Find The Best Entertainment While In San Ramon

“Entertainment” is of course a relative term and depends a lot on your own particular standards of what is or isn’t entertaining. So we will try to include as many different types of entertainment as possible.

Take A Look At The History

If you feel like spending a little time in an open-air park with maybe a little history thrown in, one great option would be the San Ramon Forest Home Farms Historic Park. The site is home to an historic farmstead with a home built in 1900 and some of the buildings surrounding it dating back to 1850. Another Victorian home built in 1877 was also moved to the park several years ago from its original location nearby.

Take A Look At The Future

Bishop Ranch promises to be the new heart of San Ramon. This is evident as other businesses and hotels near Bishop Ranch Business Park begin to spring up. It’s definitely a portion of the city to keep an eye on as you continue to visit the city over the next few years.

Speaking of the Bishop Ranch, the development in the heart of San Ramon is beginning to open its doors in phases. The complex already consists of a massive shopping complex, movie theater megaplex, and a good number of dining options as well.

Enjoy Some Shopping And Other Attractions

Blackhawk Plaza in nearby Danville is a luxury shopping mall with a twist. In addition to the shops, restaurants, and movie theater that you would expect to find, Blackhawk Plaza is also home to the Blackhawk Museums. One half of the museum is home to over 90 vintage cars up to 120 years old. The other half is a museum of natural history, with a large collection of taxidermy wild animals from across the Western United States.

Are you more of a golfer? San Ramon has you covered with two major courses, Royal Vista Golf Course and the Bridges Golf Course.

Maybe you’re looking to entertain the kids for a few hours. If so, you have several options in San Ramon. One popular choice is the Earl Anthony’s Dublin Bowl in nearby Dublin. The Golden Skate, a staking rink in San Ramon, is sure to get the kids burning off energy and wearing them out for the night. And hey, when trying to entertain the kids, you can’t go wrong with a movie. There are several in the area, including Regal Crow Canyon Stadium 6, Century Blackhawk Plaza in Danville, Regal Hacienda Crossings Stadium 21 and IMAX in Dublin, and one at the City Center Bishop Ranch.

If your evening’s entertainment usually involves alcohol, the well located Caps and Taps may hit the spot. It’s a laid back bar with a good selection of beer, including quite a few local microbrews. Another great option is the dueling piano shenanigans at McGah’s Pub and Pianos in Danville. The area has a large number of local wineries as well, which may be a topic for another day.

As mentioned previously, entertainment is relative, but most people should be able to find something in these options to help them pass a pleasant afternoon.

4 Things You Should Know About Getting Divorced While Pregnant

It happens more often that a woman going through a divorce process is pregnant. This usually raises questions such as; will the court allow completion of the divorce while the woman is pregnant? Will there be any legal presumption of the husband being the father?

What if another man who is not the husband is the father of the baby? Filing petition for a divorce process usually comes first. Here are some 4 things you should know about getting divorced while pregnant:

  1. Custody Will be a Big Issue

If you are filing for divorce, it’s important to know that the custody of your baby would come into question after it is born. During the first weeks after birth, mothers tend to spend more time with their babies. However, you can come up with ways in which your ex-partner can spend time with your new born baby.

Adjusting to your new born baby without any support can be challenging. The support of another person, especially your spouse, in the house as the baby develops, is one of the major reasons you should avoid at all costs. The baby growing in the watch of both parents means a lot as support comes from both sides.

  1. Home Arrangements Will be Needed

If you still living with the person you are divorcing you need to have a plan of either moving out or letting him move out. If so, you need to think of basically buying two sets of everything you might need. Research shows that children who are brought up by two parents tend to do better in everything they do unlike those who stay with a single parent.

Single mothers have been found to experience, addictions and illnesses that are mental and physical in nature. Therefore, it is important to rethink the divorce issue during pregnancy before making up your mind.

  1. Childcare Could be Costly

Consider childcare options for your baby before its arrival if you and your ex-spouse have jobs. If you happen to have a plan of going back to work immediately after your maternity leave is over, there are things to look into. For instance, how will childcare be paid for? Make sure you also arrange for your weekends.

