Lora Langston's Blog, page 55

Chick-fil-A New Premium Salads Menu Items and Gift Card Giveaway

Chick-fil-A launched new menu items on April 29.  The premium salads aren't fast food. Think fancy salad in a nice sit down restaurant. That's exactly what they did for us.  To help spread the word Chick-fil-A in Avon, Indiana had a salad tasting party for me and 9 guests. I invited oh so many lovely ladies who could not attend the garden style party, so we took some men who looked a little out of sync with the surroundings. It turned out to be a great idea!  The men wouldn't ordinarily order "girly" salads, but after tasting the new premium salads they were sold.







Our cast of garden party characters.  That's me second on the right.

When the kids were younger, I often met friends for play dates at our local Chick-fil-A.  The kids love the chicken. For me, the menu seemed limited.  I am so excited about these new salad and wrap options.  We got to taste each salad and add special toppings.  My favorite was the Grilled Market Salad loaded with strawberries, blueberries, bleu cheese crumbles, apples, grilled chicken, and zesty apple cider vinaigrette with only 180 calories.







These salads are a healthy fast food alternative.



The Asian Salad has only 330 calories. I didn't think I would like this one. Thank goodness for the tasting party!  Honey-Thai almonds give the salad a little kick. The best part about these salad is you can mix and match the premium, freshly prepared ingredients. So, if you like the almonds order them on your cobb salad.



The cobb salad is loaded with 440 calories of Chick-fil-A goodness. The original breaded chicken tops this salad that is packed with fresh veggies and paired with a delectable avocado lime ranch dressing. Mmm, it is so good!





They've updated their chicken wrap too!




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Look at these adorable favors!  Terra cotta pots filled with gardening items.

Thanks to Ashley and the lovely staff who made us feel comfortable even though we brought burly men and red mohawks to a ladie's garden party. It was so nice to feel pampered. They boxed up the salad leftovers, and I had enough for two more meals! 



Are you hungry yet?  I've got gift cards good for one salad of your choice in June and July. Sign up for our free newsletter for your chance to win.  Already signed up?  Leave a comment below including the words, "eat more chicken".  :)






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How to Get Pinterest Followers Fast ~ Easy Tips to do Today :)

So, have you been wondering how to get Pinterest followers fast?  It seems like it takes forever to get just 1000's followers when you are starting out.  Maybe you aren't a blogger and you are wondering why would anyone want to get a million Pinterest followers?





How to get Pinterest Followers Fast. Tips that really work!

One day, I noticed a lot of bloggers had 10,000 followers.  I wanted 10,000 followers.  How did they do that?  I read everything I could.  I did everything I could.  I shared Pinterest everywhere I could.  Now, I have 100,000 Pinterest followers.  



Now, I want to know, how can I get one million Pinterest followers.  The short answer is you must love to pin.  The long answer is you must pin a lot of good content, but that's not always enough.  The easy answer is do something Pinterest likes so that you will get featured by Pinterest. 



Featured or not, my boards are growing quicker than other bloggers who I know have been featured, and I think I know why.



A lot of blogger's in my niche are featured in weekly newsletters, the Pinterest orientation process, and as suggestions to follow. I can't prove it, but I suspect I've been featured too.  I've been jumping up and down trying to get Pinterest's attention.  I have the Pin it! Preschool Scavenger Hunt!  Hey, Pinterest, I'd love it if you would feature this board.  It's my claim to fame.



If or when Pinterest does getting around to featuring you, make sure you're ready.  I don't know for sure, but I suspect they feature the first board on your profile.  I know a few people who've had this board featured.  So, make your first board your best board.  That's a free tip!  



Pinterest features many boards at random.  Many of the big pinners (people who pin to my group board everyday) have been featured. They are not bloggers, so when their numbers started growing they got nervous.  It feels awkward when people are peeking into your life and you don't want that, right?  Bloggers want the stats to help get advertising, sponsored posts, or free stuff for review.







If you want to know everything else I did to get Pinterest followers fast, you'll need to hop over to Amazon.com and buy my eBook. If you purchase it at Createspace.com it's better for me (higher royalty, I'm broke so that'd be good :) ).  If you buy it on Kindle it's less expensive, but the photos may not appear correctly.  No worries, I have live links to all those pages, just in case.  You can also borrow it for FREE in the KINDLE lending library.



