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Many childhood memories are populated by a species in trouble, and last week, monarch butterflies were added to the red list of threatened species, which is two steps away from being extinct in the wild. Butterflies are beneficial insects that can help pollinate your garden, reduce the spread of disease-causing organisms, and serve as a food source for other beneficial insects. In addition to the benefits listed above, these insects also have a very important role in the ecosystem. According to scientists, habitat loss, climate change, pesticides, and herbicides are responsible for the monarchs' declining numbers. But there are ways we can help. Keep reading for four ways you can help save the Monarch Butterflies! Plant a Milkweed Plant Monarch butterflies would be extinct without the help of milkweed. The benefit would be great for the butterflies if we all plant one milkweed plant. Milkweed is the only plant monarch caterpillars eat, and it's where adult monarchs lay their eggs. According to Dawn Rodney, chief innovation and growth officer at the National Wildlife Federation in Reston, Virginia, not all milkweed is the same. For example, Asclepias curassavica is an invasive plant and is doing more harm than good, and longer-blooming non-native plants are a problem because they prevent butterflies from recognizing when it is time to migrate, thus spreading deadly parasites to the following year's generation of caterpillars. So, it is very important to choose the right plant. You can use the National Wildlife Federation's Native Plant Finder to select the proper milkweed to plant. Monarch butterflies require nectar-bearing flowers from native plants and adult monarchs. You can also use the Monarch Nectar Plant List to help you find the right plants for your area. Avoid Treated Plants It's important to know where the plants you purchase come from. Rodney said that many growers use chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides to keep plants looking attractive on retail shelves, which are harmful to wildlife. For example, caterpillars that eat leaves from butterflies that lay eggs on treated plants will die. Particularly detrimental to species, Rodney said neonicotinoid pesticides could kill bees and adult butterflies that consume toxic pollen and nectar from treated plants. To avoid treated plants, ask garden center staff about their pest-management practices, Rodney says. Other excellent options are buying from only trusted, organic sources or growing your own plants from seed. Maintain a Pesticide-free Garden Using pesticides on our plants, we endanger monarchs and beneficial insects, including birds that consume those poisoned insects. It is best to use soap, horticultural oil, or Neem oil and apply them only after dusk when pollinators are inactive. Because these products lose effectiveness when dry, the butterflies will be safer in the morning. Setting up a Butterfly Puddling Station Butterflies will sip water from a mud puddle to replenish their nutrition following a long trip and sun themselves on a flat stone to raise their temperatures. You can set up a puddling station in your yard to help butterflies supplement their nectar diets with the salts, vitamins, and minerals they need. If monarch butterflies become extinct in the wild, it will be a major loss for the ecosystem and a sign of larger environmental problems. The monarch's decline should serve as a reminder that, even in healthy ecosystems, species can disappear. That's why it is important to take care of the environment and plant native plants.

The world has become increasingly dependent on technology. It’s hard to imagine life without computers, cell phones, tablets, and other devices that allow us to communicate, access information, and connect with others. Since returning to school last year, more and more students have come to his classes exhausted and angry after working through drama on Snapchat until 3 a,m, John Arthur, a sixth-grade school teacher, has seen. Despite Arthur's concerns about the increase in time students spend in the digital world since the start of the epidemic, he recognizes that screen time is here to stay. Arthur says the situation is unprecedented because we can't remove technology from them anymore. "We must accept that the world has changed. They must utilize technology.” Even though youth screen time has escalated as a result of the pandemic, researchers, parents, and teachers are all in agreement that we should reconsider how we approach this problem. Teachers like Arthur are finding ways to seamlessly integrate technology into their lessons, as they realize that students will be more engaged if they do so. According to Arthur, a popular video game, like Minecraft, can be used as a simulation to teach students about ancient civilizations. However, he also stresses the importance of balance and ensures that all math instruction is provided on paper so that children can have a tactile learning experience as well as a break from screens. Dr. Dave Anderson, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute in New York City, advises that screen time should be limited if it is displacing other activities like exercising, spending time with friends, or sleeping. He says we should stop viewing technology as some kind of monster. Rather, we should focus on helping young people interact with technology in a healthy manner. “It is true for the entire human population that it is difficult to get off screens,” he said. “We try to put the same behavioral safeguards in place for children as we do for adults.” Dr. Anderson proposes rewarding children for getting off screens and putting time limits on technology along with warning signals when time is almost up. Children's frequent use of digital platforms has caused experts to worry about the consequences for child development, particularly in relation to in-person socialization skills such as facial expression control, polite conversation, and active listening. But there is another aspect to the story, Anderson says. “It is a mistake to believe that children are not gaining social skills online,” Anderson says. “E-mail, text messaging, and the ability to communicate effectively using Zoom or chat are all critical in the modern workplace. You need both.” The screen itself has not inherently decreased attention spans, according to Anderson. Behavioral issues like shorter attention spans are not side effects of too much screen time. Children who spend a lot of time on screens may have trouble paying attention in the real world because stimuli are less fast-paced. Arthur knows the problem of demonizing screens, instead of working with them, all too well. For example, during the pandemic, a student failed to log on for two days when classes were online and when Arthur phoned the student's parents to inquire about him, Arthur found out that the student's laptop had been confiscated as a disciplinary measure. Although taking the laptop away solved one problem, it created another, forcing the student to miss out on vital learning. "We have to learn how to use technology wisely enough to keep out the bad while letting in the good", Arthur emphasizes. You May Also Enjoy: Hey Parents, Take Your Power Back with This Parental Control App! Step by Step Instructions on How to Set up Parental Controls on Your Kid's Xbox One

