A Laid-Back Life In Ormond Beach

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Review: HandHelditems.Com

May 18th 2013

By: Tingting Rimart

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Two weeks ago, I ordered two items from HandHelditems.Com – a red jelly rubber case and an HD screen protector for my Nokia Lumia 822 smartphone. I got to admit – I am happy with the whole experience…the products, the shipping time, the quality and of course, the price.

I had been looking for a jelly rubber-made case in the nearby big-box stores including the flea market and the mall, but sad to say, I did not find one. All I found were over-priced hard case, which cost around 25-40 dollars a pop. Also, my smartphone is not as common as an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy 4S, so I was left with a very limited choice. I delved in some online stores. Before, I used WirelessEmporium. But I kinda knew that, there must be an online selling cheaper smartphone cases. Lo and behold, I found HandHelditems.Com. For $10.83 (including shipping fee), I got a case and a screen protector. With my previous purchase with WirelessEmporium, I paid around 15 bucks, which was only for a jelly case and no screen protector.

HD Screen Protector & Slim Fit Flexible Jelly Rubber Case

Shopping

HandHelditems.Com reviews
Ormond Beach Summer Camps 2013

May 18th 2013

By: Tingting Rimart

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Exciting News! Summer Connection Day Camp will be held entirely at the South Ormond Neighborhood Center this summer. Lots of fun activities are being planned…activities such as kickball, arts & crafts, dodge ball, soccer, flag football, playground time, academic learning, computer room plus a weekly field trip, such as bowling, Daytona Lagoon. Camp will be Mon. – Fri. 8:00 – 5:00 Ages 6-13 (as of 9/1/13).

Registration packets for Summer Connection Day Camps are available to download online at the City website (click HERE), and are available for pick-up at the Registration Office, 399 N US 1, Ormond Beach. 676-3250 Completed packets to be returned to the Registration Office.

Registration will be first-come, first-served, until both 4 week sessions are filled. Maximum 100 participants.

June 17 thru July 12 COST for 4 weeks: $200 City Residents $300 NonCity Residents
July 15 thru Aug. 9 COST for 4 weeks: $200 City Residents $300 NonCity Residents

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Coed Summer Sports Clinics $52 Residents; $78 Nonresidents per Clinic.

All ages are as of 4/30/13. Registration continues until filled. Register at Leisure Services Office, 399 N US 1, Ormond Beach or online at www.ormondbeach.org.

Baseball Clinic 6/17 – 20 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Nova Community Park Max. 30 Ages 9-14
BB/SB Hitting Clinic 7/8 – 12 9:00 am – Noon Nova Community Park Max. 25 Ages 9-14
Softball Skills Clinic 7/22 – 25 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Nova Community Park Max. 30 Ages 9-14
Coed Volleyball Clinic 8/12 – 15 9:00 am – Noon Nova Gymnasium Max. 30 Ages 9-14

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Enviro-Camp at The Casements $95.00 Per Week

Register at The Casements, 25 Riverside Dr., Ormond Beach OR CALL WITH CREDIT CARD INFO 676-3216.

Enjoy daily craft projects, nature walks, trips to the beach, nature and wildlife inspired games and videos. Camp is designed for boys & girls ages 6 thru 10 and meets Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Children must have completed kindergarten. Enrollment is limited and camps fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Four one week camps:

Give Green a Chance – July 8 – 12; Into the Blue – July 15 – 19; Once Upon a Time – July 22 – 26; ecoLOGICAL – July 29 – Aug 2.

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Summer Art Camp – $100.00 per week, including all supplies. Held at The Casements.
For information & to register, visit www.patsgems.net for more information.

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CMT Summer Music Theatre Camps are held each summer at the Performing Arts Center
For more information visit their website www.cmtworkshop.org.

