#Toddler or children's beds in Cape Town

[babybelle04]

Toddler or children's beds in Cape Town

Looking for the perfect Toddler or Children's Beds in Cape Town? Look no further! Discover a wide range of comfortable, safe, and stylish beds designed specifically for your little one. Browse our collection now and create the perfect sleep environment for your child. Shop today and enjoy free delivery in Cape Town.

[radskull-69]

ANDYS LOREEE (because he’s my fav)

I’m thinking of changing the whole ‘town got flooded’ idea, and ditched it for more fire then water.

In Andy’s small country town/ant nest he was the only bull ant in the whole town, and usually bull Andy’s were immediately sent to war but the town was so peaceful so there was no need to prepare warriors for war.

was the biggest in the town even as a toddler, but even after being bullied his future wife would stand up for him. Growing up together, he’d help around the hive with the heavy lifting while she help her mum with the larvae.

it was only when they were finally married, had two beautiful daughters did everything fall apart.

Andy left the ant nest to get his wife some red berries, a rarity that the nest couldn’t get since they grew outside. So when he came back with his arms full of berries walking over the little hill he as met with the blazing view of fire.

Screams were so loud that it made his body rattle, standing there uselessly before amongst the screams and yells of the fire ants attacking his home he heard his family’s screams the most.

Dropping the berries he ran on heavy legs to his house, busting in through the door in a panicked frenzy. He snatched a blanket from his bed on the way to the kids bedroom where he could hear his little family hiding in, trapped from the collapsed room.

he wrapped the blanket around them and carried them out with ease, even as he felt his lungs be drowned in toxic smoke. He ran out the house and to the exit of the nest where the survivors of other ants were rushing towards like a stampede.

he unbundled them from the torn fabric, eyes pooling with tears of pure relief when he was able to save them from the fire. But it was short lived when the loud bang sounded out, sounding like nothing he’s ever heard of before.

he watched the world tilt as he fell like a oak tree, falling heavily to the ground as he sputtered. A explosion of mind numbing pain in his left arm, or at-least where it once was.

he heard his family cry out faintly, but the ringing in his ears was too much. He could barely make out the colours of a fire ant approach, some.. gun in there hand. How’d they get it? He didn’t know, no bug, especially ants could ever get their claws on them. And not on one that’d blow his damn arm off

his yellow eyes widened when he could only weakly reach out with his remaining arm to his family, a futile attempt to protect them like he’s always been best at. But it was useless when he watched that vile fire ant use a gun he couldn’t even begin to imagine they got from, shoot right at his family.

and he watched as his children got obliterated in a burst of fire, air feeling too hard to breathe, more so then the smoke.

a wail left his sharp teeth as he leaned on his remaining arm, turning to all he had left, his wife.

but before he could even cry out her name she was shot through the chest, the beam didn’t stop there though. Gone right through her chest and into his eye, a burning bright light of flame the last thing he saw before the second most painful thing happened to him that day. Second to losing everything he loved

and they left him there, assuming he was just another corpse amongst many. And the fire ants left to destroy the next hive.

Andy recovered, physically at least. He kept the blanket he used to save his family all those years ago, the only thing that survived thr attack aside from himself. Even if it was tattered and faded, much like himself.

he knew the fire ants got their fire arms from humans, filthy humans. The fact another ant species would go against their own kind to side with humans all for greed is what mad something ugly spew from Andy’s heart.

he now roams foreign lands and cities, working as a bounty Hunter to keep himself afloat and to have a easy outlet for his rage. Wearing a hat to hide the nasty burn scar over his eye, and the blanket that once gave him comfort as a cape to hide what was left of his missing arm

he wasn’t the same man, vowing to kill any stupid bug, ant or human that got in his way. Of what? He didn’t know. Vengeance was the only thing keeping him going.

until… he met his new friends, or something like that. They don’t stop the grieving he’s been dealing with for years all alone, but they help him heal.

like the pop rocks his kids would give him when he was sick, or when his wife would kiss his cheek whenever he’d come back from a tussle with the bull, Or when his mother would untangle his antennae from the bushes he’d trip into.

so he’d protect this weird as hell group of mismatch bugs even if they make very morally grey decisions.

[miraculousgemscc]

Hello!

While being locked up at home, I've been working on this Brindleton Bay “override” save. This is a save in which I rebuilt/renovated all of the lots in Brindleton Bay. Whilst thinking of how to approach this, I knew that this world was New England inspired (Maine, coasts/beaches of New Hampshire and Massachusetts). While using pictures I’ve taken as a reference, the houses/lots exteriors fit the Cape Cod, homey, and overall what you would probably see in New England.

There are a total of 16 Lots (8 residential, 8 venues) and 10 New Townies (3 are Currently Not Living in the Sims World)

1) Adilynn Gillian-Regans

Adilynn moved out from her best friend's house to Brindleton Bay after the death of her mothers years ago. Her mother Demi was assassinated when she was a young child by an unknown killer. Struggling to cope the lost of her lover, Adilynn's sole surviving parent disappeared and hasn't been seen since. With being a substitute teacher and dealing with some strange entity occurring in her body, will the memories of her mothers resurface?

2) Doty

Dianna Doty is a famous at-home gardener. She grows her own vegetables and sells them along with using them to whip up some tasty dishes.

3) Connor-Braxton

The Connor-Braxtons are your atypical family. Elise was pregnant with Mason as an early young adult while she lived in the city. She met Kirk online and since then the two have been talking and got close. Paisley and Mason get along well even though their polar opposites. Mason loves blue and pink and Paisley is just like Elise. Before getting married, the couple brought Emilia into the world. Years later, Emilia got herself into a sticky situation. How long will she be able to hide her secret?

4) Berkshire

The Berkshire name have been around for centuries. Emilio and Marion moved to Brindleton Bay when their daughter Phoenix was a toddler. Through the years, Phoenix and her parents have clashed. With the addition of Emilio's parents, will the family be able to continue their legacy and keep their secret covered?

5) Hanson

Recently married, the Hansons have not only just adopted two girls but also moved into a new house! Not knowing anyone in town, the Hansons will have to try and juggle taking care of a newborn as well as their three other kids plus adjusting to their new dream jobs. Will Spyro's albinism keep him from spending quality time outside with his children? Will Bria and Spyro be able to pay the rent on time?

6) Tanager Siblings

Winston and Cassandra moved out from their humble home in Windenburg to the coasts of Brindleton Bay. Having grown up in a large family, the two feel a sense of relief and serenity as they embark into young adult. Winston is the oldest and the genius out of his five siblings; Cassandra was the rebellious and irresponsible one. After Cassandra moved into Winston's home, will the two opposites be able to remain civil like before?

7) Barroso-Newell-Sansalone

Alex Barroso's life fell apart when she ended up pregnant with Miwa as a teen. Two men and four children later, Alex has been juggling multiple jobs and moving from house to house for many years. One day she was offered a job as a teaching assistant at Brindleton Bay's local school. Alex accepted, hoping that her dreams of becoming a music teacher are finally going to come through! But will having no college degree and raising four kids get in the way of achieving her dreams?

8) Residential Lot (20x20)

Bedlington Boathouse

§19,848

1 bed, 1 bath

9) Sporting Space (30x20)

Generic  (§17,950)

lot is used for training your dogs or chilling with your furry friends

10) Ragdoll DBA's (20x20)

Generic  (§162,738)

Once a part of the pet food cannery next door, this warehouse has since been converted into one of the finest DBA's around. This lot can be changed to: a restaurant, lounge, bar, karoke bar, or retail store.

11) Club Calico (40x30)

Generic  (§219,519)

Previously an exclusive yacht club for only the richest citizens of Brindleton Bay, a recent decree by Mayor Whiskers opened up this wedding locale for public use. The Club Calico may also be used for proms or any other formal and luxurious gatherings.

12) It’s A Good Park (40x40)

Park  (§106,708)

play area for kids and toddlers

performing stage and food stands

13) Mighty Havens Hospital (20x15)

Vet Clinic  (§68,223)

modern build

14) Fishy's Bar and Boating (20x15)

Bar  (§64,199)

quaint bar with a (non-functional) boat registration building for fishermen to check in before they go out to sea

15) Brindleton Library (40x30)

Library  (§112,538)

fun, bright colors with a floral outdoor area

toddler and child friendly

16) Deadgrass Discoveries (30x30)

Museum (§119,059)

science area for kids

grills and cafe, indoor and outdoor seating

Download (Google Drive)

[twinfanfics]

The tale of the three head beast -the marching fishes-

Digimon GoT AU

Second part of the tale of the three head beast series, you can read the first part The chosen children Here and here, or look for the tag  3t3hb  on this blog.

Resume: Three years had pased since Taichi won the hand of princess Sora and both get crowned King and Queen of the living land, now they must faced the duty of the monarchs. The war started on the Honest Island, does the King Joe would manage it?. Mean while at the other side of the sea Takato and Ruki stronger their forces.

Pairs: Taiyama, taisora, Joumy, daiken, and sooo so many others

ACT 1. ESCENE 1: THE RAIN

ACT 1. ESCENE 2: THE WILL  

ACT 1. ESCENE 3: THE TRIP 

ACT 1. ESCENE 4:THE SON after the cut 

Ruki never doubts, her hand  never shake at the sight of danger, all her life has always been all or nothing, rush and violence, a never ending run, still she has no regrets, no second thoughts; until him, until the prince.

Sixteen years has past since that night. The night that she decide Takato will live.

The moonlight  shone over the smallest cradle in the last tower of the castle,  it would be easier if the baby were sleeping,  if his crying didn't pierce her ears, if he was less tiny, if she wasn't so sure that his mother would never come to him.

The blood of the queen was still fresh on her hands

“What the hell are you doing!? Hurry up!” her partner yell since the door, surprise for her delay

“No”  she said, more for herself than for him “this is wrong”

“What?” they hear steps coming closer  “we have no time Ruki just do it!”  But she didn´t move, she saw him straight at the eyes as he said “we have orders”

“I'm not going to kill this baby and I swear on the sands of the desert that I will cut your throat if you try to stop me!”

“Damn you woman! what a moment for a moral crisis!” He locked the door and walked through her “if you think I would rather fight you than the entire order then you don't know me”  

His arm cash her waist and push her closer, she smile, like she only smile for him

An explosion sound on the down floor shaking the room just enough to break them apart

“Koushiro is gonna kill us” she said while wrapping the baby

“No if we kill him first” he prepared his knife ready for when they reach the door

“No!” she stopped him “we need to escape”  but it was pointless, there is nothing he hate more that run out of a fight “this baby is the heir to the throne, he needs to live”

“Live? Ruki, we killed his family, we burn his castle, we killed his Saurios!”  

They hear them forcing the door

“I can save him!”  she climbs on the window

“What about his brothers? why his life worth more than them?”

“They must be death by now, come on!” she hurry, desperate and he follow her standing on the cornice, getting close enough for their forehead to touch, his bright blue eyes stood out in the night and for a breve instant she aloud his strong armors to reconfor her

The baby finally calm down

“I would give you some time…”

“What? come on Ryo” she pull his shirt “ don't try to be the hero now…”

“I couldn't help it”  but again she didn't move “You want to save him, I want to fight!”

The hand that held his shirt pulled him harder and with that same strength she kissed him, Ruki loved the way she lived, fast, intense, sure.

“Until the next life my love” and she jumped out of the tower

.

.

.

Her current life wasn't that bad, She had been worse, boredom wasnt by far her worst misfortune.

