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Category: life lessons

Emotional Toy Story 4

Emotional Toy Story 4 Trailer And Activity Sheets

May 31, 2019

Toy Story 4 is coming out on June 21st! This is going to be the perfect movie to kick off summer vacation! But bring your tissues! I am hearing that it’s going to be an emotional Toy Story 4.

Emotional Toy Story 4 Final Trailer

The Story Behind Toy Story 4

I fell in love with Toy Story when it first came out in 1995. Then Toy Story 2 was released in 1999; and when Toy Story 3 came out in 2010, we took our son to see it for his first movie. I never tire watching any of these movies when they are on.

Toy Story 4 takes Woody, Buzz and the whole gang on a road trip. But first, Woody takes on a new role as Bonnie prepares to go to kindergarten. As Bonnie is growing up, Woody is also having to transition into a new role. He needs to be there for Bonnie.

When she was struggling during kindergarten orientation, Woody dug through a trash can to retrieve a few art supplies to create something for Bonnie. When his creation becomes a toy named Forky, Woody has to teach him how to become a toy and embrace being a toy. But Forky struggles with his feelings of being trash and not a toy.

Emotional Toy Story 4

As the movie continues, the toys and their new friend Forky go on a road trip that unexpectedly reunites Woody and his long-lost friend Bo Peep. Woody learns of Bo Peep’s new life outside of Andy’s house. There was always a special connection or love between Woody and Bo Peep. When they are reunited she shares with Woody her new life and how she has changed.

Emotional Toy Story 4

There’s so much more excitement in the movie with the introduction of new characters such as Duke Caboon, Gigg McDimples, Benson, Ducky and Bunny. Woody and the gang meet these new characters in an antique store called Second Chance Antiques, and at a carnival.

I can’t wait to meet these new characters and follow the adventures of Woody, Buzz and the gang! Check out more fun facts about the movie on the Toy Story 4 Facebook page!

Toy Story 4 Activity Sheets

Download, print and color the pages with your kids for great summer fun before the movie comes out! Make some of the recipes to bring with you to the movie, too!

Coloring Sheets

Games

Recipes

Emotional Toy Story 4 Trailer And Activity Sheets

Are you going to see the movie? Which of the first three movies was your favorite?

3 Quick Tips For Traveling With Food Allergies

3 Quick Tips For Traveling With Food Allergies

May 3, 2019

During my journey to better health, I had a food intolerance test done with my doctor. She went over the results with me the day before I was leaving for Austin, Texas to attend the Mom 2.0 conference. So I put together 3 quick tips for traveling with food allergies.

I can no longer eat foods containing gluten, dairy or eggs. This meant I needed to pull together food quickly that I could pack to bring with me and have for snacks and breakfast in case I couldn’t find an allergy friendly option.

I am traveling again this week for the Women In Travel Summit and needed to do the same thing. I went to Target and was pleasantly surprised to find that they carried a lot of allergy free foods that will taste good and will be safe for me. They are also a lot more affordable than going to a specialty health food store.

I noticed that since eating clean foods, I am more hungry, more often because I am not as full. Since I am eating food that is good for me, my body is processing it and using it so my blood sugar is being more regulated.

3 Quick Tips For Traveling With Food Allergies

Download the Find Me Gluten Free App

I wasn’t aware of this app until I was with a tour group for a bike ride around the Maine coastline. One of the women on the tour has a gluten allergy and she shared with me the name of the app. This will be a great resource for me to find restaurants around my home and when I am away from home.

3 Quick Tips For Traveling With Food Allergies

Many restaurants can accommodate for food allergies; but it is sometimes overwhelming when you have a menu in front of you with choices that are not gluten-free and your only alternative is a salad. I’d like to be able to enjoy a meal with foods that I can eat in addition to what everyone else is eating.

Pack Your Own Food

When in doubt, make sure you have your safe foods with you. I have been packing the following items in my suitcase and carry-on to have on hand in case I get hungry or can’t find an option that works for me.

3 Quick Tips For Traveling With Food Allergies

Foods that I pack include:

I found out that airports are difficult to find foods I can eat; especially late at night. I try to grab a California roll or some fresh sushi. But on my last trip home, I had to eat the banana my roommate gave me along with some almonds. That was my dinner. Needless to say, when I got home at 2:30 a.m. I was hungry.

Read The Labels

You must be your own advocate, so make sure you ask your servers at the restaurants and read the labels of any food you purchase. Fortunately for me, I don’t have a life threatening food allergy; but if I eat foods on my “dirty foods” list, I will end up with discomfort.

I was pleasantly surprised at dinner at a Yosaku , our server heard my roommate and I talking about gluten free eating and when she served us our food, she brought gluten free soy sauce. We were so excited that she noticed our needs, and we were even more excited that we found a new gluten free soy sauce!

