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Save on insurance with smart devices
Insurance companies are wise to the fact that some smart devices increase safety and mitigate risks, such as house fires. And as a result, they’re giving customers discounts on premiums for using certain smart devices. In fact, you could save 5 to 20 percent, depending on the devices and your insurer.
Many home insurance companies provide discounts for homes with security systems. With monitored security systems, a security company will keep an eye on your home and if sensors are tripped, they can contact you or the police. Some systems also offer “self-monitoring” and will send alerts to your phone, but won’t contact the police or the security company until you give permission.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that leaking pipes and faucets in households waste over a trillion gallons of water per year. Not only will this run up your utility bills, but water damage can ruin cabinets, walls, floors, and more. Fortunately, you can set up smart leak sensors under sinks and elsewhere. When a leak is detected, you’ll get pinged on your phone. You can also use the Flo by Moen Smart Water Security System. If there’s a failure, say a water pipe breaking, it can shut off the water completely, potentially preventing a flood. Some insurers offer premium discounts for homes equipped with these water monitoring systems.
The NFPA reports that over 350,000 fires occur at home each year, many caused by electrical issues. But with Ting’s in-socket smart sensors, if an electrical issue occurs, homeowners are warned before the fire starts. A few insurers now provide Ting free and some security systems also include devices that monitor for fires and water leaks.
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Celebrating Grandparents’ Day: 8 Creative Intergenerational Activities that Foster Family Bonds
Strengthening Connections Across Generations: How to Make the Most of Grandparents’ Day this September 10th.
In an age where family bonds are increasingly strained by the fast pace of modern life, the significance of Grandparents’ Day, celebrated this year on September 10th, has never been more pronounced. For grandparents and grandchildren alike, the holiday offers a unique opportunity for quality time and intergenerational bonding. But what makes an occasion memorable isn’t necessarily the grandiosity of the event but the meaning and love packed into simple activities. Here are eight inspired ideas to make this Grandparents’ Day unforgettable for your family.
Why not kick off the day with a culinary adventure? Dig up old family recipes or those rooted in local traditions. This is an educational exercise that takes both grandparents and grandchildren on a trip down memory lane, fostering a shared sense of history and culture. Cooking platforms like Tasty and Allrecipes have even added filters to find “heritage” recipes.
The activity might sound simple, but sharing a good book is a priceless experience. It provides an excellent platform for children to improve their language skills and for grandparents to impart life lessons subtly. Companies like Audible have been expanding their children’s book selection, giving an alternative way to enjoy storytelling.
Nothing bonds people like creating something together. Whether it’s crochet, pottery, or a simple collage, the focus should be on enjoying the process. Local businesses like Michaels and Joann offer intergenerational craft classes that not only teach you how to make keepsakes but also about the joy of creating together.
Conversation is an underrated activity. Grandparents sharing stories from their youth can offer a novel perspective and give young ones a glimpse into a world without smartphones or Netflix. Websites like Ancestry.com offer tools to dive deeper into family history, making the stories come alive.
A bike ride is an enjoyable, active way to spend time outdoors. If your local terrain is challenging, electric bikes are an option. The activity promotes not just physical well-being but also offers a relaxed setting for casual conversation. Companies like Trek have developed e-bikes with older riders in mind, ensuring that age is not a barrier to this fun exercise.
Outdoor activities provide a different type of learning environment. Whether it’s identifying flora and fauna or simply enjoying the fresh air, nature walks are beneficial for both body and soul. Apps like iNaturalist can make this a fun and educational exercise.
Imagine a treasure hunt where the whole world is your playground. Websites and apps offer GPS coordinates for hidden treasures in your local area. Not only is it fun, but it also introduces children to basic navigation skills.
Visit a local mini-golf or bowling alley for some good old-fashioned fun. These venues offer a relaxed atmosphere perfect for family bonding. Companies like Topgolf are revolutionizing how these traditional games can be experienced, making them more accessible to people of all ages.
Grandparents’ Day provides an opportunity for family members to bridge the generational divide, foster shared experiences, and create memories that will last a lifetime. From cooking and crafting to reading and exploring, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of this special day. So this September 10th, why not try one of these activities and give the gift of time—arguably the most precious gift of all.
