tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76411925803687469832024-03-18T05:47:30.734-04:00NESHEAHOLICTips, tricks and resources on making motherhood work. DIYs, recipes, tutorials, and self-care tips. LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.comBlogger689125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-89940161340977493802021-03-18T09:08:00.000-04:002021-03-18T09:08:53.635-04:00The Talk(s) - The Birds & The Bees (plus)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lep_yP1oF4E/YFM0QqziDRI/AAAAAAABDFg/YSvPopzEAc0vOfUZIsfOl9AkF1fAfsjOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/thetalks.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lep_yP1oF4E/YFM0QqziDRI/AAAAAAABDFg/YSvPopzEAc0vOfUZIsfOl9AkF1fAfsjOgCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/thetalks.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p>I’m an early morning stresser. Sometime between 3:30am and 5:30am after I take my morning trip to the bathroom my mind often turns on to a point that keeps me awake. It never wants to think about good things at the crack of dawn, it wants to give me worry lol </p><p>In one of my recent early morning thinking sessions I started thinking about having to give my daughter (currently 6) “The Talk” in the not so distant future. I never had The Talk really. When I started developing my grandmother gave me a really old book about the female body and told me to read it so I knew “what would happen.” The book was so old that the portion about sanitary products still had pads that came with a belt! My mother once tried to have The Talk with me. She asked me if I knew what sex what, referencing the Salt-n-Peppa song. I told her I didn’t want to talk about it. </p><p>As I thought about how I want to handle The Talk with my daughter I realized that at the very least The Talk would really be three distinct conversations. 1. Her body and her period, 2. Sex logistics and safety. 3. Consent and pleasure. </p><p>I learned from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/awesomeliyou/" target="_blank">Aaliyah</a>, an 11-year-old Black girl entrepreneur (!) who has created a <a href="https://awesomeliyou.myshopify.com/collections/all" target="_blank">line of period products</a> that it is uncomfortable to have periods directly connected with becoming pregnant when you first begin to talk and learn about menstruation. So I want to separate the conversations of sex safety and beginning her period. I also learned from Jasmine of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sexpositiveparenting/" target="_blank">Sex Positive Parenting</a> that having conversations with young women about prioritizing their pleasure when they begin to have sex is important, so I want to make sure I include that in our talks. </p><p>I also thought about how I can use these conversations to normalize being LGBTQ. Using phrases like “people with penises” or “people with vaginas” vs “men and women”, to be inclusive of trans folks when talking about how all the “parts” work together. Noting experiences between two people as being “when two partners do X” vs. “when a man and a woman do X” when talking about relationships. </p><p>I’m already nervous about all of these talks lol. But I want my daughter to always feel like she can be comfortable talking to me about things, and I want to prepare her as best as I can. </p><span id="docs-internal-guid-95a7e80b-7fff-cc39-52c6-be6f60be6cf9"><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">How have you handled or plan to handle "The Talk" with your children?</span></b></span></div></span>LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-37272345986601873862021-01-05T10:52:00.004-05:002021-01-05T10:57:38.367-05:00Toxic Productivity <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3UhTuWsDAI/X_SMXXKWYRI/AAAAAAABBWs/27FvwnOVc-Ez4-_HqfgGL-HKA7wjO8SmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/toxic%2Bproductivity.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3UhTuWsDAI/X_SMXXKWYRI/AAAAAAABBWs/27FvwnOVc-Ez4-_HqfgGL-HKA7wjO8SmQCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/toxic%2Bproductivity.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>Let’s talk about toxic productivity. The concept that there is something you can do, a product you can buy, or a method you can learn that will make you more productive, and make the impact of labor less hard on you. </p><p>A DM chat with my friend Jill recently illuminated something for me: we get up daily thinking there is something different we can do to make the day less exhausting than yesterday. But you know what? In some cases that just isn’t possible, especially for working parents during this pandemic. </p><p>One person is not meant to SIMULTANEOUSLY teach their child (or help their child on virtual school), be their child’s only in-person friend, cook meals for their family, keep their house, and work a full time job + extracurricular activities and side hustles. After the eleven day weekend the first Monday of 2021 was still EXHAUSTING. Because that load is exhausting. </p><p><b>And this message really goes for everyone.</b> If you didn’t start the new year with vim, verve, and excitement to get things done, that’s ok. If you’re tired, that’s ok. WE ARE LIVING THROUGH A PANDEMIC. THIS IS HARD. </p><p>It is so dangerous to our humanity and our spirits to tie so much to productivity. And capitalism will have you believe there is something you can buy, or someone’s masterclass you can take that will make things better for you, but there is only so much you can do the lighten the impossible load many of us are carrying right now. </p><p>Do what you can. Don’t be disappointed in yourself if you’ve reached your maximum. Give yourself grace. Your mental health is worth more than productivity.</p>LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-86634511114914313092020-12-26T15:11:00.001-05:002020-12-26T15:11:47.937-05:00Vlog: Sage's Science Experiments<p>One of the kiddo's favorite gifts this Christmas was a science experiment kit. We did a few experiments today and my little budding Youtuber wanted to make a video, so we did! </p><p>Here is the science kit in the video: (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/3nXl1ve</p><p><br /></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yAaNFGJB5hI" width="560"></iframe></div>LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-24621281320255781082020-06-27T09:40:00.000-04:002020-06-27T09:40:07.098-04:00The Path that Led to Resistance<span id="docs-internal-guid-aadcc504-7fff-6404-b3c6-295db0a5192c"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IOCKQUSMuvY/XvdI8D5KaFI/AAAAAAAA8Ac/ntAMtpVp6icIRTuw9JY8gKArFZHG006nwCK4BGAsYHg/s1280/maskedpeople.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IOCKQUSMuvY/XvdI8D5KaFI/AAAAAAAA8Ac/ntAMtpVp6icIRTuw9JY8gKArFZHG006nwCK4BGAsYHg/d/maskedpeople.png" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve been thinking a lot about how this moment will read in future history books. About all the analysis that future students, historians, and people will read about the moment that began in 2020. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everything happening this year seems so well orchestrated, not positively or maliciously necessary, but just ordered in a way that has caused everything to happen. Trump’s presidency, the Coronavirus, the civil uprising, all play together to define this moment. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I believe we wouldn’t be seeing the country-wide and world-wide resistance to police and systemic racism if it wasn’t for the Coronavirus. All people found themselves more vulnerable in March 2020 than they even thought was possible. Most people living in America were unsatisfied with Trump’s handling of the virus, whether they thought he took it too seriously, or not seriously enough. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Following the stay-at-home orders there were a plethora of citizens at home, with TIME on their hands. This time and their already disgruntled nature about the way the system failed to keep them safe and financially secure in the middle of a pandemic opened the gates for a huge response to George Floyd’s murder. A response that pushed more non-Black people into the Black Lives Matter movement than I’ve ever seen. A response that has seen, even if superficial, many people, companies, and organizations addressing racism publicly for what seems to be the very first time.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t think this movement could have happened without the people having time on their hands, outside of the usual rat-race, to engage with it. Without being entirely disappointed in our nation’s systems it would have been easier for people to ignore what many Black people and activists have been fighting for for decades. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It feels like America’s melting pot is at a boil, and everything is bubbling out onto the stove. I believe it's going to take a while, but what’s left after everything simmers down will be better than what came before it. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">RELATED POSTS:</b><b style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </b></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2017/02/black-history-month-activities-for-kids.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEGiZ3dpGd4/Xo5D6FRfJmI/AAAAAAAA6rQ/rrblkp0qpR4IZsn3UT9LShyynveTpJZrQCK4BGAsYHg/s320/parenting%2Bduring%2Ba%2Bpandemic.png" /> </a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37heLAPtguI/XvdLvnXBv3I/AAAAAAAA8A8/iI8-VflPgCwkmQcGN0zHABrrFNXXoi73ACK4BGAsYHg/s640/10%2BBlack%2BHi.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37heLAPtguI/XvdLvnXBv3I/AAAAAAAA8A8/iI8-VflPgCwkmQcGN0zHABrrFNXXoi73ACK4BGAsYHg/s320/10%2BBlack%2BHi.png" /></a></div><b><br /></b></span><p></p>LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-68391502218957097262020-06-02T17:12:00.001-04:002020-06-02T17:12:39.733-04:00The Do's and Don'ts of Crafting Your Statement About Current IssuesAs a digital marketing professional this week thus far has been full of crafting, reading, editing, reviewing, and posting of "official statements" in response to the civil uprisings happening after the murder of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Let me hit you with some Do's and Don'ts in crafting your statement and handling communications with your audience during this time <b><u>if you are not an organization or company that wants to uphold racism and police brutality. </u></b><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>DON'T <u>Not</u> Make a Statement</b></h2><div>This is a country-wide uprising, even spanning to protests in other countries. The issue of systemic racism and police violence is a big issue. You cannot ignore it. Do not go on, business as usual, because you will be seen as tone deaf. Use the pressure to make a statement as an opportunity to have real conversations at your organization or company about where you stand and what you can do. </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>DO explicitly state that <u>BLACK LIVES MATTER</u></b></h2><div>This is a line in the sand, and you must cross it. It is time to explicitly state that Black Lives Matter. This can be scary for older organizations. You may be thinking "Won't this alienate some of my customers/audience members/donors?" Ask yourself instead, "Do I want to uphold the systems of racism in this country?" If you are an older, trusted, organization or business your explicit statement that Black Lives Matter might actually be the catalyst for someone to think more deeply about the issues. You have an audience that trusts you, use that trust to help open their eyes. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="472" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxz--dy0_hU/Xta03fplyxI/AAAAAAAA7kg/ma1DpbcfSxAS5FpyMdVGTDo2d_ukGAjFQCK4BGAsYHg/w438-h640/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-06-02%2Bat%2B4.21.10%2BPM.png" width="438" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>DO list what you plan to <u>DO</u>.</b> </h2><div>Action, action, action. If you plan to post, discuss what actual ACTION you plan to take. Are you helping the neighborhood where your business is clean up following protesting? Are you donating to an emergency or bail fund? Are you pushing the congress people for the district your business is in to take action to protect the people? You have to DO something, and you have to tell your audience what you are going to DO. </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>DON'T POST A <u>FLUFF </u>PIECE.</b></h2><div>Do not post some "we are the world" "all lives matter" "we're in this together" fluff. Make a STATEMENT with your statement. If you're going to say something, <i>say something. </i></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">DO SHARE RESOURCES</h2><div>No one expects you to have all the answers, especially as a business or company that likely is in an industry outside of social justice. Share resources with your audience from sources you trust so they have places to go to learn, donate, and take action themselves. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="507" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--En-XsEa7c8/Xta50LJaAkI/AAAAAAAA7k8/I83qH3dF4BcHckDTxkTSAVEcxIrgJ_NSgCK4BGAsYHg/d/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-06-02%2Bat%2B4.42.17%2BPM.png" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Again, this isn't about being pressured to make a statement outside the character of your organization or company. <b>If you do not support racism and police brutality,</b> this is about using this opportunity to examine where you stand, make that known publicly, and begin doing the WORK of dismantling the systems of oppression that led to George Floyd and countless other Black people dying at the hands of police officers with no justice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_Ep7fVHGUQ/Xta-ru28KVI/AAAAAAAA7lY/MsSUCAldQUsZRjP8oe8QyW9HAI-0MdC8wCK4BGAsYHg/DosandDontsIG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_Ep7fVHGUQ/Xta-ru28KVI/AAAAAAAA7lY/MsSUCAldQUsZRjP8oe8QyW9HAI-0MdC8wCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h640/DosandDontsIG.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-28266329683269487452020-04-08T18:14:00.000-04:002020-04-08T18:18:50.910-04:00Parenting in a Pandemic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEGiZ3dpGd4/Xo5D6FRfJmI/AAAAAAAA6rM/sNfrFnd1ehEdHGFetCFIOEIxa02QdKi3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/parenting%2Bduring%2Ba%2Bpandemic.png" width="425" /></div>
