problem solving kids

A few weekends ago we went to the lake and had a wonderful morning of swimming, exploring, and playing in the sand! S and Z loved it, they kept telling us they are building a sand castle like Daniel Tiger did and a sand castle city like Charlie & Lola (such cute show without being annoying!). It was time for lunch and there were a few more kids with their families starting to show up, so we finished the moat and placing rocks all around when a little kid, maybe 6 or 7 came up and stomped on a part of the tower!

 Well, S yelled and chased her way and Z sat there screaming "that's not nice, I don't like that!" and it took everything inside of me to not pick up that kid and carry her over to her family! I was just as surprised and upset as S and Z were! She skipped back to the water and came near us again and S yelled, but I reminded him to use nice words and tell her how he felt, along with inviting her to build with us. She started to kick at the sand castle again and Joe chimed in telling her she can play with us but she can't mess up what we are building, and that's when her mom {finally} turned around and payed some attention to her.

That day got me thinking about how to better teach S and Z to solve problems with non family kids, since S will be going into preschool soon, I better have a few words of advice for him!

For the most part they play well and use their words at home, and we have some fine tuning to do with the playground scene since half the time there will be a squabble and then everyone runs off to play and that's the end of that. But being in close quarters with new kids for an extended length of time might be a challenge!

So I went online to explore the topic and found this really helpful article, and overall useful parenting site, to share because I think this upcoming chapter in our lives is going to prove difficult. I also need to check myself so I don't become overbearing and let both kiddos learn how to deal with others, maybe my way of problem solving when it comes to people is not the best and there is a more appropriate solution out there that I need to get on board with!
https://familyshare.com/19244/the-importance-of-letting-kids-solve-their-own-problems

BE PART OF THE SOLUTION

xo

fit-ish ~ part 3

Food is fuel, food is medicine.
As much as I try to stick with that philosophy ... a weekend of chips & salsa with margaritas, pizza and beer, or birthday cake always trips me up!

Those "funny" workout tank tops are so damn true, I run because I really like dessert!

I also like easy ways to get a good meal and I'm just now figuring out the best foods for pre-workout and post-workout to really make sure my body is doing the best it can. You know what else I like, it's cookbooks! Yes, I have a great pinterest board full of awesome meal recipes and quick snack charts from lots of different blogs from all around {check it out here} but there is something about having the pages open with sauce stains and Gramma's handwritten notes that really make cooking that much more for me! Luckily, I do have some time each week for meal prep and I do not have any major food issues, so the world is my oyster when it comes to what my taste buds are in the mood for!

I've had results with South Beach Diet and Weight Watcher guidelines of eating, and I have a very good resource when it comes to Paleo style with most of my pins guided toward flavorful low carb meals. I also like to add in veggie purees into meals and baked goods {check out this book}. I have not lowered my intake of dairy, and I don't see that happening anytime soon because I have cooked with those ingredients for way too long and I feel that it would take another twenty-something years to relearn how to cook, plus yogurt with some berries and granola is my go to breakfast!

Speaking of breakfast, my easy ideas to start the day include...
turkey bacon, sausage & egg muffins, yogurt with berries and granola, yogurt with almond butter and banana slices, red beet pancakes, smoothies, barley bowl , breakfast "cookies", overnight oats , morning quesadilla {warming in the microwave works just as great!}, bowl of berries , and most of these I pair together. And don't forget the COFFEE!
So many of these are also pre workout snacks too.

So after the morning chaos and the day begins, it seems like in a blink of an eye someone is hungry for lunch! "We just had breakfast! Why are you hungry again, oh wait, it's 11:45 already!?" 

Yeah, it's lunch time and I need to stay away from the easy-to-grab cheese crackers ... ok, quick and healthy, I got this ...
rice cake with cheese or almond butter or avocado, protein shake, smoothies {so many choices!} and more smoothies , turkey and cheese, hummus and broccoli, lettuce wraps , chicken salad because there is always left over chicken in the fridge, always! trail mix, roasted chickpeas, an awesome salad with mandarin oranges and chicken or strawberries and steak, sweet potato fries, stuffed pita pocket in which I stuff salami, lettuce and tomato or chickpeas, spinach and a delicious dressing! I make ahead a lot of these on Sunday for the week or the freezer.

