Want to spend some time with your family this Friday night? Can’t find family-friendly movies everyone will enjoy? You want to choose the best must-see movies. But you need something age-appropriate for the whole family.

Movies seem to have more sex, violence, and profanity than ever. Family-friendly movies are going the way of the black rhino. Here are some tips to help you pick the best must-watch movies without giving up your values.

Start with the MPAA Film Rating System

MPAA ratings can help you pick family-friendly movies. Sometimes they’re dead on. Sometimes they’re not. Especially with old movies vs. new movies. But it’s a start.

G – General Audiences. G-rated films are usually appropriate for anyone. Most parents would be okay with all the content.

PG – Parental Guidance Suggested. PG movies run the gamut. This rating category can be as gentle as G, plus foul language. Or it can be as perverted as PG-13, subtract the sex. Think Beetlejuice vs. The Incredibles.

PG-13 – Parents Strongly Cautioned. These movies are for teenagers and older. There will likely be some strong language or sexual situations.

R – Restricted. R-rated movies are for adults. The movie will have adult themes: violence, sex, profanity. All your kids had better be adults.

NC-17 – Adults Only. This used to be the X rating. Even if everyone’s an adult, you won’t want to watch this one with the kids. And they won’t want to watch it with you either.

Look Beyond the Ratings

Even with the rating system, it can still be hard to choose. And the ratings aren’t always as consistent as expected. A PG-13-rated movie may be much like an R-rated movie.

Every family has its own values. Where does your family draw the line when it comes to language, sex, and violence? Sometimes the rest of the world’s standards are different than your own.

Do Your Own Research

Family-friendly, must-see movies are hard to find. But you can do it. You just have to do a little work. Like a scientist trying to find those black rhinos, you need to do your research.

Trailers. Watch the trailer. Find trailers on YouTube, IMDb, or movies.com. Watching the trailer only takes a few minutes and gives you a good idea of what to expect.

The trailer will usually tease with scenes that are sensual, violent, or suspenseful. Studios make trailers for a wide audience. Expect even edgier scenes in the movie.

Reviews. You’ll want to find reviews that go beyond star-ratings and the simple, “Awesome movie!” IMDb, Fandango, and Rotten Tomatoes are three popular movie review sites.

IMDb makes locating mature content easy. In the “Motion Picture Rating,” section, you’ll find a “Parents Guide.” This page details any objectionable content. Be aware that you’ll likely encounter some spoilers. 

Websites. The Dove Foundation offers quick access to family-friendly movie reviews. The rating system has a faith-based theme geared toward Christians. If you like Bible-based films, check out these Christian movies.

Each movie receives a simple “Dove Approved” or “Not Dove Approved” stamp. Dove.org also provides a review of the movie aside from the parental information. See if the movie’s even worth watching.

Ask Your Friends

Still not sure about a movie? There’s a good chance at least one of your friends or family members has seen it. You can likely trust them more than anyone on the internet. Get some great details. Ask questions that apply to your family.

Choose Your Next Family Friendly Movie

Family-friendly, must-see movies have become rare. But if you prepare, you can find them. Review the ratings. Set your standards. Research the reviews. Get out in the wild, and find that black rhino!

ArticleCity.com isn’t only about choosing family-friendly movies. Learn about topics like content strategy, digital marketing, and writing tips. Find out how Article City can help you scale your content campaigns.

Science shows us that creative projects and outlets help us manage our stress. Finding the time to create something unique and useful in your backyard is the perfect stress-relieving DIY project for you to tackle today! 

We have put together a fantastic list of the top 10 best DIY projects for your backyard. From zen gardens to entertainment stations these projects are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Let’s take a look!

1. Edible Gardens

You can turn your backyard into your private grocery store with the addition of an edible garden. Start small by adding a raised garden bed in an area of your backyard that receives ample sunlight.

When choosing what to grow you will want to have a variety of herbs and vegetables, however, if you are new to gardening start with easy to grow crops such as cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, etc. as these will be easier to manage.

Plan your garden out before starting to help you decide how many crops you will be planting and what varieties. Be sure to invest in good soil so your plants grow strong and big, and don’t forget to purchase some good gardening gloves as well! 

2. Outdoor Bar 

An outdoor bar is a fun way to create an entertainment station for your friends and family. For this DIY project, you can either buy a bar stand that is already put together or you can give building a custom bar a try. This service area will be the perfect spot to host parties and backyard BBQs.