Visitors of all ages can now dine at Bean Sprouts Cafe, the Los Angeles Zoo's newest dining concept. The children's menu at Bean Sprouts Cafe, which includes items such as Grilledzilla and Do-Re-For-Me, allows children to choose healthy items by visually displaying the choices. The cafe offers a variety of pizzas, smoothies, sandwiches, and “Imaginibbles” in addition to healthy foods. Bean Sprouts is committed to offering organic and sustainable foods in addition to compostable packaging and eco-friendly design. Beans Sprouts adheres to strict ingredient guidelines and offers eco-friendly and sustainable foods. To maintain such a worthwhile partnership with Bean Sprouts, the Zoo CEO and Director Denise M. Verret said, “We are thrilled to refresh our dining experience and provide Angelenos with healthy, accessible, and family-friendly food for all.” The brightly colored cafe is situated in the South America exhibit of the Zoo and will offer Bean Sprouts' signature themed, hand-held items, such as Do-re-for-me sunflower butter and organic jam; Grilledzilla, gooey grilled cheese and veggies; Flutter Bite, turkey, cheese, mayo, and veggies; as well as sandwiches such as the Great Turkado and Chicken Pesto Chango; cheese and pepperoni pizza; snacks; smoothies; raspberry and lemonades; and more. For more information about the new Bean Sprouts Cafe, visit Los Angeles Zoo's official website. Photos: Courtesy of Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

When you book a flight, choosing a seat is usually the hardest part. In the past, flying economy was relatively simple and uncomplicated. You could either choose a window or an aisle seat or if you booked early enough an exit row seat. Families could also choose a whole row to fly together. But airlines started to charge for additional coach seats as they added more seats to their aircraft. As a result, selling airline seats began. Window and aisle seats are now available for an additional charge ranging from $20 to $90. Even exit row seats can be purchased—for a price. Extra leg room seats are also for purchase. Even those dreaded middle seats closer to first or business class are considered premium seats since they are closer to the exit, and can be purchased. There are some airlines that do not charge for seats, but many do because they can. But, how can you tell whether the seats available on a given flight are the ones you want? You can check the seating chart on a website such as seatguru.com, Expedia, Orbitz, or Travelocity. You can also go to the airline's website to see the seating chart. However, most of the time, all these seating charts are incorrect—or at least misleading. Airlines hold back a number of seats on every flight to provide them to their mega frequent fliers and big travel spenders. If those individuals don't appear, the airline then offers those seats to first-come, first-served customers. Families traveling together often have a difficult time finding seats on a flight without paying extra, and the airlines' upsell of seats makes it virtually impossible to have the whole family in one row. But, the U.S. Department of Transportation may come to the rescue, alerting airlines of a potential new regulation that would require them to seat families together, which may upset the seat upsell scheme. After receiving complaints from travelers who felt forced to buy seats so their families could sit together, a regulation has been proposed. U.S. Department of Transportation recognizes the importance that families place on sitting together when flying. To make sitting together easier when flying within the United States, the Department has issued a Notice encouraging U.S. airlines to do everything that they can to ensure the ability of a young child (age 13 or younger) to be seated next to an accompanying adult (over age 13) without charging fees for adjacent seating. In addition, the Department offers some great tips that families may use before, during, and after air travel. The most important tip is when you first reserve a flight—even if you do so online—get in touch with the airline directly and select your seats. Only they have the clearest and most up-to-date seat availability information on their screens. Also, don't forget that you are entitled to a refund if your flight is delayed, rebooked, or canceled if you paid for premium seats. And if you are dissatisfied with an experience related to family seating, you can file a complaint with the airline or the Department of Transportation.

There’s nothing quite like the open road, the fresh air, and beautiful scenery to lift your spirits and give you a break from your routine. Road trips are an excellent opportunity to see more of the world while spending time with family. But they are not exactly cheap to organize. The cost of fuel, accommodation, food and tolls can add up fast. Planning and making some necessary sacrifices, however, can save money on your next road trip to make it more affordable and less stressful. Here are some ideas to help you cut costs the next time you go on an excursion with your family. Use Apps to find cheap gas There are a few different apps that can help you find the cheapest gas in your area. Google Maps will show you prices at nearby stations along with a map showing their locations. GasBuddy is another app that will help you find cheap gas. You can use both apps to plan your trip and find the best prices along the way. Research the best prices on car rentals Car rental companies have different rates based on location, so you’ll want to research ahead of time to ensure you get a good deal. If you’re renting a car for a large family, you might want to consider booking a van rental instead. This will cut down on costs and increase your convenience significantly. Travel at off-peak times If you can, try to plan your road trip during the off-season. If you’re going somewhere warm, try to go in May or September instead of July. This will be less expensive as well as less crowded. Likewise, if you’re going somewhere cold, try to go in the spring or fall. This will keep you from paying more for your trip and might be less risky. Use Travel Rewards Credit Cards With a travel rewards credit card, you can earn rewards and discounts that you can use toward travel expenses. Depending on the card, you may even be able to get free hotel nights or free airfares. These cards provide a wide assortment of advantages and incentives that may be used to leverage your spending habits, from complimentary upgrades to first-class seats and airport lounge access to free food. Stay at affordable hotels Try to stay at hotels with free breakfasts, if possible. Hotels are expensive, which will help you reduce costs while on the road. You can save money by comparing prices across multiple sites, haggling, and being flexible with the location. Start with sites like Kayak, Expedia or Hotels.com to get an overview of hotels in your desired area. Eat at cheap restaurants You can also use apps like Yelp to find cheap and affordable restaurants along your route. You can also try to stop at grocery stores along the way to buy food and snacks to eat in the car or at your hotel. This will save you money and reduce the amount of money you spend at restaurants. Don’t pay for parking If you’re visiting a city and want to park your car, you could save money by parking in a residential neighborhood instead of the official city parking garages. You can find cheap parking using apps like SpotHero, which allows you to book parking in advance. This will save you money on short trips and long-term vacations. Drive a fuel-efficient car If you drive a gas-guzzling car, you’ll spend a lot of money on fuel during a road trip. If you can, try to drive a more fuel-efficient vehicle or rent a more fuel-efficient car if you’re renting one. This will save you a lot of money in the long run. Bring games and activities for the whole family While driving, try to bring games and activities for the kids. This can help you pass the time quicker and keep everyone from getting bored and fidgety in the car. It will also help you save money by not having to pay for entertainment along the way. Take public transportation When you get to your destination, if you can find cheap parking, park your car and take public transportation for sightseeing. You will be saving money on gas and paying higher parking rates near popular sites.

