5 Tips to Awaken Your Inner Treadmill Workout

Treadmills offer a great option for those who don't always have the option of going outside. During COVID-19 quarantine many people and families have been challenged with how to get out of the house without becoming exposed to the virus. The gym and fitness centers are no longer an option for many. Some have a slight phobia about working out or even sweating in public. If you follow under either of these categories you may begin to feel tied to the treadmill for your source of exercise. 

The first week of a treadmill or even the first month may feel as though you are making some sort of progress. Maybe stocking to your workout, building muscle, losing a few pounds, and actually exercising is enough for you. But what about after 6-months? Board of the TV shows, music playlists, talking on the phone, staring out the same old window...? What then? How do you stay motivated to work out when it is boring?

Here are a few helpful hints to stay motivated during your treadmill, elliptical and/or cycling workouts:

1. Try different Race-Specific Hill intervals
2. Challenge yourself with not only different speeds but also different incline percentages.
3. Engage your brain while you workout with inspirational speakers, Wayne Dyer, and others. While your body is on a high bring your mind and spirit with it.
4. Shut the treadmill off - this may seem counterproductive but, splitting your routine up may help. Try 20 minutes on the treadmill and 10 minutes of floor activity, 10 - 20 minutes on, 10 minutes off.
5. Change the location of your treadmill. Is there another window that you can look out of? Even if it is a small change this may make a huge difference.

Women's Health advises that: 

"Opt for Intervals:

If you just jog at a steady pace without an incline, you’re not going to see huge results—even if you stick with it for an hour. A better bet: Interval training. “It provides a time-efficient, highly-effective workout experience, enabling people to burn more calories in less time,” says Matthews. You can do this by either changing the speed or the incline during different segments of your workout. (Note: Beginners should adjust only one variable at a time.)

Try it: For a 15-minute workout, first, warm up at a brisk pace (about 4 mph) for five minutes. Then, increase your speed to about 6 mph (or faster, if you're comfortable) for 20 seconds. Next, reduce the speed to 4.5 mph for 40 seconds, and continue to alternate between fast and slow intervals for a total of five minutes before you cool down for five minutes." (Excerpt from Women's Health, 2021, article: 3 Ways to Train Harder on a Treadmill)

Dear new home owner, (Year 2022) Felton, Santa Cruz County, California

Dear new home owner,

Welcome to our neighborhood, we are so happy that you are here and we hope that you purchased your house at a good price. 

We want to let you know now that we are privileged. You may never have as much privilege as we have right now. Why you may ask? Well, we bought our house years ago. I believe the year was 2012. 

For a number of reasons we will always reign superior over you because of this, most importantly it is because of the $700,000 equity that we now hold within our house. Let me sum this up for you, basically this makes us millionaires. 

Last year we were not millionaires but this year we are. Last year our neighbor was not a millionaire, well until they sold their 1960 800 sq ft 2 bedroom, 1 bath house with less than a 1/3 acre to you (valued just three years ago at $325,000, you purchased this for $999,999).

So as we welcome you into the neighborhood, we will smile and chat with you, but we will know deep inside that you may not make it AFTER THE BUBBLE BURTS! And I may never be as rich as I am today.

Felton, California Home Owner 

Everything You Need to Know About Putting on Your Own Event

Event Services
Whether you're planning a small conference or a large-scale event, you need to make sure you have the right event services in place to make it a success. But what exactly do event services encompass? And how do you know which ones you need? 

Hotel Accommodations                       
If your attendees are coming from out of town, you'll need to make sure they have somewhere to stay. Working with a hotel or group of hotels is a great way to secure discounts for your attendees and make sure their accommodations are taken care of. 

Conference Planning organizing
If you're planning a conference, there are a lot of different elements that need to come together in order for it to be successful. From venue selection and registration to marketing and logistics, there's a lot that goes into planning a conference. Fortunately, there are companies that specialize in conference planning and can help take care of all the details for you. While it will cost you more money to hire someone else to do it, it will save you a lot of time and stress in the long run. 

From audio-visual equipment and technicians to live streaming and hotel accommodations, there are a lot of different event services out there. In this blog post, we'll give you an overview of the most common types of event services so you can determine which ones you need for your next event.

