tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14864385500154356822024-03-12T23:13:28.382-05:003 Stairs and a landingkids, crafts, and chaosCrystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.comBlogger956125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-41276001043281549062018-09-25T10:45:00.002-05:002018-09-25T10:45:28.381-05:00The Thoughtlessness Of Overthinking: New Study Reveals The Disadvantages Of Extreme RuminationI recently received this article about ruminators and found that I recognized myself in the information. Ruminating goes hand-in-hand with my life as a person that lives with OCD that presents most frequently with intrusive thought.<br />
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Are you a ruminator? Do you find the statistics coincide with your experience as a ruminator or non-ruminator? Let me know what you think in the comments.<br />
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<i>A new study by <a href="https://testyourself.psychtests.com/" target="_blank">PsychTests.com</a> indicates that ruminators are not only less happy, they are also less resilient and have very poor self-esteem.</i><br />
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Montreal, Canada - September 25, 2018 – We have turned #FAIL into fun. We glorify the folly of amateur stuntmen who ride their bicycles off roofs, intentionally electrocute themselves, and who walk (or rather stumble) along the fine line between bravery and absurdity. Thoughtlessness, it seems, is entertaining. The other end of the spectrum, however, is far more somber. Research from <a href="https://testyourself.psychtests.com/" target="_blank">PsychTests</a> reveals that people who think too much live a life of constant fear and stress, worrying about a seemingly endless array of what-ifs.<br />
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PsychTests divided a sample of 2,608 people who took the <a href="https://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3979" target="_blank">Emotional Intelligence Test</a> into 1,319 ruminators and 1,289 non-ruminators. Ruminators are people who tend to over-think and over-analyze a distressful issue to the point where it completely occupies their thoughts. Researchers found significant and alarming differences on a number of factors. (Note: scores below range on a scale from 0 to 100).<br />
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<u>Contentment</u><br />
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<ul>
<li>Score for ruminators: 35</li>
<li>Score for non-ruminators: 84</li>
</ul>
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Perhaps not surprisingly, ruminators are much less content with their life. They are often so focused on everything that could possibly go wrong they have no time to pay attention to what’s going right.<br />
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<u>Emotional Regulation</u><br />
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<ul>
<li>Score for ruminators: 31</li>
<li>Score for non-ruminators: 80</li>
</ul>
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Ruminators have a lot of difficulty managing their emotions. The endless rampage of negative thoughts creates an upsurge of stress-related emotions, and scattered, wild thinking leads to scattered, wild emotions. When a person doesn’t make it a point to consciously choose his or her thoughts, it causes a chain reaction where emotions become difficult to control.<br />
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<u>Self-esteem</u><br />
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<ul>
<li>Score for ruminators: 44</li>
<li>Score for non-ruminators: 89</li>
</ul>
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The basis of rumination for many people is the belief they don’t have what it takes to deal with an issue. Similarly, the basis of poor self-esteem is an inability to recognize one’s value and power. If a person has low self-esteem, there’s a good chance he or she is also going to be a ruminator.<br />
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<u>Self-motivation</u><br />
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<ul>
<li>Score for ruminators: 41</li>
<li>Score for non-ruminators: 84</li>
</ul>
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Ruminators tend to have a lot of difficulty motivating themselves to take action, often because they are simply unsure what is the right thing to do. They may jump from one concern to another, one possible solution to another, poking holes in everything until they sink in their worries. It’s really difficult to take action when a person endlessly analyzes its viability, leading to indecisiveness.<br />
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<u>Positive Mindset</u><br />
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<ul>
<li>Score for ruminators: 43</li>
<li>Score for non-ruminators: 85</li>
</ul>
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When ruminators spend more time imagining worst-case scenarios or focusing on the bad side of a situation, it becomes extremely challenging to visualize or anticipate a positive outcome. With constant worries, fears, and self-deprecation taking over their thoughts, ruminators are more likely to become pessimists.<br />
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<u>Assertiveness</u><br />
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<ul>
<li>Score for ruminators: 35</li>
<li>Score for non-ruminators: 75</li>
</ul>
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Ruminators tend to hold a lot back. There are likely a lot of things they wish they could say but don’t, for fear of rocking the boat or of causing irreparable damage to a relationship. Some may re-create an argument in their heads, playing it over and over, saying all they wanted to say but never quite achieving that elusive feeling of catharsis or closure.<br />
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<u>Resilience</u><br />
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<ul>
<li>Score for ruminators: 51</li>
<li>Score for non-ruminators: 89</li>
</ul>
