Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Piragua - Puerto Rico Piragua

 

Piragua

A piragua is a Puerto Rican frozen treat, shaped like a pyramid, made of shaved ice and covered with fruit flavored syrup which are sold by vendors, known as piragüeros, in small colorful pushcarts. Piraguas are not only sold in Puerto Rico; they can be found in the United States in areas such as New York, where there is a large Puerto Rican community.

In Puerto Rico the word piragua refers to a frozen treat made of shaved ice and covered with fruit flavored syrup. Unlike the American snow cone which is round and resembles a snowball, the piragua is pointy and shaped like a pyramid.  The word piragua is derived from the combination of the Spanish words "Piramide" (pyramid) and "Agua" (water).In Latin America, frozen treats similar to the piragua are known by many different names.

Piragua and the piragüeros

[caption id="attachment_379" align="alignleft" width="300"]Piragua Puerto Rico Piragua Piragua Cart and Piraguero[/caption]

The piragua vendor is known as the "Piragüero". Most Piragüeros sell their product from a colorful wooden pushcart that carries an umbrella, instead of from a fixed stand or kiosk. The Piragüero makes the treats from shavings off a block of solid ice inside his cart and mixtures of fruit-flavored syrups. The tropical syrup flavors vary from lemon and strawberry to passion fruit and guava. Once the syrups are ready, the Piragüero will go to his place of business, which in Puerto Rico is usually close to the town plaza, while in the United States it is usually close to the public parks near Hispanic neighborhoods, to sell his product.

[caption id="attachment_382" align="alignright" width="300"]Piragua Hand Ice Shaver Piragua Hand Ice Shaver[/caption]

type of Hand Ice Shaver used by the Piragüero

Puerto Rico Piragua

In the process of preparing a piragua, the piragüero shaves the ice from the block of ice with a Hand Ice Shaver. He then puts the shaved ice into a cup and uses a funnel shaped tool to give it the distinctive pyramid shape. The Piragüero finishes making the piragua after he pours the desired flavored syrup. Unlike the typical American snow cone, which is often eaten with a spoon, the piragua is eaten straight out of the cup or is sipped through a straw. Piragüeros are only out on hot sunny days because those are the only days when they can expect good business.

Syrups

Piragua Puerto Rico Piragua
Puerto Rico Piragua Syrups

Piraguas in the United States

"For me, as a Puerto Rican born and raised in New York, a piragua pushcart vendor is a very special person. He represents an important part of our culture. Those  shaved-ice cones filled with Caribbean tropical syrups, not only ease the body during the hot summers, their sweet goodness reminds of us of who we are and where we come from, without words."

  • "There are also pushcarts serving "piragua" (shaved ice with your choice of syrup poured over it), and others selling balloons." - 2 September 1968, Bridgeport (CT) Telegram, "‘La Marqueta’ Offers a Slice of Puerto Rico in New York" by Amei Wallach (UPI) pg. 34, col. 1.
  • "Piraguas and knishes, It’s the season for the 25-cent hot dog, the 20-cent sundae, the 15-cent pretzel (two for a quarter) and an assortment of ethnic delicacies that range from piraguas (scraped ice with syrup) to potato knishes." — 30 July 1969, New York (NY) Times, "Venders Profits From Universal Taste" by Bernard Weinraub, pg. 41.
  • "Piraguas (snow cones) are shaved from blocks of ice inside colorful carts, and offered with sweet syrups poured over them for 30 cents a scoop." - 13 November 1977, New York (NY) Times, "Old San Juan: Vibrant City Life With a Style That’s High and Low" by Robert Friedman, pg. XX14.

Piragua vending is not limited to Puerto Rico and New York, piragüeros with their  Piragua pushcarts can be found in Hispanic neighborhoods in Bridgeport, Chicago, Jersey City, Miami, Newark, Philadelphia and elsewhere.

Piraguas in Old San Juan Puerto Rico

Piragua Supplies

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Tuesday, July 15, 2025

The Penalties Associated with Violating a Restraining Order

 

While the specifics vary by state, most jurisdictions treat restraining order violations seriously to protect victims. Residents of Colorado Springs, a city in Colorado encircled by picturesque mountains and close to the base of Pikes Peak, have regulations that support this stringent approach and stress the need to follow protective orders.

What Does a Restraining Order Violation Involve?

