“I’d rather have empathy than sympathy,” my younger daughter, 13, out of the blue stated the other day when I was driving her to her therapy riding session. That got me wondering if she knew the difference between the two. So I asked her why she felt that way and what she considered empathy. “Sympathy is just feeling sorry for someone, like pity, for someone else. Empathy is being able to feel their feelings, put yourself in their shoes and do something about it.” There are many challenging moments parenting teens. But there are also times when they say or…
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Oh I know Christmas seems right around the corner, doesn’t it? It somehow sneaks up on all of us every year. But this year I have been sharing some great treats and baked goods that may help you prepare some of the baking at least. As for the gifts, well I will probably share some gift ideas here too. Odds are good there will be shopping. Baking some of these Santa Treats ahead of time might help you stay on top of that one task. 17 Santa Treats 1. Chocolate Santa Pretzels 2. Rice Krispie Treat Bars 3. Santa Claus…
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The Alternative Eco-Gift Guide is here to help you make an impact this season. And to help you think about impactful ways to give while keeping the environment top of mind too. If you know me at all then you know I support many initiatives, charities and causes that make the world a better place, or just try to make it a better place. Not everyone wants or needs a massive expensive Christmas present. Eco-Conscious friends and family members would much rather you gifted something eco-friendly or long-lasting. The Alternative Eco-Gift Guide A lot of people are becoming more aware…
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ZURU Toys makes this Christmas more exciting with three great gifts for kids who need to fidget. And maybe for some Work at Home parents too. Fidget toys can be useful tools for kids with unique needs and challenges. For kids with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and even ADD, without the hyperactivity, these can help them focus. And these fidget toys from Zuru Toys are actually so fun I can’t put them down. As soon as this shipment of ZURU Toys arrived they caught our attention. Yes, I said “Our” attention, because I also wanted to pull them out and…
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My first trip to Ireland exceeded my expectations in every single way. While I started my trip in Killarney, I spent the last four and a half days of my trip to Ireland discovering Dublin. The city quickly won me over with its brilliant food, museums, architecture and people. Dublin is nothing if not creative and dramatic and you can’t help but fall for this vibrant and fun city. Day One Our First Meal in Dublin The day we arrived in Dublin by tour bus we headed directly to Queen of Tarts in Cow’s Lane. Queen of Tarts is cute…
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Chamilia by Swarovski is a brand I love because it is stylish, lovely and affordable too. This week the bracelets are even more affordable as they are marked down for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Trust me a Chamilia sale is a thing to celebrate. This year Chamilia by Swarovski has a limited edition Black Friday bracelet that’s flying off the shelves in their special Chamilia sale event. Details from the special edition Chamilia sale flyer: Chamilia, a Swarovski Company, invites you to keep peace and optimism in your heart and on your wrist with its 2017 Limited…
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You can run but you can’t hide. Holidays are a whirlwind of photographs, events, parties and gift exchanges. Even when you think you aren’t being photographed well, chances are good that some well meaning relative is capturing the moment for Facebook, Snapchat or Instagram. Long gone are the days of hiding embarrassing holiday photos in a drawer. Everybody has a cell phone and everyone has social media too. Whether it’s Instagram, Facebook or everything in between, you can’t hide from an onslaught of holiday photos. So, what’s the secret to selfie success, holiday photobombing or staged group photos? Be prepared.…
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It should be no big surprise to my regular readers when I say I love to travel. It’s my favourite state of being. Discovering a new city or new country is a gigantic and beautiful adventure. Many of my friends also have wanderlust. So travel gifts that resonate with those who love to wander are perfect. Some of my Favourite Travel Gifts are gathered here for you this year. Happy travels and Good Luck choosing one of these travel gifts. I believe they are all lovely and would be welcome. SAVING for your Vacation Travel Gifts for Those with Wanderlust…
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Are you getting geared up for the holidays yet? Have you started baking? I love cute themed treats this year and have gathered some adorable and easy Christmas Tree Treats from around the blogosphere for you to try at your leisure. Christmas Tree Treats are generally fairly simple to make. Cookie cutters always provide a good template to begin with and from there you can get creative with ingredients. What is your favourite thing about the holidays? I love the shopping and giving part but I also enjoy the baking. Baking is a great way to get the entire family…
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Gift ideas for tweens is the name of the game today. While a lot of other gift guides feature dozens of toys, many of them high priced gaming platforms, I’m taking a different approach. I’m going with two affordable options that make great stocking stuffers or straight up gifts. Why you say? Well, not everyone can afford to buy a Nintendo Switch or iPhone X. And more than that, sometimes it’s the little gift ideas that are really the most fun. Two Gift Ideas for Tweens that Cover All the Bases These two gems are perfect for any tween. They…