Habits.

Like it or not, our habitual behavior (both positive and negative) is one of the single biggest indicators of how happy, prosperous and meaningful our lives will be.

“ Habitual behavior is one of the single biggest indicators of how happy, prosperous and meaningful our lives will be

Cultivating good habits can lead to abundance, health and joy, while giving in to bad habits not only detracts from our levels of fulfillment, it can literally cut our lives short (think cigarette smoking, illicit drug use etc.).

It makes sense then, that in order to truly live our most FabYOUlous lives, we need to focus our attention on building sustainable habits that add purpose, connection, joy and vitality to our lives. In fact, we can warp—speed our journey to FabYOUlousness if we take our old, bad habits and work to replace them with new, life affirming, soul edifying, body nourishing habits that move us closer the FabYOUlous vision that we hold for our lives.

If you’re feeling a little stuck and wondering what positive habits to start building into your life, check out this list for some fun and FabYOUlous suggestions.

FabYOUlous Habits for a FabYOUlous Life

• Never go grocery shopping when hungry. You’ll end up buying extra junk that will drain your wallet and add to your waistline
• Be constantly willing to edit your life and do so often. Take regular, ongoing steps to rid your life of energy draining people, bad influences, distracting clutter, negative mindsets etc.
• Drink more water. Good ol’ H20 has so many wonderful health benefits (for a rundown of many of them, click here) and refreshes us in ways that no other beverage can. If plain water is a bit to blah for you, try some of these invigorating infused water recipes for added flavor and health benefit. Add extra power to this habit by using it to replace a not-so-healthy soda habit.
• Spend more time in nature. Your psyche will thank you.
• Start using positive affirmations on a daily basis. For a FabYOUlous list of powerful abundance affirmations, click here.
• Organize your email inbox and then…keep it organized.
• Practice being less judgmental and more compassionate toward others…and yourself
• Read more. Read to learn. Read for pleasure. Read because it makes you sexy (it does! Click here to learn more). For a great list of books to get started with, click here.
• NEVER write/send an email or text when you are upset or angry. Always proofread your emails before hitting send—especially those that pertain to your profession.
• Recycle, recycle, recycle. We can no longer afford NOT to recycle and re-use whenever we can. Our planet needs each one of us to do our part. For a list of eight simple steps that you can take to reduce your carbon footprint, click here.
• Get more sleep. You need it. Trust me.
• Take a few minutes every day to dry-brush your body. There are so many amazing health benefits and it feels amazing. Click here for a quick how-to and list of health benefits of dry- bushing.
• Snack on almonds and berries. Your hair and nails will thank you.
• Get off your duff. Spend more time every day standing and walking and less time sitting. For a compelling list of reasons why, click here.
• Diffuse essential oils to help you relax and unwind…or to boost your energy—there’s an oil for just about everything.
• Take the stairs instead of always taking the elevator. While you’re at it, try parking at the back of the parking lot when shopping. Every extra step is a good thing.
• Track your goals. Keep a food journal, money diary, etc. That which is tracked can be changed.
• Unplug from social media one day a week
• Learn how to slow down and savor the moment. Make mindfulness a part of every day. Click here for suggestions on how to do this.
• Stop complaining. Be a part of the solution rather than the problem.

For further study on the subject of the power of habit, check out the book The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg.

How are you doing?

Fine?

That’s how we always answer that question, isn’t it?  Is it true though? Are you really doing fine?

I’m asking because I personally, haven’t been as fine as usual these past few months. I’ve been struggling to bounce back after two very invasive eye surgeries that kept me out of the game far longer than I had anticipated.

Fortunately, I think the worst is finally behind me as far as the surgeries go (though I still haven’t been released for all activities), but still…it has been an ordeal.

I think the thing that surprised me the most about my situation is the toll that my physical condition had on my mental well-being. In fact, if I’m being honest, I feel as though I’m bouncing back physically more quickly than I am emotionally.

Fortunately, as a trained and certified Life Coach, I have a few tricks up my sleeve when it comes to helping clients to bounce back after setbacks. Now it’s time to try a few of these strategies out on myself.

If you find yourself feeling a little blue or off your game, pick out a few of these suggestions to implement in your own life. Emotional health is just as important (maybe even more important than) physical wellness, so don’t let it take a back seat when the going gets tough.

20 Easy-to-Implement Mental Health Boosters

1.) Take a good look at your existing self-care routine. Does it really do the trick? Do you make self-care a priority or is it something that happens only if/when there is time left at the end of your crazy, hectic day (because let’s face it, when does that ever happen)? For the next 31 days, commit to making time EVERY SINGLE DAY for some self-care.

2.) If you feel like you are a slave to your in-box, it is time to do some purging. Spend 30 minutes a day over the next week going through your email subscriptions and unsubscribing from those that don’t add any true benefit to your life.

3.) Try meditation. If you don’t think you’re the meditating type, click here for my post on meditation for non-meditators. You can also check out the site, Fragrant Heart for some beautiful guided meditations. I especially love their meditations for relaxation and stress relief.

4.) Create a “feel good” playlist that you can crank up anytime you feel a funk coming on. Might I suggest adding “Baby I’m a Star” by Prince and “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” by Wham to your list. What can I say? I’m a child of the 80’s.

5.) Practice conscious moments of mindfulness throughout your day. For some practical suggestions on how to do this, click here.

6.) Start using positive affirmations—they work! Click here for a downloadable printable of my faves.

7.) Make a plan to finish something that you’ve been putting off—and then get started on it. You’ll be amazed at how good it will feel to check it off your “to-do” list.

8.) Reach out to a friend. Go for coffee, grab lunch, take a walk. Spend some time reconnecting and sharing some laughs.

9.) Take a close look at what is going into your body. Do you subsist on calorie laden fast food with little nutritional value or do you nourish your body with healthy, organic fruits, veggies and lean protein? It’s nearly impossible to feel good mentally if you’re loading up on fats, sugars, caffeine and junk. The old saying “garbage in, garbage out” is true.

10.) Take a close look at what is going into your mind. Just as our physical nourishment is of critical importance to our overall well-being, so too is our mental nourishment. Turn off the negative and extremely biased nightly news programs, put down the gossip magazines and limit the gangster rap. Instead, fill your mind with positive stories, pretty instrumental music and inspiring reading material. You’ll notice a difference in your mental state almost immediately.

11.) Step outside and take a few deep breaths. Feel the sunshine (or raindrops) on your face. Fill your lungs with fresh air. While you’re outside, look up at the sky, plant your bare feet on the earth (unless it’s snowy out) and revel in the feeling of being alive.

12.) Create a sacred space that is all your own. For suggestions, click here.

13.) Try re-framing your struggles. Spend some time thinking about how your difficulties have made you stronger and more resilient. Look for the silver linings—they’re there, you just need to look.

14.) Go on a social media detox. Spend 48 hours with no Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat etc. Instead of spending hours looking at other people’s highlight reels, invest that time in yourself. Go for a walk, give yourself a pedicure, relax with a good book, etc. The images that you see on social media are not real life, but the moments that you carve out for yourself are.

15.) Create your own vision board. Not only is this a fun activity, it can be a powerful tool for creating the life that you most long to live. For more information on how to create and use your own board, click here.

16.) Read something inspirational for a change. Books are great for escaping into a world of fantasy, but they can also provide real inspiration and practical advice for living a truly FabYOUlous life. For a list of some of my favorite personal development books click here.

