Takia Sharee

Be The Best You

Categories: Lifestyle

How to Plan an Easy and Fun Easter Egg Hunt Indoors

 Although Easter is not about bunnies and candy, it is a special tradition to add to the occasion. Candy filled baskets, stuffed bunny animals, and colorful boiled eggs are memories no kid would ever forget during the Easter Holiday .  In this post I share how to plan an Easter egg hunt indoors.

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Growing Up, Easter Sunday consisted of going to church, (dressed in our best Sunday clothes), participating in the church easter egg hunt, and heading over my grand mothers house to eat easter dinner. Easter was the only holiday, outside of Halloween, that we could eat lots of candy, get fun gifts, and play games.

I absolutely loved when I would wake up to a huge easter basket filled with things I enjoyed. But my favorite memories will always be the easter egg hunt; and now that I have children of my own I plan to make even more memories they’ll never forget.

 6 Steps to Planning an Easter Hunt at Home

Step 1: Clean Your Space

 The very first step to the perfect Easter egg hunt is to always make sure your home is cleaned and safe for your little ones to run and explore.

During Easter egg hunts children are usually running and jumping looking for every single egg they could possibly find. Be sure to move furniture around to make clear paths for less injuries and mishaps during Easter hunt at home.

Step 2: Gather Your Easter Egg Hunt Items

For step two you’ll need: Plastic Easter Eggs, Variety Sorted Candy, Easter Baskets, and Non-Candy Items.

Be sure to check each Easter egg to make sure they close and open properly, as some eggs may be irregular. Also pick your child’s favorite candy that is small enough to fit inside the eggs. Don’t forget to make sure you have an Easter basket for each child to have their own.

Step 3: Fill the Eggs with Fun Treats

It’s Time to fill the Eggs! Open each egg and place the candy or non-candy item inside and close securely.

Note: if you have children with food allergies, you can add non-candy items to fill each egg. . To add an elements of surprise, you can also fill eggs with  non-candy items according to the child’s gender.  

Check out this post:

40  Egg-Cellent Non-Candy Easter Egg Fillers by Heather at Howdoesshe.com

girl in green jacket playing with white and pink plastic balls on green grass field during

Step 4: Separate The Eggs By Color

To make sure each child gets the same number of eggs, separate the eggs into colors and list which color eggs belong to each child.

Separating the eggs also helps to make sure children with food allergies don’t get things they can not eat and smaller children don’t get candy they could potentially choke on.

Step 5: Plan Hiding Spots

This is my favorite step! I love to have scavenger hunts with my children, so I find picking hiding spots to be so much fun.

For older children you can get really creative with hiding Easter eggs. You can also add clues in the eggs that possibly lead to other eggs and then a grand prize.

Step 6: Have Fun!

Have Fun! This is a great way to bond with your family at home, make sure you’re mentally present in making this an Easter egg hunt no one will ever forget.

Where do you hide Easter eggs in Your House?

  • In the closet
  • Inside Shoes
  • Under the Bed
  • Behind the Toilet
  • Under the Sink
  • In the Pantry
  • In the Refrigerator
  • On the Desk
  • On the Bookshelf
  • Inside Flowerpots
  • Inside Washing Machines
  • Inside the Dryer
  • Under the bench
  • Behind Open Doors
  • Inside Toy Bins

Conclusion

Indoor Easter Egg Hunts are so much fun and rated everyone for all ages and groups. Organize your Easter hunt at home and pick the perfect hiding spot.

Happy Easter!

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Categories: Lifestyle, Motherhood, Parenting

Awesome Tips for Surviving My Family Pictures with Toddlers

Nothing is worst than when It’s time to send out those cute Christmas cards, and your child is digging in their nose or crying hysterically in almost every photo. Before Now, I have found myself digging through hundreds of photos, looking for ones I wouldn’t be embarrassed to print. Not anymore! In this post I share my top tips for surviving my family pictures with toddlers. 

Family portraits have come a long way from black and white pictures taken with poloraids and flash cubes. Cameras today are able to capture every single moment, the good, the bad and the ugly! 

You definitely don’t want to send grandma a family pic of your son digging for boogies or your husband staring down at his phone. 

Pictures before today felt so robotic, and trying to  get your toddler to stand as still as possible for every photo is a recipe for disaster. 

Toddler Things to Bring to a Family Photoshoot 

Bring on the bribes!  The best tip for surviving my family pictures with toddlers is to bring rewards and things that will make your child happy. 

1. The child’s favorite toy 

2. Snacks– Raisins, Grapes, Pretzels, Apple slices, Carrots, Celery, or Fruitsnacks are great no mess snacks. Snacks are helpful when shooting in between individual poses. 

3  Water or Clear Juice

4. Childs Favorite Song- Cocomelon is one of the top toddler sing alongs and perfect for getting your child to cooperate for family photoshoots. 

