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If we hadn’t seen it for ourselves, we’d be calling bologna on this one. But it’s for real. You can now hydrate your face with Oscar Mayer bologna hydrogel sheet masks. Because it’s 2022. Why wouldn’t we put bologna on our faces?
But don’t barf. There’s no pressed meat involved. They just look like bologna, but they’re actually lined with Witch Hazel Botanical and seaweed-derived ingredients that protect and hydrate.
Why bologna? Because you can’t spell delightful without deli, and we could all use a slice of self-care every now and then.
Whether you’re buried in a few feet of snow or just watching Frosty the Snowman on repeat, bring the wintry weather into your kitchen by whipping up some snowman-inspired treats. We’ve even got a recipe for the hot chocolate bomb that’s all the rage this year. Scroll down to get inspired—your little snow bunnies will love munching on these adorable snacks.
Melting Snowman Hot Chocolate Bombs
iStock
Unless you've been living under a pile of snow, you likely know that hot chocolate bombs are all the rage this year. Julie Blanner has a hot chocolate bomb recipe that's super easy to execute and guaranteed to delight the kids.
We love these little sushi snowmen from Busy in Brooklyn. With a seaweed scarf, a wasabi beret and (of course) a carrot nose, they’ll be a fantastic addition to your table.
For an indulgent treat, try these cute cookie dough bites from Sarah’s Bake Studio. Dipped in white chocolate and decorated to look like a smiling snowman, they’re quick to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Take a boring old bowl of soup to the next level with this amazing idea from Spice Up Your Life with a Taste of Japan. Made with a simple chowder base (which could be swapped out for your favorite soup recipe), the cheesy snowman topping becomes the star of the show.
How adorable are these snowman marshmallows from The Suburban Soapbox? These little guys will be the perfect topper for your cup of cocoa, and the kids can help decorate them with smiling faces.
Keep it simple (but still snowy) by making these delish cookies from Dear Crissy. Also known as Mexican wedding cakes or Russian tea cakes, they’re smothered in powdered sugar to make a super indulgent treat.
We can’t resist a good cake pop, and this snowman variety from 52 Kitchen Adventures is no exception. Made with a vanilla cake base, coated in creamy white chocolate and topped off with edible ink decorations, these cuties are bound to be a kid-favorite.
Your little ones will love finding this snowy surprise from Lisa Storms in their lunchbox. A simple sandwich becomes a snowman face, a few marshmallows and pretzels transform into snowmen and some extra “noses” on the side round the meal out.
One of the biggest questions that have come up with the recent hate crimes against the AAPI community is how to raise anti-racist kids. While there is no one right way to do it, there are a plethora of ways to model inclusivity and teach kids the importance of diversity.
Have Frequent Honest Conversations With Your Kids
From a young, impressionable age, educate your kids about diversity and inclusion by having frequent conversations that recognize and celebrate differences. Many parents are surprised at how helpful simply talking about diversity and inclusion can be, and how non-judgemental kids really are. Just last week, I was talking to my 10-year-old about different minority groups and I was blown away. He said he doesn’t care what skin color someone is, where someone lives, what gender they identify with or who they love as long as they were kind, fun, and a good friend. It’s truly that simple. We are born without judgment. Hate and bigotry is something we are taught or modeled, so it really comes down to setting a good example.
Help Your Kids Process Their Feelings
Much like you would process an internal family conflict, a disappointing event at school, or a bad grade, it’s important for parents to help kids process what they are seeing in the media. You don’t want to shield your kids from the outside world, but parents should take time to process what is going on in the world, e.g the #StopAsianHate movement. Watch your responses and physical reactions to media pieces, as your kids see and hear everything. Ask your kids how they are feeling with everything going on.
Experience Different Cultures
In an ideal world, we would be able to travel the world to immerse ourselves in different cultures but it isn’t always financially possible. I have been having my older son pick different influential people in history from the “Who Is” series and present lessons on them to me. This puts them in a teacher role and you in a student role. We also go on Amazon Explore to virtually travel to different parts of the world to learn about their traditions with a live interactive one-on-one guide.
