Okay Mamas! Spring is just around the corner and we have so much to do in so little time. Everything from Spring cleaning to getting the garden prep. Winter was tough for us, I don’t know about you but the one thing I look forward to when winter hits, is the month of March and that’s because I know that it will start to get warmer and warmer. By the way, we are in Canada so old man winter isn’t always too nice.
Spring is the time for new beginnings, time for making plans and projects and most of all, spending quality time with love ones.
I’ve narrowed it down to 27 Spring Activities that are my favourites and that you need to do whether you have kids, pets or riding solo. Get outside and get some fresh air.
Dust the bikes out and go for a long bike ride.
Plant a spring garden
Go for a long run
Patio time
Picnic at the park
Visit your local farmer’s market
Spring clean your home (both outside and inside)
Make Easter arrangements
See the cherry blossoms
Get the pool cleaned and ready
Fly a kite at the beach
Host a garage sale around your neighborhood
Open all your windows and take a breath of fresh air.
Find a spot outside to read a book.
Find an outdoor yoga class.
Plan a mother’s day brunch.
Go shopping for some warm weather clothes and shoes.
Statistically, more than 60% of workers in Canada agrees that their main source of stress is Job related.
Job burnout are most times overlooked, largely because we tend to become so comfortable living with baggage and agreeing that it is just another phase of our boring life. The Mayo Clinic defines job burnout as a special type of work-related stress – a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity.
The World Health Organization emphasizes that burnout is specifically work-related and classified it as s “syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed”. Reading the WHO definition of burnout gives this phenomenon a ray of hope, the hope is that it can be managed successfully.
Though burnout is not a medical diagnosis, a prolonged period of stress that is specifically attributed to job related stress increases the risk of the following:
Depression
Heart Disease
Substance Abuse
Negative impact on physical and mental health.
Many researchers suggest that we are in denial most of the times, we experience all the signs and symptoms of burnout and don’t or would never believe that it is job related. The hope of our article is to create the awareness necessary so that we can pay attention to something that will take away every joy out of our lives. This blurb will explore some of the tell-tale signs of burnout, causes , risk associated, and how people that went through a burnout handled it.
Signs of a Burnout
Lack of enthusiasm or excitement about your jobs – this is easy to identify, the test is simple, evaluate the way you feel about your job today and compare to how you felt when you started. The can range from your level of excitement, your willingness or mindset as it relates to going the extra mile etc.
Feeling exhausted with simple routine task – think about it, task that you used to do and now it make you tired and just the thought of it makes you grumpy.
No interest in personal performance – In life we all want to be recognized for being the best. When this doesn’t matter anymore we need to stop an re-evaluate
Finding it hard to stay focus and concentrate – this right here is a direct result of stress on the body and mind
Changes in everyday habits – sometimes looking for comfort in unhealthy lifestyles, whether its eating, alcohol consumption, less emphasis on the way you look and all that is bad for the body.
Causes of Burnout
Not being the right fit – most times employers hire the perfect person for the job based on personality and credentials mostly to make and save them money however, we need to ensure the a company is right for us as well. More than half the times we are not in a position to negotiate what company we work for especially in these economic times. What are we looking for in a company? If your current company does not answer this question correctly, it is only a matter of time until you are stress beyond your wildest imagination.
Unrealistic Expectation – These days companies are employing all sort of tactics to be more profitable and unknowingly or knowingly putting pressure on employees to deliver. This contributes to a stressful environment will eventually break the best of us. Sometimes we tend to be people pleasers and as such put ourselves up for certainty in failing.
No work-life balance – In a time where more than 60% of stress are job related we tend to concentrate all of our energy on the job, unfortunately this is at the expense of self-care and a social life. This is fuel to the burnout flame.
Denial that burnout exist – we blame others, our life, family, friends and everything else around and all of a sudden we crashed.
Risk Associated with Burnouts
Risks associated with burnout are easy to identify, the physical ones that is like:
High Blood Pressure
Heart Disease
Fatigue & Insomnia
and the list goes on and on
However, we need to be cognizant on breakdown of our mental health that is caused by Job Burnout. This is a major contributor in disrupting families, substance abuse and eventually suicide.
