Gratitude Jars - DIY Project For Kids Of ALL Ages!

Let's Build A Gratitude Jar...TOGETHER!

Learn how to make a simple gratitude jar that you can use to record & collect your happy moments.

 Adding to it each week is an easy way to practice self-care, as it forces you to slow down and reflect on the positive things (big & small) in your everyday life. This also makes a thoughtful DIY gift for friends, family, or anyone who's going through a rough patch (anyone living through 2020 can relate).

What is a Gratitude Jar?

Essentially, a jar (usually a glass mason jar but any vessel works) that helps you practice gratitude by reflecting on the positive things in your life.

There are two main types of gratitude jars:

An Empty Jar That You Fill (with handwritten scraps of paper

 containing things you're grateful for)

A Full Jar That You Pull From (with printed slips of paper that have inspirational quotes on them)

The first is one you typically make yourself (or are gifted by others).

The second is one you buy pre-made that you can draw from and read whenever you want.

 

I'm sharing the first type today. As much as I love quotes,

I think it's more personal & meaningful to fill the jar with your

own thoughts of gratitude and happiness. And physically writing

out those thoughts solidifies them in your mind.

Why Start a Gratitude Jar?

The MAIN REASON?

 It's good for your mental health & GREAT self care to practice gratitude!

And right now, mental health is a BIG issue.

 

We live in a time where we're constantly stimulated

by our phones, laptops & tablets. We become addicted

 to the quick dopamine hits we get when folks "like" or comment

on our social media or forum posts.

But what happens when an algorithm changes and suddenly

 no one is seeing your posts? Or, your feed is filled with pictures

 and videos of everyone else's highly edited & curated "perfect" life?

 

You start to feel less than. You begin to fall into the comparison trap.

Wonder why your life isn't like theirs.

Here's what to do if you fall into the comparison trap:

mute that person's account or unfollow them

if you find yourself mindlessly scrolling in places that make you feel bad, delete the social apps from your phone or clear the cache on your computer so you're logged out of all sites

UNPLUG and take a break from the digital world

And in the meantime, ground yourself in your actual, real-world life.

Interact with your loved ones - as much as safely possible during

these times, spend time outdoors, do something that fills you up,

 & create a home environment that brings you joy.

 

Practicing gratitude helps immensely, too!

 

It forces us to slow down and reflect on the things we're thankful for.

And when we think about said positive things, it makes us feel good.

It also gives a much-needed perspective when we're comparing our

imagined "deficit" to another person's "surplus".

Ideas & Writing Prompts For a Gratitude Jar

 

 

Some folks have a hard time writing when they're sitting in front

of a blank piece of paper. Here are some ideas to get the words flowing:

core needs that are being met (shelter, food, safety, health, transportation, etc.)

people that are making a positive impact on your life & why

activities you're doing right now that make you happy: TV shows, books, movies, games, extracurricular things, etc. (it's fun to record these and look back on them a year later)

new experiences you've had

funny or cute moments from the furry friends in your life

things you've learned recently

things you've purchased, donated, or gifted

any creative outlet you have

good things that happen to others in your life (let it be aspirational for you)

places you've traveled to (even if they're just in your local area)

how you're feeling physically (it could always be worse - LOL)

seasonal things (weather, holidays, etc.)

things you've moved on from or left go in your life

new habits you've started

things you're looking forward to

old memories that affect you deeply & stay with you to this day

quotes or ideas that inspire you & why

Learn how to make a simple gratitude jar that you can use to record & collect your happy moments. Adding to it each day is an easy way to practice self-care, as it forces you to slow down and reflect on the positive things (big & small) in your everyday life. This also makes a thoughtful DIY gift for friends, family, or anyone who's going through a rough patch.

MATERIALS:

1 glass jar with lid - like a mason jar, hermetically sealed jar, etc.

1 pack of index cards or cardstock cut down into your preferred size (you'll need 52 pieces of paper for a weekly jar)

a few good pens in your favorite color

Decorations (optional): a kraft sticker or chalkboard sticker or chalkboard paint for decorating the jar with a "gratitude jar", "happy jar" or "good things jar" label

 

 

STEPS:

Buy the jar, cards, and pens and set them next to each other in a place where you can easily see the jar & remember to add to it weekly (or daily if you prefer).

Create a written and/or digital reminder to yourself to add to the jar all year long. This makes it easy to add to your routine!

DECORATING OPTION: If you're gifting this to someone else (or want to decorate it for yourself), wrap some hemp cord (plain or colored) around the top of the jar, then apply a sticker or several layers of chalkboard paint to one side of the jar. Write "gratitude jar", "happy jar", or "good things jar" using your favorite pen, markers, or chalk. You could even get a nice tag to tie onto the cord and write brief instructions for how to use the jar, and pair it with a few good-quality pens. 

Everyone Needs A Little Fun On The Run....After The Past Few Months We've Had

Are the kids tired of being stuck at home and feeling a little bored? 

Are you planning a trip with your kids soon just to finally break free from quarentine??

