BRAZIL! It is energy, vibrant colors, pulsating beats and a vibe that cannot be beat. It's one of those destinations that does not arrive quietly. Rather, it makes a stark impact on your mind and soul and Vivaterra is your go-to for the most buoyant Brazil journeys like... THE AMAZON: 2 1/2 million square miles of living, breathing, howling jungle containing more species than anywhere else on earth. You don't just look at it, you go INSIDE it with luxe riverboat expeditions, night hikes with expert naturalists, canopy walks above the treeline, and pink river dolphin encounters in the black water tributaries. Bucket list worthy. THE PANTANAL: The world's largest tropical wetland that delivers the kind of wildlife encounters that the Serengeti gets all the credit for, except here you have the boat, the trail, and the jaguar entirely to themselves. Horseback riding at dawn, river safaris with expert trackers, and sunrise over a flooded plain with thirty species of birds. P.S. Pantanal jaguar season runs June through September and fills fast. Reply today and we will hold space. THE COAST: Fernando de Noronha, a protected volcanic archipelago 220 miles offshore, has been called the most beautiful island in the world by people who have been to most of the world's beautiful islands, with spinner dolphins and water so clear your clients will surface looking like they just had a religious experience. Ilha Grande offers jungle hiking to hidden coves requiring genuine effort and rewarding it with complete solitude, while Jericoacoara delivers kite surfing on lagoons, dune buggy rides into the ocean sunset, and a village that operates on its own particular version of time. RIO: Hang gliding off Pedra Bonita and landing on the beach while the city spreads below, favela community tours that completely reframe how guests understand the city, and sunset caipirinhas on Sugarloaf while the bay fills with golden light make it an experience no other city on earth can replicate. And don't even get us started on Carnival...the best party on the planet! |
Friday, June 12, 2026
Travel Tidbits - Brazil
Money Matters - How Location Impacts Lawn Care Costs
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Caring Connections - Best Cities to Celebrate Dad for Father's Day
This Father’s Day, dads across the country are trading in their neckties and grill aprons for a chance to be the true MVP of the weekend. Whether it’s tee times at golf courses, ice-cold beers at the ballpark, or steakhouse dinners, some cities are built for celebrating dad in style.
The team at The Golf Warehouse had this in mind when they analyzed 100 U.S. cities using 14 ranking factors like number of steakhouses, fishing access, number of golf courses, and more to find the best cities to celebrate Father’s Day. Here’s what they found:
Fun Freetime - Lingokids Soccer Cup
Schools across the U.S. are letting out for the summer as weather warms up and players and fans from throughout the world come together for the greatest soccer competition on the planet. Lingokids, the No. 1 online entertainment platform for young children, has created two sets of interactive content to help kids 8 and under learn more about soccer and engage in safe summer fun.
Kids ready to discover what exceptional soccer players do to build teamwork and maintain healthy habits can explore and play the collection of lessons and games Lingokids created to coincide with the celebration of global soccer. In all, Lingokids has assembled a dozen soccer-themed puzzles, problem-solving games and skill-building activities for kids to enjoy during their online playtime.
Lingokids' wide range of soccer-focused activities includes games that encourage kids to solve puzzles and gain spatial awareness, as well as help improve speaking and collaboration skills. The platform has also added "I Can Be a Soccer Player" to its Career Lesson series, which kicked off with a collaboration with NASA earlier this year and helps kids learn more about popular career paths.
"When children engage with a topic across multiple settings, it can spark a lasting passion," says child psychologist Dr. Diana Barrett. "With soccer taking center stage this summer, screen time can become an opportunity to deepen kids' connection to the game.
"Soccer themed puzzles, problem-solving challenges, and interactive activities not only build knowledge and enthusiasm for soccer culture, but also strengthen important skills that support performance on the field in-including visual attention, processing speed, spatial awareness, following directions, divided attention, communication, and collaboration," Barrett continues. "By connecting learning and play, children can develop both a love of the game and the foundational skills that help them succeed as players."
In July, Lingokids is also launching a collection of dozens of seasonal games and activities that help bring summertime fun to life and inspire kids to get outside and explore, create and try new things. Kids will find fun ways to try new foods, stay hydrated, learn what to do on a picnic, discover inspiration for building sandcastles and ways to enjoy long trips in cars or planes.
According to Lingokids' recently released Kids Interactive Entertainment Report, 71 percent of parents say screentime can be enriching, and 82 percent say their child has learned from time using screens. And, approximately one-third of parents rely on screentime for ease of summer travel.