We can be in denial as much as the other person, but stress related mental health breakdown is real and takes a shot at the vulnerable, be on guard.
Coping with a Burnout
In today’s world there are help and support on every corner. Like so many others I need my cognitive ability to make a living and here are a few suggestion and Ideas I would give myself and closest friends:
Eat your pride – Unless you there is a diagnosis, there cannot be a prescription. Many times we are in denial because we are too proud, what would others think if I ask for help ? and all the other questions. Whether this means holding your Managers and leaders responsible, the case of toxic work environment or speaking to a friends and family when you are feeling stressed.
Cultivate Healthy Habits – Join a gym, cooking class, train for a marathon or whatever it is that creates anticipation.
Make Plans – Plan vacation and family time in your schedules, we must remember life does not begins when we retire.
Self Care – Take time for your self, whether it is professional development, reading and even refreshing your wardrobe from time to time.
Remember that we have to enjoy the journey that is life and not wait for retirement, we don’t know what is waiting for us at retirement. Start living NOW!!
Are the kids spending too much time on electronics? Or are you just looking for a fun yet educational way to entertain the little ones at home or on the road. I wasn’t interested in card games growing up and it wasn’t until I had kids of my own that I realized how much playing cards can help children learn strategy, arithmetic, shape recognitions and yes even social skills too. These easy and fun card games keeps us busy for hours at a time and everyone looks forward to game night in our home.
These can all be done with a pack of Basic Bicycle cards that you can find at pretty much any dollar store.
Here are 5 Easy and Fun Card Games for Kids.
CRAZY EIGHTS
How to Play:
Deal 5 cards to each player.
Place the remaining cards in a stack in the centre and flip over the top card to create a face-up card pile.
Each player takes a turn to play either the same suit or same number on top of the face up card or an 8.
An 8 can be played on any card, and the player playing it chooses what suit the next player has to play.
The first player to get rid of all their cards is the winner.
WAR
War is another classic. It is a simple game for just two kids to play against each other. The giggles I hear when Nate and his cousins are playing are endless.
How to Play:
Each player turns up a card at the same time and the player with the higher card takes both cards and puts them face down, on the bottom of his stack. If the cards are the same rank, it is WAR.
Each player turns up one card face down and one card face up. The player with the higher cards takes both piles (six cards in total)
The player that wins their opponent’s pack of cards is crowned the winner.
RUMMY
How to Play:
Each player is dealt 7 cards.
Players immediately put down all cards of the same value ( For example, two 6’s or three Queens) face up.
If another person has a card of that value, they can put it down on the pile and take the pile to their part of the table.
All players do this at the same time. Once all play has stopped, the dealer hands out new cards, and the pile building and taking is repeated until all cards have been dealt.
The player with the most cards in piles at the end is the winner.
GO FISH
Go Fish is a fun game that is sure to amuse and entertain even the youngest card players.
How to Play:
Shuffle the cards and deal them out to the players.
For 2 players, deal each player 7 cards; for 3 players, deal 6 cards; and for 4 players, deal 5 cards. Place the remaining cards randomly in the middle of the table.
Each player looks at their cards secretly. (Make sure you don’t show your neighbor)
The first player to take a turn chooses another player and asks them if they have any cards of a certain value. They must have a card of the number they ask about in their hand.
If the player who is asked has any cards of the value, they must hand them over. The player who asked for the cards can then take another turn and ask for another card.
If the player who is asked has no cards of the requested value, they must tell the player to ‘Go fish.’ The player must then take a card from the centre.
At any point, if a player collects a set of 4 of the same kind, they win the cards and put them aside in their winner’s pile.
Play continues until all sets of 4 cards have been collected. The winner is the player with the most sets of 4 cards at the end.
MEMORY
This is a great game to get your kids to concentrate. Both my 7 and 2 year old have fun playing this game.