It might look simple on paper, however, it is always easier said than done. With the need to share custody of the baby, and communicating and working, you might miss some of the most important milestones during your child’s first years.

  1. Hospital and Insurance Bills are Important

Insurance and hospital bills are among the most important things couples need to think about before deciding to take divorce. If your partner is under an insurance plan, you’d want to discuss it and come up with a solution before signing any papers.

You probably don’t want to be left in the middle of a huge hospital bill during your pregnancy just because your ex-partner took you off his insurance plan.

Designing the Greatest Pool On the Block

You don’t have to book a vacation at a five-star hotel to get away from the stresses of life. All you need to do is look no further than your own backyard. Everyday can be a “staycation” once you’ve designed your very own swimming pool. It can be any shape or depth, and enhance the yard you already escape to. The possibilities are never ending, and can include some ideas that you may not have even considered.

Financing your dream pool

Don’t let the thought of millions of dollars send you into a tizzy when thinking of a bulldozer breaking ground. By shopping around, you can have the pool you want without breaking the bank. There are a variety of steps to take before you and the kids (or your closest friends) can dive into the family pool. It is important to understand the work that will be happening around your home and lay out a plan. You need to research and locate a contractor who is on the same page with you financially and a design that works for you. Begin by finding a swimming pool contractor in New Jersey, as such professionals can help you realize your staycation goals. Keep in mind that there are ways to get this project completely refinanced. This means there is no cost to you up front and nothing out of pocket. You can discuss how long and how much your payments will be for you to repay back the loan. This can ease your mind as you break down the other components you may need for your pool.

In-ground versus above-ground

Once you choose the company you will work with, it is time to decide if you want your pool in the ground or above it. The cost of a lower option according to the national average is around $23,000 and can add up to $100,000. Included in this estimate are the types of materials used such as vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete. Building smaller pools can be a way to cut costs and enhance the scenery of your new pool with some DIY landscaping. Above-ground pools can cost half of what the lower price range of an in ground pool can cost (about $12,000). Size, location, and permits are some mutual things to think about with both of these options. Add the costs of vacations with airfare or gas for your vehicle, time off from work, and hotel rooms for multiple people, and you’ll find that the cost of having a pool over time can be less of a strain on your wallet.

Alternative options: the natural pool

An option influenced by mother nature is a different take on the backyard pool. In Europe, many people are embracing the natural pool or pond look so it blends more into the landscape of their yard. This is exactly as it sounds; a non-chemically treated swimming pool filled with naturally filtering plants without the use of chemicals. In the United States, these are becoming more popular. You can begin developing your very own natural pool arranged with aquatic plants which can sport some enticing names such a Mojito Taro, the simple but elegant water lilies, aquatic mint, lotus, and Bengal Tiger Canna. Some of these plants are edible, and with the right guidance you can fill your tranquil pool or pond with some tasty and equally beautiful plants. Just like with a traditional mold, you can choose a premade shape for your natural pool or try your hand at a DIY outdoor water feature. You can add extras like boulders, waterfalls, rivestones, and non aquatic plants. All of these carefully chosen elements help blend your pool into the natural landscape. Whichever choice of pool you make, whether natural or traditional, you will not have to go far to find a piece a staycation fun.

4 Things You Should Know About Buying a Juul Skin

A juul is an electronic cigarette that was designed for people that want to quit smoking.  Juul skin is a coat that is fixed on top of the device to make it have a different outlook. In fact, juul skins come in different colors and imprints. It’s about your individual preference. You can actually opt for any juul design including cartoon characters, animal images or military combat colors among many others. However, most e-cigarette users don’t know much about these skins. The list below is meant for enlightening you on buying a juul skin.

  1. They are used with Juul Device

Skins are generally used for concealing e-cigarettes. When your juul is covered by a skin, you can vape anywhere discreetly without attracting unwanted attention. The good thing is that juuls don’t smell like traditional cigarettes because they are enriched with smelling scents. However, the skin can only be useful when it’s used with a device. Buying the skin without first investing in juul device is like buying shoe polish when you don’t own a pair of leather shoes. Ideally, it’s recommended you first buy a juul device and then budget for a skin later. In fact, a juul is sold separately from skin. The good thing is that most stores that deal in juul also stock skins to give their customers an added advantage.