<br />
Let’s talk about being a parent during a pandemic.<br />
<br />
I’m not bored. I’m exhausted. I don’t connect with the people grasping for something to do. I don’t know about all parents, but as a parent who works from home and has a child who was formerly in a pre-k program I don’t have additional time on my hands. It feels like I have less time now, because I do. I’m somehow supposed to do work while simultaneously teaching, entertaining, and feeding (3 meals and two snacks) my daughter. My work hours are now any brief moments of time when I’m not tending to her. And those brief moments of time not only hold my work responsibilities, but also my own self-care and time with my husband. Not to mention the swaths of time when I just can’t do anything because I’m overwhelmed by the threat of the virus and the possibility of our future looking like The Walking Dead minus the zombies.<br />
<br />
With all that said, this isn’t a bad time. When I’m not trying to balance things or thinking about future bread lines marked with 6 foot spaces between each spot, I know that I’m getting stolen time with my daughter. I’m getting to spend time with her and see her grow in a way that just wasn’t our lives before. She is SOOOO funny, imaginative, smart, and silly, and a genuinely good person. She loves draw-by-numbers worksheets and pretending she’s recording YouTube videos. She has to be my top priority right now. She’s going through something extreme too. She misses school and her friends and the playground. When this is all done and we’re in the New World™️ I want her to have some fond memories of this strange time.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One thing she's been doing during this time is watching <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlSNUXAftkr5Januj82wS1KUv0yCaj4Og" target="_blank">my old vlogs</a> so she wanted to record a new one. Here's a Pandemic Car Vlog from the end of March when we went out to retrieve some medication and WINE.<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qB2DkhURo-s" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How are YOU doing? <i>Really</i>, how are you doing?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>RELATED POSTS:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2017/01/10-books-for-toddler-library.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LhV5GoTxJ00/WHGCSmSDJ-I/AAAAAAAAd9w/DWXxvpHNRrQ750NijmNBiflzSycBn3SCACPcBGAYYCw/s320/toddler%2Blibrary.png" width="213" /></a><a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2017/03/13-snow-day-activities-for-kids.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b4BE-FW5SqA/WMf6wxQGOyI/AAAAAAAAe2M/FF8riT5h8q04N7doGhfeULwv3_MGylqBgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Snow%2Bday%2Bactivities%2Bfor%2Bkids..png" style="text-align: left;" width="213" /></a><a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2019/04/an-impromptu-homeschool-week.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2f1h4u510aY/XKerduKIFZI/AAAAAAAAxPs/cjHOtydFw58LjZ_iPp0dGpeZHSNCrCbxgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/homeschooling%2B%25281%2529.png" width="213" /></a></div>
</div>
LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-25945252172634499252020-03-11T13:54:00.000-04:002020-03-11T14:03:52.095-04:007 Freelancer Life Hacks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGTs68kC-wM/XmkhsiPte4I/AAAAAAAA6Lc/a5D55UCXPv05ObwMdk3hrz6Ckx77fdj3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/freelancer%2Blife%2Bhacks.png" width="426" /></div>
<br />
I love freelancer life. During this year and some change that I've been a freelancer I've developed a good set of life hacks, tips, tricks, and tools that can help freelancers across any industry, and some that are also specific for marketing freelancers and freelancers who work from home.<br />
<br />
<h2>
7 Freelancer Life Hacks</h2>
<h3>
Working from the Library </h3>
<div>
Starbucks is great, and McDonalds also has WiFi, but if you're looking for a work location that won't require you to make purchases, go to our local library! There you'll be equipped with WiFi, as well as printers, scanners, and books, should you need them. I occasionally reserve a study room in my library if I need to make a phone call, have a video conference, or just want a little space to myself. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Scannable</h3>
<div>
Speaking of scanning, if you are working in a location that doesn't have a scanner and you need to scan and send a document someone, check out the <b>Evernote Scannable</b> app. You can use your smartphone to scan a document and it comes out looking just as good as an actual scanner, and better than just taking a picture of the document. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="1242" height="327" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8IjOqhsEKo/XmkimSrZIoI/AAAAAAAA6Lo/Yl5JQX1cEKMBxLnlDfAIb64cOWSaOr8kgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_5074.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Asana</h3>
<div>
I rave all the time about my love for <b>Asana </b>as a project management program. Part of the success of being a freelancer is being able to keep track of all your client needs and deadlines. Asana is great for juggling multiple clients and projects, and I even keep track of things like Christmas lists and household chores in there. Asana is available as a mobile app or on desktop. There is also an Asana Gmail extension that allows you to create tasks right in your inbox, assigning them to the proper client/project, and adding a due date. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
PayPal Invoicing </h3>
<div>
I use PayPal to send my invoices because it allows clients to pay me easily, and for me to transfer money to my account with ease. PayPal also lets me know when a client has viewed my invoice, so there's no question as to whether or not it was received. With PayPal invoices clients can still pay you with a check if they prefer, and you can log a payment manually. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Kami</h3>
<div>
Kami is a great program that allows you to take digital notes, highlight, strike through, etc, on top of a document right in your browser. This is helpful for reviewing documents that are in PDF format where you want to put notes on the document to send back to a client in the way you could with pen and paper if you were in the same space together. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1231" data-original-width="1600" height="491" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpAG8GEU75g/XmkkzJGgcjI/AAAAAAAA6L0/sNS7_OwKDLcdYsrH4qj6JK3n5BgobTl2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Kami-App-Menu-Open_Fotor.png" width="640" /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>These next freelancer life hacks are specifically for those who are marketing freelancers but can be helpful to many...</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<h3>
Canva</h3>
<div>
I absolutely love Canva for making quick and simple graphics and designs without having to open my Adobe products. You can make graphics and designs of all types and sizes, upload your own images, or use stock images available from Canva. Canva has a mobile app but I prefer to use it on desktop in my browser. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
MP4 to GIF Converter</h3>
<div>
I probably use t<a href="https://ezgif.com/video-to-gif" target="_blank">his MP4 to GIF converter </a>at least twice a month. It comes in handy when trying to use Boomerang or short video clips on various social media platforms. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What do you want to know about freelancer life?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>RELATED POSTS: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2018/02/5-tips-for-working-from-home-with-kids.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KJ4AgDXOYGs/WoiWJbjxVaI/AAAAAAAAlBc/JLUF2n6cBtg-GnHcxcX2ANUJhRlXTggZgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/working%2Bfrom%2Bhome%2Bwith%2Bkids.png" width="213" /></a><a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2019/02/how-to-increase-instagram-following-and.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XkxsvSPpgk/XHV2Jef1loI/AAAAAAAAvpI/3xyjskFK2XIbnxSgM5gqaSJNGcuTGKX6QCPcBGAYYCw/s320/increase%2Binstagram%2Bengagement.png" width="213" /></a><a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2020/01/five-ways-to-stay-focused-as-freelancer.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRH6Lh5jn6E/XhoKhbte55I/AAAAAAAA4k0/ZfBMhr17p2cevNUUY00V8jMgdUvdp8r0ACPcBGAYYCw/s320/5%2BTips%2Bto%2BStay%2BFocused%2Bas%2Ba%2BFreelancer%2B%25281%2529.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-8979056895252524102020-01-15T11:09:00.000-05:002020-01-15T11:09:32.560-05:00Five Ways to Stay Focused as a Freelancer with Green Mountain Coffee from Walmart<i data-redactor-tag="i">This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GreenMountainGoodness </i><br />
<i data-redactor-tag="i"><br /></i> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" data-verified="redactor" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRH6Lh5jn6E/XhoKhbte55I/AAAAAAAA4kw/8hNRAYXWtWw-UOtfD8cKopAXFwxpqwDBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/5%2BTips%2Bto%2BStay%2BFocused%2Bas%2Ba%2BFreelancer%2B%25281%2529.png" width="266" /></div>
<i data-redactor-tag="i"><br /></i> <br />
I am a freelance theater producer and digital marketer. I lead a theater company with the mission of providing the people of West Philadelphia and the African American community at large the opportunity to see professional quality theater in their own neighborhood park for no cost. By removing the barriers of location and price the audience is able to experience theater that they possibly would not be able to access otherwise. As an actor and producer, I’ve seen first hand how hard it is for artists of color to get a chance to hone their talents and get meaningful performing opportunities, so in addition to providing content for African American audiences, we also provide opportunities for artists of color. I’ve been a part of this initiative for seven years and it is a chief way that I seek to do good in my community. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" data-verified="redactor" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KnF8KCjmDM8/XhoLgf4lBQI/AAAAAAAA4k8/fxD--ockpzom6FEi6m8ubhG9y7jTIp4TwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_4078.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
It is not always easy managing the demands of being a freelancer. </div>
<h2 style="clear: both;">
Here are my Five tips on staying focused as a freelancer: </h2>
<h3 style="clear: both;">
Find a project management solution </h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
You cannot stay focused if you don’t know what you should be working on. Whether it is a notebook, planner, or digital project management software, you need somewhere to record each client you have, tasks from that client, and the due date for those tasks. I like using a digital project management software that offers a calendar format because it allows me to sort by date and gives me a plan for each day, week, and month. Being able to see all your tasks laid out in a calendar allows you to truly see if you have the capacity to get all items done on deadline, and what tasks may need to be pushed to a later date. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both;">
Keep track of your hours and work on billable items first</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Just like keeping track of your tasks, you need to keep track of your hours so you know if you are on track for your billable hours goal, and to make sure you’re using your time wisely between clients. Also, do your billable tasks first, that way you know you’ve made your money for the day before you move onto other business maintenance tasks like bookkeeping, sending invoices, doing research, pitching new clients, etc. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="1600" data-verified="redactor" height="544" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-imtrQj8z-Gk/XhoL9Pl6jBI/AAAAAAAA4lE/4qPuOEy-dkMDOFaZToi2WdL-evbyJ6wTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_4073.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Change work locations</h3>
<div>
I focus better when I vary where I’m working from. Sometimes I work from my bedroom, my dining room, or my living room. My favorite place to work is from the library, because it offers various places for me to sit throughout the day for a change of position or scenery. If you work in a co-working space or coffee shop, switch tables or seats every once in a while. If you work from your home office, change the position of your chair in relation to your desk. This keeps you from feeling stagnant. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Control sound</h3>
<div>
Sound can be one of the biggest distractions while working. If you enjoy music, craft a playlist ahead of time so you don’t find yourself looking for what you want to listen to during work hours. If you enjoy silence, pick your work spaces accordingly, and don’t be afraid to use ambient sound or white noise playlists if you find yourself in a position where you need to block out other people talking.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Take natural breaks</h3>