5. Bring a Stroller– depending on the age of your toddler, and the location of your photos , strollers are huge helpers. 

6. Tag Along Friend- bring someone who child loves to be around to help out and to stand behind the camera to capture the child’s attention. 

Places to Take Family Photos

Usually professional family pictures are taken in a studio. Studio Photos are great during colder months, capturing babies, and business related photos. I personally love outdoor photoshoots of families. 

The natural lighting and natures background really does capture story telling photos. Outdoor places such as, the local park, State parks, beaches and lakes are awesome places to take family photos.  Check out these places to take family pictures in NJ

How long should a family photo shoot last? 

Professional family photos can last about 1 to 2 hours. It really does depend on the size of the family and the variety of poses requested. Things like outfit changes, individual portraits or a fussy  toddler can take up lots of time when taking portrait family pictures. 

I would suggest preparing the family for a long shoot by making sure everyone has eaten and is well rested before arriving. 

Also, be sure to lay outfits out the night before, all the way down to socks and shoes, to make sure the outfit changes are seamless at the time of the shoot. 

Another suggestion would be to write out certain shots that you would like get; for example I only have one son and I like to get shots of him and my husband together.

Writing out certain shots helps to give the photographer out a lot and speeds up the photoshoot. 

How Do I Get My Toddler to Cooperate for Pictures? 

First,  I would suggest you Try asking your photographer to get the child more comfortable with the camera. Allowing the child to briefly touch the camera ( with assistance) and maybe view other photos of other kids the photographer has taken. 

Create the expectation of what is about to happen. 

Next, I would ask the photographer to allow things to happen naturally. Interact with the child and capture candid moments of the child being a child.

Position the parents around whatever is happening starting out. Once the child has gotten use to the camera being in their space the child will be more likely to cooperate for the family photo.  

How Should Kids Pose for Portraits?

1. The Piggy Back – what kid doesn’t like a piggy back ride from dad. This is a great pose to capture laughs and your toddler having fun! 

2. Skipping- My girls absolutely love to skip. It’s the perfect action pose for a Surviving Family Picture Day 

3. Holding Hands- the warmth of a parental hand is always comforting for family pictures. 

4. Lap Pose– My kids love to sit on daddy’s lap. Have dad play with them to capture these awesome moments. 

5. Hug it Out- hugs are awesome poses for family portraits, especially the really big tight hugs. 

6. Folding Arms- folding arms is a such a staple pose for children it makes them feel powerful. 

A smile is worth a thousand words- Julie A. Walker 

How to Get my Child to Smile? 

You definitely don’t want a portfolio filled with family pictures of your child not smiling. To make your kid smile, start out asking the tag along friend to make funny faces behind the camera. Kids love funny faces.

The photographer will be able to capture authentic laughs and smiles and not the fake smiles no one enjoys making. 

You can also, try tickling your child. Tickles are perfect for capturing your toddler smiling. Right after he photographer says something like “say cheese” give your toddler the one finger tickle on the side. I really does help capture some of the best family photos. 

One other thing that helps capture smiles from toddlers during family shoots are the odd sayings other than “say cheese”. Try sayings like “stinky feet” or funny made up words. 

Bring on the Props for family photo shooting with toddlers. Depending on the occasion of the shoot,  Hand Puppets, building blocks, stuffed animals, and other kids of toys or props are great additions to capturing the perfect family photos. 

Conclusion 

Portraits of Families can last a lifetime. From generation to generation family pictures have told the stories and tales that live on forever. Make your next family photoshoot one you and your toddler one you’ll never forget . 

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Categories: Lifestyle

The Best Tips For An Allergy Safe Halloween

What kid doesn’t like getting candy? The kid who got candy for Halloween they couldn’t eat! Food Allergies are such a bummer this time of year because there are so many tasty treats that include allergens like eggs, nuts, milk, and soy.  It always hurts my heart to hear my son say, What am I going to eat, is there anything for me? As a mother I am always looking for food alternatives that he can enjoy that doesn’t leave him out of all the fun! In this post I am sharing the best tips for an allergy safe Halloween.

What is The Teal Pumpkin Project?

The Teal Pumpkin Project is a movement that allows 1in 13 children with food allergies to have a safe Halloween. To be a part of the project the instructions are simple, place a teal-colored pumpkin outside your door for trick or treaters with food allergies to be aware that your Halloween treats are food allergy friendly.

The Teal Pumpkin Project is to promote inclusion for those with allergies and other ailments. You can participate in Teal Pumpkin Project by simply adding your home to the Teal Pumpkin Project Map for those in your neighborhood to participate in having a allergy free Halloween.