IHOP and Xbox have come together to create the ultimate gaming experience, combining a love of food with a love of gaming. Let’s take a closer look at the partnership between IHOP and Xbox and all the perks you will receive through this partnership. When you Join IHOP's rewards program, you will create an account, and every time you order food from IHOP restaurants, or on their app, you will earn PanCoins to redeem cool rewards including: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 1-month trial code Grounded full game download code Forza Horizon 5 Premium Add-Ons bundle code PainCoins are IHOP's reward currency. You can earn PanCoins for eating at IHOP or ordering food through IHOP's app, and you can redeem PanCoins for promotional coupons for meals, merchandise, or experiences on IHOP app. After your purchase, you will need to enter a 13-digit code from your receipt or a 10-digit bonus code in your IHOP account. You will earn 1 point for every $5 spent which will be deposited into your International Bank of Pancakes account. You can then trade your PanCoins for a variety of tasty assets in the Stack Market. Here is what you can get with your PanCoins: Original Buttermilk Short - 3 PanCoins Original Buttermilk Full Stack - 5 PanCoins Any Kids Meal - 8 PanCoins Xbox Game Pass Ultimate - 1 Month Trial Code - 10 PanCoins Any Burger or Sandwich - 12 PanCoins Any Burrito or Bowl - 15 PanCoins Any Flavored Full Stack - 20 PanCoins Any Breakfast Combo - 30 PanCoins Forza Horizon 5 Premium Add-Ons-Bundle - 40 PanCoins Grounded Full Game Download - 40 PanCoins Photos: Courtesy of IHOP

Math is a foundational subject that can define students' career choices. The Montessori learning system has made children enjoy learning and relate to math concepts. But since some pupils still lag in the classroom, parents look for tutors that can give their kids a one-on-one interactive experience. Online learning platforms with professional tutors usually offer kids fun, engaging, and interactive math lessons. Then, they build on that momentum when students get comfortable with the learning strategy. Kids eventually experience theoretical solutions and real-world scenarios related to the information received. But apart from these obvious reasons, why do interactive math classes work where conventional ones fail? Knowing the answer will help any teacher looking for a way to make a math lesson interactive for children. 1. It is a fun approach to math Interactive learning adds excitement to a child's learning experience. Many teachers, however, overlook the importance of engaging activities and entertainment in keeping kids interested in learning. Since the element of fun appeals to young learners, teachers should grab any chance to make students laugh, share, collaborate, and stay engaged while learning math. The instructors at Brighterly.com understand the need to make math lessons interactive. The child-focused system brings important elements to the learning process. Depending on the grade and a kid's level, tutors offer worksheets, math manipulatives, and games to ensure students enjoy learning math. 2. Interactive math classes facilitate creative thinking and problem-solving abilities Children can build creative thinking and problem-solving skills when math classes are interactive. Students become full-fledged parts of the learning process instead of taking a passive position. This strategy and the acquired skills make students competitive and confident. A youngster who can examine a math question with creativity and logic learns how to make the right choices faster. In addition, they can confidently apply their newfound skills to tests. Children will also dispel the common fear of being ridiculed, becoming better prepared to handle a similar situation in the real world. 3. Interactive lessons help kids remain focused Children can get educational materials and resources during a math interactive online lesson and use them to understand math topics better. Kids have short attention spans, so teachers should use interactive teaching methods like games and other hands-on activities to hold kids' attention for prolonged periods. When you have an online math tutor who can easily talk and interact with students, you can be sure your child will pay attention to the lessons. If an instructor is empathic and friendly with children, it makes things even better. Also, students will be intrigued by the prospect of using gadgets to learn while scaling through different challenges. 4. It promotes retentive memory Kids are more likely to retain math concepts, formulas, and ideas if they can practice what they learn. This approach makes them understand that math is everywhere. With time, tutors can introduce YouTube and other websites that make a math lesson interactive to foster a kid's educational journey. To test if a child understands and retains the information gathered thus far, teachers can subject them to surprise assessments like pop quizzes and occasional Q&As. With proper planning, these tests will keep students on their feet and encourage them to study more. 5. Interactive lessons pique a child's interest in learning Kids are more likely to pay attention to math lessons if tutors include interactive components like games, brainteasers, puzzles, etc. That way, tutors' strategies can be top-notch, and kids can get value for their time. As kids focus on game-based learning, they will want to explore more areas of math by participating in exciting activities. Gamification of math inspires kids to spend more time playing, inadvertently learning. To make the process more exciting, tutors can choose to award points and badges for each accomplishment. 