Lifestyle

4 Fun Summer Activities Your Whole Family Will Enjoy

Published

3 years ago

June 14, 2022

Summer is right around the corner and that means spending quality time with friends and family. Whether you already have some traditions in place or you’re looking for new ideas, here’s a list of several adventures and activities you may want to try this summer.

Water sports

When was the last time you and your family headed out on the water for a day of wakeboarding, water skiing, or tubing? Make this summer your time to explore some watersports.

When you already have a boat, it’s pretty affordable to get your own water sports equipment and try new things. For instance, you may want to explore stand-up paddleboards or kneeboards. You could also get a new innertube for towing multiple people at once.

Don’t have a boat? No problem. There are many locations where you can rent a boat and the type of water sports equipment you’d like to try. Look around online and find a place that rents equipment for boating. If they don’t have what you need, ask for a reference.

If you’re feeling adventurous and don’t have younger kids, you might want to head out to a spot where you can learn to kitesurf.

Whatever water adventure you choose, make sure everyone is wearing a life vest, even your pets, and take a basic water safety course if you haven’t already.

Backyard giant toss games

Have you ever seen those giant bean bags, horseshoes, or discs designed to be thrown across the yard? Each game is a little different, but these types of games are fun for the whole family, even little ones.

One of the best games is bean bag tic-tac-toe. With this game, you have to toss a giant bean bag onto a giant tic-tac-toe game board in the right spot. It’s a fun twist on a simple game.

There are tons of other backyard toss games you can play with your family, including lawn darts (the safe version of the game), horseshoes (plastic or bean bag style for younger kids), and disc golf.

Croquet

Croquet is a somewhat involved game to play, but the act of playing is simple enough that it might be of interest to kids, even if they don’t understand the details. Otherwise, croquet is an excellent game to play with friends, a spouse, or older children.

The goal in a game of croquet is to make both of your balls hit a peg after hitting them through a series of hoops in a specific order. For instance, there are five hoops that are all facing different yet specific directions. Each ball has to go through each hoop two times in a specific order.

Then, each ball has to move backward through each hoop in the opposite order, at which point the objective becomes to hit a peg. When a ball hits the peg, it’s removed from the game, and the first person to hit the peg with both balls wins.

Here are the basic rules for playing croquet and a video showing the gameplay if you’re not familiar. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s relaxed enough that it can be enjoyed by a group of friends.

A slip ‘n slide

You can’t have a fun summer without a slip ‘n slide in the backyard! Even when it’s not that hot out, it’s a fun way to pass the time.

There are so many different styles to choose from today, from simple tarp-like slides to slides with a pool at one end. Some slip ‘n slides are even padded and come with inflatable kickboards to make the ride a little more enjoyable.

On really hot days, the best slip ‘n slides are the ones that spray water everywhere and cool you down from every direction.

Enjoy this summer with new activities

Don’t let this summer be stale and boring. Bring your friends and family together to enjoy each other’s company with some new activities. Make this summer fun, whether you set up some games in your backyard, go out on the water, or just hang out in the house and talk.

What’s most important is that you spend time with the people you love.

Lifestyle

Kristien Surya Jewelry: A New Standard in Affordable Luxury Jewelry

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo credit: Kristien Surya Jewelry

Byline: Sarah Kingston-Powell

Kristien Surya Jewelry combines cultural heritage with contemporary design from its Newport Beach headquarters. Launched in November 2023, the brand draws from Western, Indian, Chinese, and Islamic design elements. The signature pieces include the Hamsa hands collection with natural gemstones and the organically shaped Sunyata series, both crafted in sterling silver, solid 14K, and 18K gold.

“Each piece tells a story of cultural connection through carefully selected materials and meaningful symbolism,” says founder Kristien, who bootstrapped the company as its sole angel investor.

Social Impact Through Accessible Pricing

Despite its recent launch, the brand experienced significant early success, reflecting strong consumer interest. With global shipping and plans to expand its reach, Kristien Surya Jewelry is poised to attract an international audience that values culturally meaningful and socially responsible luxury.

While fine jewelry typically commands premium prices, Kristien Surya offers installment payment options and competitive pricing without compromising materials or craftsmanship.

A portion of sales supports the National Pediatric Cancer Association’s Sunshine Project, which develops non-toxic cancer treatments for children. Proceeds also help fund education and fair wage initiatives for women and children facing economic hardships.

Sustainability and Customization Focus

The brand’s ECO-LOVE Program incorporates lab-grown gems alongside natural stones, addressing growing consumer interest in sustainable luxury goods. Market research from McKinsey indicates that 73% of millennials are willing to spend more on sustainable brands.

“We select natural gemstones and crystals not just for aesthetics, but for their unique properties that promote emotional and spiritual well-being,” Sun explains. Customers can personalize their amulets by choosing specific gemstones, creating individual meaning for each piece.

Market Strategy and Growth

Currently serving North America through its e-commerce platform, Kristien Surya plans to expand to additional online marketplaces. “Our goal is more than about selling jewelry—we’re building a brand that celebrates diverse cultural heritage while making fine jewelry accessible to more people,” says Kristien. The company maintains a strong social media presence on Instagram and Facebook to engage with customers and showcase its cultural influences.

Kristien Surya Jewelry sets itself apart with its focus on cultural inspiration, sustainability, and social impact. Leveraging digital platforms like Instagram and Facebook, the brand aims to foster a vibrant online community. Special promotions, such as Blind Box Gifts for early followers, enhance its engagement strategy.

Design Philosophy and Production

Each collection draws inspiration from specific cultural elements: Western philosophical traditions, Indian spirituality, Chinese harmony concepts, and Islamic artistic patterns. The manufacturing process combines traditional craftsmanship with modern production techniques to maintain quality while achieving competitive pricing.

The Hamsa hands collection features double gemstone settings—an innovation within its price category. Production standards match luxury specifications: all pieces undergo multiple quality control checks and come with authentication certificates.

Future Developments

Kristien Surya plans to introduce new collections quarterly while maintaining its core design philosophy. The company’s near-term objectives include expanding its online presence and developing additional customization options for customers.

The brand recently began developing partnerships with retail locations in major U.S. cities, though specific details remain private. Current data suggests strong market potential for culturally-inspired fine jewelry at accessible price points, particularly among millennial and Gen Z consumers who prioritize meaning and value in their purchases.