Takato has grow, maybe not as much as she would expect; but he compensate in kindness what he lack in force, a good quality in a King, not that she would ever tell him.

“Tell me what?”

“I´m talking to myself”

“Then you must use your inner voice” he laughs, he use to laugh so much lately.

“How long we had been here? in piramide?” She walk behind him, while he sigh papers and decide meaningless stuff

“Three years, How do you don't know that?”

“It's too much, i never stay so long in anywhere…”

“We pass fifteen years on the temple!”

“wherever..” he put his travel cloat “where are you going?”

“To the town, i have a meeting with the council about the new dam”  

The investiture fit him well, the gold-embroidered cape, the crown forged with rubies, Piramide had prospered so much under his command but of course that would be something else that  she would never tell him

“You are wasting your time, our time! we must have sailed to the continent years ago”

“I´m not, this is my Kingdom Ruki and i must..”

“This is not ” she interrupt “this is not your Kingdom” he stop, turn to her, and talk in the most annoying tone

“Im the King of Piramide, my wife is the Queen of Piramide, my son will be the Prince of Piramide..”

“Your son!”

“Yuri is pregnant!” he yells

“Why don'tyou tell me?”

“I told you a month ago! and as soon as the child born we´ll sail to the continent, really what is the matter with you?”

“Takato!!” the queen voice surprise them, Yuri wave a handkerchief since the balcony “ mi amor! good luck in your trip!”  she blow kisses that he pretend to catch

“At least she has learn more than your name”

“Don't be rude!” he said “ Gracias Corazón! volvere pronto!” but a bit of discomfort show on his face

“What?”

“Talk with the Lion as soon as i left, he has instruction to not let her stand out of the bed”  he explain as soon as they keep out of her sight

“I´m not one of your lackeys” she refuse but still obey him

Outside of the castle a man and a carriage  await for the King

“What is he doing here?” Rika yells without shame when she recognize at Henry Wong

“I would join the majesty on his travel”

“Why?” she despise his calm tone, his heavy clot, his daring to speak to her with such a familiarity

“He is my translator” Takato try to stay neutral in more of their feud but he couldn't avoid his empathy with Henry, he was fun, in some ways it was his first real friend “Please wait for me inside” he order to him “ Listen Ruki” again that condescending tone “I know you don't like Henry”

“I don't  trust him, You should not travel alone with him, he refuse to train”

“ He prefer to train the mind instead of the flesh, what is wrong with that?”

“Takato… Takato.. Takato” she kick the ground “ those are the most dangerous kind of men”

“If you said that, listen  i understand that you are boring here, but just be a little patience, you know… like you just to be, back on the temple…”

“I had things to do on the temple! i have nothing to do here!”

“what?” he seems confuse “What did you do on the temple? you just boss me around and talked to mirrors”

She couln´t believe his audaci, she did nothing? who changed his diapers? who carrying him at night when he couldn't sleep? who teach him to talk, to walk, to fight?

“Dont put that face!” he climb at the carriage “Beside, what about the new reluctant? Hirokazu and Kenta were excited about your training! that is a good invested of your time!”

“That pair are the most idiotic, incompetent and disgusting men in the entire world, i has never been more disappointing of the humanity  in my life”

But the carriage was already gone before she end her complains, unfortunately  Takato was right, she past the rest of the day  in the training camp making that pair of buffoons bleed, the time passed so slowly, every minute was overwhelming, she began to miss her old life, the emotion, the mystery, the sun over the sand, sometimes even his blue eyes .

At night alone, she  think on the impossible, what if Takato was not the chosen one? what if be the King of Piramide was his greatest achievement? what if he was just another mortal king?

All her fears come together when the alarms sound, when the soldiers bring back the king to her, cover in blood, unconscious, on the edge of death.

.

.

.

Fire, light, heat, an unbeatable force, were he is?

He is sweating, the flames dance around him, it is like walking in the sun, and there is a boy; a toddler playing with a sword, Takato come near to him, he has his same brown eyes, his same wild hair, a slightly darker skin; the child smile at him, Takato also has a sword on hand, the both play for a long time until he was incapable of resist the heat and keep his journey.

Then it comes the rain, thunders and noise, the heat keeps the water warm.

Over the pots, jumping and smiling he found another boy, same eyes , thicker eyebrows and darker hair, but Takato is sure he is his flesh and bones; he is almost a baby, barely could stand on his feet; but that doesn't stop him, he jumps and falls countless times.  

The sound of the sea call him and he ended leaving the second boy.

The waves and breeze feet his spirit, the full moon shines and the stars dance on the sky.

A baby cries over the sand, a baby who looks just like him.

The hearth shakes, the storm becomes stronger, he could not stand on his feet, but the boys drow on the sea, far away from him, Takato must reach them, they are his family, his blood… a last roar explodes at the distant and everything turn dusk.

.

.

.

“What happened?!” she run until him, with a fear that she has only feel ones, ones when she hold a knife over his cradle

“We..” the traductor talk difficult and Rika hold her wish to stab him to death “we were attack, it was dark, it happened suddenly”

“He is not breathing!” she scream while the soldiers put him on the bed

“I´m a doctor!” Kenta yells at his way to the king

“Well at least you are good for something!” he ignore her while checking the injuries  “Is not a lethal attack,  they are only bruise and cuts”

“Then why does not he breathe?!”

“I don't know!” Kenta cryes sure that Ruki would kill him

“I think…” Henry yells louder than them “I think he was poisoned”

“That's impossible!” she stand up “He is a son of the house of courage, the poison is nothing to him”

“No, no with a substance, i think his energy was poisoned, an act of witchcraft… I… I.. “ he stutter “ I saw the attack and i had read about the symptoms”

“I have no idea of how treat that” Kenta lament

“Of course you don't have an idea you are worthless!” she exclaimed furious, witchcraft for the east, she was as helpful as the idiotic doctor  “did you?” she turn to Henry “Did you know how to save him?”

“I… meaby but im not sure..i have never done it before” she could smell the lies on his words, but she has no option

“Do it” she orders and suddenly he was the one without options

“I would need everyone to leave the room immediately” he stutter no more “i need to be alone with him”

All obey, except Ruki and he knew it has no point to argue with her.

The heavy coat fall and his tone muscles jump to the eye, Train the mind, not the flesh her ass

He put the cold body of the king on the floor as he stand up in front of him, his hand perform a ritual that make the room warmer, Ruki didn't know that kind of magic, his breathing change with each precise move of his wrist, his knees flex with the strength of a warrior, and all night long  Henry Wong fight against the death itself.

When he finish Takato breath again

“What now?” she ask

“now we pray”

Pray was for the weaks, for the desperate, for the fools, for the ones who has no control over their faiths.

So, of course she pray.

The next  days were her penitence, he breath but he didn't wake up, he murmurs and scream once in awhile, and she ignore the madness and chaos outside his room, everything but Takato was irrelevant.

The kid who cry at the moonlight was dying. She had been a fool for letting the prince walked alone, she confided on the peace of Piramide, this old land who loves his King, so far away of the old castle where Takato was born. But his enemies reached them even here. And now Takato, the survivor, was dying for the attack of a murderer that she hasn’t even seen.  

She asked to the light to mitigate his suffering, she begged to the old dragon and the wolf to give him the stretch and courage she knew he lack of, and finally she supplicated to the shadows to keep him alive.

Takato woke up at the sunrise of the third day.

“I need to see him” he yelled, sweating, standing up in his own feets,“Take me with him!”

“What?” she hold him afraid of his weakness, blissful by his recovery “who? you must rest…”

“No!” he seem excited and lost, probably stunned by the injuries “My son Ruki, I must see my son!”

Her smile fell apart, he was delusional

“You have no sons Takato…”

“What?” his eyes didn't focus on her “I know.. I know… I saw them..”

“Them?”

“My children… I saw them in a vision”

“It was a dream Takato, you were unconscious for three days, you were dreaming”

“No! no it wasn't a dream! I felt the breeze and the ocean, it was real!” he tried to get out.

“Takato wait!” she stopped him “You were attacked! you almost died”

“Let me go!” he fighted with too much stretch for someone on his condition, but he stopped  and hold her shoulders “Everything is gonna be fine Ruki! I saw my children!  I have to see Yuri,  tell her that this time everything is gonna be fine”

“Takato…” but she didn't obey “Takato you were attacked…”

“That doesn´t matter”

“Yuri…” she struggle with words “Takato… she lost the baby”

“No”  he shook her arms “No!”

“She cannot resist to see you hurt…”

“You are lying! I know what i saw!”  the panic made him irrational

“You were dreaming, it wasn't real” she tried to be gentle “Takato, all of this is a sight, we… you must change this path, we must sail to the continent right now”

“A sight? yes.. yes It is a sight, we, the next time is gonna be different… the next time” he mumbled, talking with himself.

“Why would it be any different!?” Ruki lost her patient “this one didn't work! not the one before or the one before that! Goddammit Takato! She cannot carry your children!”

She was a well training warrior, of course that when he raised his hand to her she reacted, but just the intention hurt as much.

And he ran and she followed him, away from the palace, away from the city, were he could feel the breeze and the ocean again, one foot near to the ravine.

“Takato!” she shouted breathless “Takato stop! we can go home! you… you don't need this, any  of this!”

“I'm not going anywhere, no without my children”

The wind became intense, the waves bursting with force, she saw him cry while throwing himself to the abyss.

.

.

.

Henry watch them leave the castle and followed them, but he wasn't fastest enough. When he found Rika she was on the beach, the knees over the sand, screaming, crying like a widow.

No, even worse , she whipped like a mother

He knew immediately that the worst had happened, but how?  He saved Takato, he saw him stay and walk. Henry’s heart hurt, he shouldn’t have dare to attack his King, he regretted when he saw Ruki crying, Yuri sicked, Takato hurt. But his remedies wasn’t been enough to repaired his mistake. For the first time in his life he felt like the murder he was.

The sound of the ocean could not quiet the sobs of  Ruki. Henry walked near to her, as if for some miracle he could comfort her

“Stay away from me!” he didn't even bother in touch her

“Como on Ruki we need to…” it was the first time he adresered her by her name

The violent tied suddenly calm, they hear a thunder at the distant.

“Ruki…” he called her

“leave me!” she begged

“No” he found the courage to hold her and with a new strength he forced her to stand up “Come Ruki look it up!”

And she looked at the sea and found the impossible

The king was there, walking through the waves until her, complete naked, save and alive, on his arms something roar with the sound of the ocean, three creatures sneaked over his naked torso.

It looked like a three head beast.  

living Saurios, breathing monsters almost as miracle as the resurrected son.

Henry stared at him, knowing he was unworthy, holding Ruki who almost fait in his arms.

And the King talked, with a confident Takato has never show before

“Calm down mother,  I have my babies, it is time to go home”

[theuniversekidssuau]

Age is Just a Number

Everyone had gone into Amethyst's room to locate whatever was stinking up the temple, and by extension the house. Amethyst's room looked like a junk yard or a dump, with piles of seemingly random objects strewn about the place. The seven of them had spread out a bit, and Steven had found the smelly object, a foil wrapped burrito, or at least that's what it used to be. When Amethyst came over to see, followed by everyone else, she gushed how that was her favorite food from Aqua-Mexican, a restaurant that had closed five years ago. She happily eats the odoriferous food, while the kids all look queasy. As they turn to leave, Robbie finds a picture of Amethyst and the other Crystal gems. Bismuth explains that their moms had been here for a very long time. Amethyst mused at how long it took Garnet to get the shark to pose. Spinel explained that gems don't age, and that except for the clothes, those four looked just the same in the days before the kids were born. Steven wondered aloud if gems celebrated birthdays, which got him a resounding no from the three present. Amethyst explained they live too long to keep track every year. Spinel explained that some gems in the upper levels of the hierarchy would throw balls for turns of millennia, but not for emergence days, which are the closest things gems would have for birthdays. Bismuth explained that from what she learned, humans track age because they have a limited amount of time to exist, where as gems could only die if their gems were damaged beyond repair. The thought of death disquieted the children but they weren't deterred to at least celebrate the gems becoming part of their family, and went outside to set up a big birthday party like celebration.