Dinner plans very since this household has different taste buds everyday of the week but something super helpful is a meal calendar that I pencil in dinner for every day of the week each month. This has made life SO much easier and all of that will be another post for another day, so stay tuned!

EAT GOOD, FEEL GOOD 

xo

patio season

If you have ever lived in an area with four seasons, you understand the importance of patio season! It's the most wonderful time of year when area restaurants and bars finally set up their tables, chairs, and umbrellas on an outdoor space, the lovely wait staff ventures into the open air, and the night just seems to go on, and on, and on!
The Riverfront Times, Feast Magazine, and St. Louis Magazine have awesome lists of the best patio dining around town. Now, they have their fancy criteria for those lists, and there are some of my favorites on each, but here is my TOP 10 BEST PATIOS AROUND TOWN!

* McGurk's in Soulard has a beautiful space, open and two bars along with their usual menu of delicious creations! This is my favorite place that I recommend to everyone!

* Hacienda in Rock Hill is so lively and has a damn good margarita, laid back night out with yummy tacos and other favorites. This place can get crowded but is such a relaxing eatery!

* Llwellyn's in St Charles is cute and cozy, like a friends backyard party! Nice small menu with such delicious food, you can find something to wow you every time!

* Copia on Washington Ave is beautiful and one of my favorites for a great wine and dine evening. Upscale but relaxing, a nice place for a romantic evening or getting together with the girls!

* Big Daddy's in Soulard is fun and has a nice laid back patio with really good bar food! It'a also a fun place to people watch and get everyone together for a late night hang out!

* Rosalita's on Washington Ave is a big patio for the location with different flavors that come to be your new favorites! Eclectic, colorful, and comfortable for a beautiful evening out!

* Square One Brewery in Lafayette Square is small and quiet, a great place to unwind and talk about the days events and ponder over life questions, awesome beer list that is paired with such great food!

* iTap in Soulard is a good old favorite that has a big beer list that will keep your patio evening going a bit longer than you planned! The inside has a huge bar and wonderful large table by the door, but the best part is ... you bring your own eats! There are several places to order from nearby but you can plan a pot luck with your friends with all the beer you want!

* Atomic Cowboy in the Grove is so awesome, you can move around and meet new people, something is always happening And not to mention the outdoor bar with a great selection!

* Broadway Oyster Bar Downtown is one of the best with delicious plates full of flavor and music that just won't quit! You must check this place out if want great eats and a fun night!

There you have it! I've been to each one and many more, and all I gotta say is ...

LIFE IS SIMPLY BETTER ON THE PATIO!
xo

party like it's 1776

Who is ready for the long weekend?!
My plan is to hit as many festivals, activities, pools, and fireworks displays as humanly possible the upcoming days! Let's see what happening around town, shall we ...

Festivals & Parades

July 1 - 135th VP Parade kicks off the 4th of July holiday weekend! The parade begins at the redesigned Kiener Plaza at Broadway and Market Street and proceeds straight down Market Street to Union Station.
https://www.americasbirthdayparade.com/

• July 1 - JB Blast  Enjoy music performed by the Air Force Band of Mid-America, Shades of Blues in the Veterans Memorial Amphitheater (Jefferson Barracks Park) and a fireworks display. Admission is free. http://www.stlouisco.com/ParksandRecreation/Events/ctl/Details/Mid/21652/ItemID/3270?ContainerSrc=[L]Containers/stlouiscounty/Simple_Green_u&SkinSrc=[L]Skins/stlouiscounty/sub_full                                                                                                   
• July 1 - 4 Riverfest 2017  A four-day celebration in 2017 includes a parade, live music, carnival, food & craft vendors, and fireworks along the banks of the Missouri River in Frontier Park.  http://www.historicstcharles.com/includes/events/Riverfest-2017/1059/
• July 1-4  - Webster Groves Community Days  The 2017 Community Days celebration will run for four days from July 1-4 at Memorial Park. http://www.webstergroves.org/194/Community-Days 
• July 2-4 - Heritage & Freedom Fest  Celebrate America’s birthday at O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest July 2-4. Activities include a carnival & midway, family day, kids' zone, and side shows. Admission to Ozzie Smith Sports Complex is free. http://www.heritageandfreedomfest.com/
• July 2-4 - Fair Saint Louis 2017  Fair Saint Louis is 3 days of FREE family fun, held again this year in Forest Park! Enjoy a full lineup of concerts, shows, exhibitions and running events, plus the biggest fireworks displays you'll ever see! https://www.fairsaintlouis.org
• July 2-4 - July 4th Fest at Six Flags  Six Flags is the premiere destination to celebrate our country and enjoy the summer. Experience exclusive ride times, Salute to Heroes event and nightly fireworks.  https://www.sixflags.com/stlouis/special-events/july-4th-fest
• July 4 - 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at Chesterfield  The fireworks start at 9:30 but the fun starts at 6:30pm with food trucks, live music, the Kids Zone. https://www.chesterfield.mo.us/4th-of-july-fireworks-celebration.html      