17.) Enjoy a night out with yourself. Learn to enjoy your own company without feeling weird about it. Take yourself to dinner and a movie, peruse a bookstore or check out a local band…whatever sounds fun to you—do it. For other suggestions on how to enjoy your time with yourself, click here and here.

18.) Tap into your creativity. You are creative–whether you think you are or not. We all are. Sometimes it just takes some intentionality to tap into that creativity. Click here for some creative ways to express your creativity.

19.) Adopt an attitude of gratitude. Yes–the topic of gratitude has been a bit overdone and had been covered by just about everyone. That’s because it works. It is impossible to stay in a funk when you are busy counting your blessings. If you need a little refresher on the benefits of gratitude or suggestions on how to make gratitude a habit, click here.

20.) Cultivate your own sacred, spiritual practice. This doesn’t mean going to church every Sunday or reciting ancient prayers (though it certainly can include either of these), it means cultivating a personally meaningful spiritual practice that feeds your soul and nurtures your connection to your higher power–whatever/whoever that is. Spirituality is a highly personal thing, and yet, having a spiritual practice can be immensely comforting and beneficial during difficult times. Click here for some ideas on how to discover  a spiritual practice that is right for you.

While mental health should never be taken lightly, and serious blues warrant a visit with a trained counselor; implementing a few of these quick strategies can help turn a bad day (week?) around, and if maintained over time, can lead to a prolonged sense of well-being. Give it a try–you’ve got nothing to lose…except the blues.

Ahhh March—the month of shamrocks, leprechauns, pots of gold and LUCK.

How lucky are you feeling this month? Are you one of those who always seems to snag the closest parking spot at the store right after hitting nothing but green lights? Does your name often get pulled for prize drawings, and your parade never get rained out?

Or are you just the opposite—someone who never seems to catch a break and often tends to get kicked when you’re down?

I’ll confess, for the longest time, I felt like the latter. It seemed that no matter how hard I tried to make things go right in my life, something always came along to mess things up.

That has changed though.

No, I didn’t find a lucky four-leaf clover, nor did I uncover a genie to grant me wishes. I simply began to understand the fact that I alone, was responsible for the amount of luck in my life. Let me tell you—that one realization has made ALL the difference.

Now, I truly feel like the luckiest girl in the world, and the Universe is doing a fantastic job of supporting that feeling (I mean, I did win an all-expenses paid trip for four to Hawaii and rarely do I not get a front row parking spot).

If you are ready to get Lady Luck back on your side, try the following suggestions and then prepare to smile as you hear your friends constantly say “you are SO lucky”…then, spread the luck by sharing these tips with them as well.

Five Simple Ways to Get Lucky…

• Recognize luck for what it truly is. What most people attribute to luck is really just an ability to be open to and seize opportunity when it arises. Oprah Winfrey once said, “I don’t believe in luck. Luck is simply a matter of preparation meeting the moment of opportunity”.

  “ Luck is simply a matter of preparation meeting the moment of opportunity —OPRAH WINFREY

  I have found this to be true in my life as well. Yes—I felt incredibly lucky when I won the trip to Hawaii, but I wouldn’t have won it if I hadn’t taken the opportunity to enter the contest. I had also (a few months earlier) created a vision board that had a beautiful photo of Waikiki beach on it. That image had ingrained into my subconscious and helped me to recognize and act upon the opportunity to enter the contest when it arose. Yes—there was some chance involved, however; I never could have won if I hadn’t envisioned a tropical vacation and then taken the initiative to enter the contest.
• Be the rising tide. There is an old saying that says “a rising tide lifts all boats”. When we work for the betterment of not just ourselves, but for others as well, we become a powerful magnet for luck. Not only do we create an atmosphere of cooperation and interconnection, we build bonds with others who will want to support us when they are able. This doesn’t mean that we should be generous to others just so they will feel indebted to us, it simply means creating a community where luck and abundance are generously shared and therefore allowed to be manifested more freely.
• Practice gratitude. For many of us, our natural bent is to notice when things are wrong, broken or unfair. This is why adopting a daily gratitude practice is so important. Gratitude is the one surest way to bring luck, abundance and joy into our lives. When we make a conscious effort to express gratitude for the good things in our lives, we (by way of the Law of Attraction) naturally attract even more good things. Additionally, taking the time to appreciate our many blessings might just help us to realize how truly lucky we already are.
• Put yourself out there. Often, we get so conditioned to our same old routine—day in and day out—that we forget that there is a whole wide world out there just waiting for us to come play in it. The more we expand our sphere of experiences and relationships, the more opportunity we have to find lucky breaks, make meaningful connections and discover new paths. Sometimes luck is waiting for you to step outside of your comfort zone and do a little exploring.
• Tell negativity to take a hike. It is impossible to invite more luck, abundance and good fortune into your life if you are filling your mind, body and spirit with negativity. If you truly want to get lucky, you need to take a hard look at the substances and influences that you are allowing into your being. Do you fill your body with nutritious, energizing food or are you addicted to fast-food drive-ins and alcohol? Do you waste away in front of a television, watching mind numbing reality TV shows or do you fill your mind with content that encourages creativity and personal development? How about your social circle? Is it filled with people who encourage you and inspire you to be the best person that you can be or do you hang out with people who are dishonest, negative and going nowhere in life (if you tend more toward the latter, you might want to read this post on setting strong personal boundaries). So much of our experience of life can be molded by the influences that we allow into our consciousness. If your luck seems to have run out, it might be time to start cleaning up your act. Rid your surroundings, your body and your psyche of negativity and just watch how things begin to change for the better.

You truly don’t have to have been born under a lucky star or find a field of four-leaf clovers to turn your luck around. The luck that you experience in your life is entirely created by you and your own choices.

“ The luck that you experience is entirely created by you and your own choices —MELISSA VENABLE

Once you recognize that fact and begin taking steps to raise your vibrations (more suggestions here) and take accountability for your thoughts, words and actions, you’ll soon start to feel like the luckiest person you know.

Today truly is your lucky day…click the image below to receive our two most popular ebooks for FREE

Valentines Day is upon us which means that everywhere you look there are sappy images of lovey-dovey couples doing lovey-dovey things together.

While I’m a big fan of love, I don’t necessarily think that you have to be coupled up in order to live a rich and FabYOUlous life. In fact, I think that there is genuine value in learning to love your own company. I’ve written an entire post on the Joys of Masturdating that details the benefits of enjoying solo activities, but if you’re a little stumped for ideas, here is a fantastic list to get you started. Best of all–not only are these activities fun, they can also help to boost self-confidence and help you connect with your soul’s desires. Additionally, learning to value your own company can enhance your other relationships because having a solid, foundational relationship with oneself is the critical bedrock upon which all other relationships are built.