How to Play:
Deal out all the cards facedown.
Each players take turns to flip over 2 cards. If they flip over a pair that matches, they win the pair and get to have another go. If not, the next player takes a turn.
At the end, the player with the most cards wins.
I hope you enjoy playing these easy and fun card games with your kids.
During these times when we work and do a whole lot more more from our living or recreation rooms whether it is due to the winter weather or other restrictions due to the current pandemic, I would like to share some not so old movies that will help take some of the blues away. Many of these are award winning reels and the roles played and directed by some of the industry’s best.I know that you will enjoy and we have been over the years. Here are my top picks, not in any order, of my all time best movies that never gets old or boring , They cut across different genres such Dramas , Fiction , Action, Romance , History etc. some of them even cuts across multiple genres. Get your popcorn ready and let’s dive right into it.
The Guardian – 2006
This action drama with Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher is a great story of selflessness that will captivate you again and again. It is based on champion a swimmer who discovers the true meaning of heroism and sacrifice when he meets his new trainer at the Coastguard’s swimmer’s academy. Both characters have a story that makes you groan on the inside. Certainly, one of my favorites.
Braveheart – 1995
This was filmed in Scotland and Ireland, was another Mel Gibson masterpiece as William Wallace, a Scottish rebel, along with his clan, sets out to battle King Edward I of England, who killed his bride a day after their marriage. There is a love story in this movie that gives meaning to the drama and bloodshed, nominated for and won many academy awards.
The Departed – 2006
This all-star Martin Scorsese film will keep you glue to your seat, he used lots of big names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Vera Farmiga, Martin Sheen and Alec Baldwin to name a few. It is about an undercover agent (DiCaprio) and a spy (Damon) constantly try to counter-attack each other in order to save themselves from being exposed in front of the authorities whiles trying to infiltrate an Irish gang.
Gangs of New York – 2002
Another Martin Scorsese work, recreating New York’s Five Point in Rome, Italy. DiCaprio starring as Amsterdam sets out to avenge the death of his father who was killed in a gang fight at the hands of a crime lord, Bill ‘The Butcher’. Whilst doing so, he gets caught up in the Civil War.
Rambo First Blood – 1982
This is another Stallone classic that stays fresh for every kid growing up in the 80s and 90s, Stallone plays John Rambo, a former US soldier traumatized by memories of the Vietnam War, gets into trouble when an incident with a small-town sheriff triggers his violent side. The way this action pack movie ended was a perfect set up for the next Rambo installment, enjoy!
Draft Day – 2014
A great day at the office from Kevin Costner and team acting as Sonny Weaver Jr. who is the general manager of the Cleveland Browns and with one of pro football’s most important days, NFL draft day, is drawing near, but Sonny has much more on his mind than just which players to recruit. His lover is pregnant, and the team’s owner wants to fire him. After Sonny accepts a deal with Seattle that nets him that team’s first-round pick, he immediately wonders if he has made the right choice for himself and the Browns. Great role from the late Chadwick Boseman.
The Thomas Crown Affair – 1999
Pierce Brosnan as Billionaire Thomas Crown is bored of his luxurious life and starts stealing precious works of art. However, he meets his match in Rene Russo who played Catherine Banning, an insurance investigator looking into the thefts whiles discovering an adventure, Brosnan is never boring, enjoy!
After the Sun Set – 2004
Another day out for Pierce Brosnan pairing up with Selma Hayek acting as two retired jewel thieves and FBI Agent played by the incomparable Woody Harrelson teaming up with Naomie Harris play a game of cat-and-mouse. This was filmed in the picturesque Bahamas and scenes from the Atlantis Resort is really breathtaking.
The Punisher – 2004
This the epitome John Travolta playing a bad guy’s role and owning it. After his wife and family are murdered by a gang of ruthless criminals, special agent Frank Castle takes it upon himself to hunt down and punish the criminals responsible for his loss. Very entertaining from start to finish.
