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Hospitality Leisure Activities Lifestyle Living Transportation & Logistics

LimoVenture Delivers Exclusive Night Out Experiences at Stagger Inn and The Other Bar In Orlando, Florida

July 29th, 2024 Orlando, Florida – LimoVenture, a premier limousine and party bus service in Orlando, is thrilled to announce its latest joint offers with two of downtown Orlando’s beloved nightlife destinations: Stagger Inn and The Other Bar. This collaboration is set to provide LimoVenture guests with exclusive perks, enhancing their nightlife experience.

Stagger Inn: A Classic Orlando Experience Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, Stagger Inn is renowned for its authentic American bar atmosphere and country music scene. This popular spot offers guests a variety of entertainment options, from live bands, and DJs playing classic hits to engaging bar games like darts. It’s the perfect venue for anyone looking to kick back in a laid-back, rustic setting that reflects the true spirit of Orlando’s bar culture.

The Other Bar: A Vibrant Nightlife Spot Just a block away from Stagger Inn, The Other Bar on Wall Street is known for its lively environment and friendly vibe. This bar is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a dynamic nightlife experience with its vibrant crowd. The Other Bar ensures an entertaining evening out with its excellent drink selections and casual, fun-filled atmosphere.

Exclusive Offers for LimoVenture Guests In an exciting development for nightlife enthusiasts, LimoVenture has teamed up with these establishments to offer a special VIP experience. Guests who choose LimoVenture for their transportation needs will enjoy one complimentary manager’s choice beverage at both Stagger Inn and The Other Bar. This exclusive perk is designed to make your night even more enjoyable without the usual entry costs or waits.

These venues are ideally located within walking distance of each other, making it easy for LimoVenture guests to experience the best of Orlando’s nightlife in one night without any hassle. Whether you’re planning a special event or just a casual night out with friends, LimoVenture ensures that your evening is nothing short of spectacular.

LimoVenture is committed to providing exceptional service and unforgettable experiences. This new joint offer with Stagger Inn and The Other Bar highlights their dedication to enhancing the nightlife experience for their clients. With LimoVenture, guests are not just booking a ride; they’re securing a gateway to the best entertainment Orlando has to offer.

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Culture, Society & Lifestyle Hospitality Lifestyle Living Transportation & Logistics

LimoVenture and Rachel’s North Join Forces for Unforgettable Orlando Nights

April 10, 2024 Orlando, Florida – Orlando’s nightlife just got more exhilarating, thanks to a new joint offer between LimoVenture and Rachel’s North Gentlemen’s Club. This collaboration ensures that LimoVenture guests not only travel in style but also enjoy VIP treatment at one of Orlando’s premier entertainment venues.

Rachel’s North: A Premier Entertainment Destination Rachel’s North, situated in the heart of Orlando, offers an exclusive blend of upscale dining and adult entertainment. Renowned for its sophisticated atmosphere, Rachel’s North features top-tier steaks and seafood, served in a luxurious setting designed to provide guests with an unforgettable experience. Patrons can indulge in dishes prepared by expert chefs while enjoying performances by some of the city’s top entertainers.

A Night Out for Every Occasion Rachel’s North is an ideal venue for a variety of evening plans, from bachelor parties to a guys’ night out. The club’s elegant decor, combined with its vibrant ambiance, makes it a top choice for those looking to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy a night on the town. With its well-crafted menu and exceptional service, Rachel’s North delivers a dining and entertainment experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

Exclusive Offers for LimoVenture Guests In an exciting development for anyone planning a night out in Orlando, LimoVenture is now offering an exclusive deal for its passengers: free entry to Rachel’s North, one complimentary drink for the entire party, and a free appetizer. This partnership highlights LimoVenture’s commitment to providing extra value to their services, ensuring that guests not only enjoy luxurious transportation but also exceptional experiences at their destination.