6. The approach promotes constructive feedback As kids study math in an interactive environment, they can ask questions and get first-hand solutions to their queries. In addition, with interactive learning, tutors can easily evaluate their students' progress and detect areas for improvement. Constructive feedback from teachers fosters students' growth and development. In addition, observant tutors can support students, ensuring they don't feel isolated and helping them meet their peers' standards. 7. Interactive lessons give kids a holistic math learning experience Kids are naturally curious, so an interactive system of learning math is the perfect approach. If you stick to teaching kids by drawing symbols on the board, they'll only have theoretical math knowledge. And the most significant changes in science and invention are made by people who understand the practical implementations and implications of those math concepts. So, use interactive learning to put students in a position where they can experience math themselves. For example, you can prepare math interactive notebook lesson plans that help students grasp abstract math ideas, thus ensuring that lessons don't feel repetitive and providing a more holistic learning experience. 8. Interactive math learning helps tutors tailor lessons to fit children's needs Tutors can now easily customize a child's learning experience. Interactive learning meets children's educational requirements thanks to the open communication system. And since not every child learns the same way, the ability of teachers to explore available options will improve the quality of lessons that students get. Instructors can adjust lessons to each student's requirements. They can also implement any change with instant access to information and communication channels. So, suppose a child enjoys worksheets or hands-on activities more. In that case, teachers can easily see what works well and adjust their strategies accordingly. Conclusion Interactive math classes have a lot of benefits for children. By participating in math lessons that are fun and interactive, children can warm up to math and see how to relate it to the real world. Also, the approach allows tutors to monitor students' progress and visit areas where kids need help and tutoring. Making math classes interactive is a no-brainer; you should try it today!

Travel during the fall and around the holidays may be on your mind as summer winds down. If so, we'll tell you when to book your flight to save the most money. The team at Google Flights looked at five years' worth of airfare data to find patterns on the cheapest days to fly, the best time to book your flights during each season and more. These are eight Google travel tips we have discovered. The cheapest day to fly Google says it's cheaper to fly during the middle of the week rather than on the weekend. If you're planning to fly, you may wish to seek out the cheapest fare. According to Google, flying on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday is 12% to 20% cheaper than weekend flights. Google says that traveling on Sunday is costly. Booking a layover flight rather than a nonstop flight can also save you about 20% if you are willing to spend extra time getting to your destination. When should you buy your plane tickets There isn't much value in purchasing your plane tickets on a certain day of the week, contrary to popular belief. According to Google, that's not true. According to Google, shopping for flights between Tuesday and Thursday rather than the weekend has only been 1.9% cheaper on average over the past five years. The Right time to book your flight The good thing about booking your trip far in advance is that you can avoid a price rise. According to Google, domestic flight prices are at their lowest 21 to 60 days before your trip. However, this may not apply to your specific destination. It's up to you to decide how early you should book an international flight. Book flights during each season at the right time The best time to book for upcoming holidays and vacation times was broken by Google. Flights around Thanksgiving and Christmas are popular, so start looking now if you're planning to travel. Google says the lowest flight prices around Thanksgiving are booked between 36 and 74 days in advance. For Christmas, keep an eye out for flights 88 days in advance, as the lowest prices occur 22 days before departure, but seats may be sold out so close to departure. Are you already thinking about spring break travel? Luckily, you don't have to start looking at flights now. According to Google, domestic trips in March and April have usually had their lowest prices between 23 and 59 days before departure, with their lowest price occurring at 38 days out. Your summer getaway may be finished now, but you can still start planning for next year's trip. Domestic trips that begin in July or August offer the lowest prices, with the lowest average prices being 21 days before departure. Checking Google Flights before you buy a plane ticket can tell you if you're getting ripped off. Type in your destination, near or far, select your dates, and find a perfect stay! Other ways to find deals with Google Flights Google recommends comparing flight prices across different days to see if you're getting a good deal or overpaying. Look up your destination to see how much a similar flight costs in the last 12 months. Some searches will also indicate if the price is expected to rise in the future. Google Flights can track prices for you. To enable this feature, check the box next to Track prices and include your travel dates. Google will notify you if the prices change for the dates you selected if you don't have a specific week planned for traveling. You can receive a notification if the price drops for flights departing in the next three to six months if you select Any dates.

