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

Welcome To The Party!!

Lil' Tux N' Tiara's Event Sitters & Entertainment

 in partnership with 

The Lemonade Stand Kid-Preneur Workshop Presents.....

2 Awesome Interactive Events for Students:

"Welcome To The Party:

Virtual Vision Board Event" 

We Will Celebrate & Create

  CLEAR VISION * POSITIVE MINDSET * GOAL SETTING 

JUNE 12, 2020

*Middle School Ages 10-13 @4:30 pm

https://www.crowdcast.io/e/lets-party-virtual/register

*Class of 2020 HS Seniors @ 7:00 pm

https://www.crowdcast.io/e/welcome-to-the-party-2/register

Vision Board Party Supplies

Magazines, Poster Board, Markers, Colored Pencils, Tape, Glue Sticks, Scissors, 

REGISTER TODAY & JOIN THE PARTY!!

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.

6 Important Lessons Our Kids Can Learn From Kobe Bryant

On Sunday, January 26th, Hall-of-Fame basketball player and iconic leader Kobe Bryant died at 41. The tragic helicopter crash that took his and eight other lives shows just how fragile life really is — one moment we’re here, and the next we’re gone. Here are six valuable lessons We’ve learned from him over the years:

1. Relentless work ethic

Kobe was famous for his relentless work ethic and his intolerance of those who did not share it. He once said, "I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses." 

He was always willing to put in the hours because he didn’t want to get beat by the competition and never made excuses. He played a game left-handed when an injured shoulder kept him from shooting with his right. He played a game with a 102-degree fever and famously stayed in the game to make his free throws after tearing his Achilles.

That’s the type of work ethic that begins separating you from the rest of the crowd. When you’re willing to work on your craft or business and put in the hours when everyone else is sleeping, you start pulling away from the pack.

2. Becoming obsessive

Kobe didn't just invest his time and sweat into basketball — he dedicated himself in every way to becoming one of the best. "If you want to be great in a particular area," he once said, "you have to obsess over it. A lot of people say they want to be great, but they're not willing to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve greatness. They have other concerns, whether important or not, and they spread themselves out."

There was no hiding Kobe's deep love for basketball, and that’s exactly the mentality you must have if you want to become the best in your niche. Embrace your passion, your obsession, and use it to reach heights others can't.

Fall in love with the process of what you do. If you’re only in it for the money, fame or accolades, you’re not going to make it very far. 

3. Leaders create leaders

“I liked challenging people and making them uncomfortable," Kobe once said. "That’s what leads to introspection and that’s what leads to improvement. You could say I dared people to be their best selves.” 

On the court, Kobe was a powerful-if-controversial leader for his team. He always aggressively pushed his teammates to be their best, and while some have called Kobe a bully, the former Laker explained his strategy in his book, Mamba Mentality: “I varied my approach from player to player. I still challenged everyone and made them uncomfortable, I just did it in a way that was tailored to them. To learn what would work and for who, I started doing homework and watched how they behaved. I learned their histories and listened to what their goals were. I learned what made them feel secure and where their greatest doubts lay. Once I understood them, I could help bring the best out of them by touching the right nerve at the right time.”

4. Embracing new skills

One of the questions Kobe often asked himself after retiring in 2016 was, “What do I enjoy doing?” When he found the answer — storytelling — he pushed and founded multimedia production company Granity Studios.

In 2018, Kobe won an Academy Award, a Sports Emmy and an Annie Award for his short animated film Dear Basketball. He was proud of being the first African American to win an award in that category and believed there needed to be more diversity.

Kobe said then, “I remain focused on changing the world in positive ways through diverse stories, characters and leadership in order to inspire the next generation.”

5. The Mamba Mindset

At 13 years old, Kobe decided he was going to be one of the best basketball players who ever played. Everything else had to be pushed to the side.

In an interview, Kobe says he was inspired by great players like Michael Jordan and Magic Jordan. He'd watch their amazing feats and ask himself, "Can I get to that level?"

His answer: "I don't know, but let's find out."

He believed that if others could do something, then he could too. When you follow in the footsteps of successful people, you can get similar or even better results. Whether you're building a business, becoming a great athlete, learning a new skill or adopting a new habit, modeling your actions and habits after someone who’s already successful saves you the most time and money in the long run.

6. How to handle pressure

In both business and life, you’re going to have to make vital decisions when you’re under pressure. Sometimes, the decision you make may not be the right one but that’s where we learn the most. This is what Kobe experienced in his first year in the NBA.

When Kobe was just 18 years old, he attempted a shot in the final seconds of an important playoff game against the Utah Jazz. He took the shot with confidence but instead of making the game-winning basket, he shot an airball. The Lakers eventually lost in overtime. 

But, that apparent failure became a turning point for Kobe, who would spend the entire off-season working on his shot “until the sun came up.” Kobe didn't consider himself a failure, even though he failed. Instead, he used that moment as feedback to work on what he needed to improve. He once said, "Everything negative — pressure, challenges – is all an opportunity for me to rise," and he used that mentality to rebound from an early setback.

