Mar 032016
 

Dish Out the Best Restaurant Experience

best restaurant experience

Do you ever stay awake at night as a restaurant owner wondering how your eatery can be even better?

For many individuals, couples, and business partners running restaurants, it seems like 24 hours in a day is never quite enough.

Not only do you need to have the best food in town, but your staff (especially waiters and waitresses) must be top-notch each and every day. If they’re not, customers may drift away from your establishment and over to others, including the direct competition.

With that being said, there are myriad of ways you can dish out the best restaurant experience for your guests not just once, but countless times. Remember, it is those individuals who keep a roof over your head and food on your table when all is said and done.

What’s on the Menu of Success?

When it comes to making your restaurant stand out from the competition, what exactly are you doing to accomplish that goal?

The best thing to do is do the occasional inventory (just as you would of your finances, purchases, food choices etc.) to see where your restaurant is winning point with customers and where you need to step it up some.

Start of course with your menu.

Having a consistent menu is great for retaining customers, but it is also important that you mix it up to a degree, giving both older and newer patrons a number of options to select from.

Your menu should also reflect a national desire on the part of many individuals to eat healthier at restaurants in 2016 and beyond.

Lastly, keep your menu options varied during days of the week too.

Having daily specials instead of the same old menu is a great way to keep guests coming back for more. Throwing in price cuts, especially in today’s challenging economic times for so many consumers, will do you well now and in the long run.

In looking at your need for the right seating for guests, buying in bulk oftentimes will save you money. Whether you or shopping for inside booths, tables and chairs or even restaurant patio furniture online; always look for deals.

It is always good to have a mix of seating (booths, tables and chairs, patio options etc.) since customers oftentimes have varied preferences to where and how they sit while dining.

Also make sure that the ambiance in your restaurant is conducive to what you offer.

A more formal restaurant is going to typically want a little bit more of a fancier look to it. This might also require patrons to be a little more dressed up when coming in. Meantime, a restaurant sporting the laid back look oftentimes will be on the noisier side, but that doesn’t mean a good time can’t be had by all.

Hire the Best Employees

Just like in any other business, those you hire to be a part of your team can and oftentimes make all the difference in the world.

It just takes one lousy customer service experience for a guest or guests to never return again. Worse yet, they may tell friends, family members, co-workers etc. not to eat at your restaurant. When that happens, it is tough to get that business back.

Your staff will oftentimes give customers a first and even last impression of your business, so make sure you send patrons home with a reason to come back sooner rather than later.

Face it, running a restaurant takes a lot of time and effort, not to mention being able to deal with gaffes along the way.

From the wrong food orders to food that doesn’t live up to the advertisements, you’re going to have some unhappy customers from time to time. The trick is always making sure those customers know deep down that you care about their feedback and you will do everything possible to send them home with a positive experience of your business.

Finally, make sure your employees take seriously the need for a clean restaurant.

Sure, staying on top of this is not easy (especially with diners coming and going all day), but your eatery can’t look like a health-hazard if you expect to keep business churning.

At the end of another busy day, take stock in whether or not you are dishing out the best restaurant experience for those who walk through your front door.

What makes a great restaurant experience for you?  What makes you go back to a restaurant time and time again?

Feb 272016
 

How Sleeping Positions Affect Your Life

How Sleeping Positions Affects Your Life

When you’re lying in bed, awaiting for your brain to shut off from the day that was, what do you think about? Perhaps, your mind is preoccupied, ruminating about tomorrow’s concerns of deadlines, meetings, bosses, economical issues, family problems, relationship,  etc.

For every man, woman and child who has no difficult drifting off into their own personal ‘dream realm,’ there is someone who is; pondering about life’s many challenges, goals and aspirations they may have. And if you’re someone who finds getting to bed a difficult venture, perhaps it’s time to start reevaluating not just what you think about at night, but the way in which you sleep, physically.