Allergy Friendly Trick or Treating Tips

  1. 1. Start by purchasing a teal colored candy bucket for your child’s safety. This will ensure that those around them are aware your child has a food allergy.
  3. 2. Remember to carry an authorized epi-pen in case of unforeseen mishaps
  5. 3. Bring safe snacks for your child to eat while trick or treating to avoid eating candy before reading all the labels.
  7. 4. Promote Halloween fun, not just the candy to create a different expectation
  9. 5. If no one in your area is participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project, deliver allergy free items to your friends and family to allow your child to still enjoy allergy safe Halloween.
  11. 6. Read Every Label before consuming any candy you did not purchase, even on the candy you know.
  13. 7. Do not accept any food items without a label.

20 Non- Food Allergy Friendly  Halloween Toys  

The Teal Pumpkin Project encourages families to purchase non -food items for trick or treaters with food intolerances. The Kid treats listed below are non-food items you can purchase for this years Halloween.

  • Glow sticks
  • Whistle
  • Yo-Yo
  • Spin Tops
  • Play-Doh
  • Slime
  • Fun Glasses
  • Toy Spiders
  • Toy Cars
  • Slinky
  • Bracelets
  • Rubix Cube
  • Finger Skate Boards
  • Key Chains
  • Pop Its
  • Maze Toys
  • Squishy Toys
  • Rubber Toy Balls
  • Stickers
  • Bubbles

*Please be advised of small items for choking hazards. *

Allergy Safe Candy Treats

  1. 1. Pretzels
  2. 2. Yum Earth Candy
  3. 3. Zolli Pops
  4. 4. Dots
  5. 5. Enjoy Life Brand
  6. 6. Ring Pops
  7. 7. Smarties
  8. 8. Dums Dums

Halloween Food Allergy Awareness

Children all around the world are gearing up for Halloween.  Help take the stress out of this years Halloween and encourage those around you to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project.

Every small Toy a child receives matters and is greatly appreciated.  

May you find this post to be a blessing.

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Categories: Faith, Lifestyle

Start Today: Take Action and Overcome Your Fear

Action is defined by a rhythmic movement, occurring regularly. However fear is an emotion that’s causes immobility. The art of overcoming fear is mastered in  doing the opposite of what scares you. In this post I will discuss how to take action and conquer fear. 

woman closing eyes

How I Overcame Fear and Anxiety 

At the age 14 I was involved in a bike accident that resulted in a broken leg and hip; plus an emotional scar that would last  me until my early 30s. 

I went years without ever touching a bike, even the thought of riding a bike again would bring up unwanted memories of blood running down my face or the thought of strange people standing around me calling for help! 

After years of vowing to never ride a bike again, I finally decided to ride bikes with my husband in Indianapolis on a business trip. My heart was beating as fast as it could, without passing out.      It was the worst and yet the best decision i had ever made.

 If  the feeling of being scared and liberated all at the same time was a “thing“, this moment would define it. 

The one thing that scared me the most could only be conquered by taking action. And not just any action, the action that immobilized me. I chose not to ride a bike for years because I was afraid of that 14 yr old girl getting hit by a car again. 

In order to overcome fear in life you have to take the action you are most afraid of. Doing the thing that you fear, could be the defining moment between you and your most wildest dream. 

Why Do I Fear Taking Action? 

According to verywellmind, all fears may not be the result of a traumatic experience; such as the one I discussed earlier. 

Fear can be triggered by:

  • Imagined events 
  • Future events 
  • The unknown
  • Environmental Dangers or
  • Certain Situations

However, majority of people today that are afraid of taking action are afraid of failing. Moreover, it is very unhealthy to visualize a negative outcome that has not occurred in real-time. 

The action required to conquer your fear my seem intimidating at first, but once you have begun the process it can  turn out to be quite pleasant. 

Your Failure to take action may be the result of overthinking or procrastinating to keep from starting. 

The perfect antidote to overcoming fear is taking massive action. 

The Best Actions To Take To Eliminate Fear 

Make Decisions Quickly 

Mel Robbins’, The 5 Second Rule, is such a powerful book and tool to use when you’re trying to overcome fear. in the book, Mel mentions her life before she discovered the five sec rule and the impact it made on her and her marriage. 

Interesting enough, the five second rule is the perfect strategy to over come fear and take action. To make a decision quickly, the rule suggest that you should count to 5 and without thinking to just get up and start. 

Before allowing your mind to analyze and make a valid excuse, the rule puts you right into taking action. 

Stop Over-Analyzing 

Over Analyzing can severely paralyze your ability, leaving you feeling stuck. Many people who over analyze or overthink, can’t make decisions quickly and may also suffer with anxiety. 

Over Analyzing or over thinking  is the act of spending too much time reading between the lines and less time taking action  toward the end result. 

Thinking too much and for too long only creates more doubt and worry within yourself. Girl, Start today, take action and overcome your fear. 

Visualize Positive Outcome 

As I stated in the beginning, negative visualization and programming, predicts a negative outcome; convincing yourself that worst has already taken place.

 Although that is far from the truth, the brain is a powerful organ and uses memory to protect us in the presence of danger or harm. 

