Thursday, June 30, 2011
My previous blog isn't dead just put on the back shelf!
What's the deal with Coconut Water?
Summertime Fun!
Besides the horrific humidity, the sweltering heat, and the lovely state bird (the mosquitoes).......summer is one of my favorite seasons. There are a number of things you can do as a family at little or no costs for some summer fun.
1.) Back yard BBQ - Who doesn't love to sit around enjoying the smell of the grill. Get some friends together and have everyone bring their own dish and B.Y.O.B. It's a low cost solution to a fun and entertaining dinner party.
2.) Go for a bike ride or hike - We all say we need to lose the dreaded holiday weight and we even make resolutions at the beginning of the year. But let's face it, we pay for gym memberships and go for maybe 3 or 4 mths but never follow through. Get out with you kids and go for a walk around the neighborhood or hop on your bike. (I discovered a vintage bike in my garage that belonged to my grandmother. I cleaned it up and have enjoyed riding around the neighborhood with Parker)
3) Go camping- Do it the old fashioned way by setting up a tent. It could be your back yard, living room, or an actual campground. If you have a large family or group going then consider a cabin. Make s'mores, catch fireflies, play family-favorite games, go fishing, etc.
4.) Back yard scavenger hunt - Turn your back yard in to an adventure land. Get the kids outside and set up a scavenger hunt and give your kids clues. Give prizes at the end. Make it fair and split up into teams so everyone gets a chance to play.
5.) Movie night under the stars- Everyone loves a good movie. Even better is to watch a movie under the stars. If you have the extra cash and are willing to spend some money for a good investment then you could buy your own projector. You can find them on amazon.com for as low as $115. It hooks up to a laptop or dvd player. If you don't want to spend that kind of money you can always check out your nearest library to see if they rent out projectors. Often times they do for a small fee. Throw a light colored sheet on top of the garage door, pop some popcorn and lay out some blankets and you've got your very own movie theater outdoors.
6.) Become Explorers- Ever wonder what you are missing by working your 9-5, cooking, and cleaning? If you stop and look around you'd probably realized that there are things you never noticed. For some summer fun, drive downtown, park, and just walk and explore your surroundings. Don't forget your water.....staying hydrated in the hot weather is important!!!! The good thing about walking and exploring is that there is always a store with a/c to cool off. If you have young kids who are learning shapes and colors, make it a game. If they can identify so many shapes and colors then they get a prize or a nice cool ice cream cone.
*What are your favorite free or low cost summer activities?
1.) Back yard BBQ - Who doesn't love to sit around enjoying the smell of the grill. Get some friends together and have everyone bring their own dish and B.Y.O.B. It's a low cost solution to a fun and entertaining dinner party.
2.) Go for a bike ride or hike - We all say we need to lose the dreaded holiday weight and we even make resolutions at the beginning of the year. But let's face it, we pay for gym memberships and go for maybe 3 or 4 mths but never follow through. Get out with you kids and go for a walk around the neighborhood or hop on your bike. (I discovered a vintage bike in my garage that belonged to my grandmother. I cleaned it up and have enjoyed riding around the neighborhood with Parker)
3) Go camping- Do it the old fashioned way by setting up a tent. It could be your back yard, living room, or an actual campground. If you have a large family or group going then consider a cabin. Make s'mores, catch fireflies, play family-favorite games, go fishing, etc.
4.) Back yard scavenger hunt - Turn your back yard in to an adventure land. Get the kids outside and set up a scavenger hunt and give your kids clues. Give prizes at the end. Make it fair and split up into teams so everyone gets a chance to play.
5.) Movie night under the stars- Everyone loves a good movie. Even better is to watch a movie under the stars. If you have the extra cash and are willing to spend some money for a good investment then you could buy your own projector. You can find them on amazon.com for as low as $115. It hooks up to a laptop or dvd player. If you don't want to spend that kind of money you can always check out your nearest library to see if they rent out projectors. Often times they do for a small fee. Throw a light colored sheet on top of the garage door, pop some popcorn and lay out some blankets and you've got your very own movie theater outdoors.
6.) Become Explorers- Ever wonder what you are missing by working your 9-5, cooking, and cleaning? If you stop and look around you'd probably realized that there are things you never noticed. For some summer fun, drive downtown, park, and just walk and explore your surroundings. Don't forget your water.....staying hydrated in the hot weather is important!!!! The good thing about walking and exploring is that there is always a store with a/c to cool off. If you have young kids who are learning shapes and colors, make it a game. If they can identify so many shapes and colors then they get a prize or a nice cool ice cream cone.
*What are your favorite free or low cost summer activities?
Friday, June 10, 2011
A Run-in with Reality: Yes, You Really are Getting Older!
Have you ever had that conversation with your friends when you made the statement, "Hey do you remember when we were young and......?" Yeah of course you have. That convo that sparks up because you remember a toy from childhood or a cartoon you use to watch. Then, after having these amazing discussions of great moments from your past you realize that they were 5,10 + years ago. How does that make you feel? For myself it always surprises me how I always thought I'd feel time pass instead of looking back and realize that I never even noticed time go by. As a society we live in a fast paced environment and well let's just burst my bubble: you can't actually see time fly.