Seamless, Stylish Transportation With LimoVenture, guests are assured of a seamless experience from start to finish. Whether you’re looking to impress clients or celebrate with friends, LimoVenture’s fleet of high-end limousines and party buses offers the perfect setting for pre-event gatherings and travel. Equipped with modern amenities and driven by professional chauffeurs, LimoVenture ensures that every journey is safe, comfortable, and stylish.

Booking Your Experience To take advantage of this exclusive offer, guests can book their transportation through LimoVenture and mention their visit to Rachel’s North. The team at LimoVenture is dedicated to arranging all the details, allowing guests to relax and look forward to an evening of premium entertainment and relaxation.

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Family & Parenting Lifestyle Living Society & Culture U.S

Matrescence Optimization Expert, Loni Brown, Reveals the Five Biggest Mistakes Busy Moms Make

Every day, over 24 million mothers in the U.S. struggle to balance careers and family life, according to USAFacts.org. The myth of “having it all” often leaves working moms feeling like they’re doing something wrong. Unfortunately, there are few experts who can provide the practical and tactical solutions needed to help them learn the skills they need to manage professional demands while maintaining a healthy and organized home life.

As a successful entrepreneur and mother of three, Loni Brown is a Matrescence Optimization Expert and she understands this struggle first hand. Matrescence, or the process of becoming a mother, is a term first coined by Dana Raphael, Ph.D., in the mid-1970’s. Loni was a full-time executive running a business and felt the pressure of balancing her career, motherhood, and a home life that usually resulted in putting herself last and she knew there had to be a better way. “You’re this firecracker at work but think you have to wear the supermom cape and feel like you’re failing at home,” she says. “The guilt keeps you trapped in a cycle of feeling swamped and stressed, but it doesn’t have to be this way.” 

Determined to break the cycle, she started developing systems to create a healthy, organized home without sacrificing her professional goals and removing the extreme mom-guilt and stress. She founded Wholesome Nest, a company devoted to helping busy moms learn how to live happier, more fulfilled lives without the overwhelm. Loni has identified five of the biggest mistakes busy moms make and has practical solutions to help them not only create a healthier home life, but also thrive in motherhood.

Mistake #1: A Lack of Systems Leads to Mental Clutter. One of the most significant mistakes is moms don’t have systems in place at home and Loni emphasizes the importance of treating home management with the same efficiency they do at work. “Not having systems at home are a recipe for mental clutter. Implementing a home management system can transform your life,” she explains. “I created a Hub, an online command center, that consolidates everything from shopping lists to doctor information. All of the key people in my life like my husband, babysitter, and housekeeper, have access to this hub so we have one place where all the schedules, checklists, and contacts are stored.” This type of tool allows moms to communicate and delegate tasks effectively plus reduces the mental load of carrying everything in their heads.

Mistake #2: Tidying Up is a Band Aid, not a Cure, for Physical Clutter in the Home. While tidying up can provide a quick fix when guests are coming over, it doesn’t address the root cause of physical clutter and can lead to overwhelming messes over time. To truly tackle physical clutter, it’s crucial to establish a system for organizing the home. Loni suggests creating designated spots for everyday items and setting up routines to maintain order. This approach not only keeps the house organized, but also saves time and is sustainable in the long term.

Mistake #3: Not Having an Integration of Online and Offline Systems. To maintain a well-organized home, it’s essential to bridge the gap between online tools and physical spaces. Take the online hub offline by integrating systems in the home. For example, posting routines and checklists on paper in the laundry room or kitchen can ensure that everyone in the household knows their responsibilities and can contribute to maintaining order.

Mistake #4: Thinking They Have to Do It Alone. Many moms feel they have to do everything themselves, but Loni challenges this notion.  Since matrescence is not an easy transition for many women, she urges moms to enlist support and leverage some of their professional skills at home. “Whether a mom has a dynamic career or a demanding job, they often leave their professional skill set at the office,” she says. “You should set up systems at home just like you would at work and don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to the kids, your husband, and other members of your household. You don’t need to be Wonder Woman.”