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In spite of the fact that they think about their problems a great deal, ruminators are not really facing their problems head-on or handling them in a manner conducive to resolution. Moreover, when something is bothering them or stressing them out, it’s all they think about. Unfortunately, resilience can only be developed by overcoming hardship and learning from it, which cannot happen when they keep running around in a vicious circle.<br />
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<u>Need for Approval</u><br />
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<ul>
<li>Score for ruminators: 60</li>
<li>Score for non-ruminators: 19</li>
</ul>
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While ruminators may dislike a person for saying something hurtful (and will obsess over it for quite some time), deep down they still desire approval. Like most people, ruminators want to be liked. This is often why even lighthearted barbs tend to cut them deep.<br />
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“Ruminators have an obsessive mind,” explains <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilonajerabek/" target="_blank">Dr. Jerabek</a>, president of <a href="https://testyourself.psychtests.com/" target="_blank">PsychTests</a>. “They can think about a problem for hours and still feel like the issue is not resolved, or over-analyze situations, finding problems that don’t really exist. This often leads to sleepless nights spent thinking incessantly about anything and everything. As you can imagine, this takes a significant toll on a person’s peace of mind and mental health, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Ruminators analyze situations so pedantically they make them a lot worse in their minds than they are in reality.”<br />
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“Going through life without thinking things through is rather foolish and potentially dangerous, but over-thinking can actually be just as detrimental. At most, it offers a false sense of control, because while looking at a problem from different angles may yield a good solution, ruminators try to account for every worst-case scenario possible - often elaborate ones that are unlikely to happen. This only leads to more worries, and decisions made out of fear unlikely to work out well.”<br />
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Want to assess your EQ? Check out <a href="https://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3979" target="_blank">https://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3979</a><br />
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Professional users of this test can request a free demo for this or any other assessments from ARCH Profile’s extensive battery: <a href="http://hrtests.archprofile.com/testdrive_gen_1" target="_blank">http://hrtests.archprofile.com/testdrive_gen_1</a><br />
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To learn more about psychological testing, download this free eBook: <a href="http://hrtests.archprofile.com/personality-tests-in-hr" target="_blank">http://hrtests.archprofile.com/personality-tests-in-hr</a><br />
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To have these press releases delivered directly to your inbox, send us an email and we will add you to our mailing list: <a href="mailto:pressreleases@psychtests.com" target="_blank">pressreleases@psychtests.com</a><br />
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<u>About PsychTests AIM Inc.</u><br />
PsychTests AIM Inc. originally appeared on the internet scene in 1996. Since its inception, it has become a pre-eminent provider of psychological assessment products and services to human resource personnel, therapists, academics, researchers and a host of other professionals around the world. PsychTests AIM Inc. staff is comprised of a dedicated team of psychologists, test developers, researchers, statisticians, writers, and artificial intelligence experts (see <a href="http://archprofile.com/corporate/" target="_blank">ARCHProfile.com</a>). The company’s research division, Plumeus Inc., is supported in part by Research and Development Tax Credit awarded by Industry Canada.Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-43570829513509754902018-06-14T07:26:00.002-05:002018-06-14T07:31:14.908-05:00Sink or Swim: Study Reveals Children’s Reaction To Failure Influenced By Parents<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I received this information recently and I found it fascinating. What kind of parenting style were you raised with? Do you use the same parenting style? What style do you use if you don't? Let us know in the comments!</span></span><br />
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<i style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A study by <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://testyourself.psychtests.com/&source=gmail&ust=1529016401767000&usg=AFQjCNE0hQarxq_gVFmPEr17T9rVbTVehw" href="https://testyourself.psychtests.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">PsychTests.com</a> indicates that children who are punished when they fail may develop a fear of failure and challenge.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Montreal, Canada – June 12, 2018 – Helicopter or Free Range? Authoritarian or Authoritative? Whatever child-rearing style a parent adopts will have an undeniable impact on a child’s development, from social skills to self-esteem to how they cope with failure. In fact, recent research from PsychTests reveals that parents who take a supportive or proactive approach when their child fails – encouraging them, tutoring them, helping them study – are more likely to raise children who are ambitious, confident, and self-motivated. Children whose parents punish failure, however, may grow to fear it.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Collecting data from 1,304 people who took their </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3294&source=gmail&ust=1529016401767000&usg=AFQjCNHPm0iybZl3QgKoP3fVyt83TkpZeg" href="https://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3294" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Ambition Test</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">, researchers at PsychTests divided the sample into four groups:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Punishment Group:</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Comprised of people (of all ages) whose parents used punishment when they failed as children or teens (e.g. grounding them, taking away privileges, chastising them, etc.).