These conversations really get your gears going about how much has changed in your lifetime and how much older you are. Sometimes though, it isn't even that discussion that changes your perspective. It's a simple visit to your local (insert brand here) retailer. You pass by the toy aisle for whatever reason (Really I don't want to know. Let's just say you have kids.) and you see they same exact toy you had when you were a kid only it's on the shelf advertised as "vintage" or "__th Anniversary Edition". Yeah that'll do it! Where did the time go when your old toys are now considered vintage?
The other day I was doing some window shopping, strolling in front of a local strip mall. I pass a store that I can remember the "it" store to shop at if you were between the ages of 12 and 17. That was a punch in the gut (not really b/c I'd never want to be that age more than once in a lifetime) because I'm 25 and could never shop there unless I wanted to look like a teenage wannabe in a quarter life crisis. Anyway, in the window there was a sign saying all graphic "T's" 50% off. Next to the sign there they were the infamous licensed graphic "T's". Only the images on the front shocked me because I was thinking of the ones we would buy because we thought it was cool to wear a shirt with our favorite cartoon characters on it. Hey, I'm not judging you because you wore them. I did too and I still have some to remind me that I am getting older. Also, if you never had one because it wasn't cool......then don't judge the rest of us. The shirts in the store front window were definitely not for our generation. The had t-shirts for cartoons my nephews use to watch as toddlers. So, here they are in no particular order.....are you ready: The Rugrats, Sponge Bob, Pokemon, Lady Gaga instead of Madonna just to name a few. What's next? Rocking Barney graphic "T's"? Who ever knew that The Rugrats would ever become one of those cartoons that you put on a t-shirt because it reminds you of when you were younger.
Today's generation of kids are sitting around with their friends hanging out because it's summer and they are talking about the things that remind them of the good ole days. That includes the cool new t-shirt that has their once upon a time favorite cartoon character on it. We mention watching Darkwing Duck and they say "What's that? Must have been a long time ago when you were young." Ha our Ghost Buster, Scooby Doo, Ninja Turtles graphic "T's" will beat yours any day you crazed teenage Justin Beiber fans! I really can't hate though because now I'm old enough to say, "Been there, done that." And I know how much you hate that! LOL!
These conversations really get your gears going about how much has changed in your lifetime and how much older you are. Sometimes though, it isn't even that discussion that changes your perspective. It's a simple visit to your local (insert brand here) retailer. You pass by the toy aisle for whatever reason (Really I don't want to know. Let's just say you have kids.) and you see they same exact toy you had when you were a kid only it's on the shelf advertised as "vintage" or "__th Anniversary Edition". Yeah that'll do it! Where did the time go when your old toys are now considered vintage?
The other day I was doing some window shopping, strolling in front of a local strip mall. I pass a store that I can remember the "it" store to shop at if you were between the ages of 12 and 17. That was a punch in the gut (not really b/c I'd never want to be that age more than once in a lifetime) because I'm 25 and could never shop there unless I wanted to look like a teenage wannabe in a quarter life crisis. Anyway, in the window there was a sign saying all graphic "T's" 50% off. Next to the sign there they were the infamous licensed graphic "T's". Only the images on the front shocked me because I was thinking of the ones we would buy because we thought it was cool to wear a shirt with our favorite cartoon characters on it. Hey, I'm not judging you because you wore them. I did too and I still have some to remind me that I am getting older. Also, if you never had one because it wasn't cool......then don't judge the rest of us. The shirts in the store front window were definitely not for our generation. The had t-shirts for cartoons my nephews use to watch as toddlers. So, here they are in no particular order.....are you ready: The Rugrats, Sponge Bob, Pokemon, Lady Gaga instead of Madonna just to name a few. What's next? Rocking Barney graphic "T's"? Who ever knew that The Rugrats would ever become one of those cartoons that you put on a t-shirt because it reminds you of when you were younger.
Today's generation of kids are sitting around with their friends hanging out because it's summer and they are talking about the things that remind them of the good ole days. That includes the cool new t-shirt that has their once upon a time favorite cartoon character on it. We mention watching Darkwing Duck and they say "What's that? Must have been a long time ago when you were young." Ha our Ghost Buster, Scooby Doo, Ninja Turtles graphic "T's" will beat yours any day you crazed teenage Justin Beiber fans! I really can't hate though because now I'm old enough to say, "Been there, done that." And I know how much you hate that! LOL!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Mason jars are my new obsession!
I stumbled across a box of mason jars in my garage. They were taking up space and I don't know a single person who still uses them to make jams or preserves. What oh what should I do with them? Give them away? I could never do such a crazy thing like that. I recently saw a show where mason jars were used as decor in a home make over, at a wedding, and as home made gifts. I thought that was brilliant! How could I not have seen such great ways to utilize these jars? Now I've got so many ideas I don't even know what to do with them. I'll be posting numerous pictures of my crafts and the various ways I've used them. I'd love to know all the ways you use them. Give me some unique and original ideas of how you would use them. Pics of my projects coming soon!
