Sexy Fish Sandwich - - This post haved 0 comments

It's nothing new to see sexuality used to sell products. It's also no surprise that Hardees (AKA Carl Jrs) uses over sexualized commercials to sell their sandwiches. From the infamous commercial of Paris Hilton washing a car in a bikini and eating her hamburger to the newest sexy Hardess commercial featuring a bikini clad beach bunny simulating oral sex on a straw.

It's disappointing to say the least. Exposure to overly sexual material leaves little to the imagination. It also makes companies appear overly desperate to sell their worthless product. If the burger was really that good, I wouldn't need a body to tell me so. Seeing too much flesh, at inappropriate times, causes us to lose appreciation for the real deal.

Where do we draw the line? Our society attempts to push the boundaries of every aspect in life, it's important to change and evolve. It is clear that sex sells products, it's cliche. Using sexuality to churn marketing is an attempt to grab your attention at whatever cost. We've seen scantly clad women (and men) used in movies, clothing ads and even car ads. Sexuality touches many aspects of American culture. One place I thought it could be avoided was in the fast food chains.

It's not very surprising that a fast food chain would hop on the bandwagon. You expect to see kid friendly places like McDonald's avoid such antics. However, Hardees leans more toward the adult demographic. Their commercials have always been racy and it's hard to find one that doesn't make your stomach turn. (Check out this article.)

I would love to see sexuality banned from commercials. I love racy, dirty movies and support adult decisions to consume such media. However, I believe these commercials are desensitizing our children and a population as a whole. It is unnecessary to show a woman bent over in a bikini sucking on a straw and making moaning sounds. Especially during the middle of the day when most families are at home trying to enjoy a good sitcom. It also seems shallow and dumb to buy into such marketing strategies. If you like the burger (or product) then by all means enjoy. But don't be naive to think that just because a company is trying to get your attention with such disrespectful tactics that their product is going to be worth your money or attention. Vote with your wallet.

Don't want to give Hardees any attention but I'll let the evidence speak for itself.

Family Dinner: Let's Eat Together - - This post haved 0 comments

Accepted in EVERY culture.

Family dinner, a memento of the 1950's. What happened to the time when we come together around a great meal and enjoy the company of our children and our parents? These days, parents are too busy to cook dinner. Moms are working late and fathers still don't know their way around the kitchen. With a decline in family dinner time, it's important to remember the benefits of eating together and what we are missing out on.

It’s hard to overlook the overwhelming research on the positive effects of family dinners on children’s diet, social development, and sense of connection with their parents and siblings.

When a family eats dinner together they are able to bond in a way that only dinner allows. Maybe it's the privacy, maybe it's just a routine; either way family diners allow for open communication and education. Traditionally, dinner is a time to discuss the events of the day. Children offer up stories from school and parents have a chance to give feedback and guidance. Teenagers are often going through a difficult transition period. Family meal time allows parents to stay informed on what their teenagers are going through. To help encourage their good decisions while guiding them away from any harmful ones. With younger children, dinner is a time for learning healthy eating habits and table manners. Offering small children different food options allow them to grow into well rounded healthy eaters.

Compared to teens who eat family dinners 5 to 7 days per week, those who only eat family dinners fewer than 3 per week are:

• Nearly twice as likely to use alcohol
• Twice as likely to use tobacco
• One and a half times more likely to use marijuana

Conversations at dinner can be easier than you think. A lot of people, including parents, have trouble holding a conversation. Especially one of merit. But it's really a lot easier that you think. Start by talking about how your day went. What were some of the highs and some of the lows of the day? Talk about your favorite foods. These simple tips are great for younger children. For older children and teenagers, the same questions can be applied, but consider getting a little deeper. Ask about their grades in school or about their crush. It's easy to communicate when you start by asking questions.

Boys and Girls can Cook

Family dinner can also be a great time to get your children involved. Ask the younger ones to set the table or fix drinks. Older children can have a hand in helping to make dinner. Both boys and girls should be introduced to the stove and taught how to make different types of food. Food is for everyone, not just females. These chores are a healthy part of raising children with initiative. Teaching them that we work together as a family is nearly as important as the topics of conversation.

Here are some tips to help encourage happy family dinners:

• Turn off the TV and all other electric devices. This includes phones.
• Teach your small children about different foods. Fix foods with different colors and textures.
• Give your children dinner time chores.
• If both parents can't attend dinner, one parent will be just fine.
• Allow your children to invite their friends over for dinner. This will open up new topics.
• If you can't cook 7 nights a week, do it as often as possible.
• Even after the children have become adults and moved out, it's still nice to eat together once in a while.

Sources:
www.kevinmd.com
blog.foodnetwork.com

Refried Hippie - - This post haved 0 comments

What is a Refried Hippie? A new age hippie, born in the wrong decade. Hippies and beatniks of the 60's have inspired a new generation to lead a path to freedom. We have taken on many cultural relics of our forefathers (and foremothers) and incorporated modern technology to give us an electric highway to spread our messages of peace and love.

Refried Hippies, like any other micro-culture, are all different people. Different backgrounds, different styles, different beliefs; all with same ideal for world peace. This blog will incorporate all the aspects of a new age hippie lifestyle, with throwbacks from the summer of love!

Topics will include (but are not limited to):

• Hippie/Beatnik culture of the 60's and beyond.
• Political Issues
• Feminism
• LGBTQ
• Family and Relationships
• Home Decorating and Environmental Tips
• Environmental Issues
• Kids - Raising and Surviving Them
• Pets
• Fashion Trends
• Food and Drink
• Health
• Travel
• Romance and Sex

If you are interested in anything you see on the site or if you would like to contribute to the blog send emails to mrsatollison@gmail.com .

Also find me on Facebook.

Peace and Love,

Mrs T