Encouraging kids to eat new foods is always easier when it comes in a fun shape or color. If you’ve been looking for a way to get your tricky tykes to gobble up their dinner, then look no further than this Hello Kitty Pasta.
World Market is now selling Hello Kitty pasta, which consists of pasta pieces shaped like the famous cat and her iconic bow. Not only is this pasta adorably delicious, but it’s also organic so moms and kids can both feel happy about it.
Of course it wouldn’t be pasta without sauce and luckily Hello Kitty fans can enjoy a sauce as red as her bow. Both the pasta and sauce are available at World Market in stores and online. The one pound bag of Hello Kitty Organic Pasta is priced at $5.99 while the accompanying Hello Kitty Tomato Basil Italian Pasta Sauce is priced at $6.99 a jar.
What should you do when you’re feeling blue? Turn that frown upside down. New research suggests smiling can make you feel happy.
Usually we smile because we’re happy, but the opposite can be true as well according to new research from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Encouraging your moody tot to say cheese might actually do more than result in a cute picture, it could put them in a better mood.
A team of psychologists examined data from 138 studies across 50 years which included over 11,000 participants and found that facial expressions have a small impact on our emotions. “Conventional wisdom tells us that we can feel a little happier if we simply smile. Or that we can get ourselves in a more serious mood if we scowl,” said Nicholas Coles, UT PhD student in social psychology and lead researcher on the paper. “But psychologists have actually disagreed about this idea for over 100 years.”
According to the results of their analysis different facial expressions can have a small impact on the way people feel. For example, scowling can make you feel angrier and smiling can make you feel happier.
“We don’t think that people can smile their way to happiness,” Coles said. “But these findings are exciting because they provide a clue about how the mind and the body interact to shape our conscious experience of emotion. We still have a lot to learn about these facial feedback effects, but this meta-analysis put us a little closer to understanding how emotions work.”
The love for music can be developed. As human beings, we have an innate longing to hear or to feel something that can bring pleasure to our soul. This is one thing that music can bring. If you are a music enthusiast and you want to pass this to your children, you can consider different ways on how the love of music can be developed naturally.
Music is everywhere—and this is why it’s easy for children to listen to music and memorize song lyrics. If you are planning to enroll your kids in a music school, you should start by introducing the importance of music to their everyday life. This way, it would be easier for them to learn music lessons. To give you a great start, here are some simple ways on how you can encourage your kids to love music.
Listen to music with your kids.
While you are eating, playing or just doing nothing at home with your kids, you can play music. This way, they will get used to the background music while they are busy doing something. You can also take this time to introduce the singer, the instruments used by the band playing or just talk about the song. Listening to music is the first step and it is something that the kids will surely enjoy.
Sing with your kids.
If you have little kids, you can start by teaching them simple songs that are easy to memorize. Take time to teach them and make sure to sing with them. This is a great way to bond with your kids and they will surely feel happy about it. If you can play an instrument, it would be better. Children are interested in things that adults do. If you can show that you enjoy music, it would be easier for them to love it.
Let your children learn to play a musical instrument.
The first thing that you need to do is to observe your children. You can also ask them if they are interested in singing or playing a musical instrument. If they are, then you can teach them if you can. If you are not familiar with the way the instrument is played, you can always consider getting a teacher who will teach your kids. The main point of letting the children play a musical instrument is to let them get that wonderful feeling that music can bring when you are the one making the music.
Do music-related crafts and activities.
There are different games that involve music. You can dance or watch a video of a musician’s performance. There are also a lot of games where music is vital. Even doing arts or crafts is something that can be perfected if there is music in the background. You can also go to museums and check the evolution of musical instruments.
Even the simple act of watching television can be educational for your kids because they can learn more about music. The secret? Figuring out how you can creatively integrate music into their normal activities.
Take music class or lessons.
Music lessons are fun and it can be very helpful to your kids. In music classes, their brains are enhanced and the way they coordinate and cooperate is also being improved. Start by knowing what the kid wants to learn and adjusting the schedules in a way that will not stress him or her out. Make it fun by allowing the child to explore the world of music as he or she learns. Music teachers have their own ways on how to make things work while the kids are learning. It will surely be a great experience for your children.
Attend live performances.
There is nothing more educational and enjoyable like attending live performances. Look for the schedules of tours and live performances of the artists or bands that you love. Get some tickets for the whole family and let the children experience this incredible moment. This way, the will be able to appreciate music, even at their early age.
Life is more beautiful because of music. Let your children understand this and it will be easier for you to make them embrace this beautiful sentiment.