  1. Built to Last

The skins that are used in covering juul have an extended life span. This is because they are made from rubber and nylon materials. As a matter of fact, the skin is one of those stuff that you buy and forget. However, when the skin wears out, it can’t be mended. Some users prefer to replace their skin when they get a new juul. Besides that, there are those that buy several skins because they like switching to different designs for the sake of spicing up their experience.

  1. They are Easy to Use

The skin of a juul is designed to be easy to use. You therefore don’t need any skills to be able to fix it on your juul because it stretches to conform to the shape of your device. In fact, you can fix it without referring to the user manual. Once you get your package, you just place the skin on one end and pull until it fits tightly. The skin actually fits nicely such that it can’t come off when the device falls on a hard surface. The other advantage is that it prevents the device from shuttering due to impact of falling on a hard surface. It also enhances the device’s resistance to water.

  1. They can only be Bought by Adults

The government prohibits selling juul and skins to persons under the age of 18. When shopping for your skin, you should be ready to produce your ID because some stores will ask you to proof that you are not below the prohibited age. But if you want to cheat the system, you should consider buying the skin on the internet because it’s easier and convenient. There are actually many online stores that trade in juul products. You can therefore buy the skin without straining your pockets.

3 Creative Date Ideas Every Jersey Girl Would Enjoy

Impressing a date with an amazing time is easier said than done. Dinner and a movie might feel like a safe bet, but even for a first date, such a cliché can get a bit monotonous. Make your date from Jersey feel special by taking her somewhere amazing in her home state.

If you’re dating in New Jersey, there are a ton of date spots to consider. Girls love to be taken somewhere new and exciting, especially if it is a place close to their home that they may have been overlooking. We made a list of some amazing ideas for an unforgettable date in New Jersey. These ideas might even make it worth traveling to the Garden State.

 

  • Going Dancing

 

Dancing is a fantastic date idea because you can work off the dinner you just ate, and because most people love to dance regardless of how good they are. Dancing is a great way to let loose, laugh, and learn something new about your partner. Dancing is a first date idea that allows you to see how someone moves, and it opens the discussion about music taste, which is important to many people when dating. Dancing is all about movement, which can also help you understand whether they are having fun, nervous, into you or not. Dance classes offer you skills that you can practice together at a different time.

If you’re interested in this date night idea, look for studios that offer dance classes in New Jersey for beginners or miniature dance bootcamps. It’s best to find something that is not too much of a commitment. If you and your significant other are looking to learn something new together, a weekly dance class might be your best option.

 

  • The Endless Entertainment Options in Jersey  

 

There are some amazing museums and galleries in New Jersey that your date probably has probably never visited before. There is nothing like going on a date and learning something new or looking at art. Manhattan may seem like the only option for art gallery dates, but there are some creative galleries in Jersey, as well. Art is perfect for a date because it is creative and open for interpretation. Even if you aren’t a huge fan of art, galleries will spark conversation and observation. Learning and growing together through an art gallery tour is a creative date idea to try for yourself.

Have you ever taken a date to Central Jersey? If you haven’t, now is a great time to start. There are so many things to do in Central Jersey such as explore nature destinations, visit educational museums and observe the scenic locations that are beautiful enough to visit again for a second date.

There are some great museums and galleries in Central Jersey such as the Rutgers Geology Museum, which has has offers fascinating galleries on the past and present, the Museum of the American, Sperry Observatory, or even the Cornelius Low House. These museums are all perfect date destinations.

Another ideal option would be to visit a planetarium. Planetariums are great for dates who enjoy astrology. A visit to a planetarium might even spark flirtatious discussion about star signs. Learning something new opens up more discussion and conversations about history and other occurrences. This is a sure-fire way to stimulate interesting conversations that go beyond generic date topics.

 

  • Exploring New Areas

 

Think about the places in Jersey that your partner has never been to and try to plan a date to these locations. Even if it’s a simple restaurant with amazing atmosphere, she will love that you showed her something new that is within reach. Dates are a great way to make memories and create a story with someone. Thoughtfulness will pay off!