That’s right, since birth, we have a predisposition to sleep a certain way, which may or may not be a problem when we wake in the morning. Just as we develop habits in our everyday lives, we also do in our subconscious state, and as our body develops its preferred positioning location—we automatically ‘assume the position.’ This would explain why changing our sleeping-position is not as easy one would assume; in fact, it takes months and even years of premeditated effort to develop new muscle-memory that allows you to recognize how your body should (and want to) sleep at night. Additionally, the way our body is positioned at night explains a lot more than that creaky neck, ache back and sore hip; but, in fact, details our stress-levels, health, ability to focus and concentrate, happiness, productivity, etc.; furthermore, this may additionally affect personality traits, relationships, sex-life, brain oxygen levels, and so on.

So, if you’re someone who wakes up in morning feeling pain, it may be time to begin experimenting with different positions or purchasing an adjustable bed, using more pillows, lying on your side, using a wedge-foam in between your legs, placing blocks underneath the bed frame or even changing your bed’s elevation level.

Ultimately, we are all different, and what’s ideal for someone may or may not be for you. There is really no right or wrong way to sleep—but the way you’re currently sleeping may not be the best position for you. Now is the time to begin recognizing what’s going on in your life, how you feel in the morning (physically AND mentally), your sleeping history, your ability (or inability) to go to sleep without hesitation, etc. Whatever it is you’re enduring in your personal life, it may be a result of the way in which you’re sleeping.

Here are the 4 most common sleeping positions:  

1.) The Prone Position

Also known as the “Resting Toddler” position, the prone position is when an individual sleeps on his or her stomach with arms extended and bent. People with or in the beginning stages of developing Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), may benefit from this position. Studies suggest that the prone position helps to dilate the upper airways, helping air reach the brain more efficiently. Sleepers in this position are known to behave in more compulsive tendencies, tend to be more stubborn and/or think less analytically.

2.) The Royal Position

Sleeper sleeps supine (opposite of prone position) with arms lying in 180 degree along hips. The reason for its dignified title is because sleepers who utilize this position are known to have stronger personalities of self-confidence or self-involvement.

3.) Semi-Fetal Position

The most common of sleeping positions. The semi-fetal position is when a sleeper initiates a side pose, with knees slightly bent, one arm overhead and outstretched. Most sleep experts and researchers believe this position to be the safest in terms of receiving a full night’s rest and/or feeling least aching in the morning. Known to think logically, semi-fetal position sleepers maintain positive relationships and can focus most efficiently than other poses.

4.) The Full-Fetal Position

Also known as the “Womb Pose,” the full-fetal position is pretty self-explanatory. Sleepers lie in curled position, with knees close to stomach and head bent forward. Many believe sleepers who go to bed in this position are highly emotional individuals, who may or may not have had “highly intense relationships” with family or romantic life; furthermore, and oddly enough, sleepers in this position are also known to be more sexually active and women maintain a heightened capacity of achieving multiple orgasm.

Image: https://pixabay.com/en/bed-sleep-rest-girl-white-tired-945881/

 

Feb 232016
 

Simple Ways to Be a Healthier and Happier Person

Simple Ways to Be a Healthier and Happier Person

Health and happiness are closely related, as being healthier can lead to happiness and being happier can make your body and mind healthier. The stresses of daily life can hinder your physical, mental, and emotional health, stunting your happiness and overall well being.

Research has shown that those who are happier are healthier and less stressed, which helps improve their overall quality of life. They tend to live longer, for they are more relaxed and healthier in their lives, relationships, and attitudes.

Being a happier and healthier person starts with you and the choices you make in your life. There are simple changes you can make that can lead to you feeling more confident in yourself, thereby being happier and healthier in your mind, spirit, and soul.

Here are a few ways to be happy and healthy:

Confidence

One of the best ways to be happy and healthy starts with confidence. Many people who are not confident in themselves lack a happy attitude, which can lead to poor self-esteem and unhealthy life habits.

Being more confident in yourself starts internally and moves externally. Learning to love yourself and your personality can truly help you be happier in your everyday life. Once you have learned to love who you are on the inside, what physical changes would help you grow in confidence? Is it losing weight? Changing the way you dress? Using cosmetic dentistry to whiten your teeth and fix your smile? If you feel more confident in the way you look and feel, you will be happier and healthier in your life.

