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Films and Specials to Put You in the Holiday Spirit

Seomavericks — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 19:16:50 +0000

The Christmas season is packed with holiday films and specials for kids that are worth watching the first time or every year. The lineup is sufficient for creating a movie night for every day in December leading up to the big day. The following are just some of the top picks. Some are recommended for certain ages, but let your child and their interests be your guide.

The Polar Express
The Christmas Dragon
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
A Garfield Christmas
Home Alone
The Santa Clause
Jingle All the Way
A Boy Called Christmas
Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
Trolls Holiday Special
Elf
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Frosty the Snowman
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Dr. Seuess’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Twas the Night Before Christmas
Jingle All The Way
The Star
Thomas and Friends: The Christmas Engines
Winnie the Pooh: The Seasons of Giving
If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie
The Snowy Day
Kung Fu Panda Holiday
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Santa Clause is Coming to Town
Veggie Tales: The Little Drummer Boy
Casper’s Haunted Christmas
Klaus
The Magic Snowflake
Scrooge
Minions Holiday Special
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

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Favorite Outdoor Christmas Decorations

Seomavericks — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 19:11:46 +0000

Some Christmas decorations are perennial favorites and seem to appear in everyone’s yard each year. Inflatables have become one of the most popular types of yard decorations on the market. They encompass everything from traditional Santas and snowmen to angels, elves and candy canes. Many are equipped with solar-powered batteries to power light up functions. They’re ideal for saving on power costs and reducing the potential for fire.

Aurora Lights

Since 1882, lights have played an integral part in holiday celebrations. Now, you can put away the traditional holiday lights for your outdoor tree and decorate with aurora lights. They’re also called meteor lights, snow shower lights or raindrop lights, depending on the manufacturer. They’re offered in single colors and simulate shooting stars tumbling to Earth.

Inflatables

Giant inflatable ornaments are offered in multiple colors. Some are emblazoned with sentiments of the season. You can also select from giant lighted snow globes or giant versions of Frosty the Snowman or the abominable snowman.

Lighted Gifts

Designed to look like wrapped presents, they glow with an inner light. They’re available in multiple colors. Combine them with an outdoor lighted tree for an especially festive appearance.

Fun Inflatables

Those with a quirky sense of humor that are fans of Rockin’ Santa figurines with a guitar will be happy to know there’s a large inflatable version. You can also choose Santa riding a dinosaur, Snoopy on his doghouse, or a gingerbread train. Don’t forget the gingerbread man who is being sampled by his dog.

Fireworks and Icicles

Firework lights are offered in bright white or multi-colored versions. The unique design emulates the appearance of a fireworks burst, sometimes called a bouquet. Icicle lights can be used to decorate homes and fences.

Reindeer

There’s something about reindeer as decorations that appeal to children and adults. They’re available in light up inflatables that primarily depict Rudolph and the more popular fully lit version that’s offered as a 2-piece doe and fawn set.

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Satisfy the Reader in Any Family

Seomavericks — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 19:08:23 +0000

Video games and electronic devices are uppermost in the minds of many youngsters for Christmas. If you’re among those that have an avid reader in the family, there are any number of books that will be a well-appreciated gift. There are books to please any age level or reading ability. Many combine the holiday season with mystery, fantasy or a heaping helping of humor. The following are just a few choices to consider.

Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

When the gem is stolen, it’s up to Sherlock Holmes and Watson to recover it and solve the holiday-based mystery. For ages 7 to 9.

Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder

In this Norwegian novel, the girl Elisabet hasn’t been seen for years. Jochim must solve the mystery of the advent calendar and locate Elisabet. For ages 9 to 12.

Hogfather by Terry Prachet

Bureaucrats hire an assassin to dispatch the Hogfathe who brings children toys and sausages. It’s up to Death to save the day by dressing up as the merry old man. For age 11 to adults.

Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris

It’s a hilarious account of working as a department store elf during the holidays. For teens to adults.

