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7 Great Baby Shower Gift Ideas

The mere definition of a baby shower is a party where the guests, usually immediate family members, shower the baby and the mom-to-be with gifts and love. The transformation of a woman into a mother is a big deal, and that is why it is crucial that the gifts are not just for the baby, but for the mom too.

Photo by Andreina Vincentelli on Unsplash

As a great friend that you are, you know that the mommy is equally important as the new baby. Here are seven great baby shower gift ideas you can use for your friend’s baby shower.

Photo by elliot verhaeren on Unsplash

Sound machine

Having a sound machine on during the night can immensely help soothe a crying, colicky baby. Instead of trying to find the perfect sound for their inconsolable baby on the phone, the new parents can simply click a button and turn on the wave sounds, whale songs, or wind chimes, and relax with their newborn calmly sleeping.

Portable diaper changing station

New parents get exhausted. Like, completely sleep-deprived, to the point that they forget to get dressed. So, the portable diaper changing station is the perfect gift for the new parents, to aid them in the never-ending battle of messy diapers.

By filling it with diaper rash creams, diapers, wet wipes, and trash bags, you are setting the parents up for success. They will be able to simply pick it up and carry it with them to the room they are in with the baby, instead of running to the nursery, scrambling, trying to find everything while the baby is crying.

Personalized pacifier clip

Not all babies want to take pacifiers. However, it can still be a cute memento to look at once they grow up while listening to the stories of how “you never wanted to take on the pacifier for the life of me!”

And if the baby does get attached to the pacifier, there is nothing worse than losing the favourite one or getting it thrown on the ground.

The clip prevents those two worst-case scenarios, keeping the parent’s peace of mind.

You can even personalize it with the baby’s name. If the parents are waiting until the baby is born to name them, you can always put a special note writing who it was from, or wishing the new baby a happy, healthy life.

Cozy blankets

Babies like to be cozied up, warm, and feel safe and secure. By swaddling them and wrapping them up in nice, soft blankets, you are making sure they are having the most wonderful dreams.

However, those blankets have to be of good quality, and breathable, to prevent any mishaps. Choosing bamboo and knit blankets and swaddles is the way to go, and if you are unsure where to find them, 3 Little Crowns has a great collection of soft and cosy baby blankets that will make you super popular with both the baby and the mom.

Image by TerriC on Pixabay

Wrap

It’s a shame wraps are not as popular as strollers. There is something special in carrying the newborn close to the heart, and it makes them feel so secure. Carrying the baby helps soothe any discomfort they might have, it provides warmth, and they are listening to the same heartbeat that they heard for so long.

It does take a little time and practice to learn how to wrap a baby, but when the new mom masters it, she will have the freedom to use both her hands while safely and securely carrying her little bundle of joy.

Buying the new mom a wrap is the best gift you can give to both baby and mom.

Mommy water bottle

Nursing mamas need twice as much daily water intake. Even if they are not nursing their baby, recovering from birth is a long and slow process and the body needs as much water as it can get. The trouble with having a newborn is that the new parents often forget to take care of themselves while taking care of baby. And drinking water is the first thing to go.

So, a great way to make sure the new mom does take in enough water is to buy them a water bottle. There are so many great choices—you can even get one with a reminder to make sure she doesn’t forget to drink water.

Milestone cards

Documenting firsts is such a great way to keep track of how the baby grows. These milestone cards not only have months to document, but also the first day at home, first bath, first tooth, first time sitting, walking, and so much more.

You can even personalize these cards to match the baby’s name or add more firsts as you wish. These make for great, cohesive memories that both the mom and the child will be grateful for.

We hope that this list helped you make the best choice of what to bring to the baby shower.

Photo by Ajeet Singh on Unsplash

*Top photo by Elsa Lilja on Unsplash

Jasmine Anderson is a Sydney-based lifestyle blogger and a toddler mom. She loves to spend quality time with her family, go thrifting, and spend just a little bit too much time on the internet.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndersonJess_AJ

Paul Deyhle: The Commission on Judicial Discipline

Alexander Falconi

Executive Director Paul Deyhle joins Media Director Alexis Brown for an interview on the Commission on Judicial Discipline.