Sleep

Getting the proper amount of sleep can help your body be happier and healthier, as sleep can not only reduce the amount of stress you feel, but also physically make your body stronger. Not getting enough sleep can lead to serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke while sleeping the right amount can improve your mood, help you lose weight, and keep your mind strong and happy.

Even though life can make it difficult to get enough sleep, make it a point to try and sleep more each night. Set a bedtime for yourself, or take part in relaxation techniques to help you fall asleep and stay asleep each night. These simple acts can help your body refuel and reenergize each night.

Slow Down

For many, the idea of slowing down is completely foreign. From work to family to life’s curveballs, slowing down does not feel like an option. However, for your physical and metal health, slowing down needs to be an option. Taking a breather each day to relax and enjoy the life you have can help your body and mind rejuvenate, which can help lower your blood pressure and help reduce your stress levels.

Reduce Your Sugar Intake

Too much sugar in your diet can lead to serious health problems, including weight gain, heart disease, and poor oral hygiene. Reducing the amount of sugar you eat each day can help you maintain a healthy weight and healthy diet, which invariably helps improve your mental health. The better your body looks and feels, the better your mind feels.

Exercise

One of the best ways to reduce your mental stress is to exercise. Most people are aware that exercise is a great tool to keeping the body healthy and happy, but many do not know how much exercise helps improve the mind and soul. The endorphins released when exercising helps to elevate your mood, keeping you mentally happy and healthy.

When it comes to finding the right exercise, look for something you are excited about doing a few times a week. If you dread heading to the gym or going for a run, you are more likely to skip your workout than if you were excited about exercising. Thus, pick something you love, such as bike riding, hiking, or picking up a sport you played when you were younger.

Water

One of the most important ways to be happier and healthier is by drinking water. Water hydrates the body, which keeps your mind clear, your skin radiant, and your body energized. Moreover, water helps to keep your body feeling full longer, thus it can help cut down on cravings.

These simple tricks can help your body and mind be stronger, healthier, and overall happier.

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/en/woman-girl-freedom-happy-sun-591576/
Feb 232016
 

5 Things to Bring to your Next Family Get Together or Vacation

Family Get Together or Vacation

Taking your whole family on vacation, whether it’s a small get together nearby or on a cross-country road trip, is a great way to relax and reconnect, especially when you’ve got kids who go to school.

But how do you choose what to take with you? There are some great products that can relieve your organizing issues while giving your kids something to stay interested in. And an hour into your trip, these are the things you’ll be glad you brought with you.

A Back Seat Organizer

If you have little ones who are easily bored, a back seat organizer will save you on long road trips. It works like this — the slim design fastens to the back of one of your car seats and can hold a tablet, toys, a drink, and even books, keeping it all within your child’s reach. Now your little one can watch their favorite show or read a book, all without having to ask you where it is. It’s fun, it’s simple, and it will keep your kids happy.

Kids Play Tray

If you don’t know what a Kids Play Tray is, don’t worry — most moms don’t. But it can be a lifesaver. This tray fits comfortably over your kid’s lap, is outlined in durable material, and has pouches on either side to keep their belongings close by. Some even have a place for a drink!

But the great thing about this is the modularity of the product — the play tray can be transformed into a bag that keeps all your kid’s belongings in one place. It keeps you organized and keeps your kid interested while traveling, and that’s a breath of fresh air.

Coolers

Coolers are a must-have item for any family taking a road trip to their vacation, and the sturdier the better. They carry all the snacks and drinks your family could need in one place, so even the pickiest of kids always have something they can eat on the road. No family trip is complete without one.

There is one brand that stands out from the rest, and that’s the Yeti coolers. This line of coolers — they have four kinds — are great, because they are durable and leak proof. Ranging from large coolers to personal coolers, and even a portable cooler for camping trips, the Yeti line are tough enough for long trips that will keep your snacks and drinks cool. And they can even be personalized. Cool, right?

Tumblers

For you and your husband, having a strong cup of caffeine is going to be crucial on the trip. This becomes even more necessary if you’re getting on the road early when you’re not exactly awake but you should be.

Instead of heading to your local coffee shop or gas station, consider getting a tumbler that can hold your morning beverage. Tumblers are great because you can reuse them, they last a long time, and many are spill-proof.