When the respondent violates the court's terms, such as contacting, threatening, or approaching the protected person, they are considered to have committed a restraining order violation.
If you're facing a restraining order violation in Colorado Springs, it's essential to understand the potential legal consequences and seek proper legal guidance.

Criminal Penalties for Violating a Restraining Order

  1. Violating a restraining order has serious repercussions. It is a criminal crime, and the type of violation determines the seriousness of the accusation.
    Misdemeanor Violations: A first-time restraining order violation is generally classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor. In this case, the offender may face up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. The court may also impose probation or require participation in counseling or other rehabilitation programs to address the behavior that led to the violation.
  2. Felony Violations: If the person violating the restraining order has a prior conviction for the same offense or if the violation involves more serious actions, such as stalking or repeated harassment, the violation may be escalated to a felony charge. This could be classified as a Class 5 felony with more significant penalties. A conviction may result in up to 3 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000, in addition to other court-ordered penalties.
  3. Legal Consequences: Those found guilty of violating a restraining order may also face civil consequences. The protected individual may pursue a civil lawsuit against the violator for damages related to the violation. The court may also issue further orders, such as extending the original restraining order or imposing additional restrictions on the respondent's behavior.

Impact on Future Legal Proceedings

A restraining order violation may significantly impact current legal actions, including custody disputes or divorce cases. It can negatively affect a respondent's credibility in court, often leading to a more challenging legal situation. In family law cases, such violations can influence custody and visitation decisions, potentially resulting in the loss of parental rights.

Defenses for Violating a Restraining Order

While violating a restraining order is a serious offense, limited defenses are available. The most common defense is that the respondent was unaware of the order's existence. This is a complex defense to prove in court, as restraining orders are typically served to the respondent directly.
Another possible defense is that the violation occurred accidentally or unintentionally, which is not often sufficient to avoid legal penalties.

Conclusion

In Colorado Springs, breaking a restraining order is a serious offense with potentially harsh punishments. Whether classified as a misdemeanor or felony, the consequences of violating such an order can include jail time, significant fines, and other legal ramifications.
It is crucial for individuals under a restraining order to fully understand the terms and comply with them to avoid the severe penalties that come with violations.

Monday, July 14, 2025

Festival de Bomba y Plena en Tampa

 

The festival celebrates the richness of Puerto Rico’s culture, record breaking crowds have been present for the past years at the “Festival de Bomba and Plena en Tampa, Inc., isa FREE Community Event.

Festival de Bomba y Plena en Tampa

We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity dedicated to helping our communities. Proceeds are donated to local organizations who assist families in times of tragedy, emergency.

In previous years the festival provided donations to, children and adults 8 years of age and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “Fundación Rafael Cepeda Atiles” that provides free education of cultural music to low-income families in Puerto Rico. Summer camp for children’s who has suffer burns.

[envira-gallery id="19074"]

Para cualquier consulta, envíe un correo electrónico llámenos a:
Alberto Delgado / Carmen Delgado.
Office 813-570-8179.
Email: imalat1@aol.com
Email: festivaldebombayplenaentampa@gmail.com

Saturday, July 12, 2025

Vega Alta: Where History Meets Natural Beauty

 Playa Cerro Gordo

Nestled on the northern coast of Puerto Rico, the charming town of Vega Alta beckons with its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Often overshadowed by its more bustling neighbors, Vega Alta offers a tranquil escape, a place where the echoes of the past intertwine seamlessly with the rhythms of modern life.

A Glimpse into the Past: Founding and Early Days

The story of Vega Alta begins in 1775, when it was officially founded by Don Fernando de Lezcano. However, its roots stretch back further, to a time when the area was a part of the larger Vega Baja municipality. As the population grew and economic activity flourished, the need for a separate administrative and religious center became evident. Don Fernando de Lezcano, a prominent figure in the region, spearheaded the efforts to establish the new town, carving out its own identity from the fertile plains. The name "Vega Alta" itself, meaning "upper plain," alludes to its geographical location, situated on the higher lands compared to Vega Baja, the "lower plain."

Early Vega Alta thrived on its agricultural prowess, with sugarcane cultivation dominating the landscape. The fertile soil and ample rainfall made it an ideal location for this lucrative crop, and the town quickly became an important hub for sugar production. This agricultural prosperity attracted settlers, leading to the construction of homes, churches, and other essential infrastructure that laid the groundwork for the community that exists today.