“ Having a solid, foundational relationship w/oneself is the bedrock upon which all other relationships are built. —MELISSA VENABLE

Solo Activities for Connecting with Your Soul’s Desires

• Grab your favorite book and head to a coffee shop for some uninterrupted reading.
• Take a cooking class to discover new types of cuisine.
• Visit a nearby town for a day. Explore new shops, eat at a new cafe etc.
• Learn to knit. Click here for a link to a fun slipper pattern (and a link to a simple how-to-knit tutorial for absolute beginners!)
• Binge watch a great Netflix series without feeling guilty for it.
• Volunteer your time at a local nonprofit. Might I suggest The American Red Cross?
• Start a garden. If outdoor space is limited, try creating your own indoor succulent garden. Click here for an easy tutorial.
• Learn something new by signing up for an online course through Udemy. There are literally thousands of courses to choose from–you’re sure to find something that appeals to you.
• Head to the make-up counter at your local mall and try a fresh, new look
• Head outdoors with a warm blanket and cup of hot cocoa for some nighttime star gazing.
• Create a new look in your home by rearranging the furniture and adding some fresh accent pieces.
• Learn a new language. There are plenty of online courses/apps that can help facilitate this.
• Visit your local library.
• Learn how to play an instrument.
• Do a jigsaw puzzle.
• Go on a solo travel expedition.
• Create a Vision Board. Click here for an explanation as to why and how.
• Explore a nearby hiking trail.
• Go to an afternoon showing of a movie you’ve been wanting to see. Be sure to buy yourself a large popcorn.
• Grab a handful of quarters and head to a local arcade.
• Take an art class. Don’t worry about being good.
• Learn how to design a website.
• Try paint-by-numbers.
• Try a fitness class that you wouldn’t normally attend.
• Try prepping all of your meals for a week.
• Treat yourself to a spa day.
• Hire a Life Coach to help you experience new levels of success and fulfillment. Click here for information on my coaching programs.
• Challenge yourself by taking a rock climbing class or signing up for an obstacle run like the Tough Mudder.
• Offer to babysit for an overwhelmed mom.
• Take $20 to a local thrift store and try to fashion a new outfit for yourself.
• Go for a bicycle ride around your neighborhood.
• Sign up for a weekend meditation retreat.
• Get a tattoo.
• Get up early to find a nice spot to watch the sun rise.
• Test drive your dream car.
• Attend a performance by your local symphony, ballet troupe or acting guild.
• Have some professional photos taken of yourself.
• Order in and enjoy a quiet night at home.
• Visit your local farmers market and create a healthy meal with your purchases.
• Make some new four-legged friends by volunteering your time at a local animal shelter.
• Indulge in a pampering bubble bath. Make it even more luxurious with scented candles and fragrant bath bombs.
• Visit a local museum.
• Start a DIY project.
• Give yourself a mini spa day with a do-it-yourself manicure, pedicure and facial.
• Expand your musical horizons by attending a musical performance (or purchasing a CD)  in a genre that you don’t usually listen to.

Start by picking five activities that sound fun to you and then begin to expand further outside of your comfort zone. Before long, you’ll discover that flying solo has real, tangible benefits that can’t be replicated when coupled up.

Here we are—smack dab in the middle of the holiday season…again. How did it get here so quickly? I swear, it feels like it was the Fourth of July just a few weeks ago!

If you are like me and love the holidays, but still wind up feeling a little overwhelmed at all of the things that need to get done, take heart—you are not alone. So often, we women expend so much time and energy making the holidays special for everyone else (family, friends, co-workers etc.) that we end up feeling a bit depleted and wrung out at the end of it all.

If you are dancing perilously close to the Grinch zone this year—it means that you need to do a bit more holiday gifting, but don’t worry—these gifts don’t require another trip to the mall. In fact, these gifts are meant just for you and best of all–many of them are free.

Best Gifts to Give Yourself this Holiday Season

• Solitude: Part of what makes the holidays so special is the additional time that we get to spend with the important people in our lives. On the flip side, part of what makes the holidays so stressful is the additional time that we get to spend with the important people in our lives. Family gatherings, girlfriend gift exchanges, office parties, charity events…and so on and so on. Then, throw in a few school programs, shopping at crowded malls, church gatherings, etc. and pretty soon, it feels like every second of every day is spent in the company of hordes of people. While time with loved ones is something that all of us crave, time alone during this busy season can also be hugely beneficial—especially for those of us who tend to be a bit more introverted by nature. This year, be sure that amidst all of the hustle and bustle of the season, you also give yourself some time to just be with yourself. Grab a good book (might I recommend this one) and mug of hot chocolate to enjoy by the fireplace, or spend some precious minutes indulging in a favorite hobby (if you’re a knitter, check out this super simple tutorial and whip yourself up a pair of comfy slippers). Regardless of how you spend your alone time, don’t feel guilty about it. The only way you can give your best to others is by taking care of yourself first and foremost.
• Personal Development/Coaching: I’m a certified life coach, so I especially love this gift. I love it because I know firsthand just how beneficial personal development can be. Whether you decide to read a book (click here for a few of my faves), take an online course or hire a coach (you can check out my coaching packages here), the time and energy that you invest in bettering yourself is never wasted. We are all evolving creatures who long to live with passion and purpose. Give yourself the gift of personal development now, and watch it pay off in 2019.
• Rest: This one seems like a no-brainer and yet, for me, it is the most difficult gift on the list. In order to truly function at the highest level, our bodies need rest. We need rest all year long, but it can seem especially difficult to come by during the busy holiday season. If you struggle to shut your brain off at night and therefore cheat yourself out of a deep and restorative slumber, try a few of these suggestions to make giving yourself the gift of sleep a bit easier. I’ve also recently had some close friends and family members tell me about the better sleep that they are experiencing after using a weighted blanket—I think I’ll be adding one of those to my Christmas list.
• Pampering: Comforting pedicure, nice long bubble bath, hot stone massage…need I say more? These types of activities can seem so self-indulgent but c’mon—what’s wrong with that? This isn’t about becoming self-absorbed and thinking that every experience in life needs to cater to our sensual desires, it is simply about allowing ourselves to feel good for a few sacred minutes. If you’re crafty and would like to make your own pampering bath bombs, click here for a simple how-to.
• Friendship: While solitude is important during the busy holiday season, so is spending quality time with good friends. Let’s face it, during the holidays we probably spend a lot of time with people out of obligation—not necessarily because we want to, but because family or social expectations make us feel as though we must. Be sure to balance out those musts with visits with people that you actually enjoy spending time with and who make you feel good about yourself. These visits don’t have to be long or involve elaborate activities; simply meet for a cup of coffee while you’re out doing your Christmas shopping or get together for an evening of watching Hallmark holiday movies and wrapping presents. Then, make a commitment that once the holidays are over, you will enjoy some “friend time” every month. For a fun list of activities to do with your friends, click here.
• Organization: Nothing kills my holiday vibe more than a cluttered, disorganized space, so one gift that I am definitely giving myself this holiday season is an organized office space. I am committing two Sunday afternoons this month to going through my piles of paper, sorting through desk items and pitching EVERYTHING that isn’t adding tangible value to my life. There is just something about walking into a tidy and inviting space that makes everything else feel okay. I’m going to give myself that feeling this holiday season. If you too would like to get organized, but aren’t sure where exactly to begin, try reading the book, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo, and then, visit my Organize It board on Pinterest for even more organization suggestions.
• Gratitude: It is impossible to feel sad or sorry for yourself when you are busy counting your blessings and expressing gratitude. Don’t let the chaos of the season rob you of your sense of gratitude. If you find yourself feeling more Grinchy than grateful, try a few of these tips for cultivating an attitude of gratitude.

  “ It is impossible to feel sad or sorry for yourself when you are busy counting your blessings and expressing gratitude.