3 Quick Tips For Traveling With Food Allergies
You can get this on amazon too!

This new change in my diet is going to have a large impact on me; but in a positive way. I’m just learning how to navigate this new world of food. It’s a little bit of a challenge, I am hungry often; but I do feel better. My brain seems to be less foggy, I have more energy, and I feel like my mood has changed for the better. I feel less blue and more positive.

These 3 quick tips for traveling with food allergies are the start of what I am learning about having food allergies. I’ll share what I am learning and any new tips and tricks of this new lifestyle as I encounter challenges and victories!

3 Quick Tips For Traveling With Food Allergies

Do you have food allergies? I’d love to know what you have found for great restaurants and food substitutions. Please share them with me in the comments!

Dealing With The Loss Of A Family Pet-baby

Dealing With The Loss Of A Family Pet

April 8, 2019

What A Little Chicken Taught Me

Recently we lost our beloved family pet Chickie.  Although Chickie was a chicken, she quickly became our pet.  So when she passed away I knew this was something that was going to be hard for the kids to hear.  Dealing with the loss of a family pet is probably harder on the parents than it is the kids.  The thought that I was going to intentionally have to break their hearts was killing me.  I felt like someone tore my heart out and was smashing it on the floor!

We have had our share of heartache when our little friend Lyla passed away from cancer on Christmas Day in 2017.  That was the last time we knew we had to tell the kids something that was going to be very deep and a hard reality to grasp.  I have learned a lot as a parent, but there is no book to follow when it comes to heartache.

What We Learned About Chickens

Jeff, our farmer friend gave us the little barred rock chick to take care of because his other chicks were much bigger than her.  He knew we liked to care for animals and we poured our hearts and souls into that little bird’s life and well-being.
We learned so much about ourselves and about caring for chickens while we lived with Chickie for the past year.

Dealing With The Loss Of A Family Pet-baby

I believe chickens, or any animal you raise from birth or shortly after, can become humanized.  What I’m saying is that if you are around the animal from the time they are born the become used to you, and then you can essentially train them to do certain things.  Or they become used to a pattern or repetition and understand what to do next.

Dealing With The Loss Of A Family Pet-baby

We all pitched in to help chickie thrive and grow; but I was really very attached to her because I was doing everything I could to help her thrive and grow.  We would weigh her on a food scale each week to see if she was gaining weight and not just growing feathers.

She needed a lot of help. When she was malnurished she became lame and couldn’t walk. Then she would get dirty because she wasn’t able to move around to clean the poop off her feathers. I would give her baths in her little bin inside our tub. Then I would dry her off with the hair dryer. I never imagined in my life, that I would be bathing and fluffing a chicken in my house with a hairdryer. But Chickie never minded. I actually think she loved it! I have videos of the event on our Chickie Channel on YouTube.

Dealing With The Loss Of A Family Pet-baby

What We Learned About Us

We really enjoying caring for animals. Especially an animal that was having a hard time getting stronger on their own. I had done this in the past when I found an injured bird on the side of the road during one of my training runs. I scooped that bird up and brought it home to care for it until it could fly again.

Since we had been working with Jeff up at the farm for two years, we learned what to look for in the animals. My son could always spot an bird that looked ill. He could tell by their behavior that something wasn’t right, and he was always correct in pointing out a sick bird. Sometimes the bird wasn’t too ill that it could be rehabilitated; but many times when the bird is at that point, it can’t get better.

Death is part of the circle of life, especially on a farm. But we weren’t ready for our little Chickie to go just yet. She wasn’t acting sick like she had in the past.

We have a little burial spot for her with a special light that glows at night and a special stone and ceramic chicken my sister-in-law gave us. She also was sad to hear of our loss. Everyone got to know chickie. She was kind of a big deal in our little town!

Dealing With The Loss Of A Family Pet-baby

My lesson from Chickie

While it was a very difficult few days getting used to not having our little feathered buddy around, we all bonded together to help console one another. I also made my time with my family a priority. I had been working a lot, and it was easy to let the night go by while the kids were playing and doing homework, and I would continue to work.

I have since, put my family first and we now make time to play outside after dinner, work together on homework, and we are trying to show more affection to our other chickens that produce our eggs for us. My daughter loves playing badmitten in the driveway at night so we got back to playing our games outside before bed to get some exercise and fresh air before calling it a day.

My son loves to play scooter tag, so I pulled my scooter out from the cobwebs and am chasing them around in the driveway. It is the simple things in life that my children crave… playing games, time with my husband and I, and time up at the farm exploring.

