Start off 2021 on the right scoop. Baskin-Robbins wants fans to embrace their love for chocolate and treat themselves in the new year. Indulge in a decadent chocolate experience with the January Flavor of the Month, Chocolate Trilogy.
Available for a limited time only Chocolate Trilogy is an explosion of chocolatey goodness, swirled to creamy perfection. Bringing together the best that chocolate has to offer with each unforgettable bite, Chocolate Trilogy combines the toasted, earthy notes of malted chocolate, the buttery, sweet flavor of white chocolate, and the classically delicious, milky flavor of Belgian chocolate to create a delightfully decadent chocolate experience.
“We wanted to take a classic flavor and elevate it to a whole new level by combining multiple chocolate flavors,” said Jeanne Bolger, Director of Research and Development.. “We wanted to create something familiar, yet exciting, and highly crave-able.”
This new flavor is the ultimate treat for even the most discerning chocolate lover’s palette, this brand new flavor is perfect in a scoop or as a seriously delicious milkshake.
There are so many things I want to tell you, but it’s so hard—I don’t even know where to begin.
Ever since I was little, I dreamed of becoming a Mom. In fact, until just before I graduated high school, the only job I ever had was babysitting. Caring for kids has always been a passion of mine. I prayed for you for so long. There was a long stretch of time that I didn’t think it was going to happen.
After what seemed like forever, by medical intervention and God’s grace, that beautiful pink line finally appeared. I know now that the long wait for your arrival was just the first of many lessons in patience for me. Being your Mom has taught me so much. You are extremely aware of the emotions around you. You remind me when I’m being too loud. You become anxious. You know when I’m feeling sad. You keep a very close eye on me. You know when I’m relaxed and genuinely happy. You never short the laughter. You’ve shown me the need to slow down. My favorite is when I’ve been so busy doing things and you just grab my hand and pull me away from whatever I’m doing and sit me on the couch. Most of the time that is as far as it goes. You just want me sitting next to you. You remind me in your own way to take a break. You amaze me every day with your resilience. Your dedication to keep trying until perfection. Many of our hard times are you becoming frustrated with something you are trying to do or working on but don’t have the answer yet. Like somehow you failed. The anxiety takes over. You get overwhelmed. It breaks my heart when it takes over and you don’t have the words to explain what’s going on or how I can help. A million things race through my head. What can I do for you? At the moment, nothing that comes to mind feels like enough.
So, I sit there with my arms wrapped around you holding you through the frustration, the tears, the flaps, and the kicks. Reminding you that you are doing a great job. To take deep breaths. I’m here to help, always. We’re in this together. They say “Actions speak louder than words” and that couldn’t be more true.
You have taught me so much, to not forget to take a breath. To calm myself when something is getting the best of me. You might not have all of the words yet but you show me, day after day, that love needs no words. I am so proud of you. I am proud to be your Mom. I am proud to be your voice. I am proud to share your story. The real. The raw. The joy.
I am proud to raise awareness. Because awareness leads to understanding. Understanding leads to acceptance. That is my dream for you and all the other amazing kids out there. Acceptance. And for this world to be a little kinder. To see you through my eyes for the amazing, smart, sweet, and loving person that you are. I’m so glad God chose me to be your Mom.
Trista is a mother of two, Allayna and David. David was diagnosed with moderate ASD. She is married to her husband Drew and they live in Wisconsin where she works full-time from home. She enjoys spending time with her family, large amounts of coffee and sharing her family's journey.
Ah, the holidays. The tree is trimmed, the presents are bought, and you’ve spent days joyously baking with your kids while listening to Bing Crosby. Right. In reality, Home Depot sells trees right up until the last second, Amazon Prime can get it to you in two days up to Christmas Eve, and there’s absolutely no reason you can’t listen to the Bing Crosby Christmas CD en route to pick up your Christmas cookies from one of Atlanta’s best bakeries. So go ahead and fake it, already. We won’t tell a soul. Pick up these traditional holiday cookies—and don’t forget to hide the box.
