“Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.” ― Guillaume Apollinaire
Celebrate Multicultural Children’s Book Day With Me #ReadYourWorld
Disclaimer: I received the following product(s) in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.
Did you know that January 25 is Multicultural Children's Book Day? There are so many amazing books out there that help us understand each others cultures and heritage better, but they are not widely shared. Multicultural Children's Book Day is a time set aside to focus on sharing, so you can learn about the vast variety that is out there! I received a few books to review and share with you... Check them out below!
“Beautiful Rainbow World” by Suzee Ramirez and Lynne Raspet. This book is filled with beautiful images of children around the world, reminding us of the beauty that we are all together.It is made to be a sing along or a read, and children of all ages can enjoy it.
“Together Til’ The End - Ife’s Incredible Friends” by Dr. Tee Tee and illustrated by Rolando DeCastro III. I love the story to this, and the way it introduces different cultures and shares differences people face. It’s such a good book for little ones and would be perfect to add to a homeschooling collection. There’s so much teaching and the illustrations are adorable!
“Belinda Lifts Her Voice” by Luisa Orellana-Castillo, Brizel Martinez Cruz, and Camila Melany De la Luz Villegas with illustrations by Romeo Montero. This is a book about a little girls strength to keep pushing for what is right. The pages are written bilingual in English and Spanish, and would be great for a language class!
"Food For The Future - Sustainable Farms Around the World" by Mia Wenjen and illustrations by Robert Sae-Heng, This beautiful book is about discovering several different ways that people around the world care for our planet and grow us the food we eat. I love that this book has definitions on every page, and details in the back of the book, to bring more information on farms and locations.
Every single on of these books I received for review were all excellent reads. They work so well at explaining different scenarios to children, and would be fantastic for using in your homeschool or school classrooms, or even just reading with your children at home.
I received a complimentary product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.
8 Methods Of Supporting A Cause You Care About
The term “be the change you wish to see in the world” can seem reductive, but it’s ultimately true. If we wish other people were more patient, exercising patience can be a fantastic method of leading by example. If we want to experience more kindness, expressing kindness will often see that energy reflected at us. Moreover, although many of us are limited in what we can achieve as individuals, that doesn’t mean our contributions are worthless. Far from it, in fact.
For this reason, if you intend to support a cause you care about, knowing where to start is the only thing holding you back. Perhaps you hope to raise awareness about an illness that a loved one is suffering, or you intend to be an advocate for a cause that you do empathize with. Supporting a cause you care about can help us feel like we’re contributing, especially at the local level.
In this post, we’ll detail eight methods you can take to perfect that cause-first approach, inspiring you to get out there and deliver the worth you’re more than capable of.
Researching The Cause
Sometimes, just learning about the cause can be enough. It may feel as though you need to immediately spread awareness but don’t forget other people are doing that too, and they would love nothing more than for you to listen. That’s all you have to do.
After all, you don’t have to learn about an illness like motor neuron disease and become an expert on it within days. Learning, listening to stories, looking into online research, and understanding the statistics for how many people are affected and what research needs to be funded can help you not only understand the condition but also resolution measures.
This way, you can avoid sitting back on easy methods of contributing (like posting to an Instagram story) and perhaps instead attend a talk given locally by an expert in the field. That’s not to say you can’t decide how far you get involved, but having deep knowledge can help you dispel misinformation and rely on trusted sources.
Volunteering Your Time
You’d be surprised just how many volunteering opportunities exist if you’re willing to get involved. For example, if you hope to help with your local homeless community, heading to the shelter and volunteering your time to feed them one night every two weeks can be a great help. You might also drive to the donation centres to reclaim them for certain shelters.
This is just one example. It might be that volunteering your time working on the local town council to put together a holiday event or fundraiser can be a wonderful idea. We often think our funds are the most important resource we have, and yes, that helps, but your time is quite literally irreplaceable. Investing that, no matter how little you have to spare, can do a world of good.
Donating Financial Resources
Making a cash donation to any charity with a good reputation can be more than enough to help a cause. It’s also wise to look into the charity and their efforts before you begin, because some of them are non-profit legally but may still spend most of their operational costs on salaries and other marketing ventures instead of paying a large percentage to the cause they support.
But of course, this is only the most direct method of supporting, and hardly the only way you can transfer wealth to a good cause. For example, you might donate your older but still clean and usable clothes to a local charity store. Then, when that item is purchased, you’ll have effectively donated to the charity monetarily.
Financial resources can also come through:
Participating In Fundraising Events
Fundraising can be a wonderful method of supporting a cause you care about. In fact, you can do a great deal of good and make memories for life through this process. For example, it might be that after losing a relative, you decide to train for a half-marathon in support of a cause that researches the illness they went through. You can ask for donations from family, friends or even colleagues to finish this. Not only does getting in shape and training for a fun event help you feel great, but you can spread awareness about the condition and make a very real financial contribution to it afterward.