Audio-Visual Equipment and Technicians
One of the most important aspects of any event is the audio-video (AV) setup. After all, if your attendees can't see or hear what's going on, they're not going to have a very good time. That's why it's important to make sure you have the right AV equipment and technicians in place to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. 

Some of the most common types of AV equipment include microphones, speakers, projectors, and screens. And depending on the size and scope of your event, you may also need additional items like lighting and staging. As for AV technicians, they will be responsible for setting up all of the equipment and making sure it's working properly. They will also be on hand during the event to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. 

Live Streaming
More and more events are being streamed live online so that people who can't attend in person can still participate. If you're considering live streaming your event, you'll need to work with a company that specializes in this type of service. 

And don't forget about color!
There's nothing quite like the adorable and charming aura of gold-colored items for weddings, parties and special events. From gleaming centerpieces and decorations to sophisticated crockery and flatware, creating a beautiful golden ambiance can be truly inspiring. Whether you’re going for a classic look or something more contemporary, gold-colored items are always sure to make an impact on your special event. Use them to add sophistication, elegance, and even sparkle to your decorations and get ready to enjoy the wonders that a little bit of gold can bring!

They will be responsible for setting up all of the necessary equipment and ensuring that the live stream is high quality. They will also be on hand during the event to monitor the stream and troubleshoot any issues that come up. 

Thanks for reading! 

The Pros and Cons of Minimum Wage

The ideas and viewpoints provided in Robert Reich’s article “The Morality of a $15 Minimum” may be the crux of our entire employment economic system and the struggles within. If I were an employer, I may be wondering if I should pay my employees the optional minimum wage. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of the optional minimum wage so that you can make an informed decision for your business. 

The Pros of the Optional Minimum Wage 

1. It attracts better workers. When you offer a higher wage, you are likely to attract workers who are more skilled and have more experience. This can save you money in the long run as you will not have to train new employees as often. 

2. Employee turnover decreases. When employees are happy with their wages, they are less likely to look for other jobs. This saves you money in the long run as you will not have to train new employees as often. 

3. It increases productivity. Employees who are paid fairly are more likely to be productive and work harder. This means that you will get more work done and save money on resources. 

4. It boosts morale. Employees who feel like they are being treated fairly are more likely to be motivated and work harder. This leads to a better work environment and increased productivity. 

5. It reduces stress levels. Employees who feel like they are being paid fairly are less likely to feel stressed about their job, which leads to a better work environment and increased productivity. 

6. It improves retention rates. Employees who feel like they are being paid fairly are less likely to look for other jobs, which saves you money in the long run as you will not have to train new employees as often. 

7. Employees are more likely to recommend your business to others. A good reputation is important for any business and paying your employees a fair wage is one way to ensure that your business has a good reputation. When your employees are happy, they are more likely to recommend your business to others, which can lead to increased profits.   

8. It’s the right thing to do!  If you believe that everyone deserves to be paid a fair wage for their work, then paying the optional minimum wage is the right thing to do!   

Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage    

There is no doubt that raising the minimum wage has its benefits, but there are also some downsides that employers should be aware of before making the decision to raise wages. Here are some of the potential cons of raising the minimum wage: 

1. It could lead to inflation. One of the potential risks of raising the minimum wage is that it could cause inflationary pressures in the economy. When wages go up, businesses may respond by increasing prices in order to maintain their profit margins.

2. It could lead to job loss. Another potential downside of raising the minimum wage is that it could lead to widespread job loss. Businesses may not be able or willing to absorb the increased labor costs associated with a higher minimum wage, so they may cut jobs in order to stay afloat.

3. It could widen income inequality. While raising the minimum wage would increase earnings for low-wage workers, it could also widen income inequality. Since businesses would likely pass on at least some of their increased labor costs associated with a higher minimum onto consumers through higher prices, consumers would face increases in costs for goods and services. 

4. It could reduce economic growth. One final potential downside of raising the minimum wage is that it could reduce economic growth. If businesses respond to a higher minimum wage by cutting jobs or reducing hours worked, this could lead to real reductions in economic activity and slow down overall economic growth.