In a city like Los Angeles where real estate is so important, renting an apartment instead of buying a house is a major sacrifice. But on the bright side, it means you get to live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world! There are pros and cons to living in an apartment (or any small space for that matter), but regardless, you need somewhere to exercise so you don’t go mad from all that pent-up energy! We got creative with how to make a functioning home gym in our small apartment! Here are some ideas on how you can do this too... Creating functional home gyms - The key points to consider When it comes to strenuous exercise, not everyone needs that. Not everyone focuses on bodybuilding; well, for that, you need proper guidance and training. However, functional home gyms are recommended to keep your health in good shape. We take a look at the key points to consider setting up a functional gym at your place or apartment in LA. Finding the right space As it is all about a gym at your place, you have the liberty to find the perfect place and space. Furthermore, one can add a personal touch to the room, which is dedicated to a gym room. Give a personal touch to the walls, the flooring, and much more. Also, make sure that you keep in sync with the home decor, and don't make your gym room a messy one. As you stay in an apartment, you get little space, but you still can accommodate a suitable space. The room will house all the essentials of a gym, the machines, tools, weights, and more. A stationary cycle and a treadmill are the most common, and you can also arrange other machines if needed. Even if you don't have enough room to accommodate the machines, you can make use of the living room. A small space for the treadmill or cycle will do. Don't overdo your limits. Only purchase the equipment which is needed. Mind the basics of fitness Talking about the home gym, if you are a beginner, and want to work out, don't focus on buying expensive equipment. Make yourself clear about the things required and then purchase the needed machine. There are several fitness machines, but the basic ones are the best to start with. It is your home gym, and you have to focus on your health, producing sweat, burning calories, and more. Don't forget to get the floor mat which helps with stretch exercises, yoga, etc. Keep your neighbors happy A home gym is your area of working out, and it should not disturb your neighbors. You would like to keep a music system in the gym room, but don't blast it with music. Keep it calm, and only to your ears; you are not celebrating a birthday bash! Furthermore, apartments have different floors, so make sure not to drop the weights on the floor. Ventilation is a must If you are thinking of setting up a gym at your place, the most important thing is to keep things well-insulated. No one wants to get suffocated during a workout session. Meanwhile, keep the temperature in control so the room is comfortable. Circulating air with proper ventilation is a must for a better flow of fresh oxygen. Check your walls and ceiling A functional home gym will require pull-up bars or wall-mounted racks. For this purpose, make sure that the walls are well constructed. Furthermore, if you want a few changes, the contractor can assist you properly. Make sure that the equipment is appropriately fixed with screws for a safe installation. Wrapping it up There you have it. - tips to make the best home gyms for small apartments. It is the best thing you can get while saving money. It is time to collect and stack the dumbbells, plates, bench, squat stand, and necessary equipment. No need to leave your apartment and give yourself the best fitness routine. Wishing you good health.

Los Angeles is one of the most popular tourist destinations on earth, with millions of people wishing to visit it at least once. So, if you’re planning a trip anytime soon, you’ll need to time your flights accordingly. Fortunately, multiple airlines offer daily travel services to LAX from many cities. However, many factors come into play when looking to score the best deal. So rather than leaving it up to chance, we’ve got a couple of tips to help you get the best deal on tickets and lodging during your travels to LA. Things to Consider Before Planning Your Trip You need to consider many factors when booking a flight to Los Angeles, including cost, the time of year, and even the day of the week. Luckily, with some research and planning, you can save money and find cheap flights to LA almost any time of year. If you’re looking for affordable flights to LA, you should book your tickets during off-peak travel seasons. It’s also a good idea to consider flying on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday instead of Friday or Saturday as there are fewer passengers hence lower demand. In this regard, here are some tips for getting great deals when planning a trip. Book in Advance If you’re trying to fly during a major holiday or a particularly popular time of year, you’ll need to book as early as possible. This is the only affordable way to ensure you get the best price on your seats. However, if you’re booking from far out, you should be aware that airlines are notorious for charging booking fees. These fees often vary by airline but apply to anyone who books more than a certain time in advance. So keep that in mind if you contemplate booking a trip more than a month in advance. Check your Calendar Certain days of the week have higher demand than others, and the airlines will often raise the prices of most flights due to the high demand. It is, therefore, smart to check your calendar to cut down your travel costs. For example, flying on a Sunday tends to be more expensive than flying on a Tuesday, so if you can choose a day, do so. The best day of the week to fly to LA is on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Prepare adequately A vacation is one of the best ways to unwind and relax. But before you can enjoy the trip by yourself or with your family, you need to be prepared. Here are a few things to keep in mind: ● Figure Out Where You’re Going It will be hard to enjoy yourself if you don’t know what you want to see and do while on vacation. So start by researching the area you’ll be visiting and find out what popular attractions are there. You can also check TripAdvisor for recommendations from other tourists. ● Pack Light Don’t bring anything that will weigh you down when traveling, like heavy luggage or backpacks, so opt for lightweight items like handbags and purses instead. ● Family Care Naturally, you’ll be excited to see the sights and explore your vacation destination, but it’s important not to overlook the eventualities of visiting an unfamiliar territory. Make sure you put your family’s safety at the top of your priority list. Use a Consolidator Consolidators are middlemen who purchase unsold airline seats and re-sell them at a lower price. While it might sound risky, consolidators are essential to the air travel industry. Airlines sell unsold seats in bulk through these middlemen, and you can find great deals through them. So if you’ve been waiting too long and prices hike, this is an excellent way to save on expenses for your trip. Know When to Buy The best way to purchase a ticket to LA is to buy at the right time - when the demand is low. Airlines have a lot of control over ticket prices, making ticket prices fluctuate for several reasons. However, some airlines have stringent rules about booking too early. If you book too far in advance, you might be required to pay a penalty and cancel your reservation. Check Group Deals A quick search online can typically result in some great deals for groups of people traveling to LA. If you’re planning a trip with a big group, it’s definitely worth the trouble, as hotels, tour operators, and travel companies often offer better rates for large groups. Unlike booking individual tickets, you’re almost guaranteed to save a lot of money. Avoid the Rush The period between New Year’s and Easter is known as the “go-go-go” period for travel to LA. This is the time of year when people are most likely to travel, so ticket prices will be higher. You should also avoid traveling during Thanksgiving, as many businesses will be closed for the holidays. Conclusion By avoiding LA’s busy holidays, flights will be cheaper, and hotels will have more availability. If you’re flexible with your dates, it's best to book as early in advance as possible. Always be on the lookout for great deals and low-peak dates to save as much as 40% on your trip to Los Angeles.