 

  • Getting in Touch with Nature

 

Taking a date on a hike, to a beach, or to a garden is a romantic and refreshing date idea. Consider packing a picnic and some champagne to really impress her! There are quite a few beautiful locations in Jersey to explore. Some include Colonial Park, Cape May Point State Park, and Island Beach State Park.

Nature dates are fun, casual, and inexpensive. Another way to be around nature is to visit a public garden such as Rutgers Gardens. Rutgers Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden that is bound to be a fantastic date spot. Gardens are romantic and great for walking and conversing.

Even if you are more into diluted nature, there are some amazing wineries in Jersey great for romantic evenings. Ladies love a chance to get dressed up in a sundress or even a burgundy maxi dress. Shopping for the perfect date outfit is easier in 2018, with the convenience of shopping online. Girls don’t have to run out the last second and shop in stores for the perfect outfit. There are many e-commerce websites with more options than one could ever ask for.

Another great outdoor date idea is biking, and there are a ton of bike sharing services in the NJ/NY area. Rent a bike at sunset and go on a leisurely biking route. Biking is a wonderful activity and there are bike share stations all around, which makes the logistical part of planning the date much easier. Find a café by a bike station to end your bike ride in case you want to continue the date with a meal or a drink.

 

  • What Would Younger You Want to Do?  

 

This is a great thing to ask when you are planning a date. Something might seem trivial and childish, but playful and funny dates are always a blast. Laser Tag might seem like an activity for ten year olds, but imagine how much fun it would be to play the game with someone you are getting to know!

Sparking some friendly competition on a date is another great way to have fun. Bowling may seem nerdy, but it gives you something to do and a reason to be playfully competitive. On the flip side of things, if the date is going poorly, you can end it right after the game. Dates of this nature have an easy out if you want to ditch. If, on the other hand, the date is going well, you can continue by grabbing a drink at the bowling alley bar and laughing about the ridiculousness of bowling shoes.

Regardless of your date decisions, there are some amazing places in New Jersey that are worth exploring with your significant other or on a first date.

How To Replace My Social Security Card?

Initially, social security cards were introduced by the government to be used as proof of identification and tracking purposes in the national social security system. Every American citizen must have one, regardless of how they attain their citizenship. In most cases, people keep their cards throughout their entire adult lives.

Why Do I Need A Social Security Card?

Today, social security cards are used in many different situations, making them even more important than they were at the beginning. If you have committed your social security number to memory, you might be able to get by without the card, even after losing it; however, you will be required to produce the card in a number of situations.

Before we look at how to get a social security card replacement, let’s take a moment to look at some of the situations in which you would be required to produce one.

First and foremost, having a social security card is a great way to ensure that you don’t forget your social security number. Although memorizing your number may seem like the best way of ensuring that you never lose it; you cannot be sure of how your memory will hold up in the years to come.  

You will be required to produce your social security card when starting a new job. The card is used for tax purposes by your new employer. It may also be used to verify your eligibility to work in the US.

High school and college students may be required to produce their social security cards as a way of proving their identity when moving to a new school. College students need to produce their social security cards when filling out financial aid forms.

It’s normal for banks to ask their new customers to produce social security cards when applying for a new account. The card is used as a proof of identity; and producing it assists in minimizing the risk of fraud associated with identity theft. Credit card companies also require individuals to produce their social security cards, as proof of identity, when applying for a new credit card.

Some health insurance companies may require applicants to produce their social security cards, even though their social security number is usually enough. Doctors may also ask for your social security card for billing purposes, as well as a proof of identity before sharing your confidential medical information.

As you can see, having a social security card in hand can help speed up all the processes in which you would be required to produce it.

When Would I Need To Replace My Social Security Card?

It is worth noting that there are many different circumstances that may call for the replacement of your social security card. The most obvious one is when you lose the card. You may also have to replace your card when you officially change your name or your immigration status.

 

Now let’s take a look at the procedure followed in getting a social security card replacement. Note that there are three main steps involved in having a social security card replaced.