The best thing about these mason jars are that you can find them every where. You can find them at craft stores, grocery stores, garage sales or even thrift stores. I would go for old ones that have been sitting around someones house for years. They add character and some might have some great stories. Who doesn't love an object that brings back fond memories of your grandmother? It brings lovely sentiment into the lives of a dear friend or family member if given as a gift. Gifts from the heart will always mean more than any store bought item. Get creative with things around the house make it crafty or simply useful for the home office. Bring them outside and put citronella candles in them for a cozy romantic feel with a practical purpose!
The best thing about these mason jars are that you can find them every where. You can find them at craft stores, grocery stores, garage sales or even thrift stores. I would go for old ones that have been sitting around someones house for years. They add character and some might have some great stories. Who doesn't love an object that brings back fond memories of your grandmother? It brings lovely sentiment into the lives of a dear friend or family member if given as a gift. Gifts from the heart will always mean more than any store bought item. Get creative with things around the house make it crafty or simply useful for the home office. Bring them outside and put citronella candles in them for a cozy romantic feel with a practical purpose!
A Fool-Proof Discipline Strategy
Forget about counting to three and time outs. I've got a brand new system and it hasn't failed yet. Knock on wood! I'm a firm believer in positive reinforcement. When you child does something good you reinforce that good behavior by giving a compliment. It's tricky though because you don't want to teach the child that every time they do something right they get a compliment. Because let's face it when was the last time anyone gave you a compliment when you did something right? It doesn't happen often. The point is that with positive reinforcement your child will know that they did something right and it is appreciated. Also, the more they know they are doing a good job the more they will continue the good behavior or good habits. For instance when Parker sneezes and covers his mouth I'll say "Thank you for covering your mouth. That keeps everyone from getting sick." Or if he throws away his own trash I remind him that he's being such a big helper.
Now for the fail safe system.....I have a box filled with toys or books that Parker doesn't know about. I'll pick a random moment (so he doesn't expect it every time) when he's doing something good and let him pick a toy. However, when he doesn't do what I ask or throws a tantrum I ask him to bring me one of his toys. He knows that his bad behavior resulted in one of his toys being taken away. He earns the chance to redeem himself and get a toy back if he does something good. The good behavior is still being rewarded but in a way in which he won't expect a new toy every time. It's as simple as taking away a toy and letting him earn it back. The system has seemed to work so far. His tantrums stop mere seconds after they begin if I ask for a toy. I think that's the key. Ask for a toy don't demand it. Explain that if the bad behavior continues you'll take a toy but his toy is safe if he stops behaving that way. This reminds them that what they are doing is not ok. Redemption is the easy part and rewarding for both you and your child. I wouldn't stop at just good behavior but I would go as far as promoting learning something new. Good behavior could be a number of things; Random acts of kindness, having initiative to pick up toys or trash, being polite, learning something new, etc.
This system isn't for all children because some kids don't care if you take their toys and maybe time out works for them. However, if you are at wits end and find yourself yelling more than you'd like maybe you should give this a shot. You won't be finding yourself making empty threats that you will never follow through on and the best part is that it's positive reinforcement which means no more saying no or don't do that! A great part about it is that you can continue with this method long after those terrible two's and/or three's. Every child deserves encouragement and they should get it if they are doing something the right way. It establishes right from wrong and gives them the room to decide it for themselves. Maybe it'll work with homework in the future!
Now for the fail safe system.....I have a box filled with toys or books that Parker doesn't know about. I'll pick a random moment (so he doesn't expect it every time) when he's doing something good and let him pick a toy. However, when he doesn't do what I ask or throws a tantrum I ask him to bring me one of his toys. He knows that his bad behavior resulted in one of his toys being taken away. He earns the chance to redeem himself and get a toy back if he does something good. The good behavior is still being rewarded but in a way in which he won't expect a new toy every time. It's as simple as taking away a toy and letting him earn it back. The system has seemed to work so far. His tantrums stop mere seconds after they begin if I ask for a toy. I think that's the key. Ask for a toy don't demand it. Explain that if the bad behavior continues you'll take a toy but his toy is safe if he stops behaving that way. This reminds them that what they are doing is not ok. Redemption is the easy part and rewarding for both you and your child. I wouldn't stop at just good behavior but I would go as far as promoting learning something new. Good behavior could be a number of things; Random acts of kindness, having initiative to pick up toys or trash, being polite, learning something new, etc.
This system isn't for all children because some kids don't care if you take their toys and maybe time out works for them. However, if you are at wits end and find yourself yelling more than you'd like maybe you should give this a shot. You won't be finding yourself making empty threats that you will never follow through on and the best part is that it's positive reinforcement which means no more saying no or don't do that! A great part about it is that you can continue with this method long after those terrible two's and/or three's. Every child deserves encouragement and they should get it if they are doing something the right way. It establishes right from wrong and gives them the room to decide it for themselves. Maybe it'll work with homework in the future!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)