kindness matters

I tend to keep to myself. Rarely do I encounter another mom on the playground who is nice and starts chatting with me. They are either on the phone, with a friend, or fully involved with their child. I've never had a knack for starting a conversation with strangers and even in school it was hard to make friends, being the new kid in the grade. And not only making friends, but just being kind to the new person or the stranger they don't know. I remember being laughed at by other kids when I handed the bus driver a Christmas card, and another time when I helped the lunch lady because she dropped something. Kindness is lost on most people, but now more than ever, we need to teach kindness, remind others to be kind, show kindness in the hope that people will be involved in a ripple effect of kindness in the community.

I came across a few amazing teachings, really good ways to teach kindness and reminder lists on practicing kindness {the key component - practicing what you preach}, and I want to leave it here to remind myself.


Roots of Action is a wonderful blog and really struck me with these four steps that have in an article, click here for the entire article!
Teaching Kids about Kindness

Applying the Kindness Counts study in your home, classroom, or after-school program is easy. The goal is to help kids become more aware of doing acts of kindness and of their feelings of gratitude when they experience pleasant activities.

Follow these four steps to help enable children to be givers of kindness. Your efforts will be greatly rewarded!

 Understand the Importance of Kindness

Learn about the benefits of giving for children and adults. Check the web for resources for home and classroom, like The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.

Create a Kindness Project

Devise an activity where your family or classroom records ONE act of kindness or ONE pleasant activity per day. You might call it your “Kindness Project” or “Happiness Diary.” These activities could include helping with dishes, letting someone else go first, taking care of an animal, going out of way the for a friend, hugging someone to make them feel better, etc. Or they might include visits to places and experiences that make us feel good, like visiting a favorite park or a grandparent’s house.

Take Time to Share

On a regular weekly basis, take time to share as a family or classroom.  Rather than sharing everything in your diary, share the highlights of your week. Share enough so that everyone learns from each other’s acts of kindness and begins to understand the types of experiences that bring gratitude to life. Sharing encourages self-reflection and helps bring meaning to our actions.

Practice, Practice, Practice

It may not be practical to keep up a routine where you are sharing from a diary on a regular basis. Reinforcement of the kindness habit comes with practice. But once children get into the habit, it’s easy to share from time to time.

Whether it’s planting a peace garden, making a get-well card for a sick friend, or simply inviting someone new to sit at your school lunch table, there are many free and easy ways kids can help create a more peaceful world.

Another favorite organization is Random Acts of Kindness Foundation and they have a great education tool here for teachers, administration and students alike. I have a future post about our families random acts of kindness over the holidays that I hope inspires all!

One more teaching that I am fond of, and wish they implemented in my school district, is MindUP ! So much is going on in your brain on any given day, it can be overwhelming and children can feel this same way too. Check out MindUP's philosophy to take care of ones self and create harmony in the classroom.

WE RISE BY LIFTING OTHERS

xo

so many things to say

This is not meant to "start something" and I know there are many things that others have said and it may all sound the same, but this is what I want to say.
I am filled with rage, sadness, despair and confusion. I am filled with shock, disbelief, and stomach churning disgust for what I have seen on the news and read in articles about many a thing since the new year, but this latest  action, has taken the cake. 
I really don't know what else to say so I'm leaving these right here, because this is how I feel

 

STANDING FOR WHAT IS RIGHT IS WORTH IT

xo

you & me & baby make 3

My husband and I have a few friends pregnant right now or just had their first baby, which is so exciting to gain parent-friends and we have been able to bestow our knowledge upon them over the months, so basically the "don'ts" we have learned over the years.

But first, I'm going to get this out of the way because it is just bugging me and I have to say it ... stop painting baby's room shades of GREY! Why, why, why would you paint a baby's room grey!? That color is not chic or modern when it comes to children and I have yet to see it done well so it is not depressing! I understand a neutral pallet is what the main idea is, but grey is a neutral color for your living room or dining room not for baby!