Mistake #5: Overlooking the Role of Family Members in Home Management. Involving children in home management tasks not only lightens the load but also teaches them valuable life skills. “Integrating age-appropriate family help can free up time for family activities and create bonding opportunities when you make cooking dinner a family affair that also teaches them their way around the kitchen,” Brown explains. Assigning simple chores to children and teens can make them feel involved and responsible, giving moms more time for themselves. 

Matrescence Optimization Expert, Loni Brown, is Matrescence Certified and the Founder of Wholesome Nest. She is on a mission to help modern, career-oriented moms reduce the overwhelm and burnout in motherhood with practical, but often overlooked solutions. Through her content, resources, programs, and services, Loni has helped thousands of moms detox, declutter, and design their homes and lives. Her secret sauce includes sharing her simple systems for managing a home with the same efficiency and ease she’s learned from running a business and teaching busy moms how to turn the chaos in their lives into calm.

She actively connects on social media, offering solutions that help working women thrive in modern motherhood. Her community, Thriving Mamas, provides support to working moms navigating the complexities of working life and family life, equipping them with tools to reclaim their identity and purpose, and fostering a balanced, fulfilling life as both professionals and mothers.

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Family & Parenting Health & Medicine Lifestyle Living U.S

Top 5 Mistakes Parents Make with Autistic Children: Insights from Severe Autism Specialist Lyndsy Moffatt

Non-verbal autism is a condition affecting a significant number of children across the United States and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 36 children in America are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In fact, 30-35% of people with autism are non-verbal or minimally verbal and it can severely impact a child’s ability to express their needs, thoughts, and emotions. This often leads to frustration and a heightened sense of isolation.

Lyndsy Moffatt is a Severe Autism Specialist with over a decade of experience in supporting families with autism. Her story started when her son, Dominic, exhibited severe non-verbal autism symptoms from an early age. Despite her concerns, doctors initially dismissed his condition as normal, but at age five, Dominic still wasn’t talking, was still in diapers, and had extreme sensory issues and self-harming behaviors. 

Feeling hopeless and unable to secure a timely medical diagnosis, Lyndsy started researching on her own. She stumbled upon an alternative treatment, The GAPS Diet developed by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, that reversed the majority of her son’s symptoms within six months. “Had I listened to the ‘Autism Experts’ and conventional doctors, my son would probably still be hitting himself 100 times a day,” Lyndsy reflects. “After years and years of painstaking research and trial and error, I finally came across something that helped my child’s autistic symptoms. Who would have thought that the key started with something as basic as his diet?”

Through her experience in seeing her son’s transformation, Lyndsy became a Certified GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) Coach and holistic nutritionist. She has helped hundreds of families reduce and alleviate autism symptoms in their children and created The Free Autism Guide for parents navigating challenges with their child. According to Lyndsy, there are five mistakes parents of children with autism are making and she has insights on how to avoid them.

1. Waiting for a diagnosis to do anything. Lyndsy was told she’d have to wait an entire year to get an appointment with a doctor for an evaluation regarding Dominic’s symptoms. She knew she couldn’t sit around and wait to start helping him. She says that many parents are waiting six months or even longer to get a diagnosis. This critical time could be used to make healthy changes that could lead to significant progress. Lyndsy advises, “You might as well start taking action when you presume your child has autism and get started because that is precious developmental time. Whereas it’s never too late to make changes, waiting a year will cost you later.”

2. Referring to your children as nonverbal or nonspeaking in front of them. Lyndsy wants parents to know, “Your children are listening, whether you think they are or not, and your words have the power to impact their development and growth. Be careful what you believe about their lack of abilities and what you say about them because they will most likely absorb and adopt those beliefs, too.” 