Compiling The Necessary Documents

The first step in getting a social security card replacement involves putting all the necessary documents together. This will help speed up the process as you will not be forced to waste time going back and forth, in search of any missing documents.

The first and most important rule, when it comes to compiling the documents needed in the replacement of your social security card is that only originals are accepted. Copies that have been certified by the issuing agency, at the place of issue are also accepted. However, the Social Security Administration does not accept photocopies or notarized copies of the documents when it comes to applying for a social security card replacement.

To prove your age, you can use your US hospital birth record, birth certificate, passport or religious record made when you were below the age of five years.

A US birth certificate or US Passport can be used to verify your status as a Unite States of America citizen.

Use your US passport, US driver’s license, state Identification Card, Military ID card, Student ID card, employee ID or Medical insurance card to prove that you are who you say you are i.e. your identity.

Once you have compiled all the documents listed above, make sure that they are all up to date as the Social Security Administration does not accept expired documents. Furthermore, using receipts to prove that you have applied for renewals is also not acceptable; you must be in possession of the document itself.

Filling Out The Application

Once you have all the necessary documents in hand, visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website and download the social security card form. Fill out the relevant details and then mail the form; or deliver it to your local SSA office. You can look up the local SSA offices’ address on their website. While there, you can even enquire about the time it will take to have the new card sent to you.

Online Application

Alternatively, you may opt to take a more convenient route by applying with an online application form. All you need to do is create an account, and then follow the laid-out process in replacing your social security card. This process is safe and secure, so don’t worry about filling in your personal information.

It is important to note that the online application process is not available to all. Be sure to check whether your state is included in the list of areas where the service is available. In case it is not, just follow the previously described procedure.

Important Facts That You Should Know About Social Security Card Replacement

At this point it is important to mention the fact that this entire process is free of charge. The SSA does not charge any fees to replace your card.

Every individual is only entitled to apply for three security card replacements per year; and a maximum of ten in their lifetime. As such it is important that you keep your card safely locked away, especially considering the fact you do not need to produce it on a daily basis. Replacements necessitated by a change of name or immigration status do not count against these limits.

Discover How Online Life Coaching Can Help You Overcome Depression

Unfortunately, the current depression epidemic is on the rise with over 18% of Americans afflicted with it. Yet with only around 36% of those suffering seeking help, are there any other alternatives?

The Anxiety & Depression Association of America claims that they only consider someone seeking help as a person on some form of treatment which means they are on an anti-depressant. Is it possible that the reason others are not seeking support with their ailment because they don’t want to risk the harms of the side effects that come with these drugs?

Sarah Stevens, an online life coach and therapist, says yes and that many of her clients who have taken these drugs have been severely afflicted from them. In a recent interview, she stated that “It took me almost two years to help my clients get off these drugs and to no longer feel the pain that came with the side effects. Many of my clients were suffering from

nausea, increased appetite and weight gain, loss of sexual desire and other sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction and decreased orgasm, fatigue and drowsiness, insomnia, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, agitation, irritability, and anxiety.”

But with over 40 million adults suffering from some for of depression, are there any other alternatives? Sarah says that the way she helps her clients overcome depression is by coaching them online on a regular basis to help them address the root cause of their situation. She says that many people avoid the reason why they are depressed by taking drugs which only suppresses the symptoms and does not actually help the person seeking support.

“If you numb the symptoms of depression, then all it does is help you avoid what is actually causing it. People need to start getting honest with themselves about why they are depressed and face it head on. Yes, it may be challenging at first, but in the long run can bring your life back into balance and harmony which is what you really want.”

She also states that through her online life coaching program, she is able to easily meet with her clients wherever they are and provide them quick and ample help when they need it. Many of her clients really appreciate being able to have her there whenever they need her and that its almost as if she was living with them.

“I know that many people would think its easier to just take the anti-depressant. But in reality, it not only causes more harm, but brings on other problems that just add insult to injury.”

An Essay About How To Salvage Your Mediocre Day

Today is a mediocre day. I woke up and felt tired even though I got a full night’s sleep. I thought about the day ahead, about everything I had to do, about how excited I got last night when I put my to-do list together – imagining how productive I would be today – and then today I woke up and was tired and didn’t want to do anything.