Ok, moving on. I love these products that we have used and a few of these are from my merchandising experience with ease of use, I feel that a few items are worth the price that the convenience factor adds to them, for example a double stroller that is easy to open, close, and get into the car. Another is a rocking chair. I would say find one that is comfortable to sit in and fits you just right, you will be spending time in the chair so you want it to work! I did not have that luxury and it really became an issue. Other big ticket items, think how often you use them and how convenient you want them to be, car seat, pack n play crib, changing table/dresser. For our changing table we lucked out with a hand-me-down dresser that was the same size as a changing pad, put that on top, used the top drawer for diapers and wipes, works out perfect!

We registered for a convertible crib that was not too garish or expensive and we have yet to use the convertible feature on it! I would suggest only registering for mattress, fitted sheets, breathable mesh bumper, and waterproof mattress protector {the one that is like a sheet for on top the mattress} because that is all you really need! The whole bedding collections are adorable but you don't use half of what is included! But always get a hamper. You could go either way on a diaper container thing but don't get it if there are special trash bags involved.

As far as gear for traveling, we went with a Graco car seat and double stroller, both middle of the road price tag and both worked well for what we needed it for, we also registered for a rear facing car seat when S would grow out of the "pumpkin seat" carrier style. That would be a big piece of advice that we have given friends, register for things that you know you will need up to one years old or even just pass that, time goes by fast and before you know it, you really do need those items! Also, get a baby wearing product! I liked my Moby Wrap so I could easily wrap it up around baby and not disturb him and have a hand free to work, type, make a sandwich. So far, friends have loved their baby wearing product and are glad they got one!

A few more bed and sleeping items we liked were Sleep Sheep, Night Light {really all of this brands safety items!} Linen Blankets and now there are so many brands of muslin linen blankets to choose from {and we used regular cloth diapers as burp towels, absorbent and easy to wash} Closet Organizer. Bath time is so simple and so fun, you don't need any baby size wash cloth, there are so many cute hoodie towels on the market, and a sensitive skin soap is all you need! And don't forget diaper rash cream, or use calendula ointment, after bath. We liked having this tiny tub in the bath, super simple and got the job done!

Feeding baby, whether its a newborn or a toddler, is crazy! It can be challenging, messy, takes longer than you thought it would, and is funny to watch their expression when trying something new! I wish we had a standing highchair, that way it would not have taken up a chair, and as S grew I found a really great booster seat. I liked the Dr. Brown Bottles and the Munchkin snack cups, the 360 cup they sell is good but I found a better sippy cup that is easier to clean, also I've never been a fan of the spout or straw cups, too many nooks and crannies that get missed when washing. Bowls, spoons, forks are pretty standard but these plates are a great size and made from recycled materials!

The toys are the best part to register for because there are so many fun things and adorable items from handmade, to natural wood, to the standard stacking cups and rattles! We loved this floor mat, it turned out to be the best gift ever, and this rocker chair came in handy so many times {but ours is not so bright with bulky toys, they changed the design}!

Last but not least {maybe this needs to be a two part post!} the diaper bag. I don't know why I thought a cross body/shoulder bag was a good idea! I slipped forward knocking into things, it slide up my shoulder scratching my neck, it was not practical and I wish I had just registered for a backpack from the start. There are a lot of backpack style diaper bags out there and I tried one that was cute and had magnet flap closure, and that was a mistake too! It was a high end name brand that I found at a resale shop and know I know it was there, the flap was secure with magnets in the front but not the sides, and items slipped out, the straps were very weird with the bulk of the bag falling forward, and items slipped out! Basically, a complete failure of design. Do yourself a favor and go to Target, look in the back to school/ travel aisles, and get a good old standard backpack! I like Embark because they have the jar top style with zippers and pockets everywhere! I have a place to easily get my keys and wallet, I have a place to put my water bottle and other items that need zipped up pockets, inside I have pockets for diapers, wipes, and extra clothes, plenty of space for a little insulated bag to keep bottle or sippy cup. It's not bulky and fits great, best baby register item ever!

Well, that doesn't even begin to cover everything, but it's the advice I have on some essentials items that have worked out so well for us! Happy registering!

AND SO THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

xo

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.
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• 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 
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