Kobe went on to make 36 winning game shots in his 20-year career. His last game-winning shot (in the final game he ever played) came against the Utah Jazz. Even under heavy pressure, Kobe wasn’t afraid to rise to the occasion.

Keep Calm & Journal On

At the top of 2019, I was approached by a friend and colleague  who was considering me to assist in co-authoring her next book. "Soaring Beyond The 9 to 5".

This was not something that I had ever done before, nor would I even know where to begin if left on my own. However the more that I gave the offer  thought, the more I realized that I had nothing to lose and everything to gain by stepping outside of my comfort zone. 

After graduating from High School, I began to write and journal. This was before "journaling" was a trend. It afforded me the opportunity to gather my thoughts, plan out my short and long term goals, work on my love for writing, and help me to process and develop my understanding of the world around me. 

Now I was being asked to actually publish, and profit off of something  that I considered a fun hobby. 

At the beginning of the writing process, I realized that this was not a task that I would be able to complete in one shot. I would have to take the writing in very specific chunks, just as I did with my journaling.  I took apart the suggested questions and prompts; which is what lead me to contribute my chapter effectively. 

My  familiarity with journaling helped me gather my thoughts in an organized way, helped me stay on task so that I not only shared quality information with the future readers, but did so while staying within the scheduled completion deadline.  

Journaling is POWERFUL. 

Keeping journals is not just for adults this is very beneficial for kids of all ages from Elementary to High School. 

For kids, a journal can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. They can use a plain composition notebook, with maybe a few scented gel colored pens, a slightly embellished/colorful book from a local Michael's, AC Moore, Walmart or Dollar Store. Depending on the age of the child could determine if prompts are needed  or if it would be a freestyle journal where words, and drawings were entered.  

By writing and drawing in their journals,  kids are deciding what events they want to remember from their day. By creating these  histories, children develop writing and storytelling skills that will help them in school and beyond.  Kids experience new things every single day. Journaling gives them a safe space to go over these events and reflect.  Some kids’ journal entries are serious, but a lot of them are very silly. They are laughing and developing their sense of humor at the same time.

For adults,  you may want a journal with a little more sparkle and personality. I personally love the colors fuscia and turquoise (wink, wink), with inspirational sayings on the front. Journals are EVERYWHERE now; Barnes & Nobles, Amazon.com, Etsy.com, and on websites belonging to some creative small business owners. Just enter 'Journals' in your Google search- you are bound to find what you are looking for. Thanks to advanced technology, there are even apps such as Momento,  Moodnotes and Five Minute Journal that make journaling convenient and fun. 

Here are some of the many benefits of  journaling:

    Relieves stress

    Inspires creativity

    Hones writing skills

    Encourages Self Expression

    Encourages positive communication

• Increases Positive thinking

• Helps set short and long term goals

• Increases awareness

• Keeps you accountable to yourself

• Provides sentimental value (if it's a personal)

• Aides in personal,  & professional organization

• Allows you to track and monitor progress

• Allows you to track personal progress

• Provides a sense of accomplishment

• Helps you overcome obstacles

• Increases success and satisfaction
• Help you grow in emotional intelligence

• Facilitates decision making

• Turns ordinary moments into extraordinary

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• The goal is, if you are looking to enter the world 
• of journaling  is investing in the right journal. 

• Your journal should inspire you to express
•  yourself with ease. 

• So it should create the right vibe for you to
•  relax, focus and put your thoughts to paper. 
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• Keep Calm & Journal On!

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Rediscover Family Traditions

For as long as I can remember, there have been family traditions in my household.

Traditions around bedtime, mealtime, first day of school, holidays, dance recitals, birthday and celebrations alike. Some I have forgotten, but many I hold near and dear to my heart till this day.

I think a part of the reason why some of these traditions were so memorable and important were because my parents were new to the United States and had to create a new normal for our family.

To me, shopping for the first day of school from 1^st grade to 8^th grade, was similar to the Forest Gump ‘life is like a box of chocolates quote’. I never knew what I was going to get.

 My father would always go to the Flea Market at Aqueduct Raceway in Queens NY, and purchase two, sometimes four pair of shoes / sneakers that either no one would know or ever look at. He reminded that the shoes were good quality and what good use I would get out of them. After awhile it just became a joke in the house, because he meant well. But the shoes were always god awful ugly!

I remember always celebrating Birthdays at Red Lobster. ALWAYS!

Why Red Lobster you ask? Because they always gave away an entire chocolate cake for FREE as well as sang a cheesy birthday song. (It was even cheesier back then).

My father worked and travelled a lot, so most of what I remember of our traditions included just my mother and me.

In hindsight, I applaud my mother. She made great efforts to create traditions for our family- Christmas and New Year’s included. Some that would warm the heart, and some that would be slightly questionable in a court of law.  LOL!