The Town Colors

The vibrant spirit of Vega Alta is beautifully encapsulated in its official colors: green and yellow. Green symbolizes the lush, fertile lands that have historically been the lifeblood of the town, representing its agricultural heritage and the abundant natural beauty that surrounds it. Yellow, on the other hand, embodies the sun-drenched beaches and the warm, welcoming spirit of its people. Together, these colors paint a picture of a town deeply connected to its environment and radiating with a cheerful disposition.

Sites of Interest: Exploring Vega Alta's Treasures

Vega Alta, though modest in size, boasts a surprising array of sites that cater to diverse interests. For those drawn to history and architecture, the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción (Church of the Immaculate Conception) stands as a testament to the town's enduring faith. This beautiful church, the spiritual heart of Vega Alta, showcases classic Spanish colonial architectural elements and serves as a focal point for community gatherings and religious celebrations.

Nature enthusiasts will find their paradise in Vega Alta's stunning coastline. Cerro Gordo Beach is arguably the most famous and popular, renowned for its crescent-shaped stretch of golden sand, calm turquoise waters, and a lush backdrop of palm trees. It's a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The accompanying Cerro Gordo National Park offers hiking trails that wind through coastal forests, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and opportunities for birdwatching.

>Beyond the well-trodden paths, explorers can discover hidden gems like the Boca Juan Martín Cave, a natural wonder that invites adventurous souls to delve into its depths and marvel at its unique rock formations. While access might require local guidance, the experience is truly unforgettable. For a taste of local culture and commerce, a stroll through the town square (plaza pública) offers a glimpse into daily life, with local vendors, cafes, and the rhythmic pulse of the community.

The Guiding Light: Patron Saint La Inmaculada Concepción

The spiritual protector of Vega Alta is La Inmaculada Concepción (The Immaculate Conception). Celebrated annually on December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a deeply significant event in Vega Alta, marked by religious processions, festive music, traditional food, and vibrant community gatherings. As the patroness, her feast day brings the community together in prayer and celebration, reflecting the town's deep-rooted Catholic traditions.

Vega Alta is more than just a dot on the map; it's a living testament to Puerto Rico's rich heritage. It’s a town that invites visitors to slow down, breathe in the salty air, and immerse themselves in its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Whether you're seeking a serene beach getaway, a historical exploration, or a genuine cultural experience, Vega Alta promises an unforgettable journey.


Friday, July 11, 2025

Expert Tips for Small Business Success in the AI Era

 the AI Era

(BPT) - Did you know small businesses comprise 99.9% of all businesses nationwide? Today's small businesses are entering a new era, with smart, accessible technology helping to level the playing field, making it easier than ever to compete, grow and thrive. From AI-powered PCs and generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, to intuitive platforms like Canva, Square, Shopify, Mailchimp and QuickBooks Online, there's technology available to support almost any business need today — no IT team required.

The result? Modern technology is opening doors to give small business owners powerful, affordable resources right at their fingertips. Technology helps entrepreneurs and small businesses automate everyday tasks, tackle challenges, streamline operations and scale smarter — proving that small really can be mighty.

This Small Business Month, business owners can celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit fueling economic growth and vibrant communities. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, here are practical insights to help your business thrive in today's digital-first world.

Accessible Resources Drive Impact

It's vital to recognize that any size business needs to optimize today's technological advances. In its third annual global CIO report, Lenovo found a whopping 96% of chief information officers expect to increase AI investments over the coming year. Additionally, 81% of CIOs say they're leveraging third-party AI tools or deploying a mix of third-party and proprietary AI. Notably, 39% of CIOs are already seeing a positive return on their organization's investment in AI.

Are most small businesses embracing new technologies? The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Teneo found that almost all small businesses (98%) are using AI-enabled tools and more than half (51%) use financial management tools like Intuit QuickBooks. In addition, nearly half of small businesses (47%) use four or more technology platforms and 40% use GenAI tools like chatbots and AI-powered image creation. In other words, adoption of new technologies is widespread, highlighting their importance in today's business environment.

To get started, begin by identifying one key area of your business that could benefit from automation — whether it's managing finances, improving customer service or streamlining marketing. From there, explore budget-friendly tools tailored to your business goals and tap into resources like mentorship programs and funding opportunities that can help you make informed decisions and implement tech with confidence. With the right support, small, strategic changes can unlock major efficiencies, setting the stage for long-term growth.