It was a standard Monday morning kind of feeling, one that I know affects many or most of my peers. But this Monday morning kind of feeling was just a little bit more mediocre and blah than normal – it was a little bit more of that “I am desperate to find purpose today and I don’t know where to start.”

So I grasped for the things I could get out of my way that would need my brain the least. I read work emails and answered work emails. I paid a doctor’s bill. I brainstormed things to write even though half the headlines ended halfway through with me saying “ehhh, this isn’t anything.” I ate breakfast and counted that as being productive. I opened a new box of tissues and counted that as being productive. I took one of the tissues and blew my nose and then said “wooh, needed that!” to my cat and counted that as being productive.

And now it’s time to write and I’m just sitting here thinking about how mediocre I feel and how mediocre this day is. About how I can’t think of anything to write and I feel heavy with the weight of having been ‘doing things’ and yet having created nothing. I feel cranky about the fact that I’m lacking in ideas. I feel cranky about the fact that this isn’t an actual hardship. I feel cranky that my life is not difficult today and yet I’m trying to make it seem that way. Today is a mediocre day.

So what do you do with a mediocre day? This day is 1/365 of your entire year. You can choose to look at that as a trivial fraction or you can choose to make it worth it anyways, even halfway through the day or in the last four hours of the day.

Right now I still feel like I’m swimming in the middle of this mediocre day. But instead of just swimming to stay afloat, I’m trying to swim to the ladder right now so I can climb out of this thick vat full of uninspired elements. Perhaps it would be faster to just swim to the wall and roll out that way, but I need the ladder because I am unathletic and this is the safest way for me to get out of the pool. This last part is not a metaphor, it’s just a way for me to throw a self-deprecating joke (my fave) into this fun lil’ rumination I’m having.

So, the things I do to get to the ladder (a brilliant and complex metaphor for having a productive day) is by doing really unextraordinary things that I know will still get me where I need to go. Like writing down all these irritating thoughts camping out in my brain so that they’re on paper and I can have more space in my head for thinking about writerly things (mostly, the things I write down are bullet points for my to-do list). I put on a turtle neck and throw my hair back into a ‘do that makes it look like I tried harder than I did (this makes me feel like I put effort into my appearance today). I leave my apartment and go to a cafe. I pick a bright one that has big windows, a nice staff, productive seat mates, and some killah clam chowdah. And then I write this essay in little teeny tiny bits even though I hate it the whole time and I keep saying “this isn’t anything.”

But now it’s something, even if it’s stupid. Because it’s eight paragraphs so far and that’s something. And I got some frustrating thoughts out of my head and that’s something. And I made a couple jokes for my own amusement and that’s something. I used the word ‘do instead of hairdo and I’ve never done that before so it made me hate myself a little bit but also it’s just a funny-sounding thing to say so I made myself smile for a hot sec and that’s something. And I called this day mediocre and that makes it feel less overwhelming or frustrating or powerful and that’s something.

And now, I’ve spent a decent amount of time writing this piece and saying “this sucks” the whole time but now it’s finished and I wrote a piece so even if it sucks, I created something, which has eased the crankiness I felt earlier. So today feels like it started as a mediocre day, but now it’s not that anymore. This day is a day that is 1/365 of my year, and it has become worth it and it’s still worth it. So now I can celebrate with some killah clam chowdah, and then spend the rest of the day swimming out of the mediocrity and into something more interesting. Today is an interesting day.

10 Unexpected Signs You Are Much More Confident Than You Think You Are

1. You are very aware of your own weaknesses and are comfortable talking about them.

Your greatest challenges and shortcomings are not things you’re embarrassed by or ashamed of. Sure, they are frustrating, but they are never things you try to avoid or sweep under the rug. In fact, nothing makes you feel more invigorated than contemplating your weakest areas and striving to improve them.

2. You don’t actively try to talk about yourself.

You’re happy to respond when someone asks you a question about yourself, and you’re very comfortable talking about your life. But you never try to turn the conversation back to you. You love learning about other people, and you’re much happier just letting the conversation unfold naturally and seeing where it goes.