This Buckhead bakery is known for its buttery shortbread cookies with a perfectly placed dollop of frosting in the middle—as well as its selection of almost-too-pretty-to-eat decorated cookies. But don't let the confection perfection fool you. You'll eat every crumb, and go back for more.
The Frosting: Henri's is now offering Christmas Cookie Gift Boxes for delivery, as part of their upgraded online ordering system.
56 East Andrews Dr Nw Atlanta, Ga 404-237-0202 Online: henrisbakery.com
Locations also in Sandy Springs, Marietta, and Upper West Side.
One of Atlanta's bakery standard-bearers, Alon's is a sure bet for a cookie home run. Whether you're shopping for Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanza, or oh-my-gosh-2020-is-almost-over, you'll find the perfect cookie here.
The Sprinkle: Don't wait to place your order if you're feeding a crowd. The cookie basket has an assortment of holiday cookies that are perfect for passing.
1394 North Highland Avenue NE Atlanta, Ga 404-872-6000 Online: alons.com
What was once just a restaurant located in Old Fourth Ward is now a restaurant rapidly expanding its locations to feed everyone closer to home—and their cookies (holiday and otherwise) will make you glad to be their neighbor. And while you might go for the fun pancakes and outdoor seating, you'll be missing out if you don't pack up a box of cookies to take home.
The Sprinkle: Cookie Trays are available so you'll have a fully stocked selection for your little elves.
655 Highland Ave. NE, Suite 10 Atlanta, Ga 404-586-0772 Online: highlandbakery.com
Locations also in Midtown, Emory, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and Peachtree City.
Canvas Cafe & Bakery
If you're looking for an old school seven layer bar cookie, Canvas serves up a whopper of one, and it's better than the ones your mom used to make (sorry, mom).
The Frosting: Pick up a box of artisanal donuts from Canvas' sister company, Donut Dollies, while you're at it.
724 Cherokee Street Marietta, Ga 678-213-2268 Online: canvasfoods.com
My Sweet Things
If you're looking for a custom decorated cookie, My Sweet Things is buttercream perfection. Order online from Kathi, and you can arrange the best pick-up for your comfort level.
The Frosting: However you celebrate the holidays, if you can dream a design for your cookies, Kathi can make them.
If you want to kick your fancy level up a notch, order Holiday Macaroons from Southern Peach. They come in Peppermint White Chocolate/Dark Chocolate Swirl, Gingerbread Caramel Cream, Spiced Apple Cider, Hot Chocolate (Chocolate with Marshmallow Cream), Sugar Plum Fairy, and Eggnog flavors. Or, pick up a box of customizable holiday cookies, instead.
The Sprinkle: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation & A Christmas Story custom cookie sets are available, with sayings like "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" and "I Triple Dog Dare Ya!" on them.
Hi! I'm a blogger, author, & mom of 3 big kids. I live with my husband & kids in Little Norway - a little town just a ferry ride from Seattle. And yes, I drink a lot of coffee.
Bring Hygge Vibes to Your Home this Holiday Season
Are you familiar with the lifestyle of hygge? In short, hygge (pronounced hoo-guh) is a Danish word derived from the Norwegian word “hugga”, which very basically means… to comfort. The Danish word, hygge takes the concept of comfort to the NEXT LEVEL. The word hygge is used to describe spaces, such as a cozy living room, but it is also used to define an entire lifestyle… a Danish lifestyle that has really risen in popularity over the last several years. Any scroll on Pinterest or Instagram offers solid proof of that!
Dictionary.com defines the noun as “the feeling of coziness and contentment evoked by simple comforts as being wrapped in a blanket, having good conversation, enjoying food, etc.” My only question is, why did hygge take so long to go mainstream?!
Life can be difficult on a good day, with or without a pandemic or extreme politics. It is no wonder the philosophy of hygge has taken wings. We all long for comfort and warmth. Who isn’t longing for a simple, delicious existence these days… including but not limited to candles, soft blankets, warm beverages, and cozy socks?