Recreation & Sports

summer camps ormond beach, Things to Do This Summer for Kids
The Easy Way To Train For A 5k

May 15th 2013

By: Tingting Rimart

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Whether you are doing the Krispy Kreme 5k or the Color Run, you have to get into shape if you want to run the whole 3.1 miles. Luckily, there is an easy way to train for it. You just have to know where to start!

Start small.

It’s important to start out with little workouts when you are getting ready to train for a 5k. If you immediately start trying to run 3 miles, your body isn’t adequately prepared for that kind of running commitment. Start small. Give yourself five or ten minute workouts at a light jog a day. Don’t map out how long you went. Just make sure you are running for a specific but small amount of time.

Intervals are important.

Once you feel that you can run the full then minutes without feeling like you want to die, you can start adding in intervals. After the first ten minutes of running, walk for a couple of minutes and then run for a couple of minutes. Do this for an extra ten minutes for a total of a twenty minute workout. When you start to get bored, up the intervals by running for five more minutes and walking for only one. When you feel that you have mastered that, try to go the full twenty and then thirty minutes with just running. Again, don’t map out how long you are going just yet. It’s important that you know that you can last half an hour of running without stopping. Once you get this down, then you can map out how far you are going.

Take breaks.

Don’t run every single day. I know you probably think you will have to do this in order to get into shape, but that’s so not the case! Not only is this terrible for your joints, it doesn’t give your body enough time to recover. Run a day, walk a day, and then take a break. You don’t have to run everyday to get your body ready for the 5k. You will inevitably wear yourself down if you start out with this mantra.

Give yourself plenty of time to train.

Don’t sign up for a 5k that is in a week if you aren’t an avid runner. Sign up for a 5k months in advance to give yourself tons of time to get adequately trained. This way, your body won’t be rushed to run 3.1 miles in a week when you are used to lounging around everyday. That would be impossible! Not to mention, really hard on your body.

Eat healthy and get enough rest.

When you are training for a 5k, it’s important to eat right and get enough sleep at night. Just because you are starting to work out, doesn’t mean you can let healthy eating and good sleeping habits fall by the wayside. Be sure you are eating enough fruits, veggies, and, to help your body recover from its workout, chocolate milk. The good thing about training for a 5k is that your body will be exhausted by the end of the day, so you don’t have to worry about insomnia. You will be tired enough to get the full eight hours of sleep, and then some!

About the author:

About the author: Carly is a blogger for Smith Monitoring, a company that has security monitoring Houston homes. She is an avid runner and loves any and all types of 5k’s.

Recreation & Sports

The Easy Way To Train For A 5k
8 Healthy Snacks Your Kids Will Eat Faster Than A Bag Of Cookies

May 14th 2013

By: Tingting Rimart

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Getting your kids to enjoy healthy snacks can be a bit of a struggle. Fruit is a little easier for them to choke down, but not without a sour look on their face. And veggies? Forget about it. Your kiddos would much rather like to munch on that big bag of chocolate chip cookies or box of gummy bears. Instead of contributing to making your child extremely unhealthy, there are a ton of other options your kids can choose from that are actually good for them. Here are 8 specific snacks that your kids will actually enjoy and are actually quite healthy for them as well!

1. Kettle corn

Instead of eating the entire bag of popcorn that is drenched in butter, give your kids mini kettle corn bags. Personally, I loved kettle corn as a kid. It’s much saltier and tastier than the greasy movie theater popcorn. When you buy the mini bags, your kids won’t chow down and consume too many calories either. In fact, each bag is about 100 calories! Kettle corn is healthy and delicious for your little ones to have as an afternoon snack!

2. Apples and peanut butter

If your kids don’t like apples, have them try a slice of an apple dipped in peanut butter. PB paired with some apple slices is a great alternative to cookies. Trust me when I say it’s super yummy!

3. Chocolate milk

Chocolate milk has a ton of protein and vitamins that kids need as they are growing up. Not to mention, it’s extra delicious! Try to find a kid that doesn’t like chocolate milk. I dare you.