Be Mindful Of What You Consume
Model inclusivity as a parent by consuming art, movies, music, and more from a variety of different cultures. In my family, we watch documentaries and then talk about what we learned as a family. We also role-play and discuss stereotypes whenever possible. View these as opportunities to have a more open dialogue with your child and to talk about your own family’s rich history, their journey to America, and the traditions you maintain to this day.
Highlight the Beauty in Diversity
Pay attention to how you communicate with and about others. As an Asian, I get asked most often…”Where are you from?” The simple answer is here. I was born and raised in Orange County. So when you ask where I am from, I am from here. You might also be wondering what my ethnicity is but that is a different question. I am an American, the daughter of immigrants from India and Indonesia (Chinese). Teaching your child the difference between ethnicity and nationality is a great place to start, and sharing details of your own family history can help inspire your kids to see the beauty in diversity.
Model Speaking Up & Out
This past year there has been so much hate and violence toward Black people, Asians, and other minorities in this country. As a first-generation American, I grew up being taught not to speak out against injustices, but to keep silent. To move on. To say things only within our home. I think we are the generation that is changing that. We have to change that. Innocent Asian people are being attacked because of how they look and bigotry, and my heart is broken. I always think that could have been my Mom or my Dad, and that is not ok. All these lives that have been affected by Asian hate…they are someone’s Mom, Dad, grandparent, sibling just going about their lives before being harassed or violently attacked. As a parent, show your child how to speak up and out when faced with injustice.
Proudly Eat Foods From Different Cultures
I remember never wanting to bring leftovers to school for lunch because they were “smelly”, so I opted for something more socially-acceptable. I ate my Kimchi at home, I wouldn’t let my mom make Indian curry if friends were coming over, and my husband has been the only guy I ever let see my 99 Ranch Market purchases. I love everything from the seaweed crackers, mae ploy sauce and jackfruit to the pickled daikon radish, boba ice cream, sticky rice dessert, and fresh noodles. It has taken me a long time to be proud of my heritage and present it to the outside world. I suggest parents eat their favorite foods proudly and introduce their kids to foods from different cultures early on. When they are old enough, you could also sign them up for cooking lessons so they can learn how to make things like dumplings or curry. If you want your kids to embrace diversity, start in the kitchen.
I know the majority of people in this country don’t hate Asians but the recent attacks have hit hard and close to home. I’m not always sure how to stop it or how to be a part of the solution, but I do want to keep the conversation going because change is imperative. I’m here to lend a voice, to have a conversation, and to create a better world for our kids. I want a world where my boys can be proud to be 1/2 Asian and celebrate their culture. Life is hard as it is…the color of our skin shouldn’t be one of the aspects making it harder. After all, we are a country of immigrants.
Veena mom of 2 boys (Max and Eddie), is a former Miss California and currently works on TV as an expert in the parenting, lifestyle, beauty and fashion space, You may have seen her on The Doctors, Ktla, Extra and FabFitFun TV and more. Veena currently resides in Boulder with her family.
The Chicago River is a winding, wonderful and wacky body of water. It flows backwards, right through the heart of Chicago, linking Lake Michigan to the Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico. Not only does it get dyed bright green on St. Patrick’s Day, but it also has its own incredible, unique bridges that open and close to traffic, as well as its very own troupe of water taxis. Read on to learn how to get a truly unique look into the magic behind the iconic Chicago bridges with a visit to the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum.
See the inner mechanisms that make a Chicago River bridge move
Located on the south end of Michigan Avenue, the museum begins at river level and spirals five stories up. This one of a kind museum takes you inside a Chicago drawbridge, where you’ll have the chance to see firsthand all the large and small gears that so elegantly lift our city’s bridges. Educational exhibits showcase the history of both the river as well as the science and technology behind it all. Be sure to climb to the tippy top of the Bridgehouse, where you’ll be treated to a splendid 360 degree view of both the city and river.
