Parenting Archives - Page 2 of 156

When Your Daughter Says Just The Right Things

April 19, 2018 By: Nanette

Most of the time as a parent you’re on the giving end of advice right? So when you get advice from your child even if she didn’t write it specifically for you but it speaks to your heart, you listen. Once your kids get into high school you rarely if ever get to see their assignments. Every once in a while my daughter will clean out her backpack and find some paperwork she actually got back.

The other day she pulled out one of her sample writing assignments and asked if I wanted to keep it since she got a good grade on it. She knows I want her to have something to look back on when she’s older. And I do want to keep it but I wanted to share it with you before I filed it away because maybe you need to hear these words too.

Taking a risk means successes and mistakes. No one knows what will happen once they take that chance. However, taking that chance comes with a large amount of courage. That’s why it is important to act courageously, because it can help one achieve their goal.

Take Lindsey Stirling for example. How do you think she became so popular with her music? It didn’t just happen magically! It took a lot of bravery to get her in the music industry. Before she followed the road to fame, she auditioned on the show America’s Got Talent not knowing whether the outcome would be good or bad. When Stirling’s performance ended, one of the judges told Lindsey that her dream would not be achieved. However, that didn’t stop Lindsey! Today she posts her unique music on YouTube and has over ten million subscribers all over the world supporting her and her music. It took a lot of bravery, not only for sharing her creations online but for walking out on that stage taking that risk, unsure of what her future would hold. Lindsey knew in order to reach her dream she needed to have courage.

In conclusion, courage is extremely important because it can help achieve one’s goal. Taking a chance, helps one learn. Taking a chance may lead to success or failure. Most importantly, taking a chance requires lots of courage.

Are you being courageous in your dreams and ambitions? My daughter’s dream is to become a violinist like Lindsey Stirling. What a fine example of courage she has found in her. She gives her hope that someday she can make her dream a reality as well.

And on a completely different level, my daughter was unknowingly speaking to me, to my heart. Her words encourage me to continue working on my dream and putting myself out there. She’s a wise one that little girl of mine. And she has plans (I hope they work out) to see Lindsey Stirling in concert soon, how amazing will that be to see and hear the music of someone she admires so.

Keep doing what you are doing Princess and follow your dreams!

Staycity Aparthotels Manchester Piccadilly

March 12, 2018 By: Nanette

Manchester is really a lovely place to visit and if you ever get the chance I highly recommend it. Never having been there before we were a little lost when it came to locating a place to stay. Fortunately, we got a little help from our friends and found a great place – Staycity Aparthotels Manchester Piccadilly. It was right in the city center near Piccadilly Station and all the shopping locations you could want.

Staycity Aparthotels

Now, this isn’t your typical hotel. Well, not what we think of here in the U.S. anyway. Staycity Aparthotels are just like what they sound like apart(ment)/hotels, they are serviced apartments to be exact. Here let me show you around the place.

Here’s the kitchen, dining room and living room. Both couches fold out to beds. The dining room table seats four. The kitchen is nice and roomy and has everything you need. Including: microwave, oven, stove, toaster, coffee pot, coffee, milk, sugar, fridge, plates, cups, glassware, pots, pans, cooking utensils, eating utensils, placemats, tablecloth, dish sponge, washing machine pods, dishwashing soap, washing machine and I’m sure I’ve forgotten something but they certainly didn’t. Everything you could possibly need is in the apartment.

You wouldn’t believe how much space there is in that kitchen. There’s plenty of space for any groceries you decide to pick up as well. There is a little grocery store just down the street called Tessco Express. FYI, they have some yummy gluten-free items as well including crumpets which we had for breakfast. When in England.

A couple of things to note. Not bad things, just things I think you should know before you book a room.

The Bathrooms:

There is very little shelf space so don’t take too much with you.
The bathrooms are pretty small (as in not very wide from sink to wall). If you watch the video observe how close the sink is to the toilet in the master bath.
There is a filled liquid handsoap dispenser so no need for small bar soaps thus no soap dish.
In the shower, there is a filled body wash/shampoo dispenser. I’m not too keen on using body wash as shampoo.
There is no shelf in the shower in which to put your shampoo if you take it with you.

The Wardrobe:

There’s only one wardrobe.
No dressers in which to put your clothing but there are a few shelves on one side of the wardrobe so you can stack your clothing.
There is no need to pack your hairdryer as one is provided. You’ll find it in the wardrobe.
Also no need to worry if your clothes get wrinkled in transit, there’s an iron and small ironing board in the master bedroom wardrobe too.
There were only a handful of hangers in the one wardrobe in the apartment which really wasn’t enough for four people but we made due.

