DIY Marky, the Fun Label Maker to Personalize Your Stuff

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to DIY Marky for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own.

With DIY MARKY, the practical identification stamp for summer camps, sport and leisure, labeling and personalizing everything is easier than ever. 

It is suitable for all children’s textiles, sports equipment, school supplies as well as shoes and all absorbent surfaces. 

Each MARKY is equipped with an integrated ink pad that contains special stamping ink and allows up to 1000 impressions, and lasts on textiles as well as on all absorbent surfaces. 

Customize your DIY Marky using the tweezers and the letter set (with 12 emojis and numbers), and switch up the name endless times (perfect for big families). You also get iron on tape for fabrics.

Everything you need to label pretty much anything is including in this kit making it easy to get organized this Fall!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door on Nintendo Switch

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Nintendo for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Join Mario on an epic paper-adventure to collect the Crystal Stars before the X-Nauts do! The nefarious X-Nauts are after the treasure behind the Thousand-Year Door! With a map from Princess Peach, and the help of a few locals, Mario journeys through a colorful world made of paper to find them first.

 To prevail in this quest, you’ll have to level up Mario and his friends, master timing-based attacks and badges to impress the audience on the stage of combat, and make use of all the abilities that come with being cursed—er, conveniently made of paper—like folding into a plane to cross big gaps or turning sideways to slip through narrow openings. Leaf through a storybook world with charming characters in every fold.

Surprises abound in this deep and engaging tale, where everyone’s got something to say and it’s often not what you’d expect. Mario will meet all kinds of interesting folks on his journey, like the upbeat and studious Goombella and the shy but determined Koops. Some of these characters will need your help with their own quests, or even join your party. Others, like Peach and Bowser, have stories of their own that you’ll play between Mario’s chapters!

 A classic turns the page, bringing fresh visuals and updated features Twenty years after the original game on the Nintendo GameCube™ system, this version for the Nintendo Switch™ system has revamped graphics, and a suite of additional changes that make the game easier than ever to enjoy. 

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Comfiest PJs For the Whole Family from Bellabu Bear!

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Bellabu Bear for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Experience the ultimate comfort and safety with Bellabu Bear's bamboo clothing, perfect for kids going back to school or Mom's who may need a blissful night's sleep this back to school season:) 

 Say goodbye to harmful fabrics and hello to organically grown, chemical-free materials, all awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. 

 Each garment is a unique masterpiece, hand-drawn to create stunning prints that embody both style and safety. 

These PJs are made with eco-friendly, anti-microbial, gentle on skin bamboo and are so super soft!

Rest easy knowing you will sleep in cooling comfort with Bellabu Bear jammies!  Plus, they have sizes for the whole family and so many cute patterns and styles...you're sure to find something for everyone to sleep more comfortably!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

What's Next? A Life-Size Game Brings the Fun!

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to M&J Games for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Bring a new game into your kids’ classrooms and get the whole class laughing together! M&J Games are unique because they make YOU the game piece — so you have a chance to showcase your awesome personality. Each round will feel different based on your opponents, so you’re never playing the same game twice. M&J Games focuses on inclusion for all players! Activities are designed to be accessible and amusing, so no task is out of reach or too strategic. To win the life-sized board game, be the first player to reach the finish line by landing on, or passing, tile #24. Want to learn how to play? 

Roll, Move, Act – That’s it!

This jumbo-size game will have you giggling in no time. Simply place your tiles on the floor, roll the giant die, and walk that number of tiles / spaces to see what sill activity you'll do next! It could be anything from silly faces to farts.

Get Moving and Stay Connected

Bond with your kids and leave screens behind. Your family games for kids 4 and up are highly replayable and help you be active because you’re a life-size game piece.

Play It Anywhere

Carry your foam tiles and die in the mesh bag, and take your active family travel game indoors or outdoors. Bring this great travel board game to sleepovers, vacations, picnics, and more.

The Gift Everyone Will Love

Even grandparents! Your party board games for kids 4-6 and up are inclusive and easy to clean, and we have add-on packs to suit special needs. Definitely a unique holiday gift or birthday present.

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Better Boss Behavior for a Fairer Workplace

**Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. Links may be affiliate** 

 CC0 Licensed Image Courtesy of Pexels

Being in a position of authority is a responsibility. Better boss behavior can change how employees interact with you and even the success of your business. But how can you improve relationships? From showing more empathy to trusting your employees, here are some ideas.

Learn to Do it the Right Way

Very often, people are thrown into leadership positions without being prepared, trained, or skilled enough. Having the right attitude, being friendly, leading by example, and staying on top of things will help you become a better boss. Coaching skills training through seminars and online courses will prepare you for most of what you need. These can teach you the core skills that can prepare you for management-type situations that inexperience will make worse. 