Let’s Do Mediterranean!

Shelley Stepanek

LARRY FLYNT’S HUSTLER CLUB LAS VEGAS OPENS TERRACE MEDITERRANEAN

Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club Las Vegas has partnered with GloBrands, LLC and launched a rooftop restaurant, Terrace Mediterranean. On the 3rd floor of this erotic ultra-lounge they are serving table-side hookah service, a premium cigar selection, an expansive wine list, along with a full dinner menu and unparalleled views of the Las Vegas Strip. Inspired by The Olive Mediterranean Grill and Hookah Lounge who share the same owners as GloBrands, LLC.

“We are elated to roll out this concept to the public this Fall,” said Jason Mohney, founder of GoBEST, an entertainment, solutions and technology company that represents dozens of businesses across the country, including Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club. “While we focus on diversifying our programming at Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club, the addition of Terrace Mediterranean will add to the atmosphere, offering a little something for everyone. From Mediterranean cuisine to premium Hustler branded hookahs, cigars and an extensive list of fine wines, Terrace Mediterranean will be the new go-to for tourists and locals alike when it comes to an upscale lounge-style dining experience.”

Terrace Mediterranean features scratch-made food that is sourced from Middle Eastern and Greek origins. Standout dishes on the menu include Flame-Grilled Kebabs, Tabbouleh Salad, Shawarma and Mazza Platters, served alongside a craft cocktail menu. Last night there was a pop-up performance with belly dancers and live entertainment.

Dinner is 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily and table-side hookah service along with the restaurant’s full menu are available 24/7 throughout the nightlife venue. There is a south side private elevator if you prefer to be whisked to the top and bypass the club. Everyone must be 21+ and dress code is business casual. Reservations can be made by calling 702-331-4122 or by e-mailing terrace@gobestvip.com. Visit www.terracemediterranean.com.

The Olive is the premier Las Vegas area Mediterranean restaurant in Las Vegas. Everything that we serve comes from original family recipes passed down through generations from Flame-Grilled Kebabs, Tabbouleh Salad, Shawarma to all Mazza Platters. We had quite an assortment of appetizers and tasty fare last night.

The outdoor appeal of seeing almost all of Las Vegas in an open air deck, with the weather being perfect, was quite a treat after Las Vegas’s long hot summer.

Opened in September of 2010, Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club – Las Vegas has 70,000 s.f. of elegance spread across three floors. It is also a world-class event center and nightclub with five, yes that’s right, five affixed bars and crowned with a year-round oasis of bliss on the rooftop. From the elevator down from the roof to the second floor, where the VIP Bar and VIP Stage are, to the VIP Stage which hosts a see-through glass catwalk that can be viewed from floor two at eye level or on floor one, above the patron.

GoBig Entertainment, Solutions and Technology, or GoBEST, is an all-in-one resource for operators in the hospitality and nightlife industry, concentrating in the areas of design, audiovisual solutions, marketing, food & beverage, purchasing, web optimization, cybersecurity, entertainment, hospitality training, POS, financial controls, and more.

The GoBEST team is filled with industry specialists, most all with twenty-plus years of experience; all specialists in planning solutions for a wide range of clients, ranging from small stand-alones to nationally recognized multi-unit operators.

Founder Jason Mohney has successfully owned, operated and advised over a hundred businesses worldwide in the hospitality, nightlife, and retail sectors.

Like Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club on Facebook, follow them on Twitter or on Instagram for more information and to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings. Just off the south end of the strip, a fabulous club. Special entertainment on Fri, Sat and Sunday nights. Large enough to host a huge private reception if need be.

The Secret to Having More Luck

Richard Norton

We have all heard it before. You’re getting ready for a big challenge and you’ve worked hard to do what it takes to achieve it and then someone will say “Good Luck”. Whenever somebody says that, we all know they mean well. The question is, what is the definition of luck?

What I have found is that we create our own luck, and the difference between lucky and unlucky people is all in our perspective. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. When an opportunity comes our way, it’s important that we are 100% prepared to take advantage of that opportunity.