  July 4  - Wentzville’s 2017 Liberty Fest - Don’t miss Wentzville's July 4th Parade and Liberty Fest! After the parade, attend these free events at Progress Park; swimming, inflatables & face-painting, live music and fireworks.  http://www.wentzvillemo.org/departments/parks_and_recreation/recreation/special_events_and_programs.php

  

  
  

  Fireworks

  Saturday, July 1, 2017

  Arnold

  Celebrate Independence Day with your family and friends at Arnold’s famous “Red, White & Blue” Celebration in Arnold City Park! A spectacular fireworks display will begin at approximately 9:15 pm.

  
  

  Ferguson

  Ferguson celebrates “National Landmarks”. Cap off the evening with a spectacular fireworks display planned for 9:15 pm over January-Wabash Lake.  

  
  

       Lemay

  Bring the family to JB Blast 2017, a FREE celebration at Jefferson Barracks Veteran's Memorial Amphitheater! Friday, July 1, 7-10pm. Music by USAF Band of Mid-America. Fireworks will begin at 9pm.

  
  

  
  

  Sunday, July 2, 2017 

  St Louis Forest Park

  Fair Saint Louis 2017 Fair Saint Louis is 3 days of FREE family fun, held again this year in Forest Park! Enjoy one of the nation’s top Fourth of July Festivals with a full lineup of concerts, shows, exhibitions and running events, plus the biggest fireworks displays you'll ever see! 9:30pm Fireworks

  
  

  
  

  Monday, July 3, 2017 

  O'Fallon, MO

  Celebrate America’s birthday at Heritage & Freedom Fest  July 2-4. Activities include a carnival & midway, family night, kids' zone, and side shows. Fireworks July 3 and 4. Admission to Ozzie Smith Sports Complex is free.

  
  

  St. Charles

  Riverfest 2017  A four-day celebration in 2017 includes a parade, live music, carnival, food & craft vendors, and fireworks along the banks of the Missouri River in Frontier Park.   Fireworks July 3 and 4 at 9:20PM

  
  

  St Louis Forest Park 

  Fair Saint Louis 2017 Fair Saint Louis is 3 days of FREE family fun, held again this year in Forest Park! Enjoy one of the nation’s top Fourth of July Festivals!

  9:30pm Fireworks

  
  

  Village of Twin Oaks

  Enjoy a firework event in Twin Oaks Park (Ann Ave, Twin Oaks, MO 63021)

  7:00pm concert.  Fireworks following at 9:15pm

  
  

  Webster Groves

  Webster Groves Community Days  The 2017 Community Days celebration will run for four days from July 1-4 at Memorial Park. Fireworks July 3 and 4.

  
  

  
  

  Tuesday, July 4, 2017 

  Bridgeton

  Parade - July 4 at 10 am

  6:00pm - Festivities at Bridgeton Municipal Athletic Complex (BMAC); Food vendors, a live band concert and a spectacular fireworks display at dusk

  
  

  Chesterfield

  Join us for our 4th of July Fireworks Celebration. The fireworks start at 9:30 but the fun starts at 6:30pm with food trucks, live music, the Kids Zone

  
  

  
  

  Ellisville

  The City of Ellisville will host its Annual Independence Day Celebration in Bluebird Park on Friday, July 4.  Join us in the morning for the Independence Day 5K & Kids Fun Run.  Evening events are from 6:00 p.m. to 10:45pm.  Fireworks at 9:30pm             

   Eureka

  July 4th Celebration in Lions Park dedicated to military veterans throughout our community.  Concessions will be available for a nominal cost.  On-site parking will not be available for this event. Time: 7:00 – 10:30 p.m.

