Family Photo Album For Your Grandkids

November 1, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on how to create a family photo album. You also need to gather and sort your recent digital photos on your phone. If you are not very good with technology, this guide on how to upload photos to icloud will help you get them off your phone and onto your computer. It may take some time to get rid of blurry and duplicate photos.

When you are choosing your photos, make sure that you find sharp and clear pictures.  Furthermore, include all your family members. Birthday parties, sporting events, and large family gatherings are great opportunities to find pictures of family members.  

 

 

family photo album

 

Creating a Family Photo Album

 

Include Historical Family Photos

It’s a good idea to include some historical photos in your album. Pictures of famous people and important places will give them a sense of history.  Write down details for these pictures too, and include where the picture was taken and who is in the photo. Place these photos in your album so the grandchildren can get a real sense of what life was like for their ancestors. 

 

Research Your Family Tree

If family photos are not enough to inform the grandchildren about their ancestry, you may want to do some historical research. You can find out information about where your family members lived and what they did for a living. It’s another way of giving them insight into their history and it also helps them connect with their past on a more personal level. There are some great sites like Ancestry where you can find all of the information you need. 

 

 

 

family photo album

 

 

Write A Personal Message

Once you have all of the photos and other information together, it’s time to start organizing it. Writing a personal message to your grandkids about how you feel and giving them a bit of family history is a good idea. Write about why you made the album in the first place and what you hope they’ll get out of it. Having this personal message at the beginning will make the album a lot more special to your family.

 

Put The Family Photo Album Together

Now it’s finally time to put the album together.  There are many ways you can do this, depending on what type of book you want. You could get the photos laminated or mount them onto cardboard so they don’t get damaged. If you have old letters that would fit in with the story, then include these too. 

You could also go digital with your family album by making an ebook instead. It’s a great idea to put some music in there too, which will really help set the scene when your grandkids read it. There are sites where you can put everything in and get the book printed for you, or you could buy an empty album and put it all together yourself.

Whatever you decide to do, you need to start by putting the photos in order. Don’t just put everything in chronological order, think about the story you are trying to tell. Grouping things together and fitting them around specific events is a good way to create more of a story. 

 

When you put everything together, make sure that you leave some blank pages at the end. This is a good place for your grandkids to start adding their own photos and building on the family story that you have given to them.

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Outdoor Activities for Adults

July 3, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on outdoor activities for adults.  It’s always nice to spend time outdoors. Not only is it nice, but it’s also incredibly important. Studies have shown time and time again that spending time outdoors can have a significant impact on our overall mental wellbeing, not to mention our physical well being. And it’s becoming increasingly important, especially since we’ve had such a long period spent indoors thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. Fortunately, spending more time outdoors is one of those things that’s easy to do. 

 

 

 

outdoor activities for adults

 

Outdoor Activities for Adults

 

Check out the Local Scenery 

You might have ambitions to visit the most beautiful national parks, but realistically, you’ll only have one chance each year to make that happen. But, you need more nature in your life than that!  So, see what’s located near you. You might have a stunning state park within an hour’s drive from your front door. That’ll make it easy to spend a sunny Saturday walking through nature with your family. There’ll probably be plenty of places within your local area if you just take a look online or ask your friends for recommendations.

 

Work Outdoors

One of the reasons why many of us don’t spend as much time outdoors as we’d like is because we have to work. So, wouldn’t it be handy if you could do a job where you were outside? Those jobs exist! If you’re pretty handy at gardening, start a flower or vegetable garden.  If you enjoy design then you could take a look at landscaping jobs, for instance.

Another option is to get a job at a state park or as an outdoors tour guide. These jobs always score highly on job satisfaction levels, too.

 

outdoor adults for adults

 

 

 

Get a Hobby

Sometimes, heading outside for nature’s sake isn’t enough to motivate anyway to get outside.  But,  you may have the motivation to head into nature for a passion.  If you have an outdoor hobby or have always dreamed of doing one, get started.  There’s mountain biking, cycling, white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, roller skating and many more.  

 

 

outdoor activities for adults

 

 

 

Go Camping 

If you love to camp, gather your camping supplies and pick a spot. Head out for a week-end or a week or two.  Better yet, set up camp in your backyard. 