4. Frozen yogurt

Instead of running after the ice cream man, buy some frozen yogurt for your kids to munch on during those hot summer days. Frozen yogurt is a great alternative to the regular ice cream which has a ton of calories and sugar. If you are looking for a fun family night planned, grab your kiddos, get in the car, and go on down to the local frozen yogurt shop for a healthy dessert!

Strawberries

5. Strawberries

Even though kids don’t like a lot of vegetables, they are definitely more likely to eating fruit. Particularly strawberries. These delicious berries have tons of vitamins and are extra yummy. You can even put some of these in their frozen yogurt for a delicious additive to an already healthy snack!

6. Watermelon

If your kids love watermelon, which most kids do, then you can load up a plate full of it it for them without feeling guilty! Watermelon is actually really healthy for kiddos. Just be sure they aren’t swallowing the seeds or else a watermelon will start to grow in their bellies!

7. Nuts

This might be a bit of a stretch seeing as how so many kids are super picky, but if you can get your kid to eat nuts then more power to you! Nuts have tons of protein and energy boosters, not to mention there are so many different healthy kinds! Not that kids need more energy, but they could always use some more protein!

8. Carrots and nonfat dressing

All kids hate vegetables. Let’s stop fighting it and accept that it’s just a universal thing. But when you pair celery sticks or carrots with some nonfat ranch, kids go crazy! Nonfat dressings are a great side to a few pieces of veggies for your kids to devour.

About the author:

About the author: Carly is a blogger for Smith Monitoring, a home alarm monitoring company. She doesn’t have kids, but she sure does eat like one. She’s currently working on following her own advice when it comes to eating healthy.

Parenting

8 Healthy Snacks Your Kids Will Eat Faster Than A Bag Of Cookies
Healthy Eating at McDonalds for a Dollar

May 14th 2013

By: Tingting Rimart

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You must be wondering whether I am hallucinating or not when I typed in the title of this entry. McDonalds is definitely not known for having a healthy menu. Cheap and greasy, yes. But guess what, I have learned to combine health and cheap. Since McDonalds is the nearest and the most convenient place to buy lunch from my work place, I see myself devouring its food more than I should have. Just recently, I curtailed the guilt-feeling. I totally eliminated the dollar menu burger, and replaced it with the side salad. The beauty of it – the side salad costs for a dollar, excluding tax. This aha moment saved me a significant amount of moolah. Instead of buying a 3-dollar salad kit at Publix, McD’s side salad give the same satisfaction and health benefits. The vegetables are comparably fresh too. In fact, I usually buy more than two to last me for the next few work days, and in doing so, my fiber intake for the day is guaranteed.

Food & Gourmet

Healthy Eating at McDonalds for a Dollar
4 Options for A Sick Stay At Home Mom

May 14th 2013

By: Tingting Rimart

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As I was laying on the couch today, with an upset stomach, fever and aches… I asked myself, man what is a mom to do? As a stay at home mom you do not get the benefit package and a corner office. You get the clean the office which benefits the whole family (see what I did there). But seriously, what are some options for relieving a mom when she is sick. Here are 4 things that I came up with that I feel are viable options for us overworked, underpaid and hyper-extended mommas.

1. Call in the Reinforcements: You need a go to person that will be there for you when you are sick. A friend, a family member, your spouse are all great options. Maybe with a friend you work out a deal of when your sick, I got your back and when I am sick you got mine. Or you can always go to them, if your person is having a hard time coming to you, pack them up and move them out. My husband was out of town on a particular sick day and I loaded my son up in the car and him and I drove to Nana’s. She got to visit with her boy and got to take care of her baby (me).

2. Drop Off: Locate a drop by and play type of child care center in your area. We have one right down the road from our home. They have great reviews and excellent activities already planned out for the day. Your child can just pop in without prior notice. There is usually a small enrollment fee for first timers and then you pay by the hour.