Just in time for Thanksgiving, on November 24, 2021, the movie Encanto is coming to theaters near you! The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift -- every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger. Mirable is a really funny, loving character who also deeply years for something more," Beartiz says, who voices Mirable in the film. "She's also not afraid to stand up for what she knows is right". The movie is all about finding your magic, your inner self, and power! The animation is absolutely incredible. The movie displays everything from golden magic knitting a house together to gorgeous blooming flowers to dangerous-looking foes. All these aspects and more unfold with absolute care and a truly magical hand. There is a lot of dancing, singing and beautiful lush scenery in this movie. "The dancing is so much a part of the Colombian culture that inspired this movie", says director Byron Howard. "Every song is different, so the movement of each character is different. If you want something to shake off the quarantine doldrums, this movie has that. It’s really full of joy and humor and just amazing characters", he continued. Encanto is coming to a movie theatre near you on November 24, 2021, so save the date, and grab your family for a magical journey with Mirabel and her family! You May Also Enjoy: 22 Full-Length Free Movies on YouTube for Kids! 22 Spooky Halloween Movies For Kids!

If you live in Los Angeles and enjoy eating, chances are you've heard of Restaurant Week. It's a time when a selection of restaurants around the city offers fixed-price menus so you can eat like a king for less than what it would typically cost. Beverly Center's annual Restaurant Week has become a favorite for foodies and bargain hunters alike. Taking place from September 15th through September 25th, the Beverly Center’s annual restaurant week features special prix fixe menus from six shopping center restaurants. During this time, you can choose between breakfast, lunch, and dinner deals at H&H Brazilian Steak House, Noor Cafe, Yardbird, ABSteak, Tocaya, and Pitchoun Bakery & Cafe. H&H Brazilian Steakhouse Brazilian steakhouses are no new thing, but if you haven't tried H&H yet, you're missing out. It’s a new addition to Beverly Center, which has become a staple in the LA dining scene. For the restaurant week, H&H is offering an all-you-can-eat Churrasco menu for $65 per person, which includes an organic salad, side dishes, dessert, and a complimentary glass of house wine. Children 0 to 6 years old are complimentary, and Kids 7 to 12 years old only pay half the price of the Brazilian Churrasco! Noor Cafe Noor Cafe is one of the newer places to open up at the Beverly Center, and it is a fantastic addition. They specialize in Halal Mediterranean cuisine with Mexican influence. For the restaurant week, Noor Café is offering all-you-can-eat Tacos for $45 per person with complimentary lemonade, chips and guacamole, side dishes, and cheesecake for dessert. Yardbird Yardbird is Modern American Southern Fine Dining. Yardbird has two menus for the restaurant week: lunch and dinner. The lunch menu is $35 per person which includes a starter, and choice of a grilled pimento cheese sandwich, Nashville hot yardbird sandwich, or Cajun shrimp pasta as the main course, plus sorbet for dessert. The dinner menu is $55 per person and is more extensive. The dinner menu includes a starter, and a choice of Lewellyn’s fried chicken, roasted 1/2 bird, or grilled creole spiced salmon. For dessert, you can choose between key lime pie and sorbet. ABSteak by Chef Akira Back ABSteak is the perfect place to indulge in a hearty Korean-style steak. Their restaurant week menu is designed for two for $120. The menu includes Australian wagyu brisket and marinated prime boneless short rib, which you cook right at your table. Dinner is served with home-made banchans plus mixed green salad with AB oriental dressing, signature sauces, and dipping salts. For starters, you can enjoy JAPCHAE which is marinated glass noodles, beef, onions, bell peppers, carrots, and oyster mushrooms. The menu also offers classic Korean soju, and house-made Korean traditional sweet rice sorbet for dessert. Tocaya Modern Mexican If you like Chipotle-style burritos and tacos, then you’ll love Tocaya. It’s a popular chain in LA with a hip and sophisticated fast-casual setting. Their restaurant week menu offers two tacos, one side, and one agua fresca for only $11.25. You can choose between four different tacos, a variety of sides, and a choice of cucumber mint limeade, strawberry basil, or pineapple jalapeño Aguas Frescas. Pitchoun Bakery & Café If you’ve been to the Beverly Center, you’ve probably passed by Pitchoun. This bakery has been a staple in the neighborhood for years and is a great option if you’re craving a sweet treat. They’re offering a breakfast menu and a lunch menu for restaurant week. The breakfast menu is $19.95 for one special Omelette, one plain Croissant, and one black coffee or a black or green tea. The lunch menu is also $19.95 and includes one sandwich, one special dessert, and one soda. Disclaimer: I was invited to the restaurant week with my family at these restaurants for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

At FUN WITH KIDS IN LA, our mission is to inspire parents every day to do fun things with their kids. We share the best of LA with our awesome followers, and as a thank you for being so awesome, we surprise you with gifts that will inspire you to make memories with your families. We are excited to partner up with Nights of The Jack this year again to giveaway a family 4 pack (Value $160) to the Nights of The Jack, Halloween’s biggest jack o’lantern experience that has ever hit Los Angeles. Nights Of The Jack is a Halloween event tailored for all ages. The immersive experience showcases thousands of hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins, situated throughout the stunning property at King Gillette Ranch. Expect to see some larger-than-life pumpkin installations as well as detailed artist depictions of your favorite movie stars, sports heroes, and animated characters. In addition to the attractions, there will be seasonal food and beverage offerings from some of LA’s top food trucks and vendors. The Night of the Jack is happening from Oct 1, 2022, through October 31st. Nights of the Jack is located at the King Gillette Ranch at 26800 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas, CA 91302. Click here for Google Map Direction. Click here to enter for a chance to win. You must be 18 years of age to enter. The giveaway ends on October 8th at midnight. With tickets selling out fast, not everyone will get in the door. So make sure to sign up for our newsletter for a chance to win! For more information about Nights of The Jack, please visit our events calendar.