One of the best tumblers on the market come from Yeti. Their Rambler tumbler is a sleek design with an airtight lid that will keep your beverage of choice at your favorite temperature for as long as you need to drink it. The design has vacuum insulation and a no-sweat design that was created to keep your drink inside the tumbler and not all over your car.

Hoverboards

Okay, so this one isn’t for you, but more for your kids. A hoverboard, also known as a self-balancing scooter, is a great way for the little ones to zoom around your vacation spot. It also keeps them interested on long trips because they can play with it during rest stops. And hey, if you get on it yourself, who could blame you? They’re cool devices.

This list is by no means comprehensive, but these items just might help you with bored or rowdy kids, saving you a headache in the process. If you have any other suggestions that you think might make a family vacation better, leave them below so others can add them to their travel list!

Bio – This guest post is courtesy of MightySkins, an American owned, operated and manufactured company located in Florida. MightySkins creates vinyl skins such as Yeti cooler wraps, Yeti tumbler wraps and self balancing board wraps as well as other skins for electronics.

What items do you include when going on a family get together or vacation?

Feb 102016
 

Ways to Clear up Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Bad breath (Halitosis) can damage your confidence, ruin a first impression, or incite gossip. Although not a life threatening condition, sometimes chronic halitosis requires medical treatment. In rare instances, surgery is even necessary to correct the problem.

Usually a result of poor dental hygiene, bad breath can occur when you are dehydrated or even when you are ill. Some sicknesses cause these foul odors and may actually be the first warning that you need to see a doctor.

Many home remedies are known to be effective at treating bad breath. Activities that encourage good saliva flow help to cut down on the presence of odor causing elements in your mouth. Rinsing your mouth out with salt water or brushing with baking soda are common techniques for treating bad breath at home. To find out more and to learn ways to combat your bad breath problem, checkout the infographic below.

Presented By TheraBreath

Do you or someone you know, suffer from bad breath (halitosis)?  What remedies have you tried?  Have they worked for you?

Jan 282016
 

LEGOLAND sounds amazing!  What a great way to enjoy time with your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews – any child for that matter!  I bet the movie will be very enjoyable as well.

About LEGOLAND

  • LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is built for kids. It is a multi-day destination offering more than 50 rides, shows and attractions designed for families with children, ages 2 – 12.
  • LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is located in Winter Haven, Florida, just 45 minutes from Orlando attractions.
  • Guests will find themed roller coasters, family rides, hands-on building activities, oversized LEGO® creations, a toddler attractions area and an adjoining water park at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort.
  • LEGOLAND® Florida Resort focuses on interactivity, education and fun; enabling kids to take control!
  • At LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, kids are encouraged to trade LEGO® Minifigures with Model Citizens, or employees, who are easily spotted by their colorful LEGO nametags sporting a fun and unique Minifigure of their own.
  • LEGOLAND® Hotel is located just 130 “kid steps” from the main entrance of LEGOLAND® Florida Resort.
  • Learn more about LEGOLAND® Florida Resort at http://florida.legoland.com/

Have you visited LEGOLAND?  Share your experience with us 🙂

Jan 282016
 

Hairstyling Hacks All Women Should Know

Hairstyling Hacks All Women Should Know

Many women struggle with getting their hair to cooperate each and every day. Regardless of your hair’s length, cut, or texture, getting it to behave the way you want it to can be difficult, especially if your hair is particularly sensitive to its environment.

Even for those who feel like they understand their hair and know how to style it properly, there are still some hairstyling hacks that can make your morning routine easier. With these hairstyling tips, you can feel confident in your hair care treatment and confident in getting it to look beautiful each and every day.

Hair Accessories

Finding the right hair accessories can help you find simple hairstyles you can perfect each and every day. Depending upon your hair cut or style, there are certain accessories that will help you achieve the look you are hoping for, including hair clips, hair bands, bandanas, flower accessories, and even hair extensions from AiryHair. Knowing what accessories your hair will respond to can help you easily do your hair each morning.

Hair Type

In order to learn how to properly style your hair, it is important to understand the type of hair you have. While you might think you know what type of hair you have, sometimes diagnosing it is a little more complicated than you might think, because all hair types and textures respond differently to hair cuts, hair tools, and hairstyles.