It can take some getting used to camping, but once you’ve been bitten by the camping bug, it’ll be something that you do again and again. Another way to get your fill of starlight is to work on your ability to enjoy your yard all year.  For example, add a fire pit so you can stay outside even when the temperatures begin to dip.

 

I hope that you will pick one or two activities from my list and get moving.  I love to garden, walk and just enjoy nature.  Try it, and you will fall in love with it too. 

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5 Reasons to Read Books When Stressed

April 1, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing tips on reasons to read books when stressed.  Leading a normal life isn’t always easy.  The Coronavirus has gotten worst over the last few months, and is expected to get worst over the next two weeks.  Many states have placed restrictions on the movement of citizens, and boredom is becoming an issue. 

However, there are ways to entertain yourself and your family.  Usually that includes watching television or using your smartphones and tablets.  Electronics are lifesavers during stressful times.  

 

reasons to read books

 

 

As tempting as it is to reach for a mobile device, there are a few downsides to using them.  Using electronics regularly impacts your physical health, your attention span and eyesight.  Although movement is limited, a healthy lifestyle is still imperative. Unfortunately, the internet encourages many to indulge in a sedentary routine rather than an active one.

 

If you’re wondering what the alternative to your electronics is, it’s reading a good old-fashioned book and taking a walk.  Reading is an excellent way for the entire family to pass time and stay entertained.  Taking a walk is a great way to indulge in physical activity after reading a few chapters.  You can think about what you’ve just read while you’re walking.  

 

Here are five reasons to read books:   

 

Reading Is Good For Mental Health

 

The great thing about a book is that it is full of knowledge. They encourage you to come to grips with new concepts.  Your brain will become sharper and your thinking clearer.  This applies to the majority of reading material, from a glasses buying guide to The Count of Monte Cristo.

Reading keeps the mind functioning.   A functioning mind is essential at all times, but especially when your movement is limited.  After all, it’s easy to let feelings of boredom, sadness, and anxiety impact your outlook.  Once these feeling set in, you start to see the negative side of things instead of the positive. 

Read a book on faith or eliminating stress in your life.  Both books will show you why worrying isn’t necessary. Books can transport you into a different place as soon as you open the cover.  

During stressful times, it’s nice to get away from what’s happening in the world and avoiding the news.  Both are healthy methods for reducing tension.  A book is a fantastic tool because it encourages your imagination to run wild and create a parallel dimension.  

 

reasons to read books

 

 

Great Way to Educate Kids 

 

Here’s another one of our reasons to read.  Young minds need their brains filled with information.  Just because they’re not sitting in a classroom doesn’t mean their education stops.  As a mom, it’s your duty to continue their education at home.  This means becoming a teacher as well as a parent.  Homeschooling your children should become a regular part of their home life.  There’s plenty of material online.  And, hopefully educators have given your kids lots of homework to help keep them occupied. 

Reading is the perfect solution as it opens their minds to new concepts while enhancing their vocabulary. Reading could turn out to be a passion for your child too.  Unfortunately, parents try to find their kids’ passions all the time without much success.  This blog has a brilliant guide on how to help your child find their passion.  Hopefully, reading will be one of them.  

 

It’s A Way To Socialize

 

As a result of the Coronavirus, many states are limiting the movement of citizens.  For example, states such as California, Washington State, West Virginia and Florida have placed restrictions on residents.   There are severe penalties, barring catching the disease, if your disobey the order.  

Video calling apps are making it easier to bridge the gap, and virtual book groups are taking it one step further. Readers in isolation can form their own virtual book group or join one that is established and discuss the book at hand.  Make sure that your internet connection is stable.  As long as you have access to the same book, geography shouldn’t be an issue. Some guides outline the best clubs to join if you want to get the ball rolling.

What’s great about reading is that online stores are always open. So, even if you don’t have many of the same books, you can order a stack of novels and have them delivered to your door! That way, there’s no reason to feel lonely or isolated.

 

reasons to read books

 

 

Purchasing Books Helps Businesses 

 

When you purchase books, you help a business or an individual who has self-published their book.  Visiting an on-line book store is an excellent option for purchasing books on your reading list.  