The Kids set up a picnic on the sand, pulled out birthday hats and their own birthday outfits. Steven's was a cape and crown, and the only thing that would fit Bismuth. Spinel wore Page's, a blue wrap shirt, that tied off at the waist with a ribbon. The twins didn't have an outfit for their birthday, but a shared blanket they normally huddle under and watch movies. Amethyst was wrapped up in that, wearing it like a scarf, since it's now much too small for both kids. Lion was trying to get away from Steven and Page attempting to put a party hat on the cat. It kept getting stuck on his nose. They managed to wedge the hat in his mane, and sat the group down on the blanket.

Robbie started by singing their dad's Birthday song, which was a little childish, but he sang with enthusiasm. His siblings clapped and sang along, but the gems looked perplexed, not understanding the need for it. Page brought down the Pinata. She explained the gist of the tradition, but Amethyst swung and smacked the paper animal into he water before she could explain that there was candy inside.. Missing out on food upset Amethyst, to the point of losing her lunch, but Spinel did explain that she was impatient and swung before she knew. It didn't help, but she knew her pink friend was right. Sophie brought out the cars for Kazoo Racing but before explaining, had a vision that the gems wouldn't like it anyway, and told Steven to go on with his part. Steven went into the house and came out dressed as a clown. He performed many different acts, but Spinel got upset at the last one, a pie in the face. She used to be an entertainer before she came to Earth and she would never waste resources just to be funny. Sophie and Bismuth declared the party over, Bis attempting to calm the gems down and Sophie, her siblings.

The kids walked off to town, standing side by side the way in. Muttering, Sophie complained. " I always have to act like your guys' mom, and I'm essentially the youngest!" Her voice rounded out and became a little deeper, though the others didn't notice.

Page had her own complaints, "You treat all of us like little kids, even though we're older, no wonder we act like them". Her voice got lighter and higher pitched. Again, nobody noticed the changes.

Steven and Robbie started to argue who upset the gems more, without looking at the other in anger. Steven kept acting as if he were an old man complaining about the kids these days, while Robbie acted as if Steven just needed to live a little, they were becoming teens within the year. During the argument Steven sounded like the old man he was acting like, and Robbie's voice started to crack like a teen's. They passed a shop window and saw their reflections, Steven, an old man, with his shirt stretched over the larger frame, Sophie, tall and regal, like a woman in her 30s, Robbie looked like a high school student, buff from sports, but covered in acne. Page unfortunately looked like she was about six, standing no taller than Robbie normally would.

The four of them rushed home to show the gems, Steven getting older along the way, and Page getting younger. The gems were alarmed when two people they hadn't seen before came up to their door holding a toddler with an old man leaning on the boy for support. Then they recognized Steven's shirt and figured out they were aging due to their state of mind. They kept trying to remind everyone who they were to no avail until Greg pulled up in the van. All four of the kids shouted for their father and made their way to the door. By the time they got to the man in question they had all gotten back to their proper ages.

Greg enjoyed the massive hugs he got as a welcome, and was glad the house smelled like normal again. He was not thrilled when the Gems explained what happened that day. He thanked the gems for being there and went off to bed.

[havekiddoswilltravel]

Things to do in Boston, MA with Children During Winter Break

Sailor aboard the USS Constitution Ship.

Family Friendly Boston

Disclosure: I have partnered with American Girl, the New England Aquarium, Boston Winter and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum on this blog post. We were providing four passes to each museum and lunch at the American Girl Bistro.

Winters in New England can result in a certain amount of cabin fever, which can only be exacerbated by a house full of young children. Our family’s solution is to bundle up and take advantage of the marvelous variety of family friendly things to do in the Boston area. Winter break provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy fewer crowds and unique outings in this quintessential New England city. With a mix of history, culture, restaurants, free - budget friendly options, sports teams and museums, it’s an amazing family friendly weekend travel destination.

Our recommendations:

- American Girl Doll Store. While not located in Boston proper, those traveling into the city may consider adding a pit stop at this one of a kind store and restaurant. This link offers a detailed review of our recent trip to the Natick, MA bistro.

- Enjoy a family friendly show. Boston is known for a variety of cultural theater experiences. During this trip, our family watched The Urban Nutcracker which is one of many family friendly theater experiences available. Click here for a detail list of family friendly show options. 

- Boston’s New England Aquarium. The New England Aquarium is located in an ideal location for taking in many kid friendly Boston sites. It’s prime location on the wharf near the Marriott, the Boston Children’s Museum, Legal Seafood and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, makes it a great starting point for exploring Boston with kids. Several whale watching tours depart from the front of the aquarium during the season. Plan on arriving early, if you wish to avoid crowds and take advantage of several of the hands on exhibits and staffed educational tables. The aquarium docents are proactive and went out of their way to interact with our children. While this aquarium is not the largest in the New England area, I highly recommend it due to its location, the quality of the information provided by the staff. the value of staff that clearly loves their job and are eager to share their knowledge with visitors.

- Learn about the Boston Tea Party at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. For more information about this one of kind Boston attraction, check out this review. 

Enjoying tea at the Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum’s Abigail’s Tea Room. 

Tea pot sugar cookie at the Boston Tea Party’s Abigail Tea Room.

Ready to learn about the Boston Tea Party with period dressed docents.

- Experience Boston Winter. This unique winter outdoor marketplace located near Boston City Hall offers an outdoor shopping market, ice skating loop and a wine tent. It’s conveniently located at City Hall Plaza near many of the Boston attractions.

The skating loop at Boston Winter is a fun outdoor family activity.

Christmas Eve visit with Santa at Boston Winter.

- Play and learn at the Boston Children’s Museum. Boston truly offers one of the best children’s museums and it’s a must see for families traveling to the city. Tip: the museum offers discounted admission on Friday’s between 5-9 PM when it’s $1 for everyone to enter. 

Enjoying one of the many hands on exhibits at this amazing children’s museum. 

Take a stroll and enjoy many of Boston’s free historic stops.

- Explore Boston’s Public Garden, the first botanical garden in the United States. You can ride the swan boats (during warmer months), go ice skating in the winter and enjoy the weeping willows and views of the Boston State House. No family trip to Boston would be complete without a stop at these highly recognized statues in honor of the Make Way for Ducklings book.

- Take a walk on the Freedom Trail. Some of our family’s favorite stops on the trail include The Boston Common, The Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Faneuil Hall, Old North Church, The USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument. 

The Union Bar in Boston with the Freedom Trail right up front.

My favorite LLBean cold weather duck boots on the bricks of Boston’s Freedom Trail.

Beautiful Brownstones in Boston.

- Take a tour of historic Fenway Park. Baseball and history fans alike will enjoy this family friendly tour of the home of the Boston Red Sox. We did this tour when our youngest was a toddler and I basically wore him in an ergo carrier during the entire tour. 

- Explore the Boston Omni Parker House Hotel and learn about the history of this Boston Landmark. The Hotel’s Parker Restaurant was where the Boston Cream Pie originated. Malcolm X was a busboy at the restaurant and President John F. Kennedy frequented the restaurant and hotel. Check out this brochure with more information about the historical significance of this Boston Gem. 

- Experience Quincy Market and Feneuil Hall Marketplace. This area may be too touristy for some, but when visiting Boston during the holiday season with kids, you will want to stop by and enjoy the Blink light show and street dancers. The Blink light show runs from November 29th until January 1st every ½ hour from 4:30 - 10 PM. 

Even in the winter months, the street performers at Feneuil Hall are not to be missed. 

Our kids and a large crowd of visitors braved the cold to watch the dancers in front of Quincy Market.

An amazing violinist playing inside of the eating area of Quincy Market. 

Posing with the statue Red Auerbach at Faneuil Hall.

Faneuil Hall decked out for Christmas.

Patiently waiting for the start of the Blink light and music show at Faneuil Hall.

- Explore the USS Constitution and Museum at the Charleston Navy Yard. Old Ironsides is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world and a real treat for families to explore. Free admission is an added treat for those traveling with children. 

The USS Constitution Ship.

View of the Boston Skyline from aboard the USS Constitution.

Family friendly restaurants in Boston. I don’t believe in breaking the bank when traveling with four children. My dining recommendations include a variety of budget friendly eateries as well as restaurants.  These are not my restaurant list if it was an adult’s only trip to Boston. 

- Dim Sum in Chinatown. Chau Chow City

- Merengue Restaurant - if you have a car or a headed to the Zoo then this is a most do for a one of a kind cultural dining experience.

- The Barking Crab

- Maggiano’s Little Italy, Boston

- Union Oyster House

- South Street Diner

- Boston Chowda Co

- Cask ‘N Flagon - a real treat for baseball fans.

- P.F. Chang’s

 - Abigail’s Tea Room - Budget friendly option for tea and light lunch.

- Yard House

Additional family friendly areas to eat and explore.

- Downtown Crossing

- Boston’s Chinatown

- Boston’s Harbor and Wharf

- HarborWalk

- Copley Square

- Boston’s Museum of African American History

- Boston’s Museum of Science

- Charles River Esplanade

- President JFK’s Library and Museum

- Cambridge and Harvard Square

Boston Public Restrooms:

Let’s face it when traveling with young children, it’s imperative to know where these are located.

-  Boston Common Visitor Information Center

-  Boston Common Frog Pond

-  Massachusetts State House

-  Park Street Church

-  Boston City Hall

-  Faneuil Hall

-  Central Wharf at New England Aquarium

-  Old North Church

-  Charlestown Navy Yard, National Park Service Visitor Information Center

- Take a road trip to nearby Boston area family attractions, like the New Bedford Whaling Museum. If this trip if your “once in a lifetime” trip to Boston with kids, I highly recommend venturing just outside of Boston and taking in sites like the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Plimoth Plantation (click here for my post about Plymouth, MA), nearby Gloucester, MA, Cape Cod and the Islands,  Old Sturbridge Village and the Decordova Museum and Sculpture Park. The towns near Boston offer a playground environment for families and thus if you have more than a weekend to explore, I highly recommend spending time in these nearby areas. 

- Family friendly lodging: our favorite Boston area hotel for large families is Marriott’s Custom House. This Marriott timeshare hotel offers larger rooms and a prime walking location for families looking to explore Boston. Click here for a more detailed review of our stay. 

The rooms offer space to spread out with a king size bed, a separate room with a pull out couch, table and kitchenette. 

Our 4 year old son watching planes take off and land from Boston Logan Airport from the window of our hotel room. 

The view from the living room portion of our room. You can enjoy views of the Boston Wharf, Logan International Airport, the New England Aquarium and many more Boston area sites.

Each villa offers a separate bedroom, a huge bathroom and a separate living room kitchenette area. 

Enjoying the amazing view of the Boston from the hotel’s 26th floor observation deck.

The dome at the Boston Custom House is a sight to enjoy.

Despite the cold winter morning, we enjoyed taking if the stunning views of Boston from the hotel’s observation deck.

