One Little Word 2020: Space

If you're new around here, welcome! If you've been here before, welcome back. In either case, I'm so very glad you're here.

Today is the start of a new year and a new decade . . . a fresh start, a new beginning . . .a new hope (Star Wars anyone??) Since 2008, I have selected a word to guide me in the upcoming year. One little word, that I choose to explore within my goals and dreams for the year. Ali Edwards is the mastermind behind this process, and a constant source of inspiration for me.

One Little Word - 2017

Happy New Year everyone!

If you've been a blog reader for a while, you may know that since 2008, I've been participating in the One Little Word project. This project involves selecting one word for the year, and attempting to weave that one little word into your daily life. The project can take many forms, from scrapbooking to journaling to calendar keeping to simply being mindful of your word and its role in your life.

Take-5: Simple Steps to Recharge Yourself

Thank you to Dunkin' Donuts for Sponsoring this post.

We've all been there. That week that feels like it takes forever. Shuttling kids back and forth to school, games and activities, errands, car repairs, the vet; a constant stream of to-dos draining us of our energy. What's a busy mom to do? I learned it the hard way myself, you need to refill your own bucket. Yep, I know, that you know, that you need to slow down and take a few minutes for yourself.  You need to find a few minutes in the day and a simple way to recharge your own battery. For everyone's sake!

I don't know about you, but guilt is a big thing that holds me back from taking time for myself. My husband doesn't care, happy wife happy life - right? My kids don't care if I do something for myself - they probably wouldn't even notice unless it detracted from something for them (God Bless children). The only thing really stopping me, is me.

Get Inspired at minted.com

We all love Pinterest, don't we? And some of us have been using physical dream boards, inspiration boards and other pin boards forever, right?

So. . .we can agree how important inspiration is when hatching a plan. No matter what you are planning; a room make-over, a new spring wardrobe, a party, a wedding or a new baby. . .it helps to have inspiration.

Recently, I was introduced to a company called minted.com. They are a genius community of graphic designers and an online store that collaborates to print and sell the best of their designs in the form of paper goods. It really is genius, right? Think about the various styles and inspiration you can get from multiple designers. The possibilities are endless! How about a black and white polka dot and striped Oscar party? Or a yellow and blue, rubber ducky themed first birthday party?

Well, if you aren't an "idea" person. . . minted.com has these Inspiration Boards on their site. You can view them by most favorited, featured or newest. It's like Pinterest meets HGTV. I got totally lost just browsing their boards and hatched a million ideas of my own. Here are a few of my favorites:

My favorite part of these boards? That each one gives you a "feel" . . . know what I mean? It's the perfect combination of invitation or announcement, party favors, color and decor. So if you are having trouble getting just the right "feel" for your event. . .check out these boards over at minted.com.

You can use the boards for planning or just for fun.  Most of the boards are made by members of the mint.com community (designers and customers).

So tell me. . .what would be on your inspiration board right now?

catch you soon -

note - I received a credit to be used at mint.com to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions are my very own.

Sticks and Stones May Break Your Bones. . .but Names Can Hurt You Too

Did you know that January 21-25, 2013 is No Name-Calling Week?

I've been admonishing my children to "not call names" practically since they learned to speak. It seems to start in pre-school or on the playground . . ."doodie head", "slow poke", "Messy Marvin" . . .all innocent words, but not nice and not necessary. As they get older it moves from the playgrounds to schools and sporting events.

A recent study found that in a single school year, two out of three teens reported being verbally or physically harassed because of their appearance, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, race, ethnicity, disability or religion; either actual OR perceived.

That just blows my mind. . .TWO out of every THREE teenagers.  What has happened to manners and simple acts of kindness?  Have we reduced them to Facebook Quote Posts and not our everyday actions?  Next time you're watching a television program with your kids, pay attention to how the characters speak to each other, and use it to open a conversation with your own child. For additional ideas, check out this tip sheet for parents.

No Name-Calling week was created by GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) to promote educational activities aimed at ending name-calling of ALL kinds and provide schools with the tools and inspiration to launch an on-going dialogue about ways to eliminate name-calling int her schools and communities.

You can learn more about No Name-Calling week at http://www.nonamecallingweek.org/cgi-bin/iowa/home.html or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nonamecallingweek.  You can also follow the conversation on Twitter, using the hashtag #wordscanhurt

catch you soon -

note - I did not receive compensation for this post.  As always all opinions are my very own.