<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Dismissive Group:</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Comprised of people whose parents didn’t care or didn’t make a big deal of failure.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Hands-on Group:</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Comprised of people whose parents took a direct and participative approach to failure (e.g. working side-by-side with the child to help them learn material, offering study tips, tutoring them or finding a tutor, etc.).<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Supportive Group: </span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Comprised of people whose parents did not get angry when they failed, but who also did not let them off easy. Parents in this group were firm yet encouraging (e.g. “Try harder, study more, practice more,” etc.).<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">According to PsychTests study, each group’s approach to goals, challenges, obstacles, success, and failure noticeably differed:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Have turned down opportunities for fear of not being able to live up to the challenge<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">42% of the Punishment Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">34% of the Dismissive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">23% of the Hands-on Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">25% of the Supportive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Satisfied with their job<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">36% of the Punishment Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">34% of the Dismissive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">51% of the Hands-on Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">49% of the Supportive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Strive to achieve top honors at school/work<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">51% of the Punishment Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">51% of the Dismissive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">66% of the Hands-on Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">58% Supportive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Enjoy intellectual stimulation<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">54% of the Punishment Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">53% of the Dismissive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">66% of the Hands-on Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">63% of the Supportive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Strive to practice healthy lifestyle habits<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">49% of the Punishment Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">57% of the Dismissive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">61% of the Hands-on Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">50% of the Supportive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Achieve their New Year’s resolution<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">20% of the Punishment Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">20% of the Dismissive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">32% of the Hands-on Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">25% of the Supportive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Will give up on a goal as soon as they hit the first obstacle<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">17% of the Punishment Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">14% of the Dismissive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">6% of the Hands-on Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">8% of the Supportive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Motivated to improve themselves<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">73% of the Punishment Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">74% of the Dismissive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">84% of the Hands-on Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">80% of the Supportive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Have goals in mind that they would like to achieve<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">82% of the Punishment Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">75% of the Dismissive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">85% of the Hands-on Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">84% of the Supportive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Receive good performance ratings at work<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">57% of the Punishment Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">51% of the Dismissive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">56% of the Hands-on Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">59% of the Supportive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Enjoy learning new skills<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">58% of the Punishment Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">53% of the Dismissive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">61% of the Hands-on Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">61% of the Supportive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Believe that they can achieve whatever they set their mind to<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">77% of the Punishment Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">77% of the Dismissive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">85% of the Hands-on Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">82% of the Supportive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Are surprised/shocked when they excel at something or do well on an assignment<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">38% of the Punishment Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">35% of the Dismissive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">33% of the Hands-on Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">30% of the Supportive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Aiming for