Kwanzaa by Dr. Artika R. Tyner

Children learn about the traditions and celebration of Kwanzaa. For ages 5 to 8.

The Box of Delights by John Masefield

In this children’s fantasy novel, a boy finds a magic box on a train, only to discover he and the box are in danger from an evil magician. He travels through time and space to save himself and Christmas. For ages 9 to 12.

The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola

There’s more to the humble flower than meets the eye. It tells the sweet story of what the “Flower of Christmas Eve” means to Hispanic families. For ages 5 to 9.

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Top Halloween Costumes for Kids 2023

Seomavericks — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 14:22:21 +0000

Homemade costumes can be extremely cute and offer creative parents a way to show off their skills. However, few parents are crafty or handy enough to make a Halloween costume that will pass muster with their child. Youngsters want a costume that as closely resembles their internal vision of what they want to look like as possible and store-bought costumes do that well.

Imitation is a Key Factor

Children typically want to emulate their favorite characters from cartoons and anime, TV, films, and video games. There are dozens from which to choose and some are perennial favorites, but bear in mind that many other youngsters are trying to obtain the same costume, so begin the search for that special costume early.

Safety is No. 1

For safety, a costume should never hamper a child’s movement or pose a tripping hazard. Masks and headgear should never interfere with their vision and the costume should always fit well. Use non-allergenic makeup. Be prepared for younger children to be scared. All children don’t respond well to scary costumes.

Trick or treat is an exciting time for children and they dart about. It’s a good idea to have some type of reflective stickers or other decorations on a costume. Give them a refresher on traffic safety.

Top Costume Choices

There are dozens of movies that have resonated with youngsters this year and characters they want to imitate. Others want to be their favorite video game character or someone from pop culture. The following are some of the top costumes that youngsters are requesting in 2023.

Anything that lights up or glows in the dark

Alien

Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Ash Ketchum (Pokémon)

Barbie

Harry Potter and Hermione

Mario and Luigi (Super Mario Bros.)

Minions

Naruto

Optimus Prime

Pink Lady (Rise of the Pink Ladies)

Skeleton

Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse

Superheroes from Marvel or DC

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Unicorn

Vampires

Wednesday Addams

Witch

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Why You Should Not Let Children of Varying Sizes Bounce Together

Seomavericks — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 18:32:22 +0000

Almost every child enjoys a bounce house experience, but there are some basic bounce house rules that everyone should follow to mitigate the potential for injuries and ensure safe operation. For Every Action… When a large child jumps on one side of the bounce house, it’s going to create a reaction of equal force on the other side of the amusement. That ripple effect can throw younger, lighter children off their feet and increases the potential for a bloody nose, sprain or fracture. A responsible adult should monitor the inflatable at all times to ensure youngsters in the entertainment are of the same age and size. A bounce house is for jumping and bouncing. Youngsters should not be performing somersaults or flips and roughhousing should be prevented. Children should never wear shoes in a bounce house – only socks. Where to Set it Up A bounce house should be set on open and level ground. A grassy location is best. Be sure the ground under the inflatable is free of sticks and stones. It should be established away from fences, outbuildings, sprinkler heads, and overhead tree branches. Be sure it’s properly anchored to the ground. What Doesn’t Belong in a Bounce House There are some things that should absolutely not be allowed in a bounce house. That includes food, drinks and gum. An adult should check each child before they enter the amusement to ensure they remove jewelry, eyeglasses and other sharp objects. Hard toys should never enter the bounce house. Other Considerations Choose a bounce house of the appropriate size for the youngsters that will be using it and limit the number of children using it to 4 or 5 at a time. Be aware of the weather – never use a bounce house in the rain. If the wind is strong enough to blow sand and small gravel around, it’s too strong for bounce house use.