We may not be able to control what happens outside our front doors, but we do have some control over the vibes with create in our home. In my opinion, the hygge vibe is where it’s at! Most mornings over the last few months, I light a favorite candle, make stovetop espresso, and steal as many quiet moments with my cozy blanket I can before the chaos/kids/email/Facebook scrolling begins. It’s my little effort in hygge, just for me.
Mamas, I know stealing time is HARD, but I highly recommend giving it a shot. You deserve a little hygge… even if in just a little corner of your heart and home. Just a few moments wrapped in cozy blanket is a solid way to baby step towards ushering in little hygge… and little comfort & joy into your home.
1
Skandinavisk Hygge Scented Candle
This candle is LIT.
$32.62
This painted glass votive with engraved beechwood lid isn't only lovely, but in the spirit it simplicity, when this candle is used up - simply clean and re-use with tea lights!
If slowing down is your struggle, you may relent and give in when you have this soft, chunky knit snuggle magnet waiting for you to warm-up and get your hygge on in.
Harney & Sons Caffeinated Hot Cinnamon Sunset Black Tea
Best. Tea. Ever.
$13.99
I don't know if this flavor would be an official hygge pick, but if happiness can be found in a cup of tea - you will find it in this delicious blend of tea time perfection.
I have two of these. A baby size and a mama size. The Bialetti is a handy way to make your own espresso, and A LOT less expensive than a fancy espresso machine. I enjoy the routine of the making process as I start my day.
It's warm, it's soft, it's CUTE. I get compliments every, single time I wear it. The fleece lining and that adorable fur pom on time makes it just... pure, adorable perfection. Take a little hygge with you when you go outside.
The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living
Dig deeper into hygge life with this book!
$15.26
The hygge life goes beyond than candles and warm blankets. This popular book on hygge digs deeper and could make you a full-fledge hygge lifestyle, and a great read after getting a fire going in the fireplace.
Gnomes are a symbol of good luck, and tomtes are believed to be protectors of the farmstead. Place this guy on your mantle, under the Christmas tree, or on a bookshelf... whether good luck or protection, they certainly add fun and whimsy.
I’m 34 weeks pregnant. This little one is my fourth baby, fourth daughter. I’ve been reflecting lately. The things I’ve missed. The time lost. The tenderness and love. What I hope to do better. My first daughter was born when I was only 19 years old. After she was born, I was changed. I’m sure only I noticed, but it was undeniable. I was no longer a child. I was a woman. A mother had been born.
I was a young mother, and I made plenty of mistakes. But with Olivia, it was all about the magic. I read chapter books to her while she nursed. I carried her all over the farm during lambing season, watching her daddy work. I shared with her my love for rocks. Fostered a wonder in bleached bones and wildflowers. Taught her how to make wishes on dandelions and feel the colors of the sunset. We explored peacefully, quietly, in our introverted way. By the time she was 3, some family members began to question her mental health. Rumors were spread and conversations had without anyone voicing their concerns to me. I felt betrayed and defensive. And testing and doctor visits confirmed what I knew: no issues.
Again, I was changed. A new kind of mother had been born. A protective mother. I had been burned by other’s well-intentioned advice which led me down a path of discovery. I discovered I was worthy. I discovered I was the most important person in my daughter’s life. I discovered that God sent her to ME because He trusted ME to be in her corner.
I discovered that every mother feels she is an expert, but they forget how they came to feel that way. They forget the many “births” they endured to know what they know. The thing about birth though, is it isn’t transferable. It’s wholly personal. Each mother, and child, must endure her own. So, as I planned my next birth, I politely ignored the pressure-filled advice and counsel of those who had gone before. Their success and failures were not mine and I refused to hold their weight.
Joslynn’s pregnancy was hard, but her birth was beautiful. It was calm and peaceful and perfect. Her birth changed me. A new kind of mother was born. A mother that was empowered. A mother that knew she could do hard things. A mother that understood the process. A mother that felt completely in control. Perfection became my mantra. We followed all the rules. I was in control. I realized the mistakes I had made as that young inexperienced mother and I was ready to do better. To be better.