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The Wealth of Simplicity: A Young Boy’s Revelation
Redefining Affluence Through the Eyes of a Child.
In our modern society, wealth is often measured by material possessions: sprawling estates, luxury cars, and designer clothes. But does this material wealth truly equate to richness in life? An enlightening trip to the countryside unravels a different perspective on affluence and what it means to be truly wealthy.
The tale begins with the head of an affluent family, a man accustomed to the high life, wanting to impart a life lesson to his young son. The father intended to contrast their opulent life with the starkness of rural poverty. The destination? A farm owned by a family living with the basics.
The objective seemed simple enough: expose the son to hardships and help him appreciate their life of luxury. Two days were spent amidst chirping birds, vast fields, and clear skies. No five-star meals, no high-end amenities, just the simple pleasures of life.
But upon returning, the father’s expected lesson took an unforeseen twist. When asked about his experience and learnings, the son’s observations were profound.
While their mansion boasted a single dog, the rural family enjoyed the company of four loyal canines. The family’s designer pool paled in comparison to the endless natural stream that flowed near the farm. Artificial imported lanterns decorated their home, while countless sparkling stars adorned the farm. Their posh patio couldn’t compete with the vast horizon that stretched endlessly before the farmhouse.
The young boy noted further contrasts: the limited land they called property versus the boundless fields the farmers cultivated, the dependence on others for provisions as opposed to self-sufficiency, and the walled boundaries around their home in contrast to the protective circle of community and friends that the rural family cherished.
The father, anticipating a lesson in gratitude for their privileges, was met with a jarring reality check: their life, despite all its luxuries, lacked the true wealth of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and community.
Wealth, as this tale reminds us, isn’t merely tangible possessions. It’s the richness of experiences, the wealth of relationships, and the treasure of self-sustainability. In the words of the young boy, appreciating the juxtaposition between their lives and the rural family, “Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are.” This story serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, in our quest for more, we may be missing out on life’s true riches.
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Unlocking Memory Mastery: Four Techniques to Enhance Your Child’s Memorization Skills
In every student’s academic journey, the need to commit various concepts to memory is a familiar requirement. From multiplication tables to historical timelines, mastering memorization can be a formidable challenge. Here are four tips to aid your child in navigating this essential skill effortlessly.
The initial step in fostering effective memorization skills lies in creating a conducive learning environment. This involves eliminating distractions that could interfere with your child’s concentration, such as turning off noisy devices and organizing their study space. Such an atmosphere will enhance their focus, setting the stage for optimal learning outcomes.
Understanding is the bedrock of successful memorization. Before plunging into the memorization process, ensure your child comprehends the concepts. Ask your child to rephrase the idea in their own words, confirming their grasp of the basic tenets. If confusion persists, it may be helpful to seek further clarification from teachers or classmates.
Employing a multimodal learning strategy can significantly enhance your child’s memorization abilities. Every child possesses a unique learning style, so incorporating several methods ensures that memorization caters to their strengths. Initiating with an oral approach, progressing to writing, and supplementing with visual aids like online games or educational toys can make the learning experience enjoyable and effective.
Learning is not a sprint but a marathon. It’s essential to pace the learning process to facilitate memory retention. Spaced repetition, taking breaks, and ensuring ample physical activity and sleep form an integral part of this strategy. It’s not about memorizing everything all at once but about building a steady, sustainable memory framework.
For children with learning difficulties, it’s recommended to seek assistance from a resource teacher who can provide specialized support and resources. Nurturing these strategies can empower your child, turning memorization from a daunting task into an achievable skill.
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Fresh Faces and Bold Styles: 2023 Hair and Makeup Trends
In the ever-changing landscape of beauty, 2023 has presented an array of fresh and bold hair and makeup trends for those looking to express their personality and revitalize their look this summer.
Eyebrows, the frames of our faces, have always been a focal point in beauty trends. This year, the spotlight shifts from thick, dark brows to nearly invisible, discolored ones, inspiring a daring and avant-garde aesthetic. Pair this look with dramatic eye makeup to create a visually captivating contrast.