3. Not realizing diet is the key to helping a non-verbal or minimally-verbal child. Lyndsy is the author of The Gut Healing Guide that has been instrumental in helping parents navigate a healthy diet plan for their child. This nutritional protocol is the foundation for correcting imbalances that can exacerbate the negative symptoms of both nonverbal and minimally-verbal autism. Also, feeding a child fast foods and processed foods could be the direct cause for many of the symptoms they may be experiencing since these foods often contain harmful additives. Studies have shown that certain foods can be instrumental at reversing the behavioral abnormalities associated with ASD. 

4. Purchasing synthetic vitamins to supplement The GAPS Diet. Mainstream vitamins are not all created with the best ingredients. According to Lyndsy, “Unfortunately, most brands use harmful synthetic vitamins that cannot be processed by people with autism due to their body’s unique genetic makeup and they often make the problem worse. As a Certified GAPS coach, I help people differentiate the organic whole food based supplements that do exist from the harmful synthetic versions. For instance, many children with autism would benefit from vitamin B12, but most people do not know the difference between natural and synthetic B12. Natural B12 is made from bacteria that grows in soil and in our intestines, as well as some algae and seaweed species. But synthetic B-12 is made from cobalt and cyanide that is fermented together to produce it. The body doesn’t recognize synthetic vitamins the same way it does natural vitamins and often times this can make the behavioral problems even worse.” 

5. Parents ignore their own needs because their child’s care is consuming them. Parents of children with autism often neglect themselves and try to focus on their autistic children’s needs rather than their own. This is a big mistake because healthy and rested parents are much better equipped to support their children effectively. Lyndsy confirms this, “I see many parents that don’t eat healthy and take care of themselves, so they cannot help their child from a superior place. The healthier and happier you can become will have a direct correlation on your child’s health and happiness too.” It is also essential for parents to pay attention to getting proper sleep and eating a healthy diet for themselves. 

Lyndsy Moffatt is well known for her holistic approach to autism spectrum disorder. As a Certified GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) Coach and Founder of SpectrumABLE, she supports parents of children and adults with autism worldwide, helping alleviate autism symptoms through nutrition, detoxification, and mindset while embracing healthier lifestyles. Parents can connect with her on Facebook or through her website. Her work is inspired by her own son’s remarkable transformation from severe nonverbal autism to thriving, achieved through The GAPS Diet and various other protocols she teaches in her online course. She is also a sought-after speaker, sharing her knowledge globally at health events and educational institutions.

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Business Culture, Society & Lifestyle Family & Parenting Lifestyle Living

Emily Graham’s Living With Grief Program Is A Beacon of Hope for Grieving Parents

Clermont, Florida – May 11, 2024: An organization named After Child Loss is changing the lives of those who have faced the unbearable: loss of a child. Founded by Emily Graham, a bereaved mother and grief coach, After Child Loss offers a sanctuary for parents grappling with one of life’s most heart-wrenching challenges.

The death of a child is an overwhelming experience that thrusts parents into a reality they never expected and certainly don’t want. The sheer intensity of the grief can feel insurmountable. Emily Graham lost her own son, Cameron, suddenly, in Christmas of 2015, and deeply understands this pain. Her journey through grief led her to establish After Child Loss with a mission to meet other parents in their darkest times, offering hope.

The cornerstone of the support provided by After Child Loss is its Living With Grief Program. This initiative is not just about sharing grief but is also focused on rebuilding life thereafter. The program offers virtual, self-paced, and small-group support that encourages parents to process their grief at their own pace, facilitated by Emily’s expert guidance as a Certified Grief Coach.

What sets After Child Loss apart is its approach to grief as a lifelong journey that parents do not have to walk alone. The program emphasizes that healing does not imply forgetting or moving on from their child; rather, it involves building an arsenal of tools and learning to live alongside the grief in a new way, while rediscovering joy and meaning in life. Through workshops, weekly support groups, and continuous online content, the program equips parents with strategies to manage their grief and helps them build a supportive community that not only understands but walks it with them.