<div>
I take breaks when my brain naturally feels like it needs a rest. This usually comes around the 3pm slump. During your break, stretch, have a dance break, grab a snack or make a cup of coffee. I love a snack and a coffee on my break and I opt for <a href="http://cbi.as/a3okw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Green Mountain Coffee Roasters® from Walmart</a>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" data-verified="redactor" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pg6YKpkYQS8/XhoMXXwTucI/AAAAAAAA4lM/5P7hVG2CMOEUYTOOFgL25Qa8Mzd1ZgTPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_4060.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
This year I want to be more cognizant of supporting brands that produce a good product and DO good for the world. This is why I like to pick up Green Mountain Coffee <em data-redactor-tag="em">K-Cup®</em><em data-redactor-tag="em"> pods</em><span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space" data-redactor-tag="span" data-verified="redactor"></span> from Walmart. They have a number of initiatives that support and give back to the communities that grow their coffee. They launched the Blue Harvest program, which helped train over 2,500 farmers in water-smart agricultural practices and restored watersheds and water systems—all to provide better, safer and cleaner water to 100,000 people downstream. They also provide essential funding to World Coffee Research, an industry collaboration to develop and test varietals that will not only withstand the negative effects of climate change but also produce higher quality and yields for farmers. That ensures coffee in consumers cups and better livelihoods for coffee producers. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters is doing good and it tastes good! Their blends are rich and smooth, and the perfect for in the morning while I’m getting myself together or during my afternoon break. The Caramel Vanilla Cream flavor in particular is a really nice afternoon treat.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I grab my Green Mountain Coffee pods from Walmart where they have a large variety of flavors at good prices. I also love being able to grab coffee, and pretty much anything else I need all in one place! When shopping from Walmart if I don’t have the time, I can make things easier on myself with the convenient Online Grocery Pickup option. <a href="http://cbi.as/a3okw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Visit Walmart to purchase Green Mountain Coffee today</a>!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" data-verified="redactor" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6B1E9gsC4YM/XhoMlmYPKvI/AAAAAAAA4lQ/ICGKdppCpioq3vJ8vgZM2y118I8IG23cACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_4047.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" data-verified="redactor" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RqSH0QSAzWM/XhoMl2lBdyI/AAAAAAAA4lU/AkFS0_rjYFMqOdlxdaMd3UheSfe0-flIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_4044.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" data-verified="redactor" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpXkaFx-PCs/XhoM9Ov8oKI/AAAAAAAA4lk/6nGKFPyzKCccv2CdubkkemGQy6OIzSxJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_4053.JPG" width="426" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i data-redactor-tag="i">Keurig and K-Cup are trademarks of Keurig Green Mountain Inc., used with permission.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="annotator-outer annotator-viewer annotator-hide">
</div>
<div class="annotator-outer annotator-editor annotator-hide">
</div>
<div class="annotator-outer annotator-viewer annotator-hide">
</div>
<div class="annotator-outer annotator-editor annotator-hide">
</div>
<div class="annotator-outer annotator-viewer annotator-hide">
</div>
<div class="annotator-outer annotator-editor annotator-hide">
</div>
<div class="annotator-outer annotator-viewer annotator-hide">
</div>
<div class="annotator-outer annotator-editor annotator-hide">
</div>
LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-23760001423337480452020-01-12T13:52:00.000-05:002020-01-12T13:52:27.830-05:00How to Entertain a Sick Kid<i>This post contains affiliate links. </i><br />
<br />
We are FINALLY on the other side of BabyCakes' most intense illness to-date in her five years of life. Fever, vomiting, cough, oh my! Towards the end of her time home getting better she started to go a little stir crazy. She wasn't well enough to go to school, but she had spent 4 days in bed and was ready for some entertainment.<br />
<br />
<h2>
5 Ways to Entertain a Sick Kid</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rb9xkCW6ps4/XhtViH2OFjI/AAAAAAAA4pg/1VfG_GGtmWE--SGHH9DehochZyqFuIJDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/How%2Bto%2BEntertain%2Ba%2BSick%2BKid.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rb9xkCW6ps4/XhtViH2OFjI/AAAAAAAA4pg/1VfG_GGtmWE--SGHH9DehochZyqFuIJDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/How%2Bto%2BEntertain%2Ba%2BSick%2BKid.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
TV</h3>
<div>
There is no time better for vegging out in front of the TV than when you want to keep a kiddo in one place (in case of more vomiting) but also want them to be entertained. Just because they're watching TV doesn't mean it has to be something mindless. A few of our educational yet entertaining TV favorites that will keep the attention of kids and adults: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
StoryBots (Netflix)<br />
Motown Magic (Netflix)</div>
<div>
Vampirina (Disney+)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Tablet</h3>
<div>
Again, even if you limit screen time usually, when the kiddo is sick some time spent playing on their tablet can take their minds off of being sick and the usual activities that they're missing. We have a <a href="https://amzn.to/30e4BmO" target="_blank">Fire Kids Tablet</a> so we can confidently let BabyCakes browse alone without worrying about her getting into any adult content. With all of us fawning over her asking how she felt every 10 minutes some solo tablet time was needed for her sanity.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Puzzles</h3>
<div>
Puzzles are a great activity for the family to do together while a child is sick because they child can still sit and relax, while working their brain and spending time with their parents. It allows them to concentrate on something other than being sick, and feel they have accomplished something, which is important after days of feeling helpless. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Coloring, painting, and sticker books</h3>
<div>
Coloring books, sticker books, and self-contained painting books are great to let the kid’s creativity come out. You can hang up their creations so they feel accomplished, or pretend they’ve created an art gallery and let them explain each picture to you. Sticker books were my favorite when I was sick as a kid and BabyCakes loves them too. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Books</h3>
<div>
If you can, go to the library and grab some new books for your child when they’re sick, so they have something new to sink their imagination into. During this last battle with a nasty virus I could tell BabyCakes was getting really frustrated by not feeling better so I grabbed some books about being sick. This one was a hit: <a href="https://amzn.to/2RaIrxW" target="_blank">llama home with mama by Anna Dewdney</a><br />
<br /></div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Llama-Home-Mama-Anna-Dewdney/dp/0670012327/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=Llama+Llama+home+with+Mama&qid=1578846438&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=laneshe-20&linkId=dbf79f81e8e5e4d8ea0504dadc2c13b1&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0670012327&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=laneshe-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=laneshe-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0670012327" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<br />
Llama was just as sad and frustrated with being sick as BabyCakes was. As we read it she kept smiling and saying "That's just like me!"<br />
<div>
<br />
Another good book about being sick is <a href="https://amzn.to/2uHybFQ" target="_blank">How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon? by Jane Yollen & Mark Teague</a>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Dinosaurs-Get-Well-Soon/dp/0439241006/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=How+do+dinosaurs+get+well+soon?&qid=1578846773&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=laneshe-20&linkId=dfcf8712aa636a3e9e84b8a75a8093bc&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0439241006&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=laneshe-20&language=en_US" width="243" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=laneshe-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=0439241006" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
This next book isn't about being sick, but it is about how parents always want to be there for their kids. I chose this one because I could feel BabyCakes feeling frustrated by us checking on her, taking her temperature, making her take medicine, etc. <a href="https://amzn.to/2tRzcL7" target="_blank">That's Me Loving You by Amy Krouse Rosenthal</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Thats-Loving-You-Krouse-Rosenthal/dp/1101932384/ref=as_li_ss_il?keywords=That%27s+me+loving+you&qid=1578846809&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=laneshe-20&linkId=ea80741d04820edaf82112bdc5e58408&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1101932384&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=laneshe-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=laneshe-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=1101932384" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
Wishing you all strong immune systems this cold and flu season!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How do you entertain your sick kiddos?</b></span>LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-40575081001815475542019-12-29T21:07:00.000-05:002019-12-29T21:07:07.400-05:00Magic Moments from Dickens' Christmas Towne at Nauticus (Norfolk, VA)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixPTzXkgjqE/XglbcLMGgRI/AAAAAAAA4XU/p43syAFdXNQLfCp5NkS3OSnYh1fxdv8uwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/dickens%2Bchristmas%2Btowne%2B%25281%2529.png" width="266" /></div>
<br />
As an adult it’s hard for Christmas to feel “magical,” but both times we’ve visited <a href="https://dickenschristmastowne.com/" target="_blank">Dickens' Christmas Towne at Nauticus</a> in Norfolk, VA I’ve felt a little twinkle of magic inside. Part of it is how much BabyCakes enjoys it, the other is the atmosphere they create.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2jzuUULrLM/XglUzqiJ9zI/AAAAAAAA4WE/d1W8zSPbJ_oPcKhFPXgurieL06zVuuMEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/36240176_Unknown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2jzuUULrLM/XglUzqiJ9zI/AAAAAAAA4WE/d1W8zSPbJ_oPcKhFPXgurieL06zVuuMEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/36240176_Unknown.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
On our recent visit it was Pirates and Princesses Day so BabyCakes dressed up as Princess Jasmine from Aladdin. Elsa and Anna from Frozen were around talking to all the kids. They also did a Storytime and singalong that was really special. The performers sounded JUST LIKE the movie, and it felt really magical.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yciiIEqu27E/XglVYT-MRKI/AAAAAAAA4WM/7ImJzwMOJDEgXIhp-D3yFuWBGPRnc7qIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/36240384_Unknown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yciiIEqu27E/XglVYT-MRKI/AAAAAAAA4WM/7ImJzwMOJDEgXIhp-D3yFuWBGPRnc7qIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/36240384_Unknown.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
On our first trip the Fergus & Foggs magic show was the highlight, giving us literal magic lol.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-avrvcLNXzs8/XglV68jCfFI/AAAAAAAA4WU/K4JNr7Uwfewm_H8KDIMWeIJ7kUsF1ItmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_3983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-avrvcLNXzs8/XglV68jCfFI/AAAAAAAA4WU/K4JNr7Uwfewm_H8KDIMWeIJ7kUsF1ItmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_3983.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In Christmas Towne there are aerial artists, fun snacks, crafts, and it snows every day!<br />
<br />
Here’s a little vlog from our first trip:<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fd0XZktOoYA" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
If you’re in the Norfolk VA area during the holiday season check it out. We didn’t get to go to any but they also have special adults only Friday night activities. Here’s some photos from both our trips this season:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCwfW7Nn7UQ/XglXs3zg9II/AAAAAAAA4Ww/SJ97iMT6cS0ZPV4enr85r876szSsu-C9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/36240128_Unknown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCwfW7Nn7UQ/XglXs3zg9II/AAAAAAAA4Ww/SJ97iMT6cS0ZPV4enr85r876szSsu-C9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/36240128_Unknown.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WchyT_jSRGI/XglXrXB393I/AAAAAAAA4Ws/2h24ODQMhpgTLazjGBXexTkhwVavcUZ9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/36240256_Unknown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WchyT_jSRGI/XglXrXB393I/AAAAAAAA4Ws/2h24ODQMhpgTLazjGBXexTkhwVavcUZ9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/36240256_Unknown.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qiAjVUp2yqI/XglXs0ETk8I/AAAAAAAA4W0/fHbdHAyxxL09n3VbbHhhPDQ-jW5PrJAYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/36240416_Unknown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qiAjVUp2yqI/XglXs0ETk8I/AAAAAAAA4W0/fHbdHAyxxL09n3VbbHhhPDQ-jW5PrJAYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/36240416_Unknown.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sPU38HXJPnA/XglXtYzaJRI/AAAAAAAA4W4/XKdHRUdrom05onHOBLRW1XIxohTrFQ73ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_3978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sPU38HXJPnA/XglXtYzaJRI/AAAAAAAA4W4/XKdHRUdrom05onHOBLRW1XIxohTrFQ73ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_3978.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