Make a reservation at the Fish Hotel
Chicago’s one and only fish hotel is located in the river, just near the McCormick Bridgehouse. The hotel is actually a floating garden that provides rest and a safe harbor for sunfish, bluegills, carp and other finned friends that pass through the big city to spend the night. See how many fish you can spot mingling in the hotel’s seaweed-filled lobby.
See a bridge lift in action
From April to November, Chicago bridges lift and let through passing boats. You can see this engineering feat in action from inside the Bridge Museum. You’ll need to make a special reservation to take part in this truly amazing event, so check the museum’s schedule of bridge lifts at bridgehousemuseum.org/bridge-lifts and order tickets in advance.
Hours and cost to visit
The museum is open May 18 through Nov. 3, Fri.-Mon., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Thurs., noon-7 p.m. General admission runs $6/adult, $5/ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and under. Bridge lift viewing tickets are $10. Tip: General admission is free for everyone on Sunday!
Spend a day on the Chicago River
Make a day of your visit to the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum by taking some time to explore the river by boat and bike. Take a (super cheap!) river cruise in a Chicago Water Taxi, which carries passengers between Chinatown and Madison Street on the south branch; La Salle Street, The Chicago Riverwalk at Clark Street, and Michigan Avenue on the main branch, and North Avenue on the North Branch. Dig into an all-American beef burger with a yummy shake (or icy, blended cocktail!) on the side as you overlook one of the best vistas in the city at the Chicago Burger Company located on the Chicago Riverwalk.
McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
376 N. Michigan Ave.
312-977-0227
Online: bridgehousemuseum.org
— Amy Bizzarri
Photos: McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum
If an all-you-can-eat IKEA Easter buffet for under $13 sounds like a dream—wake up, because it’s a reality! The Swedish retailer is celebrating the season with its annual Easter Påskbord and we’ve got the need-to-know details for you.
As if noshing on IKEAS’s famed Swedish meatballs and lingonberry jam wasn’t a treat on its own, now you can get a feast of foodie finds for one low price—but it’s only for one day. The Easter Påskbord buffet is on Apr. 5 at participating IKEA stores across the United States.
The buffet includes three courses, desserts, and beverages. The first course includes tasty treats such as assorted varieties of herring, deviled eggs with shrimp or seaweed pearls, marinated salmon with mustard sauce, and poached salmon with cucumber dill sauce. The second course features assorted Swedish cheeses, Swedish cucumber salad, Swedish red potato salad, and crispbread, crisprolls, softbread and thinbread. Third course offerings include chicken meatballs, Swedish meatballs with Lingonberry Jam, mashed potatoes or boiled dilled potatoes, Jansson’s Temptations, and Swedish ham. Along with these savory selections, you can also get your fill of assorted Swedish desserts, cookies, fountain drinks, and hot beverages.
Seriously consider buying advanced tickets—seating is limited. Contact your local IKEA store for details. Prices are $16.99 per adult and $4.99 per child (ages 12 and under). IKEA FAMILY members get the discounted rate of $12.99 per adult and $2.99 per child.
As if doo doo doo doo doo wasn’t already playing on repeat in your head, in the not-so-distant future your kiddo can hum the ever-popular ear worm all day long while playing with their very own Baby Shark Play-Doh set. The set, which debuts this May, includes everything your little one needs to turn the Pinkfong fave into a reality.
From singing plushes to sound puzzles, you can find Baby, Daddy and Mommy shark all over the toy aisle. And now that extends to one of the most iconic pieces of childhood awesomeness—Play-Doh.
The Baby Shark Play-Doh playset comes with baby, mommy and daddy shark shaped cutters, seaweed accessories, fish mold, Pinkfong stamper, kid-friendly knife, coral roller, extra cutters and 12 cans of the brightly-colored, moldable compound. The set will sell for $14.99 and will be available in May.
Just because school is out doesn’t mean that learning needs to end. But, since it’s summer vacation time, learning should be strictly fun in our book! We rounded up the coolest science experiments for kids that can be done on while enjoying sun, sand and surf. From the science of sand castles to studying the tides, here are a bunch of ideas to make your next beach day one to remember.