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5 Reasons Kids Love a Bounce House Party

Seomavericks — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 18:29:24 +0000

You don’t have to have a reason to rent an inflatable bounce house and throw an impromptu children’s party. Few youngsters can resist the temptation to jump and bounce in a brightly colored inflatable. Bounce houses are available in dry and wet versions, along with those that incorporate an obstacle course, providing parents with options. Don’t forget to have snacks and beverages on hand. Children burn a lot of energy and calories playing in a bounce house. It’s essential that they remain hydrated, even when using a wet bounce house. Kid-Friendly Fun It’s not a true party unless you invite some friends over. Youngsters get to play with their friends and you have the peace of mind knowing they’re in a safe environment. Larger Than Life Entertainment Most children are accustomed to seeing a bounce house in venues such as carnivals and fairs. The true size of a bounce house is revealed when set up in your back yard. Rental inflatables can accommodate multiple youngsters. Multiple Themes Inflatable bounce houses are available with multiple themes, allowing kids to pretend for hours. Bounce houses have themes appropriate for kids of all ages ranging from cartoon characters and fairy tales to superheroes and those with a holiday theme. They’re no longer simply square boxes. They can take the form of a snow globe, castle or gingerbread house. There’s More Than Just Bouncing Depending on the inflatable, bounce houses enable children to play traditional games inside, such as tag. With wet bounce houses, children can also slide and splash. Healthy Exercise Inflatable bounce houses are an ideal way for children to burn off excess energy and it’s a healthy way to do so. Bounce houses aid children in developing balance, motor skills, strength and lung capacity, while providing a heart-healthy cardio workout. A bounce house party is also a great way to support socialization skills.

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Three Stress Saving Ideas for Planning Your Child’s Party

Seomavericks — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 18:26:23 +0000

Celebrities are spending $200,000 for a child’s birthday party, while social media influencers are touting “bigger is better” ideas for gatherings. It tempts parents to spend more than they need to on their child’s party and focus on things rather than the child. The following tips can help you stop the madness, plan a stress-free party that will keep youngsters entertained, and won’t break your budget. Invest in an Experience Instead of a Party There are dozens of options for this, depending on the age of the attendees. Consider going bowling, taking everyone to that must-see movie, or going to an arcade. There’s almost no planning involved at all, other than creating a guest list and convincing a couple of other parents to help keep an eye on everyone. Parents simply drop their children off at the appointed location and pick them up at a pre-determined time. Keep Food and Beverages Simple If you’re planning a trip to the zoo or similar locale, seriously consider packing a picnic for everyone. Some locations have on-site grills if you want to cook hotdogs on the spot Consider ordering pizza or subs for a truly stress-free meal. Forget About a Theme Themes can be fun, but you’ll spend far more time trying to obtain matching napkins, paper plates and cups, along with games, decorations and party favors, than the entire party will last. Focus on What’s Important Know your budget and stay within it. Your child’s life isn’t going to be ruined if you can’t swing a traveling petting zoo or a local celebrity visit. Limit the guest list to the number of people you can comfortably accommodate, whether the event takes place at home or somewhere else. Just because your child wants to invited the entire class doesn’t mean you’re obligated to do so. It doesn’t affect the quality of the party.

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Summer Fun! How to Organize a Neighborhood Waterslide Party

Seomavericks — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 10:15:10 +0000

There’s a lot of planning and work that goes into any party and that multiplies when organizing a neighborhood-based event. The following are some tips for ensuring party success. Plan Early There’s no guarantee that the weather will cooperate, but choose the day at least three months in advance. That gives you time to schedule your waterslide rental. Waterslides are often spoken for months in advance. It’s especially important if you have a specific theme in mind. There will certainly be a permit required and an accompanying fee that must be paid. Be sure to check your homeowner’s insurance to see if any injuries or damages will be covered for the event. Examine the Budget The cost of a neighborhood pool party can quickly get out of hand. You’ll need to know if you’ll be paying for the entire cost yourself, if you’ll be asking for attendees to donate toward the cause, or if it will be a potluck style event. Know Your Guests Define the scope of the party. Decide if it will be certain families nearby, everyone on one side of the street, or the entire block. It’s essential that you know the ages of your guests. Waterslides are available in multiple heights. A 40-ft. waterslide is not appropriate for younger children. If a model is selected that deposits guests into an in-ground pool, it’s crucial to ascertain if everyone can swim or if a life vest will be needed for some guests. Help is Essential There are a lot of details to be considered, from food to flyers or if individual invitations will be issued. You’re going to need help to deal with invitations, RSVPs, how music will be provided and if someone will DJ, along with how food will be provided. Assign a person to handle each task and check back with them as needed to ensure success.