In China, for instance, bookstores that have reopened are experiencing an 80% reduction in foot traffic due to the Coronavirus. 

 

You Can Travel

 

You can travel and not have to pack your bags or book a seat on an international flight.  Yes, that’s the ultimate dream, and it can happen.  Grab a spot from the comfort of your garden, armchair, or bedroom.

Now what you ask? The answer is simple – with the help of travel books you can travel where ever you heart desires. Monisha Rajesh will take you ‘Around the World in 80 Trains,” a 45,000-mile trip that starts in London and takes in far-flung regions that include Mongolia and Kazakhstan. The legendary Bill Bryson will make you laugh and cry. But, if politics is your thing, ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ isn’t to be missed. It’s a book about Che Guevara’s awakening as well as the beauty of South America. Whatever travel book you choose, your mind will take you from your home to the most remote places in the world.

 

Apart from inspiring you, it should encourage you to travel more when this crisis is over. With that in mind, don’t forget to read a travel guide and plan your next vacation!

 

Do you agree with these reasons to read books? Why do you love to read?  Leave me a comment.  

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4 Ways to Stay Healthy On a Budget

January 11, 2020 by Leave a Comment

We all know that staying healthy will make us live a longer and happier life.  Today, I’m sharing empowerment tips on how to stay healthy on a budget.  There are so many reports and articles on the subject.  As a matter of fact, it can get a little overwhelming.  Products get pushed in our faces, and many cost a fair amount of money.  It can seem like you need to be wealthy to be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  However, that’s not the case.  There are numerous ways to keep your health in check.  In fact, most methods won’t break the bank, and your body will thank you for it.

 

 

healthy on a budget

 

 

Here’s a few ways to stay healthy on a budget:

 

Cook at Home

One of the best ways to make sure you are eating right and doing it on the cheap is to cook all or at least most meals at home. There are a number of organic, vegan, and healthy eateries around in the modern world, but they also tend to be expensive.

Vegetables and grains are some of the cheapest items at the grocery store. So why include them in your meals.  Get creative, look up some recipes. You’ll be eating much better and saving a lot of money each month.

If you don’t have time to cook every day, start meal planning.  Furthermore, why not make double batches? This way you’ll have enough for another family meal the next week. Most foods are freezable, and you’ll have your own microwaveable meals without all the unhealthy additives.

 

Don’t Waste Foods

The problem we sometimes face when we cook at home is that we throw away many unused ingredients. Freeze as much as you can and use overripe fruits to make smoothies.  In a smoothie, they are just as good for you.

 

 

healthy on a budget

 

Skip the Gym

Not going to the gym doesn’t mean that you need to miss out on exercise. Gym memberships can cost a lot of your paycheck, and sometimes we don’t even go. Why not start a routine that costs you absolutely nothing?

There are many ways you can do this. Some people like to follow exercise videos that you can find online. Others want to go for a run in the park or along the beach. Taking your dog for a walk two or three times a day is already burning plenty of calories, so you don’t need to pay to use a machine or two.

 

Health Apps

Now there are many apps to track your health on your phones. Sure, you can invest in a watch that tracks your steps, but your phone can do the same. You can also track what you eat and drink each day so that you get a real idea of how many calories you eat daily.

You don’t need to splash out on a fancy device to know how your body’s doing. Free apps will help you to be stricter with your diet and to know what foods you should be cutting out.

 

 

healthy on a budget

 

Do You Really Need Health Products?

There are a lot of fancy products on the market right now that boast many benefits for your health. Some of them do a good job, and some barely work at all, yet still aren’t cheap.

PeaCURE mentions that they use only natural sources for their tablets. This is what you should be looking for if you’re going to use anything. You don’t want to be putting any unwanted chemicals into your body as it won’t make you healthier in the long run.

 

Get on the Health Band Wagon

So there you have our tips to stay healthy on a budget.  As you can see, it’s not as difficult as you might have thought and you don’t need to spend a lot to be healthy. In fact, you’ll likely save a lot of money each month and have more fun with family or friends. You can do it!