Consider things like seating and ice and beverage storage when creating the space. Adding the appropriate outdoor lighting will help the area feel more inviting for you and your guests. 

3. Gazebo 

A Gazebo is a beautiful structure that will add beauty as well as functionality to your backyard. You can use your Gazebo to host outdoor dinners or turn it in do an outdoor studio. If your yard gets a lot of sun a Gazebo is the perfect structure to get relief from the heat. 

Another option to the traditional Gazebo is an open-air Gazebo. This style of shade structure allows for some sun and rain to come through making it a good option for those who wish to keep plants growing inside of the structure. 

4. Zen Garden

Creating a zen garden in your backyard is a beautiful way to create a meditative and relaxing space. The components of a zen garden are meant to inspire tranquility and appreciation for the beauty of nature. Before you get started on your garden you will need the following items:

• white gravel
• Metal rake
• Wooden zen rake
• Variety of rocks in all shapes and sizes
• Landscaping plants 
• Gloves 
• Shovel
• String and string level

These items are essential to building your zen paradise. Once your garden is built you can use it to find relaxation and meditate. The act of raking the garden is meant to bring peace or zen to your state of mind which makes this DIY project beautiful and helpful!

5. Backyard Fountain 

A backyard fountain is a great way to upgrade the aesthetic of your space. The sound of the flowing water is relaxing and will attract birds to your yard for great wildlife viewing. Before you start, consider the size and shape of the fountain.

Depending on the size of your yard it might be a good option to do an above ground DIY option for your fountain by creating a fountain that flows into a galvanized tub or a DIY fountain box. These above-ground options are simple and inexpensive to create and easy to maintain. 

6. Privacy Fence

A privacy fence can make your backyard feel like a secluded oasis if done correctly. When planning a privacy fence consider things like material, color, and size. There are a variety of options to choose from when installing your fence that are already pre-stained and ready to install.

If you are feeling extra creative you could try making your fence by buying the raw materials and then customizing the color and shape to your liking. No matter which route you choose the adding privacy will be a great luxury. 

7. Update Lighting 

The right lighting in your backyard can turn it into a paradise retreat. Consider using a variety of light sources in your backyard to layer the lighting.

For example, along the pathways in your yard use ground stake lights to illuminate the path. In areas where you entertain consider hanging string lighting above the area to create depth and add soft lighting.  Outdoor candles are another great source of mood lighting that can also be beneficial for managing those summer pests like mosquitos. 

8. Landscaping 

Updating the landscaping in your backyard is an essential DIY project for anyone looking to give their yard a facelift. You can start by clearing out any built-up brush or leaves that have accumulated in the yard. Then diligently weed all flower and garden beds.

Once you have weeded and cleaned up the space then you can decide on planting ornamental plants like rose bushes or vibrant lavender. Consider edging your flower beds and framing them with stone or wooden frames for a polished look.

9. Patio

If your yard doesn’t have a patio already then consider installing one. A patio can be used as a relaxing outdoor area, outdoor dining room, area for potted plants, etc. the options are endless!

Consider the material you would like to use for the base such as concrete or wooden decking. Once your patio is finished you can begin to decorate with outdoor furniture and ornate plants to create an aesthetic in the area. To add shade to the area a retractable canopy is another simple DIY project that can turn your patio into an outdoor sanctuary. 

10. Sheds

Gone are the days of the old paint-chipped sheds that were eyesores to our backyards! If your shed is looking a little worse for wear it is time to give it a makeover.

To start sand the shed down to remove any rough edges or flaking paint. Then access any areas that need repair such as broken boards, holes in the roof, broken doors, etc. Next, you will need to choose a color of paint or stain for your shed and get painting!

 

Simple Backyard DIY projects 

These simple DIY projects are affordable and easy to do! You can change the whole vibe of your yard with any one of these unique projects today.

We would love to connect further with you! For more information on articles like this one check out our site today!

By Dale Harris

According to recent statistics, the average kid’s birthday party costs about $400. This is a huge number, obviously, putting a huge financial strain on the parents — and causing planning to be really stressful.

If you’re a parent whose head is reeling after seeing that number, you’re probably wondering how to keep your child’s birthday on the cheaper side of things. Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce the price, starting as early as creating party invitations.

Read on for some DIY birthday invitation ideas that will get the ball rolling but the cash remaining firmly in your wallet.

Let Your Child Own It

Although you, of course, get the final say when it comes to the invitations, this is your child’s special day. Ask them what they ideally would like their invitations to look like. What color do they prefer? Do they want a certain character or logo on them?