Not only can this help you seek a little closure from the sadness you’ve been through and the loved one you’ve lost, but in many cases charities are so grateful to work you with, they’ll help you along by providing a bib for a marathon, or other promotional materials you can use for your fundraising campaign. It’s a highly positive outcome despite experiencing something so tragic. You’ll have made a material difference you might not have been able to on your own, but it will be entirely self-led.
Starting A Non-Profit
A non-profit doesn’t have to be an international organization. It can simply be a small charity you register and take donations for, perhaps within your local community. You can even use nonprofit fundraising guides to make this more of a scheduled approach that makes the most difference over the long term. Understanding that can give you the motivation to keep going, and to keep developing bigger and better methods towards running charitable events.
Moreover, it can help you advocate for those in your local area, keeping your contributions to the community instead of a larger charity that spreads the fundraising among their many departments. If there’s an issue in your local area going unaddressed, such as activities for the youth or funding for local disability initatives, this is a wonderful way to do what you can. Who knows, maybe you’ll even expand this non-profit as time goes on?
Supporting Local Initiatives
Of course, running a non-profit is still a lot of work. Not everyone has the time for it. But you can certainly support initiatives being taken up in your community, even in small ways. For example, it might be that your local community authority is fundraising for better disability access in the town. Or maybe the proceeds of a local food festival are going to a charity you believe in.
You’d be amazed at just how many local people are willing to make a difference near you. If you need another pep in your step, it can be good to ignore all the online discourse and constant political battles and spend time helping people trying to make a difference in your community. If you ever want to feel a sense of joy and hope in the world again, that kind of exposure can make all the difference from top to bottom.
The reality of seeing people just like you, living in the same space, making a difference and focusing on causes you care about is inspiring to say the least. Moreover, it’s more “real” than whatever topic is filling up the timeline that week. As we can see, serving others isn’t necessarily a selfless activity, because it can feel so inspiring and satisfying to take part in. Better yet, you don’t have to feel guilty about that, because your approach will have been comfortable.
Advocating For Policy Change
Should you have to get involved in local politics to make charitable contributions? Not necessarily. But it’s hard to deny that this is often where the biggest decisions get made. Sure, local councillors are hardly free to do what they want every single day, but they can certainly focus on matters that their constituents care about.
Now, we’re not here to give you a full political guide nor dictate what you should believe, of course. But it might be that adding pressure to your local political representation, voting in the local elections, and being mindful to support causes that matter to you can help you raise your voice and make yourself count. In some cases, this can help you have real traction against very real issues taking place in your area.
For example, if a local library is at threat of being closed, or an area is being gentrified and pricing out all of the small businesses, or if you find that road conditions in an area are unsafe, being very vocal about these issues can be helpful. Advocating for policy change allows you to move the needle just a tiny bit more toward the change you’re looking for.
Be Patient
As frustrating as it can be sometimes, change takes time. Sometimes, it can take a long time. But without people like you, the issue would be worse off. Moreover, you can help to inspire others who are sympathetic to your cause to take actionable steps forward, too.
When we not only speak about it, but do it, other people question if they should contribute too. Sometimes, all it takes is one courageous person to break the ranks and develop the world in a better direction. Could it be that now is your opportunity for such a calling? It’s worth asking.
With this advice, you’re certain to support that cause you care about, without losing your motivation for the topic at hand nor feeling confused as to what to do.
Kids' Interactive Baking Play Set by Pillowfort
Disclaimer: I received the following product(s) in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.
If you and your kids love play food, then you will LOVE this adorable Interactive Baking Play Set by Pillowfort.
It comes with six different cookies from around the world, as well as an informational card explaining each cookie- it's name, describing the taste, where it originated from, and when it's often used. The box, which happens to resemble an actual cookie or donut box, also contains a cloth pan to "cook" the cookies in, a spatula for serving, and a pot holder.
Not only is this set cute and fun, but it can also be used to teach your little ones about different cookie cultures. Children everywhere will love it.
I know I do!
Find this Fun Pillowfort Baking Set and other awesome items available at your local Target.
I received a complimentary product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.
Calming Activities to Try At Home After a Stressful Day
When you walk into your home after a particularly stressful day at work, you need a way to relax, unwind and feel calm again. Your body can start to hold tension and your mental health may start to suffer if you don’t have an effective method to release your worries after a busy day. Whether you’re hoping to relieve symptoms of anxiety and stress, or you’re simply looking for an enjoyable hobby that you can do at home, there are so many ways in which you can feel calmer on a day to day basis. If you’re wondering what you can do from the comfort of your own home, here are a few ideas that can help you get started.