In my career, I have found that the harder I work, the luckier I become. Successful people will tell you that when you work hard, you develop something called momentum. When you have momentum, things just seem to fall into place. Some people will call that luck.

When someone does not work hard and they are not consistent, the opposite seems to happen. Many people would call that simply being unlucky. It’s impossible to gain momentum without being consistent. Sadly, when people don’t put in top performer effort, they will use the excuse that they are just unlucky.

Top performers will all say that they create their own luck. I heard a quote recently from a successful person who said, “1% luck, 1% talent, 98% and never give up is my success formula.“

Here is a great success formula to live by—“0% luck, 100% hustle.” Luck is the thing that happens when we take consistent online action every single day. Becoming lucky when it comes to success is really a choice. Your views on luck can greatly influence your success. For example, if you think that success is out of your control then there’s no point in trying too hard.

When it comes to personal performance, it’s not luck, it’s deliberate practice.

The only thing that truly overcomes hard luck is hard work. Being deeply focused, well-trained, and hardworking is part of the luck factor.

Lucille Ball was asked about luck. She quoted. “Luck? I don’t know about luck. I’ve never banked on it and I’m afraid of people who do. Luck to me is something else: Hard work – and realizing what is opportunity and what isn’t.”

That pretty much sums it up. The harder you work, the luckier you will become. So if you really want to get lucky when it comes to success, work hard, be consistent, and never ever give up.

Have a super fantastic week!

RICH NORTON

Regional Sales Manager RMS

Photo by Alois Komenda on Unsplash

Cut & Mix: Lynn Demmons and 2022 Swing Into Their Dreams

Vanessa Hundley

Cut & Mix w/ DJ Audioprism: Lynn Demmons and Swing Into Their Dreams

Vanessa Hundley aka DJ Audioprism goes back to the greens to reminisce about the 2021 Swing Into Their Dreams Charity Golf Tournament with event co-founder Lynn Demmons, while also getting the details you need to know to be part of the 2022 tournament.

Meet the current year’s HBCU students that were awarded scholarships through the Swing Into Their Dreams Foundation, and then visit www.SwingIntoTheirDreams.foundation to register, volunteer, or sponsor! Find and follow Swing Into Their Dreams! Facebook & Instagram: @SwingIntoTheirDreams Twitter: SwingIntoDreams

**Follow me (DJ Audioprism) on social media @djaudioprism, or visit www.audioprisment.com for an in-depth and ever-changing collection of my various endeavors, including articles on entertainment and life in the NSAEN magazine at www.nsaen.com

Photos and Images provided by Swing Into Their Dreams

Music Credits: Intro/Outro Licensed to: Audioprism Entertainment Intro/Outro Music – Envato Elements boom-bap-positive-X3JT43H.wav

Comics On Parole In Hollywood South ~ Actor/Comedian Dave Konig

Dan Glazer

My interview with actor/comedian Dave Konig. Dave can be seen in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Blacklist, and more.

Dan Glazer interviews actor/comedian Dave Konig.

Beloved Companions: Best Pet Movies Streaming Right Now

Guest Author

Ready for family movie night? If you can’t decide what you’d like to watch, consider a movie that reminds you of what it means to forge the true devotion and friendship of a family pet. Watch any of our recommended movies about beloved pets and you’ll laugh, cry, and remind yourself what it means to exist and be of service to those that you love.

So grab some popcorn, pile onto the couch with your favorite fuzzy family members, and fire up a streaming channel like FuboTV for a wonderful movie night!

The Stray (2017)

Drama – Starring: Michael Cassidy, Sarah Lancaster, Connor Corum, Enoch Ellis

Pluto is a stray dog like no other. When he’s discovered by young Christian Davis, he finds a new home. At first, there’s a lot of strain that having this new companion puts on the Davis family. Yet, over time Pluto becomes a pillar of comfort and strength for everyone, helping his human family in surprising ways.

Watch it on Apple TV, Prime Video, or Vudu.