Curtis Dean writes on behalf of Sage Music School, where they base lessons on the science and research of the psychology of learning. Their effective teaching methods create confident and capable students who enjoy the happiness of making music.
With the holidays approaching, there’s so much to prepare—decorations, cards, gifts, school parties, clothing for the whole family, meals and more. Often, it’s not until we’re already sitting around the table that we realize there’s one more thing we wish we’d prepared for: the family dinner conversation. Multiple generations, multiple political views, multiple families, multiple traditions and if we’re lucky, we can share this one meaningful meal together.
We’re all aware of the conversational landmines involved in talking about charged topics such as religion, politics and current events (plus those topics are a sure-fire way to lose the kids’ attention quickly).
This year, you can show up to the table prepared with seven conversation starters that are sure to bring everyone together.
“What’s your favorite family holiday tradition?”
Have you passed it on to your children or grandchildren? Will you pass it along to future generations? If you want to get creative after everyone shares, you can choose an old tradition to revive or create a new family tradition to carry into future years.
“What are three nice, thoughtful things that people have done for you that made you feel really special or loved? “
Think about someone who could use a helping hand or some friendly attention (someone you know or have heard about). What plan can you make to do something nice or thoughtful for them? And is there someone else at the table who would like to help you?
“What are your favorite memories of time spent with family?”
This is a great one to engage everyone at the table and for little ones to get to hear some family-history. It’s fun to be sure that each memory-teller gets asked 3 or 4 follow-up questions.
“What do you think is your personal best way of being generous and why?”
Can you share a story about a time you did one of these things and made a difference, such as giving a gift of money, helping out, listening to others’ stories and feelings, leading others with your great ideas…or something else?
“Imagine you could add one guest to your family holiday table. Who would you choose and why?”
Be sure to choose a real person from any period in time, famous or not. Follow-up question: Who would it be if you could invite any character from a book, television show or movie?
Play Two Truths & a Lie
Everyone at the table will say three things about themselves—two of them will be true and one will be made up. The other guests at the table will guess which one is made up. And, after the answer is revealed, guests can ask questions about the true statements!
Don’t Hate, Appreciate!
It’s so nice to hear words like “thank you” and “good job.” You know what can be even nicer? Hearing what kind of impact you have on people around you.
Each person at the table can take a turn to express how they feel. The structure is “{Person You’re Addressing} when you {do/did/say/said ___________) I feel/felt {emotion or feeling words}. Here’s how this could play out in a few different relationships and scenarios:
Dad to Brother: “Uncle Scott, when you said to Danny that he’s lucky to have me as a Dad cuz I’m the best daddy ever, I felt proud, loved and also nostalgic because I miss our Pops.”
Partner to Partner: “Jan, when you make up songs with our kids’ names and sing to us before breakfast, I feel like the luckiest person on the planet and I smile all the way to work on those days.”
Child to Mom: “Mom, when you accidentally fall asleep in bed next to me when we read stories at night, I feel happy because I get extra time with you.”
“If you could learn any new skill or hobby right now, what would it be?”
Share some topics and skills that you are interested in but haven’t really taken the time to learn. What ways could you contribute to the family or the world if you were to develop a new talent, skill or knowledge?
A committed auntie and teacher, Amy is known for bringing the "interpersonal yum factor." For over 20 years, she's facilitated the cohesion and deepening of thousands of groups and relationships worldwide. Founder of The Connection Movement, Connection Camp and Human Centered Group, Amy inspires empathy, vulnerability, communication and intersectional conversations.
Music and dancing makes kids feel alive. Combine this with stories and instruments and you have a recipe for success. But where can you find all this and more? The coolest, newest and hippest music studio on the block, Three Little Birds. With a new location opening in Tacoma and one set to open in Seattle this winter, this new music studio is a must-see and hear.
Meet the Birds
Tara Howard, Shannon Eileen, and Kate Perkins have been best friends since high school and the experience, knowledge, and love of music between the three of them is out of this world! The trio wanted to take what they know and create a special place for music lovers to unite… hence the idea for Three Little Birds was born. Since the trio believe that music is an important part of a child’s development and no age is too young to gain a love of the arts, you will find that their personalities and energy are electric and inviting. And once you step through the door, you will instantly feel like you have known them a long time. Feel free to pull up a chair and stay awhile!
The Story Behind the Name
Three Little Birds was named after one of the trio’s favorite songs by Bob Marley. Be prepared to learn the lyrics and sing along. Once you hear the catchy tune and listen as Shannon plays along with her ukulele, you’ll feel happy, relaxed and realize, “every little thing is gonna be alright.” Not familiar with the song? No worries. You will get introduced quickly as the Birds end each class with it. So, sit back and don’t worry ’bout a thing.