Visualization and Meditation can be used to overcome fears by mindfully focusing on the result you wish to happen. Practice visualizing yourself enjoying the act of what you may be afraid of. This practice will teach the brain to reduce sensory that protect us in harmful situations. 

Overcome The Fear 

Don’t let fear keep you from living the life you wish was possible. The best decision you can make is to conquer what scares you. 

You could be one moment away from doing something you never knew you could. Whether, you are experiencing fear because of a tramatic experience, or an imagined event, if you take action your biggest challenge can become your greatest achievement. 

Start today, take action and overcome your fear. 

May you find this post to be a blessing.

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Categories: Entrepreneurship, Lifestyle

Life Hack: How To Stay Focused on Your Goals in Chaos

Life is full of distractions and detours that can camouflage as urgent or important emergencies. During moments when those inconveniences show up, it is important that you maintain composure. In this post I will discuss how to stay focused on your goals in chaos. 

In the beginning of the world wide pandemic I was getting ready to give birth and things were very chaotic.

 The ratio of doctors to patients were slim, and the shortage of Lysol and toilet paper was far more incomparable to anything I’ve ever experienced before. 

Not to mention my oldest was being switched to virtual schooling, which meant she would learn from home with a newborn and her two other younger siblings. 

You can imagine how overwhelming things got when she needed help navigating the computer, at the exact same time of an infamous episode of the exploding diaper.  

And don’t get me started on working from home, and amount of times I had to stop what I was doing to grab one of them a snack! 

Although all those things were happening around me, I didn’t let outside circumstances excuse me from staying focused on goals and priorities. 

flat lay photography of turned-on silver iPad beside Apple Pencil

What You Focus On Will Grow

Contrary to what people may believe focus is, Focus doesn’t mean you will spend hours in a corner on a computer working and watching life pass you by.  

However, it does require getting specific on what you will allow to consume your time and energy. In order to grow and accomplish your ultimate goal, you have to have a laser like focus. 

Focus includes consistency and accuracy that would demonstrate growth in a specific area.  Having a precise focus on what you want to achieve will guarantee you less explorations down rabbit holes and more clearly defined paths. 

Be more intentional about what you give your attention to, and maximize your growth potential.  

Tips to Stay Focused in Chaos 

Define the Main Goal

To maintain a laser focus, you must  clearly define your ultimate goal. When you’ve defined your goal, keep that goal at the front of your mind day in and day out. Every single decision you make should be intentional and based off reaching the ultimate goal. 

Prioritize What’s Urgent

 Every thing on your to do list is not urgent, although it may be important. Always do what is urgent before doing what is important! Once you’ve determined what has priority, you know exactly where your focus should be. 

Manage Your Time

Time Management is very important in staying focused and avoiding distractions. Spending too much time scrolling through social media post, or watching the latest mishap unfold on the news are distractions that unconsciously pull us in and away from our focus. 

Minimize Distractions 

Try as much as possible to minimize distractions around you. Although, you may not be able to eliminate every distraction, minimizing those distractions will help you stay mentally focused.

According to Fast Company, “The majority of situations that do come up to distract us are not emergencies” and can wait until a later time to address. In the meantime, you can put your phone in another room or wear headphones to drown out unwanted noise. 

Stay Focused and Never Give Up 

Life Happens but set backs don’t define you. No matter what life throws your way, stay focused and never give up on your goals. When you aren’t able to control the chaos happening around you, having a laser focus will allow you to zoom in on your priorities and keep everything else in the rearview. 

May you find this post to be a blessing. 

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Categories: Entrepreneurship, Lifestyle

How to Stop Procrastinating and Start Now

Procrastinaton is the killer of many peoples dreams and goals. Alot of us start off with writing out our goals and posting them to our calendar, but never get them out of the planning stage and into manifested results. Keep reading to find out how to stop procrastinating and start now. 

For as long as I can remember I was a very huge procrastinator; and when I say huge I mean the biggest procrastinator you’d ever meet.

Starting my day with hitting the snooze button at least 20 times, I would wait til 9 o’clock at night to eat dinner or 5 minutes before an event was about to start to leave the house. 

Procrastination was apart of my daily routine, and it wasn’t until I had children that I realized, my habits will become their habits if I didn’t change. Let’s fast forward to today….

Hi, I’m Takia, and I overcame procrastination; and you can too! 

rose gold iPhone 6s on book near Apple watch

What are The Four Types of Procrastinators? 

The Perfectionist– If you are a perfectionist then you know how difficult it is to fully complete a task. Perfectionist can face many challenges with productivity because they value flawlessness over performance.

While it is very important to show a great deal of effort in your work, it is just as important to move the task along and be timely. 

The Last Minute Doer– Do you know anyone who works best under pressure? That person is what I like to call the last minute doer. The last minute doer is a professional at procrastination, but entry level at 

The last minute doer waits until the assignment is  just about due to get started. However, this doesn’t leave any room for error or mistakes made. 