• Education: No, I’m not suggesting that you sign up for night classes at your local university (especially when there are so many other things to focus on over the holidays), but I am suggesting that you engage in activities that will help to keep your mind active and help you to gain a better grasp on subjects that interest you. There are so many physical and emotional health benefits to becoming a life-long learner (click here to read about them) and so many wonderful platforms available for expanding your education. You no doubt know that you can learn just about anything by watching a YouTube video, but have you heard of the online learning platform Udemy? I just love Udemy and have been able to learn so much about a huge variety of subjects from how to master Photoshop to how to format a book for publication and how to master the art of Reiki healing. Even if you don’t have time during the holidays to sign up for a class, you definitely owe it to yourself to pop over to Udemy and check out their courses so that you can commit to beginning one in the new year (plus–they are running a killer special right now with many of their top courses priced at only $10.99).
  
• Awe: I grew up on a farm in central Kansas. Every year for Christmas, my family loads up the car and makes the trek from Colorado back to that farm. It’s so wonderful to feel the warmth of my parent’s wood stove and taste the delicious cranberry slush drink that my dad makes. The entire experience is filled with Christmas cheer, but there is one thing that always brings me such a deep sense of awe and wonder. You see, I live in Fort Collins, Colorado now. It is breathtakingly gorgeous where I live—but it isn’t quiet. I mean, it’s not loud or anything like that, but rarely can you step outside without hearing the sound of traffic (unless you head up into the mountains). At my mom and dad’s house though, it is quiet (okay—it’s not quiet in the house where all of the grandkids are—but it is definitely quiet outdoors). I absolutely love to slip outside late at night (yes, it’s cold but I don’t stay out for long) and look up at the sky. Something about looking up at the vast inky blackness that is dotted with stars, feeling the chill of the winter air on my skin and hearing nothing but the sound of the wind through the trees fills me with such a sense of awe. All at once I feel so small and yet so connected, all at the same time. While I realize that not everyone can make a trek to a house in the middle of rural Kansas (though my dad would have a blast entertaining everyone), I do know that moments of awe are all around us all the time—we just have to make the effort to notice and appreciate them. Be sure to make that effort and give yourself this very special gift this year.

The holiday season has so much merriment and joy to offer. Make sure that you don’t miss out on these magical moments because of a bah-humbug attitude. Give yourself a few of these powerful gifts and experience the true gift of the season.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to give yourself the gift of these two FabYOUlous (and FREE) ebooks: “365 Questions to Help You Find Your Answers” and “50 FabYOUlous Ways to Energize Your Life”. Snag them today by clicking the image below…

Albert Einstein once referred to creativity as “intelligence having fun”. I don’t know about you, but I like being intelligent and I especially like it if it’s fun.

However; despite my desire to live a creative life, the truth of the matter is that I’ve never really considered myself to be a particularly creative person. Oh sure—I like to create; I knit, crochet, craft, and write, however, the things that I create are usually from a pattern that someone else has created and I am simply replicating. Heck, even my writing, though original, typically falls in the non-fiction, self-help genre rather than among more creative fictional works.

Still…I long to be a more creative individual, so I’ve intentionally set out on a quest to cultivate more creativity in my life. I haven’t been at it for long but already, I can see that Maya Angelou was correct when she said, “you can’t use up creativity–the more you use, the more you have”. As I look for opportunities to expand my creativity, I find myself approaching everyday situations with a more creative mindset.

Here are some creativity boosting ideas that I’ve tried, along with some other suggestions that I’ve found from leading creativity experts. Pick a few to try and then watch as your increased creativity begins to spill over into every aspect of your life.

FabYOUlous Ideas for Living a More Creative Life

• Take one photo a day for an entire year. Try to vary your photos from standard shots (your family, your cat, your new car etc.) with more “artsy” photos (try varying the background or using different aperture settings etc.) At the end of your year, compile all of the photos into an album.
• Start the next great American novel by writing one page a day for a year. Just think—in a year you’ll have 365 pages. That’s plenty for a novel!
• Learn one new word every day and try to work it into a sentence. Not only will this boost your intelligence—it will also fire up your creativity.
• Take $20 to your local thrift store and try to come up with a fun new outfit.
• Create an indoor succulent garden/terrarium. For a simple tutorial, click here
• Hop over to YouTube and find a video tutorial for a creative project that you’d like to try. I’ve got this one on my to-do list.
• Try drawing something with your non-dominant hand
• Listen to some creativity inspiring podcasts. Might I suggest: The Go Creative Show, 99 Percent Invisible, Creative Mornings and The Unmistakable Creative.
• Daydream about your dream vacation, your next tattoo, your ideal career…get those creative juices fired up and then jot down the thoughts/visions/ideas that came to you during your daydream session.
• Flip through a cookbook or visit a recipe board on Pinterest (here’s one to check out) and pick out a new recipe to try.
• Try rearranging the furniture in one room of your house.
• Cut letters and images out of magazines to create a collage of your favorite quotes.
• Write a Haiku. For those of you who need a refresher—it’s a three lined poem. The first and last lines are made up of five syllables and the middle line is made up of seven syllables. It need not rhyme (most Haiku don’t).
• Visit an art museum or gallery that you’ve never been to before.
• Gather some stones and paint them, then…leave them laying around for others to find. For inspiration, click here.
• Practice an instrument for 30 minutes every day.
• Spend time every evening coloring in an adult coloring book. Here’s one of my faves.
• Upcycle something into a new, FabYOUlous creation. Here are some fun ways to upcycle blue jeans.
• Work your way through this book—it’s SO fun.
• Start a new collection of small items (rocks, thimbles, buttons, matchbook covers…) and create a shadow box in which to display your creation.

Finally, if you would like to check out a few of my favorite books on the subject of creativity cultivation, you can start with these…

• Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
• Play by Stuart Brown
• Creative Confidence by Tom and David Kelley
• The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Truly, the best thing about increasing your level of creativity is that there is no real wrong way to do it. Anything that gets you thinking in a new way is boosting your creativity. It’s simply time to start making the effort—it’s time to get creative about your creativity.

Don’t Forget to Snag our TWO Free Ebooks! Just Click the Image Below…

Could it be possible that the Beach Boys of 1966 had a deeper understanding of Universal laws than most of us do in 2018? I mean, clearly their hit song Good Vibrations was about a girl–but that girl definitely knew how to put out some good vibes and attract the guys.

I have no idea how well versed the Beach Boys were in subjects like quantum physics or magnetic frequency, however, it’s clear that they knew a little something about the effects that good vibrations have on attraction and (in their words) “excitations”. In fact, whether they knew it or not–the Universal Law of Vibration is one of the most powerful laws impacting our lives in every single moment of our existence.