From Underdog to Top Dog: Harness AI for Big Wins

AI isn't just for large enterprises; in fact, Vena FP&A reports that 80% of staff who use AI and automation tools say they have become more productive. Interestingly, less experienced workers experienced a 35% productivity jump, proving AI can make a positive impact for organizations and individuals, regardless of skill level.

A McKinsey report from March 2025 found 21% of organizations using generative AI say their businesses have fundamentally redesigned at least some of their workflows, resulting in cost savings. Lenovo's global 2025 CIO Playbook reports that AI spending expectations by IT decision-makers will nearly triple in 2025 compared with last year. The bottom line: Nearly half of organizations (42%) believe AI-powered devices boost employee productivity and experience. That's why an overwhelming 90% are piloting, planning or exploring AI-powered PC rollouts in the mid-to-long term.

The takeaway for small business owners? You don't need to overhaul everything, but focusing on one area of your business to leverage AI can drive meaningful results.

Small Business Success

Resources to Help Businesses Grow

When seeking resources to optimize technology for your business, start by identifying top technology priorities. Key places to start include improving cybersecurity, using project management tools to streamline workflows and automating tasks like email marketing and inventory management. You can find information and resources on the U.S. Small Business Administration website.

In addition, programs like Lenovo's Evolve Small are dedicated to championing North American small businesses. This year, Evolve Small is introducing the AI Grant, designed to demystify AI for small businesses and help integrate AI into their everyday operations. The grant, which will be awarded to eligible businesses, includes $25K in grant funding, a comprehensive, customized Lenovo technology package valued at $10K, AI training, plus access to mentorship, mental health and leadership coaching and community support.

There are also free resources available for any small business to leverage through the Lenovo Pro Community site, such as on-demand workshops and courses on AI PCs, informational guides on building your tech stack, data security, emotional intelligence and more.

By investing in key resources and embracing AI, Lenovo aims to empower small businesses to compete effectively with larger companies, ensuring they remain the beating heart of local communities.

Small Biz - Big Impact

Small businesses are crucial to local economies, serving as cultural cornerstones by creating jobs and fostering innovation. In today's AI-driven landscape, technology isn't a luxury, it's a lifeline. When harnessed thoughtfully, even the leanest operations can unlock smarter workflows, sharper marketing and stronger customer relationships.

Fortunately, adopting newer and better technology does not have to break the bank or be overly complicated. The key is finding what suits your unique business needs and budget. With the right tools, support and mindset, small business owners can compete at a higher level than ever before — and win. Whether you're looking to simplify operations, better connect with customers or scale sustainably, now's the time to act.

Ready to embrace technology and bring your business to the next level? Explore resources, get inspired by real small business success stories and discover how the Evolve Small program is helping small businesses across the country thrive at Lenovo.com/EvolveSmall.

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Transform Your Home’s Exterior for Maximum Curb Appeal

 

(Family Features) For most homeowners, their house’s exterior is a reflection of them, which makes it important to ensure its curb appeal is up to par. While there are plenty of ways to enhance the appearance of your home, these ideas can leave a lasting impression.

Choose the Right Plants

Opt for a mix of evergreen shrubs, perennials and seasonal flowers that provide continuous color visual interest. For example, billowy trees can add height and movement while ground cover plants and shrubs can fill in spaces and prevent weeds.

Incorporate Stonework

Hardscaping elements such as walkways, retaining walls and stone borders – as well as natural stone or stone veneer – can significantly enhance the structure and aesthetic of your front yard. Even if changing your home’s facade isn’t in your plans, natural stone, paver or brick sidewalks or landscape rings can be incorporated to complement its architectural style.

Update Lighting

Not only does outdoor lighting enhance safety and security, it can be used to highlight key features and create a welcoming ambiance after dark. Consider adding lighting to (or replacing fixtures around) your driveway, walkways and entryway to guide visitors and use spotlights to draw attention to architectural details, trees and garden beds.

Give It a Fresh Coat of Paint

One of the first projects that comes to mind for many homeowners looking to improve curb appeal, a fresh coat of paint can make a striking difference. However, if a full-scale paint job isn’t in the budget, refreshing the trim, bannisters and railings, gutters or other accent pieces can still help provide fresh pops of color.