The Micro-Tasker–  The micro-tasker is someone who does what is easy or small versus what is urgent. People who pay more attention to smaller task become engrossed in doing things that are usually unimportant; causing them to procrastinate and prolong efficient performance. 

Over- Planner– Over planning is the #1 cause of many people never getting started. Now don’t get me wrong it is important to plan, however, planning is an effective tool used for guidance. Your task should consist of listed or numbered steps needed to complete a task ;but performance it measured by what is done not by what was planned. 

Is Procrastinating a Mental illness?

No, procrastinating is not a medical mental diagnoses. However, procrastinating does start in the mind. The mind is the place where things go to live, or where things go to die; depending on how you think. 

How you think is a major factor in getting started and overcoming procrastination. The best way to stop procrastinating is to simply get started. Inaction produces no results, and you’ll never reach your goals if you don’t start somewhere.

Strategies for Overcoming Procrastination 

  1. Let Go of Perfection– Stop! There is no other method as effective as letting go of perfection. I can definitely understand the desire to want things to be perfect, but there many great things that are produced from mistakes. However, those types of mistakes aren’t available to those who haven’t started. 
  1. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others– Many people have trouble starting because they are comparing their beginning to someone else’s middle or end. Comparing is the worst thing you can do when your’e trying to get started and quit procrastinating. Not only are comparing but you are also forfeiting your own creativity to produce something better rather than something similar to your counterpart. 
  1. Clarify Your Goals- people don’t know where to start because they aren’t clear on what direction they are headed. Disclaimer: Goal setting is important, but it is not the result. Your goals should be clearly defined so that you can create the best possible strategy to produce a great service or product. 

4. Ask a friend to Keep You Accountable – Ask a friend whose opinion is very valuable to you,  and ask them to keep you accountable to what’s urgent. Accountability is a perfect strategy to gain motivation to stop procrastinating. 

5. Start Early–  Overcome Procrastination by starting early in the day. According to usandco, daylight has such a major impact on your productivity. Get started as  early as you can to maximize your performance and

Stop Procrastinating and Get Things Done

Don’t let procrastination stop you from getting things done. There is still time left to go after your best life.  You’ve waited long enough, stop procrastinating and start now. 

May you find this post to be a blessing. 

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Categories: Entrepreneurship, Lifestyle

Morning Routine for Success: Start Your Day Like This

Morning Routine for Success

Daily Routine of Successful People

Have you ever heard someone say the way you start your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day? Well, it’s true! Start your day with a morning routine for success and happiness that will last you the entire day.  

Often when successful people are interviewed and asked questions about their highest achievements, they usually accredit a lot of their success to their daily routine.

Having a daily routine, good or bad, affects us in more ways than we know.

Whether you are someone who sits and watches tv all day or someone who reads books to grow in a certain area, you are where you are because of your routine.

Successful people adopt habits that program their mind and body to perform in a particular way to reach their highest potential.

Those habits are embedded into their daily routine allowing them to reach their goals in shorter periods.

 Successful people create routines that are realistic and attainable and can also fit within their day. The best practices of successful people are seamlessly placed within the day, so it seems more normal and less like an annoying chore.  

Many successful people, however, stress the importance of having a daily morning routine to boost energy, productivity, and mental clarity.  

Why having a Morning Routine is Important?

As stated before, the first portion of your day is the most important and sets the overall mood for the rest day.

Getting up on the “wrong side of the bed” usually turns into a spiral effect of negative things happening systemically one after the other.

But that’s not all, what if I told you getting up on the “right side of the bed” has the same systematic effect more positively.  

Creating a morning routine has the potential to boost your daily effectiveness and maximize proficiency; assisting all the “successful cards” to fall in your favor. Here’s the deal:

Energy Boost: Successful people who have created a morning routine feel more awake and alert throughout the day.

Alertness is the first step to success because you become more aware of your day instead of just slipping through like most people.

Productivity: Morning Routines can increase your productivity. I for one feel like I get more done when I strategically plan out my mornings.

Productivity is also important because how can you become successful if you aren’t getting anything done.

Mental Clarity: Mental Clarity is very important and plays a huge role in your success. Success is easier achieved when you have clarity and a clear vision.

Mornings are perfect for getting mental clarity because there are fewer distractions in the morning allowing you to gain more focus.

Think about it, wouldn’t things be less difficult if we could have more energy, increased productivity, and more mental clarity? Absolutely! Let’s discuss the best morning routine for success.

Best Morning Routine for Success

Wake Up Early

I am an advocate for waking up early! Waking up early in the morning drastically reduces distractions and increases cognitive learning. 

Rise early to start your day and become fully engaged at whatever task you’re on; lessening the invasive “brain farts” we typically run into during the day.

Read Bible/ Prayer

The bible is full of instruction on business and principles for success. One book in particular that seems to get a lot of attention in the world of business is the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs instruct wisdom, finances, and even lifestyle.