On Christmas Eve, we would drink hot chocolate and sing Christmas Carols – sometimes in a round out of this very thin, yet well preserved green book she kept from her school days in Jamaica W.I. She would also allow me to open at least one of my gifts…sometimes we had a tree – sometimes we did not; nonetheless, we had fun memories that I will cherish forever.

Christmas was never boring in our home, money or no money, friends or no friends, parties or no parties. I looked forward to every minute of it. Because we were together.

For years we would ring in the New Year hopping from theatre to theatre in the former SUNRISE Multiplex in Valley Stream, NY.

(I am pretty confident that the statute of limitations on movie hopping has expired by now, so I can proceed with my story). 

We didn’t have loads of money to spend on a night on the town; but what we did have was two tickets, popcorn, and fast moving, feet when it became necessary to run from theatre to theatre when each movie ended and the ticket / cleaning crew came around.

 I miss those days.  They brought me such joy and comfort. I am sure that I am not alone...can you relate? 

When I became a growing adult, with a growing family, I felt it was only right to rediscover the fun and joy of family traditions. Now I make an effort to drag my children to see the Christmas Tree. 

Yup, the same Christmas Tree that they drop off at Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park, every single year. I drag them to the Saks windows on 5^th Ave. 

Yup, the same windows displaying things I can’t afford, with a little fake snow thrown around. 

I still watch “It’s A Wonderful Life”, “March of The Wooden Soldiers with Laurel & Hardy” (off-course), and “The Honeymooners” marathon. 

Each year I purchase a REAL tree, as opposed to an artificial one, so that my home smells like and looks like LIFE. 

These intentional choices are vital; they send a message to my kids of who we are and what we can be.

So many of us as adults don’t value traditions anymore. We forget that those same experiences, shaped the people that we have become, both good and bad. When we turn our backs on those things, we are choosing to dismiss a major part of who we are and where we have come from. 

If you are fortunate enough to share your life with a partner, spouse, or children you are also denying them the opportunity of getting to know a piece of your past and journey.  

Traditions help us to connect our past to our present. They help to reinforce our values, faith, ethics, selflessness, and appreciation for our role models and the experiences they have imparted on us.

Whether anyone understands my need and desire to cultivate these traditions, they are necessary. They are necessary for me. They are necessary for my identity and sense of belonging to my family, culture, and community.

 Especially as I get older, and losing loved ones, is a reality.

The truth is that as we age, our beliefs and traditions become diluted and the things that shaped us -suddenly become foreign to us. It’s our responsibility especially if there are children in our lives, to remind ourselves and them that they are a part of a bigger story. It will hopefully, give them understanding and inspire confidence.

I want to encourage everyone to think about and take advantage of every opportunity to celebrate the values and beliefs that they hold dear.

 It doesn’t matter your religious beliefs, political affiliations, or financial status.

Don’t look at it as just another daunting task, but rather a blessing that you get to create and nurture something that will one day outlive you.

Traditions, moments spent with loved ones, stories, activities, memories, routines, create generational ties that should never be taken for granted.

Your Message Is BIGGER Than Your Circumstance

So,  I was just sitting at home, minding my own business when I heard Cynthia Erivo (the Star of the soon to be released film "HARRIET" in theaters this Friday) say,

 "Your message is bigger than your circumstance". 

I immediately jumped up, and grabbed my laptop, because I thought someone else may need to be reminded of that as well. 

Each day, everyone of us young,old, black, white, tall, short, rich, not so rich,  experience lonely, painful, challenges that we assume no-one could possibly understand. Remember those challenges when we are in so deep, prevent us from seeing that many before us have experienced the same or worse and survived. 

It's possible! 

Quite a few of us do not have the family situation we would like to have; some struggle with health issues; many struggle with employment and financial challenges; if you are a student, you may have issues meeting your academic goals;  most if not all of us struggle  with trying to move on from some type of loss that we have endured. I am here to tell you as a person that has been affected and deeply hurt by all of the above, I have survived, and am living proof that my message is way bigger than my circumstance. 

We  often make decisions, some good and some not so good, based on the emotions and perception of our circumstances.  Each of us  have a responsibility  not only to our families and community but most importantly to ourselves, to make choices that will benefit us and help us become better people. Don't use your circumstance - not matter how dark and frustrating, as an excuse  not to  be the best version of yourself; instead try and see how you can use your journey and message to inspire and encourage others to be their best self as well.

Everyday, I CHOOSE to surround myself only with friends and family, that encourage me to share my best message; not my worst circumstance. So no matter what the universe throws our way, let's  always strive to be an example to others. 

 We each have a message, a story, a purpose, and it is very important that we honor that even in the midst of our challenging circmstances. 

Cynthia Erivo was also a cast member in the Broadway version of The Color Purple and she performed a song titled "I'm Here". 

I thought the lyrics were so fitting for this Mindset Moment.  

Please take a moment to listen, hopefully share this message & INSPIRE. 

Copy & Paste the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-aAn2u5Pr4#action=share