<b>Have you caught a glimpse of Christmas Magic this holiday season?</b></h3>
LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-77569342507160185742019-12-10T16:15:00.000-05:002019-12-10T16:15:15.441-05:004 Ways to Make the Holiday Season Easier <i>This post is sponsored by Basic Invite. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
The holidays are wonderful, but they can bring all kinds of stressors. Here are some resources to help you keep the joy high and the stress low this holiday season.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UU4O0beIp50/XfAJRUYK4hI/AAAAAAAA3oc/Ax4JKUqVWFMxLvWu7FQGEbHim0MlNRfpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/make%2Bthe%2Bholidays%2Beasier.png" width="426" /></div>
<br />
<h2>
4 Ways to Make the Holiday Season Easier</h2>
<h3>
Make Entertaining Easier</h3>
<div>
Having guests over for the holidays? Check out these posts: </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2016/11/how-to-clean-your-oven-naturally.html" target="_blank">How to Clean Your Oven Naturally </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2015/11/five-worry-free-tips-to-holiday.html" target="_blank">How to Make Holiday Entertaining Easier</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2017/12/holiday-guest-bathroom-basket.html" target="_blank">Holiday Guest-room Basket Tutorial</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>
Release Other People's Expectations of Your Gifts</h3>
<div>
Give gifts from the heart. Give gifts in your budget. Don't feel pressured to give something you can't afford. Don't feel like the dollar amount of a gift denotes it's value. This can be particularly hard for parents who want to get their child all the IT toys of the season. We try to get BabyCakes at least one thing she specifically wants from the commercials and as budget allows we get her other things we know she'll like or asks for. If you shop online definitely <a href="https://www.rakuten.com/r/LANESH45?eeid=28187" target="_blank">join Rakuten</a>. You get cashback from all the major retailers (Walmart, Amazon, etc) and hopefully earn enough so you can buy yourself something nice at the end of holiday shopping! Use <a href="https://www.rakuten.com/r/LANESH45?eeid=28187" target="_blank">my referral link</a> for an extra $10.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Take Care of Yourself</h3>
</div>
<div>
After you have purchased the decorations, put up the decorations, searched for the perfect presents, purchased the presents, wrapped the presents, planned the Christmas menu, purchased the Christmas food, cleaned the house for your Christmas guests, created your Christmas cards, purchased the stamps for your Christmas cards, mailed your Christmas cards, checked and double checked the shipping on the presents you've purchased online, brainstormed your Christmas eve activities, etc. etc... I want you to take care of yourself! <a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2015/12/christmas-magic-for-magic-makers.html" target="_blank">Here is a list of easy self-care things you can do for yourself this holiday season. </a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWPZxgL15Pw/XfAJwiZ6ulI/AAAAAAAA3ok/IG6N89RU4CoChFK4zQVD7CvirK_mSFUIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_3984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWPZxgL15Pw/XfAJwiZ6ulI/AAAAAAAA3ok/IG6N89RU4CoChFK4zQVD7CvirK_mSFUIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_3984.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Use Basic Invite for your Holiday Cards</h3>
A few years ago I only did a digital holiday card because I just could not fathom coordinating photos, printing, addressing, and mailing holiday cards. If that's where you are this year, don't stress yourself!<br />
<br />
If you are looking to get physical holiday cards check out Basic Invite, they are a one stop shop for all your <a href="https://www.basicinvite.com/events/holiday-cards/photo-christmas-cards.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christmas cards 2019</a> needs. They have almost unlimited color options with instant previews online. Once you select a design, you can change the color of each element on the card. With over 180 colors to choose from and the ability to create <a href="https://www.basicinvite.com/events/holiday-cards.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">customized holiday cards </a>the card is sure to be exactly how you want it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_H4cxCe88dU/Xe6jXTCXw4I/AAAAAAAA3n4/wXqyBAfmuj4CbJNfcc6R1LX3jkYPr95ygCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Basic_Invite_Holiday_Cards_31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_H4cxCe88dU/Xe6jXTCXw4I/AAAAAAAA3n4/wXqyBAfmuj4CbJNfcc6R1LX3jkYPr95ygCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Basic_Invite_Holiday_Cards_31.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I sent all my clients holiday cards, but this being my first holiday season as a remote freelancer I won't be getting any <a href="https://www.basicinvite.com/events/party-invitations/christmas-party.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">office Christmas party invitations</a>, but if you are in the market for those, Basic Invite has you covered! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If gathering addresses keeps you from sending out holiday cards Basic Invite has an Address Capturing Service. You can share a custom link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. or via e-mail for your family and friends to input their address. The addresses are stored in your account and can be selected during the design process. Basic Invite offers recipient address printing at no cost on all card orders.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Right now Basic Invite is offering 15% off with coupon code: 15FF51 </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMvkhWdfzFM/Xe6lMR5jyNI/AAAAAAAA3oE/QnFxtpYwJ7EQ066yoB1SzybmEaO877kegCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Basic_Invite_Holiday_Cards_25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMvkhWdfzFM/Xe6lMR5jyNI/AAAAAAAA3oE/QnFxtpYwJ7EQ066yoB1SzybmEaO877kegCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Basic_Invite_Holiday_Cards_25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How are your holidays going?</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-37517593326059492202019-11-12T19:54:00.000-05:002019-11-12T19:54:42.719-05:00When Home Hurts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGxCG5MeAIs/XctMC4rXmJI/AAAAAAAA3C8/ISHyOjRIQMgbiKf9U5Z-g9GsLjJNWCAYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/When%2BHome%2Bhurts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGxCG5MeAIs/XctMC4rXmJI/AAAAAAAA3C8/ISHyOjRIQMgbiKf9U5Z-g9GsLjJNWCAYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/When%2BHome%2Bhurts.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Home had always been home. I was fortunate enough to grow up in the same house all my childhood. My grandparents’ house. When I went away to college visits back home felt like home. Familiar home cooked foods from my grandmother. My childhood room. Shopping trips with my grandmother. Watching TV with my grandfather. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Things first changed after the surgery that blinded my grandmother and would eventually cause her death eight years later. Things shifted. The roles reversed. I was now taking care of my grandparents when I visited. There were no trips out with my grandmother. I still watched TV with my grandpa. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It hurt that things weren’t the same. Visits became full of sadness and exhaustion as I slept on the old couch, my grandmother’s hospital bed now occupying my childhood room. I didn’t leave refreshed, I left feeling like I needed a break. Feeling a stinging brand of nostalgia. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">And now things have changed again. My grandmother is gone. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Visiting my childhood home for the first time since my grandmother passed has actually not been as hard for me as I thought it would. Because my grandma was sick for so long the change isn’t as drastic as it could have been. But things are still different. She’s missing. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Her hospital bed is gone. I’m back to sleeping in my childhood bed in my childhood room when I visit. My grandfather and I are still watching bull riding and his DVR’d soap operas. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">One thing I’ve learned is that there will always be a new normal. </span></span></div>
LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-8452035649164660742019-11-11T13:03:00.000-05:002019-11-12T14:04:10.386-05:00What You Should Bring When You Stay at an AirBnB<i>This post contains affiliate links. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1271" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIoUdNSS-s8/XcmcETHjvzI/AAAAAAAA2_k/kJzdxSmVxGgRpR1ADmuQYB8b2KXoNVYKACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4145.JPG" width="254" /> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4Mj0RtjdaM/XcmcLF9Xp2I/AAAAAAAA2_o/GDLzGve0URAhYtRnFbKmgbF9kPKSG3fZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1310" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4Mj0RtjdaM/XcmcLF9Xp2I/AAAAAAAA2_o/GDLzGve0URAhYtRnFbKmgbF9kPKSG3fZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4156.JPG" width="261" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
I've started a habit of taking selfies in cool mirrors of the AirBnBs I stay in, which is a lot. I've stayed in AirBnBs solo, with family, and with friends. After a few times not having everything I needed for my stay, I now have a concrete list to makes sure my AirBnB stays are the most comfortable they can be for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MylEQu9w-S8/XcmZ9XtoY9I/AAAAAAAA2_U/gv9DOkeI6N0Id2HI0nCVK23pLnYmsoEKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/What%2Bto%2Bpack%2Bwhen%2Byou%2Bstay%2Bat%2Ban%2Bairbnb..png" width="266" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
What is AirBnB?</h3>
<div>
AirBnB is a service where regular people can rent out properties they own (homes, apartments, rooms) to the general public. There are AirBnBs where you have a whole home or apartment, others where you have a private room in a shared house, and others where you stay dorm style with other people in the same room. Because hosts are usually regular people getting into the hospitality business everything you would like to have for your stay may not be there. Here is a list of items I suggest you pack when staying at an AirBnB. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
8 Items to Pack When Staying at an AirBnB</h2>
<div>
<b><u>Toiletry bag.</u> </b>Since you're traveling you most likely will be packing a toiletry bag anyway, but I suggest a <a href="https://amzn.to/2CxpFKj" target="_blank">hanging toiletry bag</a> in case there isn't a lot of counter space in the bathroom to lay your products out. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b>Washcloths</b>. </u>In my experience not all hosts provide washcloths, which is strange, but true. I pack at least two wash cloths for my trips just in case. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b>Towels.</b> </u>I've never had a host not provide towels, but I've been in a situation where the towels they provided were just too small, or there weren't enough towels for my needs so I always pack one. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u>White noise machine.</u></b> Being away from home, it can be hard to fall asleep in a different space. The space can either be too quiet to sleep, or there are too many sounds happening outside or in the building to rest well. A white noise machine is perfect to drown out silence or noise. <a href="https://amzn.to/2NAlQdm" target="_blank">This one</a> is relatively inexpensive, has six other sounds in addition to white noise, is small and easy to pack, charges via USB, and has a little nightlight in case you need that as well.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=laneshe-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B07Q3BF542&asins=B07Q3BF542&linkId=266fb210da8e8aba2e890725eefb7c98&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Shower shoes.</b> </u>Pack a pair of shower shoes for in the shower if you are weary of the cleanliness, especially at a shared AirBnB with other guests using the same bathroom. Shower shoes also come in handy if you are staying in a location that requires you to remove your street shoes upon entering. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>A robe.</b> </u>This is especially pertinent if you have a room in a shared house. You may want to be able to dash to the restroom or kitchen without getting fully dressed. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u>Candle or plug-in air freshener. </u></b>Having a familiar smell from home can help you feel more comfortable and can also help deal with any unpleasant smell a place may have - neighbor's food cooking, trash on the curb, etc. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u>Body wash.</u> </b>Not all hosts provide body wash. Pack a travel body wash, lotion, and shampoo and conditioner if you'll need it, just in case. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1287" data-original-width="1600" height="257" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8LNt4XeLR4/XcmcTbO8ojI/AAAAAAAA2_s/_Z63Rluqh4koaEjtFuNC_bIvw1aa5iz7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4146.JPG" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Why choose an AirBnB instead of a hotel?</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You may be asking why go through the hassle of packing many things that are provided by hotels. Why not just book a hotel?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u>AirBnBs are great for short stays where you don't need a lot of space.</u> </b>Sometimes I'm visiting a place for just a night. I simply need a bed to sleep in and a shower in the morning before heading back home. I don't need all the amenities of a hotel room. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u>AirBnBs are generally cheaper than hotels.</u> </b>In most cities AirBnBs are much cheaper per night than a hotel. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u>AirBnBs are in more neighborhoods than hotels.</u></b> AirBnBs are literally all over the place. They can get you closer to your destination than hotels can which are centralized downtown or near airports. If you are visiting a specific non-downtown destination you'll probably find yourself getting closer with AirBnB, right in the neighborhood where you'll be. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Never stayed at an AirBnB?</h3>
