JenOni

Archives for May 2019

Summer Learning with GSK Science in the Summer Program

The summer break brings a lot of downtime for kids. If you are interested in an educational program, check out the link below for more details on the GSK Science in Summer program.

According to a recent article by Oxford Learning, students lose 2-3 months of reading skills over the summer on average. “A majority of students (56 percent) want to be involved in a summer program that “helps kids keep up with schoolwork or prepare for the next grade,” said Ruth Peters Ph.D.

GSK Science in the Summer

GSK Science in the Summer is a free STEM program for children in underserved communities across the country. This year’s summer enrichment program “The Science of Me”, sponsored by global healthcare company GSK and administered by one of the nation’s premier centers of science education, The Franklin Institute, engages children in science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on learning and exploration. Overall, this program will aid 26,000 students nationwide during the summer months.

For those in the Philadelphia area, the program is sponsored by GSK and administered by The Franklin Institute. The free program is for students entering grades 2-6 and held at libraries in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. Registration has opened in each county. Here is the link to register

Both representatives from GSK and The Franklin Institute give compelling reasons why this program is vital for expanding interests in STEM.

STEM

“At a time of skyrocketing demand for STEM skills in our nation’s workforce, GSK Science in the Summer™ continues to bridge a gap in access to science education where it is widest,” said Marti Skold-Jordan, Manager of US Community Partnerships at GSK. “We’re proud of our joint efforts with The Franklin Institute, as well as every parent and educator, to instill a love of learning in all of our students.”
Over the past 33 years, GSK Science in the Summer™ has brought free science education to more than 300,000 students nationwide. This summer alone, 26,000 children across the U.S. will discover how food fuels our bodies, where oxygen goes when we breathe it, how our brains interpret the world, and the role DNA plays in making us who we are.


“Engaging students in STEM at an early age is critical to fostering the next generation of scientists and innovators, and one of the best ways we can prepare students for lifelong success,” said Dr. Darryl Williams, Senior Vice President of Science and Education at The Franklin Institute. “We are extremely proud of this program, and of the partnership with GSK that makes STEM learning accessible and fun for students across the country.”

As a STEM graduate, I am encouraging this program for kids who have an interest in the field of STEM.

Foodie Review of Kumano Avocado Sauces for Different Dishes

received samples free of charge; all opinions shared are my own

I love avocados on everything. From my burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and eggs. This sauce is made from avocados in three different flavors: regular, mango, and hot. I sampled all three and love them all. The mango has a hint of sweetness while the hot flavor is a mild kick that is not overpowering.

The sauces are perfect for almost anything you add put sauce on. I added to my ground turkey tacos with my other toppings.

I also added to scrambled eggs for another flavor boost. Now, that grilling season is upon us I can’t wait to use on some of my grilled foods as well. The sauces are easily stored in the refrigerator after opening.

Aging and How we Feel is Key to our Mental and Physical Health

aging

*Post contains an affiliate link, I may receive compensation if you click and purchase*

What does turning 50 mean in 2019? I really feel like 50 is a new age and not the same as my mother’s generation. When I started reading an article in my Shape magazine, titled Youth Science it was just what I believe about aging. I feel our overall perspective on how and what we do affects my physical and mental health. The article states that how long you live is attributed to how you feel, how happy you are and overall health. I learned a new term called subjective age, which is our individual perspective on how we are aging. Sometimes I wonder why I workout and then after I feel a sense of accomplishment. When I see the results of building a stronger, leaner and more flexible body I feel good both physically and mentally. A positive mindset does wonders for how we feel.

Minimize Stress

Some of the key takeaways from the article are four ways to take hold of getting older. As the saying goes, don’t sweat the small stuff, find ways to redirect stress through simple actions. For example, I love eating solo and while some may find this uncomfortable it gives me a chance to enjoy a meal without mutual conversation. This gives me a chance to relax and enjoy the moment. In those instances when I need company, a nice group meal fits for that specific time.