While many stylists can help you figure out what type of hair you have, there are some easy tests you can do to help yourself figure it out. Most women have one of these three types of hair: thick, medium, or fine. However, some have a combination of the three, which can make styling more difficult. The type of hair you have is genetic, and the follicles of your hair determine your type of hair.

To determine your type of hair, gather your hair into a pony tail with an elastic band. For those who can wrap the band only once, you most likely have thick hair. For those who can wrap a couple of times, you generally have medium hair. For those who can wrap more than that, your hair is most likely fine. On top of that, different textures of hair can also add to your hair’s type. Most people have straight, wavy, kinky, or curly hair. For most, it is fairly obvious when you look at your hair in its natural state.

The Right Blow Dryer

Knowing how to blow dry your hair the correct way is essential to not only styling your hair properly, but also in keeping it healthy. Blow drying your hair incorrectly can lead to frizzy hair, hair that breaks, or hair that splits.

Depending upon your hair’s texture, there are different techniques to blow drying your hair the right way. For those who have straight or wavy hair, the best way to achieve a good blowout is to begin by patting your hair dry. It is best to allow your hair time to dry naturally until it is only slightly damp before blow drying it, as it will help to prevent your hair from looking frizzy. Experts suggest drying your hair in sections, using a spiral brush to life the hair at the roots.

For those with curly or kinky hair, the best way to blow dry is with a diffuser or with a nozzle, as the heat is more centralized and will focus on drying the roots instead of frizzing the curls. Try to dry the hair at the roots in sections.

Curling Your Hair

When it comes to curling your hair, for those with straight or wavy hair, use a ceramic curling iron. It disperses the heat better and can help your hair curl without frying the strands. Using the right products will also enhance the curls, helping them stay curled all day long without falling out.

Hair Straightening

For those with curly, wavy, or kinky hair, straightening your hair can give you a sleek look. Hair straightening, though, can easily damage the hair if the flat iron is not made with ceramic plates. Similarly to a ceramic curling iron, ceramic flat irons disperse the heat evenly.

These hair tips can help anyone have gorgeous hair every day.

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/en/woman-hair-drying-girl-female-586185/
Jan 282016
 

Are Identity Thieves Targeting You Next?

identity thieves

When it comes to running a household, moms know how important it is for the finances to be in place.

Whether it is a mom and dad working together to keep the family financially afloat, a mom staying home and raising the kids or a mom on her own both working and raising a family, life is a real financial challenge for millions and millions of families.

Making matters worse is when one’s financial dealings are targeted by identity thieves.

In some cases, the targeting is minimal and can be corrected with the proper action. In other cases, however, the financial damage can be significant, leaving the individual and/or family financially devastated.

So, what can you do as a mother to make sure you and your family does not become the next identity theft victims?

Be Prudent About Your Finances

For starters, make sure you are not leaving any loose ends not tied up when it comes to your finances.

Do you tend to leave financial receipts sitting around in the open? Have you shared financial information with co-workers or friends? Are you always quick to shred financial account information when you no longer need it? These are just some of the things that you need to have control over in order to lessen the chances of being an identity theft victim.

Begin by looking at identity theft protection reviews to see what set-up is best suited for you and your family.

By using such reviews, you can discover which theft protection provider is the one to go with, who offers the most coverage at the best price, and who will provide you top-notch customer service.

Once you have a theft protection provider in place, make sure you stick to sound financial practices as they relate to protecting your information.