A Dog’s Journey (2019)

Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Drama – Starring: Betty Gilpin, Josh Gad, Kathryn Prescott, Dennis Quaid, Marg Helgenberger

Have you ever wondered what might happen if your dog were reincarnated? If so, then this is the film for you. It follows the life of an ailing Bailey, an Australian Shepherd who lives with Ethan and his family on a farm. Unfortunately, Ethan’s wife isn’t fond of dogs so she leaves the farm with their daughter, CJ.

Ethan soon discovers that Bailey has a tumor in his stomach. What follows is a story of devotion that spans lifetimes and highlights the overwhelming love of a dog for his family.

Watch it on Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, or Prime Video.

Cats & Dogs (2001)

Action, Comedy, Adventure, Kids & Family – Starring: Jeff Goldblum, Miriam Margolyes, Elizabeth Perkins, Tobey Maguire, Alec Baldwin, Alexander Pollock

This movie takes a lighthearted look at the relationship between our two best animal friends, with dogs cast as the heroes and cats as the villains. The war between cats and dogs has existed since time immemorial, but some pets aren’t what they seem. They’re actually secret agents who wield high-tech gadgets. It’s an amusing tale of adventure and humor suitable for the whole family.

Watch this tale of adventure and humor on HBO Max, Vudu, or Prime Video.

Summary

Snuggle up close to your dog or cat and order in for a fun night of streaming movies tonight!

Photo by Chewy on Unsplash

5 Ways to Maximize Your Time

Richard Norton

The truth is, we all have the same amount of time each day. The question is, what are you doing to maximize yours? I have learned that there is a huge difference between being busy and being productive. Far too many people waste their time on things that have nothing to do with their goals.

Have you ever found yourself going through the day feeling like you’re busy and the day is half over and you haven’t accomplished much? Perhaps you have found yourself being stressed out wondering where all the time goes. If I’m speaking about you, it’s time to make some changes and take action. It’s important that you learn to maximize productivity in all phases of your life. Here are some tips to help you.

1) Quit wasting time

The first thing to do is to take inventory of your day. It’s time to find out some things in your life that are simply time-wasters. Make a list of these things and keep it nearby. When you notice that you’re wasting time, add that time-waster to the list. You will find that this list consists of things like watching too much TV, too much time on social media, and other activities that are stopping you from reaching your goals.

Studies show that the average person spends almost four hours per day on social media. This is about a quarter of the time that you are awake! Think about how productive you can be during those hours.

Make a commitment to limit the time that you spend on social media, along with the time you spend watching television. All these things are doing is distracting you from reaching your full potential.

2) Have a daily appointment book

It’s important to set goals with reminders. Make sure you have a plan of what it’s going to take to achieve your goals. Every day comes with new opportunities. Make it easier for yourself to complete each task by having a plan. Stay on top of your daily goals and set reminders to stay organized so you don’t forget anything.

Perform the most important task first which will be a relief once you’re done—the rest of your day will run much more smoothly.

Don’t try to do everything at once. Multitasking is not a key to success. If you try to do too many things at once, you won’t finish these tasks to a high standard. Focus on the goal that’s in front of you and give it your very best.

3) Create a successful routine

Make the decision to be an early riser and start building a routine. Success rewards routine. If you’re not following a successful routine, I guarantee that you’re not managing your time effectively. When you wake up early in the morning, you get so much more accomplished while others are sleeping. By setting a routine and sticking to it, you will find it’s easier to make time for things because it now becomes a success habit.

4) Become accountable

You need someone that has your best interest to keep you accountable. Without accountability, it’s easy to procrastinate and repeat old habits.

If you don’t have an accountability partner at this point, it’s time to get one. You need a mentor who will check in with you to see how you’re doing with your progress toward reaching your goals. When you know you have a mentor checking in with you, you will be more likely to take time towards working on your goals. An accountability partner makes you more likely to succeed.

5) Set clear goals

When you’re setting goals, it’s important that they are clear cut. You want to be very specific in what you want to attain. When you have a clear goal, you now have something to work for. The more you want it, the more motivating it will be. With a goal in mind, you have the ability to break it up into small goals that will begin to get you towards that big goal.

There is a strong relationship between how specific a goal is and overall performance. Clear and specific goals will lead to better performance.

When you’re motivated and excited about achieving something, it will stop you from wasting time. Your time will be focused on doing the things that are necessary to achieve your dreams.