I’m thankful we had our little feathered friend in our life, even if it was just for a year. She taught me some lessons that will last through my lifetime!

Have you been through the loss of a family pet? How did you help your children through it?

5 Things I Learned To Have A Successful First Year In Business

5 Things I Learned To Have A Successful First Year In Business

March 20, 2019

This month my business has advanced into its second year. I was released from my consulting job a year ago.  Although it took a long time to get over the self-doubt and rebuild my confidence, I am now thankful for it.  I finally felt like I was able to let go of those feelings when I was on the Oprah cruise back in January.  During this past year there are 5 things that I have learned to have a successful first year in business.

5 Things I Learned To Have A Successful First Year In Business

1. Be Part Of A Community

I am so thankful for the people who I’ve met at conferences, through social media, and mastermind groups.  The women in these communities have been very open and welcoming to me and they all genuinely want to help one another. 

I can’t begin to tell you how much knowledge I have gained by being a part of these great groups.  I have been able to ask questions without judgment and really admire the women who have built their businesses from the ground up up and are now very successful in this industry. 

5 Things I Learned To Have A Successful First Year In Business

Being a entrepreneur, I work from home most of the time.  But when we I attend conferences, I have the opportunity to see my friends and make new friends.  I love the fact that at almost every event I have attended, I left with two or three great new friends that I remain in touch with throughout the year.  

2. Secure Multiple Sources Of Revenue

Blogging and social media marketing does generate revenue; but it doesn’t come automatically.  It takes times to build your reputation in the industry.  For that reason, I also provide consulting services to non-profit organizations, local businesses and I even have clients in New York City.

Providing these services allows me to keep my technology skills fresh and gives me the chance to learn new things as well.  It is also something steady to rely on should the social media industry have a drastic change.

Social media is constantly changing, and you can’t rely on building your business on someone else’s land.  That’s why it is important to also build real life relationships with individuals and brands as well.

3. Attend Conferences

One of the first things I started to do when I wanted to turn my blogging into a business, was find conferences related to blogging.  My favorite blogging conference is Mom 2.0.  I attended Mom 2.0 for the past two years and always came home with so many notes and great information on how to grow, organize, and manage my business.  Conferences are also a great place to network, talk to brands, and find PR contacts to introduce yourself to in hopes to work with them in the future.

My favorite social media marketing conference is Social Media Marketing World, which is run by Social Media Examiner.  I volunteered at SMMW last year and am currently there now.  This conference is AMAZING!  So many social media experts are there and the atmosphere is electric.  Being a volunteer is a lot of work but it is worth every minute.

5 Things I Learned To Have A Successful First Year In Business

We have the opportunity to network and interacting with the speakers, the attendees, sponsors, and other volunteers.  I’ve already exchanged business cards with several people that I am working with in my volunteer group and also individuals I met at the Pat Flynn Meetup last night!

5 Things I Learned To Have A Successful First Year In Business

4. Hire Experts To Do Things You Aren’t Comfortable Doing Yourself

I know a little bit about a lot of things.  But many times I don’t know enough of other things to take my business to the next level.  As I worked through my first year of my business I tried to do what I could; but learned that I needed to hire some experts to do things which would advance my business.

SEO is one of those skills that I am not well versed in.  Since I hired someone to manage my SEO, my traffic to my blog has increased greatly.  Even though it costs me a little extra for this service, the payout will be great in the end.

I also hired a business coach.  This is a great resource for me to bounce my ideas off of and to help keep my focus and directs me to the area I need to give more of my attention to.

5. Be Grateful

The most important lesson I learned this year is to be grateful.  I am grateful for every opportunity, large or small.  I am grateful for the people who have given me wonderful opportunities and experiences.

5 Things I Learned To Have A Successful First Year In Business

I have had the chance to do things I never imagined.  So now when I create my vision board every year, I add things that are dreams for me because dreams can come true.  Nothing is too big or too small to put on the vision board.  It is honestly, a little scary when I look back on what I put on the board last year and what actually came true!

Gratitude is a new trait that I have embraced this year.  I must admit that I am usually a glass half empty person.  My friends and I joked about it when we were away in Boston for a weekend last summer.  I keep a gratitude journal and when I am feeling stressed or down I stop myself in my tracks, take a deep breath and tell myself it is going to be a great day.

Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy. It’s not the safe route compared to a full time job with benefits.  But the rewards are so much greater because they are a direct reflection of your efforts.  I love being a business owner.  There are days that I question it; but rarely does that happen.  I have so much to do and learn that there isn’t time to allow self-doubt or negative thoughts to come in and take over my mind.

Are you and entrepreneur?  Have you always wanted to own your own business?  If you have questions about it, reach out to me, I’d love to talk to you about it!