You may be wondering what is "Baby Sign Language." To understand the baby's signing, we can start with Sign Language. Most of us already know about Sign Language, a language that uses visual signals and gestures to communicate ideas. But wait, Baby Language is used with hearing babies, not hard of hearing. Why? Because babies are born without the ability to communicate verbally. Their muscles are not developed yet to produce sounds that create words (like "mama" for "mother"). How do they communicate? They cry! Baby sign language (or baby signing) is a communication method for infants and toddlers based on symbolic movements just like Sign Language. You can learn the program online or in group settings. At SignShine, parents learn how to teach their children Baby signing to ease the frustration created by not understanding each other. Baby Sign Language takes signs from American Sign Language and British Sign Language and adapts them, making them easier for children to use. Because babies and toddlers can learn how to mimic and interpret what they see around them early on, baby signing is a very effective tool they can use to "talk" to their parents before they've learned to actually talk! In fact, even though the critical period for learning language starts at 16 months old, children who learn signing start reproducing the gestures at around 8 - 10 months, over a year before that! Baby Sign language is an incredibly valuable way for parents to connect with their kids, and it helps children with much more than communication. Parents who are interested in becoming more in tune with their kids and supporting their kids' personal growth can benefit from signing classes. Research by Acredolo and Goodwin finds that babies who use Baby Sign Langauge learn to speak faster and grow a larger vocabulary. Moreover, children who sign have 12 higher IQ points than those who do not, as they simultaneously use the left side of their brains. Fascinating, right?! Are you curious about signing with your child? The benefits are many. Here are several skill sets and benefits of Baby Sign Language explaining how any child can experience exploring, communicating, and learning! Benefits of Signing with babies and Toddlers: ● Expressing Needs Signing allows children to communicate important needs to parents, such as hunger, thirst, tiredness, etc. The signs for these basic needs are especially easy for kids to do, enabling them to use them early on whenever they want those needs met. Signs: MILK, WATER ● Articulating Wants Not only can signing help with expressing needs, but also with articulating wants. When kids learn to articulate through specific signs, they have the tools to express what exactly they want and can communicate without frustration. For example, during playtime, we can ask the child if they want a specific toy and empower him/her to express her desires. Signs: BALL, TOY ● Reading Facial Expressions Sign language bases communication on gestures with hands and faces rather than just speech. Children who practice signing are more likely to understand social cues and connect better to others. Today, as the use of social media and smartphones increases, the future generation may be confused about interacting in person. Still, children who sign can learn to be better at reading social cues. Signs: GOOD MORNING, CURIOUS ● Setting a Foundation for Verbal Language Learning The functional signing sets a strong foundation when it comes to learning a language. In addition, verbal language learning may be easier for children who know how to sign because they have already been exposed to a language system for communication. Signs: WAIT, HELP ● Understanding Emotions Understanding emotions is a very important advantage of learning baby sign language. Children can learn to grasp their feelings through functional sign language better because they have a way to express those feelings clearly. This is a crucial point in raising a child with developing emotional intelligence. Signs: HAPPY, FRUSTRATED ● Encouraging Healthy Parent-Child Bonds Because signing improves the communication skills of children, it naturally improves the overall bond between children and their parents. When parents learn to sign along with their children, they can be more in tune with their children and more responsive to their kids' needs and wants. SignShine's app is an app that provides popular and classic children's songs in Sign Language. You can learn any popular children's song and sign and sign it with your child. Signs: ITSY SPIDER, BUS ● Increasing Self-Esteem Did you know there is evidence supporting the idea that functional signing may support a child's self-esteem? This can be linked to the ability of kids who learn signs to understand their wants, needs, and feelings by learning how to express them. When a child is understood and heard, her self-esteem is higher. Signs: I FEEL, I LIKE ● Supplementing Education Education and Baby Sign Language seem to go hand-in-hand, as sign language can support the topics kids learn about in kindergarten and elementary school. As children learn in school, they can learn to sign the same ideas, bettering their overall education. SignShine classes incorporate signs into popular children's songs and communication activities that will be useful in school! Signs: MY TURN, TEACHER ● Supporting Muscle Memory Like any other language, sign language relies on memory. What is special about sign language is that it relies on muscle memory since it involves moving hands, faces, and bodies. Children who learn it develop a strong sense of muscle memory earlier on. Signs: COLORS, OPPOSITES ● Connecting to the World and Themselves Kids want to explore their environment as they grow, and as they grow, they also learn more about themselves. So not only does sign language allow kids to communicate with the world around them, but it also encourages them to understand their thoughts. Signs: I LOVE YOU These are some of the many significant benefits of Baby Sign Language that come with learning sign language. With consistent learning and practice, kids can improve their communication and understanding of self, and parents can promote healthy child development. If you reside in Los Angeles, you can take SignShine's group or private classes to enhance your child's communication, verbal skills, and emotional and social development. In addition, SignShine offers a support group for parents and playtime for children. They emphasize healthy communication through music, singing, movement, reading, baby sign language, and other fun, educational and engaging activities that create unique bonding experiences and learning for you and your child.