3. Mommy’s Little Helper: One thing that I can do with my 3 year old is coax him into helping me. He can do little things like get me a tissue, a blanket, throw away trash, etc…. He enjoys being able to help mom and I enjoy his help. It keeps him busy and I can relax a bit knowing what he doing and where he is at.

4. Go Outside: Getting outside is good for you and the kids. If it is a nice day then take the kids outside and you have a seat and watch them play. My 3 year old loves to run around and play on the swing set while my 5 month old is great in her bouncy seat next to mom, while I soak up the vitamin D and get some fresh air. Bonus to the outdoor play, usually the kids will wear themselves out and take a nap!

So here are just a few things that I have used in the past that have gotten me through the hard days of being sick. It is always good for you to rest and take care of yourself. You are doing a great job, now start feeling better!

About the author:

Larah Shelton is a blogger for Smith Monitoring, a leading home alarm systems Houston company. When she is not blogging she is spending time with her family, visiting with friends and trying to catch a chick flick.

Computer & Internet, Parenting

4 Options for A Sick Stay At Home Mom
Birthday Gifts for Children to Send Abroad

May 13th 2013

By: Tingting Rimart

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Ready to ship!

Children love birthdays. That’s a fact. That’s why it’s nice to spoil children on their birthdays no matter where they are in the world. It’s becoming increasingly common for families to be split up across the world, but that doesn’t mean that you can forget special events. In fact, it almost becomes more important to make a fuss of the important days of the year to keep the family together and communicating.

If you’re sending a present abroad for children, you will need to think about practicality. Children’s eyes always light up at big boxes wrapped in exciting paper, but you might have to compromise a little. The cost of sending a parcel abroad depends on several factors, such as the dimensions of the box and the weight, so it can end up being pricey if you want to send a big toy. Instead, think about smaller, lighter gifts.

Parcels can easily become damaged in transit, especially in long journeys. If you’re sending a parcel somewhere far flung, such as America, bear in mind that it might get shaken up or end up in hot locations. Chocolate and other perishables don’t travel well, especially in heat, so avoid them if possible. If you’re going to send food, go for light, packaged sweets as a treat.

If you’ve decided to opt for a toy, a surprisingly good idea can be to send a relatively small box of Lego. It’s very light, so shouldn’t cost too much to send, and there is nothing to break, so it’s the perfect option for building-crazy kids. Soft toys are another good option, as they will also arrive without having anything to break, so should survive the journey with ease. They also weigh very little, and can be squashed down if necessary to fit into a smaller box.

Clothes and fun bedding can be other good options, as these too won’t face any breakages on the journey. They are also light and can be neatly folded in whatever way is most suitable for the size and shape of box you’ve chosen. If you’ve decided to send anything a little more fragile, this can be wrapped in the clothing for protection before being put in the box.

Books are another fantastic choice. Whether it’s an educational book, such as an encyclopaedia or atlas, the latest children’s fiction book or something to encourage their creative side, such as a colouring in book, children can never have enough books, and you can buy book-sized packaging to cut down on paying for extra, unused space in the box.

Be sure to wrap the gift before you box it up, as children love to have something special to unwrap, and send it on its way!

About the author:Caroline Carver gets as excited by packages of gifts as her two young children and blogs regularly about life as a mother and a wife

Celebrations & Occassions

Birthday Gifts for Children to Send Abroad
To all women in the world….

May 12th 2013

By: Tingting Rimart

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Computer & Internet
Middle School Articulation – Done!

May 9th 2013

By: Tingting Rimart

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There is still a month left before school ends in Volusia County, but the outgoing 5th graders have already started getting acquainted with middle school (or junior high to some states). As for us, it kicked off two nights ago with a Parents’ Night event. It was basically a brief orientation to parents of incoming 6th graders, which I really appreciated since I do not know a thing or two about middle school.

The second phase – the articulation (or registration of classes), which was done today! My little mushroom will be taking all advanced classes – science, math, reading, language arts and social studies! In elementary, they call it “gifted” classes; but it middle school, it is called “advanced”. In order to get into these classes, it requires a teacher’s recommendation and/or a high score in FCAT.

