In our world of instant gratification and distraction, it can be hard for kids to take the time to realize how good they have it, how much they have, and to be grateful for it. And it can be hard for you as well, as a parent, to be an example of gratitude.For Thanksgiving this year I wanted to share tips that I have learned along the way in … [Read more...]
Handprint Jewelry Keepsake Fathers Day Gift Giveaway worth $180!
Father's Day is coming up quickly and, just like every year, we struggle to find something more meaningful than a new tie to honor him. My own husband is difficult to shop for Father's Day gifts unless I fork out cash to buy a fancy new BBQ or upgrades for his precious truck. He would be thrilled with any of those, but for one, my wallet wouldn't, … [Read more...]
How to Teach Kids Smart Money Management When You’re Not Great at it
I want my kids to learn good financial skills, but I know I'm not great at it myself. I'm so worried about teaching them the wrong skills! I've taken some financial planning courses, but there is so much information it can be confusing and overwhelming. I need something to explain in the simplest terms, in a way that is easy for me to share with my … [Read more...]
Valentines Day Books for Kids
I've never made Valentine's Day a big deal, but it is always fun to celebrate. We usually make some Valentine's cookies and a handmade card to each person in our home. Perhaps some to give out to neighbors and other family and friends. As my kids are homeschooled, we've had Valentine's Day parties with friends in the past and some years they … [Read more...]
Improve Lives in your Community
I don't believe we were meant to be alone. We need other people. We need family and community. The ironic thing is, we have more people around than ever, yet we can be so alone! Each in our own homes, secluded from the community around us. I want my kids to grow up with a desire to be involved in their community. To care about their neighbors and … [Read more...]
Imagine Your Daughter Carrying all the Water You Use – Your Photo Gives Clean Water
I am participating in a sponsored campaign hosted by Emergen-C®. I received compensation for this post. While all opinions stated are my own, I make no claims about Emergen-C as a product or its effectiveness. Women and young girls in developing countries bear the burden of carrying water. This may not sound like a big deal, but have you ever … [Read more...]
Perfect Valentine’s Gift for Dad and Canvas Print Giveaway
Dad's are hard to shop for. At least for things that are in budget! I mean he'll take any original Star Wars collectibles or a classic car any day. He'd even settle for a big screen TV. However, I wanted to not only get him something that wouldn't put me in sticker shock, but that was meaningful. A gift that my huband would truly love. The perfect … [Read more...]
Book benefits Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter this Month Only
A book helping animals across the nation I’m still so excited that a story of mine was published in a book! My story ‘Twice Disrupted’ was published in the anthology: Rescued: The Stories of 12 Cats Through Their Eyes and quickly became an Amazon best seller. It won for best new anthology/compilation at both the 2015 San Francisco Book Festival … [Read more...]
Gift Wrap Family Time for Christmas
All I want for Christmas is time with my family. And by family, I don't mean just those related to me. It seems that families are more diverse that ever. With blended families, adopted families, and tons more ways to make up a family, there is no recipe for a perfect one. The familiar image of one dad, one mom, two kids, and a dog is obsolete. … [Read more...]
Handmade Holiday Wreaths for a Cause
Welcome to Monday Matters! Spread awareness to help important causes and start your week off right by making a difference each Monday, even if that is just to pin, tweet, or share to pass this information on. Extended Cyber Sale! 15% OFF through Saturday when you buy online with discount code: "MONDAY" 100% of profits go directly to a … [Read more...]
Life of Fred Dolls Discount and Giveaway
Whether you're looking for a math curriculum, supplemental math activities, or just an enjoyable bedtime read, Life of Fred is fantastic! Written by Dr. Stanley Schmidt, a retired math teacher who loves math and couldn't understand why math wasn't fun for everyone! He wrote these funny, imaginative books, which bring real life math concepts to life … [Read more...]
Easy Thankfulness Crafts for Kids
Simple Thankfulness Crafts This is an easy craft to put together that teaches thankfulness and helps kids think positively and gratefully of the things they have in their lives during the Thanksgiving season. Lets raise up kind, caring, compassionate kids that appreciate all they have, from their home and belongings, to the family, … [Read more...]
Auction Napa Valley #ANV15 E-Auction Benefits Education and Community
The world’s most celebrated charity wine event- Auction Napa Valley photo courtesy of Auction Napa Valley If you can’t be there, you can E-there! Proceeds from the E-Auction of Auction Napa Valley are donated to community health and children’s education causes. The funds go directly to local nonprofits to care for a … [Read more...]
One Person Can Make a Difference #1000Speak
Today, February 20th, 2015, is a day to Speak for Compassion Follow hashtag #1000Speak as hundreds of bloggers from all over the world have pledged to share a post on compassion. You can check out the blog and Facebook page for full details. How do you show compassion? Simply by caring for someone in need. That could be adopting an … [Read more...]
Together Womens Voices Will be Heard #WomansLives #MondayMatters
Welcome to Monday Matters! Spread awareness to help important causes and start your week off right by making a difference each Monday, even if that is just to pin, tweet, or share to pass this information on. These portraits were taken by Ripple Effect Images, a collective of National Geographic photojournalists who … [Read more...]
Inspiring Event- Green Festival San Francisco
This weekend I had an amazing time at the Green Festival in San Francisco. It was inspiring to see so many businesses and consumers filling up two warehouses at Fort Mason, all of whom care about our impact on our environment and are trying to make a difference. There were tons of booths with exciting sustainable, eco-friendly products and … [Read more...]
#HolidaysR4 Giving- Cleaner Closets Helping Schools
Welcome to Monday Matters! Spread awareness to help important causes and start your week off right by making a difference each Monday, even if that is just to pin, tweet, or share to pass this information on. The best thing about the holidays is the spirit of giving that surrounds this time of year. I love to shop for gifts through companies that … [Read more...]
Beautiful Childhood for All #Blog4Peace
As I watched these two best friends walk along a beautiful natural path without any cares in the world except where and how many frogs they might find... it occurs to me that not every child has a clean, safe place to explore. Nor does everyone have the kind of friend they can tell everything to or just enjoy the peaceful silence of each … [Read more...]
Monday Matters- California Day of Science May 8th #BeAScientist
Welcome to Monday Matters! Spread awareness to help important causes and start your week off right by making a difference each Monday, even if that is just to pin, tweet, or share to pass this information on. May 8, 2014, the University of California needs you to be the scientist! Schools, families, individuals, businesses, and organizations … [Read more...]
A simple Way to Give Back #GivingTuesday
Have you heard of Giving Tuesday? Full details about Giving Tuesday here. Tons of companies and charities are participating in #GivingTuesday today. Search the term, with hashtag, on any social media site and you'll be inundated with social good! It's awesome! But, you can get overwhelmed and not know where to start. One great cause that … [Read more...]