<div>
If you've never stayed at AirBnB before use my <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/c/laneshew?currency=USD" target="_blank">personal code</a> and you'll get $40 off your first booking. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Let me know in the comments if you have any AirBnB questions! Do you use AirBnB?</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
RELATED POSTS:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2017/07/how-to-prepare-for-road-trip-with.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0X3fvNSt0Ls/WWJ-7xJ6qoI/AAAAAAAAghg/OchstHKZc5MbtTEYJJM_Kei9_oBEGnQMACPcBGAYYCw/s320/5%2BWays%2Bto%2BPrepare%2Bfor%2Ba%2BRoad%2BTrip%2Bwith%2Ba%2BToddler.png" width="213" /></a> <a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2019/02/the-craziest-flight-ive-ever-taken.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PN7K0VCHU2E/XFeYrBIenRI/AAAAAAAAu7Q/WyrSQTYBCHkgBMviDnZo6SuNC-QR3DAogCPcBGAYYCw/s320/crazyflight.png" width="213" /></a><a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2013/11/5-best-things-about-cruises.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gGhA12tIYmo/WLyukF27z4I/AAAAAAAAezk/MpF2bCn4nnYLGStQ4Y8f-yFo9GJT3ltzACPcBGAYYCw/s320/6%2Breasons%2Bto%2Bchoose%2Ba%2Bcruise.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-74331293292888741482019-10-19T09:26:00.001-04:002019-10-19T09:26:57.933-04:00Mom doesn’t need therapy she needs a break <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8KmA3j6Al8k/XasOgRaupfI/AAAAAAAA2fw/DyR2x2uBI1swZZYZq9KCSzEltwM8ZP9mgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Mom%2Bdoesn%2527t%2Bneed%2Btherapy%2Bshe%2Bneeds%2Ba%2Bbreak.png" width="426" /></div>
<br />
That title is bold but stick with me here.<br />
<br />
I am SO pro-therapy. I have gone to therapy. It helped. I am not ashamed of therapy at all. But what I’ve realized is that:<br />
<br />
Moms need to go to therapy to learn how to cope with the heavy responsibility of motherhood.<br />
<br />
Moms need to go to therapy to learn how to manage the guilt they feel from trying to be a parent and basically anything else at the same time.<br />
<br />
Moms need to go to therapy to finally admit how overwhelmed and alone they feel in their journey sometimes.<br />
<br />
Moms need to go therapy because they need help and have to be coached on how to ask for it without feeling like a failure.<br />
<br />
<b>Moms go to therapy because they need a break. </b><br />
<br />
Of course there are a plethora of other reasons a mom can need therapy, but this is chief among them for the moms in my network.<br />
<br />
We have to better support our moms, from all sides: friends, families, spouses, children, supervisors, employees.<br />
<br />
Moms, take a break. Believe me, I know that’s easier said than done. But YOU are your greatest responsibility.<br />
<br />
<b>RELATED POSTS: </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2018/03/signs-youre-close-to-burnout-and-what.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ab0v7TQj-wA/WqV4outRrTI/AAAAAAAAlfU/ETOErkYcaO018yhsta2s0oge1qJLB7kOQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Dealing%2Bwith%2BBurnout.png" width="213" /></a><a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2017/05/5-reasons-you-should-go-to-therapy.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-laTuLRx2VyE/WRm0OUo-uMI/AAAAAAAAfok/zPAAAUqkABgyTtE058S6FJNSlatgQji7gCPcBGAYYCw/s320/5%2Breasons%2Byou%2Bneed%2Bto%2Bgo%2Bto%2Btherapy.png" width="213" /></a><a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2016/11/how-to-make-time-for-self-care-when-you.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDcbBi3Bzr4/WD4x5i2tu2I/AAAAAAAAdZw/K0zO8w-D7zoEME2o4iHgyRJY97XRYUDwACPcBGAYYCw/s320/5%2BWays%2Bto%2BMake%2BTime%2BFor%2BSelf%2BCare.png" width="212" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-37724123423629476352019-07-23T18:16:00.000-04:002019-07-23T18:16:36.706-04:00The thing about Work-Life BalanceI spent my Monday like it was the weekend and now I'll likely be playing catchup the rest of the week. Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY. I got the opportunity to spend some great quality time with family and create new memories.<br />
<br />
The thing about work-life balance (which really should be called work-life-family-self-side hustle balance) is that success comes in the flow. Flowing between responsibilities. There is no such thing as giving the exact same amount of energy to all areas of your life. Balance is actually knowing what needs to be a priority when, and shifting your focus as needed.<br />
<br />
While I get back to work, here's some photos from my impromptu Monday weekend:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvFvU9paxu8/XTeEv554LNI/AAAAAAAA0X0/pkuF8-hbVNIl2moDIALo96tWVsClCriLACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0537.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvFvU9paxu8/XTeEv554LNI/AAAAAAAA0X0/pkuF8-hbVNIl2moDIALo96tWVsClCriLACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0537.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-It9xb1PAG30/XTeEv2mlooI/AAAAAAAA0X4/owwm6gYB31Ezad0q2gdaqJ8goqZ4Qw8YwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-It9xb1PAG30/XTeEv2mlooI/AAAAAAAA0X4/owwm6gYB31Ezad0q2gdaqJ8goqZ4Qw8YwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0553.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCMGhLsIl4c/XTeEvm8SAMI/AAAAAAAA0Xw/MUoeg0o20FoRBC2g2WnXLPBsMIn2SdoEgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0555.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCMGhLsIl4c/XTeEvm8SAMI/AAAAAAAA0Xw/MUoeg0o20FoRBC2g2WnXLPBsMIn2SdoEgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0555.heic" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggH6eRQmfd8/XTeEwPaIHmI/AAAAAAAA0X4/ZiV9iJi8t4YDrMzdsHiYHpPkaTDrfblbgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0591.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggH6eRQmfd8/XTeEwPaIHmI/AAAAAAAA0X4/ZiV9iJi8t4YDrMzdsHiYHpPkaTDrfblbgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0591.heic" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVm6_bwmERM/XTeEwvA7qYI/AAAAAAAA0X8/DbkZ0K32aXExwtngy1h2L5dvPJyP5itWQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVm6_bwmERM/XTeEwvA7qYI/AAAAAAAA0X8/DbkZ0K32aXExwtngy1h2L5dvPJyP5itWQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_3212.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>RELATED POSTS:</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2017/10/how-to-make-time-to-read-when-you-dont.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4lJLn7hVC6U/WfYDgEw7QuI/AAAAAAAAiqo/j2d3Nw9MoPkjRJM6Nh730OX9AUbjTwbdQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/How%2Bto%2BMake%2BTime%2BTo%2Bread%2Bwhen%2Byou%2Bdon%2527t%2Bhave%2Btime.png" width="213" /></a><a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2018/03/signs-youre-close-to-burnout-and-what.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ab0v7TQj-wA/WqV4outRrTI/AAAAAAAAlfU/ETOErkYcaO018yhsta2s0oge1qJLB7kOQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Dealing%2Bwith%2BBurnout.png" width="213" /></a><a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2018/06/taking-day-to-just-be-mom.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YNP8rgHNSsc/WyRpFtke0WI/AAAAAAAAn0I/QAqGqFHXcJQiaN4vOF8BCae4brVNiZrEQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/sister%2Bcities%2Bpark.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-89015567577934504982019-06-30T21:16:00.000-04:002019-07-01T14:51:38.570-04:00Fifteen Seconds of Summer ChallengeI’m excited to participate in <a href="https://everydayeyecandy.com/" target="_blank">Lashawn Wiltz</a>’s #FifteenSecondsOfSummer challenge on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nesheaholic/" target="_blank">my Instagram account</a>. The basic concept is each day you post a 15 second video made up of small clips from throughout the day.<br />
<br />
I’m really into short form video content as a way to document and share a bit of my day with people. We are often intimidated by video content because it feels like it has to be perfect. It doesn’t, and this certainly doesn’t. I’m looking forward to looking back at them over time. Here is one of my recent posts:
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzTrigCAkfz/" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 16px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzTrigCAkfz/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;">
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzTrigCAkfz/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzTrigCAkfz/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzTrigCAkfz/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
</a>
<br />
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzTrigCAkfz/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzTrigCAkfz/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
</a>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzTrigCAkfz/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(0px) translatey(7px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translatex(3px) translatey(1px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(9px) translatey(-18px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0; transform: translatex(16px) translatey(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; transform: translatey(16px); width: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12px; transform: translatey(-4px); width: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; height: 0; transform: translatey(-4px) translatex(8px); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">
</div>
</div>
</a><br />
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzTrigCAkfz/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by LaNeshe (@nesheaholic)</a> on <time datetime="2019-06-29T20:44:51+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jun 29, 2019 at 1:44pm PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
I’m postings the videos in IG Stories (almost) daily. I’ve also added a Highlight to IG Stories if you want to follow along!<br />
<br />
This has been fun to do particularly because it makes me focus on my own content a few times a day. Being a freelance digital marketer I’m almost always focused on content for my clients or <a href="http://www.theatreinthex.com/" target="_blank">Theatre in the X</a>. This is a lovely chance to put time into my own personal brand each day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sXKg9_cU8cc/XRpWJSDNiOI/AAAAAAAAzqg/SgTGaLdVqjYobVyzix506G27BKJBizAZACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2330.JPG" width="300" /></div>
<br />LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-8614968140409980732019-06-20T13:45:00.000-04:002019-06-20T13:45:15.940-04:00Home Depot Kids Workshops<span id="goog_2071264564"></span><span id="goog_2071264565"></span><span id="goog_905749570"></span><span id="goog_905749571"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUgoblzEmTA/XQRwMvtAm4I/AAAAAAAAzKE/-gLtWzc4150LGBEcbGykejvmlwwz8_DBgCLcBGAs/s640/Home%2BDepot%2BKids%2BWorkshops.jpg" width="425" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
School is out! If you're looking for something to do with the kiddos between summer camps check out your local Home Depot Kids Workshops, THEY ARE FREE.<br />
<br />
When you attend your first workshop your kiddo will get an apron with their name on it that they can wear to all future workshops. You'll also receive tools to borrow and a building kit for the day's project that has all the pieces and parts you need. Now, this isn't something your child will be able to do themselves. You will need to help them along. There isn't really any instruction from the Home Depot staff, but the directions in the building kit are clear enough to get the job done.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpyW8A2Mh4c/XQRww9QItiI/AAAAAAAAzKU/1KzQOXC5jSkiBVBIUVVIFVbn3dk60jF0wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1314" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpyW8A2Mh4c/XQRww9QItiI/AAAAAAAAzKU/1KzQOXC5jSkiBVBIUVVIFVbn3dk60jF0wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2796.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