Look over the experiments below and pack along the needed items. Some will require assembly ahead of time, and most are easy to pull off, but if you’re like us, you might want to try them out by yourself before showing your kids in order to keep the eye-rolling to a minimum.
Things to Pack: Sandcastle tools (pails, shovels, cups of different sizes, etc.)
Things to Do: Scoop up the driest sand you can find on the beach and have your kid pack it in a cup as tight as they can. Turn it upside down and see what happens. When the sand comes pouring out, have your kid try it again with sand that has a bit more moisture and repeat. Continue doing so (perhaps adding a little water to the mix) until you get a nice solid cylinder of sand.
Things to Discuss: Kids will clue in pretty quickly that wet sand holds together better than dry sand, but help them understand that water actually creates a thin “bridge” or “glue” that helps to hold the sand together. This is due to the surface tension of the water. Too much water and the “bridge” or “glue” gets broken down. Continue making observations throughout your masterpiece making. Make a moat. Does the water stay in place or does it get absorbed in the sand?
Things to Pack: Two empty bottles or canning jars A funnel A few paper towels A few paper coffee filters
Things to Do: In one bottle, place the funnel at the top and line with a paper towel. Fill the second bottle with dirty water (We suggest filling water from the lake or ocean and adding in sand granules, specks of seaweed, a teaspoon or two of dirt, etc. However, you don’t want really muddy water.). Pour the dirty water into the other bottle through the funnel. Next, replace the paper towel with a coffee filter and repeat the process. Then, do the experiment one more time with two coffee filters.
Things to Discuss: At each stage, ask your kiddos what they see. Did the paper towel capture some of the dirt particles while others ran through? Does the water get cleaner the more filters that are used? Explain that we use filters all the time at home, and a water filter keeps the dirt out and makes the water safe to drink.
The Big Rocks in Life
Things to Pack: Two large wide-mouthed jars One smaller jar
Things to Do: Collect two piles of large rocks or driftwood of about the same size. Then gather two piles of smaller rocks and shells, two piles of sand and a jar of water. Have your kid fill one jar with the sand, then the smaller rocks, and finally the larger rocks. There shouldn't be room to hold all of the big rocks. Then repeat the process with the other jar placing the big rocks in first, then the smaller rocks and then the sand and everything should fit. For the grand finale, pour the water into the jar.
Things to Discuss: Were your kids surprised you could fit everything in the jar if they did it in reverse order? Did they think there would be a difference? This is an exercise that is often meant to symbolize life’s priorities, but it can also serve as a way to show spatial awareness too.
Become a Sand Inspector
Things to Pack: A few sheets of black and white construction paper A magnifying glass A magnet A clear “zippable” plastic bag A few toothpicks
Things to Do: Place the magnet in the plastic bag. While holding the magnet, push the bag into the sand. Slowly lift the bag up. If your beach contains sand made from granite, then little black specks should be attracted to the magnet. Sprinkle these granules on the white paper. Then, sprinkle some lighter sand particles on the black paper and look at them through the magnifying glass. Try to pile the grains of different sand with the toothpicks.
Things to Discuss: At first, all sand looks alike, but by looking more closely, you’ll see different colors and textures meaning that each sand particle came from much larger rocks of different colors and textures. The black sand is made of magnetite which forms when iron is mixed with oxygen.
Wave Watching
Things to Pack: A watch or stopwatch A pencil Notepaper
Things to Do: Look for an item bobbing up and down in the water like a bird or throw in a small piece of driftwood. Use your watch to time how long it takes for the object to go from the top of the crest to the bottom and back up again. That’s one bob. Record how long it takes for ten bobs to happen and then divide that number by ten. That will give you an average time for each wave’s period.
Things to Discuss: When the water is at its high point, it is called a crest. When it dips down to its lowest point, it is called a trough. The space between two crests is called a wavelength.