 

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The History of Mother’s Day

May 7, 2019 by Leave a Comment

 

 

Have you ever wondered how Mother’s Day came about?  I’ve wondered, so I decided to do some research.  The day originated in my state, West Virginia.    I was surprised to discover that fact.  A lady by the name of Anna Jarvis of Grafton, WV started Mother’s Day.  The history of Mother’s Day tells us that it originally started as a memorial to Anna Jarvis’ mother.  She passed away in 1907.  Knowledge is power and knowing the history of Mother’s Day is empowering.  

 

 

 

She decided to campaign to make it a nationally recognized holiday.  In 1914, she succeeded.  Furthermore, by  1920, Anna Jarvis had become disappointed with the holiday.  She spent the rest of her life campaigning against it. As with everything in this country, it had become too commercialized.  Businesses were promoting flowers, greeting cards and boxes of chocolates for Mother’s Day gifts. They were profiting from what was supposed to be a simple day to recognize mothers and all that they had done in their role.

As a matter fact, Anna was so upset with their greed that she was actually arrested for disturbing the peace while protesting.  She stated that she wished she had never started the holiday.  Most importantly, she had become so bitter as a result of the commercialization, she died in poverty.  She also died unmarried and without children. What a sad ending to what started as a beautiful tribute to her mother.

I agreed that we are the most commercialized country in the world. We tie a dollar bill to anything and everything.  Statistics show people spend approximately $2.6 billion on flowers and $1.53 billion on pampering spa treatments, manicures and pedicures for Mother’s Day.

The history of Mother’s Day remains an important part of American History.  Although Anna Jarvis became frustrated, I think people should be able to spend their money how they choose.  If recipients of the gifts enjoy them, that makes the gift even better.  We all have a choice, buy or not buy.   I guess if I was in Anna Jarvis’ shoes, my thoughts may be different.  The best Mother’s Day gifts are at home dinners with my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.

As a matter of fact, I believe that we as mothers have a very important role in raising our children and grandchildren.  Just as important, mothers  shouldn’t just be recognized on the second Sunday of May.  After all, we are mothers 356 days a year 24 hours a day for the rest of our life.

So, there we have the history of Mother’s Day.  Finally, I hope that you spend the day relaxing and doing what you enjoy, and if you get a chance leave me a comment on yours thoughts of Anna Jarvis and Mother’s Day.   You may also  like 15 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas.

 

 

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17 Ways Moms Can Relax and Refuel

February 17, 2017 by 1 Comment

ideas for moms to relax

 

As moms, nose wipers, chauffeurs, chef, referees and a host of other positions there are times that we need to refuel.    Often, we don’t take the time to regroup emotionally and or physically after our everyday responsibilities.  Being a mother becomes a most important position, and we give it our all.  We usually neglect our health, walk around sleep deprived, eat poorly, and forget that we need to feed our spirit.

Also, there’s nobody to blame, we just don’t make ourselves  a priority.  Our life simply becomes habit.  It’s equivalent to the alarm going off at the same time every morning.  We can learn to make ourselves a priority. Here’s a few ways moms can relax:

  1. Have a Spa Day – First, make an appointment to have a facial or pedicure and manicure.  I love having a facial as much as I love getting a pedicure and manicure.  Have a limited budget,  spend the afternoon soaking in the tub.  Burn some candles, diffuse your favorite oil, play some relaxing music, and enjoy a cup of tea or your favorite wine.  Also, check out The Ordinary Serum Reviews to learn more about their Ordinary Skincare Serums.  Home facials are just as glorious as the salon’s.
  2. Take a long walk – Second, hit the walking trail or take a long walk around the neighborhood, park or other scenic route.
  3. Go for a long drive – Next, grab your favorite CDs or turn on your favorite radio station.  Enjoy the scenery and just clear your head.  A change of scenery is a good thing.
  4. Spend the day watching your favorite movies – So, I love watching old movies.  Grab yours too, along with  your favorite snacks and a box of tissues for those heart wrenching movies.  Just enjoy the day laughing and crying.
  5. Order take out  – Curl up with a good book or movie.
  6. Catch up on those free Kindle ebooks or your magazines – Next, curl up in front of the fire, relax on the deck, or under a tree and read a good book.  Not interested in reading, flip through your favorite magazines.
  7. Treat yourself – Furthermore, treat yourself.  Order your favorite latte, ice cream, sushi bar or whatever your favorite may be.  No sharing, this is just for you.
  8. Spend the day at a museum – Check out the art museum or whatever museum is close to you.  Spend the day admiring artwork or history.
  9. Take a bike ride – Pull out the bike and take a ride through the park or on your favorite bike trail.
  10. Do crafts – So, if you have a hobby spend some time working on it.  If you don’t have one, now is a good time to start one.  They’re great stress relievers.  Crochet that scarf or hat, finish a scrapbook or sew a new dress.
  11. Set up a girls night – Whip up a few appetizers and cocktails, and laugh until your heart is content with the girls.
  12. Catch up on the sermons at church that you’ve missed or read the bible – Great way to renew your spirit and relieve some stress.
  13. Hike – Furthermore, grab you hiking gear and hit the trails.  It’s great exercise and clears your head.
  14. Sleep – Here’s an idea, put your best sheets on your bed and stretch out under your favorite comforter.  Take a long and much needed nap.
  15. Shop – Go shopping for bargains at your favorite stores.
  16. Skype/FaceTime – Fix your favorite beverage and chat with a friend.
  17. Talk a walk on the beach – Last, clear your head and enjoy the ocean breeze.

Most importantly, taking care of yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually is a must.  Because we are committed to our families, we must stay healthy in all areas of our life.  So, we hope that you found our list of ways moms can relax helpful.  Also, being healthy requires us to clear our mind, rest and stay focused.  Just as important, pick out one thing off the list each week.  As a result, take a few hours for yourself and don’t feel guilty.  Finally, be sure to tell your friends about our list of ways moms can relax too.  You will start the week relaxed and refueled.

Also, you may also like: 6 Tips to Boost Your Self Esteem

 

 

 

 

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Fun Crafts You Can Do Once The Kids Have Gone To Bed

January 12, 2017 by 4 Comments

fun crafts

 

It’s always a nice time when the kids go to bed. After all, it gives you some time to rest and prepare for the next day. But rather than spend the night in front of the television get creative.  After all, being creative is a great way to relieve some of the day’s stress.  And you will feel a sense of achievement.  Here are some fun crafts you can do once the kids have gone to bed.

Start Knitting

One of the best things about knitting is you can do it anywhere. You might spot people on the bus or even at the movies with their knitting needles. For one thing, knitting is highly therapeutic. And it can be a lot of fun when you are trying to create a masterpiece. Therefore, hunt down some great patterns, buy some needles and yarn and get started.  You might want to attempt to make something for one of the kids.  After all, a lovely knitted scarf or hat will make a great gift or treat.   Start with something small, and then you can go for a harder pattern once you become more experienced.  If you want to make it more social, look into attending a knitting group.  Or start your own. Get a few of your friends over, and you can knit to your heart’s content.

Become a Sewing Whiz

Sewing can be a vital skill for moms.   After all, there are bound to be times that your kid needs a costume or you want new throw pillows or curtains.  With basic sewing skills you can make both.  However, sewing doesn’t just have to be a handy skill.  For a lot of women, they do sewing as a hobby or use the skills for their business. After all, it can be quite relaxing sitting in front of a sewing machine making your next project.

Use the time to create once the kids have gone to bed.  Hunt down a good sewing machine to make your dreams a reality. Before you go to the shop, you can read reviews online such as this brother cs6000i review. That way, you know you are investing in a good sewing machine that will last you for years to come.

Start Drawing or Painting

For a lot of people, they find drawing and painting therapeutic as wel. After all, it’s a good way to get your emotions out after a long stressful day. You can paint how you are feeling, and it’s good for easing some pressure.  It can be a fun experience. After all, you might create some beautiful paintings that you can either put up in your home or sell to the public. Therefore, it’s worth doing some of this in your spare time as a fun new hobby. And you will be much more creative when you are next doing crafts with the kids!

And some jewelry making should also be on the cards too. Not only could you make some for the kids, but you could create some to sell online for some extra money. As this article says, there are lots of tutorials online which can make it an easy process.

We hope that our fun craft ideas have you thinking about getting creative and using your down time to utilize your skills.

 

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