The holiday season is always a joyous time of year. It’s when we get to see family, go caroling with friends, sit around a roaring fire, build gingerbread houses and of course… Craft! Crafting as a family is a great way for you and your kids to bond, have fun and get into the spirit of Christmas. We have gathered more than 23 creative holiday craft ideas for kids that will help you create some beautiful memories that will last beyond the holiday season. Simply click on each title to get instructions for making each craft. 1. Mason Jar Christmas Gifts Snow Globe Toppers "This mason jar Christmas craft makes the perfect jar gift idea and is adorable to boot." 2. Santa Handprint Ornament "These salt dough handprint ornaments are a wonderful Christmas craft to make with kids. Make a Santa handprint ornament, an elf or a reindeer. Kids can help to make the salt dough and also decorate them! They will love pressing their hands into the dough and painting them too." 3. Paper Bag Snowman "This paper bag snowman craft is a simple and easy way to entertain the kids when it’s too cold to go outside. It’s a simple winter craft for kids that requires only a few basic craft supplies you probably already have in your craft closet." 4. Handprint Christmas Tree "We love this simple craft even more as you can put it on display as part of your Christmas decorations. It also would make a perfect centerpiece for your table on Christmas too!" 5. Yarn-Wrapped Ornaments These Christmas yarn ornaments are so fun for kids to make using yarn and pom-poms. 6. Sweet Snow Globe "Looking for a unique homemade gift idea? Well, look no further! This sweet surprise is a Christmas decoration they can display," 7. Santa Handprint Card These Santa handprint cards are not only fun for the kids to do but it will also make an adorable keepsake too. 8. Wiggly Paper Snowman "If you are looking for a fun photo craft for the holidays, try making a wiggly snowman! This paper snowman craft is so cute, and their arms and legs do a little wiggle that will bring a smile to everyone’s face." 9. Christmas Tree Doodle Art Here’s a super fun 3D Christmas tree doodle art project. This is a great way to decorate for the holidays and it’s suitable for a broad range of ages 7 and up. 10. Snowman Card This snowman card is so easy to make. You just need a few supplies to make it - even things you may already have at home! 11. Wooden Spoon Christmas Crafts "For a simple Christmas activity for kids, make these Wooden Spoon Christmas Crafts! Kids will have fun turning ordinary wooden spoons into different Christmas characters. The best part of this project is that kids can use these spoons as puppets and play with them all season long!" 12. Angel Doily Craft "This doily angel craft is the perfect ornament for kids to help make. It would also make a great Christmas gift to give to friends and relatives..." 13. Yarn Wrapped Christmas Tree Ornaments "These yarn-wrapped Christmas tree ornaments are a great project both as a Christmas craft or as an ornament for your tree. It’s fun to make and if you are crafting with preschoolers this will also make for a great fine motor skill exercise." 14. Christmas Handprint Art "Make a handprint Santa, elf, snowman, Christmas tree, reindeer or penguin. We love how easy the penguin and Christmas tree are to make!" 15. Ombre Christmas Tree Garland Make these cute Ombre Christmas Tree Garlands to hang from your mantel, your child’s room, or anywhere where you could use some Christmas cheer. 16. Christmas Handprint Tree "We love this simple craft even more as you can put it on display as part of your Christmas decorations. It also would make a perfect centerpiece for your table on Christmas too." 17. Salt Painted Snowflakes "We love how vibrant and crystallized these salt-painted snowflakes look. Salt painting is a fun process art activity to do with kids. It’s easy to set up and the results can be so beautiful! It’s also really fun to watch the watercolors run along the salt as you paint!" 18. Christmas Toilet Paper Roll Crafts If you’re looking for easy Christmas crafts for kids, then you’ll love these Christmas toilet paper roll crafts. Kids love to create crafts with toilet paper rolls. The best part is that toilet paper rolls can be recycled into a Christmas craft activity: by the Best Ideas for Kids 19. Paintbrush Santa Ornament If you are into recycled crafts, this adorable paintbrush Santa ornament makes a perfect Christmas craft for kids to make. 20. No-Sew Sock Penguin This little fellow will fit nicely with its snow-made friend (Santa might join too if you’re crafting before the holidays) so grab that odd sock we know you have and let’s get crafty: by Easy Peasy and Fun 21. Felt Candy Ornaments These cute Felt Candy Ornaments are super quick and easy to make and only take around 30 minutes to make six candy ornaments: by Happiness is Homemade 22. Tea Light Snowman Ornaments These little snowman ornaments are so adorable, and you can get the materials for this craft from the dollar store: by One Little Project 23. Grinch Christmas Ornaments If that yellow-eyed fuzzy green Grinch is one of your favorite holiday icons, then you are going to love these Grinch Grinch Christmas ornaments: by Bullocks Buzz