5 Things I Learned To Have A Successful First Year In Business

Lessons From Oprah

Lessons I Learned On The Oprah Cruise

February 13, 2019

I came back from the Oprah’s Girlfriends’ Cruise with such a high. The cruise was my first cruise and it was one of the most amazing times in my life! I learned so many lessons from Oprah and my new friends!

When we embarked the Nieuw Statendam, there was a palpable energy, that you could feel. It began as soon as we sat down to lunch with two other women at our table. We laughed, we shared our anticipation of what we thought might happen. Then we took pictures of the “Dynamic Duo”. They gained that name after they called us the “Fabulous Four”.

With all of the lessons from Oprah and my new friends, I will be sharing them with you in several posts; and the Fabulous Four is also going to start a podcast about living our best lives. I can’t wait to start this new adventure!

Lesson 1 From Oprah – Be Kind To Yourself

I work hard and I play hard. But when I am working, it’s hard to get me out of work mode. And then when I am playing, it’s hard to get me back into work mode!

After we embarked the ship, we were hanging out on the balcony waiting for Lady O to arrive. Angie was sitting in the chair and I was standing at the railing. She told me she didn’t recognize this feeling she was having. We are both moms, she has three children, and I have two tweens. I knew exactly what she meant….

It is very rare to have a 12-18 hour period without our children and spouses. It takes your body and mind a while to allow ourselves to be selfish and relax. To actually have some calm and not have someone yelling “Mom!”, and needing something from you right away. Or then arguing with you because you are now going to be wrong for most things.

We don’t easily relax. It is very hard for me to relax. Even when I first arrived to Fort Lauderdale, I couldn’t go to the beach to read a book until I got some work done for a client first. Once I did go to the beach I read one page of the book I had and immediately had to get up because I wanted to take photographs of the waves and the beautiful ocean view. I also wanted to explore the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort which was next door to our hotel.

After I thought about this, I realized that it was ok that I didn’t sit down in a chair to read. I was doing what I wanted to do and I had fun playing with my new camera at one of my favorite hotels. And then getting the chance to get a selfie with the first resort I ever worked with, when I was in event planning at 18 years old! Mike and Jeff still worked at the hotel. That says a lot for the resort that they work for! Lessons From Oprah

Lesson 2 From Oprah – Be Vulnerable

If you know me well, you know that I NEVER leave my house without makeup. On this trip, the girls met me on day one without my makeup on, wearing my glasses, and watching Netflix on my ipad.

With four girls in a cabin, we took quick showers, without washing our hair and making little fuss to get all dolled up. I quickly put on a tinted moisturizer, very little eye makeup and off I went. It was great that I didn’t really care; I let myself be vulnerable and didn’t feel so vain.

Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and chance. Brené Brown

After we returned home from the cruise, I told the girls that I had so much fun on the cruise because I let myself be vulnerable. Heather told me that when you allow yourself to be vulnerable, happiness can come in. Lessons From Oprah

Lesson 3 from Oprah – Surrender

This year my Intentions are very strong. I am making some decisions as a business, with a strategy. Letting go of things that I don’t know as much about; so it can be taking care by an expert who does.

Doing a job you don’t like is fantastic information for you, because knowing what you don’t want helps leads you to what you do want. Oprah
Lessons From Oprah

Yes we were this close to Oprah!

I surrendered. I finally stopped looking back and set my course with the ship and Only-Looked-Forward. On the last night, I literally felt the wind in my face and the negative feelings were being stripped off of me and blown past the ship into the sea. I felt that a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. I felt like my old self again. The kids noticed it when I came in the house. They saw my smile, my smile was back.

There is no such thing as a Coincidence.

Nothing new can come into your life unless you are grateful for the things you have.

You can release yourself from being a victim and take control back into your life.

You don’t become what you wish for, you become what you believe. What you were given was what you were called to use. Oprah

Just read that again and sit with it. It’s a powerful message and helped me set my intentions for this year.

This Year Is Going To Be Amazing! Six weeks into this year, I have already had two very large and amazing experiences. I also received four sponsored Instagram campaigns. These are important opportunities for me and my business goals.

We attract into our lives the things that we want. That is based on what we are thinking and feeling. We create our own realities and our own circumstances. Oprah

I am confident that I am attracting into my life the things that I want. That’s why I am excited to Explore this year!

I had an amazing time with new friends. It felt like a teenage sleepover party, or what dorm life would have been if I hadn’t gone to community college. It was like summer camp! I can’t wait until the next time the four of us can get together again and play dress up, have a pajama party and laugh until our sides hurt! Lessons From OprahHave you ever been on a cruise with friends?  I’d love to hear about your experience!  Share it with me in the comments.  I’d love to hear which cruise line you were on and what you thought of it.  The Holland America Cruise Line is beautiful.  I have been on a tour of the Disney Magic, but never sailed on it.