Baby #3 was also a girl. Instead of disappointment, all we felt was joy. At 31 weeks I began to have consistent pre-term contractions, which can cause premature birth. After many scary nights and several hospital trips, our awesome midwives and doctors were able to stop the contractions. At 35 weeks baby girl stopped growing. The hospital visits and doctor appointments seemed endless. At 38 weeks our oldest broke her collar bone, at 39 weeks we were induced. Somehow, we survived the chaos and brought home a healthy baby girl. I had changed again. Through all the chaos, a new kind of mother was born. I realized I wasn’t in control at all. The relief of finally holding my healthy 3rd daughter in my arms, safe and sound, spurred a deep desire to enjoy every tiny moment. We were all completely smitten with little Adeline. We held her too much and loved on her constantly. Then entered joy. Instead of trying to control everything to make sure it was perfect, I realized it already was. And I learned to sit back and breathe all that joy in.
When I first became a mother, I thought that my own identity would be easily set aside for this higher purpose. That I would happily lose myself. And for a long time, I did. But suppressing parts of a soul never lasts. The child I lost when I became a mother was me. And her emergence was inevitable. I lost the magic when I gained the perfection. I lost perfection when I gained joy. And I lost all joy when I realized being a mother wasn’t enough. I fought it deeply. I felt endlessly guilty for losing the magic, the perfection, the joy. For the “I don’t know’s.” The “maybe later’s.” The “not today’s.” The exhaustion. The impatience. The frustration. Being a mother should be enough. But I wasn’t. It was time to give birth to myself, to my passions, my talents, my own magic and joy. It took time. Like any birth, it was a process, filled with pain. But in that process, I was changed. A new kind of mother was born. This mother found her magic, her joy. And now she can again share it with her daughters. I still carry the weight of my failures; I can’t change the past or get back the time lost. But I am not the same mother I once was. I’ve endured many births and though each different, each was necessary. I am now a mother that nurtures herself alongside her children. And I hope that when my daughters see me paint instead of fold laundry, or leave them to spend time with friends or say no to a playdate to practice self-care, they will learn.
I hope that they will learn that being a good mother isn’t losing yourself, it’s finding yourself. Finding your own magic. Finding your own joy. Finding out that everything is already perfect. We are anxious to meet our new daughter, our new little sister. And all together we will soak in the magic and perfection and joy of this new little soul God has trusted us with. Her birth will be unique. Somehow it will change me. A new kind of mother will be born. I can’t wait to meet her either.
Amy is a creator and believes everyone else is too. She strives to be artistic in all areas of life but writing is her passion and her family is her masterpiece. She uses her blog to address the joys and struggles of motherhood and is currently writing her first novel.
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, there may be last minute closures due to Covid-19. We highly recommend that you call ahead or check a farm’s website before you pack your kids (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town. Stay safe!
Grab your wellies, your buckets and your cameras, and make a bee line to one of these flower farms–each within an hour drive from downtown DC.
Burnside Farms Sunflowers reign supreme during summer months. With over eight acres of flowers, this spectacular pick-your-own venue is one of the largest in the entire world. Really! Note: Purchase tickets ($8) beforehand as they are not available at the gate.
2570 Logmill Rd.
Haymarket, VA
703-930-3052
Online: burnsidefarms.com
Butlers Orchard Located in Germantown, Md and open for 65 years, this orchard is filled to the brim with different crops to choose from. Peonies are available until mid-June with other varieties available through July. There is even an area for farm picnics and a lovely market with snacks for the entire fam to enjoy. Insider suggestion: the blueberry lemon buckle is sososo nommy!
22200 Davis Mill Rd.
Germantown, MD
301-972-3299
Online: butlersorchard.com
Rockhill Orchard The flower arrangement possibilities are endless here. There are tons of different flowers that are always in bloom and the farm even has guided tours. There’s even a creamery with a tractor ride to the dairy farm! Your little one will LOVE it.
Fields of Flowers From mid-May until the first frost, families can wander through the acres of flowers and snip and pick at leisure. Once you’ve had your fill, bring your bucket to a workstation where you can clean and prune your bouquet to perfection.