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Emily’s book, “Confessions of Child Loss,” further exemplifies her commitment to supporting grieving parents. The book offers an honest look at child loss, providing insight and comfort to those who read it. Parents find a voice that articulates their deepest pains and fears, coupled with a message of hope and ongoing connection with their child.

The narrative that After Child Loss creates is one of resilience and transformation. It acknowledges the complex emotions involved in grief—anger, guilt, and isolation—but also highlights the possibility of growth and renewal. Parents learn to redefine their experiences and, with time, feel confident to step forward into life in a new way.

After Child Loss also understands the importance of accessibility and flexibility in its offerings. With options for virtual engagement and different time slots for group sessions, it ensures that help is always within reach for those who need it, regardless of their location or schedule.

For anyone enduring the unimaginable path of child loss, After Child Loss, under Emily Graham’s compassionate leadership, offers a guiding light back to life, proving that even in the deepest sorrow, there can be steps toward hope and healing.

Emily Graham and After Child Loss continues to offer invaluable support, guiding bereaved parents through the complexities of grief with compassion and understanding, ensuring that no one has to face this journey alone.

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Culture, Society & Lifestyle Leisure Activities Lifestyle Living Transportation & Logistics

Make Graduation Unforgettable with LimoVenture’s Premier Party Buses and Limos in Orlando

May 16th, 2024 – Orlando, Florida – Graduation is a milestone event that marks the culmination of years of hard work and achievement. It’s a day that deserves celebration, style, and a touch of luxury. LimoVenture, a premier limousine and party bus service based in Orlando, Florida, specializes in making graduation celebrations unforgettable with their bespoke transportation services.

Tailored Transportation for Graduates

LimoVenture understands that graduation day is unique for each student and offers customized solutions to match. Whether it’s a ride for the graduate and their family to the ceremony or a full-blown party bus for the graduate and their classmates to celebrate in style, LimoVenture has the fleet and the flexibility to accommodate any request. Their vehicles are equipped with the latest amenities to ensure comfort and entertainment throughout the journey.

Stress-Free Celebrations

One of the biggest advantages of booking with LimoVenture is the elimination of common stress factors on such an important day. Graduates and their guests won’t need to worry about traffic, parking, or navigating through unfamiliar areas. With a professional chauffeur at the wheel, everyone can relax and focus on celebrating the graduate’s achievements.

Safety First

Safety is paramount on graduation day, especially when celebrations are involved. LimoVenture prides itself on its impeccable safety record and professional chauffeurs who are trained to provide a safe and smooth ride. Parents can have peace of mind knowing that transportation for young adults is handled with utmost responsibility.

Celebration on Wheels

What sets LimoVenture apart is the celebratory atmosphere they create right inside their vehicles. Equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems, mood lighting, and sometimes even onboard bars, the party can start the moment you step into one of their limos or party buses. It’s an excellent way for graduates to make memories with their friends as they move from one venue to another, or simply tour the city in style.

Convenient and Cost-Effective

Choosing LimoVenture as the transportation provider for graduation events is not only convenient but also cost-effective. Splitting the cost among a group makes it a more affordable option than everyone hiring separate rides. Plus, with door-to-door service, there’s no need for multiple stops that can add up in terms of cost and time.

LimoVenture invites all graduates and their families in Central Florida to enhance their graduation day with a professional limousine or party bus service. Booking with LimoVenture means choosing luxury, safety, and fun—all wrapped up in one stylish package.

With LimoVenture, your graduation isn’t just an event—it’s a landmark celebration marked with elegance and joy. Ensure your graduation day is as remarkable as the achievement it honors by choosing LimoVenture for your transportation needs.