Parents’ Night

I am happy (and proud) that she will do advanced classes, but at the same time, I am apprehensive. I do not want her to be inundated with intensive school work. I mean, science, math and language arts…yes, but all? Then, the extracurricular activities – 2 school clubs, Girls Scout, indoor volleyball and (soon) tae kwon-do. I do not want her to be physcially burnt out each day. All I want is for her to enjoy this stage in her life, which I know, she is very excited about. Anyway, I trust her teacher’s judgment more than anything else. So, it should be OK. I just hope, her schedule (and mine) will work out fine.

Computer & Internet

Middle School Articulation – Done!
The Audacity! $@#!

May 7th 2013

By: Tingting Rimart

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I voiced the very same words when the telemarketer on the other end of the line conveyed, in a raised tone, his discontent when his determination to retain my attention failed. In an apologetic and polite way, I declined to listen further to his sales pitch – promoting Florida vacation packages. The same company called me from (407) 515-2416 so many times in the past months, which on all occasions; I stated my desire to be eliminated from their cold-calling list. The cold-caller I talked to was mean and arrogant, considering he was the one trying to sell something.

I tried to recall any instances when I gave out my phone number to a vacation or travel related website. It hit me – I did. Some time ago, I did plan of an Orlando vacation for my little mushroom’s birthday. I visited a website, who reportedly sells Florida packages at a much lesser cost. In order to get the price quote, I needed to enter a phone number…and so, I did. Little did I know, this particular bargain-hunting escapade would haunt me.

Just a reminder to everyone…be cautious when giving out your phone number. Even the legit-looking companies can be a pest.

Computer & Internet, Technology Drawbacks

(407) 515-2416, 4075152416
The Significance of Having Credits

May 6th 2013

By: Tingting Rimart

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Before, I thought that having no debt is good. Well, it is good, but it has its own demons. I learned my lesson the hard way. It took me two years to build my credit trustworthiness from ground up, without using the knight’s credentials.

Having no credit has the same effect as having a bad credit. This is the reason on why people acquire debts even when they do not need. It is a way to leave a trace and to be included in “the system”. Sad to note, a number of people fall into the trap of a credit-run society. It is a good feeling when you get approved, but when you are inundated by it, and the situation will eventually lead to non-payment, this is where the big problem arouse. When your credit scores fall below the desired bracket, it is hard to recuperate. At times, you will need a debt relief center to help out in straightening the mess that has been created through mindless and irresponsible spending.

It is significant to keep your credit score at a “good” or “excellent” status. This can mean an easy access to credit at a low (or no) interest, a good negotiating power with the lenders, a wider options of lenders, and among other things.

For the new credit-worthy people, do not fall into the trap. When it feels it is too much, stop and re-evaluate your finances.

Computer & Internet

The Significance of Credit Scores
Plumbing, An Important Factor in Buying a House

May 3rd 2013

By: Tingting Rimart

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It had been a few months since I watched my favorite HGTV television shows. If you have been following my blog, I disconnected my satellite dish subscription. I guess, this was the sacrifice that I was willing to take. Nevertheless, I still visit the channel’s official website. Everything about the site is good. I mainly read the Dream House sweepstakes, which I persistently partake, the House Hunter and the Property Virgins.

One episode of Property Virgins showed a couple from Canada, who was relentlessly seeking for their first single-family house in the suburbs of Toronto for a staggering low price. You would think that, it would be a happy ending. Sorry to burst your bubble, but it was not. After inspecting three houses, they decided to just lay low in house hunting and just to continue living in their current condo unit. The unfavorable decision was triggered mostly by unsatisfactory structural and plumbing system. Since toronto plumber rates can be expensive, the initial cost of owning a home would make them go over budget. Proper toilet installation toronto can also cost less, if you will do your homework. Look for a professional plumbing company, and do not settle for less. A good plumbing installation is a good investment and is a saving in the long run.