Seven Oaks Lavender Farm
This mother-daughter business has been inviting guests to enjoy their scented hillside for 18 years. Lavender is available for picking through mid-July; stems are 15 cents each. Don’t forget to nab a picture in the gazebo in the middle of the purple fields.
A little over six weeks have passed into our foray as chefs, cooks, and bottle washers. Life in the time of COVID-19 has forced us to multitask, and we are exhausted. Without the ability to drop the kid off at school, spend some time away from our dear spouse, and hang out with our friends, things can get overwhelming. Even the best organizers only have so much time in the day.
So what happens? We find ourselves being less than stellar with our children, with our spouses, with our imaginary partners. Well, the world, even in the time of COVID-19 does not stop spinning. To help myself, I’ve borrowed and adapted a mantra used by many self-help groups.
Progress, not Perfectionemphasizes not letting perfection get in the way of the healthy changes you are trying to make. I’m calling my adaptation, “Parenting, not Perfection.” Certainly, that phrase has been used before; so, I’m not taking credit for inventing it. I am, however, using it as a shortcut to give you a quick pat on the back for at least trying to be a good parent and a good teacher.
While you’re doing your best to juggle, here are some things to keep in mind. They have worked for me but your mileage may vary:
1. Set Reasonable Expectations: You cannot get as much done as a teacher would in a classroom. You cannot do it. Unless you are a teacher, you do not have the training to teach a preschooler. You probably don’t have the patience of a good preschool teacher. And this is your child—the dynamic is different. Concentrate on one or two activities and call it a day. If you expect your child to be doing “table work” for three hours, somebody needs analysis. And, it’s not the kid.
2. Set Your Own Schedule: You are at home. There is no school “day.” There is no requirement that “lessons” be accomplished during school hours. Let your child sleep in, let them stay up later than normal. Let your family find its own rhythm. Take breaks.
3. Do Not Buy Out the Craft Store: You need safety scissors, paper, and vodka. The Vodka is in case you can’t find rubbing alcohol. We are in the middle of a pandemic. Seriously, there is no need to raid the craft store. Is your child learning to form letters? Take every-day objects from around the house and use them to form letters. Walk your neighborhood and collect items to make different shapes. You don’t need to be fancy. You just need to inspire. Get your child involved in cooking, cleaning, gardening, laundry. Those activities teach counting, sorting, measuring, organizing—skills that are essential to their development. Are the activities going to take you more time to complete? YES. But, you are spending time with your child. Time that you would not otherwise be spending.
4. Focus on Learning Through Play: You can learn and play? Yes. It’s fun for both you and the child. Take for instance, a simple lesson on the solar system and sorting colors. The Kid was incredibly busy playing with his toy shield. He was running around defending our house from monsters. He wanted no part of “schoolwork.” While he was playing, I used clay to make seven balls in different colors. I sat quietly. In a matter of seconds, I heard: “What are you doing?” “Those are asteroids,” I replied. “Asteroids smash into planets.” “Smash? Planets? He was hooked! Pretty soon, we were making planets, moons, etc. He was using his shield to defend against the attacking asteroids. “Asteroids, attack by color,” I said. So, he had to sort them. The whole thing took about 35 minutes. And, it was fun.
5. It Is OK to Stop and Start Again Tomorrow: If you get tired, if your child gets tired, if tempers get short, breathe. Sanity and relationships are more important than the square root of pi. Pie is more important than the square root of pi. Stop. Start again fresh. You have not failed. You just need a break.
6. Use Online Resources: You are not alone. Most schools have provided parents with at least some resources to get them through homeschooling. If you haven’t received any, ask why. If you have and you need some backup help, ask your child’s teacher. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, I suggest the site Teachers Pay Teachers. At the site you will find loads, I mean loads, of ready-to-go things that you can do with your child right now. And a great deal of them are free.
7. Let the Kid Be a Kid: Your child will want to play. If your child wants to do nothing but play all day one day, become a pirate for half an hour. Become the loudest, silliest pirate you can possibly be. Chase her throughout the entire house. Make a memory. Forget about teaching a lesson.