  
  

       Florissant

  On the grounds of the James J. Eagan Civic Center at Florissant Valley Park, which is located at the intersection of Parker Road and Waterford Drive.  Festivities begin with an outdoor concert performance by the Northwinds Concert Band at 7:30pm.  Following the concert, the City of Florissant is sponsoring its renowned Fireworks Display at 9:15 pm. Rain Date: July 5th at 9:30pm

  
  

  Hazelwood

  Join us for our annual Fourth of July festivities in White Birch Park. Live Music and fireworks at dusk, approximately 9:15pm. Bring blankets and chairs!

  
  

  Kirkwood

  The annual Freedom Festival and Fireworks kicks off in Kirkwood Park at 7:00 p.m. on July 4 with the music of Fanfare. Fireworks start at dusk. Rain date July 5.

  
  

       Manchester

  Join us for our Annual 4th of July Celebration in Schroeder Park. Concert will begin at 6:oo p.m. and the fireworks will follow (around) 9:00 p.m. Rain Date: July 5

  
  

  O'Fallon, MO

  Celebrate America’s birthday at Heritage & Freedom Fest  July 2-4. Activities include a carnival & midway, family night, kids' zone, and side shows. Parade on July 4; Fireworks July 3 and 4. Admission to Ozzie Smith Sports Complex is free.

  
  

  St. Charles

  Riverfest 2017  A four-day celebration in 2017 includes a parade, live music, carnival, food & craft vendors, and fireworks along the banks of the Missouri River in Frontier Park.   Fireworks July 3 and 4 at 9:20PM

  
  

  St Louis Forest Park

  Fair Saint Louis 2017 Fair Saint Louis is 3 days of FREE family fun, held again this year in Forest Park! 9:30pm Fireworks

  
  

  Webster Groves

  Webster Groves Community Days  The 2017 Community Days celebration will run for four days from July 1-4 at Memorial Park.  9:30pm: Fireworks Spectacular 

  
  

  Wentzville

  Don't miss the annual Wentzville’s 2017 Liberty Fest and annual 4th of July parade! Fireworks at 9:05 p.m.
• 
  
• Last but not least, I came across a list of fun runs going on the weekend too! I'm not a big runner, but a 5k like Rise Up and all these others, is a great way to be connected to your community and support an awesome cause!                                                                     * http://riseup5k.org/                                  * http://www.runningintheusa.com/Race/List.aspx?Rank=Month&Month=7&State=MO
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• SO MUCH SPARKLE, I COULD BE A FIREWORK
• xo 
•                                               
• 
  
• 
  

summertime st. louis!

Summer is here and there is so much to do around town, the calendar fills up fast! This is my favorite time of year, and no amount of humidity can stop me from taking in all the outdoor fun this city has to offer! Not to mention the patio dining, but that is another post for another time!
I've already missed out on a handful of events, what can I say, life got busy, but here are a few of my favorite summertime events in the St. Louis area ...

Circus Flora is such an amazing group of performers, great for the whole family!
~ http://circusflora.org/

PBS Commons is such a wonderful space and the kids will have a blast!
~http://www.ninenet.org/storytime/

Creve Couer Days is coming up if you want a fun night out.
~http://www.crevecoeurdays.com/

Missouri Botanical Gardens has the Whitaker Music festival, Garden of Glass, and Resident Days!
~http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/

Vintage Bliss at Westport Plaza, grab some friends for a day of shopping.
~http://www.westportstl.com/events/vintage-bliss/market-details

Contemporary Art Museum stroller tours every month for those too humid days
~http://camstl.org/calendar/event/2017/07/05/stroller-tour-morning-play-date/

Yoga Outdoors, enough said!! Yoga Buzz is amazing and so creative, go now to an event!!
~http://www.yogabuzz.org/events/

Laumier Sculpture park Stroller tours and more! Check out their calendar for all the events.
~http://www.laumeiersculpturepark.org/calendar/?view=calendar&month=June-2017