Asking your kid what they want can’t hurt and it will make them feel that their opinion is valued. 

Use a Cool Template

While your child should get a say, there are limitless outrageous possibilities that kids come up with for … well, pretty much anything. To make like easier for yourself, it’s a good idea to have them choose from a specific selection of premade templates.

Adobe offers all sorts of templates for birthday invitations that you and your little one are sure to love. All you need to do is insert the information that you want to be presented to your guests. It’s that simple!

Stick With the Theme

It’s a universal truth that kids (and a lot of adults) are obsessed with themes. Whatever your kid wants the theme of their party to be- from Star Wars to snakes to fairy princesses — you can include clues to the theme on the invitations.

It’s really easy to do this with a template — all you need to do is insert clip art or a .jpeg file you downloaded online!

Snail Mail

If you’re feeling adventurous, you don’t need to send your invitations through e-mail. Remember the excitement you felt as a kid when your mom gave you an invitation from the mailbox? If you’re like most kids, you loved that feeling.

It’ll cost a few cents an envelope, but if you can swing it, this is a fun way to make all the kids on your child’s invite list feel special. If not, e-vites are cool, too, but this is just some food for thought!

Video Invites

If you want to go a different direction, video invites are a really cool alternative to a classic e-vite or snail mail invitation. You can record your child speaking or create birthday-themed infographics or moving clip art.

We’re not saying that it’s necessary, but if you have some extra time or just enjoy web design, you can even create animations online!

More Birthday Invitation Ideas

Having a birthday party for your kid is going to be a stressful experience no matter what, but you can take at least the financial strain off yourself. Just make a cool DIY invite to end out — it won’t cost you a cent!

Now that you have some great birthday invitation ideas for your child’s next birthday, check out the ‘all articles’ tab on our page! Here, you’ll get ideas about all kinds of topics that will let you save money and learn skills for everyday life.

Good luck, mom or dad!

 

Originally Posted On: https://heavenlyhawgsbbq.com/event-catering/5-tips-for-planning-the-ultimate-backyard-barbecue/

Summertime barbecues are fun to have no matter the occasion. Whether it’s a block party, a birthday party, a holiday weekend, or just a family get-together – any excuse is a good excuse to light up the grill.

If you want your backyard barbecue to stand out this summer, here are a few tips you can follow.

1. Be Mindful of Weather

Barbecues are associated with summer as everyone wants to enjoy time in the warm weather. However, the weather can be very warm during the summer month, and pop up showers can occur. Usually, the hottest time of day is in the afternoon with temperatures cooling in the evening. You may want to avoid a lunchtime BBQ and have a late dinner instead. Take a look at the weather forecast and make sure you plan around any showers or extreme heat. Heavenly Hawgs BBQ Catering offers a tent rental service to keep food out of the summer sun and in the shade.

2. Planning the Main Course

When it comes to barbecue, the star of the show is the meat! Many BBQ party hosts will stick to plain old hamburgers and hot dogs as they are quick to grill. Foods like brisket or pulled pork have to be slow-cooked for an entire day! If you are prepping for a party, you have other tasks on your mind like decorating, cleaning, setting up games, and whatever last-minute errands you need to run.

If you hire an event catering company like Heavenly Hawgs, you do not have to worry about the food at all. Heavenly Hawgs offers a plethora of main course meats like pulled pork, chicken, ribs, and brisket. You can order the food buffet style by the pound. This may be the best option for events where you don’t want to be attached to the grill and are free to mingle with guests, like corporate events.

3. Sides and Sauces

In addition to the main meat, complimentary sides are a must at any barbecue party. There are so many different sides to make from pastas to salads to veggies that it can be difficult to decide what to serve. Also, preparing sides just adds more stress on you as the host. Some hosts like to have everyone bring a side, but that’s how you end up with 12 bags of the same kind of chips.

Heavenly Hawgs offers authentic southern-style sides like mac and cheese, green beans, cole slaw, and of course baked beans.

4. Drinks and Dessert

Some sweet-toothed guests won’t be satisfied with their meal until dessert is served. Heavenly Hawgs includes a dessert option in their buffet service. For a southern style bbq, order the banana pudding. For an easy grab-and-go dessert, order some fresh baked cookies. Don’t forget to keep your guests hydrated with water and southern sweet tea.