Find more ideas to improve your home’s curb appeal at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:

eLivingtoday.com

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Meet the 2025 Jeep Compass: A Familiar Face with Fresh Twists

 New 2025 Jeep Compass

The 2025 Jeep Compass carries over its familiar styling—squat profile, squinty headlights, and bold grille—while introducing subtle yet meaningful upgrades. A refreshed exterior features new LED lighting across trims, optional contrasting roof colors, and a late‑year Joose edition paint option for those seeking a splash of personality.

Powertrain & Performance: Turbocharged with Ambition

Under the hood sits a 2.0‑liter direct‑injection turbocharged inline‑4 producing 200 hp and 221 lb‑ft of torque. That’s a noticeable improvement over previous models, delivering quicker 0–60 times (as low as 7.9 seconds) and slightly better on-paper performance. An eight-speed automatic, standard all‑wheel drive, and a class-leading fuel stop-start system round out the drivetrain.

Fuel efficiency lands in middle territory—rated at 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, 27 combined—peeling off ground from key rivals like the Subaru Crosstrek but surpassing models like the Bronco Sport.

On-road, the Compass delivers confident highway composure and adept urban maneuvering. But it tends to reveal its compromises: suspension can feel harsh over rough pavement, the steering vague during spirited cornering, and the brakes suffer from front-end dive under repetitive hard stops.

New 2025 Jeep Compass rugged

Trailhawk: A Genuine Off-Road Companion

For off-road adventurers, the Trailhawk trim brings serious chills to seatbacks. It adds a 1‑inch lift, specialized Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, skid plates, tow hooks, and a 20:1 crawl‑ratio low 4×4 system. Combined with Jeep’s Selec‑Terrain modes—including an exclusive Rock setting—this variant can ford up to 19″ of water and tow approximately 2,000 lbs.

Interior & Tech: Comfort Meets Connectivity

Inside, occupants will appreciate spacious legroom (41.8″ front, 38.3″ rear), besting some rivals, and a cargo capacity of 27.2 ft³ (up to 59.8 ft³ with seats folded). Base models feature cloth upholstery, while higher trims offer leather or leatherette, heated seats, and power-adjustable driver seats .

Technology includes the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system (10.1″ touchscreen standard on most trims), wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and optional luxuries like wireless charging, Alpine premium audio, Amazon Alexa built-in, and a panoramic sunroof.

However, complaints surface around touchscreen responsiveness, infotainment glitches, and occasional electrical quirks—owners on forums report “screen glitching” or inconsistent automatic-start/stop behavior.

NVH & Ride Quality: A Mixed Bag

The Compass exudes “rental-car vibes,” according to Consumer Reports, citing a stiff, jittery ride and elevated cabin noise. Early startup reveals a rougher engine tone, and road noise infiltrates even at moderate speeds. Merely “okay” handling comes with body roll and sluggish steering feedback; brake feel is described as overly sensitive at low speeds.

Safety & Reliability

Safety gear is plentiful: forward collision braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-centering steering, rear cross-traffic alert, drowsy-driver detection, and optional full 360° camera and Active Driving Assist. Crash tests show IIHS “Good” ratings on many fronts, though the vehicle missed top honors due to updated protocols. Meanwhile, NHTSA gives the Compass a four-star overall rating, with a three-star rollover score.

Reliability is a mixed story: RepairPal places it above average, but forums are replete with warranty shop runs—especially concerning touchscreen failures or coolant-related worries—even in brand-new examples.

Pricing & Trim Walk

Base Sport models start around $27,500–27,900. The mid-level Latitude rings in at ~$29.8k. The upgraded Limited hits roughly $33.8k, while Trailhawk tops at about $33.99k—just slightly more than Limited but packed with off-road readiness
media.stellantisnorthamerica.com. Destination fees (~$1,595) are roughly in line with segment norms.

New 2025 Jeep Compass Interior

Verdict: For Whom the Compass Points

The 2025 Compass upholds its Jeep heritage with hearty off-road capability, especially in Trailhawk trim, and offers strong power and modern tech. It’s an appealing choice for those seeking a compact SUV with weekend-outing potential and bold style.

Yet, trade-offs are real. Buyers should brace for a ride that’s firm, cabin noise that intrudes, occasional infotainment bugs, and a mixed reliability reputation. For urban commuters prioritizing comfort and refinement, rivals like the Honda CR‑V, Mazda CX‑5, and Subaru Crosstrek might offer a quieter, smoother daily experience.