Explore a Tide Pool
Things to Pack: Water shoes – careful where you step!
Things to Do: Look for periwinkles – little snails that live on the top of rocks in the “splash zone.” Look for barnacles – grayish/white bits that look like tiny volcanos. Look for mussels – blueish/black shellfish. Look for sea anemones – they look like flowers. Look for starfish
Things to Discuss: All of these creatures are alive and are animals. When the rocks are dry, periwinkles will seal themselves up, so they don’t dry out. Barnacles close up when out of the water, but they feed on smaller plants and animals while submerged in the water. Mussels attach themselves to rocks so that they aren’t pulled away with the waves. Sea anemones will close up when gently poked. They stretch out in the water and shrink down when they are dry. Starfish “play dead” when they are out of the water but will slowly move when in it.
Things to Pack: Plastic ice cream bucket or something similar Plastic wrap Large rubber band
Things to Do: Before you leave the house, cut a hole (large enough to fit your kid’s hand in) about an inch away from the bottom of the bucket. When at the beach, cover the top of the bucket with plastic wrap and secure with rubber band. Make sure that the plastic wrap has some give to it. Pour water on top of the plastic wrap so that it sags down a bit. Then, have your kid hold different objects in the hole and look at them from the top of the bucket.
Things to Discuss: The water is deeper in the middle and shallower on the sides just like a swimming pool and also like a magnifying lens making those objects appear larger.
Become a (Wind) Speed Racer
Things to Pack: Two strips of cardboard Four paper cups Straight pin or thumb tack Pencil with an eraser Stopwatch Pen and paper
Things to Do: You’ll want to do the first part of this experiment at home. Cut out two strips of cardboard so that they are about an inch wide and about 12 inches long. Staple a paper cup at each end of the strips—one going the opposite direction from the other. Mark one cup with a large “X.” When at the beach, cross the cardboard strips together so that the top of each cup is pointed at the bottom of the next cup all the way around. Use the straight pin or thumbtack to puncture a hole in the middle of the strips and then stick it into the pencil. Facing the wind, see how many times the marked cup spins in 15 seconds. Multiply this number by four to get the total number of spins per minute, and mark down your findings. Repeat the process a few times during your beach visit.
Things to Discuss: You created an anemometer. How did the wind speeds vary from each time you recorded? Was it faster in the morning or faster in the evening? When the wind pushed the cups, the air molecules caused them to spin around the pin. The faster wind pushed harder than the slower wind.
Whirlpool in a Bottle
Things to Pack: Two empty and clear 2-liter bottles Metal washer Duct tape
Things to Do: Fill one bottle with about two-thirds of sea or lake water. You might want to toss in a few specs of seaweed or leaves too. Place the washer on the bottle and line up the empty bottle on top of the water-filled one. Wrap the duct tape around the middle securing the two bottles together. Then, turn the bottles upside down.
Things to Discuss: Does the water go straight down or do you see a mini whirlpool (Swirl the top bottom a bit for a better effect.)? The spinning water is called a vortex, and all tornadoes, hurricanes and typhoons are examples of air vortexes. Since you’re using water, this is an example of a whirlpool. As the water spins faster, it pushes to the outside of the bottle creating a hole in the middle. The air from the bottom of the bottle comes up the middle and the water from the top flows back down through the hole.
Hunting for Crabs
Things to pack: Small shovels
Things to Do: Walk down the beach toward the water, and look down for little holes. Sometimes you’ll find a bubble or two coming up. With your shovel, dig in the sand a few inches under the hole and scoop up the sand. When you brush away the wet sand, you might find a small crab or other creature.
Things to Discuss: Crabs protect themselves by burying themselves in the sand when waves or other threats come by. While your kids might be tempted to take the baby crabs home to live as a pet, you’ll want to discourage this idea as they won't stay alive for long.
Are you a super mom looking to amp up your daily dose of superfoods? Never fear—we’ve created a list of superfood recipes that are as healthy as they are delicious. From an acai smoothie bowl and homemade kale chips to a divine dark chocolate bark, comb through the ideas below for some super inspiration.