The Second Bedroom:

I didn’t show you a pic of the second bedroom because well, I didn’t think to take a picture of it until my kids were asleep and I just didn’t have the heart to wake them. The thing to note about the second bedroom is 1) there is no closet or wardrobe just beds, a chair and nightstands by the beds with lamps and 2) the door doesn’t close because of the sizes of the beds. It wasn’t a problem for us but might be if you are expecting to be able to close that door.

You do get Free Wi-Fi, there’s an on-site cafe, fitness facilities, 24-hour reception desk help (they are so helpful!), luggage storage (for an additional fee), car parking and other amenities you can find listed on their website.

Location

Location is everything! You want to be close to practically everything? Then this is the place to stay – right in the heart of the city of Manchester! We truly enjoyed our visit and hope to visit again.

Don’t forget your Travel Adapter

Oh before I forget, here’s that link to the travel adapter we used that I mentioned in the video. It was fantastic! We could charge all 4 phones and laptop and iPods all at the same time and it charged them all up really quick. I highly recommend it.

The True Story of Kindness

February 13, 2018 By: Nanette

I was provided a copy of the film, Same Kind of Different as Me and a The Kindness Rocks Project Kit free of charge. This post may contain affiliate links which means I’ll receive a very small commission if you make a purchase using a link. Don’t worry, it doesn’t impact the amount you pay at all.

SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME

I’m going to start off by telling you, I loved this movie so much as soon as it was over, I hopped on Amazon and purchased the book. I want my daughter and me to read the book before we watch it again together. Yes, this is a movie to be watched with your family. Not going to give away any of the story ’cause I want you to enjoy it as much as I did. But I do want to give you a little bit of information on it.

SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME is based on a true story of kindness and stars Greg Kinnear, Renee Zellweger, Djimon Hounsou, and Jon Voight and is based on the New York Times Bestseller. Not only will you be inspired by Same Kind of Different as Me, your heart will be filled with warmth by this movie as well.

I stated earlier that this is a movie, I would watch with my kids and you can watch with yours. Same Kind of Different As Me is rated PG-13, I want you to know that. But it also received the Dove Foundation seal of approval for ages 12+.

It’s a beautiful movie about not judging people, looking beyond what you see on the outside and being kind. The fact that it’s based on a true story just makes it that much more heartwarming.

National Random Acts of Kindness Day

National Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17th and couldn’t we all use a little more kindness in our lives? Of course, we could. Sometimes all it takes is a kind word or small gesture of kindness to change your day, week, month or even life.

The world needs more kindness. I’d like to encourage you not only to take some time and watch Same Kind of Different As Me but to also make some kindness rocks. Keep reading and I’ll tell you a little about The Kindness Rocks Project. Not only will it give you a chance to spend some quality time with your kids, one of those messages you or your kids leave behind may just change someone’s life for the better.

The Kindness Rocks Project

It’s just what it says, kindness rocks. You paint a rock, add an inspirational quote or message and you leave it for someone else to pick up. Wouldn’t finding a uniquely painted rock with a word of encouragement when you need it most, sometimes unexpectedly make your day? Wouldn’t a kind unexpected gesture make your day brighter? Of course, it would. And you can do it so easily.

Kindness rocks are so easy to make and it gives you one more opportunity to spend quality time with your kids and encourage kindness. Here’s a quick “How-To” join The Kindness Rock Project. You may already have some of the items in your arts and craft box.

Gather your Kindness Rocks Project supplies

Here’s what you’ll need:

River rocks.

If you live in the city like I do, you can get some river rocks at your local craft store. 3″ to 5″ work best. You want them large and flat enough to write a message on.

Directions:

Step 1: Paint your rocks with a non-toxic paint. This will get them ready for your unique artwork and encouraging message.

Step 2: Use oil-based paint markers to write your encouraging messages and artwork. We used acrylic paint markers since we’re going to be sealing it in Mod Podge anyway.

Step 3: Flip over your Kindness Rocks and add #THEKINDNESSROCKSPROJECT to the back of each rock. This way when others find your one of a kind rocks they’ll take photographs of them and post them on social media which will encourage others to join in on The Kindness Rocks Project. Maybe you’ll even be able to see how far your kindness rock reaches.

Step 4: Last step. Paint a final coat of non-toxic clear sealant on your kindness rock. That way your artwork will be protected from the outdoor elements and your rock won’t cause any damage to the environment.

Spread Kindness

Create a kindness rock garden, leave a stone for someone to find or just give your inspiring words to someone you may know who needs the encouragement today.

Be Kind. Do something nice for someone. Make this a better place for everyone, not just on National Random Acts of Kindness day but every day.

And just one last quick reminder, respect the environment when you create and leave these inspirational rocks. Don’t leave markers or paint for others to add inspiration they may not do it a respectful to the environment manner. Click here for more information.