Yes, we have been called upon to be chefs, cooks, and bottle washers. And, this is relatively new to all of us. Or is it? Is it really? As parents, we multi-task all the time. We are always parents, we are always somebody’s employee or spouse or boss or mentor, etc. The difference now is the incredible amount of stress that is imposed by a situation that is outside of our control. The difference now is that we control very little of what’s going on. The difference now is that we don’t really see an end.
I offer you this: Parenting is neither sport nor competition. Stop beating yourself up. We don’t get awards; we barely get our own individuality. After all, we are often introduced as “so and so’s Mom or Dad.” And, that’s good. It reminds us of who we are, and why we do what we do. Because parenting is not about us. We so often get wound up around the word “Parent,” as in “I am the parent” that we forget it’s not just a noun, it’s also a verb. And, if you happen to forget, just substitute the word “caregiver.” It will help steer you in the right direction.
Father, children's book critic, writer, judge, director, actor and amature photographer—together with his husband of 25 years—raising an energetic four-year old! "Parent is not just a noun, it's a verb. If you're ever in doubt as to what to do, substitute the word caregiver. It will steer you in the right direction."
Candy Pop Snickers is made with real Snickers candy bar pieces and drizzled to perfection with Snickers caramel and nuts and is just $5.98 for a 20 oz bag. This flavor is a Sam’s Club exclusive!
Sweet Chaos’ Cold Stone Creamery Cake Batter flavor popcorn is the perfect snack when you are craving something sweet and salty. The handmade kettle corn is made with cane sugar and sea salt and then covered with cake batter flavored drizzle and sprinkles. The popcorn comes in a 10 pack box (1.5oz per bag) and is just $9.98, making it less than $1.00 a bag. This party-sized 10-bag box is exclusive to Sam’s Club!
These exclusive snacking combos will only be around for a limited time, so be sure to grab them soon!
Today, girls feel the pressures to be pretty, popular, and talented. They are striving to fit in, keep up, and be all things to all people. Yet, girls are more stressed and anxious than ever before and consistently report feeling “not good enough.”
As girls grow up, they change from strong, secure, and gutsy little girls to uncertain, afraid, and worried teen girls who hold back their voice, their opinion, and their adventurous spirits. They lose their true self and begin curating the “ideal” self—one who is helpful, amenable, and accomplished. Her “perfect” self, whether on her social media feeds or in real-time, strives for perfection at all costs. Essentially, girls become “super girls”.
Yet, as much as they are accomplishing, they may also be struggling with “Super Girl Syndrome” —stressed out, exhausted, and empty. You may be noticing the signs: girls who are taking on more roles and responsibilities, putting in extra time on assignments for the perfect grades, staying up late, and saying, “Yes” to every opportunity and every invitation that comes her way.
Girls have endless possibilities and infinite choices. The world tells her: “Be anything” she hears: “Be everything.” Girls know the “girl power” movement is on the rise and they have some pretty big shoes to fill (think Ariana Grande, Malala Yousafsai, Emma Watson, and Greta Thunberg). They may not know that the push for more is taking its toll on their mental health. As her “to-do list” grows longer, you may wonder how to help support your daughter.
My work with girls has taught me, they want and they need our help. Here are 4 superpower options for you to teach her:
Superpower 1: Help her to be self-compassionate. Since supergirls push themselves beyond their own boundaries, they are going to need to learn how to be kind, with their words and their actions. This could mean, using gentle self-talk such as, “I am so proud of myself today” or “I need a moment to consider how I feel I did” or showing herself some latitude when things don’t go her way. At the same time, girls need to practice self-care and give themselves permission to relax. This could mean time to journal, a bubble bath, a funny sitcom or Netflix, or preparing her favorite meal. Being hard on themselves and harsh with their words and actions doesn’t help them to achieve any more and leaves them feeling bad. Kindness and self-compassion, meeting themselves in a moment, is the anecdote for any possibility of self-punishment.