Do you need more family friendly Boston area ideas?

If you’re planning a family getaway to the Boston area, make sure to click here for more blog posts to assist in your planning process.

Disclosure: I have partnered with American Girl, the New England Aquarium, Boston Winter and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum on this blog post. We were providing four passes to each museum and lunch at the American Girl Bistro.

[supergirlspurgatory]

I am a hoe for Super kidfics

That being said, in honor of father’s day because I have mommy issues, not daddy issues, I’ve decided to make you guys a list of my favorite fics featuring SuperCorp/SuperCat with kids and the occasional baby Supergirl.

SUPERCAT FICS

Best of the Best by supertrashcompator

20 chapters, 30K+ words, completed Rated:M

SuperCat sans the Kryptonian powers. This was the very first Supergirl fic I bookmarked on AO3. Features Kara Danvers as the kickass taekwondo instructor(a retired Olympian), who recently opened a new studio just a short walk away from Cat Grant’s apartment. The kid in this fic is none other than Carter Grant who is a 3-year-old in this AU and totally in love with Kara before Cat is.

Aura by supertrashcompactor

8 chapters, 14K+ words, not complete Rated:G

SuperCat established relationship, features both Carter and a new little bundle of joy. When a Kryptonian pod crashes to Earth, Supergirl brings home a surprise for Cat. Fluff and adorableness ensue. Also, includes some fun nods to Kryptonian culture.

SUPERCORP FICS

The Little Luthor series by swanqueenfic13

10 installments featuring a total of 11 chapters, 52K+ words, Each work is complete, Rated: G-T (Depending on the work)

AU where Kara is a preschool teacher rather than working at Catco, and has yet to come out at Supergirl. Lena has an adorable daughter and has yet to take over L-Corp. Also, features married Sanvers with an adorable daughter Jamie. 

Supergirl in Training by wtfoctagon

13 chapters, 53K+ words, not complete, Rated:T

THIS IS MY FAVORITE FIC of all the fics. 

When Lorelai L. Danvers gets kidnapped from the future by Lillian Luthor, she does the only logical thing she can think of. She tracks down her mom Lena Luthor. In the future, Lena and Kara have married and had a child. This is super beautifully written. It’s got fluff and it’s got angst. The entire time you are rooting for everybody. I don’t much want Lorelai to go back to the future, but I know she has to. IF YOU ARE NOT READING THIS, YOU SHOULD BE!!!!

Also, check out: Kids Will Be Kids by wtfoctogon

It’s a partner fic to go with Supergirl in training. It is also incomplete but is Lorelai and some other special superkids in the future where they belong.

The Fifth Wall by Black_Tea_and_Bones

8 chapters, 23K+ words, not complete, Rated:M

A fifth dimension break of some sort, likely an Imp, decides to toss Kara and Lena’s lives into chaos. After going to bed in different apartments on differents sides of town, the duo wake up, naked, in bed, together, in a completely new apartment. Only to be even more confused when they hear a child screaming for its mother from another room. Said child turns out to be theirs and according to all of the pictures in what appears to be their apartment, they are married. Just add in that everyone including J’onn and Alex believes the two are married (a spell that is broken more easily for some than others). As the two try to figure out what is causing the changes, what they assume is an imp causes more and more chaos. Not much is clear, but one thing sure is, the Imp really wants Kara and Lena to live happily together. A fantastic, cute fic. If you aren’t rooting for these two the whole time, I don’t know what you’re doing here.

The Lexington Chronicles by JediFighterPilot2727

12 chapters, 19K+ words, not complete, Rated:T

What started a one-shot for the author’s SuperCorp one-shot compilation series, turned into a multi-chapter fic. Most chapters are pretty stand alone. They revolve around the story of a little girl, Lexington, that Lena and Kara adopt from an orphanage. It is fluffy and sweet and the little girl is witty. Doesn’t just focus on her being young, some chapters focus on a college age Lexington. I highly recommend this.

you and me by bs13

7 chapters, 40K+ words, not complete Rated:T

This is an AU fic. Kara is not Kryptonian but still really amazing. After having a short affair with Cat Grant’s son, Adam Foster, Kara finds herself pregnant. The story picks up as the child is being born. This is a fix-it(ish) fic, the infant is ‘Mike’ a Mon-el replacement. Kara move into one of Cat Grant’s apartments in National City, to live with Adam who she is not with, just wants to have him near for his son. After taking the baby home, a stranger comes into her apartment, the stranger is none other than Lena Luthor. They start a friendship and are slowly falling in love. This is a hardcore slow burn, but it burns SOOOO good. 

Child of Our Golden Sun by LePetitCroissant

13 chapters, 35K+ words, not complete/chapters are standalone one-shots Rated:G

This is a future fic, where Lena and Kara are married and have had a son (Sawyer), eventually a set of twins are added into the picture. It is super adorable and they are such a great little family. There are also snippets including Alex and Maggie. Every chapter ends happy, and the author is AMAZING!!!!

listen closely and the stars will sing by celaenos

10 chapters, 84K+ words, not complete (projected for 14 chapters) Rated:T

Rather than Mon-El the Prince of Daxam being in the pod at the beginning of season 2, this fic features Mon-El Princess of Daxam, a sweet little girl that Kara takes in to raise. Taking on the name, Myka Danvers, the little girl is adorable and has an instant connecting with on Miss Lena Luthor. It doesn’t take long for Kara to reveal that both her and Myka are aliens, but it does take a little bit of time for Kara and Lena to acknowledge their feelings for one another. Also, features awesome Aunt!Alex and her partner in crime Maggie the coolest Sawyer falling in love.

Double the Trouble, and Twice the Fun by awkward_alien

4 chapters, 5K+ words, not complete (This is a super new fic), Rated:G

After he is arrested and put away for the rest of his life, Lex Luthor’s little sister Lena is left to take on the most daunting task of all: Motherhood. It’s what’s been keeping her from pursuing a relationship with everyone’s favorite Kryptonian, mostly because her new role is kept under wraps. This is just starting out, and it is ADORABLE!

Shadows of the Past by witchofink

9 chapters, 46K+ words, not complete, Rated:M

Kara Danvers AKA Supergirl has been keeping a secret for 6 years, the only people who know the truth as Clark Kent AKA Kal-El who helped her figure things out and Astra In-Ze, who was willing to trade J’onn’s safety for Kara’s deepest secret. When that secret runaway to be with her mom, Kara must figure out how to balance being Supergirl, a cub-reporter, and parenthood, not to mention trying to figure out her relationship with Lena. Features super-douche Mon-El, who gets kicked to the curb pretty dang quick. Supergood!

Experiment 13 by Rhino (Rhino Mouse)

7 Chapters, 12K+ words, not complete but slated to finish at chapter 8, Rated:T

Supergirl and Superman find an experiment in one of Lex’s old labs, something that Superman wants nothing to do with. The experiment is a little boy that is a Luthor/Super hybrid, a clone that is half Lex half Kal-el/Clark. Rather than let the country take him and potentially have him destroyed because no one has decided if a clone has basic human rights, Kara wraps him in her cape and flys him to a National City children’s hospital when Lena meets her and takes the steps to adopt the boy as she is his closest human relative. Fluff ensues that finds Co-Moms Kara and Lena who fall in love. 

BABY/TODDLE KARA FICS

The Littlest Supergirl by swanqueenfic13

9 chapters, 20K+ words, complete Rated:T

No relationship pairings in this one. Supergirl gets hit by purple Kryptonite which in this fic causes Supergirl to be transformed into a toddler. Features lots and lots of sickeningly sweet fluff, Cat and Alex take turns babysitting the newest little bundle, also a little bit of everyone’s favorite sass-master, Lucy Lane.

Baby Kara: The Kryptonian Menace by BeaMoraes and TowandaBRA

7 chapters, 15K+ words, not complete, Rated:G

After the DEO recovers a Kryptonian device, Kara messes with it and is turned into a much younger self, in fact, a 9-month-old baby version of herself. This is a Sanvers fic and I LOVE IT! It is super fluffy and super adorable. Also, it features most of the DEO squad.

It Takes a Villiage by swanqueenfic13

5 chapters, 13K+ words, not complete, Rated:G

After going off earth/dimension for yet another mission, Kara is returned via being dumped on Alex’s living room floor in the middle of the night. The catch? The Supergirl that is returned is not the one that left, instead, it is a toddler version of the Kryptonian, who is sad and confused. The icing on the cake is that Maggie is super down to handle a toddler. Alex on the other hand? Not so much. Add in Lena Luthor coming to search for definitely not her girlfriend and stumbling upon a tiny blonde Supergirl, who is definitely attached to the L-Corp CEO. 

[nhouvang-blog]

Remember announcing pre-parenthood that having children won’t change how you plan your holidays? That did not work out so well, did it? Planning a family holiday that balances high octane thrills and restorative downtime when you need it, while also accommodating your toddler’s nap time or sulky teen’s antipathy toward, well, everything, is no walk in the park.

It’s probably why most parents just pick a beach resort with a kids’ club and that’s their Easter break sorted. This year, how about realizing that pre-parenthood statement and going on a real adventure that will create vivid memories for a lifetime? We’ve got all the inspiration you need right here…

An Italian getaway in Sicily

Sitting in an unspoiled and sun-drenched corner of southern Italy, Sicily is a place where high culture meets great food and truly relaxing beach time, and the trifecta makes for a great family holiday this time of year. The hot-shot hotel to check into this side of the world is the Verdura Resort…and there is good reason.

For a start, there is the location of the beach estate, set in thousands of hectares of olive bushes and almond trees. Then, of course, there are the two championship-level golf courses, numerous tennis courts, the indoor and outdoor pools scattered across the property and that private beach where Google execs retreat to very year for their top-secret summer camp to views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Befitting the set-up, there is plenty here to keep the kids entertained for weeks, while you head to the spa, or the hiking trails behind the hotel for some downtime of your own.

Your Italian getaway of a lifetime

The beach

The villa- and private pool- your kids will never get tired of

The Australian outback with the One&Only Wolgan Valley

Set against Australia’s steely Blue Mountains, the One&Only Wolgan Valley is another destination that lets you can tune in to your children and listen to yourself in equal measure. There is just something about the wilderness of this place that captures how adventurous the Australian outback can really be.

Think wildlife experiences like wallabies hopping around at sunset or nocturnal drives for sightings of wombats and possums that really only come out after sundown… Where bikes and four-wheel drives can’t go, you can just saddle up and get even closer to nature with a horseback ride through the reserve. If that doesn’t get your kids to switch off from the outside world and really tune in to the experience, we don’t know what will.

The reason to check-in

Family time gets just a little better when you have it to a campfire

Or in a rustic villa with a private pool…

Cape Town’s wine and wildlife scene with the Twelve Apostles

When planning a family holiday, an itinerary with a lot of driving is the last thing you want to do, except if we are talking about Cape Town. South Africa, with its charming small towns, wildlife and laid-back wine estates makes for a great driving holiday any time of year, but in April, summer means the weather is warm and dry enough to make hitting Cape Town highlights like the Boulders Beach and Table Mountain more serendipitous than onerous.

Then, of course, there is touring the Cape Peninsula and visiting the Constantia wine route, and if those are on your agenda, there is no better hotel to bed down for the adventure than the Twelve Apostles. Maybe it’s the location of the hotel, on the coastal road between Camps Bay and Llandudno- and in a conservation area that remains largely undeveloped- or maybe it’s the impeccable Red Carnation service and hospitality, but this hotel is an ode to old-school glamor, and with its mountain-facing Café Grill, award-winning spa and 16-seat cinema that comes with drinks, popcorn and candy, it offers as much for children as their massage-loving parents.