3. You always stand up for yourself, but when someone addresses an issue with you, you are never defensive.

Instead, your instinct is to listen to them, to be as neutral as you can, and then to be very honest with yourself either way. If you stand by your decisions or actions, you’ll explain why. But if there’s even a small chance you are in the wrong, you try very hard to be truthful with yourself and to look your behavior in the eye.

4. You don’t frantically launch into a list of successes when someone asks ‘what’s new?’

Your first instinct isn’t to discuss your promotion, your new job, your weight loss. If it’s a close friend, you’re more prone to give them specific updates. But usually, when someone asks, you just tell them how you’re feeling and how you’ve generally been doing. And then you always make sure to ask how they’re doing too.

5. You keep a lot of your accomplishments to yourself.

Often, you will tell your loved ones about your successes in person. But you don’t feel a panicked desire to post every single accomplishment on social media. You like to share some of your successes with your network of friends, and when you do so, it’s always something you are very proud of. But a lot of the time, you find more joy in keeping these things more private, so that you can really know for sure that you’re doing them for you and only you.

6. You are okay with asking other people for help, and you’re always appreciative but never ashamed of needing advice or guidance.

You never view asking for help as a sign of weakness. To you, asking for advice, guidance, assistance, support, or any other type of help is crucial to your personal and professional growth. You believe you have something to learn from everyone around you, and reaching out to others for help and encouragement only brings you more joy and confidence.

7. Even if you don’t like criticism, you are very comfortable handling it and dealing with it when it’s given respectfully.

You know it’s supposed to feel uncomfortable, and that’s part of the reason why you’re comfortable with criticism. You know that feeling uncomfortable is a sign that you’re challenging yourself, you’re searching for growth, you’re looking for ways to get better, and you’re being honest with yourself. Even when you don’t agree with someone’s criticism, you look at it as just another helpful perspective, instead of giving it permission to cripple your self-esteem.

8. You spend less time on social media now than you have in the past. Even if it’s still ‘too much time’ in your opinion, you’re still spending way less time online now than before.   

You know it’s not something you’re going to ‘cure’ overnight, or maybe even at all. But if you use social media, you do your best to be wary of it, and conscious of how much time you spend on it. You try to be aware of when you’re using it for fun and to relax, versus when you’re using it for an unhealthy amount of time or using it to compare yourself to others in some way. Even if you still think you have a long way to go in terms of cutting down your usage, you understand that it’s a process and that you’re getting better at using it less every day.

9. You know how to apologize, even if you really dislike doing it.

Even when it’s irritating, humbling, annoying, or frustrating, you know how to apologize. You know how to own up to your mistakes, to fix something when you’ve screwed up, how to not only say sorry but also how to address your actions when you’ve hurt someone. You’d much rather swallow your pride and apologize than slowly become someone who can’t own up to anything. So even when you hate apologizing, you still like yourself.

10. When you experience success, you let yourself enjoy it and you let yourself feel proud. But you are just as focused on what you could have done better and what you can improve upon for next time.

Although you never belittle yourself, you are constantly thinking about how you can improve in all aspects of your life. You always give yourself time to reflect and to feel proud of yourself when you’ve worked hard, but you never allow yourself to grow complacent or self-congratulatory. It’s all about enjoying the process, pausing for a moment to feel joyful over the outcome, and then moving on to the next challenge.

10 Ways to Show Love to Your Kids This Summer Vacation

You love your kids, and you would do anything for them. Sure, some days they get on your nerves, and at times they seem so odd you’re not sure what happened, but you love them like crazy. You hope they know it.

They probably do know it, but while they’re on break from school, you can take extra care to make sure they do. Summer is a great season to spend quality time with your kids. If you want to make the most of summer vacation and show love to your kids, consider the following tips.

Play With Them

Your kids love playing, no matter their age. When they’re toddlers, they might enjoy playing with stuffed animals; when they’re eight, with dolls and figurines; and when they’re teens, sports or video games. No matter what your kid is into, engage in a game or two this summer. You could join each child individually for an afternoon of playing pretend, or you could get everyone involved in a scavenger hunt or round of minigolf.

