Museum's Greatest Collection

Walking, thinking, watching, listening...visitors to the museum distinguish by country, culture, race or religion. All museums have quite the collection of people.

Beach Night-A Quiet Sea You've Never Seen

These pictures were taken at the Sunny Isle Beach, Miami. Most don't try to capture the beauty of the beach after the sun goes down, this is definitely another point of view enjoying the beach life.





*Photos taken by intern, Ken*

Celebrate Grandparent's Day!

Some of you may have celebrated this unofficial holiday last weekend with your grandparents, but if you didn't know National "Grandparents Day" is celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. If you missed it, and want to have an excuse to get together to celebrate with your family you may have another chance... in Japan, people celebrate their version of grandparents day on the third Monday of September (9/20) as the "Respect for the Aged Day". Well, it’s never too late no matter what day of the year, grab your kids and head over to Gramma's house! Here are some great little gift ideas for grandparents day...

Is Grandma and grandpa coming to you? Surprise them by breaking out the family recipes and make them a delicious meal. Nothing feels better than having your family together enjoying a homemade dinner.

Maybe you can get them an iPod filled with music your grandparents would enjoy. Pick their wedding song, the favorite album they drove you crazy with growing up, or hey, maybe your grandparents are hip and like Lady Gaga. I am sure either way this would be a fun gift from the grand kids!

Forget buying the card, make one! Grandparents are always proud to hang a handmade card on their fridge no matter what age their grand kids are. Get creative... what its not Van Gogh? or Hallmark? Believe me in your grandparents' eyes this is their grand-kids' "masterpiece"!

Think about useful things your grandparents will need this Fall. Perhaps some Fall accessories like a stylish new scarf, hat and gloves set.

Purify your indoor air... Naturally :)

Although we aren't all born with the "green thumb", some of us want to live healthier, and somewhat "greener" these days so making the attempt at a greener thumb may pay off. NASA actually discovered (with help from the ALCA) that houseplants can actually help to purify the air indoors.

While NASA was trying to figure out how to purify the air for extended stays in orbiting space stations, they learned that certain houseplants can purify common pollutants from the air- which was a huge tip for those of us still here on Earth! Whether or not your house is new or old there are several contributing factors to potential air pollutants- air conditioning, heating, and synthetic building materials, etc. With most new buildings/homes they are created air tight to be more "energy efficient". Although being energy efficient is spectacular, you are not getting the freshest, cleanest air possible. So give your green thumb a go, what a better way to purify the air for yourself and your family- and you will have some beautiful greenery inside to help you deal with the upcoming fall weather.

Here is a list of some of the common houseplants that are the most effective at removing indoor air pollutants...

1. Philodendron scandens `oxycardium', heartleaf philodendron

2. Philodendron domesticum, elephant ear philodendron

3. Dracaena fragrans `Massangeana', cornstalk dracaena

4. Hedera helix, English ivy

5. Chlorophytum comosum, spider plant

6. Dracaena deremensis `Janet Craig', Janet Craig dracaena

7. Dracaena deremensis `Warneckii', Warneck dracaena

8. Ficus benjamina, weeping fig

9. Epipiremnum aureum, golden pothos

10. Spathiphyllum `Mauna Loa', peace lily

11. Philodendron selloum, selloum philodendron

12. Aglaonema modestum, Chinese evergreen

13. Chamaedorea sefritzii, bamboo or reed palm

14. Sansevieria trifasciata, snake plant

15. Dracaena marginata , red-edged dracaena

*For an average home of under 2,000 square feet, the study recommends using at least fifteen samples of a good variety of these common houseplants to help improve air quality. They also recommend that the plants be grown in six inch containers or larger. (But I think starting out with one or two to get the hang of having plants is a great start- your collection of plants can then grow from there!)

S'mores Brownies

A couple of weeks ago, we shared some fun camping ideas, tips, and tricks. A few days after getting home from my camping trip, I was craving s'mores. Unfortunately, starting a fire in my backyard wasn't an option - so I made these delicious s'mores brownies. Not exactly like s'mores in every way, but they were so delicious, I had to share.

What you'll need:

• 1 box of brownies (or an awesome recipe for brownies if you have one. Please share!)
• 7-10 graham crackers, crushed
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1.5 sticks butter

1. Melt the butter in a 9x13 baking dish.
2. Add the crushed graham crackers to the bottom of the dish, make sure they are evenly spread over the bottom.
3. Mix together all the ingredients for your brownie mix, and pour over the graham crackers.
4. Bake according to brownie box instructions.
5. Take out the brownies and set the oven to broil.
6. Sprinkle the 2 cups of mini marshmallows over the brownies, and stick in the oven for 3-5 minutes. (don't over do them!)
7. Enjoy this delicious treat!

Healthy Snacks and Desserts to Pack in Your Kid's Lunch

No kid wants to open their lunch box and discover a bag of celery, and an apple for dessert. We know how important it is for them to get the vitamins and nutrients that fruits and vegetables provide, but we also know how hard it is to get them to eat fruits and veggies, especially when they're not under your watch!

Here are a few ways you can sneak in some healthy snacks and desserts.

Snacks:

Whole grain crackers with cheese - Laughing Cow Light Wedges are fun and tasty when paired up with their favorite crackers.

Rice cakes and a banana - they won't mind this healthy snack, especially if you pack along some peanut butter in an extra container.

Fruit kebabs - You'd be surprised what your kids are willing to eat as long as it looks fun. Just make sure they ends of the kebabs aren't sharp :)

Trail Mix - The combination of oats, nuts, and raisins will keep them happy and satisfied.

Desserts:

Fruit "ice cream" - if you have a juicer, juice up any good combination of fruits and freeze in a container with a lid. It makes a great substitute for ice cream, and will stay mostly frozen if you add in an ice pack.

Carrot Cake - A perfect way of sneaking in those veggies, without them having a clue!

Zucchini Bread - Delicious and nutritious! Especially if you've made it from scratch!

Hopefully these ideas will get the ball rolling as the new school year comes around :)

Have a great weekend!

Back to School Tips!

Your kids are already excited for their first day of school. They know exactly what backpack and new sneakers they want for the new year. But we know that what's on their minds may not be
exactly what's on yours. Transitions are stressful, and this is a big one for your kids. Here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to stay calm and organized :)

1. Make a master calendar - Let your kids decorate it so they feel they are a part of it. Make sure everyone knows to inform you of important dates, and make sure you record them. It's much easier to prepare for the weeks ahead when you know what's going on and where.
2. Prepare before you shop! - You'd be amazed at how much you can save during this time of year if you just look around. Now isn't the time for impulse buys. Come with your coupons, and a list of what they need.
3. Make Folders - Trying to keep track of all the different school forms coming in will only create an even bigger mess. Instead, keep a folder for each of your children, and sort the forms and memos as they come in. Easy access for later :)
4. Make sure they're prepared - The last thing you need is a note from the school telling you your kid needs a short or check-up. Make sure all medical needs are taken care of before school starts. Sure, appointments will come up during the year, but the more you try and get things out of the way, the better!
5. Most of all, try and let the kids have fun. School is very exciting, especially when they're young. Let the little things go, and help keep those cute smiles on their face :D