Showing  Your Human Side

We've probably all thought of our bosses as inhuman, and it's possible your employees see you in this way, too! Of course, most employees won't be aware of the tough decisions you have to make on a daily basis or how you need to show authority to be respected. However, there needs to be a good balance between being authoritative and human. Seeing things from your employees' perspective helps them see you as a person, therefore increasing trust and loyalty.

Better Boss Behavior Includes Helping

We can all remember a boss that we wouldn't approach. There are many reasons for this, but one of the biggest is that workers believe they are simply unwilling to help. One survey found that 40% of workers think their boss is unwilling to shift on a situation such as asking for personal time off, and therefore won't even ask! Helping staff with things like planning when they need it shows your better side in the workplace by showing mutual respect rather than fear.

Trust Employees and Delegate

There are some bosses who get their roles because they are very hard workers. Some try to do it all either through a lack of trust in employees or even disdain for their skills. This is a major mistake when you are in a position of authority, from CEO to floor supervisor. There are two main reasons for this; you have a team for a reason, and you will work yourself too hard! Teams want to be assigned jobs as it shows respect, and working too hard will only lead to burnout.

Praise and Recognize a Good Effort

It's all well and good; rewarding excellent work when a team pulls off something big. Hitting sales targets, pulling in a big client, and finishing a large project early. These are good examples and should be rewarded. However, your teams also put a lot of effort into the work, even if they fail to meet goals. Instead of scolding your team and making everyone feel bad, consider thanking employees for the time, effort, and personal sacrifices they put into the project.

Summary

Learning to manage and coach your teams will help you learn better boss behavior you can then use to propel your team forward. This also includes helping workers when they need it with time off or a lesser workload. Praising the solid effort your team puts into a project also helps.

The Art of Kava Brings Relaxation to Your Day!

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to The Art of Kava for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Need a little help relaxing at the end of your busy day?  Check out the Art of Kava:

What is kava you ask? The kava plant (Piper methysticum) is a shrub that commonly grows in the South Pacific Islands. Most notably those islands are Fiji, Solomon, Vanuatu, The Kingdom of Tonga, and Hawaii. Experts estimate that there exist around 105 different varieties of kava kava. Farmers typically cultivate kava plants for a period of 3 to 5 years before harvesting them.

This allows the kava to mature and also allows the kavalactones to fully develop. Kavalactones are part of the kava plant that give kava its beneficial mind and body relaxation effects. 

Processors dry or leave the kava plant's root and stump green. Then, they pound them into an all-natural ingredient. This pounded kava will produce a non-alcoholic beverage. When consumed, the kavalactones will produce muscle and mental relaxation.

Check out a few varieties you can find at Art of Kava:

Melomelo Single Cultivar | Vanuatu

This 100% Noble lateral and basal root mix (70%/30%) kava is from the island of Ambae in Vanuatu. This high quality, single cultivar, noble Kava is selected from the MeloMelo variety is grown on the island of Ambae. 

Melomelo has been purposefully cultivated for centuries to both concentrate the kavain and increasing the desirable effects.

Noble Lateral Root Kava powder, is derived from the smaller roots that extend from the main root-stock. These roots are higher in Kavalactones.

The basal root or stump is the root ball base of the kava plant peeled and cut into chips before pounding. This typically has a different chemotype than the lateral roots, is milder in kavalactons and more creamy in texture.

Kelai Kava Single Cultivar | Epi Island Vanuatu

Kelai is a very rare cultivar outside of Vanuatu. Grown on the island of Epi, this single cultivar is prized for it's almost instant uplifting, euphoric feeling. It's almost hoarded locally so little of it is exported.   This 100% Noble lateral and basal root mix (70%/30%) kava is sourced from the island of Epi in Vanuatu.

If you are looking for a new way to relax and unwind at the end of a particularly stressful day, you should find out more about The Art of Kava!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Stay Energized This Back to School Season with Kubo Tea!

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Kubo Tea for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Back to school season is always busy, busy, busy around here and by mid-day, I often feel drained.  We recently got to try Kubo Tea and I'm happy to report it gives me the pick me up I need to get through the day!

We tried the Tropical Green Tea.  Citrusy waves of tropical essence and chamomile burst onto green tea’s quiet shores. As bright and refreshing as morning sea spray, this caffeinated Tropical Green tea blend offers a few moments of peace and clarity for even your most demanding day. Sip it hot and honeyed or over ice with an umbrella garnish and a splash of coconut milk.

So, so good! Each cup contains140mg of caffeine.  This tea blend is made from high-quality, direct-from-garden ingredients. Kubo Tea's Tropical Green is a sustainably minded and feel good, caffeinated green tea that will leave you healthy and energized all year long.

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

6 Foot Care Tips You Need To Be Following

 **Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. Links may be affiliate** 

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How healthy are your feet? Despite our feet being in constant use and relied upon heavily to get us around, they're often part of the body that's overlooked when it comes to TLC and pampering. Regular foot care is not just a luxury but a responsibility we owe to our bodies for their constant support.