When it comes to hairstyles, the long fringe is making a comeback. Whether worn straight, to the side, or as a curtain, the aim is to let your bangs take center stage by covering the entire forehead. So, ready your shears and embrace the retro revival!
Skin trends in 2023 are leaning towards a more natural look, allowing your skin to breathe with light foundations, tinted moisturizers, and serums. This trend highlights the importance of skin health over heavy makeup, encouraging natural glow over artificial shine.
The focus for lips this year is the vinyl finish, offering a chic, glossy appeal that is sure to make your pout stand out. Paired with the natural complexion trend, vinyl lips provide a fantastic focal point on the face.
For an irresistible gaze, 2023 brings focus to full eyelashes, thanks to the innovation of ‘faux lash’ mascaras. Adding drama to both upper and lower lashes, your glances are sure to leave a lasting impression.
As for hair color, a playful mix named ‘Blorange,’ combining blond, orange, and pink or red hues, is this year’s color. This warm, vibrant blend promises to add a fiery touch to your look.
Men are not left out of the style reinvention, with the ‘fade’ haircut growing in popularity. This short cut features hair that is longest at the top and gradually thins towards the nape to create a smooth and modern gradient.
Whether you’re embracing the natural look or leaning towards bold styles, 2023’s trends promise plenty of choices. So, what’s your pick?
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Moving Ahead: How Physical Activity Enhances Learning in Children
Recent findings suggest that adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly impact a child’s academic success, and physical activity plays a central role in this synergy. So how does staying active contribute to better learning outcomes?
Physical exercise offers several benefits to the brain that facilitate optimal function. For starters, activity optimizes brain oxygenation, ensuring the brain operates at its peak. Moreover, physical exertion promotes a consistent supply of glucose to the brain, a critical factor for maintaining concentration levels.
Additionally, engaging in physical activity stimulates brain areas associated with memory and learning, thereby enhancing the brain’s efficiency in absorbing new concepts. In essence, exercise primes the brain for optimal learning.
Playing sports offers tangible advantages too. It boosts physical fitness by improving strength, motor skills, and coordination. Moreover, participating in sports can enhance a child’s emotional well-being, reduce stress and anxiety levels, and foster a sense of belonging within the school community.
Numerous studies corroborate the positive impact of regular physical exercise on school performance. So, if you’re considering ways to enhance your child’s academic journey, enrolling them in a sport of their choice could be a beneficial approach. The synergy between sports and education highlights a novel perspective on child development – the fusion of physical activity and learning – offering a winning combination for academic success.
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Exploring Linguistic Landscapes: Four Strategies to Enrich Your Child’s Vocabulary
Is your child frequently reverting to the same mundane words in their homework and writing assignments? Are they overusing commonplace verbs like “be” and “do” rather than delving into a diverse range of expressive and precise vocabulary? If so, here are four strategies that can aid your child in cultivating a rich and vibrant vocabulary.
One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is stimulating conversation. Ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to think and express themselves. A simple shift from “Did you have a nice day?” to “What did you do during recess today?” can propel them to use a wider range of words and delve deeper into their experiences.
In addition to engaging in conversation, it’s crucial to promote a reading habit. Regardless of whether your child is captivated by comic books, engrossed in novels, or intrigued by articles in a magazine, reading daily exposes them to a variety of new words. Encourage them to explore unfamiliar terms, seek their definitions, and incorporate these newfound words into their vocabulary.
Another creative and engaging method is to use imagery to reinforce new words. If a word’s definition doesn’t suffice, have your child associate the word with an image. This creates a more memorable link and helps cement the word and its meaning in their memory.
Lastly, equip your child with valuable resources such as dictionaries and thesauruses. Familiarize them with the wide array of synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms that the English language has to offer. This exploration of semantics can provide a deeper understanding of connections between words.
Enriching your child’s vocabulary doesn’t have to be a tedious task. From reading varied literature and having engaging discussions to exploring language resources and creating memorable imagery, there’s a whole world of engaging ways to diversify word usage. By keeping these activities fun and engaging, you’ll spark your child’s interest and foster a lifelong love for words.
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