BabyCakes had so much fun using a real hammer and screw driver to put her project together. After the project is all put together the kids can paint it however they wish. When you're done, they give each kid a certificate with their name on it and a little button for their apron with the project of the day on it, almost like a merit badge.<br />
<br />
For our first workshop we did the Putting Green project. It's a little putting green with a small golf club and ball that she can play with. At our next session we'll be making a tow truck!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="338" height="201" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxu9mPVQ7s4/XQRwYeqDHRI/AAAAAAAAzKI/IKf1rBhOyY4dsyYsavM71gCtxNPKSG_AQCLcBGAs/s320/2.png" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<br />
To see if you have free Home Depot Kids Workshops at your local Home Depot go to <a href="http://homedepot.com/workshops">homedepot.com/workshops</a> and enter your location.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What are you doing to keep the kids busy this summer?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b>Related Posts:</b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2018/02/5-tips-for-working-from-home-with-kids.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KJ4AgDXOYGs/WoiWJbjxVaI/AAAAAAAAlBc/JLUF2n6cBtg-GnHcxcX2ANUJhRlXTggZgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/working%2Bfrom%2Bhome%2Bwith%2Bkids.png" width="213" /></a><a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2018/05/connecting-with-my-preschooler-with.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zz8Ve_zOO-U/WwBsmtIOMfI/AAAAAAAAnI8/vbcPCfPdvwIAAP_7-JCHLLRgTBFMvo7fwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Dough%2BDots%2521%25E2%2584%25A2.png" width="213" /></a><a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2019/04/an-impromptu-homeschool-week.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2f1h4u510aY/XKerduKIFZI/AAAAAAAAxPs/cjHOtydFw58LjZ_iPp0dGpeZHSNCrCbxgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/homeschooling%2B%25281%2529.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-20603877953565709452019-06-15T16:48:00.000-04:002019-06-15T16:48:53.758-04:0013 Years of Love in Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After some couples get married they stop celebrating their dating anniversary, but I think the day we first committed to each other is still a pretty important milestone. On this day 13 years ago I agreed to be the girlfriend of the man who I would eventually marry and have a beautiful little girl with. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">13 Years of Love: </span></h2>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">2006 at the Fourth of July Fireworks in Philadelphia</span></h3>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c9wIDMa2A7U/V2FiPHLkuMI/AAAAAAAAaAk/pA-ZhDjLo48fqHsksuLbFXA36sqq2YhtwCLcB/s1600/1927731_512799842923_8007_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c9wIDMa2A7U/V2FiPHLkuMI/AAAAAAAAaAk/pA-ZhDjLo48fqHsksuLbFXA36sqq2YhtwCLcB/s1600/1927731_512799842923_8007_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2007 at the call center where we met</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JCV7mcGFHcs/V2FfeYmOR9I/AAAAAAAAaAY/p8B1-00273MOEcGO7KEjG6UsYAnXg27dwCLcB/s1600/60706_10101661122618833_416371105_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JCV7mcGFHcs/V2FfeYmOR9I/AAAAAAAAaAY/p8B1-00273MOEcGO7KEjG6UsYAnXg27dwCLcB/s1600/60706_10101661122618833_416371105_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2008 at my graduation</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wby7IcNKwOI/V2FfeYGxR-I/AAAAAAAAaAg/_QyWh9kFv08Py5fiuV3LJrBplcrSTMcKgCKgB/s1600/10399081_563577778533_6038_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wby7IcNKwOI/V2FfeYGxR-I/AAAAAAAAaAg/_QyWh9kFv08Py5fiuV3LJrBplcrSTMcKgCKgB/s1600/10399081_563577778533_6038_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2009 at our wedding</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22TbrYVpQyA/V2FkXRepxXI/AAAAAAAAaAw/e_1fSqQgmE8lk-jIjPqm-ePyHiQzl3scACLcB/s1600/26588_780256657323_7935206_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22TbrYVpQyA/V2FkXRepxXI/AAAAAAAAaAw/e_1fSqQgmE8lk-jIjPqm-ePyHiQzl3scACLcB/s1600/26588_780256657323_7935206_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Parasailing Bahamas Cruise 2010</span></h3>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9jm1URMMIqE/V2FlL2dZmsI/AAAAAAAAaA8/Vg8mUIKRKvs2da-aQOoM2zWtnUc0cBQkwCLcB/s1600/154346_905607682863_2693594_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9jm1URMMIqE/V2FlL2dZmsI/AAAAAAAAaA8/Vg8mUIKRKvs2da-aQOoM2zWtnUc0cBQkwCLcB/s1600/154346_905607682863_2693594_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Philly Natural Hair Meetup 2011</span></h3>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6I9SylJ-u8/V2FpsmxP4NI/AAAAAAAAaB8/5xBYJIYzF7EY5_bRsqPb5YWeoVwpxmfewCLcB/s1600/249404_10100214092099593_4588583_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6I9SylJ-u8/V2FpsmxP4NI/AAAAAAAAaB8/5xBYJIYzF7EY5_bRsqPb5YWeoVwpxmfewCLcB/s1600/249404_10100214092099593_4588583_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">San Diego Segwaying 2012</span></h3>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D7h4kh4-e2I/V2FnfI4VjzI/AAAAAAAAaBU/xnEZRUKIG0crlu_XT5qWl2Dv8mXvnh4_QCLcB/s1600/379186_10100914147373213_1498198202_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D7h4kh4-e2I/V2FnfI4VjzI/AAAAAAAAaBU/xnEZRUKIG0crlu_XT5qWl2Dv8mXvnh4_QCLcB/s1600/379186_10100914147373213_1498198202_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Poconos 2013</span></h3>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KM36FMfJbWo/V2FpPvuHqBI/AAAAAAAAaBs/fTqw1NbLAwowY405btdBuDR81PjtZGFlgCLcB/s1600/C02CCB73-899F-475B-9EC0-A45FF621EC44.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KM36FMfJbWo/V2FpPvuHqBI/AAAAAAAAaBs/fTqw1NbLAwowY405btdBuDR81PjtZGFlgCLcB/s1600/C02CCB73-899F-475B-9EC0-A45FF621EC44.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Baby Shower 2014</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hQmwfOsONG8/V2FrB3d1R_I/AAAAAAAAaCM/l8iq1f6jiI4yj3CJPMy9NqtOztZLEoqfACLcB/s1600/IMG_2022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hQmwfOsONG8/V2FrB3d1R_I/AAAAAAAAaCM/l8iq1f6jiI4yj3CJPMy9NqtOztZLEoqfACLcB/s1600/IMG_2022.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">2015 Fall Family Photos</span></h3>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpEWVjK9qmY/V2FtiFEpTSI/AAAAAAAAaCk/FrTLHOxbZg44wPKBQnCkGP-kLBujpoXVQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpEWVjK9qmY/V2FtiFEpTSI/AAAAAAAAaCk/FrTLHOxbZg44wPKBQnCkGP-kLBujpoXVQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2816.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">New Year's Day 2016</span></h3>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qsRherKTN_Q/V2FsKbB_YSI/AAAAAAAAaCY/Qkakg7yj_skoN5us1WfoVbZ5SO3uox4ZwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qsRherKTN_Q/V2FsKbB_YSI/AAAAAAAAaCY/Qkakg7yj_skoN5us1WfoVbZ5SO3uox4ZwCLcB/s640/IMG_3115.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Denver 2017 at his Master's Graduation</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Le3YFSh-KI/XQVXK5IQNgI/AAAAAAAAzKs/UocWhwzotg8gYJ8dfWRAvmZt817llaSmACLcBGAs/s1600/30189120_Unknown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Le3YFSh-KI/XQVXK5IQNgI/AAAAAAAAzKs/UocWhwzotg8gYJ8dfWRAvmZt817llaSmACLcBGAs/s640/30189120_Unknown.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2018 at PAX Unplugged</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v1o7D7kRieo/XQVYF8q_StI/AAAAAAAAzK0/aV5Sjz1OQB06yjkkfLvxqSyUnm9vPEuYwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v1o7D7kRieo/XQVYF8q_StI/AAAAAAAAzK0/aV5Sjz1OQB06yjkkfLvxqSyUnm9vPEuYwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0559.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2019 Summer Vacation, Virginia Beach</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmNmSQAiRkc/XQVYyPFXu-I/AAAAAAAAzK8/-Mpld4UmZe4KupTll-J7ZmtlHYv0gJpZQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmNmSQAiRkc/XQVYyPFXu-I/AAAAAAAAzK8/-Mpld4UmZe4KupTll-J7ZmtlHYv0gJpZQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2833.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking forward to many more adventures for many years to come. I love you.</div>
</div>
LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-36346975883582880592019-04-05T15:37:00.000-04:002019-04-05T15:37:41.480-04:00An Impromptu Homeschool Week<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made from clicking links in this post with no additional cost to you. </span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2f1h4u510aY/XKerduKIFZI/AAAAAAAAxPo/spIpVSgdJHM9hWGqqY3N0S21A9MLMRO9ACLcBGAs/s640/homeschooling%2B%25281%2529.png" width="425" /></div>
<br />
My daughter recently switched schools. Her new school doesn’t prorate tuition and there was only one week left in March. We did not want to pay a full month's tuition for one week so it looked like I was going to be teacher mommy for a week! I really have to applaud full time homeschoolers and educators in general. It is not easy. Hanging out and doing activities on the weekend or after school is fine, there’s no pressure. But trying to fill her day being intentionally educational and solely responsible for her education, for even just a week, felt like so much pressure! It was a wild week, but also really nice to spend that time with my daughter. I knew she was smart, but she taught me so much more nuance in how much she knows over our homeschool week.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here’s what our Impromptu Homeschool Week looked like:</b></span><br />
<br />
<h3>
Monday</h3>
<div style="height: 0px;">
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Started the day with morning reading. I allowed her to pick any four books from her bookshelf that we took our time to read through. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Went through a <a href="https://amzn.to/2WPqKoQ" target="_blank">Look and Find book</a>. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>She did some free coloring</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Took a trip to the pool</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QgHjAHPr7xY/XKeoQrOnXiI/AAAAAAAAxPA/f0qXFyN_FyU-e7aIXFFIOPp6JgQFis9ZACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3778.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wRK1xvi19uU/XKeoQcd914I/AAAAAAAAxO8/qTTslAuBWJgkULJfNGoSmOC6V2D9mpemACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3781.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Tuesday</h3>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Morning reading. We took a good amount of time discussing careers after reading "<a href="https://blog.ncmpr.org/instilling-the-idea-of-career-and-college-at-an-early-age/" target="_blank">Oh Dear, What's a Career?</a>"</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Uks46k" target="_blank">Big Pre-School Workbook</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Popsicle Stick Sight Words. This one of my favorite activities to help get BabyCakes reading, an all it takes is </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">popsicle</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> sticks and a sharpie.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="Popsicle Stick Sight Words" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jnc7Q74-btQ/XKentMrdkEI/AAAAAAAAxO0/6OcncTPZZCYs2SLw6avgfFdJrTzEoTXfwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3796.JPG" title="Popsicle Stick Sight Words" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="Big Pre-School Workbook" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--WezNXa97Yw/XKeovEuhh4I/AAAAAAAAxPM/flWLucxdKosRmmfxCndRRYgR7Mh91oBtwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3799.JPG" title="Big Pre-School Workbook" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<h3>
Wednesday</h3>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Practiced writing her name, with emphasis on working the letter 'S'</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Big Pre-School Workbook</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Logic games on her <a href="https://amzn.to/2TZXXMe" target="_blank">Fire Kids Tablet</a>, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">specifically</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> this really good Disney Frozen Ice Puzzles app. The games/puzzles really get you thinking logically. I found myself stumped for a minute on a few of them lol</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parts-of-a-Plant-Worksheet-1153037" target="_blank">Parts of a flower worksheet</a> that I got for a QUARTER from Teachers Pay Teachers.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="parts of a flower worksheet" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ltzp3HbAILE/XKenS3KqSLI/AAAAAAAAxOs/ladLaKqNR2oHZcfRfeHUPtVazgGhvDlAgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3800.JPG" title="parts of a flower worksheet" width="640" /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Thursday</h3>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2TVo3QN" target="_blank">Unicorn Glitter Luck</a> - this game is great for teaching beginner game mechanics and counting. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Puzzles</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Math activities on the <a href="https://www.storybots.com/backpack" target="_blank">StoryBots website</a>. StoryBots is her favorite show. We've watched the first two seasons all the way through at least 30 times lol. The show teaches great concepts, she's learned so much from it. Their website has AWESOME educational activities.</span></li>
</ul>
<h3>