A Time to Kill – 1996
Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, & Samuel L Jackson, that is concoction already this will result in a movie masterpiece. After his ten-year-old daughter is raped, Carl, played by Samuel L Jackson murders her perpetrators. He then faces a trial and calls upon his friend Jake Tyler, a lawyer, to help him win the case.
Field of Dreams – 1989
When Iowa farmer Ray portrayed by Kevin Costner hears a mysterious voice one night in his cornfield saying “If you build it, he will come,” he feels the need to act. Despite taunts of lunacy, Ray builds a baseball diamond on his land, supported by his wife, Annie (Amy Madigan). Afterward, the ghosts of great players start emerging from the crops to play ball, led by “Shoeless” Joe Jackson. But, as Ray learns, this field of dreams is about much more than bringing former baseball greats out to play.
The Bodyguard – 1992
A former Secret Service agent played by Kevin Costner takes on the job of bodyguard to an R&B singer played by the late great Whitney Houston, whose lifestyle is most unlike a President’s. Great songs in a romantic thriller.
Catch me if you can – 2002
This is a Steven Spielberg masterpiece using the talents of Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio and company to bring this biographical crime film to life. Notorious con artist Frank Abagnale has duped people worth millions of dollars with his masterful art of deception. With his scams getting bolder, he is soon pursued by FBI agent Carl Hanratty.
Forrest Gump – 1994
This film needs no introductions , Forrest, a man with low IQ, recounts the early years of his life when he found himself in the middle of key historical events. All he wants now is to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart, Jenny.
Erin Brockovich – 2000
One of Julia Roberts best playing Erin, a single mother, becomes a legal assistant and comes across a case against Pacific Gas and Electric. When she discovers that the company is poisoning a city’s water supply, she seeks justice.
Wedding Crashers – 2005
Two womanizers who love to gatecrash weddings find themselves in a fix when one of them falls in love with the bridesmaid at one such wedding. Big roles by this all-star cast Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Bradley Cooper with special appearance by Will Ferrell
Behind Enemy Lines- 2001
American naval flight officer Chris Burnett ( Owen Wilson) must evade the Bosnian Serb forces and run to safety after uncovering a proof of mass genocide against paramilitary commander Miroslav Lokar.
American Gangster – 2007
You cannot put a list together and leave out Denzel Washington, playing Frank Lucas takes control of his boss Ellsworth Johnson’s business after the latter dies of a heart attack and expands his control to various businesses while secretly running a drug cartel. Denzel is great, but Russel Crowe and Denzel on different sides is a recipe for a great movie. One my all-time favorites
Gladiator – 2000
One of Russel Crowe’s best work , he is young, fit and muscular acting as the general of the Roman army under Emperor Marcus Aurelius , but when the emperor is murdered , Commodus takes over power and demotes Maximus, one of the preferred generals of his father. As a result, Maximus is relegated to fighting till death as a gladiator. “what we do in life… echoes in eternity” This movie will make you choke up a bit.
Be sure to let me know in the comments if you have any favorites.
The new year is upon us and I don’t know about you but this is something that I’ve been working on with my kiddos.Teaching our kids how to be thankful is something that we shouldn’t focus on only around Thanksgiving, we need to reinforce it all year long. I truly believe that our children needs the proper guidance and honestly folks, it starts with us and the values we instill in them at home.
No one said that raising grateful children is a walk in the park, but as parents/guardians, it is so important that they understand the blessings around them and learn to appreciate the little things.It is a proven fact that practicing gratitude increase our happiness and will help our children take on life with a more positive attitude whether that is at school or home.
I don’t want to overwhelm you with 100 activities so let’s take baby steps. Practice these 6 activities with your little ones and then grow from there. These are the basics that will help your children be thankful and not complain about life when things don’t go their way.
Here are 6 activities that will teach your children to appreciate both big and small moments, turn their mistakes into learning lessons, and be thankful for their families and friends.
Gratitude Mason Jar
This is one of the easiest DIY you can do and you only need a few supplies. Here is what you need to make your very own gratitude jar.