  My opinion has not changed after reading Reich’s article. Knowledge helps to shape people ideas. Therefore, when we read something online and it introduces a new thought it may change our perspective. I do not participate in online arguments about any subject. I feel confident in my ability to take in information and make my own decision and I am rather particular about the sources that I get my information from. So much of what is available online is trash.

There is no easy answer when it comes down whether or not employers should pay their employees Optional Minimum Wage rates set by different states and or our nation. I do agree with Reich’s statement in his article, “So we’ve raised standards and lost such jobs. In effect, we’ve decided such jobs aren’t worth keeping.” Ultimately there are jobs that some of would rather not do, and others may settle for due to need based situations and these may be what keeps us diverse. In the long run, robots will begin to take over many of the minimum wage jobs and this will alleviate this fight but leave us with a new struggle. What do we do with unskilled workers? How will we move them from unskilled to skilled and can our economy handle that many skilled workers?

Works Cited

Reich, Robert. “The Morality of a $15 Minimum.” Monday, October 19, 2015. http://robertreich.org/post/131476708345

“What is the Minimum Wage?” (Nov. 2022) https://minimumwage.com/what-is-the-minimum-wage/

US Dept. of Labor. “Minimum Wage” ?” (Nov. 2022) https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/wages/minimumwage

Endless Summer Fun in Santa Cruz County 2023 Summer Camps

Spend your summer in success and gratitude at the exemplary camps of Santa Cruz County. This beautiful county offers some of the best camps for any interest or budget imaginable, so you can easily make arrangements that suit you perfectly. Camps here provide hours of fun and adventure that will be a cherished memory for years to come. Whether you’re looking for a program that focuses on artistry, athletics, or educational success, Santa Cruz County is sure to have a unique camp just for you! So gather up your family, pack your bags, and come visit this amazing county! 

Endless Summer Fun in Santa Cruz County 
Are you looking for the perfect summer camp experience for your kids? Look no further than Santa Cruz County, California! With something for everyone, from day camps to academic camps, art camps and special focus camps, your kids are sure to find a camp that fits their interests and budget. Let's explore some of the amazing summer camp options available in this incredible county. 

Image: Frontier Camp

Day Camps 
The beauty of Santa Cruz County provides an amazing backdrop for outdoor exploration and adventure. Day camps offer children ages 4 and up the opportunity to spend the day outdoors with friends while learning new skills such as hiking, kayaking, rock climbing and more. The outdoor activities are designed to help kids build confidence, create lasting friendships and learn valuable life skills. All-day camps provide lunch and snacks so parents don’t have to worry about packing meals each morning. 

Summer Day Camps

Baymonte Summer Quest

Black Oak Wilderness Day Camp

Boulder Creek Park & Rec

Boys and Girls Club

Camp Auxilium

Camp Seascape

Campus Kids Connection

City of Santa Cruz Summer Camps

Four Points Youth Camp

Frontier Ranch

Camp Capitola

Camp Gateway

Good Shepard

Kruz Kids

Mount Madonna Mountain of Fun

Mount Herman Day Camps

Mt Cross Summer Camp

Quaker Camp

Redwood Christian Park

Redwood Glen Camp

Santa Cruz County Parks Summer Camps

Santa Cruz Montessori Summer Camp

Santa Cruz Waldorf

Scotts Valley Rec

Summer at Catalina

Tara Redwood

Toadal Fitness Summer Camp

Sports Camps

Aikido of Santa Cruz

Aptos Youth Soccer Club

Basketball Jones

Belmont Training Stable

Briarcliff Farms

Cirque Tumble Cheer

Claudio Franca Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Cougar Swim School