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Keeping Kids and Pets Cool in a Heat Dome

Seomavericks — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 10:11:45 +0000

Even though South Florida is home to cooling Atlantic breezes, the state is subject to heat domes just as much as the rest of the nation. A heat dome occurs when a strong high-pressure system combines with an El Niño – particularly high Pacific water temperatures. A heat dome results, trapping the hot air inside and preventing it from dissipating. It creates extremely high temperatures that are dangerous for children and pets. There are some ways that can help keep kids and pets cool in a heat dome. Limit Playtime Restrict outdoor playtime for children and pets. Stay in the shade whenever possible. If youngsters or pets must go out, it’s better to do so in the early morning or later in the evening. It’s important to remember that concrete sidewalks can reach temperatures of 125° F., even without being under the influence of a heat dome. It burns paws and bare feet. Hydration and Cooling The body sweats to cool off, which requires drinking more water in hot weather. It’s much more difficult for pets to reduce body temperature than people. Make plain, cool water available for kids and pets. Whether it’s a child or a pet, carry a bottle of water to keep them hydrated, even if the outing is only of short duration. Remain under air-conditioning if available and don’t be reticent about seeking a cooling center. Fans are ineffective for cooling in a heat dome – they simply blow around hot air. Stoves and Windows Blocking windows to keep sunlight from entering will benefit children, pets and the entire household and aid in keeping it cooler. Avoid cooking on kitchen stoves whenever possible and don’t use the oven. Waterworks One of the easiest ways to keep kids and pets cool is through water-based activities. Individuals can make use of a wading pool for youngsters or pets. A homemade slip and slide is another option. Misting hoses and sprinkler pads are equally effective for cooling kids and pets during a heat dome event.

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Why Visit a Farm Market

Seomavericks — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 10:09:47 +0000

South Florida is a hotspot for those seeking farm fresh foods and there are multiple locations from which to choose. What many don’t now is that farm markets provide far more than a place to purchase healthy and delicious fruits and veggies. Cash is always accepted and many farmers and vendors also accept credit and debit cards, along with SNAP benefits. Farm to Table Fruits and vegetables don’t get any fresher than those at a farm market. The produce is grown locally and doesn’t spend days in transport to distant locations before its sold. That farm to table approach means shoppers enjoy more flavorful produce. Support Small Family Farms Much of the produce, herbs and spices found at farm markets is grown on small family farms. That often results in a greater diversity of products available. Supermarkets often order a specific amount of certain fruits or vegetables and when it sells out, shoppers are out of luck. Small family farms often have a greater supply for a longer period of time than supermarkets. Flowers to Dog Treats Individuals will find far more than fruits and vegetables at a farm market. The marketplaces are open to a wide variety of vendors and individuals seeking to share their hobby projects, launch a home business, or establish their brands. Depending on the location, shoppers will find jelly, jam, preserves and fresh honey. There’s home-baked breads, pies and desserts. An extensive number of independent creators of arts and crafts also sell at farm markets. Products range from hand-made jewelry, soap, cards and candles to wood crafts, pottery, baskets, and dog treats. Shoppers can find the perfect flower bouquet, garden and houseplants, salsa and items that are sewn, crocheted and knitted. Empowering Knowledge Farmers are always willing to talk about their produce. Shoppers can learn a great deal about how their fruits and vegetables are grown, harvested and packaged.

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