In simple terms, the Universal Law of Vibration states that every particle in the universe is in constant motion and carries energy within it. This law applies to everything from giant planets, stars and moons to the pencil on your desk and the chair under your butt. This isn’t just a bunch of new age woo-woo, this is actual science as there are high-powered microscopes that are able to see the vibrational energy of even solid objects. What’s more–not only do all objects vibrate, they vibrate at different frequencies and, thanks to the Law of Attraction (for an overview of all 12 Universal Laws, click here), objects with a high vibrational frequency are attracted to other items with high frequencies (the same is true for objects with low vibrational frequencies–they attract other low vibe objects/experiences). High vibe objects, experiences and emotions are those that elevate our lives to higher levels of joy, contentment, love and compassion, while low vibes will make us feel tired, stuck, lethargic and unenthused. If you’re curious as to how you’re vibing, here is a checklist to guide you…

You’re stuck in a low-vibe state if…

• You feel physically unwell/unfit
• You continually seem to make poor life choices
• You feel stuck in an unfulfilling existence
• Your relationships are dysfunctional
• You experience chronic pain
• You have no energy and feel a constant sense of lethargy
• Your finances are a wreck
• You have a difficult time trusting yourself or others
• You often experience feelings of resentment or jealousy
• You seek out unhealthy means of self-soothing (drugs, alcohol, sex, cigarettes, food, etc.)
• Your life lacks direction or purpose
• You watch a lot of violent multimedia
• You are needy or high maintenance–expecting others to take care of you because you are incapable of taking care of yourself
• You feel cooped up with little exposure to nature
• You struggle to feel or express gratitude

You’re enjoying a high-vibe state if…

• Smiling and laughing come easily to you
• Your relationships with others are joy-filled, meaningful and mutually beneficial
• You experience high levels of energy and physical vitality
• New opportunities often find their way to you–whether you consciously seek them out, or not
• You are able to delay gratification if doing so will lead to a better result in the long-run
• Other people are drawn to you
• You are highly creative and have lots of ideas that you’d like to pursue
• You feel that life is full of endless opportunity
• You feel divinely connected to your higher power
• You don’t take yourself too seriously
• You regularly exhibit a high level of self-discipline that serves you well
• Synchronicities and “happy accidents” happen for you on a regular basis
• You are filled with gratitude on a daily basis
• You can see the good in people and situations (even when others can’t)
• You have strong personal boundaries
• You feel as though your life has purpose and that you are following that purpose
• You regularly nurture yourself and others
• You enjoy regular time out in nature
• You are tuned in to your intuition

While these lists aren’t exhaustive, they should give you a pretty good idea as to how you are currently vibing in your life.  If your life isn’t what you long for it to be, changing your vibration is one of the quickest and most effective ways to turn things around.

“ Changing your vibration is one of the quickest & most effective ways to turn things around.

If you are serious about living a life of purpose, contentment and joy, try these vibration raising techniques today and start noticing the (almost immediate) effect that they they have on your life experience. Then, once you start living your life in a more consistently high-vibe state, you’ll be able to build on that initial momentum and continue to expand your experience of good vibrations–just like the Beach Boys.

Vibe Up to Level Up

• Practice positive visualization with the help of a Vision Board. For suggestions on how to create a truly powerful Vision Board, click here. 
• Recite daily affirmations. Click here to download and print a list of powerful abundance affirmations.
• Stop dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Instead, embrace the present moment and live it to its fullest.
• Get rid of clutter in your space. Make room for fresh, new energy to come in.
• Go on a social media fast. I mean seriously–who needs to read one more angry political rant?
• Get outside into nature. Look up at the stars, take a walk through a park, breathe in some fresh air and feel your connection to all of nature.
• Practice an attitude of gratitude. Click here for practical suggestions on how to do this.
• Smile. Just the act of smiling (whether you feel like it or not) has been scientifically shown to increase one’s level of happiness. 
• Use aromatherapy to elevate your vibes. I love essential oils for this purpose. Some of my favorites include Rose, Jasmine, Lavender, Frankincense, Peppermint, Sandalwood and Juniper Berry. If you’d like to learn more about essential oils and how to use them, click here.
• Be generous, kind and compassionate with others. Putting these vibes out into the Universe will bring those vibes back into your own experience.
• Listen to high-vibe music. While I’ll confess that I do love death metal (don’t judge), my music of choice when I need to raise my vibration is a special kind of music called wholetones This music is recorded at various frequencies that have been shown to promote healing, feelings of well being and joy.
• Get your blood flowing with some exercise. Even going for a simple walk around your block can do wonders for your emotional state. Click here for simple suggestions on how to rock your walk.  
• Reduce the toxic load on your system. Click here for practical suggestions on how to do this.
• Shake up your chakras. If you have no idea what this means or how to do it, click here.
• Learn mindfulness through meditation. It’s not as complicated as you may think–click here for a guide to meditation that is written specifically for those who think that they can’t meditate (you can–I promise).
• Get enough sleep. No one can sustain a high vibrational level when exhausted. Click here for simple suggestions on improving your slumber.
• Forgive past hurts. You don’t have to lose the lesson, but you also don’t have to hold onto the pain. Let it go.
• Surround yourself with positive, upbeat people who model for you the kind of life that you want to live. For a closer look at the power of your posse, click here.
• Utilize the power of crystal energy. I am still a novice when it comes to using crystals, but I do believe that they can be powerful tools for increasing one’s vibrational frequency. Some top crystals for this purpose are Bloodstone, Smokey Quartz, Rose Quartz, Carnelian, Aventurine, Citrine, Celestine and turquoise. If you’d like to research the power of crystals further, check out my favorite book on the subject here.
• Focus upon the positive aspects in life because what you focus on, expands
• Spend time with a favorite animal. This is good on so many levels–click here to learn more. 
• Drink plenty of water (not coffee, not soda, not even wine!)
• Own plants. They improve the flow of good energy in your home/room/office
• Find ways to express your creativity. Write, dance, sing, paint, craft…whatever delights your inner muse.
• Love. Love your spouse, love your kids, love your friends, but most importantly…love yourself.
• Connect to your higher power–whatever that means for you. For guidance on deepening your own spiritual connection, click here.
• Protect your own physical, emotional and spiritual energy by having solid personal boundaries. Admittedly, this one can be hard. For some advice on how to erect these boundaries, click here.

If some of this talk of vibrational energy sounds a little woo-woo for you, I get it. I was skeptical of the Law of Vibration too when I first heard of it, but then I experimented and the more I experimented, the more I became a believer. If you are interested in dipping your toe a bit more into this topic, check out this post that summarizes the 12 Spiritual Laws of the Universe and then download this powerful list of 50 FabYOUlous Resources for the Spiritually Curious. 

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First a disclaimer…

I am not crazy. In fact, I am sometimes entirely too rational for my own good. I don’t jump onto bandwagons and I don’t readily accept things to be true just because someone says that they are. I like to research, quantify and form my own rational opinions about things.

That being the case, I have always considered the “new age” movement to be a bit too wackadoo and “woo woo” for my logical sensibilities.

Something inside of me is shifting though. It started subtly…intuitive hunches that turned out to be correct, synchronistic happenings that were just a little too coincidental to be explained, etc. Then, those experiences grew into something more. As I became more and more open to the idea that maybe the Universe had things to offer that I hadn’t previously considered, more and more of those experiences began to manifest in my life. I’ve had complete strangers tell me things about myself that they couldn’t possibly have known without some otherworldly guidance (as I’m typing this, I realize how crazy that sounds but I also know that it is TRUE), I’ve felt the astounding (and very, very real) physical effects of an energy healing session (for a very basic introduction into energetic healing via the chakral system, click here), and I have manifested incredible experiences (like an all-expenses paid trip for four to Hawaii for seven nights) seemingly out of thin air.

No, I am not crazy; but I’m also not stupid. If something shows up in my life and seems to have the power to effect real and lasting positive change–I’m going to look into it. So…that’s what I’ve done. I’ve dipped my toe into many of the offerings that this new consciousness offers and though I don’t necessarily buy into everything (astral-projection is probably never going to be my jam); I have become awakened to the fact that there are forces at work that I can’t explain, and have accepted the fact that just because I can’t explain them doesn’t mean that they aren’t real.