Lessons I Learned On The Oprah Cruise
My One Word for 2019

My Word For 2019

January 23, 2019

For the past several years I have chosen one word as my mantra for the year. In the past few years they were Believe (2018), Strength (2017), Joy (2016), and Challenge (2015).

This year it took time to find my word but then it appeared to me…. EXPLORE. The year 2019 is my year to explore – this will include exploring the world with travel, exploring what brings me true joy and pleasure, and exploring what is out there for me to find.

Why I Want To Explore

Last year I had gone through several changes. Many of them were changes I wanted to make, but they had to be forced upon me in order for me to actually do it. I was released from a job that wasn’t right for me. This was the change I needed in order to live and do what I want to do.

When I went off to work on my own, I had to believe in myself. I had to trust that I could fly on my own and to understand that when good things came my way, that they were meant for me. I had a lot of doubt and insecurities. My confidence was stripped away from me. But that is all starting to change.

What I Have Explored This Year Already

Just a week ago I finished my fifth Walt Disney World Marathon weekend Dopey Challenge. I was very nervous about this race, mostly the marathon portion of the race. I felt undertrained. My longest training run was 13 miles. I would have liked to get more miles under my feet; but I kept running throughout the time prior to the race; but they were short runs.

Several of my friends were also feeling unprepared for this race. They were dealing with illness and injury, so we were sharing our concerns and fears with each other. We encouraged each other that we would do whatever it takes to get the challenge finished.

I hate to admit this; but I did have a fleeting moment where I considered not doing the marathon. However, my children and husband were going to be at the finish line of the marathon so I couldn’t let them down. I wanted to be an example to my children to never give up. I know the training is important; but finishing what you start is also an important message I want them to know.

When I finished the race I was overcome with emotion. I was so proud of my accomplishment and the realization that I am still passionate about training for and running races.

My Word For 2019
My 5th Dopey Challenge Completed!

I Am Exploring To Find What I Love

My Passion For Running

Now, I am on a mission to explore my re-ignited love of running. I was selected by Another Mother Runner to be one of their Brand Ambassadors (#BAMRbassador). I am so excited to be a part of a larger group in the running community to share my passion for running and all things associated with training, racing, recovery, taking care of yourself, gear, and more.

My Passion For Photography

I am also exploring my love of photography. I always enjoyed taking pictures; but now I set up time to go out and take photographs. When we were in Disney after the races were over, I packed up my camera that I was blessed to receive from Best Buy at Mom 2.0 last year, and took pictures at the parks. I especially loved capturing the images at night with the special lighting within the parks. I had so much fun snapping the photos everywhere.

When we came back home from the trip there was a large ice storm and the temperatures dropped to the single digits. I was getting cabin fever so I dressed up in my cold weather running gear and put on my snow pants, boots, coat and buff and went up to the farm with my camera.

My Word For 2019

I walked all the way up to the hill to find the cows and stayed up there to take photographs of the frozen farm and the sunset. It was only about eight degrees outside!

My Word For 2019

I saw so much beauty through the lens of the camera. I caught an owl in a tree, and the cows and Jed the horse even seemed happy to have a visitor!

My Word For 2019
An owl waiting for its prey at Andrew’s Farm
My Word For 2019

My Next Adventure

A week from today I will be setting sail on the Oprah Girlfriend’s Cruise and I cannot wait to Explore the ship, Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas. This will be my first cruise so everything will be a new adventure for me. Doing yoga on the beach is one of the events I am looking forward to most on this trip!

My Word For 2019
I can’t wait for my moment to do yoga on the beach at Half Moon Cay

I will be using this trip to think about my life and my goals and dreams for 2019. I’m looking forward to all of the experiences that will come my way this year. I can explore what makes me happy and what I can do to teach my family more about places around the world we live in.

Do you create a word of the year? I’d love to hear what your word is. Please feel free to share it in the comments.

I'm Going To Cruise With Oprah!

I’m Going To Cruise With Oprah!

October 17, 2018

The announcement came out in June via Facebook and an Instagram video and then there was a buzz going on among several bloggers.  Our dreams are about to come true!  We started to talk and make plans and the next thing I knew… too late.  We were put on a waiting list.  This was June 13, 2018.

I'm Going To Cruise With Oprah

Credit: O The Oprah MagazineCREDIT: O THE OPRAH MAGAZINE

I’m Going To Cruise With Oprah!

On Wednesday, October 10th I had to lay down for a little bit because I was feeling overwhelmed with a project I was working on.  After I rested, I checked my emails and there it was!  My wait was over.  I’m going to cruise with Oprah!