Superpower 2: Suggest she chooses progress over perfection. Girls aim for “perfect” —a non-existent entity they have come to equate with happiness. They strive for an impossibly high standard and when they don’t meet these unrealistic demands, they can feel deflated, and promise themselves one thing: to try harder and to push for more. When I work with perfectionists, I always affirm their hustle. Simultaneously, I deconstruct perfectionism, explaining there is no such thing and they will never get there. Then, I shift their focus to progress, asking her to take a moment to look back at how far she’s come, how she got here (discipline, hard work, commitment, and time), and ask her not to compare her journey with anyone else’s. When she can see her progress, I ask her what is required for her to keep going (more time, support, motivation, and learning). Letting go of perfection can mean, she can enjoy the ride of progress, as well as making mistakes, or being mediocre or average, albeit temporarily. She can be her worth, not try to prove her worth.
Superpower 3: Encourage her to practice bravery. Many girls play it safe and girls are afraid to be brave. They don’t want to risk a reputation or any expectations. They don’t want to step out of a comfort zone and be uncomfortable or uncertain. Often girls feel they are not ready and as though they aren’t enough. Yet, taking risks and showing bravery is the very skill girls need to practice to grow. When girls are brave—either they take a chance, make a new choice, decide to change, or challenge themselves, being uncomfortable is inevitable. On the other side of discomfort is courage. The more brave girls can be—raising their hands in the classroom, setting a boundary, making new friends, or trying out new activities, the more likely they are to learn that they can do it, even if they are afraid. And, it feels pretty good.
Superpower 4: Remind her to play and have fun. Supergirls are focused and don’t have a lot of free time. This may sound counterintuitive but this is exactly why they need to play. They are so busy and often so stressed, suggesting having fun to them is laughable. All the while, downtime is necessary as is getting her to take a phone break. It is through play, being messy, and feeling wild and carefree, they can unburden and de-stress themselves. Moreover, play is an opportunity to take on some necessary “r’s”, namely: rest, release, restoration, and rejuvenation. Supergirls have the energy and drive to keep going. They will argue they don’t need breaks. Yet, they do. Try to convince her that it is through creative play, they may have new ideas, fresh perspectives, and renewed energy to keep going. Even supergirls need to recharge.
Supergirls are productive and work hard. They are driven, ambitious, responsible and respectable thought leaders. They are our future. As they push to achieve and accomplish, to reach their goals and to make their mark, they are going to need our help to explore the superpower alternatives so they can find a better balance and most importantly, their true identity.
For more resources to support your supergirl, check out: Growing Strong Girls: Practical Tools to Cultivate Connection in the Preteen Years andRooted, Resilient, and Ready now available on Amazon and Audible. She is also the founder and CEO of Bold New Girls, a website dedicated to “Empowering girls to feel happy, healthy, confident, & inspired through the integration of learning & social/emotional development.”
I am a girl advocate and girls champion; the founder of Bold New Girls, teaching and coaching for girls and their parents. As well, I am the author Growing Strong Girls and Rooted, Resilient, and Ready (available on Amazon and Audible). I am an international speaker and an instructor with Udemy.
Forget about a faux fir and few twinkle lights. London’s The Savoy Hotel will feature a re-imagining of the 12 days of Christmas with a massive LEGO display—The Twelve Rebuilds of Christmas.
The fabulously festive holiday decor follows the LEGO Rebuild the World global campaign to highlight the importance of creativity as a life-long skill. The awesomely imaginative design features everything from a dragon Christmas tree to a singing choir, all made from LEGO bricks.
Nicola Morgan-Hulme, Senior Brand Relations Manager, UK/Ireland at the LEGO Group, said in a press release, “We are excited to be partnering with The Savoy for this festive celebration. As part of our Rebuild the World campaign, this partnership is designed to inspire people of all ages to unleash their creativity and explore the limitlessness of their imagination through play.”
Hulme added, “We hope that the Twelve Rebuilds of Christmas will truly inspire people to rebuild the importance of creativity this festive season.”
Not only can hotel guests glimpse the plastic brick perfection, but they can also join in and build their own LEGO decorations and do some good. LEGO will donate a free set to a child in need for every decoration built!
Visitors can also participate in special building workshops offered by the LEGO Group in The Savoy’s Beaufort Bar on Dec. 1 and Dec. 15.