With perks like vitamin E, vitamin B6 and “good” fats, it’s no wonder avocado gets so much attention. We like how this idea goes beyond the standard avocado toast—you can even use other superfoods as toppings for an extra healthy kick. Learn more over at The View from Great Island.
Kale sports a ton of antioxidants, like vitamin C and beta-carotene, that will help keep you in tip-top shape and may even give your skin a beauty boost. The easiest way to get your fix? Kale chips! Go for homemade instead of store-bought with this recipe from A Little Yumminess.
Psst! Eating just a handful of walnuts a day can help you lower cholesterol, boost brain power, sleep better, prevent heart disease and more. Sounds pretty good, right? We recommend this ultra-classy way to eat walnuts—complete with brie and drizzled honey. For the how-to, head over to Inspired Taste.
This chocolate’s just for Mama! Not only does it give you a dark chocolate fix, it’s also topped with healthy nuts, seeds and goji berries, which offer beta-carotene, antioxidants and other immune-boosting perks. See? It’s your healthy duty to break off a piece of this bark. For the recipe, visit Choosing Chia.
Ready for a superfood double whammy? Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants, phytoflavinoids, potassium and vitamin C. Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Combine ‘em both in this irresistible salad, and you’ve got a real winner of a dinner. Get the recipe from The View from Great Island.
Heads up, coffee lovers! This pudding fulfills your coffee craving and is positively filled with chia seeds. Those little black specks have an abundance of fatty acids, magnesium, iron and more. It’s the perfect reason to grab a spoon and dig in! You can nab the recipe from Nutritionist Meets Chef.
Oh my, omega-3s! Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which means you should definitely bookmark this recipe from A Healthy Slice of Life. The bourbon glaze adds a little something special, and the whole thing cooks up in about 10 minutes. Ready to try it? Get the recipe here.
Almonds are the most nutritionally dense nut, with a high amount of fiber, potassium, iron, protein and more. The best way to much on this super snack? By tossing them with fresh cilantro and spices! Get the easy how-to over at Chef Savvy.
In addition to avocado benefits, these tasty bowls also offer all the perks of garlic. (Think: vitamins C and B6, manganese, antioxidants and more.) Combine all that with quinoa, and you’ve got a healthy meal filled with get-up-and-go. Find the recipe at Spirited and Then Some.
Seaweed is definitely worth eating for its antioxidants, calcium, and a wide range of vitamins—but if you’re looking to branch out from sushi rolls, why not use it to amp up your popcorn? This idea from Food to Glow has a little spice, sesame seeds, and seaweed flakes. You can also sub in kale! Learn more here.
You can’t beat the benefits of beets! They offer vitamins A, B, and C, potassium and fiber—among other things. For an extra elevated sandwich, try combining beets and goat cheese—we guarantee it’ll be the tastiest, most grown-up grilled cheese you’ve ever had. Get the recipe from BS’ in the Kitchen.
Green Goblin Smoothie
Lindsey Johnson
What’s the perfect smoothie for a mom-on-the-go? This green concoction, which includes a whole lot of fruit (hello, vitamins!) and iron and calcium-rich spinach. The creamy and lightly sweet flavor will even please the kids—if you feel like sharing. Get the recipe here.
Love lentils? You should! They’re cheap, versatile and high in protein—not to mention, an excellent source of folate, potassium, and a bunch of antioxidants. Lentils make these quesadillas especially yummy, and since they’re pureed and mixed with salsa, they taste like refried beans. Get the recipe from Food Faith Fitness.
Did you know that just one kiwi packs 107% of your daily vitamin C? And one cup provides more potassium than the same amount of sliced bananas, but with less sugar and calories. That means that these popsicles are a real healthy treat—they even include some sneaky frozen peas! Get the recipe by clicking here.
Is this easy smoothie bowl the perfect dessert? You tell us—it’s packed with fruit, almond milk and pecans and all the vitamins and minerals that come with those awesomely healthy ingredients. You can use a combo of fresh and frozen fruit and even customize with other add-ins. Get the recipe from Veggies Don’t Bite.