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Leisure Activities Lifestyle Living Transportation & Logistics Travel

From Orlando to Ocean: Travel to Cocoa Beach with LimoVenture’s Premier Party Buses

May 20th, 2024 – Orlando, Florida – Planning a group trip to Cocoa Beach? Look no further than LimoVenture for a seamless, enjoyable journey that promises both style and convenience. Catering to groups of up to 25, LimoVenture offers round-trip service from Orlando to Cocoa Beach, ensuring your outing is as relaxing as it is memorable.

Why Choose LimoVenture?

Forget the hassle of coordinating multiple cars, navigating traffic, or debating who will drive home. With LimoVenture, every aspect of your transportation is taken care of. You won’t need to worry about gas, tolls, or parking fees—costs that can quickly add up. By splitting the fee amongst yourselves, the per-person cost becomes significantly more economical than driving separately. Most importantly, everyone can enjoy the day to the fullest without the burden of driving back after a long, exhausting day of fun.

Activities Galore at Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach, located just an hour from Orlando, is famed for its beautiful sandy beaches and vibrant local scene. Here are some activities you can enjoy:

Cocoa Beach Pier

Stretching out into the Atlantic, Cocoa Beach Pier is a hub of activity. This historic pier offers not only spectacular ocean views but also houses a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. Whether you’re up for some fishing, enjoy live music, or just want to take a stroll, the pier provides a picturesque backdrop to a fun-filled day at the beach.

Ron Jon Surf Shop

Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach is not just a store; it’s an icon of surf culture. Known as the “World’s Most Famous Surf Shop,” it spans over two floors packed with everything from surfboards and swimwear to beach gear and souvenirs. Open 24 hours, it’s a must-visit for both avid surfers and casual beachgoers looking to capture the essence of Florida’s surf scene.

4th Street Filling Station

The 4th Street Filling Station combines a unique blend of casual dining with a creative culinary twist. This gastropub is celebrated for its innovative menu that features everything from gourmet burgers and tacos to a wide selection of craft beers and cocktails. Its laid-back atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal with friends.

Coconuts On The Beach

Situated directly on the sands of Cocoa Beach, Coconuts On The Beach is the go-to for those looking to dine with an unbeatable ocean view. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, this beachside bar and grill serves up fresh seafood, burgers, and tropical drinks amidst live music and the soothing sounds of the surf. It’s an ideal place for a beach day with a fun vibe.

At The Port

Port Canaveral hosts a variety of dining and live entertainment options, perfect for ending a day at the beach. Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar and Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill offer delicious seafood with views of the water, while Rusty’s Seafood and Oyster Bar provides a relaxed setting to enjoy fresh oysters and other local catches. Each spot at the port offers a unique taste of local flavors and live music, making it a must-visit area for those who enjoy dining by the water.

These destinations in Cocoa Beach offer a rich blend of shopping, dining, and beachside entertainment, perfect for a day trip or an extended stay.

The LimoVenture Experience

Traveling with LimoVenture means you’re not just getting a ride—you’re booking an experience. Their fleet of luxury limousines and party buses are equipped with top-of-the-line amenities, ensuring your travel to and from Cocoa Beach is part of the fun. With comfortable seating, entertainment systems, and onboard refreshments, the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.

LimoVenture not only elevates your travel experience but also ensures it is filled with luxury, safety, and fun. Book your next group outing to Cocoa Beach with LimoVenture and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Culture, Society & Lifestyle Family & Parenting Lifestyle Living U.S

Caris Snider, Author of Anxiety Elephants, Advocates Mental Health Awareness with Groundbreaking Book Series

Anxiety is often likened to an elephant in the room affecting millions of people worldwide and what many don’t know is that it is the number one mental health struggle across all age groups. From teenagers grappling with the issues of adolescence to adults juggling the overwhelming demands of modern life, people often feel alone as they wrestle to manage the symptoms and challenges of anxiety.