Home Improvement

An Important Factor in Buying a House, Plumbing
Mulching in Spring

May 2nd 2013

By: Tingting Rimart

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

What is the best thing that spring brings? What else? Colorful blooming flowers! This, however, is tantamount to an allergy-laden season. If you are lucky and the itsy-bitsy pollens do not affect you, this time of the year definitely begets your interest. For people up north, it is the much-needed break from the long and drawn winter blues.

How does this affect our household? Well, nobody has a green thumb amongst us, so this season means diddly-squat …until we received the quarterly newsletter from the subdivision’s HOA. It reminded the homeowners of the mandatory to-do list, which is necessary to maintain a pleasing appearance of the neighborhood. The list included proper yard maintenance and mulching. A number of homes use the services of professional landscapers to do this job. But our household, this is not even an option. Why pay somebody when we can do it ourselves? This is the first question we ask before shedding money on household maintenance. It helps also that the knight is quite a handy-man.

We bought some gardening supplies and a few bags of red mulch at the beginning of the season. Why such choice? It was mainly because – it was on sale! With the size of our yard, we needed at least 25 bags. The end-results, it was so-so. If given a chance, we would probably opt for the Scotts Florida Select Natural Eucalyptus Mulch. If it means sustainable gardening, the money matter can be set aside. Since this brand is made from 100% naturally and Florida grown Eucalyptus trees, it is proven to be free from any unwanted debris and is good in weed prevention. With a 3-inch application, it will keep the moisture of the soil and will neutralize its temperature. For the tree-huggers out there, no need to worry. A Eucalyptus tree is considered renewable resource and grows 4x faster than a Cypress tree. If you are not a fan of its natural color, you can try Scotts Nature Scapes mulch, which is sold in three different colors : Classic Black, Sierra Red, and Deep Forest Brown.

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Computer & Internet, Gardening
One Sunny Day in Bailey Riverbridge Garden

May 1st 2013

By: Tingting Rimart

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To celebrate the start of another sunny month, let your eyes feast on some pictures I took the other day at the wondrous park called Bailey Riverbridge Garden, overlooking the Granada Bridge in Ormond Beach.

Science & Nature

Bailey Riverbridge Garden, One Sunny Day in Bailey Riverbridge Garden
Save a Life, Buckle Up!

Apr 29th 2013

By: Tingting Rimart

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Source : Daytona News Journal

On my way home from work last April 19, I noticed a heavy traffic jam along LPGA Blvd. particularly near the overpass area. I assumed – it was just one of those busy Friday rush-hours. An eerie feeling told me something was not right. But anyway, it took me a few days to find out what really happened on that one fateful afternoon, after my little mushroom mentioned that one of her besties in school personally knew the family that was involved in the I-95/LPGA car accident. I surfed and found the news. While reading the story, I started to get goose bumps. Four people were inside a 2010 Mercedes van – the mother and her 3 children (age 10, 4 & 3). Only one of them lived (the 4-year old) and was brought to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando. Just this morning though – the last survivor was pronounced dead after ten days from being hospitalized. Here is another sad thing – in 2006, this family lost a child (age 2), who fell onto a boat propeller that the father was docking behind their home on the Halifax River in South Daytona. What used to be a family of six has now become a family of one. The father, local physician Dr. Hassan Zulfiqar, is the only one left. Very sad indeed.

I surely have mixed emotions of this incident. It gives me chill to the bones, at the same time, it opens up questions. If you have fully read the news release, it says – no one in the vehicle was wearing a seat belt or on a child restraint seat. The big question – WHY? I mean, you would think that the mother of four kids knows the danger of not buckling up. It itself, it is a serious traffic violation. Whatever the reason is, I take this incident as a reminder that it only takes a second to inflict a lifetime of mourning to our (or somebody’s) loved ones. Save a life, buckle up!

Parenting

Buckle Up!, Save a Life
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