It’s a different side of Cape Town

Wouldn’t you agree?

The spa alone is a reason to check-in

For more family holiday ideas this Easter, stay tuned…

The post 3 In-The-Know Choices for a Family Holiday This Easter appeared first on Magazine.

[csrgood]

OppenheimerFunds Supports Chicago Community During Distribution Symposium

OppenheimerFunds, a leading global asset manager, supported the local community in Chicago this week during the firm’s Distribution Symposium, a semi-annual conference for more than 250 members of the firm’s Distribution team. In partnership with Cradles to Crayons and Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, employees assembled care packages for children served by both organizations. OppenheimerFunds also provided each nonprofit with a $10,000 grant.

“Twice a year, our distribution team gets together to train, share successes and gain new insights that ultimately help us better serve our clients,” said John McDonough, Head of Distribution and Marketing at OppenheimerFunds. “Our employees also look forward to giving back to the communities that host our conferences and are proud to volunteer with great local organizations such as Cradles to Crayons and Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago.”

Employees assembled and donated:

400 clothing packages that will help provide infants with a week’s worth of outfits.

3,000 hat and glove packages to help keep 10-12 year children warm during the winter months.

800 school backpacks filled with school supplies.

Cradles to Crayons launched in 2002 and has operations in Boston, Philadelphia and Chicago. The nonprofit provides children from birth through age 12 living in homeless or low-income situations with the essential items they need to thrive at home, at school and at play.

“We are pleased to partner with OppenheimerFunds to help provide children with much needed clothing,” said Bernard Cherkasov, Executive Director, Cradles to Crayons. “The hats, gloves and infant clothes will be extremely welcomed by the children and families that benefit from our programs."

Since 1902, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago have provided the city's children with a safe, positive and supportive place where they can take advantage of after-school programs, activities and services designed to prepare them for the future and achieve their fullest potential.

“Every day, our clubs help young people build the skills that will help them to make positive contributions in their homes and communities,” said Mimi LeClair, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. “The backpacks and school supplies donated by OppenheimerFunds will give these kids the tools that will help them succeed in the classroom and beyond.”

OppenheimerFunds’ corporate philanthropy and community initiatives also include its 10,000 Kids by 2020 program, which aims to introduce 10,000 students to math literacy programs through nonprofit partnerships and active employee volunteerism. The firm works closely with organizations including the National Museum of Mathematics, Boys & Girls Club, MATHSWORLDUK, Common Impact and Cross-Cultural Solutions, which provides impactful and sustainable service opportunities and skills based volunteer programs.

OppenheimerFunds Distribution Symposium Volunteer Highlights

Date

Location

Organization

Activity

Amount Donated

January 2011

Dallas, TX

Dallas Children’s Hospital

Created murals for hospital walls

$10,000

August 2011

Chicago, IL

Chicago Cares to benefit Woodson South Elementary School

Refurbished local school facilities

$10,000

January 2012

Fort Worth, TX

USO Dallas

Assembled and donated backpacks for troops

$10,000

August 2012

Salt Lake City, UT

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake

Built and donated bicycles

$10,000

January 2013

New York, NY

Breezy Point Relief Fund

Assembled and donated care packages

$10,000

August 2013

Laguna Nigel, CA

Las Palmas Elementary School

Refurbished local school facilities

$10,000

January 2014

Dallas, TX

Flood victims

Provided various types of assistance

$10,000

August 2014

Washington, DC

Boys Town

Made campus improvements, organized donated items, created backpacks, repaired kitchen facilities

$10,000

January 2015

Atlanta, GA

USO Council of Georgia

Gathered and donated care packages for troops

$10,000

August 2015

San Diego, CA

Support the Enlisted Project (STEP)

Built 75 wheelchairs for donation

$10,000

August 2015

San Diego, CA

Ronald McDonald House

Stuffed ~100 teddy bears for children

$10,000

January 2016

Atlanta, GA

Hands On Atlanta

Assembled 600 snack packs and hygiene essential kits

$10,000

July 2016

Boston, MA

Boston Cares

Constructed 30 toddler beds and packed 100 blankets and 100 superhero capes

$10,000

January 2017

Atlanta, GA

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta

Assembled and donated 300 College Bound Care packages

$10,000

August 2017

San Diego, CA

Operation Homefront

Created 400 baby care packages for local military families

$10,000

August 2017

San Diego, CA

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego

Helped build 20 model solar cars with children from Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego and donated 100 model solar car kits to the organization’s STEM program

$10,000

January 2018

Dallas, TX

Trusted World

Attendees packed and donated 20,000 meal kits to be distributed to families recovering from recent natural disasters.

$10,000

January 2018

Dallas, TX

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas

Assembled and donated 175 Robotics IQ Kits for the organization’s STEM program.

  $10,000

July 2018

Chicago, Illinois

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago

Assembled and donated 800 backpacks filled with school supplies

$10,000

July 2018

Chicago, Illinois

Cradles to Crayons

Assembled and donated 400 infant clothing packages and 3,000 hat and glove packages.

$10,000

 #  #  #

About OppenheimerFunds

OppenheimerFunds, Inc., a leader in global asset management, is dedicated to providing solutions for its partners and end investors. OppenheimerFunds, including its subsidiaries, manages more than $246 billion in assets for over 13 million shareholder accounts, including sub-accounts, as of June 29, 2018.

Founded in 1959, OppenheimerFunds is an asset manager with a history of providing innovative strategies to its investors. The firm’s 16 investment management teams specialize in equity, fixed income, alternative, multi-asset, and factor and revenue-weighted-ETF strategies, including ESG as a signatory of the UN PRI. OppenheimerFunds and its subsidiaries offer a broad array of products and services to clients, who range from pensions and endowments to financial advisors and individual investors. OppenheimerFunds and certain of its subsidiaries provide advisory services to the Oppenheimer family of funds, and OFI Global Asset Management offers solutions to institutions. The firm is also active through its Philanthropy & Community initiative: 10,000 Kids by 2020, reaching children with introductions to math literacy programs.

Web: oppenheimerfunds.com

Tweets: twitter.com/OppFunds

Podcasts: oppenheimerfunds.com/advisors/podcasts

Shares of Oppenheimer funds are not deposits or obligations of any bank, are not guaranteed by any bank, are not insured by the FDIC or any other agency, and involve investment risks, including the possible loss of the principal amount invested.

Before investing in any of the Oppenheimer funds, investors should carefully consider a fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. Fund prospectuses and summary prospectuses contain this and other information about the funds, and may be obtained by asking your financial advisor, visiting oppenheimerfunds.com or calling 1.800.CALL OPP (225.5677). Read prospectuses and summary prospectuses carefully before investing.

Oppenheimer funds are distributed by OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc.

225 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281-1008

© 2018 OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc. All rights reserved.

source: http://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/41232-OppenheimerFunds-Supports-Chicago-Community-During-Distribution-Symposium?tracking_source=rss

[babybelle04]

Get comfy with the Best Scatter Cushions in Cape Town! Baby Belle offers a wide range of cozy and stylish cushions to enhance your home decor. From vibrant patterns to luxurious textures, find the perfect cushion to add that extra touch of comfort and style.

[filosofablogger]

Yawn … stretch … yawn … it is Monday morning and …

NONONONONO … we must not do that!  It’s time to …

♫ Wake up, wake up you sleepy head

Get up, get up get out of bed  ♪

Cheer up, cheer up the sun is red

♫ Live, love, laugh and be happy

 from When the Red Red Robin Comes Bob Bob Bobbin’ Along by Al Jolson, rather poorly sung by the ancient Filosofa

So now that my singing has not only awakened you, but most likely sent you into paroxysms of either laughter or nausea, let us find some things to laugh, chuckle, or at least grin about on this fine almost-autumn Monday morn, shall we?

Sing it loud … just not in Denmark …

I love seeing street artists and musicians.  Even if they aren’t very good, it’s still fun to see people having a good time and doing their own thing without worrying about what other people will think.  But in Denmark, at least in the town of Aalborg, there are standards to be upheld.  Last week, a young guitarist set up shop outside a convenience store and began to play Wonderwall, a song initially sung by Liam Gallagher of British rock band Oasis.

Apparently he wasn’t pleasing to the ears of the local police who quickly sent him packing, “He certainly did not sound like Liam Gallagher,” police said. He was told by the officer to go home to practice, and given a final word of advice: “Just because you can play Wonderwall does not mean you should.” Awwwwww …. how mean!

A Final Touchdown …

56-year-old Jeffrey Riegel died last week.  Riegel had been a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles football team all his life and had been a season ticket holder for more than 30 years.  Still, he was disappointed that in his lifetime he had never seen them win a Super Bowl. Sometimes his wife, Donna, suggested that he follow a different team, but he always refused, saying, “I just can’t”.

Mr. Riegel did not lack a sense of humour, and in his obituary he requested “to have 8 Philadelphia Eagles as pall bearers so the Eagles can let him down one last time.”  He didn’t quite get his wish, but 8 friends decked out in Eagles’ jerseys did “let him down” one last time.

Mary Poppins, anyone?

An ad on childcare.co.uk for a nanny received over 1,000 applicants within a few short days.  In fact, the parents who placed the ad followed up  with …

“Thank you to all the candidates that have responded to our advert so far. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unfortunately unable to respond to them all personally.”

I don’t think the reason for so many applicants is a sudden surge in the love of children and the desire to care for somebody else’s, but rather the incentives for doing so: The salary is £100,000, or roughly $126,000 USD.  And then there are the perks: meals prepared by a Michelin star chef, use of the family’s Porsche, Maserati and Range Rover and travel to Barbados, Cape Town, London and Atlanta.

My first thought, being the snarky cynic that I am, was that the children must be mini-terrorists, and that thought was reinforced when I read …

“Ideally our nanny will be trained in self-defence, however if the right candidate doesn’t already have this training we will provide and pay for it. This is non-negotiable.”

The four children range from toddler to teen at ages 2, 5, 7 and 15. Requirements for the position include “a degree in child psychology, no children of their own and a minimum of 15 years of nannying experience”.  Well, guess that let’s me out!

An “honour” for Trudeau???

In March 2016, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was invited by the Toronto Zoo to announce the names of their latest panda cubs, Jia Panpan & Jia Yueyue.  Of course this resulted in an adorable photo-op …

I think perhaps it should have ended there, but no … this week at the Canadian National Exhibition, a statue based on the above photo was unveiled. That wouldn’t be so bad, but … the statue is carved in … butter!!!  The sculpture is the work of David Salazar and his team of artists.

Now, I understand that tastes in art vary … I am not a fan of Picasso, for example, but love Monet.  But somehow … this just holds no appeal for me at all. Mr. Trudeau seemed to like it well enough, though, for he tweeted “What is better than seeing yourself made of butter”.

A sandwich that packs a wallop …

It is said that people will go to extremes for a drink, and this woman was no exception.  Britain’s Southwell Racecourse does not allow alcohol.  Human nature being what it is, security guards routinely search bags and confiscate any alcohol they find.  I’m sure there have been some creative attempts to hide forbidden beverages, but this one may take the cake … er, um, the sandwich bun.

The racecourse said the sandwich’s contraband contents were seized and the woman was told she could pick it up on her way out of the venue, but she declined to reclaim her vodka. A wee bit embarrassed, perhaps? But the story doesn’t end there …

One of the racetrack’s personnel posted a tweet with the above picture and the words, “You hide it, we find it!” The tweet was seen by the makers of Glen’s Vodka, which responded with the creation of a new drink: “The Glen’s Salami Sizzler.”