Start a College Fund

Your kid might be two years old, or they might be sixteen. Either way, it’s not too early (or too late) to start a college fund. College is more expensive than ever, and every little bit will help your child achieve an education. Even if you’re only able to save a few thousand dollars per year, it could keep them from being stuck with overwhelming loans. You could start a trust fund or basic savings account to help your child prepare for their future. Look at your budget and see how much you could set aside. Make the process fun and educational by taking the opportunity to teach your child about home economics. You could even start a money-making project, like a lemonade stand, to involve your child further.

Discover Your Ancestry

It’s always enriching to know more about your roots, since a celebration of past cultures is part of our identity learning. One of the most exciting adventures for kids is finding out who their ancestors were. Maybe they’re descended from someone famous, or they have a bloodline you didn’t know existed. In truth, researching your family’s history is an activity that can be equally interesting for parents and kids. A simple DNA test can now reveal ancestry, and DNA testing in New York can also reveal parentage or grandparentage if you’re unsure at all. Your kids will probably thrive on learning stories about their ancestors.

Take Them to the Doctor

A healthy childhood starts with regular visits to the doctor. Often we think we already know what the doctor will recommend–more veggies, dinner around the table instead of by the TV, and, of course, vitamins–but your kiddo will be a lot healthier because of regular trips to a quality pediatrician who can give you an informed and personalized perspective on your child’s health. Your kids might hate their check-up, since doctors can be scary, stethoscopes can be cold, and getting shots can be the worst of all. You might want to provide a reward after the trip, like an ice cream cone or a movie night, so they know you appreciate their courage. And as they grow, eventually they’ll appreciate your commitment to their well-being.

Take Them to the Dentist

As a conscientious parent, you know doctor visits aren’t the only part of keeping your child’s body in tip-top shape. You also need to take great care of their teeth. It’s possible that a healthy smile might get them more chances in life, and it will absolutely save them pain and inconvenience. They might need braces, or just regular teeth cleanings all their life, but a dentist will be able to catch problems as they arise. A dental practice in Newark, NJ will help keep your children’s teeth healthy and risk-free.

Do a Craft Together

You might not have a crafty bone in your body, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do crafts with your kids. It’s easy to get some craft supplies together and follow the directions on YouTube or in a book. There are several channels on YouTube which offer an art lesson for beginners. You can choose on of those channels! You might glue pasta on paper plates, or create an entire model train. Your kids will often thrive on any experience you do together. If you grow up making things with them, they may be crafters all their lives, and that added dose of creative and I-can-make-this-myself attitude could be an asset in their futures.

Enroll Them in Summer School

This one is certainly tough love, but if your child is struggling in any school subject, you should use the summer to help them catch up. Their poor grades might be apathy only, but one summer of summer school will probably mean they’ll never be apathetic again. You could hire a tutor to help them with math or grammar, or enroll them in classes at their school. Summer school isn’t most kids’ idea of fun, but falling behind in a subject will be worse in the long run.

Have a Few Movie Nights

Your kids will remember the quality time you spend as a family, and while it can be hard to arrange family time every week, a few summer movie nights are easy to schedule. They require less stress and planning on your part than sleepovers or playdates, and everybody gets to hang out together. Really, your hardest task will be picking a movie everyone can enjoy. You and your kids can get popcorn and snacks together, and then pile in around a makeshift home movie theater.

Take a Trip Together

Someday, family vacations may be among your child’s most treasured memories. Family trips can have a lasting impact on their happiness, so try to take a vacation every summer. You might only be able to afford a weekend of camping, but any family vacation will be the highlight of your children’s summer. You could go hiking in the Badlands, visit Hannibal, Missouri, tour New York, or go to Disney World.  

Listen

This one isn’t limited to summer vacation, and it’s one of the easiest ways to show your kids you care. Make room for them to talk to you, and just listen. You might want to give them advice, or even point out where they’re wrong, but the best gift you can give your kids is an attentive ear. Simply show empathy, thank them for sharing, and tell them you’re there for them. If your kids trust you, they’ll be more likely to share their stories as they get older.