Mason Jar (I use a recycle spaghetti sauce jar)
Label or card stock
Printer to print your label or you can even handwrite and tape it to the jar.
This is super easy and there isn’t a right or wrong. You make it however you want because it is for you and your family.
Now, if you prefer to buy a gratitude jar, check out the ones I found below. (Click on the image)
Now that you’ve made or bought your jar, each day simply have the kids write down three things that they’re thankful for.It doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be anything from them being grateful they have a favorite toy to them being grateful that they enjoyed a meal with their sibling.It can be anything! Remember, you want to encourage and make it fun so that they will continue doing this every day. Once they’ve written their blessings for the day, fold it up and place it in the jar. You will be surprise to see how fast the jar is filling up over the weeks and months to come.Whenever someone is feeling a bit down, just remember that that they have a jar filled with reasons as to why they need to turn that frown into a smile and that things have a way of working out with a positive attitude.
Gratitude Tree
If your littles are visual creators, then this is perfect for them. Although many practice this specific for Thanksgiving, you can make this tree anytime. It’s really simple and the kids will have a blast using their coloring, cutting and gluing skills.
All you need are some
Construction paper
Paper to draw the leaves or a printer to print my free leaf printable
Sissors
Glue
Markers
Clear tape
And there you have it, You’ve made a Gratitude tree and your children will contribute and watch it grow by adding their blessings to it.
Gratitude Scavenger Hunt Game
Who doesn’t love a good Scavenger hunt game around the house? Our family sure do. This is sure to keep them moving and busy for a while.
The way this works is that you can simply print out our free Gratitude Scavenger Hunt game printable for each child by clicking on the image below. All they have to do is grab your printable, a pen/pencil and a camera and let’s go on an adventure.
The kids would go around the house and try to find as much as they can and the first one to finish would normally get a treat. Give it a try in your home and I promise the kids will truly enjoy spending time together.
Thank You Notes
It doesn’t need to be complicated friends. Just simple Thank you notes to those that made your littles feel special. My son loves writing thank you notes especially to me and it melts my heart every single time.
Gratitude Journal
I bought Nate a gratitude journal and it was so simple to use. He used it over the summer months and it has made such a difference in his life. He would write down the blessings of his days each night before bed. He looks forward to doing this every day. We’ve since gone through 3 journals so far and I will keep getting them for him as long as he’s interested.
Gratitude Game
There are so many games that you can choose to incorporate but this particular one is very simple and the kids will have no problem understanding what is required. Click the image below to download your free copy.
We play drawsticks (pickup sticks or whatever you might call it) with this particular game. It is so simple. I went to the dollar store and picked up some color straws. With the printable above, i used the same colors to keep it simple.
Each child closes their eyes and pulls a straw. Whichever color they have, they will then correspond the color on the printable. For example, if they pull a “blue” straw, then they would have to name a place they’re thankful for. Everyone takes turns and it’s a great way to get the littles talking and having fun at the same time. Not to mention, it is bonding time that you will cherish forever.
I hope you enjoy these recommendations and don’t forget to make it fun so that the children will not get bored and it will be something that they look forward in doing.
So how are you guys really doing? Our family is adjusting to the new way of life. Our mindsets and attitudes are aligned and while it is super hard to not being able to go out , i find seeing the positive in this situation is helping us not feel it too difficult. It has given my family a chance to bond and spend more time together whether we are just watching a tv show or playing games with the kids, we are bonding instead of the hustle life we are used to.
My six year old little boy misses school, his friends and just being able to go to the parks etc. Kids are born to be outside and play hard and dirty. The first week we find that we were playing A LOT of video games and not doing much at all. So i told myself that has to change in order for this to work. I’ve put together this schedule for Nate and it has been the best thing I could’ve done. I’m not saying that we follow it to the dot every single day but this is our guide each day. Of course playtime lasts longer or lunch time but that’s OK. This keeps us on track. Feel free to use it in your home. After all, i’m here to motivate and guide you as well. 🙂
What are some things that you are doing at home to keep your kids busy? Share them with us. After all, we are all in this together.