Ummm … I think I shall pass on this one.

And speaking of sandwiches …

When you order a Big Mac at McDonald’s, it is generally served in this …

But to celebrate the company’s rollout of Signature Collection burgers, if you are lucky, you may find your burger in one of these boxes …

A thousand of the limited edition boxes will be available at special events in the coming months.  The box was designed by … wait for it … British fashion designer Julien Macdonald.  How appropriate!

“This is for people to look at and smile and make them happy and something to be a talking point,” he said. “I like funny things and things that make me laugh and if I saw a McDonalds box covered in jewels and embellished it would make me laugh – it is positive and lighthearted and everyone will like it.”

Well, it is different, but … somehow Filosofa says “no thanks” … but then, Filosofa does not eat McDonald’s anyway.

Okay friends, that about wraps it up for this morning … I do not wish to keep you from those important things you do on Mondays!  So, adjust that tie, straighten those shoulders, and remember to put on that wonderful smile you have!  A lot of people need to see that smile today, so be sure to share it. Keep safe and have a happy week, okay?  Love and hugs to you all …

  Monday … Again … YAYYYYYYY!!! Yawn … stretch … yawn … it is Monday morning and … NONONONONO … we must not do that! 

[truthbeetoldmedia]

Killjoys 4x05 "Greening Pains" Review

Between an expected father/child relationship (D’avin Jaqobis and still-unnamed son) and two unexpected (Turin and his newly adopted ex-Hullen son Weej, and Gared and his brood of kidnapped children), “Greening Pains” had some great familial moments, both biological and found, as well as some pretty great body horror, some unexpected team-ups, and of course, a good old-fashioned stick-up. Let’s dive in!

Episode 4x05 of Killjoys opens with a woman singing a lullaby to her child, when suddenly the door is kicked in, and two dark figures with glowing red eyes shoot the mother with an energy blast, snatch the child up, and vanish into the night.

In her bed on Lucy, Dutch tosses and turns, suddenly waking and bolting upright to find D’avin seated on the floor, leaning against the wall. “You shouldn’t sneak up on people,” she tells him, to which he responds, “You shouldn’t scream in your sleep,” echoing the words she said to him his first night on Lucy. He starts to leave, but Dutch asks him to stay. “The last time I stayed, you disappeared into the green,” he reminds her.

“True; the first time you tried to kill me,” she responds, “so...progress?” He needs a room; she has a room, she points out, telling him not to overthink it. D’avin sits on the bed next to her, and she takes his hand. After a moment of looking at one another, they kiss, the sheets Dutch had clutched to her chest falling away. (These two have always had incredible chemistry, and it’s lovely to see them together again!)

Zeph and Johnny are babysitting Delle Seyah’s baby and giving him a checkup, noticing that while everything looks good, the muscle cells in his heart are regenerating abnormally fast. Johnny pulls up his own scans, noting that the Hullen parasite is still gone, and that his brain is in perfect health. “Who knew that psychotic rage and repeated head-bangings could be so rejuvenating?” he jokes. Zeph gives a halfhearted fake laugh, and when Johnny presses her, tells him that it’s hard to be around him, because while he’s back to his old self now, when he was Hullen, he was… “A complete dick?” Johnny finishes. Zeph knows that Hullen Johnny isn’t who he really is, but he apologizes nonetheless that she had to deal with whoever that other Johnny was. Not quite good enough for Zeph, though; she zaps him in the ribs with a tool, then declares that they’re good now.

Over drinks (though it’s early in the day, Johnny points out), Dutch and Johnny try to figure out what hidden message Khlyen had for her in the story he told her. They remember the story pretty differently, but before they can delve too deep into the past, the baby starts crying. A half-asleep D’avin (along with the rest of the gang, including Pree in an ornate robe with an eye mask on top of his head) comes stumbling out to go check on him, only for Zeph (who was watching him) to come running asking where he is. She’d fallen asleep for a second and he’d disappeared, but where could a literal infant have gone? Dutch pokes her head down a hallway and finds a toddler sitting there — the rapid growth he experienced throughout the pregnancy is still happening.

While Johnny and Zeph try to figure out how to stop the rapid growth, Pippin entertains the boy — he has younger sisters, so he’s good with kids. Johnny and Zeph tell D’avin that the child has both human and Hullen cells, and while the human cells degrade as normal, the Hullen cells see any degradation as something they need to fix. This forces the human cells to regenerate, and the more they regenerate, the “older” the child gets. “This biology is way beyond me,” Zeph confesses. They need to get back to her lab on the armada, and fast.

Dutch checks in with Turin, who is still aboard the Hullen mothership, which lost all power when the green crystalized. He also tells her that there have been 13 child abductions in Old Town, and more across Westerly. He’s sent Fancy to investigate, and wants Dutch to join him when she gets back, but Dutch tells him that she’s not coming back yet. Pree is going back to Old Town (and tries to steal Delle Seyah’s jacket-cape when he’s packing), and Dutch asks him to be her eyes and ears instead. She doesn’t know how yet, but she assures him that they’re going to win.

On the Hullen ship, Turin has the Hullen doll that Zeph reactivated show him where the rest of the plasma is kept. The man hasn’t been given full control of his faculties yet, but he keeps saying “something is wrong” as he and Turin walk down the ship’s corridors. Partway through the hallway filled with the still forms of the non-reactivated dolls, Turin realizes something: the dolls are facing the opposite direction of where they used to be. They reach the room where the plasma was stored, only to find it all solidified, just as the rest of the plasma is. The Hullen doll has no idea what happened — he doesn’t even know his name.

Suddenly, they hear the sounds of marching, and rush back out to the hallway, which is now empty. The two search the decks for the army of skinwalkers (Turin’s words), and they suddenly round the corner to find a room full of them, holding rifles. The ex-Hullen start marching toward them, and Turin readies himself to die, but not without taking out a few of them first. But the man grasps Turin in a tight embrace so he can’t fire his gun, and shifts them so they’re between the rows of marching dolls. After the army has passed, the man excitedly declares that he remembers his name, Weej, and he knows where the army is going. They arrive at the hangar bay to find all the smaller ships streaming out, with no idea where they’re going.

Dutch tells D’avin and Johnny that she doesn’t think they should go back to the Quad yet — the missing kids are almost certainly because The Lady is trying to find Aneela’s child. But as D’avin points out, the child is going to have another growth spurt within hours, and more after that, if they don’t figure out how to stop it. Johnny says that they need someone with bioweapons experience, and while Pippin is rummaging through the cupboards to find some food and non-alcoholic beverages to give the kid, he pipes up that he knows someone. He’s on Utopia, he says, much to Johnny’s delight.

While D’avin and Pip go seek out Pip’s connection, Dutch and Johnny go gun shopping. Well, Johnny goes gun shopping, while Dutch is preoccupied with the story. They still differ on main points, but Johnny insists that his version is more interesting. Elsewhere, D’avin and Pippin try to get a meeting with Pippin’s connection, Kravn, but his receptionist won’t let them through, even with a bribe, which the man pockets despite turning them away. But they have a backup plan, of course — a scanner in the bribe that gives them the whole floor plan of the store. Pip is horrified at the thought of ripping off someone who makes biological weapons for a living, but the Killjoys assure him they’re not going to rip him off — they’re going to kidnap him!

Johnny gives D’avin the gun he just bought, a set of goggles, and some other tools, and the team goes over the plan while we watch their mental images, set to spy music: D’avin will enter Kravn’s storefront (we see him charging down the stairs and ordering everyone to put their hands up like he’s an old-timey bank robber) — with the mask, D’av — (the footage cuts and he comes back down the stairs, this time wearing the large goggles that obscure his face). The receptionist will trigger the silent alarm, prompting Kravn to go to his safe room, where Dutch and Johnny will be waiting (Dutch and Johnny grab him, put a bag over his head, and flash a big wink and thumbs-up at the camera). Pippin will be the lookout. Pippin is less-than-confident that the plan won’t end with his eyeballs melting, so when Dutch tells him he can go wait on the ship, he can’t get to Lucy fast enough.

D’avin bursts into the store (wearing the mask), ordering the receptionist and guard to fill his bag with “anything shiny,” and pretends not to notice the receptionist triggering the silent alarm. Down below, Dutch and Johnny crawl through the vents to reach Kravn��s safe room. But Kravn doesn’t appear. Instead, code starts flashing on the mirrored walls of the room, and Kravn’s voice comes through — he’s somehow uploaded his own consciousness to the main frame. He starts pumping a nerve agent into the room, and Dutch tears Johnny’s shirt in half to tie around their faces.

Upstairs, D’avin is running out of things to have the guard and receptionist put in his bag, and when he radios Dutch to check in, the guard injects himself with stimulants and attacks him. The receptionist and D’avin also grab fistfulls of the stim packs, and the three get into a full-on brawl, barely reacting to the punches thrown. The receptionist gets knocked unconscious quickly, but D’avin and the guard continue to inject themselves with the stim packs and beat the snot out of each other, laughing their asses off from the high that follows.

In the safe room, Johnny is succumbing to the nerve gas and has to dictate to Dutch what to type as they try to hack Kravn. Kravn easily runs circles around them, until he realizes he doesn’t recognize the code Dutch just typed. Johnny directs him to read it out loud, which he does: “Got you, asshole.” Johnny (through Dutch) had reprogrammed Kravn’s voice commands, and Kravn had just ejected himself from the system. Johnny and Dutch grab the drive as the gas clears and get out of there — but they’ve got a partner to collect first. After knocking out the guard, they find D’avin sitting on the floor giggling to himself. Dutch tells him she’ll stun him if he can’t keep it together, and he nods solemnly, then says, “you’re pretty,” and bursts into giggles again.

Pip comes sauntering up Lucy’s ramp with a bag of scented bubble-bath (with extra for Zeph; how considerate) and notices Zeph’s panicked expression. The child is laying on the exam table, extremely thin — he’s burning through nutrients faster than she can get them into him. As Pip helps her give him electrolytes, the boy bolts upright, gasping, and we see his spine pop and expand as he grows another several sizes.

Later, as the now-teenage-sized boy sits on the exam table wrapped in a blanket, Team Awesome Force returns with a still-high D’avin, whose giggles fade as he realizes that the young man before him is his son. After Dutch whisks him away to come down before he meets his son, Johnny tries to convince Lucy to let him plug Kravn’s file into her system (and both Zeph and Pip find it weirdly arousing). After Lucy agrees, Johnny plugs Kravn in, and tells him to help them find a way to stop the child’s rapid aging. Or else Lucy will overwrite him with cookie recipes, she threatens.

In Dutch’s room, D’avin is still melting down. He can’t decide if he should talk to the boy or not — is the story of how D’avin is his father going to be what he wants to hear, or is it going to sound crazy? He starts to go to talk to him, but Dutch asks if he really thinks he’s in the best shape to give the birds and the bees talk to someone who’s less than 24 hours old. “Absolutely,” he assures her while walking away, then turns and comes back into the room. “What do I tell him, Dutch?” he asks, looking utterly lost.

“Tell him what he needs to hear. Because that’s what you always do,” Dutch responds, the tender moment underscored by soft piano and strings. D’avin looks down, and then — “Have you ever really looked at your hands? I mean, really looked at them?” Yep. He’s still high. Dutch pulls him back inside the room so he doesn’t have his first conversation with his son while high as a kite.