Another method in starting your morning is beginning with prayer. Prayer is talking to God ( or the higher power, whichever you believe). I like to talk to God just as I would my earthly father.

There is no need for large words and drawn-out prayers because he already knows what we need.

Meditation

Contrary to what some may say, prayer and meditation are not the same things. Prayer is communication with God, while meditation is an act of listening to God.

Throughout our day God is constantly speaking to us, but we don’t usually hear Him unless we are focused on Him. Meditation in the morning is a perfect way to start your day, as you will get insight from your higher self.

Exercise for 30 minutes

Get Moving! Exercise in the morning is such a refreshing way to start the day. It helps to keep you more alert and to relieve any stress before you get your day started.

15- 30 minutes is more than enough time in the morning to give your body a total energy boost.

Write a To-do List

A To-Do List is another important key to your morning routine. Take time in the morning to write down the most important task for the day.

A lot of people like to write their to-do list the night before, but I realized that writing things out in the morning helps task to stay fresh on my mind, making them more likely to get done.  

Eat a Healthy Meal

Food is Fuel. Breakfast is the first meal of the day making it the most important meal you should eat. After a long night’s sleep, this is the meal where you break-fast.

When eating breakfast try choosing more healthy foods like oatmeal, fruit, veggies, and eggs. Things like meat and potatoes aren’t the best things to eat first thing in the morning, because they slow down your energy source.

Read a Self Development Book for 5 minutes

Nowadays people don’t read much like they use to. Reading is still very fundamental and it helps you to focus, get better sleep, and increase memory.

Choose a book in the field you wish to become an expert on and read for 5 to 10 minutes every morning. Over time you will be surprised how much reading can impact your daily life.

Check out this article on your brain when you read.

Listen to Uplifting Music

One of my absolute favorite things to do in the morning is listening to uplifting music. Music is such a powerful tool in the morning because music can have a huge influence on your mood. For example, many people listen to earth sounds at night to help induce sleep and clear their minds.

  In the morning, I love listening to music that sets my mood for the day. Here is what I listen to in the morning:

How long should your morning routine be?

Your Morning Routine should last about 2 hours.  I know I know, two hours seem like a long time and you’d probably have to wake up way earlier than you’d like. But here’s the deal, the first two hours of your day are crucial to becoming successful.

 Most people go to work for 8 hours a day, only to come home and work for another 4 hours before the kids are put to sleep.

I for one have found night-time is one the hardest times to create new habits; social media being a huge distraction and not to mention being exhausted.

Research has shown that our brains are at their best first thing in the morning. More brainpower means less strenuous work later in the day when I need energy the most.

Start Your Day Like This

If you want to be successful, create a morning routine that influences the life you want to live.

Whether you desire to be more healthy, get organized, or expand your knowledge in a specific area; your success starts with a daily morning routine.  

Wake up early, create your to-do list, and get moving toward the best days you’ve ever had. Use this list to create a routine that perfectly fits within your daily life.  

You May Like This Post:

What Every Mom Should Do Before Monday

10 Relaxing Self Care Methods for Better Sleep

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Categories: Lifestyle

How to Refresh Old Goals for the New Year

How to Refresh Old Goals for the New Year

scissors and two paper clips beside opened spiral notebook

There is no better time than now to refresh old goals for the new year. It’s the beginning of the year which means your hopes are high and you are feeling motivated to restart an old goal.

How many times have you heard people say this is going to be my year? Or, new year new me… unfortunately it isnt the change of a new year that brings new results it’s when we change our mindset that brings a different result!

How many times have we set out to accomplish something in the new year and by March or April we’ve forgotten all about it? Heres why..

Usually when we go into a new year, we go straight to I’m going to wake up at 4am, I’m going to work out for a 30 mins a day, I’m going to fast for 6 hours every week etc..

However, we haven’t programmed ourselves in the previous year to automatically do those things without much effort. So from January to February we are consistently going after our goals and then something distracts us and we get off track.

Year after year after year we set intentions to do something big, but we cant follow through til December. The cycle stops here.

How to Reset for the New Year

Assess Your Goals

Make your goals realistic. Often times we try to go straight to our ultimate goal instead of creating realistic milestones that lead to what we ultimately desire.

Start by breaking down your goals into smaller achievements. Remember slow and steady wins the race.

Get Consistent

 In order to get good at anything you have to do it again and again until you start to see results.  Girl even if you’re trying to lose weight and you dont she’d any pounds but you lost inches KEEP GOING!

I however, can understand how hard it is not to stare at the scale once you’ve worked out for only week and you still haven’t lost 1 single pound.

Continue working on your goal everyday, even on the days you don’t feel like it. Consistency is the mother of all achievements, and take it from me, without her you never win.

Get Clarity

 What is your why? What is so important about this goal that you must achieve it?

Knowing your why and being very clear on it helps you to be more intentional when going after your goals. We often spend so much time doing unnecessary things that don’t ultimately lead to the results we want.