With so much information out there, the researcher in me needed a logical place to focus my attention, so I decided to start at the very beginning, with a study of the Spiritual Laws of the Universe. This study has led me to the realization that I have been experiencing many of these laws for years, but simply didn’t have the vernacular to explain them or perspective from which to comprehend them. How about you? Read through the explanation below of the 12 Spiritual Laws of the Universe and see if any of them resonate with you. If you find that your interest is piqued, check out my list of resources for newbie spiritual seekers here.

The 12 Spiritual Laws of The Universe and What They Mean in Practical Terms

I stumbled upon the 12 Spiritual Laws of the Universe when I googled “Law of Attraction”. I had watched the movie The Secret and was eager to learn more about this powerful law. Little did I know that the Law of Attraction was simply one law in a whole network of interconnected laws that impact every aspect of the human experience.

When you study these laws and gain a solid understanding of the concepts behind them, not only will you develop a clearer picture of your own place in the Universe, you will also become more aware of their influences upon you, and thus be better equipped to harness their power and create positive change.

1. Law of Attraction: Let’s begin with the one that most people are at least somewhat familiar with. The Law of Attraction has garnered a lot of media attention–especially since the release of the movie, The Secret. Simply put, this law states that “like attracts like”. So, for instance, if you want more friendly, loving and supportive interactions with people, you need to become more friendly, loving and supportive. When you put good, positive and high-vibe energy out into the world, that is the kind of energy that you will receive back. It goes beyond this though (because obviously…nice people will attract nice people while jerks will attract jerks). The law of attraction is also the law that allows you to manifest things (like trips to Hawaii!) into your life by getting into vibrational alignment with your desires. For a better understanding of how this vibration works, check out the next law…
2. Law of Vibration: The Law of Vibration states that every particle in the universe is in constant motion and carries energy within it. This law applies to everything from giant planets, stars and moons to the pencil on your desk and the chair under your butt. This isn’t just woo-woo, this is actual science as there are high-powered microscopes that are able to see the vibrational energy of even solid objects. What’s more–not only do all objects vibrate, they vibrate at different frequencies and (thanks to the Law of Attraction), objects with a high vibrational frequency are attracted to other items with high frequencies (the same is true for objects with low vibrational frequencies–they attract other low vibe objects/experiences). If you are truly interested in living your best, most FabYOUlous life, do all that you can to understand how this Law of Vibration works and then, make it your mission to live your life in as high-vibe a way as possible You’ll know that you’re vibrating at a higher frequency when you feel more joyful, experience increased intuition and are able to manifest your desires more easily. (check out the resource sheet for suggestions on how to raise your vibration)
3. Law of Divine Oneness: I started with the Law of Attraction because that is the law that gets the most buzz and that people are more familiar with. However; I probably should have started with the Law of Divine Oneness because this law truly is the foundational spiritual law that all others are built upon. Simply put, the Law of Divine Oneness states that everything in the universe is interconnected. In other words, every word, thought, desire, belief, action and choice that we have, impacts the world. Sometimes the impact is immediate and obvious. Other times, the impact may take a while to be felt, or may never be felt at all (however, according to this law—everything does have an impact, whether we experience it personally or not). Understanding this law and living in accordance with it, not only makes us more powerful, it also makes us more empathetic and ultimately, kinder to those with whom we are sharing this human experience.
4. Law of Inspired Action: Out of all the different spiritual laws, I think that this law is my favorite. I also feel that this law is the one that left a lot of people wondering why on earth they didn’t magically manifest the beautiful beach house that they put on their vision board after watching The Secret. You see, the Law of Inspired Action is the law that supports the vibrational work of the Law of Attraction. The two laws (three really, when you include the Law of Vibration) really do all work in tandem. Basically, the Law of Inspired Action states that in order to receive the desires of our hearts, we must not only raise our vibrational level, we must also compel ourselves to take inspired action. My magical Hawaiian trip is a fantastic example of how this law works.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               After watching The Secret, I made a vision board and on this vision board, I placed an image of a beautiful beach with a city nightscape behind it. I had no idea what beach it was, or where in the world it was located—all I knew was that that every time I looked at that image, I was happy, and I could easily imagine myself and my family frolicking around in the water of that beach. Well, shortly after making that vision board, I received an email from Red Lobster (what can I say—I love their Cheddar Bay Biscuits) and along with their regular coupon offerings, they also announced their nationwide Lobsterworthy contest which had as a grand prize, an all-expenses paid trip for four for seven nights to Hawaii. Now, I am not normally someone who enters a bunch of online contests (like never really), but since the beach scene from my vision board was at the top of my mind at the time, I took a shot and entered. I took inspired action without realizing at the time that that was what I was doing. I suppose that I don’t need to tell you who won that nationwide contest, do I? Yep—I did. My entire family and I got to spend a glorious week on the island of Oahu and it was all paid for by Red Lobster. We got to enjoy a Dolphin Swim experience, a Hawaiian Luau, a sunset jazz cruise in the harbor…all without spending a dime of our own money (other than our souvenirs—which we bought a ton of since we weren’t spending any money on the actual trip!) The craziest part was that on one of the last nights of our trip, we happened to be strolling along Waikiki Beach when I glanced back at the city of Honolulu behind us and that’s when it happened. That was the moment that I realized that I was looking at the exact cityscape that was in my photo on my vision board. There were a few very distinct looking buildings that made it impossible to mistake that beach scene from any other beach scene. THAT was my beach from my vision board—and I was currently frolicking in its waves with my family. I cannot even begin to tell you the feeling that swept over me when I made that realization. I literally got chills and felt such an overwhelming sense of “holy shit” that I couldn’t talk or move for several minutes—I just stood there, my toes in the surf looking back at the exact image from my vision board. To this day, thinking about that moment still fills me with such a sense of awe at how the Universe works, and serves as a constant reminder as to the power of this Law of Inspired Action. 
5. Law of Correspondence: The Law of Correspondence links directly back to the Law of Divine Oneness. The premise of this law deals with prominent patterns that are repeated (in both large and small ways) throughout the universe. An example of this can be seen in the spiral pattern that reappears numerous times and places throughout the galaxy, as well as in the teeniest of sea shells. Try noticing recurrent patterns in your own life (and in your ways of thinking) and consider how they may be repeated elsewhere in the world. As you do this, you can also consider ways in which you can create new patterns that will have a larger impact in your life and in the world.
6. Law of Perpetual Transmutation of Energy: We can’t necessarily see this law, but we can definitely benefit from it. The Law of Perpetual Transmutation of Energy tells us that everything around us is in a constant state of flux. We can’t see this because the “flux” is often happening on a cellular or atomic level. Despite not being visible, this law is important because it teaches us that we have the power to trigger positive changes within our environment and the people with whom we associate. When we bring our high vibes to a situation, we can trigger positive change in everything (or everyone) around us. This is also beneficial when we are feeling down or low-vibe—exposing ourselves to encouraging and energetic, high vibe friends or taking part in enjoyable activities can naturally trigger positive energy transmutation within our own psyches.
7. Law of Compensation: This law basically tells us that we reap what we sow—we will get back that which we put out. It is similar to the Law of Attraction except that the Law of Compensation states that the compensation can come in many different forms. An example of this could be lottery winners. It might appear as though winning the lottery would be a fantastic reward. The Law of Compensation however; shows that this isn’t always the case because a vast amount of wealth often leads to a life of ruin. Compensation (in all its forms) can make or break a person depending upon how that individual has lived his/her life. Again—we reap what we sow. This law should serve as a reminder to us that we need to be mindful of how we treat others, and our planet.
8. Law of Relativity: You’ve heard (and have probably used) the phrase “it’s all relative”, right? Well, that is the Law of Relativity in a nutshell. This law simply states that all things are neutral when viewed in isolation. No person, situation, circumstance or experience is deemed good or bad, until it is compared to another. For example, you might be feeling a bit under the weather because you’re fighting a cold. This seems bad until you compare it to someone who is in a desperate battle against an aggressive form of cancer. It’s all relative. By keeping this law in mind, we can remain conscious of the fact that there are always multiple perspectives for any given situation. Even the person battling cancer can feel that their situation is better than a healthy person’s if they are surrounded by people who love and support them while the healthy person’s life is lived alone and devoid of love. Again—it’s all relative.
9. Law of Gender: Despite its name, this law has very little to do with biological sex. Instead, it refers to two very different types of energy. Sometimes referred to as masculine and feminine energy, these energy types have also been called yin and yang, order and chaos (it cracks me up that the energy of chaos is usually attributed to female energy), anima and animus, etc. Each one of us (despite our biologically assigned sex) is made up of both types of energy to differing degrees. In order to live our most authentic and fulfilled lives, we must learn to embrace both kinds of energy while also finding a sustainable balance between the two.
10. Law of Cause and Effect: This is one of the most straightforward laws of the Universe. Basically, it tells us that every action has a corresponding reaction. We already (thanks to the work of Sir Isaac Newton) know how this law works in the world of physics—but it can also be applied to spiritual aspects of our nature and of the Universe. Simply put, your spiritual life, emotional state and vibrational level can impact the world around you, causing positive or negative reactions. Similarly, your physical environment can impact on your spirituality, whether for good or for ill.
11. Law of Polarity: When contemplating this law, the most important thing to keep in mind is that everything in this universe has an opposite and that it is the existence of these opposites that allows us to comprehend and give meaning to life. As an example–it is the difficult times in life that help us to better appreciate the good times. By being mindful of this law, we can better learn to cope with and remain resilient during times of trouble or use our time of prosperity to carefully plan and prepare for times of lack.
12. Law of Rhythm: This law is also sometimes called the Law of Perpetual Motion because it focuses on movement—particularly referring to the fact that all things come in cycles. This law is very evident in nature as we witness the changing of the seasons, lunar cycles or even the perpetual daily cycle of sunrise to sunset. It is also present in the human body’s aging process as well as the differing stages of a person’s life. Maybe today is a busy season of working and sowing seeds so that you’ll be able to rest after a season of harvest. Or perhaps you’re enduring a difficult season; this law can help provide the perspective necessary to understand that a better season is coming.