Caris Snider is an anxiety advocate, speaker, and author of the groundbreaking series of books, Anxiety Elephants, that provides a roadmap for understanding the complexities and burdens of dealing with the symptoms of this common mental battle. Drawing from her own struggles with anxiety, she shares, “When I first started dealing with symptoms, it felt like I had an elephant on my chest. I also thought I was all alone and, as a person of faith, I didn’t think I was supposed to have these problems. When I found a way through the darkness, I wanted to share what I discovered to help others dealing with anxiety and that led me to write my first book, a 10-Day Devotional on stomping out Anxiety Elephants.”

Snider’s first book was so well received that she saw a need to create a series on the topic that would help moms, children, and teens through their daily struggles and shared some of the coping techniques for confronting their fears while also embracing a future filled with promise.

The beginning to understanding how to conquer anxiety is awareness. “Some people don’t even realize that they’re experiencing signs of anxiety,” according to Caris. “Symptoms have many forms and can include having a rapid heart rate, feeling breathless, having sleepless nights, being overly emotional to the point of bursting into tears, or even being afraid that something really bad will happen. I want you to know that you have the power to take back control and that’s why I’ve written this series of books.”

One of the features that makes the Anxiety Elephants book series unique is that Caris Snider has included action steps for readers to take in each book to help them conquer the problem. Here are three things she suggests to do when someone is experiencing symptoms.

1.    Deep Breathing Helps Calm the Anxiety.  Caris says that, “When fear grips you, take a moment to pause and engage in a deep breathing exercise. This simple practice helps shift your focus from the emotional part of our brain to the thinking part,” and provides a soothing effect similar to a massage for the mind.

2.    Focus on Gratitude. When anxiety hits, think about good things to activate positive emotion. “Cultivating a mindset of gratitude helps reframe your perspective and fosters a sense of positivity even in the midst of anxiety,” Caris shares. It sounds simple, but it can be a game changer.

3.    Dump the Negativity from the Brain. For anyone struggling with anxious thoughts, Caris has a brain dump exercise. “Take post-it notes and jot down negative thoughts, then tear them up and discard them. Then, you want to replace these negative thoughts with positive truths. You may want to keep post-its handy, like in the car, so you can write them down whenever you have anxious thoughts.” This exercise helps rewire the brain to almost physically let go of anxious thoughts by tearing them up and then take control of the mind and emotions replacing negative ideas with positive ones.

With a degree in Child Development, Caris Snider is a Speaker, Anxiety Advocate, and Author, who is on a mission to confront the number one mental health struggle with her transformative Anxiety Elephants book series. This includes the best-selling children’s book, There’s An Elephant on My Chest that she uses as an ice-breaker and tool to engage with children and teens when speaking at schools to share her practical solutions on how to shrink those “elephants” as well as ways on how to talk through anxiety with trusted adults.

Beyond school settings, Caris is dedicated to making a lasting impact and speaks at community groups and women’s conferences to give insight and support for moms struggling with anxiety or helping them understand how to help their children navigate it. She loves connecting with parents on Instagram and directly through her website since she is committed to help moms, children, and teens find freedom from fear in the fight against anxiety.

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Hospitality Lifestyle Living Travel U.S

Months After the Lahaina Fires, Visitors Respectfully Return to the Island as Maui Tourism Recovers

In August 2023, historic Lahaina in West Maui was devastated by a fire that destroyed the town. It left residents with unimaginable grief over the loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods where local jobs, local businesses, and the entire community rely on tourism. Maui is known for its incredible beauty found nowhere else in the world and as the island officially began welcoming visitors back in early November, Mike White, who managed two prestigious hotels on Maui for over 35 years and is a Member of the Board of Directors for the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, shared how the people of Maui are doing in the midst of recovery.

White, who was interviewed by AM Northwest at the Maui Ocean Center, said, “As you can imagine, the people of Maui are hurting. And everyone is navigating it differently. It is going to take some time to process, heal, and focus on rebuilding their lives. But our people are resilient, hard-working, and have a lot of aloha toward each other and will get through this just fine.” He added, “But it is important to realize that 85% of the jobs on Maui are either fully or partially dependent on tourism. So the return of visitors to Maui is critical to our recovery.”