5. Serving Essentials

Set up and tear down are the worst parts of hosting events. Some hosts scramble to get everything together in the last minute. Heavenly Hawgs has you covered, from full service catering, to simply dropping off and setting up your food. Letting a BBQ catering service do the work for you allows you to eliminate the stress of hosting a party and actually enjoy it.

 

Originally Posted On: https://patcalabreselandscaping.com/landscaping-on-a-budget-tips-for-affordable-curb-appeal/

 

Enhancing the appearance of your property through landscaping is a fulfilling and value-adding process when executed skillfully and with intent. Garden and yard design options are endless, offering everything from the chance to turn your yard into a relaxing outdoor lounging area to the opportunity to grow gorgeous species of flowers in your own front yard.

However, landscaping can potentially incur significant expenses, particularly if done impulsively or without a cost-conscious approach. So, before getting your hands dirty, consider the following budget-friendly landscaping ideas to help you achieve your goals while keeping costs in check.

Continue reading below for practical, effective tips to get the most value out of your landscaping efforts.

Say No to Annuals and Yes to Perennials

Opting for annual plants is an excellent choice if you want to add colors to your garden beds and containers. However, annuals only thrive during their growing season and must be discarded after flowering. The recurring expenses and time investment in replacing annual plants can add up and become daunting and seem like a waste of money.

So, what do we suggest as a cost-effective alternative? Consider incorporating perennial plants into your landscaping design. These plants come back year after year, offering a longer-lasting solution and allowing you to pay once and reap the colorful benefits for years.

Some popular perennial species include:

• Lavender: Known for its fragrant purple spikes, lavender isn’t only beautiful but also attracts pollinators.
• Coneflower: Coneflowers come in various colors and are known for their daisy-like blooms. They’re also great for attracting butterflies.
• Daylily: Daylilies are easy to grow and offer a variety of colors. They bloom profusely and are low maintenance.
• Peony: Peonies are renowned for their large, lush, and fragrant blooms, making them a classic favorite in gardens.
• Hosta: Hostas are appreciated for their foliage rather than their flowers. They come in various shades of green, blue, and even variegated forms.
• Black-eyed Susan: These bright, yellow flowers with dark centers are great for attracting butterflies and are known for their hardiness.
• Russian sage: Russian sage is a drought-tolerant perennial with grayish foliage and tall spikes of small, lavender-blue flowers.
• Bee balm: Bee balm, or monarda, is a favorite of hummingbirds and pollinators thanks to its colorful, tubular flowers.
• Sedum: Sedums, also known as stonecrops, come in various sizes and colors. They’re known for their succulent leaves and are excellent ground covers.

Use Large Grasses for Filling Empty Spaces

Incorporating tall ornamental grasses like switch grass or beak grass is a popular choice for homeowners and for all the right reasons. These plants do a great job of adding a subtle yet classy appeal to any landscape, and the cost for a big bundle is typically quite affordable.

These grasses also have a rapid growth rate, making them an excellent option for a privacy wall between you and your neighbors.

If you’re on a budget and looking for an affordable plant or landscape greenery to fill unsightly gaps or soil, we highly recommend adding tall grass to your list of inexpensive ideas.

Less Is More: Use Fewer Plants

While building a mixed range of plants and flowers from your local garden center is tempting, consider simplicity a cheaper option. It’s easy to get caught up in attempting to mimic landscape magazines and placing every plant you can get your hands on into your yard, but we have a better option.

Restrict your selection to just a few distinct plant types, including the following:

• A single variety of evergreens
• A single variety of larger shrubs
• A simple mix of perennial types

This approach effectively populates your space without appearing too overwhelming and ensures a cost-effective landscaping solution.

Add Texture With Mulch Beds

If you ask us, mulch is the holy grail of simple, affordable, low-maintenance landscaping.

Mulch is one of those landscape add-ons that you’ll find in nearly every yard. Why is it so widely favored? Well, the primary reason is affordability.

Mulch’s average cost per cubic yard is $18, making it highly cost-effective, especially if you need it in bulk. If you have a small yard or are looking to fill only a few little areas with this versatile material, bags can run as low as $4—a price tag that can work wonders on your wallet.

Beyond its price appeal, mulch offers undeniable benefits to your outdoor space. It’s advantageous for the base of young and new trees and garden beds, as it helps maintain the necessary moisture that vegetation needs for optimal growth.