This includes:

  • Don’t leave a paper trail – It is all too common for consumers to leave behind financial receipts, receipts that are like a gold mine for identity theft criminals. Once you no longer need the receipt, be sure to properly discard it (shred) so that the information is not available to others, be it in your home life or the outside world. The best way to do this is keep the receipts in a safe and secure place where only you (and/or your spouse have access to them). Once you take the time to go over your bank statement each month and make sure everything adds up, then destroy the receipts promptly
  • Don’t fall for scams – One of the tricks identity thieves use is posing as legitimate businesses. You may get a call or email from someone requesting personal financial information in order to process a request. Never give out such details unless you are 100 percent sure you are dealing with a reputable person and business. Once your credit card or Social Security numbers are out there, they can be used to cause you significant financial damage
  • Don’t pass your personal info on to others without important instructions – It is not unheard of for a parent to give their teen one of their credit cards to use at a store or restaurant. While that is fine when done correctly, the problem occurs if the teen leaves the card behind, misplaces the receipt etc. Make sure your children do not leave such important financial details sitting around, details that someone with bad intentions could easily take into their possession
  • Don’t leave online footprints – Given that more consumers use their computers to do handle their financial transactions, it should not come as a surprise that more identity theft thieves are going online to get the information they need to commit a crime. Once they have that information (credit card numbers, PINS, Social Security number etc.), they can do endless damage not only to your bank account, but also your credit score. If you use a computer in a public setting (at a library, your laptop at Starbucks etc.), make sure you don’t walk away from it even for a minute and leave personal financial details on the screen. It just takes seconds for a well-trained thief to gather the personal data and begin to create havoc in your life.

With identity theft thieves looking to strike at any moment, don’t allow yourself and/or your family to become the next victims.

Have you been a victim of identity theft?  Please share your story.

Jan 232016
 

Harlem Globetrotters 2016 North American Tour Dates – Save 25%

harlem globetrotters 2016

Coming to an Arena near you – the Harlem Globetrotters 2016 90th Anniversary World Tour:

Celebrating 90 years of providing smiles, sportsmanship and service to millions of people worldwide, the world famous Harlem Globetrotters will bring their unrivaled family show to an arena near you during their 90th Anniversary World Tour.

On the court, the Globetrotters’ 90-year celebration will feature some of the greatest athletes and entertainers on the planet. With a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm – plus female stars TNT Maddox and Sweet J Ekworomadu* – the Globetrotters’ one-of-a-kind show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment.

Every game will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction. You won’t want your family to miss it – use promo code FAMFUN to save 25% off your tickets.

Here are the available location and dates for this tour (more maybe added):

Erie, PA – 1/28/16
Ithaca, NY – 2/2/16
Frostburg, MD  – 3/7/16
Bangor, ME  – 3/15/16
Augusta, ME  – 3/16/16

Connecticut– Hartford-February 20 at 2:00pm, Uncasville February 18 at 7:00pm, Bridgeport February 19 at 7:30pm, Danbury- March 24 at 7:00pm
Delaware – Newark March 8, 2016 at 7:00pm
Michigan – Grand Rapids January 24, 2016 at 2:00pm, Yspilanti January 22, 2016 at 7:00pm
New Hampshire– Manchester March 25, 2016 at 7:00pm
New Jersey – Toms River March 10, 2016 at 7:00pm, Lincroft March 17, 2016 at 7:00pm, Trenton March 5, 2016 at 2:00pm, Atlantic City March 11, 2016 at 7:00pm
New York – Lake Placid February 17, 2016 at 7:00pm
Oklahoma – Oklahoma City February 6, 2016 at 2:00pm
Pennsylvania – Wilkes Barre March 5, 2016 at 2:00pm, Allentown March 2, 2016 at 7:00pm, Indiana March 29, 2016 at 7:00pm
Vermont– Burlington April 7, 2016 at 7:00pm

Corpus Christi, TX – 1/27/2016
Rochester, NY – 1/31/2016 and 2/6/2016
Albany, NY – 2/7/2016
Kent, WA – 2/12/2016 and 2/15/2016
Seattle, WA – 2/13/2016
Everett, WA – 2/14/2016
Yakima, WA – 2/17/2016
Eugene, OR – 2/18/2016
Kennewick, WA – 2/21/2016
Pullman, WA – 2/23/2016
Wenatchee, WA – 2/24/2016
Casper, WY – 3/8/2016
Duluth, MN – 3/24/2016
Minneapolis, MN – 3/25/2016 and 3/26/2016
Lincoln, NE – 4/9/2016

You won’t want your family to miss this event.  You also don’t have to pay full price to see it. Simply use promo code FAMFUN to save 25% off your tickets. Get your tickets {HERE} @usfg

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