I have never been on a cruise in my life!  And I’m going to be on a ship with Oprah and Gayle!  This trip is going to be an event of my lifetime for me!  My dreams have been coming true right in front of my eyes recently!

We are going to “Breathe” during “Just Breathe” meditation and movement, or go horseback riding on a private island in the Caribbean.  I have always wanted to ride a horse!  Oprah will also make a stage appearance to show insight on how to live our best life!  There will be a book chat in O’s Reading Room.  And we can meet with Adam Glassman who can style us in some of the latest trends.  We will also get beauty advice from Brian Underwood!  I can’t wait for all this special learning and pampering!

I'm Going To Cruise With Oprah!

Rendering of Nieuw Statendam (Credit: Holland America Line)RENDERING OF NIEUW STATENDAM (CREDIT: HOLLAND AMERICA LINE)

My Goals

I'm Going To Cruise With OprahI’ve been working very hard lately.  Working on my personal goals and making a name for myself.  When I was put on the waiting list I tossed my dream out to the universe.  If this was meant to happen, I knew it would work out.  I can’t believe it!

I have so many amazing experiences to explore between now and the cruise. I am applying to be a #OMagInsider.  So that is another dream that I am sending to the universe to manifest.  I also have a press trip to Branson, MO.  This year is great and it is only going to get better!  I am putting things in place and learning new things to do even more awesome things!

I’ll be sharing my experience with this journey from now until the trip so follow me on my exciting journey!

How Children Play Today

How Children Play Today Compared To When I Was A Kid

October 10, 2018

Disclosure:  I have been compensated for this blog post.  All of my opinions in this article are my own.

Many times you hear people saying to kids these days, “When I was a kid your age, we didn’t have phones like those to play on”.  Or “When I was a kid we played outside until the streetlights came on”.  Well, yes that may be true; but I am trying hard as a parent to teach my kids how to have fun and play, like when I was a kid.

What We Played 40 Years Ago

While kids have devices today to play with like video games consoles, iPads, mobile phones, and computers; there were devices similar to those when I was growing up.  They just weren’t as portable.

We had cable TV (with the box that had a lever for three rows of channels and a long cord to reach the couch).  We had Atari or ColecoVision.  And if we were really lucky, we had a smaller device called the QuizWhiz.  That was a BIG deal for me when I got one for my birthday.How Children Play Today

But our parents also made us play outside.  I can distinctly remember summer vacations from school.  We were outside all day until the sun went down.  We rode our bikes and played C.H.I.P.S. with the screw on battery operated siren on our bike handle bar.  To make our bikes sound like motorcycles, we used clothes pins and playing cards to clipped them to our bikes.

We made forts in the woods, and climbed trees.  We played house in the shed, or played ice cream store.  Whatever our imaginations led us to that day.  We also played Barbie dolls and stuffed animals.  Or played dress up with my best friend’s mom’s clothes and heels when she was at work.

Then as I got older and my parents got us a pool, we spent our summer days synchronized swimming with my boom box in the back yard.  Sometimes we even got to put up a tent in the back yard and my best friend slept over in the tent with me!

I vividly remember playing outside all seasons of the year.  We really only played in the house on rainy days or if it was colder in the winter.  That’s the way I am trying to raise my children now.

How Children Play Today

I am trying to raise my kids similar to the way I was brought up.  I know how children play today varies by each family and their parents.  Some children may have access to devices, computers, gaming consoles.  I feel, that as parents, we also have the control on how much they use them.

Just like when my mom made is play outside, I make my kids play outside.  Especially when they start fighting with each other. There’s something about getting them outside and moving that tends to make them forget what they were fighting over and they get along again.

This is how I do it.  I don’t know that it is the case with all children today; but I’m trying to set a solid foundation so my children have a good balance of school, play, homework and screen time.

From the time my son was about 18 months old we were outside all bundled up in snow clothes to shovel the snow off the driveway.  His cheeks would be all red and his nose would run; but we were getting our dose of fresh air and exercise!  Then my daughter was born and I would do the same with her.  No matter what the season, we all went outside.

How Children Play Today

Even now as my children are 10 and 11 years old, they spend the majority of their time outdoors when they get home from school.  My son has a very hard time doing any homework right after school; because he learned when he was in his early years in school that we played first, then came in and did homework after dinner when it was dark out.

I also see that children now want things instantly.  We can thank amazon for that, in my case.  If I need something I no longer drive to Target or Wal-Mart to get what I need, I pull up good old Amazon Prime and it’ll be here in 2 days!

I am trying to teach them about patience.  That they can’t have whatever they want right away.  If they want a particular toy or access to a game, they have to earn it.  I do have the children do chores, but for special things we don’t just buy it and give it to them.  They are learning the value of money and appreciating what we already have.