Whether you are staying in, travelling in the car, airplane, train, cruise or attending an event catered to adults -the Fun On The Run Craft Kit by Lil Tux N' Tiara's Event Sitters, & Ent. is the perfect gift; full of well planned,  mess free activities and crafts to keep your lil' ones busy! 

It is also a great option for rainy days or to bring along wherever you may need to occupy your kids in a fun and creative way.

Fun On The Run includes over a dozen items - everything your lil' one needs to show off their creative talents. 

Designed for children 4 years and up, it may contain small parts so we encourage adults to use caution and supervision.

Shapes, colors, crafts & themes may vary.

Fun On Run Craft Kits offers something for kids of all ages.....

Craft Kit Ages 4-7      

Craft Kit Ages 8-12    

STEM     Ages 8-12    

If you would like your Fun On The Run Craft Kit to be personalized or fit a special occasion just let them know at no additional charge!!!

Fun On The Run Craft Kits are

available for purchase beginning Friday June 19th, 2020

Visit: www.liltuxntiaraseventsitter.com

Choosing To Stay Booked, Busy & Blessed Despite COVID-19

In recent months - weeks for some, the #1 trending topic has been CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19).
Each time we pick up our mobile devices, turn on the TV, or sign onto a social media platform we have been inundated with life saving information for ourselves and families. Unfortunately, we have also been overwhelmed with doom and gloom, conspiracy theorists, and misinformation from trusted individuals.  My day to day routine, just like yours, has been completely turned upside down.
Thankfully, many have created a good balance between staying informed, and not allowing themselves to become engrossed in the fake news frenzy.

The very first weekend the STAY HOME order was put in place in my area, I had some pretty major professional and personal events that I was really looking forward to:

*The 3rd Annual Middle & High School STEP Show and Competition. CANCELLED!
*My Non Profit  The Lemonade Stand Kidpreneur Workshop. CANCELLED!!
*My VERY off-off-off Broadway Dance Theatre performance at York College. CANCELLED!!!.

I sat at home that weekend, totally bummed at how quickly the events that took me months to plan, were altered, how necessary it is for us all to embrace change and learn how to pivot when times like this arise.
Then the domino effect began; schools across the country closed their doors and implemented remote learning curriculum - what seemed like overnight,  business' started to close, the toilet paper wars began, more and more events were cancelled, news channels all began to look and sound alike...and everyone was fearing the unknown.

People everywhere began to panic and due to me not being a panicky type of person,  I had a decision to make. The decision was exactly how much of my peace, joy, energy, and time was I going to dedicate to this crisis. I chose to be a vessel of information, good cheer, and hope rather than the bad news bone collector.

I figured my personal and professional purpose had always been sharing ideas and options where there would otherwise be none. So my mission now was to share educational activities for children, daily scheduling templates, meal prep ideas, funny, uplifting social media posts, easy at home exercise and entertainment options to keep households engaged and stress free.
It was imperative to convey to my friends, family, social media circle, and readers that this was our new normal- for now; not forever. I had every intention of surviving this and they would too.

It was and still is vital that we keep talking, laughing, planning, sharing, moving and enjoying each other whether there are 50, 10 or 2 of us gathered,  6 feet apart or on Zoom. Especially for those in our families that may have a harder time adjusting to drastic changes in their day to day routines; the children and the elderly. Both of which live with me.

Just as I did before the crisis, I found ways to stay busy and gladly invited others along for the ride.

To my surprise there were more just like me out there hosting parties, attending classes, courses, webinars, podcasts, tours, support groups etc.

My "What I Did During Quarantine" Journal  (so far)

Last weekend, we drove to Washington DC to move my daughter out of her Off Campus Apartment. ROAD TRIP!!!  We found a virtual dance party on Instagram hosted by DJ D-Nice. THE LEGEND.  He got us through about five hours of cleaning cabinets and packing boxes; My husband and I 2-stepping down memory lane, while my daughter was totally mortified and sharing it on SnapChat.
DJ D-Nice even got us back up I-95 for the 4 hour drive back home the next day.

Our family participated in Social Distancing Spirit Week (Pajama Day, Crazy Sock Day, Xmas in March Day, Twin Day, Disney Day)

Entertained the shoppers in Aisles 6, 7, and 8 at STOP N SHOP;  Dance video off-course!

Toured The Orchid Show at the Botanical Gardens

Danced with The Alvin Ailey Dancers (they were so kind and patient)

Attended a Dance Class taught by Debbie Allen & another by Brukwine Aerobics

Accepted a few Tik Tok Dance Challenges

Raised my glass for a good friend at her 50th Birthday Party via ZOOM

Movie Nights (Tiger King, 21 Bridges, Richard Jewell, Uncorked, Family, Madam CJ Walker)

Journaling / Blogging / Reading

Cooking; Mr. & Mrs. Cook-off (Coming Soon)

Was even able to get some really good "couch seats" for friends to see Elton John & Backstreet Boys

A few Virtual Vacations (Europe & Central America were drastically discounted)

Preparing to be interviewed on a Podcast this week

Tonight my AMAZING Wedding DJ is hosting a Virtual Birthday party with Old School Tunes

....more planning......more planning........MORE PLANNING!!