There is truly so much to learn when it comes to this new consciousness and I am still just testing the waters. Nonetheless…I am astounded at how much of the information that I’m gathering, genuinely resonates with my spirit. I will be posting more regarding my discoveries, but this basic understanding of the 12 Spiritual Laws of the Universe seemed like a logical foundation upon which to begin building. Again, if this realm of new-age consciousness is something that you find intriguing, click here to download a free ebook full of resources for the newbie spiritual seeker.

Okay–I know that it seems strange that I (a woman whose children are now in their early 20’s) am writing a post about how to keep children entertained during the summer. I realize that this is no longer an issue that I, personally, have to deal with, however; I still, to this day, have PTSD from the many summers of trying desperately to keep two busy little boys entertained during the long, hot days of summer vacation.

So, in an effort to help those of you who are still in the trenches; I’ve put together a list of some of the activities that my boys enjoyed back in the day, and have combined those suggestions with other ideas that I have found through research and by chatting with friends of mine who still have school aged kiddos. Hopefully this list will give you a few ideas that you haven’t tried yet, or spur your own creativity to come up with additional suggestions. I have to confess, some of these ideas sound super fun. I may want to try them…even without kids!

50 FabYOUlous Ways to Entertain Your Kiddos this Summer

1. Start a scrapbook–let your kids select the photos and decorate the pages with stickers, drawings etc.
2. Volunteer at an animal shelter–the critters will love the attention from your kiddos and vice versa.
3. Start a jigsaw puzzle that will take a while to complete–do it on a large piece of foam core board so that the puzzle can be moved out of the way when it isn’t being worked on
4. Plant a garden–your kids might just eat their veggies if they grew them themselves
5. Check out the kid’s workshops at Home Depot–visit their website to see what projects are being offered.
6. Roast marshmallows over a fire pit in the backyard–if your kids don’t spook easily, you can even throw in a ghost story or two.
7. Learn to tie-dye some groovy fashions–for a simple “how-to”, click here.
8. Have an alphabet scavenger hunt–your kiddos must find one item that begins with every letter of the alphabet.
9. Make a giant Twister game or Hopscotch in the backyard or driveway–if in the yard, use spray paint. If in the driveway, used colored sidewalk chalk.
10. Bake cookies to deliver to the neighbors–and watch your family become the most popular family on the block. If it’s too hot to bake, try some no-bake cookies.
11. Have a water balloon fight–outdoors…obviously.
12. Go stargazing–learn about a few constellations and then see if you can point them out in the night sky.
13. Visit a zoo or aquarium–make it an educational experience by learning about the animals you visit.
14. Visit a retirement home–and have your kiddos read stories to the residents.
15. Let kids paint each other with washable Tempera paint–and then wash it off by running through the sprinklers in the backyard.
16. Take your kids to a baseball game–bonus points if you teach them how to keep a scorecard.
17. Set up a tent in the backyard and go “camping”–this one was a fave with my boys when they were younger.
18. Make good use of nearby parks–we’d go to a park almost every day when my boys were little.
19. Take a hike–we live in beautiful Colorado where the hiking trails are endless, so this is another fave of ours–even now that my boys are older.
20. Join a summer reading club–click here for suggestions on where to find these clubs.
21. Join a Junior Ranger Program–many national and state parks have these fun and educational programs.
22. Have a garage sale–your kids can earn some spending money by getting rid of items they no longer want/use.
23. Make ice eggs–on the night before an especially warm day, fill balloons with water and then slip a small toy inside the balloon as well. Put the balloons in the freezer and then send the kids outside with their “eggs” the next day. When the eggs melt, the toys will be revealed. For extra fun–add food coloring to the water to make colored ice eggs.
24. Visit a local police or fire station–since most departments don’t have set visiting hours, be sure to call ahead to set up a time. For added fun, take some homemade treats to your local heroes.
25. Organize a neighborhood kick-ball tournament–a fun way to bring neighbors together for a little friendly competition.
26. Make some goop–create a mysterious matter that kids can shape into balls or let ooze from their fingers. Here’s how:
    * Pour one cup water into a large mixing bowl.
    * Add a few drops of food coloring (any color).
    * Slowly stir in two cups of cornstarch (use a spoon at first, but you may eventually find it’s easier with your hands).
27. Enroll in summer craft class–most Michael’s or Joann’s Fabrics stores have summer classes for kids.
28. Host a toy swap–invite your kid’s friends to bring over a few toys that they no longer play with and have a swap. Everyone leaves with a toy that’s “new” to them.
29. Make homemade ice cream–because let’s face it, homemade tastes best.
30. Make tin-can stilts–remember those? So much fun!
31. Craft some wind chimes–click here for instructions.
32. Make a fairy garden–it’s simple, click here to learn how.
33. Visit a farmer’s market–and bring home some fresh produce.
34. Play tourist in your own town–staycations truly can be a lot of fun if you view your hometown through tourist eyes.
35. Learn how to double dutch jumprope–or…start with a single rope if necessary.
36. Play a nighttime game of flashlight tag at a local park or backyard–while you’re at it, keep your eyes open for fireflies.
37. Build a birdhouse–or a bat house!
38. Go to a drive-in movie–Especially fun if you own a pick-up truck and lots of pillows and blankets.
39. Go fly a kite–I’m a grown up and I still love flying kites.
40. Host an ice cream sundae bar–heck, have ice cream sundaes for dinner just once.
41. Paint pet rocks–they require a lot less care and maintenance than a real pet.
42. Make popsicles–all you need is some fruit juice, dixie cups and popsicle sticks. Easy peasy.
43. Create a bicycle obstacle course–don’t forget the helmets!
44. Make root beer floats for your kids and the neighborhood kids–maybe for the neighborhood adults too.
45. Set up a lemonade stand–an oldie but a goodie.
46. Learn origami–for simple tutorials, click here.
47. Learn Pig Latin together–it’s like your own secret language.
48. Learn some simple magic tricks–and then put together a magic show. Here are some beginner tricks to get you started.
49. Go geocaching–lots of fun for older kiddos. Click here for an introduction.
50. Study insects with a magnifying glass–just be sure that the sun is not shining through the glass…the object here is to study the insects, not fry them.

