but actually the battle has just begun. Challenges such as Hero Ride, and the many more we will have in the future will allow our support to continue, for life.”

 

Paralympian and Help for Heroes Patron Jon Allan-Butterworth, who was severely injured in a mortar attack whilst serving in Iraq in 2007 and has been supported by the charity since, said: “Help for Heroes is a charity that has supported me so I understand exactly how the public’s support and fundraising is used to help wounded troops – in my case it has literally changed my life and I am immensely grateful.

 

“Today has made me very proud to be British and I want to say a huge thank you and congratulations to everyone that has taken part in Hero Ride, no matter how big or small their participation, every single person has made a difference. All of the effort and the fundraising by every cyclist today will be translated into support for our troops.”

 

Help for Heroes Patron and Hero Ride participant, musician James Blunt, said: “Every single person that got on a bike this week or fundraised for Help for Heroes deserves a very big thank you and a well done. It’s been amazing today to see such a large group of people, from every background, coming together in support of our troops and it is my pleasure to be involved.

 

“I have no doubt that this event will have resulted in large amounts of donations for Help for Heroes and this money will be used to provide crucial support – so thank you.”

 

Help for Heroes Patron Lorraine Kelly said: “Today has been such a wonderful show of support to our wounded. Hero Ride has become even more poignant since the awful events that took place in Woolwich and all of the riders deserve a massive well done for playing their part in fundraising for such an important charity.”

 

Help for Heroes Patron and professional road cyclist Mark Cavendish, who was in London today to support the riders including his fiancé Peta Todd as they crossed the finish line, said: “I definitely know about how much training has to go in to a cycling event like Hero Ride – you have to be dedicated and all of the cyclists taking part today have a great cause in Help for Heroes that they’re fighting for.

 

“Every person involved in Hero Ride deserves a huge congratulations and well done for such a great achievement for a brilliant cause. I’ve seen how Help for Heroes use donations to provide outstanding support for our troops and everyone’s effort here today will only add to this support.”

 

Lord Seb Coe, showing his support for the charity, said: “Help for Heroes is known for the incredible support it gives to our wounded troops and we must all work together to maintain this support for many years to come.

 

“The charity is successfully aiding the recovery of thousands of injured servicemen and women, with ‘sport in recovery’ playing a vital role in this process. Help for Heroes has been able to provide adaptive sports through the recovery process for over 1,500 individuals and this work has led to many injured troops progressing into elite sport and we hope to see many of them competing at the Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016.”

 

Hero Ride activity was not just taking place on the roads, Virgin Active health clubs across the country have been offering the opportunity for members to get involved in their local club’s Hero Ride activity, such as group static cycle events or boot camp training sessions, with all funds raised being donated to Help for Heroes.

 

For anyone wishing to donate to the Hero Ride, text ‘RIDE’ to 70900 to donate £5 to Help for Heroes. You will be charged £5 plus your standard network rate. Mobile Text Telephone helpline: 01494 750 500.

 

To register interest for future Help for Heroes fundraising challenges and the 2014 Hero Ride, please visit: www.helpforheroes.org.uk

 

 

Star Trek – Live In Concert

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startrek21ST CENTURY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS, conducted by LUDWIG WICKI

Following the recent debut of Star Trek into Darkness at No.1 in both the American and UK box office, where it has already made $260 million worldwide within 2 weeks of release, buzz for the franchise is at fever pitch. Now London’s Royal Albert Hall will be hosting the UK premiere of director J.J Abrams predecessor, 2009’s $385million blockbuster smash Star Trek, live in concert on May 29 2014, celebrating the extraordinary collaboration between Michael Giacchino’s score and J.J Abrams’ visionary original motion picture.

With Star Trek fever at an all-time high with Abrams’ rebooted film franchise, this live concert will feature Michael Giacchino’s score brought to life on stage by the 21st Century Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, while the Academy Award winning film is shown simultaneously in high definition on the big screen, in the majestic surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall. This concert explores the collaborative relationship between music and storytelling and is a must for lovers of film and Trekkies alike.