It’s time to make every second count. Make the decision this week to get rid of the time-wasters and choose to maximize every second. Each day, we have 86,400 seconds. This applies to everyone. The big question is, what are you going to do to maximize your time?

Have a super fantastic week!

RICH NORTON

Regional Sales Manager RMS

Photo by Fakurian Design on Unsplash

If Only Animals Could Talk

Shelley Stepanek

Thanks to all the wonderful people who post such amazing sayings and really get us thinking about how much animals mean to us humans.

Pros and Cons of Building a House in the Philippines

Ainsley Lawrence

Whether you’re a native Filipino or an ex-pat, building a house takes a lot of time and consideration. It’s not something you should jump into without considering your other options, as well as the pros and cons.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many people decided to move to different areas. In doing so, you might think it’s time to build your “dream home” and settle down. But, there are questions to ask yourself before taking the plunge and building a house in the Philippines. First, is it cheaper to buy or build? What are you really looking for out of a new home? What kind of timeline are you prepared for?

It’s also essential to give those questions, as well as the pros and cons, some weight. Doing your research and being confident in your answers ahead of time will make it easier to decide whether you should build, buy, or rent in the Philippines.

To help you get started, let’s go over some potential advantages and disadvantages when it comes to building a house.

Pro: You’re in Control

One of the biggest benefits of building your own house is that you’re in complete control of everything from the design to the surrounding property. If you’ve always wanted a beautifully landscaped outdoor living area, you can finally have it.

Customizing your house the way you want is a major draw for some people, especially if you plan on settling down in the Philippines for many years and want to make sure your house feels like a home.

In addition to customizing things the way you want, you’ll also be in charge of “quality control”. You can work with a contractor you trust, but since the property is yours, you have the freedom to go one step further. If you oversee the building operations, you can ensure everything that’s being done meets your standards, so the home will be safe to move into right when it’s done.

Con: It Can Take a Long Time

Building a house can take several months and even longer if you have unique specifications and additions. Every step can take several weeks, including:

Obtaining a building permit
Pouring foundation
Framing
Plumbing, electricity, insulation, roofing
Finishing touches

Buying a house is certainly more convenient if you have a time restraint, or if you don’t have anywhere to live while you wait for a house to get built.

Of course, you could consider renting in the Philippines while you wait for your home to be constructed. The cost of living in the country is relatively low, so renting is typically an affordable option whether it’s short-term or long-term.

The best thing you can do is to consider your timeline and how long you’re willing to wait for a home to get built. If you need a place to live right now, buying or renting may be a better option.

Pro: You’re Less Likely to Deal With Maintenance Issues

When you build a new home, you’re using brand new materials, installing new appliances, and staying up-to-date with the latest building codes necessary to keep things safe.

Because of that, you’re less likely to have maintenance or renovation issues anytime soon. If you’re someone who doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of upgrading, renovating, or “DIY” -ing projects in your house, having everything new will help you to avoid that for quite some time.

Additionally, new building materials and appliances are more energy-efficient than ever before. If you move into an older house, you might immediately have to replace certain things so everything is up to code and running efficiently, including:

Windows
Kitchen appliances
Water heater
Washer/dryer
Furnace/air conditioner

Even though building a home can be expensive, take into consideration the updates you might have to make if you were to purchase one. The cost might be closer than you think.

Con: Location is Everything

Location, location, location.

It’s a common real estate term, but in the Philippines, it really matters.

Land in the metropolitan areas of the Philippines is known for being outrageously expensive. Most residential lots are affordable, but they come with their fair share of issues. Many are on the outskirts of the cities and don’t have a central location.

So, you might have to endure a long commute to work or to get your kids to school, and even something as simple as getting groceries can feel like a chore when you’re that far away.

If you’re considering building a house in the Philippines, understanding what to expect every step of the way will make the whole process easier for you. This isn’t meant to deter you or encourage you. It’s meant to inform you. Building a house is nothing to take lightly. Do your research, take your time, and decide what’s best for your needs now and in the future.

Photo by Greyson Joralemon on Unsplash

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