December 26, 2008

It's a give-away!

You've all read (hopefully) my posts on Dove's Campaign for Real Beauty and how much I love its message...and now I've got something to spread the love!

I was sent 4 t-shirts (2 Mediums and 2 Larges) by the fabulous Mele (hi Mele!) to give away as a means to spread the word about the campaign. I'm happy to send these to 4 lucky people -- within the United States -- as they share at least one positive thing they like about themselves (with a brief mention which size is preferred). You have from now until Sunday, January 4 2009 to post your comment. I'll announce the winners on Monday, January 5 and they'll have 4 days to contact me (via email) with their mailing address. If I'm not contacted, I'll give the shirt away again.

To see the "You're Beautiful" shirt click here.

This isn't something to promote arrogance, but rather a way to see what "inner beauty" entails. I'll choose the winners by drawing their comment number out of a bowl.

I'll start:
Something I like about myself: I like my smile and seeing other people smile as a result.

GO!

Resolution

Exactly one week from today you'll be well into making your New Year Resolution a reality. You'll be mastering self-discipline as you learn to walk away from the thing(s) that deter you from your desired outcome. You’ll be working hard to conquer the roadblocks that may develop.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years regarding New Year’s Resolutions it’s to be prepared for the set-backs and have a plan to overcome them. That plan needs to be in place before your start date. Here are some basics to keep you inline:

Know your goals: What’s your long-term goal? What are your short-term goals that’ll get you to your long term goal? (i.e. long-term goal is lose 25 pounds by June, short-term goals include losing 3-5 pounds/month, eat 6 fruits and veggies daily, 72+ ounces of water daily, etc.) Determine the actions you need to take along your path and write everything down where you will be able to see it often.

Date it: Write your short-term and long-term goals down on your most-used calendar and circle the dates with a colorful marker. Keep it visible so you’ll see it every day.

Journal: Write about your journey to your result daily or weekly. Note the obstacles you overcame or are battling. What motivates you? Be positive as you write, and read your past entries the night before the new week to remind you of your success.

Support: Get support from everyone by telling them your goals. Look for sites or blogs pertaining to your goal and get a group going that will support each other by reporting your daily successes.

As small as these things may seem, they will help you achieve your goals and brighten your outlook when things are looking glum.

Happy Resolutions & Live Well!
~Amy

December 8, 2008

Kids cooking in the kitchen = less picky eaters?

I recently read of a study done by the Teachers College at Columbia University where researchers studied the affects of a child's eating habits when allowed to help cook. Cooking classes were offered to teach children how to cook. "The researchers found that children who had cooked their own foods were more likely to eat those foods in the cafeteria, and even ask for seconds, than children who had not had the cooking class." This included radishes, folks.

I've noticed when I allow my kids to help me prepare desserts, not only do they love the quality time spent together but they're more inclined to try the new treat we've made. [Light-bulb frantically blinking.]

What if I do what was once unthinkable and allow them to help me prepare dinner, scary knives and hot stoves included (but highly supervised and guarded)?

My second child is quite the picky eater. Children #1 and #3 will eat anything I put in front of them, so dinner for child #2 has been a frustrating task for me.

I guess it's time to play a new version of the dinner game??