Consider Xeriscaping as a Thrifty Approach

Xeriscaping is another excellent option if you’re looking for affordable ideas that will help you reduce excessive water usage and keep the overall cost low. While some designs can be pricey, there are affordable options to enhance your yard’s appearance. Since xeriscaping isn’t an all-or-nothing landscape idea, you can incorporate various elements into the surrounding greenery.

So, what options do you have that will be good for your pocketbook? Some include:

• Gravel
• Stone pathways
• Ornamental grass
• Water features
• Mulch or sand

By incorporating some of these materials across your property, you can save money while enjoying a hybrid landscape-xeriscape yard.

Plant Native Plants to Save Water and Stretch Money

Yet another savvy way to save on your landscaping project is to select indigenous plant species for your region. Local plants require less maintenance and watering, translating to long-term savings.

Each region has its own unique plants due to the local climate and soil conditions. In Pennsylvania, for instance, some excellent picks include:

• American columbine
• Dense blazing star
• Cardinal flower
• Virginia bluebells
• White beardtongue

If your budget is tight, but you don’t want to forego a colorful addition of flowers, you can find excellent bargains for many of the types listed above.

Upgrade Your Landscape With Lights

We consider this the ultimate affordable landscaping hack. When done right, the price is low, and the benefits are high.

If you’re more of a night owl and prefer lounging in your yard after sunset, consider hanging luminescent string lights around your backyard seating area. For under $100, you can light up the sky while keeping money in your pocket for outdoor barbeques and hosting guests.

Alternatively, consider installing pathway lights if you prefer a simple landscape but want to add some pizzazz. You can find solar LED pathway lights at your local department store for as low as $15 or less on sale.

Since installation is simple and can be a fun DIY project, you can enjoy an illuminated yard for as little as a few hundred dollars.

Work with Us for Affordable, Sustainable Landscapes

Pat Calabrese & Son is passionate about bringing budget-friendly landscape ideas to life. Reap the benefits of a magazine-worthy yard by calling us at (610) 558-1329.

 

By Dale Harris

Has the idea of sending your teen to summer camps for teenagers filled you with dread? Does the idea of them being too far away, left in the care of others make you worry? You don’t have to have experience with camps to find the best activities for teens.

Summer camp provides a perfect opportunity for teens to learn essential life skills, engage in meaningful activities, and make friendships. But with so many camping options out there, how do you choose the best? 

This article will tell you everything that you need to know. Read on!

Research Potential Camps and Summer Programs

You can choose a camp like swimming, canoeing, archery, and arts and crafts. You can also choose a specialty camp like gymnastics or wilderness skills. You can try a program on stop motion animation for children. It is where they get to learn new skills from expert animators hosting the program.

For teens seeking to expand their academic horizons, there are specialty camps that offer workshops and seminars. All of which help children be prepared for the following school years. 

Understand Your Teenager’s Interests

This will help to determine what type of camp would be the most suitable for them. Ask them what their interests are and what they would like to do at the camp. They may mention specific activities they’d like to be involved in or types of people they’d like to meet.

Once you have a better understanding of the camps available, discuss them with the teenager and get their opinion on each one. This will help to further narrow down the choices to select the one that best suits their needs.

Evaluate Safety and Supervision Measures

Research the camp’s safety record. Ask if they have parental notifications, policies regarding contact between children and other staff, and procedures related to discipline. Learn about staff and volunteer qualifications and their training methods to ensure safety.

Determine if the camp has certified lifeguards and, if applicable, know if they have coaches that are certified. Research the camp’s emergency policies and the number of counselors supervising the activities. Make sure the camp has a qualified healthcare provider available in case of an emergency.

Finally, ask for a list of references from previous campers, and contact them to ask about their experiences. 

Consider Costs and Financial Assistance Options

Consider the overall budget of the family, and research different camps to find the best price. Some camps may offer discounts for siblings, students, and/or military families. It is important to research the activities that each camp has to offer and what other expenses might be involved for things such as field trips, camp supplies, etc.

Look into what kind of scholarships or payment plans can be used to make it more affordable. Don’t forget to ask if you can request any discounts for any referrals or family connections. It is important to find the balance between cost and quality to ensure the best experience.

Complete Guide to Choosing The Best Summer Camps for Teenagers

Summer camps for teenagers provide great opportunities for learning, growth, and fun. So, it’s important to choose one that’s right for them. Be sure to do your research, consider your teen’s interests, and make sure the camp fits their needs.

With the right one, your teen could have the best summer of their life! So what are you waiting for? To find the perfect one today!

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