Friday</h3>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">StoryBots website activities</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moana Yoga from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga" target="_blank">Cosmic Kids</a> on Youtube. If you have a mobile child and don't know about Cosmic Kids go check out her channel now!</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">Free coloring</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PBG_xQ0nkc8/XKeovU6rGXI/AAAAAAAAxPQ/dXar9CvaYFUVLmqmjMkaNU8ZZSlCSOCFQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_3788.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=laneshe-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00KSAW6IG&asins=B00KSAW6IG&linkId=e117e86a254bdc09cfb22ecb015d413c&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=laneshe-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0887431453&asins=0887431453&linkId=12367a49da8f12274c2ae6dfef9ecf18&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
</div>
<br />
<br />
These activities were interspersed with trips to the grocery story, time spent with her grandparents, etc. But I think I did a pretty good job of keeping her engaged for the week. I must have made a lasting impression during our Impromptu Homeschool Week because after school the kiddo still wants to do what she calls "Mommy School Worksheets" lol.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Let me know in the comments what you favorite activity is with your kiddo!</span></b></h2>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">RELATED POSTS: </span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2017/07/how-to-prepare-for-road-trip-with.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4SO4-cs7GSE/WWJ_oN1GDFI/AAAAAAAAghg/qWXveRv3A14z6S-tyxAzWBRvMMH8sy8TgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/5%2BWays%2Bto%2BPrepare%2Bfor%2Ba%2BRoad%2BTrip%2Bwith%2Ba%2BToddler%2B%25281%2529.png" width="213" /></a><a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2018/05/connecting-with-my-preschooler-with.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zz8Ve_zOO-U/WwBsmtIOMfI/AAAAAAAAnI8/vbcPCfPdvwIAAP_7-JCHLLRgTBFMvo7fwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Dough%2BDots%2521%25E2%2584%25A2.png" width="213" /></a><a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2019/01/3-tips-for-parenting-four-year-old.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YwPjiR6H7WQ/XCxENqVYjQI/AAAAAAAAtIk/YjARvuu_CWo_bCkS9RG5gCLDNV1cCrVxQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/parenting%2Ba%2B4-year-old.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-7261483513201229672019-03-24T22:50:00.000-04:002019-03-24T22:50:26.116-04:00Signs You're Close to Burnout and What to Do About It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ab0v7TQj-wA/WqV4outRrTI/AAAAAAAAlfQ/NQAIPAnIeeQoUScWygnI_g9RUPq4o8WOgCLcBGAs/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BBurnout.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ab0v7TQj-wA/WqV4outRrTI/AAAAAAAAlfQ/NQAIPAnIeeQoUScWygnI_g9RUPq4o8WOgCLcBGAs/s640/Dealing%2Bwith%2BBurnout.png" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
Burnout is real. While I talk about self-care mostly from the perspective of parents ANYONE can experience burnout. We live in a culture that glorifies overworking ourselves. We glorify "the grind" but there's nothing glamorous about working yourself to death. I've gotten much better at realizing that I'm close to burnout before I actually get there.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Signs you're close to burnout:</h2>
<ul>
<li>physical and/or emotional exhaustion</li>
<li>frustration</li>
<li>short temperedness </li>
<li>feeling resentment for helping others</li>
<li>being unable to focus</li>
<li>experiencing anxiety at the onset of any new responsibilities </li>
</ul>
<div>
Burnout can sneak up on the best of us. We juggle so many things and can find ourselves overwhelmed without noticing it coming on. If you realize you're close to burnout here are some good things to do.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<h2>
How to deal with burnout: </h2>
</div>
<h3>
Offload Responsibilities (ask for help)</h3>
<div>
Offload responsibilities in the long term or the short term. For the short term - ask your spouse for extra assistance with the children, ask your boss to adjust deadlines if possible, ask your co-workers for assistance with your tasks. In the long term - consider stepping down from a volunteer position or moving down from leadership to just a member in one of your groups or clubs. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Make Plans for Disconnection</h3>
<div>
Set a plan. Actually schedule your rest and relaxation. This gives you something to look forward to, which can help with getting through feelings of burnout, even if you can't rest right away. Scheduling your downtime also ensures that you get the time you need to recharge to stave off burnout in the future. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Don't Forget Your Basic Needs</h3>
<div>
Feeling like you have the world on your shoulders can make you neglect your basic needs, which just brings about burnout faster. Make sure you're eating. Make sure you're sleeping. Make sure you're getting some sort of small respite from responsibilities, even something as simple as a walk around the block.<br />
<br />
<h2>
How do you know when you're burned out? What do you do when you're feeling burned out?</h2>
</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>RELATED POSTS: </b></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2017/05/5-reasons-you-should-go-to-therapy.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-laTuLRx2VyE/WRm0OUo-uMI/AAAAAAAAfok/zPAAAUqkABgyTtE058S6FJNSlatgQji7gCPcBGAYYCw/s320/5%2Breasons%2Byou%2Bneed%2Bto%2Bgo%2Bto%2Btherapy.png" width="213" /></a><a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2017/02/10-self-care-commandments.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k-kWqyuTLps/WJefzhq7ORI/AAAAAAAAebg/MD_YR0TiyH0Bl95BMbdk3ZnbDO_f4F05gCPcBGAYYCw/s320/self-care%2Bcommandments.png" width="213" /></a> <a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2016/11/how-to-make-time-for-self-care-when-you.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDcbBi3Bzr4/WD4x5i2tu2I/AAAAAAAAdZw/K0zO8w-D7zoEME2o4iHgyRJY97XRYUDwACPcBGAYYCw/s320/5%2BWays%2Bto%2BMake%2BTime%2BFor%2BSelf%2BCare.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-9684923507030849892019-02-26T12:41:00.000-05:002019-02-26T12:41:38.807-05:00How to Increase Instagram Following and Engagement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4XkxsvSPpgk/XHV2Jef1loI/AAAAAAAAvpE/Jr-QLAph9-EtKtphxgQk1tKQd_I_W7x1QCLcBGAs/s640/increase%2Binstagram%2Bengagement.png" width="426" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This won't be one of those "get 1,000 IG followers in one week with these tips" type of articles. I'm going to share with you information for building a solid Instagram strategy that with consistency will grow your Instagram engagement and following over time. This information is applicable to all niches. I've managed and consulted on Instagram accounts ranging from everything from non-profit arts, to photography, to technology. These are solid tips for any type for Instagram account.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both;">
Post Consistently</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Something you have to have in order to grow you reach and engagement on Instagram is content. Decide on a posting schedule you can realistically keep and plan your content out within that schedule. While many large brands post to Instagram every day, the best posting schedule is a schedule you can keep up with. For my clients, I recommend posting at least 2 to 3 times per week and increase frequency as you're capable.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both;">
Spend time crafting your caption</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
While the actual Instagram algorithm is a mystery to most of us, one things we know is that "time on post" likely plays a factor. One way to increase the time your audience spends on your post, and pause their habitual scrolling, is to include a meaningful caption that they'll want to read.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1049" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4QqEZWkpmc/XHV3OLVr7SI/AAAAAAAAvpM/51EBVXZkIWA6MzSOL2A7xBgsUNGD6Z02ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1857.jpg" width="418" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both;">
Use Hashtags</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Using hashtags that are relevant to your post and audience increases your visibility in a few ways. First, users on Instagram have the ability to follow hashtags as well as users, so your content will end up in the feed of people who don't follow you - and hopefully, your post is so compelling that they begin following you! At the very least, it can get you extra likes. Users also search Instagram via hashtags in order to find niche content. You can use up to 30 hashtags on a post, and I usually use the allotted 30.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
To find the right set of hashtags for you search Instagram for photos that are comparable to your photos and make note of the hashtags used. Click through the other hashtags used and make note of those attached to photos relevant to your brand and niche. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both;">
Be Social</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
A great way to get engagement is to follow and engage with others. Use the social network to be social. Comment on the posts of others and interact with other people's Instagram stories. Liking on Instagram happens mindlessly, but actually starting a conversation with someone will not only build a real relationship, but will also connect you in Instagram's algorithm, so that your posts are shown more often to the people you communicate with. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both;">
Use Instagram Stories</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Instagram Stories is probably the biggest enhancement Instagram has rolled out since the app launched. IG stories allows you to post content that only lasts for 24 hours. It's a great place to share content that isn't "polished" and interact with your followers on a more personal level. Using IG Stories allows for a greater connection and another touch point of interaction and engagement. IG Stories is where you can be silly, share polls, and share videos and content that are topical and timely. This is the space to get out of the static nature of the Instagram timeline.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
----</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
If all of this is of no interest to you or sounds tedious, and you use your Instagram for business purposes, outsource your Instagram management. I do social media marketing for a living. Reach out if you'd like a Social Media Assessment or Social Media Management. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
For more marketing tips & tricks follow my new marketing Twitter, <a href="https://twitter.com/laneshemarkets" target="_blank">@laneshemarkets.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What's your biggest Instagram question?</span></b></div>
LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com182tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-23676637402617000892019-02-03T20:58:00.000-05:002019-02-03T21:00:51.529-05:00The Craziest Flight I've Ever Taken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PN7K0VCHU2E/XFeYrBIenRI/AAAAAAAAu7M/Omehglb6Zso9jde8uDsmXkPHjNo-ctvmgCLcBGAs/s1600/crazyflight.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PN7K0VCHU2E/XFeYrBIenRI/AAAAAAAAu7M/Omehglb6Zso9jde8uDsmXkPHjNo-ctvmgCLcBGAs/s640/crazyflight.png" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
I recently went on a girls trip to San Diego and Mexico. I've never had any strange flights before, just the things you'd expect, crying babies, or a bit of turbulence. But this flight definitely goes down as the strangest I've ever had.<br />
<br />
I settle in for my 6 hour flight from Philly to San Diego. I’m in the window seat and there is a couple in the row with me, the Woman in the middle seat, and the Man on the aisle. Quite quickly into the flight the couple begins to argue. From what I can gather the Man has just accepted a job that would take him away from home five days a week. The Woman is upset and says that “with everything that’s happening right now" she can’t trust him to be away that long. I can’t tell if it’s other women or drugs or gambling that she’s worried about, but from the conversation that they keep having OVER and OVER he’s done something recently to lose her trust.<br />
<br />
<div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 68%; position: relative; width: 100%;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="100%" src="https://giphy.com/embed/KYGI0rLyuJ6ik" style="position: absolute;" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<br />
Things calm down for a bit. I think I can now actually concentrate on my reading and script memorization. And then they start drinking. Once they were three Tito’s and Sodas in I decide to hit the call button for my own cocktail. When I did, the Woman coopts my call and says she’s buying Tito’s for the whole row. Cool. I’m with it. Save my $9. She acknowledges they’ve been bad seat mates and hopes the cocktail will smooth things over.<br />
<br />
When the stewardess goes to get our drinks, a Lady in the row in front of us turns around. I’m thinking she’s going to ask them to shut up, because they’ve been arguing and crying the whole flight. Instead she and asks, rather rudely, for the Man to stop kicking her chair. Now, I will excuse her because I could tell the Lady had been having a rough flight, her head was between her legs most of the trip thus far. The Woman interjects and says if the Lady has something to say to her boyfriend, she should address her instead. At this point Lady’s Sister, also in the row in front of us, interjects and starts arguing with Woman. Flight attendants are called, drama ensues. The flight attendants are moving my seat mates. The Woman asks if there are three seats available, as if I’m moving with them too. I put my headphones on.<br />