Farmers Market, but where? Just close your eyes and point! There are so many to choose from!
~http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/food-and-cooking/a-list-of-st-louis-area-farmers-markets/article_2324f837-ba13-5424-87d2-1303408e8666.html

Delmar Loop has some cool stuff happening! Such a great line up.
~https://visittheloop.com/loopartsfest2017/

Chesterfield Amphitheater is beautiful and has an awesome line up this summer!
~http://www.chesterfieldamphitheater.com/

Pick-Your-Own farms, this is a great list of areas for a farm fresh basket of fruit.
~http://www.pickyourown.org/MOsl.htm

Ball Park Village has a crazy calendar of events this summer, massive amounts of fun!
~http://www.stlballparkvillage.com/entertainment

Grants Farm is now open into the evenings for special events.
~http://www.grantsfarm.com/plan-your-visit/upcoming-events.html

Jungle Boogie at the Zoo, so much fun for the whole family!
~https://www.stlzoo.org/events/calendarofevents/jungle-boogie/

Food Trucks around town, so many yummy eats :-)
~http://www.stlouisco.com/ParksandRecreation/ThingsToDo/FoodTruckFest
~http://stlfta.com/trucks

Wehrenberg Theater is no Marcus Theaters and has stepped up it's game! Tons of cool rewards, specials, documerntary and classics under the event cinema tab AND a kids summer movie series!
~http://www.marcustheatres.com/marcus-specials/family-friendly-films/kids-dream-summer-film-series-2015-powered-by-american-family-insurance

The Muny, oh what a night it is at the Muny! Something everyone will remember.
~https://muny.org/#

Shakesspeare in the Park is a fun date night! 
~https://www.sfstl.com/2017-season/


Not to mention all the concerts and theater productions at the Peabody Opera, The Sheldon Concert Hall, The Pagent, Old Rock House, Stages St. Louis, the list goes on and on and on!!

SUNSHINE ON MY MIND

xo

fit-ish ~ part 2

The gym has been good to me so far! The kids like the kids club, the times that I go are not too crowded, I need to go to a class regularly, but this is a slow moving process for me. In order to keep me going and motivated, I've come up with some fun things to add to the whole gym experience! And yes clothes are part of it. Let's face it, you don't feel so great strolling in while wearing a paint stained, collar cut up t-shirt from college. You're going there to make yourself better, not fixing the plumbing in order for the house to work right so sewage doesn't leak everywhere!

I have put together some great playlist on I Heart Radio that mix it up to keep me going! Music is a huge part of getting motivated for me, it sets the mood, and when I have time along to listen to what I want to rock out to (sorry Raffi, I can only take so much of Baby Beluga) I need my favorites from all genres! And I bought some colorful earbuds and armband to match {i love colorful things}!

I find myself more interested in podcasts now then I ever have before. I never put on radio talk shows so it's really funny that a podcast while on the treadmill is my new favorite thing! There are some really great episodes from interesting and informative people that I now follow on Instagram and their blogs. A few of my favorites are The Mom Hour, Rock Paper Podcast, The Lively Show, CBS This Morning, Spawned, Creative Lounge, Ted Talks, Pop Culture Happy Hour, all on this handy little app called Player FM. If there is a better way to listen to all these podcast, someone let me know, so far no difference in phone battery life or anything like that.

My work out gear is nothing fancy, I have a couple good shoes but I have no idea if they are the "correct" shoes for working out or for on the treadmill! I like them, they fit, I found a good deal, that is basically my criteria. Under Armour is great and I like their Tech tee (at eh Outlet mall), but I have found similar tees at JC Penney and Target. Same with capris, lucy Active wear is comfortable and I found a great deal, plus I like their colorful patterns, but Target and Old Navy have some great active wear too. My closet is just a mix! As far as sports bras go, Academy Sports has a brand that fits perfect and at a great price! I've tried Old Navy, Target, Walmart, JC Penney, a few name brand styles, and nothing has been fabulously comfortable. There is a new Academy Sports near by and I though I would give it a try before I gave up on my search for the perfect sports bra. Thank goodness I did, I hit the jackpot!