Bottom line: The 2025 Jeep Compass is ideal for adventure-minded buyers who value rugged styling, off-road chops, and a bold tech package—but those after polished on‑road comfort and near-flawless reliability may want to consider other compact SUVs.

Pros & Cons at a Glance
Pros

Vigorous turbo engine with quicker acceleration

Trailhawk shines off-road with genuine Jeep ability

Spacious rear seats and cargo capacity

Modern Uconnect 5 with standard wireless phone integration

Solid safety and driver-assist suite

Cons

Ride quality is stiff; cabin can be noisy

Steering and brake feel lack refinement

Infotainment and electrical bugs reported

Reliability is average—not segment-leading

Competitors offer smoother, more polished rides

The 2025 Jeep Compass stays true to its roots: bold, capable, and ready to explore. It embraces adventure with open arms—but sacrifices comfort and polish to do so. For road warriors and weekend warriors alike, it’s a compelling, characterful compact SUV


Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Summer Skin Essentials

 

Summer Skin Essentials: Time to switch up your skin care regimen for summer

(Family Features) Summer is all about sunshine, vacations and outdoor adventures, but warmer weather and environmental changes can be harsh on your skin. Excessive sun exposure, sweating and dehydration can leave your skin feeling less than its best. Thankfully, with the right skin care essentials, you can maintain glowing, hydrated skin all season long.

Explore top solutions for summer skin care, chosen from Herbacin’s Skin Solutions and Foot Care lines, and discover how they can restore and protect your skin from summer stressors no matter the adventure at herbacinusa.com.

Deep Cleansing for Radiant Skin

Summer heat makes oily, sweaty skin more common, leading to clogged pores and dullness. That’s why a gentle yet powerful exfoliation is crucial with a solution like Gentle Face Scrub, which is formulated with exfoliating jojoba wax particles to remove dead skin cells and cleanse deep into the pores. Infused with aloe vera, chamomile and marigold, this scrub eliminates impurities while promoting skin regeneration. Plus, it’s suitable for all skin types and is free from parabens and mineral oils.

How to Use: Apply the scrub 1-2 times per week for instantly smoother, brighter skin.

Hydration That Lasts All Day

Hydration is key to maintaining healthy, youthful skin. Try Daily Skin Moisturizer that offers 24-hour hydration thanks to its hyaluronic acid-rich formula. Enhanced with inositol for elasticity and fucose biopolymer for moisture retention, it deeply nourishes your skin without leaving an oily residue. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and perfect relief for sun exposure or after a day outdoors.

Pro Tip: Apply this lightweight moisturizer as the final step in your morning skin care routine for all-day skin hydration.

Soothe and Clear Blemishes Quickly

Consider Anti-Blemish Gel to keep your skin clear and blemish free. Packed with soothing aloe vera, chamomile, marigold, panthenol and bisabolol, this targeted treatment promotes skin healing while drying out blemishes and reducing irritation. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for tackling acne and preventing future breakouts.

How to Use: Apply a small amount to blemishes several times a day until the irritation subsides.

Nourishment for Stressed and Rough Areas

Sun, saltwater and chlorine can cause specific areas of the body, like elbows and hands, to become rough and dehydrated. Designed to restore softness, this Special Care Cream improves skin elasticity in even the driest areas. Enriched with plant-based glycerin, allantoin and vitamin E, this cream provides intensive nourishment and protection without a greasy finish.

Essential Tip: Apply regularly to areas prone to dryness for soft, smooth skin all summer.

Extra TLC for Your Feet

Between barefoot walks on the beach and sandal season, your feet deserve special attention. Take care of them with Herbacin’s Foot Care line, which includes a range of products such as Leg Lotion, Cooling Gel and Foot Cream, designed to revitalize tired legs and feet. Infused with active ingredients like red vine leaves and horse chestnut, these products boost circulation, tone the skin and prevent the formation of calluses and cracks.

Step Up Your Routine:

  • Smooth on the Leg Lotion to nourish and protect legs and feet from dehydration.
  • Use the Cooling Gel after a long day to soothe sore legs.
  • Apply Foot Cream overnight to soften and maintain smooth, crack-free skin.

Photo courtesy of Pexels (woman overlooking ocean)


SOURCE:

Herbacin

Monday, July 7, 2025

7 Ways Outdoor WIFI can Upgrade Your Summertime Fun

 Outdoor WiFi

(BPT) - Imagine streaming your favorite show from your backyard hammock or enjoying a playlist with friends by the pool this summer. From relaxing escapes to backyard gatherings, elevate your outdoor adventures this summer by upgrading your mesh wifi system with an outdoor wifi device, extending your internet for tech-fueled fun all summer long.