<br />
<div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56%; position: relative; width: 100%;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="100%" src="https://giphy.com/embed/5QZmKgpZprMqP5MRMG" style="position: absolute;" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<br />
While their new seating arrangements are being made my soon to be former seat mate is calling the ladies in front of us cunts, saying they must be PMSing, etc. I have my headphone on but I’m listening to nothing. I'm trying to stay alert in case someone starts throwing punches and I have to shield myself.<br />
<br />
While I’m pretending to watch Season 2 of Friends from College, I notice a cloud of smoke bellow in my peripheral vision. This Woman is smoking and e-cig on the plane in her seat right next to me. No one else seems to notice.<br />
<br />
<div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 45%; position: relative; width: 100%;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="100%" src="https://giphy.com/embed/S7EBSPPVrigiA" style="position: absolute;" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<br />
Around this same time period the Woman realizes that she’s missing a Tito’s. I have mine, her boyfriend has his, but hers is no where to be found. She’d either drank it already or they forgot to give it to her. Either is plausible with all the drama that is happening. By the time they’ve moved seats they say they are missing vodka and their cell phones. They’re also definitely Drunk.<br />
<br />
Once they’ve been moved I have the whole row to myself. Boo yah. They’re rows ahead, arguing about missing items and how they’re gold members and will never fly this airline again<redacted again="" airline="">. I go back to actually watching my show. contemplating how long I have to wait before ordering another Tito’s and ginger ale for myself. </redacted><br />
<br />
Just when I think things have calmed down I see the Woman head to the bathroom. Two minutes later I see the Man head to the same bathroom. They’re clearly up to mile high club shenanigans.<br />
<br />
As we’re landing, I see the missing bottle of Tito’s roll by on the ground.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to five days later. Waiting at my gate for the flight the flight back, I see them pass me and board... the plane I’m getting on. What are the chances I’ll be sitting next to them again I think? Turns out, 100% chance. I was next to them on the ride back too! They didn’t even remember me! We all slept through our red-eye flight back with no repeat drama. Thank God!<br />
<br />
<div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 41%; position: relative; width: 100%;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="100%" src="https://giphy.com/embed/3ohzdK5Xs5AhjtS6c0" style="position: absolute;" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Do you have any crazy flight stories?</b></span>LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-75055758613829248542019-01-08T21:41:00.000-05:002019-01-08T21:41:38.742-05:00Creamsicle Smoothie Recipe<div>
<i>This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HowDoYouEmergenC #CollectiveBias</i><br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love the flavor of creamsicle. Something about the creaminess mixed with the tartness of the orange is the perfect combination. For a while I only indulged in creamsicle in the form of a creamsicle popsicle from the ice cream truck in the summer. But who wants to wait for one time a year for that sweet creamy goodness?! I wanted to figure out a way to enjoy the flavor of creamsicle whenever I wanted and without all the sugar of a commercial creamsicle pop and my Creamsicle Smoothie was born. This smoothie recipe is very easy and replicates the classic creamsicle flavor with fresh ingredients. The hardest part of this recipe is that you need to freeze your banana ahead of time. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qfm0kx_T0jI/WB-izIoAkKI/AAAAAAAAdEc/m4Q8wph19Q4c9RSxThQ8UoMY7wa7IAYrgCLcB/s1600/HEALTHIER%2BCREAMSICLE%2B%25283%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qfm0kx_T0jI/WB-izIoAkKI/AAAAAAAAdEc/m4Q8wph19Q4c9RSxThQ8UoMY7wa7IAYrgCLcB/s640/HEALTHIER%2BCREAMSICLE%2B%25283%2529.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Ingredients: </b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 frozen banana (peel your banana before freezing it)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 orange peeled and seeded</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup vanilla almond milk</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup of ice</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 tsp vanilla extract</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 packet Emergen-C Super Orange flavor</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Instructions</b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Place all your ingredients in your blender on the highest setting and blend until smooth, about 1 - 2 minutes. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7z2Bp89l_8Y/WB-opSXd_lI/AAAAAAAAdEs/DYZbXfKBq4gsiQFzbiPNBQCYxRvW0gD_QCLcB/s1600/IMG_0661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7z2Bp89l_8Y/WB-opSXd_lI/AAAAAAAAdEs/DYZbXfKBq4gsiQFzbiPNBQCYxRvW0gD_QCLcB/s640/IMG_0661.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4YkRyl_dn3A/WB-z5RS2kCI/AAAAAAAAdE8/gcK4hzmJlskKv9F-keJIzY-pYuXRM5yWgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4YkRyl_dn3A/WB-z5RS2kCI/AAAAAAAAdE8/gcK4hzmJlskKv9F-keJIzY-pYuXRM5yWgCLcB/s640/IMG_0666.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmceoPZgjdQ/WB-0AbXlDMI/AAAAAAAAdFA/CRuAM6t11sIUH_oIyrBrWYMa5mBPr_jSwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmceoPZgjdQ/WB-0AbXlDMI/AAAAAAAAdFA/CRuAM6t11sIUH_oIyrBrWYMa5mBPr_jSwCLcB/s640/IMG_0667.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gEzz1Py0pCo/WB-0O9l_BeI/AAAAAAAAdFE/VEKp4FdweFkqgqdG9eaJtN_0fWUwRisVQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gEzz1Py0pCo/WB-0O9l_BeI/AAAAAAAAdFE/VEKp4FdweFkqgqdG9eaJtN_0fWUwRisVQCLcB/s640/IMG_0669.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frWJaBTRKtQ/WB-0YHyiBfI/AAAAAAAAdFI/vqnLmn8Du8UdqAFl42TqavTS1X7b8YqpwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frWJaBTRKtQ/WB-0YHyiBfI/AAAAAAAAdFI/vqnLmn8Du8UdqAFl42TqavTS1X7b8YqpwCLcB/s640/IMG_0679.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<a href="http://cbi.as/5z6q7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Emergen-C</a> really kicks this smoothie up a notch. It is packed with 7 B vitamins, Zinc and Manganese - which are antioxidants, electrolytes and vitamin C. I have been a fan of the product since back when I was in college. During the winter months it gives me peace of mind to have Emergen-C as part of my regimen. I feel fortified when I drink it. It's an easy way to take vitamins. The Super Orange flavor fits great into this smoothie but there are 20 flavor varieties available. I grabbed my Emergen-C from Walgreens.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
Check out more Emergen-C recipes <a href="http://cbi.as/5z6rk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.</i></div>
</div>
</div>
LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-44761863658409776702019-01-02T13:16:00.000-05:002019-01-02T13:16:39.719-05:003 Tips for Parenting a Four-Year-Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YwPjiR6H7WQ/XCxENqVYjQI/AAAAAAAAtIg/X5GAKEmgyFgP9E0ZYkl7jsbF1klvhHlzQCLcBGAs/s1600/parenting%2Ba%2B4-year-old.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YwPjiR6H7WQ/XCxENqVYjQI/AAAAAAAAtIg/X5GAKEmgyFgP9E0ZYkl7jsbF1klvhHlzQCLcBGAs/s640/parenting%2Ba%2B4-year-old.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Each year of childhood is its own unique, wild, and beautiful journey. We’re only three months into four but I’ve already had to be mindful about parenting shifts to accommodate my super smart four year old. </div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3 Tips for Parenting a 4-Year-Old</h2>
<h3>
Don’t push the nap</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ct1DusrJYOk/XCxFx-4WnhI/AAAAAAAAtI4/i7nYb-sN1j8eOPui3BRgLzPQ2WFmaefxACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_0762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ct1DusrJYOk/XCxFx-4WnhI/AAAAAAAAtI4/i7nYb-sN1j8eOPui3BRgLzPQ2WFmaefxACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_0762.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
I recently found myself in a battle at nap time and a battle at bedtime and it was just exhausting. I decided to not force a nap every day after school. Instead, if she needs it (or I need it!) she has an hour of quiet time where she can play in her room and we get a break from each other if needed. In weekends with lots of activity she’ll often still get a nap in. I try to gauge what she needs instead of sticking to a schedule for the schedules sake. Which bring me to my next point.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Avoid rushing </h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0drCmRWYE4w/XCxGQf-V7dI/AAAAAAAAtJA/yevRt4Xx_tkIVXcKipEi3F99nooBlcWJwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_0625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0drCmRWYE4w/XCxGQf-V7dI/AAAAAAAAtJA/yevRt4Xx_tkIVXcKipEi3F99nooBlcWJwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_0625.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
As much as you can, plan ahead so you don’t have to rush. Can preschoolers even understand the concept of late? Trying to rush is a surefire way for my daughter to get frustrated and for me to lose my patience. As much as possible I try to give us ample time to get ready to leave the house for a train or a timed event to make us both happier.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Allow for freedom</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LLpsdssG0bM/XCxGei0WzhI/AAAAAAAAtJE/SxO5ObmSdBoiKJNXs9QTD81Mt-tjMrw5wCKgBGAs/s1600/33348848_Unknown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LLpsdssG0bM/XCxGei0WzhI/AAAAAAAAtJE/SxO5ObmSdBoiKJNXs9QTD81Mt-tjMrw5wCKgBGAs/s1600/33348848_Unknown.JPG" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
I try to give my daughter as much unstructured time as I can, within reason. Follow your child’s lead when it comes to activities. Balance restricting activities, like seeing a show or movie, with activities that allow them to run around freely. I’m the master of planning crafts for us, but even during craft time I’ve realized that sometimes she’d rather freely glue and color than create the intricate reindeer hat I had planned lol.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Any other tips for parenting a four-year-old?</h2>
LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7641192580368746983.post-18438584314121023092018-12-17T18:06:00.000-05:002018-12-27T20:52:10.157-05:00The Mama Natural Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth Book Giveaway<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post contains affiliate links. For more info read my <a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/p/disclosure-policy.html" target="_blank">disclosure policy.</a> </i></span><br>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br></i></span>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RW0D8hnVJMk/XBgmuOVhznI/AAAAAAAAsrM/KDX0ilQkrkkE9REoubAR7c-Fa7Cyqb-1wCLcBGAs/s1600/Natural_pregnancy_book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RW0D8hnVJMk/XBgmuOVhznI/AAAAAAAAsrM/KDX0ilQkrkkE9REoubAR7c-Fa7Cyqb-1wCLcBGAs/s640/Natural_pregnancy_book.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br></i></span>
<br>
When I found out I was pregnant in 2014 I was consumed with research. 95% of my Google searches were ".______ while pregnant." I downloaded multiple baby apps, purchased and received multiple pregnancy books, subscribed to pregnancy blogs, and started watching pregnancy updates on Youtube. One of the YouTubers I came across was Genevieve Howland aka <a href="https://www.mamanatural.com/" target="_blank">Mama Natural</a>. Her blog and Youtube channel became a staple of my research for all things natural parenthood. If you are an expecting momma I encourage you to check out her resources. One of those resources is her new book, <a href="https://amzn.to/2QXLQ54" target="_blank">The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth</a>. It is the first week-by-week natural pregnancy book for soon-to-be moms. I wish it was out when I was pregnant! Because I know how awesome Mama Natural's resources are I picked up a copy of the book to giveaway to one lucky mommy-to-be!<br>
<br>
The book goes from Week 1, tips for getting pregnant, all the way through labor and delivery, and your first 48 hours with baby and beyond. There are sections on baby-wearing, breastfeeding, and even dealing with pregnancy loss. Its a one stop shop for all things pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and post-pregnancy.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qVCkCUusVws/XBgnRTo-dFI/AAAAAAAAsrU/mTva5-RREBIX4dbYYKmOMVWj4oCP-EzrQCLcBGAs/s1600/natural%2Bpregnancy%2Band%2Bchildbirth%2Bbook%2Bgiveaway.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qVCkCUusVws/XBgnRTo-dFI/AAAAAAAAsrU/mTva5-RREBIX4dbYYKmOMVWj4oCP-EzrQCLcBGAs/s640/natural%2Bpregnancy%2Band%2Bchildbirth%2Bbook%2Bgiveaway.png" width="426"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.nesheaholic.com/2018/12/the-mama-natural-guide-to-pregnancy-and.html#more">Read more »</a>LaNeshehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04219535634041170532noreply@blogger.com7