Let me give you an example, In the beginning of the year many people sign up for gym memberships and spend lots of time and money looking for the perfect workout gear but then they never go.

The truth is most people haven’t identifed their why and after while the goal of losing weight isn’t at the top of our “must do list”.

Most people are looking to lose weight in the beginning of the year but they don’t know why they want to lose weight. Maybe it is for health reasons, to fit in a certain dress for a class reunion, or to run a marathon; identifying your why gives you the clarity you need to refresh old goals for the new year.


Develop a Winners Mindset

Winners never quit and quitters never win; unless you stopped smoking cigarettes. Developing a winners mindset is key if you want to refresh old goals for the new year.

I for one would like to stop writing down the goal of becoming a vegetarian; knowing good and well I love bacon too much. Winners keep going even when things are tough. One way to developing a winners mindset is to take it one day at a time.

We often try to fight  a years worth of battles in a few days; ok im exaggerating but still. Start by fighting ONLY todays battles; because tomorrow never comes. 

Refresh Old Goals for the New Year 2021

Although starting over isn’t easy, you aren’t necessarily starting from zero. Having already experienced set backs, and failed attempts, you know exactly what didn’t work for you and what adjustments need to be made in order to accomplish those old goals.

After eliminating what doesn’t work, focus on the things that worked and start from there. The ultimate goal is to finish, and the only way to finish is to get started.

Assess the areas where you fell off track and plan a strategy to achieve your goals.

I hope you enjoyed this post on how to refresh old goals for the new year. It’s time to crush your goals and make this year the best year you’ve ever had.

Restart and refresh your new years resolution to better yourself with the mindset of a winner and fight to get the job done. Honey, those old goals don’t stand a chance this year.

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Categories: Lifestyle

The 5 Most Exciting Ways to Reinvent Yourself Before the New Year

The 5 Most Exciting Ways to Reinvent Yourself Before the New Year

The new year is quickly approaching, and if you didn’t like how things went this year, right now is the perfect time to reinvent yourself. You have the opportunity to remove the things around you that no longer serve you or have purpose. In this post I share the 5 most exciting ways to reinvent yourself before the new year.

How to Start Over and Reinvent Yourself



To start over you must change what’s on the inside before changing what’s on the outside. Before reinvention can begin, take some time to evaluate your perspective. Check to see how your thoughts determined your habits, which determined your actions.

Find out what shaped those negative thoughts and start looking for ways to bring in a more positive attitude. Even if you change your environment you’ll always be where you are  if you don’t change your mind.  Your body will quickly start to adjust to your new environment and bring in that “same ol stinking thinking”. Your perspective is crucial in reinventing yourself because it is the foundation of becoming a better you.

This exercise is the perfect start to reinventing yourself. Whatever didn’t serve you this year, can be released.  Girl, out with the old and in with the new. Remember you don’t put new wine in old wineskins.  


5 Exciting Ways to Reinvent Yourself Before the New Year



1. Start Making New Friends

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “You are who you hang around”. If there is anything you don’t like about yourself, check your surroundings and see if any of the people you hang with have similar qualities.

In order to reinvent yourself you should surround yourself with people who have the qualities you wish to possess. Strive to never be the smartest person in the room, so that you’ll always have space to grow. Although most people don’t like to make new friends, because it means getting to know and trust someone new, it is important to build relationship with people you can admire.

2. Change Your Style


One of my favorite ways to reinvent myself is to change up my look. I usually start with my hair. I’ve dyed my hair honey blonde, wore a pixie cut, did the big chop and so much more. Many people would probably say its mid-life crisis, I say why be like everyone else when I can be different.

Next, I change up my clothing style. You can wear colors you wouldn’t normally wear or fashion pieces that speak to the person you wish to become. If you are looking to start a business, you can start to reinvent yourself by wearing more business clothes like blazers and suits.


Houndstooth Plaid Double Breasted Blazer
from: SHEIN


3. Learn a New Skill


ABL (Always Be Learning)! Learning a new skill can be a great start to your reinvention. The things around us are constantly changing and to survive this “new age” you have to continue to expand your mindset. A great way to start is by joining a platform called Skillshare. Skillshare is a membership platform dedicated to helping you learning a new skill and improve old skills. If you aren’t able to afford a premium membership program, you can also “google it”, or hop on “Youtube University”. Platforms like Google and Youtube are filled with How to’s and Tutorials on learning a new skill.

4. Read Self-Help Books

I love to read self help books.  In order to improve yourself you can read books that help you  to develop a better mindset to fit your new lifestyle.  Reading self-help books is an affordable way to receive lifestyle coaching without breaking the bank. Don’t forget to apply what you’ve learned, otherwise you’re just reading for fun.

Click Here to find out what book I’m currently reading.