Yoga
Yoga is such an effective form of relaxation that you should never underestimate. Even if you have never tried yoga before you can get started right away by following a simple online tutorial. If you’re too nervous to attend an in person class, you can get a mat in your living room and follow a simple flow online. The breathing methods are a helpful tool to help you deal with any sort of stress in your day to day life too.
Origami
Doing any form of crafting activity is a brilliant way to clear your mind and bring yourself a sense of calm after a stressful day. Dollar bill origami is very easy to pick up and so enjoyable to try out, so why not give it a go? You can do this activity by yourself, with your children or even with your friends too!
Coloring
Adult coloring books are becoming more and more popular and for a very good reason. There is something so calming and therapeutic about coloring a picture, especially if you’re hoping to switch off your brain and relax your mind for an hour or so. It’s also a brilliant way to wind down if you are feeling overstimulated, and want to get away from the noise of the television or other electronic devices that may be around you.
Singing
There are proven links between improved mental health and singing, so why not give it a go next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed? You don’t have to be a professional singer to make the most of exercising your vocal chords and it may quickly become one of your go-to hobbies to do at home!
Trying out these calming activities will soon give you a good idea of what works best for you and your personality. Everyone is completely different and will naturally gravitate towards a different type of activity depending on what your personal preferences are. You may find that coloring is the perfect calming activity to release tension and free your body from stress. However, some others may prefer to get crafty and use their artistic sides to create something to be proud of. Try each option out for yourself and explore the best relaxing pastime to enjoy in the comfort of your own home!
Image from Pexels - CC0 Licence
Rainy Day Quotes and Coffee on Time Well Spent
“Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored.” - Earl Nightingale
Making Nature Based Dyes for WaterColor Art
Did you know you can make nature based watercolor dyes? There are so many things just growing outside that are free and available for you to experiment with and make colors for your artful masterpiece. Of course it will depend on the season for what might be growing at the time, but you could easily improvise with what you may have on hand or find in a store near you. Below are some ideas to give you the colors you need.
Blue/Purple: huckleberries, blueberries, grapes, red cabbage, wilted rose petals
Red: beets, red elderberry, strawberries, cherries, raspberries
Yellow/Orange: onion skins, golden beet, yellow turnip, celery leaves, carrots, turmeric
Green: peppermint, spinach, artichoke leaves
Brown: coffee, tea, red onion skins, walnut hulls and husks, bark and dried leaves
Black/Gray: wood/almond charcoal (burning wood or almond to produce a burnt residue)
Among these, there are so many other ideas that can give you colors of the rainbow to design your piece. You can experiment with basically anything and see just what beauty of color it gives you!
Enjoy!
Tips For Stress Management As a Couple
There are times in a relationship when one person might be feeling stressed, anxious, and worried - if those signs aren’t picked up or the problem isn’t shared, it can eat away at a healthy relationship. For those who know that they keep their worries to themselves, it can be easy to let stress pile up - and eventually, that will spill over. It leads to arguments and health issues.
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
So, tackling stress and anxiety together is a must; here is how to do it.
Talk
Healthy relationships have a good and high level of communication. Laying things out on the table means that they are open for discussion, and resolutions and support can be found. If you are the partner who is stressed but hiding it - honestly is the best policy, you can get the help and support you need unless you are sharing and your partner isn’t a mind reader.
If you are the partner that has noticed your partner seems to be stressed or worried, speak up and tell them you sense there might be something troubling them.
Talk it through - not matter how difficult it is, because stress changes a lot of things - including a relationship.
Space
Stress can make people grouchy and much more likely to say something mean, upsetting, or cruel. So one of the things that can be helpful is to make sure that the parent who feels that they are stressed or under pressure has alone time if they need it.
Space comes in many forms, though. It could be a few hours of quiet, it might be a walk - together but quietly, or it may be a few days away. Figure out what space is for your dynamic and how best to achieve it.
Calming activities
Let’s be realistic - the world and life are more demanding than ever - so setting time aside to do something that is calming for you both can relieve a lot of stress. Discuss options, and see if there is a way to add something to your everyday life that allows you to make room for calm activities.
Listening to music together, reading, talking, a walk, yoga, or a super relaxing pamper, including a cbd oil massage, a warm bath, and even a face mask.
Sipping tea in a bathrobe while reading a book sounds pretty good!
Tackle it
Sometimes, the best way through it is to tackle it. When you and your partner understand the source of the stress, you can discuss the most effective ways to reduce or stop it.
It might include splitting up more house chores, talking through financial issues, or helping them find a new work role that doesn’t weigh so heavily.
A couple is strongest when they are both actively sharing, communicating, supporting and looking for solutions to the issues that they have. Keep in mind that depending on how long the stress has been impacting your partner, you might need some time to reconnect with each other.
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