FYI, my blog stats are mediocre.  I've made nothing with Amazon, and I'm just learning AdSense.  After about four years, Facebook and Twitter are so close to 1000, but not quite there yet.  PINTEREST is my thing.  We connect.  I want to share my secrets to help you in your branding and social media marketing efforts too.



Want a totally free version?  It was nice of you to read to the end. If you become a new subscriber via mailchimp, I'll send you a free full color PDF version.  Just click here to Sign up for our free newsletter!  As soon as I get the notice, I'll email you a copy.  Thanks, I really appreciate it!



And, one more thing, I'd love it if you'd write a quick review on Amazon.com







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Inspirational Sayings for Preschool: A Child with a Smile will go the Extra Mile

Everyone needs a little positive sayings pick me up now and then.  As an elementary or preschool parent, teacher, or caregiver, it is important to keep the little things in perspective. Keeping the little ones smiling is often a difficult task when times get troublesome.  Here's a fun, inspirational quote to remind you of what's really important in the long run. 





Inspirational Sayings for Preschool: A Child with a Smile will go the Extra Mile.

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6 Cool Pinterest Father's Day Activities for Kids

Wondering what's hot on Pinterest in Father's Day Activities for Kids? Check out these six, fun, easy, and giftable craft projects to make your Father's Day the best one ever. They are so neat even the coolest Dad's will love them ;)



Cooking with kids is always fun and a great way to sneak in some Sensory Play Based Learning. How about a lesson in measurement mathematics? Gluesticksblog.com offers up some easy barbecue sauce recipes for dear old Dad. I think these make a great grandpa gift too. I'm in love with those mini-mason jars, how about you?







How to make homemade barbecue sauce for Father's Day gifts from gluestickblog.com.



What Daddy doesn't love to eat?  Here is a How to make "DAD" sugar cookie recipe from MarthaStewart.com.















D.A.D. Cookie Treats from MarthaStewart.com.








What can a preschooler give Daddy that is homemade and will be cherished? How about this framed picture and meaningful script from East Coast Mommy Blog. Ask your preschooler a few questions about Daddy, plug them into a favorite photo, and give it a nice frame.  Daddy will be proud to sit this on his desk at work.  Faboo! 







East Coast Mommy has an easy project for gifts from the littles.





While we're talking photos for Dad, how about making some   "DAD" blocks for Daddy's or Grandpa's Desk? These photo blocks from Stories by Me blog are a fun and unique Father's Day gift that is easy to make. Stack them tall or play switcheroo, any design gives Dad something to doodle with while talking on the phone.














Okay... I'm doing this one from Lil' Luna for sure.  I have some mini Coca-Cola Bottles that I've been saving for a rainy day project. Maybe fill them with pretzel bits, peanuts, spices?  Can you imagine the possibilities? Ours might not turn out as perfect as this one, but that's no reason not to give it a go. The kids will have fun decorating the packages and filling up the bottles, and you'll have fun when everyone comments on how creative you are.  







Lil' Luna's pop bottles for Father's Day.





And while we're on the subject of pop bottle caps, how about making a bottle cap key chain for Father's Day?  I searched around for an easy tool-less option and came up blank. This one offers the use of a hammer and nail rather than a drill. I'm wondering if you could make it more kid-friendly and easy by hot gluing two pop bottle caps together and inserting the necessary key chain bobbles in the middle. It's worth a try.  Choose Daddy's favorite drink and make a cool keychain like this one at Scrap Reused and Recycled Art Projects.







Make your own Recycled Bottle Cap Keychain for Father's Day. 

This one is from Scrap Reused and Recycled Art Projects.




So, whadda ya think?  Will the Dad in your life enjoy one of these cool Father's Day projects the kids can help make?


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Whimsical Kid's Decor for the Nursery (Baby or Toddler Room)

A lot of thought goes into designing a nursery.  Many women dream about it and plan it long before the baby is even a twinkle in their eye.  The rest have nine months to mull over it.  So, what design elements should go into your nursery? The baby's room can be whimsical, sophisticated, or comfortably shabby chic.  No matter the style, the design should be vibrant, inviting, and engaging to stimulate the baby's developing brain.










Toddler bed with rails and extra storage.



Chest of drawers with whimsical knobs.



Tent for toddler bed or stand alone playspace.



Whimsical character hanging picture frames.



Soothing green chair for reading nook.







Colorful window curtain in soothing shades.








Use bright, complementary colors for a fun and soothing environment. Differing hues of orange are perfect for the nursery.  Orange is  a warm soothing, spicy earthtone.  Pair green and purple with a splash of orange for a pleasing triad color scheme.  