Lastly, and most importantly I found this awesome site, a community of gym goers that challenge each other and pay you for your hard work! Talk about great motivation! DietBet is a site where people who want to loose weight, keep motivated, and win money (cash money honey!) sign up and choose the game they want to be part of! Regular people to fitness pros are all part of this and create games, some with prizes and giveaways, for people to be part of and reach their goal, bets vary by game $20-$35 and all you do is take a picture of your starting weight self, loose 4% of that, and win money {i could use some extra cash!}. The game board is a place to post your victories and downfalls, ask for tips and share, and the game host usually posts inspiring things or their giveaways. I love this and I just won my first challenge a few days ago, so the motivation is awesome!

I think a key part to working out is motivation, and whatever motivates you to get up and get moving and thinking about what you eat each day, then keep do it!

GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO SWEAT

xo

self care for the alternative girl

Self care is a huge catch phrase this year, I feel! Does anyone else think this? Maybe more so in the parenting universe? I don't know, but everywhere I turn that's what I'm hearing about. And most of these self care practices don't really vibe with me.
My take on self care is an activity or practice that can be integrated into your life, not just a one time thing. Yes, splurge on a massage or mani/pedi, I'll be the first to tell you that for sure! But I also feel there are some things that most popular articles are leaving out, so here are my ideas on self care!
{side note} Some of these ideas involve multi-tasking. Why? ... because that's just how I roll these days!

~Chiropractor/Acupuncture. I highly recommend either of these two options for self care! Keep your whole body working the way it should with an adjustment, not just when you have a backache. Feel a cold coming on? Chiropractor! Not sleeping all that great? Acupuncture! So many reasons you should find one of these doctors, look up the benefits now and make an appointment soon!

~Float/ Salt Cave. I have been so excited to try these two therapies for awhile now. I loved going over to my Gramma's house in the summer back in California and being the only one in the pool and just floating around. It was so relaxing! I knew where I was and that I was safe but so weightless and so unplugged from everything and everybody, just peaceful! As for salt caves, my allergies have been getting worse each year and this would be a wonderful addition to my regime, the science behind it is so interesting, it would be worth my time!

~Create. Even if it is a small project with my kids, everyone is focused and being creative and enjoying themselves! Coloring some pages is our go to, but play dough is my son's favorite right now! I have a few larger projects of my own going on and get to them little by little, but that's ok because I'm creating and that's all that matters!

~Puzzle. Yes, old school, clear off the dining room table, let's do a puzzle! Nothing more than a couple hundred pieces for me, I like turning on some music or listening to a podcast too. Simple and rewarding!

~Read. Plain and simple. There are so many amazing books out there, how could you not want to try and read, in it's entirety, one book this year?! I have gone through periods of not reading anything and I feel so out of sorts when that happens, so this year I picked up a couple titles (used, of course!) so I can have a few if I get bogged down by one and need to lighten things up.

~Soak. Along with reading, soak in the tub. I like a comfy, relaxing soak with Epson salt and essential oils, both ingredients prove wonders for the body. No time to soak, a nice hot, uninterrupted, shower and shave is my alternative. I stress uninterrupted because everyone needs some alone time during the day, even just for 10 minutes.

~Face mask. Another duo with your reading in a cozy bed at the end of the day to de-stress from the world that is! As frivolous as it sounds, there are some great sheet masks and eye masks out there there feel great and rejuvenate, I have found a couple brands at Target and Sephora that won't break the bank. You can also look up at home mask recipes with honey, oatmeal, avocado, etc.

~Wander. Not far off places for me, our parks and museums here in St. Louis are pretty great places to loose yourself for a couple hours, walking, observing, exploring! Grab some friends who are in the same mind set and just get moving. And then go snag a good meal, food is fuel!

~Yoga. My good ol' standby! If I'm not doing a routine, stretching in some way, shape, or form is better than nothing. Try to clear your mind, make a quiet space, nothing fancy, just you and your breath.

It is tough to make time for yourself, some days it's too much to wash your face and brush your teeth before you collapse on your bed, regardless if you're a parent, have a fast-paced career, or a college student!
Nothing new and impressive? All of this self-care stuff you have read about before? Oh well, this is my blog and this is what I wanted to write.

LEARN TO REST

xo