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Santa Cruz

Hidden Villa Summer Camp

Horse and Heart

Horse Feathers Training and Riding Academy

Junebug’s Gym

Laird’s Academy of Martial Arts

La Madrona Kids Summer Camps

Main Beach Volleyball Youth

Mid County Youth Soccer Club

Minorsan

Monterey Bay Horsemanship

Nestldown Therapeutic Riding Center

Nike Soccer Camp

Ohana Gymnastics

Pacific Edge Climbing Gym

Pacific View Sport Horses

Pathways Dojo

Paradigm Sports Summer Baseball Camp

Pleasant Valley Horse Camp

Radical Movement Factory

Ridgemark Farm

Sanford’s Martial Arts

Santa Cruz City Youth Soccer

Santa Cruz Gymnastics

Santa Cruz Soccer Camp

S3 Basketball Academy

Tails of Redwood Trails

Vargas Academy of Gymnastic Arts

Wild Kid Horse and Nature Camp

Special Focus Camps

Camp Artemis

Camp Harmon

Camp Kesem UCSC

Camp Krem

Code Naturally

Kokoro no Gakko

Learn to Discover

Live Earth Farm Camp

Pediatric Therapy

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Camp

Santa Cruz SPCA Summer Camp

Teen Kitchen Project Camps

Thomas Farm Films Camp

Tutoring Camps

Club Z! In-Home Tutoring

Kumon Aptos

Santa Cruz Learning Center

Under 5 Camps

Baymonte Quest Camp

Holy Cross Preschool

Little Acorns Montessori

Little Garden Patch Farm

Little Mozarts 4 Fun

Midtown Montessori

Musical Me

Santa Cruz Montessori Toddlers

Overnight Camps

Camp Koinonia

Camp Unalayee

Daybreak Camp

Field guides Outdoor Education

Girl Scouts Camp Rocks

Growing Up Wild

Mission Springs

Mount Hermon Overnight Camps

OVY Camp

Family Camps

Montecito Sequoia Lodge

Skylake Yosemite Camp

Camp Mather

Bar 717 Ranch

Academic Camps 
Santa Cruz County also offers a variety of academic-focused day camps that provide hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Kids will get a chance to work with state-of-the-art equipment in these specialized academies where they can explore robotics, coding or animation during their summer break. Academic camps also offer field trips where students can apply what they have learned in a real-world setting and gain invaluable career skills.  

Academic Camps

Chartwell Summer

COSMOS

Kairos Learning Community

Art Camps 
For those who are interested in exploring their creative side there are plenty of art camps to choose from as well! Whether your child is interested in painting or drawing, photography or video production – there’s something for every artist here in Santa Cruz County. Art Camps give children the opportunity to express themselves through various mediums while learning more about their artistic talents at the same time!  

Arts Camps

Agape Dance Academy

All About Theatre

The Art Factory

Be Natural Music

Blue Apple Art House

Cabrillo Youth Chorus

Cherryvale Art Farm

CYT Santa Cruz

Dance Wilder

Elaine’s Dance Studio

Hooked on Theater

International Academy of Dance

Little People's Repertory Theater

LitWits

Motion Pacific Dance

Redwood Music Camp

Santa Cruz Ballet Theater

Santa Cruz Mountains Arts Center

Seven Directions

Studio Sprout

Tannery Camps

The Puppetry Institute

The Scribbles Institute

Tutu School Scotts Valley

Watsonville Taiko Drumming

West Performing Arts

Nature Camps

Happy Quails Nature Club

Life Lab Camp

Nature-Based Ongoing Group

Nature Explorers

Ninjas in Nature Summer Program

Rambling Adventure Club

Santa Cruz Kids in Nature

Spanish Nature Club

The Forest School

True Roots Nature

Ventana Summer Camps

WOLF School

Bible Camps

Santa Cruz Bible Summer Camps

The Coastlands Bible Camp

VHM Vacation Bible School

Water Camps

Adventure Sports

Aptos Cabrillo Swim Club (ACSC Thunder)

Club-Ed Surf School & Camps

Kids Kayak Camp

QuickSilver Swimming

Richard Schmidt Surf School

Santa Cruz State Junior Lifeguards

Santa Cruz Yacht Club

Seahorse Swim School

SLV Swim Center

Surf School Santa Cruz

Tides Ocean Adventure – Summer Camps

UCSC Sailing

Westside Swim School

With so many options available at various price points throughout Santa Cruz County it’s easy to find a summer camp that fits any budget and interest level. From day camps with outdoor adventures to academic programs focused on STEM fields or art classes with an emphasis on creativity – your child is sure to have an exciting summer experience here! So why not explore all that this beautiful county has to offer this season? Your kids will thank you for it!

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Summer camp links from 

CAMPS 2022 | Santa Cruz Parent