It’s About A Healthy Balance

How Children Play TodayTo be honest, I don’t think kids today are much different from when I was younger, it’s about how you parent them.  Sure, you can give them a phone and not set time limits, or let them have all access to their PlayStation or XBox.  But the devices aren’t what are hurting the kids. It’s the lack of control.  As a parent we need to make sure they have a healthy balance of play time, person to person time and reading, exercise, and study time.

The Genius of Play

I had the pleasure of meeting an incredible organization while at the BloggyCon Conference.  They are called The Genius of Play.  I loved their purpose the minute we started talking.

When you visit thegeniusofplay.org you can learn about the six benefits of play.  It’s important for the development of a well-rounded child.  Check out their site for much more information on why play is important, the different activities you can do with your children for any age group, and so much more!  If you are like me and love to play, you are going to love this site!

Manifestation - Taking Charge of My Life

Manifestation – Taking Charge Of My Own Life

October 4, 2018

This week the word manifestation has been on my heart. I can’t seem to listen to enough Wayne Dyer podcasts and YouTube presentations. I had a spiritual shift in my mindset. You are in charge of your own happiness. I am in charge of my own happiness.

This time of year is hard for me. The change in seasons is hard because I don’t like the dark. I can’t run later in the day anymore, and colder weather is coming. The cold doesn’t stop me from running; but I’m just a summer, loving kind of girl.

How does this relate to manifestation? Well, the word has been on my mind and I have been making many changes in a more positive direction. I have changed my diet to eat clean again. I have made a commitment to stick to my training schedule for the Dopey challenge, and I am cross training regularly.  I want to feel better about myself both inside and out.  But more importantly, I am seeing that things I have been manifesting are unfolding in front of me.

Different Types of Thinking

I was talking to my husband about the way that I think, and I told him that I am always the glass half empty person.  I always think the worst case first and am not the type of person who is more positive.  He told me that how a person thinks can be changed, and I didn’t disagree.

Deficiency Motivation

Wayne Dyer talks about that type of thinking.  He called it deficiency motivation – “Where I am I don’t Like”.  From July, 2017 until March of 2018 I was living in a place in my life that I didn’t like.

When you think that way, you are always trying to fix what you don’t like. You feel like something is wrong with you. You never arrive where you want to be in life because your life is a series of trying to get someplace else.  What happens, is that is you become a sufferer of always wanting MORE.  When you are living in deficiency you are always feeling like you don’t have enough, even when you met the goal you wanted. You are never satisfied.

No Limit Motivation

A no limit person never operates from a lack in their life.  They never say I don’t have enough.  In your mind you are already everything you need to have total bliss.  No limit people take what they are and accept.  They see no deficiencies about themselves.

How Is Manifestation Affecting Me

I want to be the type of person who takes their life in their own hands and understands that everything that comes your way is an opportunity and a blessing.  I am finally getting to that place.  I am learning how to be happy where I am and with what I have.

I used to keep looking backwards and seeing my failures in a negative sense.  I was focusing on my deficiencies.  I wasn’t believing that what happened in the past was necessary to get me to where I am today.  I would say it out loud, but I wasn’t truly believing it 100% until a few weeks ago.

I used to keep reaching for more.  But I am now learning to celebrate every little thing that is coming my way.  And let me tell you, things have been coming my way that I never expected that I would receive.  This is what has happened for me in the past six months:

I lost my job

I actually manifested on an airplane home from a conference two days before that, that I wanted to start my dream job.  I wanted to do whatever it would take to be my own boss.  That gift was given to me two days later.  However, for a long time I was focusing on the negative part of that.

I attended conferences

I met some wonderful new friends.  I had grown my relationship with one of my friends from several years ago.  We had the chance to spend more time together and build our relationship.

I won contests at these conferences!  I won a gift card which I used to purchase a new camera.  I told my roommate at that conference that I wanted to get a new camera to help with my business.  I won a Google Pixelbook and a JBL Pulse 3 speaker.  Thank you Best Buy!  I had said I wanted to get a new computer to upgrade for my business!

I also won a $250 gift card at the third conference I attended this year!  In fact, the morning of the drawing I was getting dressed and putting on my make up and I said OUT LOUD, “I am going to win that gift card”.  And I did!   Thank you Genius At Play!  I was shocked and had to share my story when I accepted the card.

That was the smack in my face that told me that when you manifest your visions and dream they will come true.  I told my husband about the gift card and we both thought the same thing.  That is the gift we needed to help with our children’s Christmas gifts this year.