Take a Musical Journey
Who knew you could visit such exotic places without leaving our awesome state. At Three Little Birds, you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to take a journey through all seven continents. Feel the heat of the tropics and the moisture of the rainforests, see palm trees, and even pick coconuts. Each class begins with a welcome song where every kiddo is mentioned by name and each will even have their own spot on the magic rug. Personalized and fun, a win-win in our book!
Classes Offered
Three classes are offered for newborns to 5-year-olds. Songbird Babytime is designed for parents and wee ones (birth to age 2) as an introduction to music and rhythm. Songbird Boogietime, for 2-5-year-olds, takes kids on a musical journey all over the world. This interactive, hands-on class is a great way to introduce your little adventurer to different species, locations, and music. Also for 2-5-year-olds, Songbird Storytime introduces tots to music through reading. Each class centers around a book that focuses on the theme of the week. No matter what class you choose, giggles and smiles are guaranteed. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself dancing and singing along, the Birds’ humor is contagious!
Rates and Schedule
Classes meet three times per week, Mon., Wed., and Fri., for 45 minutes. Songbird Babytime starts at 9 a.m. followed by Songbird Boogietime at 10 a.m., and Songbird Storytime at 11 a.m. Classes are $12 each or you can purchase a 5-class package for $54; a 10-class package for $102; or a monthly unlimited pass for $120. Sibling discounts are offered at half-price when you enroll siblings in the same class and purchase a package.
Good to Know
Mark your calendars! The first class starts on September 22, 2014 and registration has begun. Three Little Birds has taken the guesswork out of registration by making it super easy to do online. You’re only one click away from taking your little songbirds on a magical journey. Psst… the Birds are planning on expanding and will be opening locations in Seattle this winter and Gig Harbor next spring, so stay tuned!
As a life coach, I’m a huge proponent of personal growth, and growth usually means change. Becoming happier often means re-engineering a bad habit, or starting a healthy new routine (like exercise or meditation). But sometimes the best thing that we can do for our happiness is stick with an old routine.
Researchers believe that the brains in both humans and animals evolved to feel calmed by repetitive behavior, and that our daily rituals and habits are a primary way to manage stress. Ever notice that you always drive to work the same way, even though there are dozens of other routes? Or that you always put deodorant on right after you brush your hair? Each of us has hundreds of little habits that carry us through the day. The fast-paced world we live in can feel quite unpredictable, but our daily rituals can help us feel more in control, often without us ever realizing it.
Return to routine. What daily routine or ritual did you drop this summer that you realize now provided you with a little respite of calm? What routine do you have now that you’ll stick with?
We often forget that inspiration — along with its cousins elevation and awe — are positive emotions that make us feel more content, joyful and satisfied with our lives. One way to bring more of these positive emotions into our lives is to memorize a part of a poem that inspires us.
For a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting –
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
The lines I say to myself for inspiration are, “the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting — over and over announcing your place in the family of things.”
Use the Internet to find a poem you remember loving. Print it out, highlight your favorite lines, and commit them to memory.
The little love notes that Danny would leave for Annie defined their relationship. They weren’t particularly poetic, or long, or exciting. But they did the trick: they conveyed his love.
Think about his “Romantic Weather Report”: “The weather out today is extremely rainy, I’ll call you at 11:20 in the morning, and I love you, I love you, I love you.”
Any of us can write these letters, and when we do, the love in our life grows.
Leave someone in your life a little love letter today. How about a note for your daughter in her lunch box? A sticky on your husband’s windshield? A text to your mom that says you’re thinking of her? You could even leave a treat for your dog and call it a love note.
I’m a big fan of high-fat foods; fat tastes good, after all. And research has shown that some types of fats, like Omega-3s, can calm us and even have antidepressant effects. But other studies show that trans-fats, or partially hydrogenated oils, may make us feel aggressive, and that they can trigger inflammatory reactions that are linked to depression, heart disease and cancer.
Trans-fats are typically found in processed foods–particularly fried foods and packaged baked goods. Since aggression, depression, heart disease and cancer are not happiness habits, clearly what we eat affects our happiness.
This week, make an effort to eat something high in a fat that is likely to make you feel good, such as something high in the omega-3 fatty acid DHA. DHA is found in oily fish, like trout and salmon. (If you are vegetarian, algae is the only DHA-rich vegetable source that I’m aware of.) Let that yummy smoked trout salad replace your side of french fries, chips, or (sigh) those cookies that came in a package.