Pippin sits down with the boy as he wolfs down some soup, already able to string short sentences together. But as Pip watches him, the score sours and Pip’s fingers twitch, and everyone watching simultaneously remembers that The Lady’s spiders are...possessing him? It’s not real clear. But it’s not gonna be a good time. Meanwhile, Kravn and Lucy have come up with a formula to stop D’avin’s son’s rapid aging, but when they go to retrieve him, they discover that neither he nor Pip are still aboard Lucy.

While the rest of the team scrambles to locate them, Delle Seyah appears, looking for “the baby,” saying that there’s a Qreshi ceremony she needs to do while he’s still nursing, so Zeph goes off with her to break the news that her baby boy is now a teenager (and hopefully stall her finding out that he’s missing), and Kravn offers to give them access to security feeds. Using them, they’re quickly able to spot the two, who just bought tickets off Utopia. Pip walks stiffly, telling the boy that “she’s waiting,” to which the boy responds, “You’ll be dead before you see her.”

This stops Pip, and as Dutch, D’avin, and Johnny come running, Pip comes back to himself, confused and seeming not to remember how he got there. D’avin knocks him out, and introduces himself to his son. Back on Lucy, Pip is in his bed, bound and sedated, and Zeph tells Dutch that she’s going to run every test she can think of to find out why he dissociated, because she knows that Pippin didn’t do this himself.

Johnny gives the boy the treatment Lucy and Kravn formulated, which successfully stabilizes his growth, and then ejects Kravn from Lucy’s system, but not before Kravn flirts with Lucy some more and asks her to come with him. But her humans need him, as she tells him. As Delle Seyah enters the room, Johnny goes to leave, but she stops him, wanting to know if the boy is really her son. She gets choked up, and is clearly embarrassed by showing emotion, of which she seems to be having an unusual amount lately.

Johnny tells her that since she was cut off from human emotion for so long as Hullen, it’s pretty intense — which he would know. Delle Seyah realizes that Johnny is one of the few people who might actually be able to understand her, and tries to let some walls down. “When does it go away?” she asks. Johnny laughs and says, “I don’t know; maybe when you actually make some amends for the things you did. You want to stop feeling bad, Delle Seyah? Stop being a sh*tty person. Do the work.”

In Oldtown, Fancy and Gared try to work together to investigate the missing children. The woman we saw at the beginning of the episode comes to them, and they notice a red handprint on her door, only visible under UV light. They then go on what can only be described as a stakeout, with Fancy as the gruff veteran cop the talkative rookie (Gared) is annoying.

As they watch, a seemingly-drunk man staggers down the street, slapping his palm on several doors. Once he’s passed, the unlikely duo investigate, finding a red handprint on those doors under UV light. Once it gets dark, they watch as cloaked figures with infrared lenses (those red eyes we saw earlier) go to the first marked door. Gared can’t just sit by and watch them grab another kid, so he confronts the figures, despite Fancy trying to stop him. And then Fancy gets shot with an energy blaster by someone else who thinks that the Killjoys are responsible for the abductions.

Gared manages to get the kid away from the kidnappers, but they hit him with a shock baton and drag him off “for questioning.” He assures the assailants that when Dutch gets back, she’s going to kill all of them, but I think they really should be more worried about Pree. He strides up and hauls Fancy off the ground, demanding to know where “his man” is, and I don’t pity those kidnappers who are going to have to face down Big Daddy Scrimshaw. Speaking of his man, he’s waking up in a Hullen ship surrounded by young children, and assuring them that everything is going to be okay.

Finally, Dutch, Johnny, and D’avin sit down for a drink, and to work out once and for all what Khylen meant by the story. As they go over it, they realize that they differed on one of the fundamental aspects of the story — the gender of their mark. Thinking back to her time in the green, Dutch remembers feeling Khlyen do something while telling the story, and they realize that he hid a code inside the story that only she and John would be able to break, because Khlyen knew that The Lady would look through Dutch’s memories.

Notable quotes:

“This biology is way beyond me,” — Zeph “Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself,” — Johnny “—and if it’s beyond me then Johnny doesn’t stand a chance.” — Zeph

“I think the technical term for it is ‘fuster-cluck.’” — Turin

“I have been a warlord, a sexer, an entrepreneur, and that big, goofy bear is what I miss the most. How did this happen — to me?!” — Pree

Killjoys airs Fridays at 10/9c on Syfy.

Michaela’s episode rating: 🐝🐝🐝🐝

[starlabidwell0-blog]

Child Goats Wearing Tiny Pajamas

Writer: Josh Snow boots youngsters are quite frequent lately because of the upcoming winter season, most of the people use snow boots kids for the cold weather as they offers you extra safety and warmth. Writer: Carmen Petitclerc In winter, comfy flannel nightshirts may be one of the simplest ways to keep us warm in bed at evening. Each store is beautiful in the way they show merchandise and are clear as could be. The truth is, in the event you weren’t fascinated about buying one thing from the store before the flash sale, don’t tempt yourself by checking the flash sale out. Wow as a mother I used to be considering of why don't clothes have some type of extended cloth to get more wear out of clothes, never knew this existed! At current, there are designer manufacturers for sale also and several celebrities have increased the popularity of sporting the onesie as regular wear by donning this garment in important occasions and functions and propagating the same. Four million regarding internet-based mostly services and items inside Late 90s. In order that, buying and selling online is an option it’s essential to consider to acquire a recognition in your newborn baby outfit organisation.

A extremely artistic thought for the child twins’ shower invitations is to have a present box on the invitation. It's a staple for younger infants that you'll put underneath clothes and pajamas in order that the baby stays good and cozy. Our cashier just smiled and mentioned "I cant scan this!" Then he just put them within the bag. From their head office in Cape Town at the foot of Desk Mountain, they put love and creativity into every part they do. Be certain to head down to Mac’s Place beginning at 8:00pm for our Pajama Rama after party, where we could have enjoyable activities and drink specials accessible for our members 21 and over. At first, I had a hard time wrapping my head round the price of the pajamas. First, select pajamas drawing - http://omarnagel178189973.host-sc.com/2017/10/14/ways-to-choose-one-pajamas-and-also-why-you-need-to-buy-one-pajamas/ - that really feel good on your pores and skin. You would possibly just really feel a little bit whimsical and flighty in these cozy comfy pajamas ladies. Even within the colder temperatures, you'll feel warm and comfortable.

Even our star-crossed old pals, Sarina and Ben, weave in and out of the streets of Philadelphia to end up at the mercy of music. However I checked out 4 circumstances in recent years, and none of them panned out. Have fun choosing out your particular holiday pajamas for your complete family! A strike is imminent at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory, where the workers churn out pajamas at a backbreaking pace ("Racing with the Clock"). Amazon has plenty of sleepwear and robes that may please all events--take a look at our huge assortment from manufacturers like Calvin Klein, Gerber, Carter’s, Leveret, Sara’s Prints, AME Sleepwear, Intimo, Hatley, and extra. One piece sleepwear for women and men are often seen in a contemporary styling. If you're an sufficient whole guessed lady, the processed gown is a wonderful karen millen dresses choice for ladies so that you can look slimmer in the correct areas and accent your curves. Your toddler can use colours of his alternative to make Mae look as pretty as possible.

The little reindeer toes are the sweetest and so they're so cozy and warm! They're a hundred% cotton and match snugly for hearth safety. Durable and fashionable, our onesies are made to last and they're all the time made in Canada. We’ve got sizes from Tiny Tim to Tarzan, so go hog wild and buy Christmas onesies or ugly Christmas sweaters for everybody on your record. Defenders of the campaign claim it was a hit as a result of it bought individuals talking. Whereas many people consider footed pajamas just for kids, the actual fact is that children from six to sixty get pleasure from carrying these extremely comfy pjs. Pajamas are outlined as evening clothes with loose pants and a jacket. The stay-at-home portion of the jobs are part of Amazon’s "Virtual Customer Service" program, which is designed to supply alternatives for army spouses, school college students, and dad and mom. One of those rules requires that every one passengers remove their sneakers. It goes without saying that in the case of relationship, rejection is probably the most feared outcomes.

[unadulteratedmagazinestarli-blog]

Self Catering Lodging - Why Use it and What to Search For

Self catering lodging is a wonderful option instead of utilizing resorts. Not only do they typically function out to be greater price than resorts, you will typically get: * genuine living area, generally a living place and kitchen area services as well as bedrooms and bathrooms * services to permit you to do your personal cooking, washing, ironing * much more overall flexibility than is accessible with a resort. You can arrive and go every time you want, feed yourselves anytime you want, and if you select huge sufficient accommodation, you can host your possess guests for a handful of days. For a family members with young young children or infants the freedom to be in a position to feed the young children at any time, and to be able to feed them what they will eat, is a huge advantage. You stay away from the dreaded time in the lodge cafe when the children do not want to eat, or do not want to try to eat what is accessible! At any time when you or the children get tired, you can retire to the condominium and settle down for a relaxation or some time just slobbing out watching Television (in a living place, rather than on the bed!) Self catering lodging is usually billed per apartment or cottage, fairly than for every man or woman, which is why it operates out to be these kinds of good value, specifically for families or teams of close friends. You can get low-cost and cheerful, or luxurious at wonderful rates. So, you have made the decision to go self-catering, what ought to you check out out before scheduling self-catering lodging? Area and Transport. This is frequently the most critical element. Where do you want to be? Think about what you want to do and see. Will you want to vacation away from the property? Will you have a automobile? If so, what are the parking facilities? This is particularly critical in metropolitan areas, exactly where parking can be difficult and it may possibly be better not to have a automobile and to use community transportation. How significantly absent are food stores and cafes or dining establishments? The sleeping preparations. Choose on what you ideally want: the bed room arrangement, how numerous double beds, how numerous single beds, whether you want any cots for toddlers. Check out the particulars of the qualities for the true beds offered, and if it is not distinct in the compose up, make clear your specifications and ask. Most homes will give a optimum quantity of people that can be accommodated. This variety will frequently incorporate a sofabed in the residing space, so it is typical to see 2 bed room residences that say they slumber 6, and they do with 2 bedrooms and a double sofabed. This can be a low cost way of accommodating six folks, but if you want the residing region to be totally free most of the time, it would imply that the individuals sleeping on the sofabed have to be up 1st and last to mattress. The amenities. Think about how much cooking and washing you are very likely to want to do. Will self catering accommodation in cape town require a microwave, a washing equipment, a dishwasher? Is a Tv crucial to you? Is net access crucial to you? It is most likely ideal to make a checklist of the facilities that make a difference to you and check out the specifics of the homes you are intrigued in to ensure that what you want is offered. Again, if it is not clear, question. A lot of self-catering properties will have a tourist board ranking, and these should give some assurance about the level of accommodation and the services that will be accessible. Do nevertheless verify all the elements that are essential to you. What matters to you, may not be protected by the grading authority.

[vdbstore-blog]

New Post has been published on Vintage Designer Handbags Online | Vintage Preowned Chanel Luxury Designer Brands Bags & Accessories

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Yrsa Daley-Ward: ‘People are afraid to tell the truth' | Fashion

If you’re afraid to write it, that’s a good sign. I suppose you know you’re writing the truth when you’re terrified.” These words in black type on a white background make up one of poet Yrsa Daley-Ward’s Instagram posts. This monochrome snapshot of her innermost thoughts has more than 5,200 “likes”. That’s more than double the number she gets for any pictures. Daley-Ward spent her late teens and early 20s as a model struggling to pay her rent in London, working for brands such as Apple, Topshop, Estée Lauder and Nike. She still models today. Ironically, however, it was the image-obsessed medium of Instagram that enabled her to pursue the written word.