Loved by audiences, the impact of Star Trek has been huge. The original series, which first aired in 1967, and is considered the most influential sci-fi series in TV history, has since spawned five successor series, twelve movies (this film being the 11th in the series), novels, comics, games, a plethora of merchandise, and a multi-billion dollar industry collectively known as the Star Trek franchise. This concert is further proof of the popularity and legacy of this cultural phenomenon, not just through the films and TV shows but also the music and score that have played a huge part in its success.

“To hear Michael Giacchino’s music, the secret weapon of the Star Trek series, performed live in Royal Albert Hall, will be, I promise, a thrill” says J.J Abrams “The full orchestra scoring sessions for the films have been among my favourite life experiences. To give the public a chance to hear this incredible music performed live is a wonderful thing.  I cannot wait to go and celebrate Michael’s truly remarkable achievements!”

Michael Giacchino adds, “In 2003, before I wrote my first film score, I saw John Williams conduct ET live to picture at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. I will never forget that event. A little over ten years later, I will have the honour of experiencing my music for Star Trek performed by the incredible 21st Century Symphony Orchestra and Chorus under the baton of the talented conductor, Ludwig Wicki. That in itself is exciting, but the fact that we will be in the Royal Albert Hall in London, is truly amazing. After working with J.J. for 13 years, it will be so rewarding to have his wonderful film brought to life in a whole new way. I look forward to sharing this event with J.J. and the Star Trek fans, new and old”

This event is part of the Royal Albert Hall’s series in celebrating classic films with live orchestra. 100,000 people have now enjoyed sold out performances at the Hall of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Matrix, the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story, Disney’s Fantasia, Singin’ in the Rain and the upcoming world premiere of Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton on October 7th and UK premiere of Pixar in Concert on February 22nd 2014. The Hall looks to provide memorable visitor experiences for all and, as a charity, these own-promoted events form a part of its extensive public benefit remit.

 

Star Trek- Live in Concert

Thursday 29 May 2014 at 7.30pm– Star Trek (2009)

Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP

Tickets £15 – £55 (booking fees apply)
Box Office 020 7589 8212
www.royalalberthall.com 

Tickets on sale Friday May 31st at 9am from the Royal Albert Hall Box Office

 

The Promise: Never Have Another Negative Thought Again

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neverhaveanothernegativethoughtThe Promise: Never Have Another Negative Thought Again comes with high praise indeed.

‘If a book could change the world and the lives of everyone in it, this is surely such a book.’ Mark Nesbitt, director of Urbanark Group

‘Occasionally there’s someone saying something that makes you stop and listen. Graham W Price is one of these. His teaching is truly powerful.’ London Magazine

‘The most useful and effective training I’ve come across in 25 years.’ Michael Queen, CEO of 3i, a FTSE 100 company

‘I cannot recommend it enough. Nothing phases me anymore.’ Simone Plaut, manager, MS Society

Wow. Popular indeed. The blurb reads:

What would it be like to eliminate negative thoughts from your life? To remove regret, worry and dissatisfaction and never feel stressed again? To take on whatever life throws at you with confidence and an unwavering resilience? To achieve whatever you want to achieve and enjoy great relationships. With The Promise, you can – that’s a promise.

Based on an extraordinary truth that few are aware of, you’ll develop powerful new ways of looking at life and discover how to:

Replace negative thoughts with positive action.
Banish stress, regret, disappointment and worry from your life.
Calmly manage any challenging situation, no matter how big or small.

The Promise is a book that changes your thinking. Positive acceptance, or pacceptance as the author Graham W Price calls it, is the first step. Instead of getting upset about things you cannot fix you accept it instead. It has exercises and an action summary of each chapter, and all of the previous ones too.

Banning worry, accepting fear but getting on with it and less wishing, more action might seem like basic things we know why should not but might not get round to doing. But the book is not just self help and useful advice, it works on your way of thinking so you can reach your full potential. I like the book and found it very helpful. The summary and examples at the end were great, as were the exercises.

A great book if you are lagging behind and want to up your game.