Positive Thinking

Another step is to spin a setback into a positive for a healthier and happier outlook. My number one on the list is exercise. The bottom line is to refrain from being a “Debbie Downer”.

Physical Exercise

Exercise gives me endurance, strength, and positive benefits for my health. Again, my subjective age. I try to diversify my physical activity by trying a new piece of equipment or a new class. This year I signed up for yoga classes. The confidence in trying something new is such a mood booster. Exercise motivates me to make better choices in terms of how and what I eat each week.

Travel

Lastly, traveling to new places. I just had this conversation with someone. Why wait for others to see the world around you? Sometimes it may mean traveling solo and enjoying on your terms. I believe a change of scenery can boost the spirit. I am looking forward to more travel. The idea of visiting new places is intriguing and a mental boost to learning more about the world. Monotony feels boring and being open to new experiences is more exciting.

All of these tips are the best summary of how to live as we age. Aging is much more than an AARP subscription. Make it a priority to live a happier and healthier life!

If You’re Planning Graduation Events, Check Out My Review of Basic Invite

My teen graduates on June 12th and I found some great ideas from Basic Invite for announcements, party invitations, and thank cards. The Basic Invite site allowed me to customize the colors, font, and font size of each sample.

Graduation Announcements, Invitations and Thank You Cards

I ordered samples of a 2019 photo card, a graduation party invitation, and a thank you card in my son’s school colors.

Why Basic Invite?

I ordered samples and they shipped within seven days. The idea of customizing my invitations makes it very unique to my style and taste. The first thing I noticed when I opened the samples was the paper quality. It was very easy to customize each item, specifically with my son’s school colors. The color palette offers a hue to fit all designs. The website is very easy to navigate for designing and editing.

I ordered the envelopes in white. Basic Invite envelopes are available in over forty different colors. Another added bonus with the envelope is they are peel and seal. There is no unpleasant taste from licking envelopes. Basic Invite will print envelope with guest information and return addresses at no charge. There is an additional charge per envelope with the return address only.

Basic Invite offers an address capturing service. The service allows the sender to share a link on social media platforms for guests to submit their addresses. Basic Invite will store the addresses under the sender’s account. During the design of the invitation, the sender can select the addresses from the list.

For an added design touch, some invitations are available with silver, gold or rose gold foil that is either flat or raised.

If you are hosting graduation festivities and in need of invitations, Basic Invite offers designs to fit every occasion. Congratulations to the Class of 2019.

Placing an Order

You can find all the links below for various invitations:

high school graduation invitations

graduation party invitation templates

graduation photo invitations

If you place an order, you can save 15% with the code 15FF51

Notecards

I could not resist designing additional stationery for my blog with notecards. My design includes my blog colors. The paper stock is great quality and I plan to order more.

Birthday Invitations and Thank You Cards

I designed birthday invitations and thank you cards for my 50th.

All the stationery is perfect for all events.

“This blog post was sponsored by Basic Invite”

Inconsistency is Annoying and An Unwelcome Guest for My Adulting

Single Life

Post-divorce taught me inconsistency is very annoying. Why is being a mature adult so hard for some individuals? If you are incapable of being consistent with another human being just own it and move on. After an hour conversation with a friend, her words to me were run girl, run. I am sure my intuition has been working overtime trying to figure it all out. This is such a waste of valuable time. Is anyone losing sleep over my well-being? One thing I know for sure is trying to figure out anyone other than myself is a huge waste of time.

Inconsistency

Inconsistency is unproductive especially if it detracts me from real life goals. When I hear people say someone “completes me”, I cringe because this sounds like a person is not whole without someone else. A person’s actions speak volumes. I am no longer interested in words because as the saying goes talk is cheap. There was a discussion on FB tonight about dating and I can agree with people’s aversion to dating.

Who shows up? Does it feel like a room full of imposters? Are there really genuine people? and if so where are they?