Around 87% of Americans will experience foot issues at one time or another, a statistic underscoring the commonality of foot problems. You're not alone in this, and giving your feet the extra care and support they need is essential.

From ingrown toenails to hard skin build-ups, burning sensations, broken bones, and swelling, foot issues can significantly impact your daily life and hinder your ability to be your best. This is a powerful motivator to prioritize foot care.

These tips are designed to help you care for your feet so you don't experience as many foot-related problems as you would if you neglected them.

Keep Them Clean

You should wash your feet every day in warm, soapy water and then dry them thoroughly between each toe so bacteria and fungi don't grow in warm, moist spaces. Take some time to dry them correctly, but avoid over-bathing your feet, as this can strip them of natural oils in your skin. You need to help keep the skin soft and supple.

Remove Hard Skin

Hard skin can build up in various places on your feet, from the heel to the balls and sides of your toes. Using a pumice stone, foot file, or exfoliating foot mask can easily remove dead skin and prevent it from building up. Not only will your feet look better, but they will also feel better.

Trim Your Nails

Trimming your toenails regularly is vital for healthy feet. Not only will long toenails become uncomfortable, but they can also cause pain and even damage socks and shoes. 

Always cut your nails straight across; don't try to shape them, as this can lead to your nails regrowing incorrectly and increase the risk of issues like ingrown toenails or infections.

Go To A Spa

It can be a good idea to treat yourself to a foot spa at home periodically or visit a foot spa to help you care for your feet. Foot soaks can help to relax and soften the skin, massages can improve circulation and relieve tension, and hard skin removal can prevent discomfort and pain. These treatments can help ensure your feet are in good condition and always healthy.

Pay Attention To Changes

Much like any other part of your body, your feet are subject to changes visually and functionally. They can become painful, develop sores and calluses, become damaged, and more. Paying attention to what is normal for your feet and addressing any changes quickly is crucial. It can help you detect potential issues early, get the right treatment you need quickly, and prevent more serious foot problems in the future.

Avoid Wrong-Fitting Shoes

Wearing the wrong shoes for your feet can cause untold damage in many ways. Not only will it cause pain, but it can also increase the risks of falls and cause foot deformities such as hammer toes, bunions, corns, and more. Always try to wear the correct size and width shoe to accommodate your foot comfortably and avoid these issues.

Do These 3 Things To Look and Feel Better About Your Body

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 Your body carries you from one place to another. It is what you see every day when you look in the mirror, whether while getting ready at home or trying on clothing in a store’s dressing room. You want to feel your best about how you look. If you think there is nothing to do about your appearance, think again. Here are three things you can incorporate into your life to make an impact today.

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Schedule a Med Spa Appointment

What is better than having someone take care of your skincare needs? Practically nothing. Make a space in your busy calendar today to schedule an appointment with an expert at a med spa, such as Elan Skin & Laser. These establishments offer everything you want and need to care for the skin you’re in.

Schedule services that include injectables, dermaplaning, laser treatments, and more. Discuss your needs with a licensed practitioner to find the best solutions and get the results you are looking for today. You can even schedule waxing or lash and brow treatments for whole-body care.

Get a Professional Makeover

As time passes, your face and body change. Your hair color might change, as well. The makeup palette of your youth may no longer serve you today. This is particularly accurate if you used to gravitate towards pops of bright green eyeshadow and fuchsia lips to complete your university day's look.

Schedule a makeover at a local spa with a professional makeup artist. Always discuss your preferences and goals before moving forward. If you prefer a no-makeup look or want to go bold, bring that up in the conversation. Even so, ask your makeup artist to try new things. You never know what you will like. Ask for recommendations on products in a range of price categories to find what you want in your price range.

Meet with a Stylist

Another thing that has probably changed over time is your body. That is perfectly okay. Everyone experiences shifts as they age. Instead of hiding what you have, be proud of it.

Meet with a stylist to get help finding clothing you will enjoy wearing. Start by looking at their work and reviews online so you know whether or not you will feel comfortable working with them. You do not want someone unnecessarily critiquing your body. You want someone supporting you to find your place of confidence in relation to your wardrobe.

Start by meeting at your home. Talk about how you feel in your current attire. Share some Pinterest finds and ideas for clothing styles, shapes, colors, and fits that you appreciate. Go through your closet with your stylist, and remember your shoes, too, because they complete the outfit. From there, it is time to go shopping. Keep an open mind and try on everything they recommend. You might find something you never knew you would like.

Watch this video to learn how a stylist can help.

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Feel good about who you are and how you look by implementing these three helpful strategies. Schedule an appointment at a med spa for some rejuvenating treatments. Next, get a fun makeover and meet with a stylist to find your new you.