Yes, having the kids home from school does require a bit more planning and preparation, but it also means more freedom and fun. Be sure to make time to enjoy your kids–they grow up SO fast, but happy summer memories will stay with them forever.

Mindfulness is such a popular buzzword these days, but what exactly does it mean, and more importantly–how do we obtain it?

I’ll be the first to confess-the whole concept of mindfulness, is one that intimidated me for a long time. In my mind, I equated mindfulness with hours spent on a meditation pillow, doing nothing but breathing; and frankly, that sounded really, really boring to me. Thankfully, after studying the topic a bit more, I’ve come to a much clearer understanding of what mindfulness really is and how to incorporate it into my life in small, intentional doses throughout the day. These simple tweaks have allowed me to seamlessly integrate mindful moments into my schedule and reap the benefits of a clearer, more aligned, mind, body and spirit.

If you, (like me), have a non-stop life, but still long for a more mindful existence, try incorporating a few of these simple techniques into your day.

Simple Steps to Daily Mindfulness

• 6:30 A.M.–Start your day in a mindful way. Rather than hitting the snooze button four times before rising, get up immediately and open your window blinds. The sunlight will help to wake up your senses. Next, make your bed mindfully by setting your intentions for the day as you smooth your sheets and plump your pillows. Finally, as your going through your normal morning routine, use the time to mentally set the tone for the coming day. I like to think of things that make me smile while I’m brushing my teeth and recite my daily affirmations while putting on my makeup.
• 7:00 A.M.–Take your joe outside. Summer mornings are the perfect time to slow down a bit and savor the flavor of your morning cup of coffee. Feel the warmth of the mug in your hands and the warmth of the sun on your face as you step out onto your porch (balcony, back yard…whatever) and sip your favorite brew. If you live somewhere that makes this difficult (a high-rise apartment building for example), you can still mindfully enjoy your coffee by sipping it near an open window with fresh air wafting in. Be sure to take a few moments to enjoy the aroma of your coffee before taking a sip and then, truly savor your first few swallows.
• 7:30 A.M.–Don’t inhale your breakfast. Again, slow down. Instead of shoving a stale bagel in your mouth as you head out the door in the morning; make the effort to actually enjoy your breakfast. If this seems impossible to you, start your planning the night before by setting out your plate and utensils and having your food ready for preparation. Not only will this allow you to truly enjoy your food, research has shown that eating mindfully also helps to improve digestion and regulate appetite.
• 10:30 A.M.–Mid morning moment of awe. While it might be difficult to step outside and marvel at the beauty of nature if you work in a cubicle in a big city office, you can still sneak in a moment or two of awe. Simply click here to view tons of gorgeous scenery photos that will allow your mind to relax while you take a few moments to re-center yourself and slow your breathing a bit.
• 12:00 P.M.–Enjoy a quiet lunch by yourself. Sure, it’s fun to grab lunch with your besties, and occasionally, it is important to have a working lunch with a client. When possible however; try to enjoy your lunch with a side order of peace and quiet. Take a good book with you (might we suggest this one?) and find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Drink some cold water (or hot tea if it is winter time) and just enjoy your own company as you enjoy your meal.
• 3:00 P.M.–Mid afternoon appreciation. Mid afternoon is the hardest time of the day for me. In order to bring a little mindfulness to my mid-afternoon slump, I’ve set a reminder on my phone to beep (or vibrate) every day at 3:00. When my reminder goes off, it is my trigger to take a look around me and think of something that I’m thankful for. Yesterday, it was the space heater under my desk (the air conditioner in our office is RIDICULOUS) that I was most thankful for, but other days it might be the fact that the weather outside is beautiful or that the copier didn’t jam on me as I was printing my workshop handouts. Just taking a moment to be still and give silent gratitude is often enough to re-align my heart and mind in a mindful manner.
• 5:00 P.M.–Create a calm commute. I’ll confess, my commute home in the evenings after work had become so routine that I sometimes barely remembered the drive. I mean, I’m sure that I used my turn signals appropriately and obeyed the traffic laws, but honestly; everything had become so rote that I could seriously drive for miles without even thinking about what I was doing. In order to take back my drive time in a meaningful way, I’ve created mindfulness “anchors” that serve as reminders to come back to the present, take a deep breath and fully re-engage with my mind and body. For me, these anchors are red lights. Whenever I come to a red traffic light, I tell my mind to stop and come back to itself. If your commute is on a bus or subway, you can use the dings at stops as your anchor or perhaps, a certain stop along your way can serve as your anchor. No one needs to know about your mindfulness practice since it is something that takes place internally–so don’t worry about what other commuters are thinking of you.
• 10:00 P.M.–Wind down with intention. As you start to prepare for bed, spend some time connecting with your spirit. Do five minutes of meditation (for some of my favorite guided meditations, check out fragrantheart.com) and maybe some light stretching. If you feel as though you need more help with unwinding, take a warm bubble bath with some lavender essential oil and allow your body to relax and your mind to release the tensions of the day. Once you’ve relaxed a bit, allow yourself to mindfully observe the shimmer of the bubbles and inhale the fragrance of the lavender; bringing your attention fully to the present moment.
• 10:30 P.M.–Lights out. As you lay your head on your pillow, allow yourself a few final moments of mindfulness before you drift off to sleep. Notice how comfortable your bed feels and how soothing the dark is. Stay in the present moment without worrying about tomorrow’s to-do list or the things that went wrong earlier in the day. Just allow your spirit to enjoy the calm as your body slips into slumber.

While getting into the groove when it comes to practicing mindfulness might take a little time (hence the reason it’s called a practice), mindfulness is a skill that can be learned, and therefore, the more you practice it, the more you will naturally begin to develop the ability. Really, it’s not the being mindful that is difficult–it’s the remembering to be mindful that’s the challenge. By implementing these mini mindfulness moments into your normal routine, you’ll begin programming your mind to remember them automatically, making you naturally more mindful of mindfulness.