I am building relationships

I had the pleasure of rooming with Claudia in NYC in August for the BlogHer Conference.  She and I had been friends and had been able to spend time with each other at conferences, but this time we had more time together by rooming with each other.

Having that time together, I was also able to enjoy dinners and free time with Claudia.  I I was also introduced to some amazing women!  I had been talking on the phone with one of the members in our social media group, and Claudia surprised me because that same person was at the dinner!  It was so great to meet Annita in person!  Also at the table were fellow Omag Insiders of Claudia’s and also a fellow Best Buy Ambassador Kelly.  I was so happy to finally meet some of these women in real life.

Claudia had another surprise for me.  I was invited to join her for a tour of the Oprah Magazine office in the Hearst Building in NYC!  I couldn’t believe it.  I want to be an OMag Insider and I am manifesting this dream.  Being in the same office space that Oprah spends time and breathes the same air!  I was so grateful for that experience.

Manifestation - Taking Charge of My Life

I am learning how to be me

Wayne Dyer says, “being means seeing the greatness and uniqueness in you, and never letting anyone else to make you think the contrary.”  I am learning how to “be”.  I am learning how to be my true self.  I am seeing the good that I am capable of.  I am no longer letting how I had been treated or made to think negatively about myself define me.

I had an amazing experience at that conference.  I was given the opportunity to give a presentation about messenger bots.  This was a first for me at a social media conference.  And the session was great!  I had amazing feedback from some of the attendees, and I was so surprised at how many people attended my session.

Manifestation - I am Taking Charge of My Life

I was having a conversation on Facebook with someone and this is a message she sent to me about my change into working for myself this year:ManifestingSomeone else believes in me and they are seeing me succeed!  I love this.

Just before I left Cedar Point to fly home, I went to the amusement park and took a ride on the very high swings.  I wanted to fly high and toss my negativity into Lake Eerie.  I didn’t want to bring it back home with me.

Things are happening to me that I never imagined before.  When I started to believe in myself doors began opening for me.  I am getting so busy with clients, that there may come a point when I will have to hire a virtual assistant!

Do Your Children Play?

Do Your Children Still Play?

September 20, 2018

Do your children play after school or do they come home and sit on the couch and watch TV or are play on their electronic devices?  I know my children need a little bit of downtime when they get home from school.  But what they really want when they get home is a snack and then to go outside to play!

How Do Your Children Play?

My son gets home 20 minutes before my daughter.  He has his snack and watches a little bit of TV while he waits for her to get home.  Once she arrives she has a snack and then they make a plan for what they want to play first.

Do Your Kids Play?Earlier this week it was all about forts!  We had some rainy weather so I didn’t mind that the kids built forts in the living room.  But it had to be cleaned up each night because they used just about every blanket and pillow they could find!

The past two days my son has been bike riding with a ramp going out of the back door of our garage.  So as soon as my daughter gets home he wants to ride bikes with her.

Do You Have A Full Size Tent In Your Playroom?

If your kids asked you if they could set up a full size camping tent in the house would you let them?  We are fortunate enough that the entire downstairs of our raised ranch is a designated playroom for the kids.  This pretty much means anything goes.

My son wanted to set up the camping tent in the playroom one Sunday evening while I was working out.  I figured why not?!  They are only young once and it’s only in the basement.  So as you can imagine there’s a lot of set up and tear down that takes place when the kids are building forts and setting up tents.  It’s much easier for me when their play place is somewhere outside of course.

I Never Discourage Play Time

I always love to hear the sounds of my kids playing on the trampoline, riding their scooters, or rediscovering the fun a wagon can provide while I am inside working.  I always say that if their bare feet are dirty and they have grass stains on their knees then it’s a good day to be a kid.

For the most part my kids don’t spend a lot of time on electronic devices.  I don’t have a timer set up on them yet, but I do watch how much time they are on them and sometimes I will kick them off the couch and send them outside to play.  But most of the time they do that on their own.

From the time they were little we were always outside.  When the temperature hit 40 degrees they would kick off their socks and shoes and throw them off the deck so they could be barefoot.  When it was 45 degrees they would ask me where their shorts and tank tops were because they didn’t want to wear winter clothes anymore!

Do Your Kids Still Play?

When it rained, we would jump in puddles or play with umbrellas or bubbles.  When it snowed, we were always outside during the blizzards until late at night sled riding and building forts.  In the summer their fingers and toes would look like prunes from being in the pool.

We always want to have a good time.  In fact, it’s becoming a challenge for me to get my son to stop playing to get his homework done.  He just wants to stay a kid at heart and not have to dig into the amount of schoolwork a middle school student is now required to maintain.

Do your kids still play?  What do you do for fun as a family?  I’d love to hear how you disconnect and try to live in the moment with your family.

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