5. Create New Habits

Habits are what shape us into who we are. Our habits are the routines we’ve adopted over time that has determined our quality of life. I like to create new habits as a means of building a better me. Its time to reinvent yourself, why not start with creating a new routine. Take your body off of autopilot, youll be surprise what other things your mind and body can do.

Building a Better Me

In 2014, I joined a financial service marketing organization to learn more about finances. After going through the training process I realized the current  people I was associating myself with didn’t know simple financial concepts, and I was simply a product of my environment. Every Saturday morning I would receive personal development training and financial coaching from someone who has made over a million dollars a year.

After 1 year of coaching I started to see a huge change in my personal development, our team grew in numbers and our finances changed as well. Every year I take a look at my goals and I check my surroundings to see if my environment is conducive for the growth I desire.

Time to Reinvent Yourself

You can become the person you always knew you could be; starting today! Be determined to start over and reinvent yourself by Adopting new habits and getting rid of old things before the new year begins. Should you decided to finally take the leap into a better life, save this post for inspiration.  Your new life awaits!  

May you find this post to be a blessing!

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Categories: Lifestyle

The 10 Best Thanksgiving Day Traditions Your Family Will Love

The 10 Best Thanksgiving Day Traditions Your Family will Love

From generation to generation, family traditions are the memories that connect the family together. Traditions have a way of telling life-long stories that remind us of our families history and customs. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to pull out those old family recipes, watch old holiday films, and make lasting memories for the years to come. Here I’ll be sharing the 10 best thanksgiving day traditions your family will love.

My Thanksgiving Day Morning Tradition


Growing up my family would wake up every Thanksgiving morning at 5am to get dressed and head to our local farmer’s market. It was usually 30 degrees or less and I probably had on 3 layers of clothes just to keep from freezing to death. My sister and I would grab a cup of hot chocolate from one of the market vendors and shop all the tables until our feet hurt. I remember shopping for fuzzy socks, thermals, knock off Louis Vuitton bags, perfume, and the most adorable winter fashion scarfs.

We would end our trip to the farmers market eating cheese fries and shish kabobs as we headed back to the car.  No matter how cold it was or how early we had to wake up, it will always be a memorable Thanksgiving morning tradition.


 The Best Things To Do on Thanksgiving


1. Visit Local Farmers Market

I absolutely adore the farmers market. The farmers market is great place to spend quality time with your family. Not to mention the food and the cheap deals is icing on the cake.


2. Volunteer at a Local Shelter

Volunteering at a local shelter is a great Thanksgiving day family tradition. Serving those who are in need, not only makes for great memories together but also helps us appreciate our many blessings.


3. Give away a Thanksgiving Basket to Family in Need

This has always been one of the most heart- felt thanksgiving traditions. I can remember my grandfather standing on the back of his truck bringing all the turkeys in his church as my grandmother packed boxes for needy families in the neighborhood. Find a family in need that you can help this Thanksgiving, you’ll be happy you did. Basket give-a-ways are one of the many meaningful things to do on Thanksgiving.


4. Watch The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

I absolutely adore the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. All the of the cool floats, the singers and dancers, and the celebrities brings such a joy to me during the holiday season. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2020 will air Nov. 26th at 9am. Although it will be virtual experience and won’t have a massive crowd of people cheering,

it is still a fun thanksgiving morning tradition.


5. Family Cook Off

Everybody has that one specialty dish that they think is better than everyone else’s. Thanksgiving is a perfect holiday to test out your mac and cheese recipe up against the families reigning champ. Check out Pinterest for inspiration for this year’s Thanksgiving day recipes.

6. Watch NFL Football Games

Football, Family, and Food is my favorite Thanksgiving Day tradition. It’s something about sports and games that can elevate any family gathering. Thanksgiving Day Football games are a “must-do” in my book of Thanksgiving Day traditions.


7. Go to the Movie Theater

Thanksgiving Day Movies are the best. After you’ve eaten your meal and took an hour nap, it’s time to head out to the movie theater. Going to the movies on Thanksgiving is a great family tradition because it creates unforgettable experiences.


8. Pick a Tree from a Local Nursery

This tradition is huge in many families. Taking your family out to pick the perfect tree is a great thanksgiving morning tradition. The perfect tree isnt just about the tree itself but the person/ people you are with.


9. Black Friday Shopping

Black Friday is nothing like it use to be because many people shop online. However, waiting in line at 11pm on Thanksgiving night, for the midnight Black Friday deals is a great tradition to start. I use to love waiting out in the cold for the latest toy or tv with my family. Click here to see my thanksgiving day shirt!

10. Decorate for Christmas

This is one tradition ill always cherish. Trimming the tree, sitting under the fire place, and eating the gourmet popcorn from a can while the Christmas lights hummed jingles is a great way to end Thanksgiving. After all, waking up the day after Thanksgiving to the Christmas tree was a clear indication the best time of year was finally here.

The Best 10 Thanksgiving Day Traditions Your Family will love starts with spending the holiday with you.

May you find this post to be a blessing.

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