With outdoor wifi, you can give yourself the freedom to stream, work, play and create outside anytime, anywhere on your property. Check out these seven ways outdoor wifi can help you bring the indoors outdoors so you can make the most of the season.

1. Boost Your Backyard Entertaining

Whether you're new to outdoor entertaining or regularly host backyard movie nights or game-day watch parties, you'll need fast, reliable wifi to stream all your favorite media content this summer and beyond.

Make sure you and your guests can enjoy your cinematic experience nearly buffer-free with eero Outdoor 7. This dual-band mesh wifi router allows you to enjoy unlimited outdoor entertainment, rain or shine. With an IP66 rating, eero Outdoor 7 will hold up in even the most extreme temperatures year-round, whether it's a freezing -40°F or sweltering 131°F.

The eero Outdoor 7 is designed for easy setup via a user-friendly app and was designed with various outdoor surfaces in mind, so your device can seamlessly blend into its environment and be easily installed on stucco, vinyl siding, wood or fiber cement walls.

2. Pump up the Jams With Outdoor Speakers

Do you enjoy DJing your summer pool parties, or streaming music on your smart speakers while you garden or grill? Or maybe you're just looking for some fun tunes to play during an evening around the firepit. With eero Outdoor 7, you can keep the beats going day or night — or at least until the neighbors ask you to quiet down!

3. Keep Your Home Secure With Outdoor Cameras

Security cameras are a must for large properties. Not only do they provide peace of mind, but they can also help you keep an eye out for packages or make sure your kids get home safe from their summer activities.

But maintaining a strong wifi connection across a large area can be challenging. With a 15,000-square-foot reach, eero Outdoor 7 extends your existing eero wifi network for maximum coverage so you can easily keep those cameras connected.

4. Bring Intelligence to Your Yard With Smart Gardening Devices

Technological advancements have made gardening easier than ever before. With long-range outdoor wifi, you can monitor birds through wildlife cameras to protect your garden from backyard visitors, or install wifi-enabled smart sprinklers to water your flowers, herbs and vegetables automatically, helping them flourish with ease.

5. Create a Strong Signal in Your Garage

Your garage may not be the first spot you think of needing outdoor wifi, but how many times has your smart garage opener failed to connect or your car operating system update stalled? An eero mesh wifi system with eero Outdoor 7 can fix those everyday headaches and keep everything running smoothly by extending your wifi network to those previously untapped dead zones.

For those whose garages double as a workout space, special project workshop or woodworking station, eero Outdoor 7 can help you stream workout videos or keep you entertained as you listen to podcasts while dedicating time to your crafts.

6. Bring on the Backyard Barbecue With a Smart Grill

Are you ready to level up your grill game? Whether you already own or have your eye on a specific smart grill model for your summer cookouts, make sure you get the optimal cookout experience with outdoor internet. Wifi-connected grills let you monitor and adjust temperatures remotely through an app, helping you serve up perfectly cooked food every time. With a strong wifi connection powered by eero Outdoor 7, you'll never have to worry about overdone or underdone meat again.

Enhanced Outdoor WiFi

7. Turn Your Patio Into Your Outdoor Office

If you work from home, give yourself the freedom to roam and work remotely from your patio. With eero Outdoor 7's lightning-fast Wi-Fi 7, you can enjoy wireless speeds up to 2.1 Gbps. That means you can join your weekly team meetings or video calls from the comfort of your backyard without buffering or dropouts.

This summer, soak up every second of sunshine and fresh air. To learn more about how eero Outdoor 7 can help you take your outdoor summertime fun from good to great, visit eero.com.

Sunday, July 6, 2025

The Puerto Rican Festival of New Haven

 The Puerto Rican Festival of New Haven

The Puerto Rican Festival of New Haven is a regional celebration of Puerto Rican culture held annually on the Second Saturday of August in New Haven, Connecticut. The event features food trucks, family activities, arts & crafts, and live music.

Saturday August 9 2025

Carlos Juan el Lunatico y su Grupo Tipico
DJ Red
Bomba Fusion
OMG Apollo
Carlos Cruz el Cimarron del Verzo Negro
Y Mucho Mas!!

1 PM to 9 PM
New Haven Green 165 Church St