"We are all about quality screentime that kids enjoy and adults feel good about," says Lingokids Global VP of Brand Maud Cariddi. "A key part of that is inspiring kids to explore the world around them after learning something new on our platform. Our goal is to entertain kids this summer, while kicking some personal development into the net as well."
Find the Lingokids "Soccer Cup" in the "Worlds to Explore" section of the app, and watch for "Camp Lingokids" in July.
About LingoKids
Lingokids is the No. 1 kids' interactive entertainment platform, loved by kids, designed by educators, and trusted by parents worldwide. Used by over 20 million kids each month, Lingokids turns fun screen time into safe, high-quality play that sneaks in learning.
Lingokids sparks curiosity and creativity, helping kids explore who they are and who they can become. With over 4,000 activities, shows, and songs, more than 30 awards, and nearly 200 million downloads worldwide, we partner with the biggest names including Blippi, NASA, BBC Earth, and Oxford University Press.
To learn more, visit lingokids.com. Everything kids love.
Enriching Education - Beyond the Diploma: Stoic Lessons for Life’s Next Chapter
Graduation is often described as the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It is a moment filled with excitement, uncertainty, pride, and reflection. Whether graduating from high school, college, graduate school, or a professional program, people naturally begin thinking about the future, their identity, and what success truly means. While graduation speeches often focus on ambition, achievement, and chasing dreams, Stoicism offers a perspective that is both grounding and timeless: success is not defined solely by external accomplishments, but by the character and mindset we bring to life’s challenges.
The ancient Stoic philosophers, including Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca, believed that life would always contain uncertainty, setbacks, and change. Graduation itself reflects this reality. For many students, the structure and familiarity of school suddenly disappear. A future that once seemed clearly mapped out may now feel uncertain. Some graduates step confidently into careers or graduate programs, while others feel anxious about not having everything figured out. Stoicism reminds us that uncertainty is not a flaw in life, it is part of being human.
One of the most important Stoic principles for graduates is the dichotomy of control. The Stoics taught that some things are within our control and others are not. We can control our effort, attitude, discipline, integrity, and willingness to learn. We cannot fully control outcomes, other people’s opinions, economic conditions, social comparison, or unexpected obstacles. Graduation season can intensify comparison. Social media often creates the illusion that everyone else has a perfect plan, dream job, or ideal future. Stoicism encourages graduates to step away from comparison and instead focus on their own path and values.
This mindset can reduce enormous pressure. A graduate may not control whether they immediately get their ideal job, but they can control how they prepare, respond to rejection, continue learning, and maintain resilience. In many ways, Stoicism teaches that our response to challenges matters more than the challenges themselves.
Graduation also highlights another Stoic idea: growth often occurs through difficulty. Modern culture tends to frame discomfort as something to avoid, but Stoics viewed adversity as an opportunity to strengthen character. Rejection, uncertainty, setbacks, and failure are not evidence that someone is incapable or falling behind. They are experiences that develop patience, wisdom, humility, and perseverance.
For graduates entering adulthood or new professional roles, this perspective can be incredibly valuable. Life after graduation rarely unfolds exactly as planned. Careers change. Interests evolve. Relationships shift. People discover strengths they never expected and encounter obstacles they never imagined. Stoicism does not promise an easy life. Instead, it offers a framework for navigating life with steadiness and clarity.
Another lesson Stoicism offers graduates is the importance of living according to values rather than chasing constant validation. Many students spend years working toward grades, awards, acceptance letters, or recognition. While accomplishment can be meaningful, Stoicism asks a deeper question: Who are you becoming in the process?
A Stoic approach to graduation emphasizes virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice, discipline, and temperance. These qualities matter long after diplomas are framed and ceremonies end. A meaningful life is not built solely through status or achievement, but through daily habits, ethical choices, emotional resilience, and how we treat others.
Graduation is also a reminder to appreciate the present moment. Stoics frequently reflected on the temporary nature of life. Rather than creating fear, this awareness encouraged gratitude. Students often spend years rushing toward graduation, only to realize how quickly that chapter passed. Stoicism encourages graduates to pause and appreciate the people, lessons, memories, and growth that shaped them along the way.
Graduates today are often pressured to constantly achieve more, do more, and become more. Stoicism reminds us that fulfillment does not come solely from endless striving. A balanced life that includes meaningful relationships, purpose, reflection, and well-being is equally important.
Perhaps the greatest Stoic lesson for graduates is this: your worth is not determined by a title, paycheck, acceptance letter, or timeline. Your worth is reflected in your character, your choices, and your ability to remain grounded through both success and struggle.