When planning your design think about the psychological effect of colors.  Orange is known to invoke feelings ranging from comfort to anger and hostility.  Therefore, orange should not be placed on large surfaces such as walls or floors. Use an orange accent, like the drawer pulls and bed tent above, to give the room a punch of color.  Paint the walls in a cool, light green or pastel lavender for a calming effect.  Plop purple and orange throw pillows into a green chair to make a cozy, reading nook and accent your baby's room with whimsical character shapes to set a fun mood.




Find the furniture pictured above at www.fabrooms.de





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How to Grow a Living Playscape: Willow Playhouse Cave for Kids

Gardening with kids.










This post brought to you by Miracle-Gro. All opinions are 100% mine.





Building an outdoor playscape is just one of many fun garden projects you can do with your kids this summer.  Last year, we wanted a playhouse.  We shopped for various styles, but they were all very expensive.  After a storm, many tree branches covered the yard, so we gathered several willow branches and stuck them in the ground.  We cut a few skinny branches off the tree and wrapped them around the bigger branches forming a loose connection. 



 We added some Miracle-Gro to give our living willow playscape a boost.  LiquaFeed All Purpose Plant Food Advance Starter Kit is a great product to feed your plants. The kids generously watered the base of the branches. You don't need to have a green thumb to grow a Willow tree. Take a stem cutting or cut off a branch and stick it in soil. That's all you need to grow your own organic playhouse!









Our little gardeners anxiously awaited for Spring in hopes their playhouse had survived the winter.  This is an easy project that keeps on giving year after year.  Miracle-Gro has lots more fun ideas to try with your kids.  Check them out:



   



 

I love the toyarium in the The Gro Project.  It's a cute little fishbowl terrarium filled with toys and plants.  Now, I am inspired to grow something fun inside the house too.







Our living willow playhouse looks more like a cave than house. The kids can crawl inside, and let their imaginations run wild.  It is incredible to watch the miracle of rebirth.  This winter it looked like a pile of sticks, now it is well on it's way to  becoming the centerpiece in our secret garden.  As the willow branches continue to grow, we'll keep you posted.  So, far the living playscape is growing in nicely.  It is the perfect place for sensory, outdoor play. Want more great ideas? Follow Miracle-Gro on Pinterest!










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Homeschooling: What to do When Summer Break Drains the Brain? Sneak in Fun Learning Opportunities

School is coming to a close, but learning shouldn't come to an end. We are just finishing up our first year of homeschooling.  After all the hard work, I'd hate to see it slip away this summer.  We've got plans to supplement with summer learning field trips, outdoor nature journaling, riding and music lessons, and 4H club. I'll also offer Friday day camps for friends of The Play Connection, Inc.





The beginning of every school year is filled with review from the previous year.  Summer heat shouldn't melt our kids brains.  Summer Camp programs are great for socialization, pe activities, and becoming one with nature.  Opportunities to improve reading are everywhere. Playing the Alphabet Game on a long trip encourages billboard and street sign reading. Library trips offer a sneaky way to cool off, relax, and enjoy a new book. Do you read bedtime stories? Here's a fun summer reading list. 




Busy summers lend themselves to lazy days near the poolside or under a favorite tree curled up with a good book. Funny, kids never seem to curl up with a good math problem.  







Don't forget to practice math this summer.  Leap ahead of the pack with daily lessons.



Do you practice math in the summer?  Keeping track of allowances, shopping for items at the Dollar Tree, or having your child watch the clock for break time, chore time, and lunchtime are easy ways to implement mathematics into your lazy summer days.  If you are worried about summer brain drain and the summer learning slide, you might like a more structured math program. 







LeapAhead! is an easy, affordable, and flexible summer online math program. Keep your child engaged with math worksheets aligned with the common core standards. The program offers a fun math worksheet creator for members. I love the Challenge Math for gifted and talented students. The online summer math program is great for kids who need a little extra help too. This program works for both homeschoolers and brick and mortar students. 



Let your computer act as a summer tutor while you enhance the online learning with fun math games and activities. You can make math a fun, summer activity too!



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Things to do in Indy: Month of May 500 Activities for Kids

In Indiana, the month of May is a time for celebrations.  There are many Indy 500 activities for kids and families. You will also find lots of race theme things to do in indianapolis in   May. Here are just a few fun things to do with kids in honor of the race.