Although, Lahaina remains closed to the public out of respect for the community and as debris removal and clean up efforts have started, many people do not realize it is just a small pocket of West Maui and most accommodations have reopened except for Lahaina Town proper. The vast majority of Maui was unaffected, untouched, and has remained open including Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Upcountry, and Hānaare that have been welcoming travelers.

Since so many people are looking for ways to support Maui, Mike White has some suggestions, “If you already love Maui, then we’d love to welcome you back and if you’ve never visited before, then it’s time you did and experience hiking through rainforests, walking on mountaintops, and tasting delicious local produce at a roadside farm stand. Here at the Maui Ocean Center, you can learn about Hawai‘i’s marine life including conservation initiatives aimed to protect our oceans. Supporting these local spots is the most generous way you can help Maui residents and businesses right now.”

Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA) wants visitors to come and enjoy all Maui has to offer and also wants them to know that they can compassionately express the aloha spirit in several ways. First, they ask for sensitivity for residents still healing from the Lahaina event and that visitors refrain from asking what they’ve been through since even a well-meaning question may be difficult for some still navigating what happened. Second, there are still areas that are closed to the public so they appreciate that visitors respect these closures. Finally, the HTA expresses mahalo for understanding and anyone wanting to visit the island or find out more about how to be a part of the Maui recovery can go to GoHawaii.com/Maui.

 

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Culture, Society & Lifestyle Family & Parenting Lifestyle Living U.S

Dr. RJ Jackson, Teen Life Coach, Shares His Secrets on How to Motivate an Unmotivated Teenager

The teen years can certainly be difficult and over 80% of teenagers struggle with confidence and motivation that often results in having few close friends and a lack of drive to achieve their goals. Dr. RJ Jackson (Dr. RJ) is on a mission to not only help teenagers tackle some of their toughest challenges, but also create a bridge that allows parents and teens to communicate effectively.

According to Dr. RJ, the two biggest problems teens face are confidence and motivation. He explains, “Most parents believe that this is caused by social media, but this has actually been a problem for teens long before social media existed. For example, if your child is shy and maybe has a resistance to try new things, it’s most likely a confidence issue. Or if your child procrastinates and you have to force them to do things, it’s most likely an issue with motivation.”

Parents and teachers may think that this is typical or normal behavior for a teen and that willpower is the answer to get their child to do their chores or homework, but as Dr. RJ shared on a recent interview with We Are Austin, willpower doesn’t work. “Willpower doesn’t work because what we’re asking a child to do is to overcome something that is painful. You see, all humans are wired the same – they want to avoid pain and pursue pleasure,” he says. “For example, you have a child who hates school and homework so that’s in the pain category and then you’re expecting this child to do something they don’t like. And when they do the thing they don’t enjoy, it brings more pain. This is why willpower will never work and will never be sustainable.” 

Dr. RJ Jackson says that the number one way he has found to flip the switch for an unmotivated teen is conditioning. He takes the two categories of pain and pleasure and helps the child decide how to sort it effectively, “For example, when we have a child who wants to make friends, but all the things required to make new friends include meeting new people and trying new things that is in their pain category, they naturally won’t do it. Conditioning is when we take those activities that cause pain and show them how to move them into their pleasure category so they’ll naturally re-condition their mind and that’s how we flip the switch.”

As a leading authority in teen development, Dr. RJ Jackson has coached over 10,000 teens in the past decade and is dedicated to helping teenagers maximize their full potential. In his book, Parenting Happy Teens: It’s An Inside Job, he helps parents understand the reasons why teenagers make self-destructive choices, experience so much stress, worry, and unhappiness, and he shares how they can overcome these challenges. He loves connecting with parents and teens on Instagram and directly through his website since he is committed to making a lasting impact on the next generation.