Can you imagine turning down a Quarantine invitation because you've already made "other plans"????

We can all agree that this adjustment of staying home, not being able to spend time with friends and family the way we were accustomed, remembering to run at top speed  if someone looks like  they want to embrace you or release a cough, and putting on battle armor just to purchase milk is a very hard pill to swallow.

Please keep in mind though, that we determine how we come out of this crisis. We either allow time to pass us by while sitting at home on the couch, or we can choose to feed our mind, body, spirit and soul by getting up, getting dressed and LIVING LIFE! .

What will you choose??? 

Our hearts and prayers go out to every man, woman and child that has been affected by this Pandemic. We acknowledge the people that have lost loved ones, colleagues, jobs, business opportunities, and those that have had their education journey interrupted.
We extend our utmost gratitude to all of  the essential professionals that are still getting up each and everyday, to make physical, mental and emotional sacrifices for the safety of their communities.

Please continue to adhere to the health and safety recommendations by the CDC and local elected officials.

Be Safe. Stay Home. Be Well.

The Open House....A Family Affair or Kiddie Nightmare!?!?!?!?

After being snowed and frozen in the house for the past few days, I binge watched some shows that I liked and even some shows that I never thought I would like.

So somewhere about the seventh hour of 'Million Dollar Listing-LA' (BRAVO), it occurred to me that those in the High End Real Estate business, go through great lengths to rent, lease, and sell their very pricey properties.

The Open Houses and Showings ranged from the average run of the mill Sunday event, with a handmade sign and half a dozen balloons on the front lawn - to staged properties with open bars, passed hors d'oeuvres, rolled cigars, sushi bars, jazz bands, synchronized swimmers, and kids tables with face painting & fun activities. All the stops are pulled out for these potential buyers willing to pay the big bucks in very affluent -'who's who' - kind of neighborhoods.



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I began to do a little research on what the industry really thought about kids being brought to Open Houses and Showings.

There weren't that many articles, but the truth is there are many shopping for new homes as a family, that include their children in the process. Another truth is that, not everyone has a Nanny or Babysitter option when viewing these properties; so their children can and will be a factor when trying to have a real discussion about making this large purchase.


I think the idea of having an activity or two on hand for the children is a brilliant idea; (Wink...Wink).

Having some sort of onsite childcare/activity option for children during these events:

prevents boredom of very young children

increases child safety & reduces accidents

allows parents to focus on whats needed to make informed decisions

enables Agents/Brokers to discuss the necessary details without interruption or distraction


Here's a great article with the Do's & Don'ts of letting the lil' join in house hunting:


You’ve decided to take your kids along with you to an open house and want to make sure they’re engaged, feel included and don’t distract you from the task at hand. Here are some tips to help you achieve these goals:


Recruit a media crew


Have your kids take photos or videos for you during the tour. According to Common Sense Media, 75% of all children have access to mobile devices at home, so chances are your kids are well versed when it comes to handling your cellphone. Involving them in this way is also a great way to use media to teach teamwork and foster curiosity, particularly if you engage your kids by “co-viewing and co-playing and asking questions about what they think,” when you get home and do a 360 photo or video tour.


However, before capturing any media, be sure to get permission first since this may be privacy concern for some sellers. Also, if your kids are old enough to read they can help you quiz the seller or real estate agent, asking any questions that come up during the open house.


Use activity sheets


Create activity sheets with elements and amenities that you’re looking for in your new home and have your kids mark them off as you encounter them. This will help you to better distinguish between the houses that you tour, and also turn the task into a group activity that the whole family can participate in.

Turn it into a scavenger hunt

Have your kids keep an eye out for specific defects like scuffs so you can focus on the big picture during the walk-through. This way you won’t have to split your focus but you’ll still have a complete picture at the end of the day when you’re comparing notes. Plus the kids get to make a game out of it to keep things interesting.


Make it educational


“Kids are always learning by taking in all that they see and hear around them – often without parents realizing just how much their children are paying attention,” says Elizabeth Grace of Kids Development. So why not turn the open house into a learning opportunity?

You could focus on vocabulary for younger kids and use it to teach them about the different types of homes you encounter, or geography and the different neighborhoods in your city. And if your kids are a little older and able to process more complex information, use these visits to discuss real estate and finances. Adapt your lessons to their age and change them up as you go.


Establish ground rules


As a courtesy, call ahead to let the host know that you’ll be bringing kids along. And be sure to establish ground rules to ensure that your kids are respectful of private property, any pets on site, and other visitors. You may also need to talk to them about bathroom usage, since this will not be a regular home visit with access to restrooms.


Finally, be sure to get there early to give yourself plenty of time for the group tour, and monitor the time as you go to ensure that you honor the ending time of the event as well.

Good Luck Parents!!!!
The original link is below:
https://www.realtyexecutives.com/agent/steve-aragon/blog/how-to-navigate-an-open-house-with-kids-in-tow