The Play Connection Inc. took a field trip the museum.



















A fun, homeschool field trip or summer camp activity is to go to the track in Speedway, tour the museum, and then take a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in a bus tour.












The Indianapolis Motor Speedway offers a fun kid's club for just $25 a year. Kids get special prizes and passes for special events.



The IMS Kid's Club has great race theme activities year around.

The speedway even offers a curriculum plan and field trip for fourth grade. Here are a few more things to do with kids and indy 500 activities:








Rookie Run for kids ages 3-12
Speedway Public Library offers race theme programs in the month of May
Kid's Day
Parade
Teen driving course at track







Nearby, Indy Parks boast the longest Soap Box Derby Track in the country, William Shaw Memorial Soap Box Derby Hill. 



And if you are quick, there's the Indianapolis Children's Museum Hot Wheels for Real through May 27. The Museum also has a real Indy Car on display. We got lucky and got to attend a special design your own Hotwheel Car for FREE! We designed it, tested it, and designed the box just like the pros. There is a $12.50 additional fee, but it is worth it :)



Plan your own Indy 500 party theme for kids.






Indy 500 Centennial Celebration





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Use Universal Design Elements to Decorate a Child's Room Perfect for Sensory Play Based Learning

Universal Design elements give children multiple means of inclusion in group settings and aid in learning techniques. 




Each child has a different learning style. Some children learn visually (visual), some learn by hands-on (kinesthetic), and some learn easily by lecture-style (aural). 




A child's room based on universal design incorporating sensory play concepts can aid in the learning process and can give your child a bright future.








The smooth lines of this "rocking horse" chair help prevent injuries.





The concept of universal design, the brainchild of architect, Ronald Mace, began as a concept to design all products, spaces, and buildings to be both aesthetically pleasing and well functioning for everyone no matter their ability. 




Some principles of universal design include: 



Flexibility in use (The design complements a wide range of preferences and abilities.)


Simple and intuitive use (The design is easy to understand.)


Tolerance of error (The design minimizes hazards and unintended actions.)


Size and space for approach and use (Appropriate space for reach and manipulation whether right or left handed is incorporated in the layout and design.)


Low physical effort (Design can be used comfortably no matter your mobility/motor skills.)


Equitable use (The design is useful and marketable to people with varying abilities.)


Perceptible information (The design communicates information regardless of the user's sensory abilities.)









This bunk bed may not allow for children of all abilities to sleep on top, but it is designed with a sleeping space for people of all abilities. The added element of a secret cubby for hide and seek, a reading nook, or just a private getaway space makes it perfect for sensory play. Children can climb to the top bunk and enjoy a spontaneous game of pretend Castle play.







Incorporate child size spatial elements to give your child a sense of security. A special place all their own is comforting and encourages imaginative play. Children learn by mimicking adults. Give them the necessary tools to explore. In a tent like this, the child becomes "big" which helps give their confidence a boost in contrast to the daily reminders of their diminutive size in oversized spaces and furniture designed for adults.












A plush, comfortable rug like this one makes a good place for creative play. The rug is tactile, thick, and soft. The visual sense is explored in the elemental colors and shapes that connect to form a castle. 



When decorating your child's room, think of the five senses and add items that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sensitive to their sensory abilities.



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Easy Preschool Science: Make a Mini Terrarium in a Jar

We went to a nature park and saw this cool mini terrarium in a jar. It's the perfect spring gardening activity for  a preschool science lesson. 





Preschool Science: How to make a terrarium in a jar.

Repurpose a large jar- applesauce jars work great! You'll need some pebbles, sand, topsoil, and herb seeds. This also makes a great gift in a jar for MOTHER'S DAY.




How to Make a Jar Terrarium


To make it extra special for Mommy, layer the items like a trifle jar. Place a handful of pebbles in the bottom of the jar, add 1/4 C. of sand, and then repeat. Now add a cup of topsoil.   Leave about 4" of space at the top of your jar.  Sprinkle your seeds on top, and lightly mist with a spray bottle. Try Sweet Basil, Oregano, Thyme, or Spearmint. Tie raffia ribbon around you jar and attach a gift tag for Mother's Day and care Instructions. 



Check your plant's moisture level daily. Water every other day or as needed. When the plants reach the top of the jar, remove the lid.



This is a great project to do when homeschooling or working with preschoolers. Pair it with an ecosystem lesson, seed study, or sustainability curriculum.




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