“I always was a writer,” she explains today in a thick Lancashire accent, sitting in a downtown Los Angeles restaurant close to where she lives. “But I was depressed [in London] and that made me choke. Modelling is an interesting profession because it teaches you so much about here…” She points a finger at her face. “But not here…” she sighs and points at her heart. “You become introverted, you disappear into yourself.”

‘I didn’t fit in. I wanted to be white, have different hair, know my father, not be religious…’

Daley-Ward’s debut collection of poetry, Bone, is anything but introverted. Aptly titled, it’s a visceral read candidly documenting her religious upbringing, sexuality and mental-health battles. It flew out of her in three months, as she chronicled her bad love affairs, sense of isolation and feelings of inadequacy – an uncomfortable, uninhibited read. Daley-Ward is a self-confessed firestarter and has a colourful past. She doesn’t watch TV and prefers to go to the pub to drink Guinness and “chat to old men about their lives”. When asked to give her age, she refuses. “Men don’t get asked,” she barks.

She finds the notion of being objectified irksome. In a bodycon dress today, she tells me she’s been cat-called “seven times” en route here. “Why the fuck? Look at the patriarchy, look at rape culture. I don’t need to be subjected to what men think.” With her poems she cuts through that, deep into the parts of herself that she feels have been overseen by superficial, homogenous norms.

Bone was initially released in 2014 through Amazon’s self-publishing arm. It’s since been expanded for reissue via Penguin. Daley-Ward’s 116,000 and growing Instagram fanbase was key to that. Having followers like pop star Florence & the Machine and Hollywood actor Ellen Page also helps.

Daley-Ward read everything she could get her hands on as a kid: Roald Dahl, Spike Milligan, Shakespeare. As a young, black, LGBTQ female, she’s often said that she feels “invisible”in the literary world and maintains that poetry has a long way to go to diversify itself.

“Have I seen change? Yes and no,” she says. “There’s a lot more to do. If it wasn’t for the internet how would I have got the book out? How would I have got a publisher? If I went to a publisher armed with Bone and zero internet following…” She tapers off, suggesting they’d have looked right past her. “I didn’t know what to expect. I just persevered.”

‘The queer space is varied and intricate. Every story I have is a story a friend has’: Ysra Daley-Ward. Photograph: Platon for the Observer

Alongside the African-American poet Nayyirah Waheed, Zimbabwean bard Tapiwa Mugabe and Nigerian writer Ijeoma Umebinyuo, Daley-Ward, who is of West Indian and West African descent, is part of a small, elite community of black writers who are breaking down barriers. “It’s lovely to see women of colour poets,” she says. “Old poetry can be so inaccessible. Not just for people of colour but for people who aren’t super erudite, who don’t read, don’t love Shakespeare. Some people just want to connect with feelings.”

The melting pot of Downtown LA is a far cry from home in Chorley. She was born in the northern town after her Jamaican mother (a nurse) had an extra-marital affair with a Nigerian man who came to the UK to study, leaving his wife and children behind. He died before Daley-Ward was old enough to meet him.

From the age of seven to 11 she was sent, with her younger brother, to live with her grandparents. They were Seventh Day Adventists. Daley-Ward describes them as “strict religious fundamentalists”. “From sunset on Friday we couldn’t do anything until sunset on Saturday,” she recalls. “During the week everything was monitored. We didn’t go outside except to see my cousins.”

‘Sex work is common among models. It’s not standing on street corners – you have boyfriends who are very rich’

Growing up fast, she was ingrained with certain gender expectations; rules that existed to be broken. “They’d tell me that a girl should be able to run a house. Every Sunday my grandma and I would be on our knees handwashing all the clothes. I learned how to clean, sew and cook. I never make my bed now.”

At the time, Daley-Ward bottled up her frustrations. When she returned to live with her mother, she was left to raise her brother while her mum worked night shifts. “Things changed completely,” she remembers. “There was all the freedom where we once had no freedom.”

As well as the liberation that came with her own sexual awakening, she gained a more rounded perspective on a woman’s place in the world. Her mum’s boyfriends weren’t always the most desirable choices. “She was the one with the money, working hard. She never received help from men, ever.” That gave birth to a sense of staunch independence in her, combined with a streak of disruption. “I’m a quiet, introverted person, but I was very internally rebellious.”

Conflict continued to bubble up inside her; she was acutely aware of not fitting in in Chorley. “I was a black girl living in a market town, alien to everything. There were so many things I wanted to be other than what I was. I wanted to be white, have different hair, have parents who were home, know my father, not be religious. When I watched TV, everything from Disney to Coronation Street, there was never a representation of me.” She would write to disappear into different realities.

Soon enough, however, she didn’t need prose to whisk her away. There was a man – an older music teacher. He was married. He left his wife for her. “It was a torrid, crazy time,” she recalls, awkwardly avoiding the conversation.

‘When I was 20, I was in knots. There’s no cage now’: Ysra Daley-Ward. Photograph: Platon for the Observer

She left Chorley and moved to Manchester en route to London, as the pull of big multicultural cities became exhilarating to her. “I was going out dancing to reggae and African music, buying jollof rice made by someone other than my grandma.” The honeymoon period was short, though. She lost her mother in 2007. (She doesn’t say how she died but implies that her lack of quality of life contributed.) Working as a jobbing actor and model, struggling to makes ends meet, she fell into depression. Writing was unimportant when there were bills to pay. “The grind got to me. I was lonely and had no real support in the world. None. I felt awful every day. I didn’t want to get out of bed.”

The discrimination she experienced in the fashion industry made matters worse. Repeatedly she’d fail to get jobs she was more than qualified for. “This is not a face that sells in England,” she says. “They say that black models sell fewer clothes than white models. That’s stupid. Fashion just doesn’t want to be diverse.” To survive, she had to find other avenues. “I was a very enterprising young woman,” she says coyly. “Learning what to use to get by.”

I ask if she’s alluding to sex work. She laughs. “It’s the most common thing in the modelling industry, especially at high levels. I’m not talking about standing on street corners. You have a boyfriend for two months who’s a millionaire. In that situation you’re safe, eating caviar, drinking champagne. There are other situations that are considerably less safe and less consensual. It’s a reality for so many women in the entertainment industry and we’re told not to talk about it.”

In desperate need of salvation and in search of more secure modelling jobs, she moved to Cape Town where there was, she says, a guaranteed market for black models. She was 24 years old with £200 in her pocket. The experience made her rich in a way she’d never have anticipated. While there, she came across a spoken-word evening. The task was to write a poem about family discord. “I thought: easy!” she smiles. Her performance brought rapturous applause. She went again and again. Every week the audience grew.

“In acting and modelling I was so busy expressing what somebody else wanted that I’d completely shut down my own voice,” she says. “I didn’t have any mirrors. When I was 20, I was in knots. I couldn’t speak my reality to anybody. There’s no cage now. Lots of people are afraid to tell the truth. But I don’t care. It’s fucking boring otherwise.”

Ysra Daley-Ward as a toddler with her mother and brother. She says her mum ‘never received help from men, ever’. Photograph: @yrsadaleyward

Today, Daley-Ward lives between LA and London. Her audience has grown far beyond Cape Town. One poem, Mental Health, has made fans of people who have never given a thought to poetry. During a reading in south London, a man came up to her in tears. “He asked me to send it to him. I thought nobody was listening,” she says. She’s also become a poster child for the undermined, particularly the LGBTQ community. Despite writing about her relationships with women, she refuses to make her sexuality a big deal, insisting that her poems relate to people of all sexual preferences.

“I’m writing about common experience,” she says. “The LGBT community are my friends. The queer space is varied and intricate. Every story I have is a story a friend has. When I talk about a woman that you can’t get out of your head even though you know she’s going to fuck you over… Hello?! That represents 10 people I know.”

In an age of technology, the fact that Daley-Ward has built a platform for literature out of social media is perhaps her biggest act of rebellion. Next, she’ll release a memoir. “There’s nothing left unsaid,” she laughs. Titled The Terrible, it’s “The truest thing I’ll maybe ever write.” Where it will take her remains to be seen. “I move through the world at an alarming rate. Next time we speak I might be in New York,” she says. “I’m in the midst of a change. I keep dreaming about it. Something’s about to happen.”

Bone by Yrsa Daley-Ward is published by Penguin on 26 September, at £9.99. To order a copy for £8.49, go to bookshop.theguardian.com

Fashion credits: (from top) Daley-ward wears dress by Alexander McQueen; coat by Givenchy; and jumper by Prada. Fashion editor Jo Jones; hair by Jerome Cultrera at L’Atelier NYC using Oribe Hair Care; make-up by Linda Gradin at L’Atelier NYC using MAC Cosmetics; fashion assistant Bemi Shaw

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Best Kids Clothing Stores in San Francisco

Keeping up with your children’s growth spurts can be a challenge, but luckily there are plenty of great places to shop for kids clothes in San Francisco, including a few that won’t break the bank. Check out our picks for the best places to outfit your kiddos.

Hunter’s Threads

Finding quality used and affordable children’s clothing can be difficult but with Hunter’s Threads, not only can you buy the clothes your kids need but you can also help give back to the community. Hunter’s Threads uses a portion of their proceeds to provide the community with free or low cost group therapy for children with developmental needs. Their store has an onsite resource center for services such as occupational therapy and speech therapy. Because they don’t charge a consignment fee their prices are noticeably lower than other children’s consignment shops in town.

Glammic

If you’re searching for clothing that is truly unique and whimsical, look no further than Glammic. The name of the store is a word created by the owners and, according to their website, is synonymous with “epic” and “heroic;” traits we all hope to encourage in our own children! Home to the ever popular “Shirt cape,” all of the clothing items sold are made by the company in shop. Bright colors, fun designs, and personalization are all key players in this store’s esthetic. Beyond clothes, this is also a wonderful place to go to if you’re looking for a birthday present for a special kid.

Monkei Miles

This adorable consignment boutique is a must for any parent of a fashion bug. With sizes ranging from infant to tweens, Monkei Miles provides quality used clothing at prices you can afford. Owner/Operator (and mom) Monica Urick utilizes her creative eye (sharpened by her previous window deign experience at Gap Kids) to insure the clothes offered are fun, playful, stylish and, of course, durable. Trade in your child’s old clothes for either store credit or a check and enjoy updating their wardrobe with fun and chic items at a fraction of the price.

Sprout

If you’re concerned about what’s in your baby’s clothes (you know, the fabric that touches them for almost 24 hours a day) you can set your mind at ease by shopping at Sprout. With a mission to help educate and foster an environment that is safe from toxins and pollutants, almost all of the their clothes are natural and organic utilizing dyes that are safe for every day use. While the range of clothes are limited to infant and toddler, you’ll find the selection is chic, modern and fun. Beyond clothes, Sprout also offers gear, bedding, toys and is host to a variety of classes such as dancing, singing and Pilates.

Chloe’s Closet

With two stores in San Francisco (plus one in Berkeley), buying and selling clothes for kids has never been more easy or affordable. Offering name brands you’ll recognize and love, Chloe’s Closet was created by a mom who knew how hard it was to find inexpensive and stylish clothes, especially with how fast kids grow. A new addition to the Bernal Heights location is a kid friendly indoor playroom, perfect for rainy days or just when you want to get out of the house. Admission is free with a purchase of $5 of merchandise per child. Shop in peace or trade in your old clothes while your kids have a fun and safe place to play.