What’s your favorite superfood recipe? Share with us in a comment below.
Just in time for Spring Break, Trip Advisor has released their picks for the top 25 best beaches in the United States, so you can pretty much solidify your vacay plans now. Both Florida and Hawaii steal the spotlight, taking up the top 5 spots between the two of them, and we can definitely see why. Crystal clear warm waters, white sand beaches and that delicious ocean breeze make a family beach vacation a great choice for your upcoming break.
Here are the top five choices from Trip Advisor. Grab your towel and sunscreen and hit the beach!
Shallow waters and white sand mean Clearwater Beach in Florida is a great destination for young families. The beach is just one of 88 things to do listed by Trip Advisor for this destination. If sand between your toes isn't your thing, take the kids to the Clearwater Aquarium, on a ferry ride or head to a winery. Plenty of fun for everyone!
South of Sarasota, Siesta Beach, Florida is a great option if you have lots of little swimmers. Known for its hard-packed sand and gorgeous sunsets, Siesta Beach is nestled within the Siesta Keys. Volleyball courts, plenty of food options and chair rentals make this beach the perfect place to pick a spot and stay all day.
It would be flat-out wrong to visit Maui and not check out Lahaina's Ka'anapali Beach. Gentle winds and tons of sea life (think turtles and whales) make this a beach on the more relaxing side. Seasoned beachgoers report no seaweed and no sand flies, and plenty of restaurants and shops within walking distance.
Enjoy a relaxing beach vacation and probably spot a celebrity or two if you visit South Beach this Spring Break. Known for its fine sand and wide beaches, South Beach is home to many a fashion photo shoot and is great for families with pre-teens or teenagers. With tons of shops, restaurants and hotels in this hot-spot, you should have no problem finding a place to stay and eat, all within your budget.
Novice and beginner snorkelers will love the beach at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Be prepared to pay for entering and allow time to watch a video on respecting the preserve and wildlife, but it's well worth it. Even if you don't plan on a snorkel trip, this beach is beautiful and a perfect spot to take in all the natural beauty that Hawaii has to offer.
You can find the remaining top 20 ranked beaches over at Trip Advisor.
Are you planning on taking a Spring or Summer beach vacation? We’d love to hear your travel plans! Share your details in the comments below.
Dolphins are arguably some of the most intelligent animals in the world. They use tools, help their sick, play games and have a complex language all their own. Read on for 10 cool facts about these fascinating aquatic creatures.
1. Dolphins have been seen wrapping sea sponge around their long snouts to protect them from cuts while foraging for food. They even teach their young this tool-using technique.
2. Each dolphin has its own signature whistle. They communicate using an exchange of clicks, whistles and squeaks. They can make up to 1000 clicking noises per second!
3. The Killer Whale (Orca) is actually a type of dolphin.
4. Dolphins use echolocation: they use sound to determine the distance and location of objects, food and one another. Some dolphins have excellent eyesight, but many, including the river dolphins, have poor sight and rely on echolocation to help them navigate and hunt.
5. The Amazon and Orinico Rivers are home to pink river dolphins. These are the largest freshwater dolphin in the world and really are pale pink in color.
6. The Hector dolphin, from New Zealand, adores games. They’ve been seen playing with seaweed and blowing bubbles.
7. Only half of the dolphin’s brain goes to sleep when asleep and the other half stays awake.
8. Baby and young dolphins rest, eat and sleep while the mother swims. The mother doesn’t stop swimming for the first several weeks of a newborn’s life, in order to keep the baby afloat. (So dolphin moms are sleep deprived too!)
9. Dolphins have been seen helping a sick or injured member of their pod to the surface of the water.
10. They breathe through nostrils on top of their heads, also known as blowholes. While time varies greatly from species to species and is dependent on the activity, the average dolphin needs to 8-12 breathes per minute if active, and about 3 when less so.
Know any cool facts about dolphins? Share with us in the comments below.