Graduation is not simply about reaching an ending. It is about preparing for the realities of life ahead. Stoicism offers graduates a timeless guide for that journey, reminding them that while they cannot control every outcome, they can always control how they think, respond, and move forward.
About the Author
Kortney Yasenka, LCMHC, is a licensed clinical mental health counselor with over 20 years of experience providing individual, family, and group therapy, along with life coaching services, including specialized support for student athletes. She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology from Northeastern University and is certified in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, integrating both traditional and ecotherapy approaches into her work. Throughout her career, Kortney has worked across community mental health settings, school systems, and private practice. She also has experience supporting veterans and active military personnel.
Kortney is the author of The Stoicism Book of Quotes, Stoicism Quotes for Mind & Body, and Stoicism Quotes on Money & Wealth. All books published by Hatherleigh Press and distributed by Penguin Random House.
Shopping Savings - APRILSKIN
Amazing Apps - Aqua by Adobe
Bring the World Cup superstars to your living room with the help of Aqua by Adobe, and the Superkick Shore Island.
With a game created specifically for soccer fans, young creatives are able to design their own uniforms, create their dream team, and bring their favorite player to life with the magic of Aqua.
Aqua by Adobe is a free creativity app for kids 5-12, designed to spark imagination and build confidence through art. While the app does have some AI features, it is not an AI creative platform. All art must be created by the user, with their own imagination; the AI is used to bring the creation to life.
Healthy Habits - Child Growth and Achondroplasia
Achondroplasia is the most common type of short-limbed dwarfism. A rare genetic condition, it is caused by a systemic gene variant that affects bone devleopment. The average height of adults with achondroplasia ranges from 4'25" for men and 4' for women. You can learn more in this interview with Dr. Chaya Murali, a pediatric geneticist employed by Baylor College of Medicine who sees patients at Texas Children's Hospital.
Interview courtesy: Ascendis Pharma
Money Matters - Cities with the Highest & Lowest Credit Card Debt
With U.S. credit card debt totaling $1.35 trillion and projected to increase by another $100 billion this year, the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its report on the Cities With the Highest & Lowest Credit Card Debts in 2026, to see where people are at the most risk of credit score damage or excessive interest.
WalletHub compared more than 180 of the largest cities in the U.S. based on the latest data on consumers’ finances from TransUnion and the Federal Reserve, adjusted for inflation. Below, you can find a handful of highlights from the report.
| Highest Household Credit Card Debt | Lowest Household Credit Card Debt |
| 1. Santa Clarita, CA | 173. Akron, OH |
| 2. Chula Vista, CA | 174. Rochester, NY |
| 3. Pearl City, HI | 175. Des Moines, IA |
| 4. New York, NY | 176. Fort Wayne, IN |
| 5. Rancho Cucamonga, CA | 177. Milwaukee, WI |
| 6. Gilbert, AZ | 178. Cleveland, OH |
| 7. Fontana, CA | 179. Toledo, OH |
| 8. Oxnard, CA | 180. Cedar Rapids, IA |
| 9. Moreno Valley, CA | 181. Madison, WI |
| 10. Santa Ana, CA | 182. Lewiston, ME |
To see the full report, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/
“Cities where households owe the most credit card debt, like Santa Clarita and Chula Vista, CA, as well as Pearl City, HI have high median incomes, high debt payoff rates and low delinquency rates; this indicates that residents may simply have high credit card limits and can afford to borrow more.”
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“Santa Clarita, CA, is the city with the highest average household credit card debt, at $23,714. That adds up to a total of nearly $1.8 billion for all of the city’s residents collectively. However, since Santa Clarita has a much higher median income than the national average, it’s likely that people simply have big credit card limits and can afford to spend a lot.”
- John Kiernan, WalletHub Editor
More From WalletHub
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Movie Minute - Just One More
We've all had that moment when we reach the end of our rope - when we're just so tired we want to quit. Just One More is a story about what happens when someone makes a decision to keep going anyway, in spite of that discouragement.
Jess, a recovering addict, is battling shame and doubt. Charles is dying, and prays that God would use him just one more time. Their stories intersect, and Jess learns to find forgiveness, healing, and hope.
This movie weaves together themes of reconciliation, perseverance, and strength. It's a positive, uplifting movie that is appropriate for families with older kids (because of the themes of addiction) that can be a powerful way to start discussions about purpose and strength.
Stream Just One More now on Angel and support stories that inspire, and join the Angel Guild to help bring more films like this to audiences everywhere.
I have a chance to give away a $10 Amazon gift card. To enter, leave a comment with the movie that has moved you the most. Deadline is June 15th.
Many thanks to Angel for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