or have already achieved the highest possible education in their field<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">62% of the Punishment Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">57% of the Dismissive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">65% of the Hands-on Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">69% of the Supportive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Shy away from challenges<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">14% of the Punishment Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">15% of the Dismissive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">9% of the Hands-on Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="m_3191779239728301972MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">9% of the Supportive Group<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“We’ve known for decades that parenting style has a significant impact on a child’s development, but the debate between offering tough love vs. loving support still lingers,” explains <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilonajerabek&source=gmail&ust=1529016401768000&usg=AFQjCNFMChfXZwg5TZpY7BikHXKBUdf-kg" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilonajerabek" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Dr. Jerabek</a>, president of <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://testyourself.psychtests.com/&source=gmail&ust=1529016401768000&usg=AFQjCNG33lymvaM4G9dOGSPrjKz8LaN5bw" href="https://testyourself.psychtests.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">PsychTests</a>. “Some parents are afraid that if they’re too lenient, their children will become wayward and difficult to control. Others worry that if they’re too tough, their child will grow to resent them, or rebel. In an age of ‘helicopter parenting’ and in light of backlashes against purportedly ‘self-entitled’ Millennials, new parents are likely to be confused about the best way to raise their children. However, research on parenting style, including ours, points to the same, enduring trend: Hands-on and supportive parenting tends to yield more benefits. This translates into an authoritative parenting style - being firm and setting boundaries, but also being supportive and offering encouragement. These parenting styles are generally on par, but as our study reveals, a supportive style is ideal in some situations, while a more hands-on style is necessary in others. Overall, however, children reared with an authoritative parenting approach tend to be happier, more confident, ambitious, and perseverant. Tough love may work under certain extreme circumstances, but it shouldn’t be a parent’s sole approach.” <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Want to assess your level of ambition? Check out </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3294&source=gmail&ust=1529016401768000&usg=AFQjCNGUEnYoiEmlctAKzwoQ9ha_vnZn_w" href="https://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3294" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://testyourself.<wbr></wbr>psychtests.com/testid/3294</a><u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Professional users of this test can request a free demo for this or any other assessments from ARCH Profile’s extensive battery: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://hrtests.archprofile.com/testdrive_gen_1&source=gmail&ust=1529016401768000&usg=AFQjCNGGG3uZD733_2e1CDwQyV-2xgKg_w" href="http://hrtests.archprofile.com/testdrive_gen_1" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">http://hrtests.archprofile.<wbr></wbr>com/testdrive_gen_1</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">To learn more about psychological testing, download this free eBook: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://hrtests.archprofile.com/personality-tests-in-hr&source=gmail&ust=1529016401768000&usg=AFQjCNGQAg1-DfHGT93ewgXwfPZKHupImQ" href="http://hrtests.archprofile.com/personality-tests-in-hr" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">http://hrtests.archprofile.<wbr></wbr>com/personality-tests-in-hr</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">To have these press releases delivered directly to your inbox, send us an email and we will add you to our mailing list: <a class="m_3191779239728301972moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:pressreleases@psychtests.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">pressreleases@psychtests.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">About PsychTests AIM Inc.<u></u><u></u></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">PsychTests AIM Inc. originally appeared on the internet scene in 1996. Since its inception, it has become a pre-eminent provider of psychological assessment products and services to human resource personnel, therapists, academics, researchers and a host of other professionals around the world. PsychTests AIM Inc. staff is comprised of a dedicated team of psychologists, test developers, researchers, statisticians, writers, and artificial intelligence experts </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">(see </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://archprofile.com/corporate/g/v/i/pr&source=gmail&ust=1529016401768000&usg=AFQjCNF0v4ZR6-N7YAa7gcm_tRQlsdwnyg" href="http://archprofile.com/corporate/g/v/i/pr" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Psychological assessments for HR
professionals, life coaches and therapists"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">ARCHProfile.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">)</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">. The company’s research division, Plumeus Inc., is supported in part by Research and Development Tax Credit awarded by Industry Canada.</span></div>
Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-14103043026352603872015-12-28T13:31:00.001-06:002015-12-28T13:38:05.483-06:00My Beloved BooksI recently participated in a swap on <u><b><a href="http://www.swap-bot.com/user:3stairs" target="_blank">Swap-bot</a></b></u> to decorate my partners' profiles with pictures of the covers of some of my favorite books. These are scans of my personal books. They are my three most beloved books.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5SPpEIWnexnANLhCaZapvftrdnszGs04lLtzwVBVqopRWKFG4p1zDkfrLhAbUqvOErSo3l1h2JCngo-9Ih8Mi_fR42ws0QJMMGSEN66cuFsu13E3-LjeTcgJRtb954KBtU1LNzZ0ai0/s1600/Scan_20151225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5SPpEIWnexnANLhCaZapvftrdnszGs04lLtzwVBVqopRWKFG4p1zDkfrLhAbUqvOErSo3l1h2JCngo-9Ih8Mi_fR42ws0QJMMGSEN66cuFsu13E3-LjeTcgJRtb954KBtU1LNzZ0ai0/s1600/Scan_20151225.jpg" width="90%" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=anne%20of%20green%20gables&linkCode=ur2&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Aanne%20of%20green%20gables&tag=3stai-20&url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&linkId=MCMEINTL6QYZ3ZJB" target="_blank"><u>Anne of Green Gables, by L.M. Montgomery*</u></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=3stai-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b></div>This was a gift around 1986. I fell in love with it - and Anne - in the first reading. My younger daughter's middle name is Anne, after Anne Shirley.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnkI6WMyZYjhOifvHuI_B6nEjKWdEadanArWpBirdGbPHA_msEkPZl6ngTtSVL_Ouz4jXEJZ2rpq2HVEnC3C7zqtOHgYaENO60y0XtcFYDjvlOTeTKa26UVtGowd1VBB_f2eSPTysEeo/s1600/Scan_20151225+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnkI6WMyZYjhOifvHuI_B6nEjKWdEadanArWpBirdGbPHA_msEkPZl6ngTtSVL_Ouz4jXEJZ2rpq2HVEnC3C7zqtOHgYaENO60y0XtcFYDjvlOTeTKa26UVtGowd1VBB_f2eSPTysEeo/s1600/Scan_20151225+%25283%2529.jpg" width="90%"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=a%20separate%20peace%20john%20knowles&linkCode=ur2&sprefix=a%20separate%20peace%2Cstripbooks%2C208&tag=3stai-20&url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&linkId=BMVBZRJ4OWS4FVYQ" target="_blank"><u>A Separate Peace, by John Knowles*</u></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=3stai-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b></div>This was required reading in high school in the early 1990s. The book was used when I acquired it, and the cover is no longer attached to the book. I really related to the main character and enjoyed the book. Our teacher told us to reread it when we turned 30, so I wrote a note to myself inside the cover. I reread it at 31 and found that I related to it on a whole different level and still thoroughly enjoyed it. I plan on rereading it at 40 and every subsequent 10 years.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*affiliate link</div>Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-75409184348426257932015-12-17T10:56:00.000-06:002015-12-18T07:06:05.314-06:00Holiday Card FlowchartsHoliday cards can take over your life if you let them! Use these handy flowcharts from <a href="https://www.grammarly.com/grammar-check" target="_blank">Grammarly</a> to help you decide who gets a card this year! First up is a chart for personal use, then there's one for professional relationships below. <br>
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<img alt="Holiday Card Flow Chart Infographic1" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-20237" src="http://contenthub-static.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/17083018/HolidayCardPlanning11.jpg" height="" width="100%"><br>
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<img alt="Holiday Card Flow Chart Infographic2" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-20241" height="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/contenthub-static/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/17083017/HolidayCardPlanning21-1.jpg" width="100%">Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-45451488091318628052015-10-04T05:00:00.000-05:002017-07-27T22:59:04.801-05:00World Teachers' Day October 5<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHh4u3RGXk2upmODWf1KZ0SyRZKAAHIVORHKAKbrt6_8Rxix6GUyvCqpcwQ3ezhzc-fMD5kayrCdXcl6D1Pe_lIYOGOFEP1YSyiYJAylh4c5TYdrfKdFK2JzRlOkZMbh5wyHE7CfK-dIc/s1600/World-Teachers-Day-Celebration-1.png" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHh4u3RGXk2upmODWf1KZ0SyRZKAAHIVORHKAKbrt6_8Rxix6GUyvCqpcwQ3ezhzc-fMD5kayrCdXcl6D1Pe_lIYOGOFEP1YSyiYJAylh4c5TYdrfKdFK2JzRlOkZMbh5wyHE7CfK-dIc/s1600/World-Teachers-Day-Celebration-1.png" /></a></div>I'm a natural teacher - it seems to be a part of my DNA. I considered becoming a teacher when I was in high school. I get asked on a regular basis how long I've been a teacher, or why I'm not a teacher. For all my natural ability, though, I'm NOT a professional teacher. The experiences I've had prove to me that teachers are unsung, everyday heroes. Where would you be today without the great teachers in your life?<br />
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October 5 (tomorrow!) is World Teachers’ Day. I encourage you to thank the teachers in your life - the ones that influenced you, and the ones that are infuencing your children. It doesn't have to be anything fancy; just a note or card will make a teacher's day. If you really want to wow, send a gift card for a big box store to buy supplies, or to a restaurant for a dinner.<br />
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To inspire even more gratitude, take a look at this infographic from Grammarly about teachers and their influence on the world.<br />
<a href="http://www.grammarly.com/blog/2015/celebrate-your-favorite-teacher-on-world-teachers-day/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="World Teacher Day" src="https://www.grammarly.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/World-Teacher-Day-infographic.jpg" width="600" /></a>Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-56848276284412684702015-09-10T23:09:00.003-05:002017-07-27T00:07:45.398-05:00Global Literacy - Everyone's ConcernCheck out this great infographic from Grammarly about the importance of literacy!<br />
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<img alt="Literacy Day" src="https://www.grammarly.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Literacy-Day-1.jpg" width="600" />Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-60979491922340674282015-06-05T06:00:00.000-05:002015-06-03T14:11:20.526-05:00Playground Safety Guide for ParentsWith summer just a few short weeks away, are you getting ready to add an exciting playground to your backyard for the kiddos? If you're wondering how to design the perfect play area for your little ones, it is essential to keep safety a top focus. Luckily, <a href="http://www.pishposhbaby.com/" target="_blank">PishPosh Baby</a> has your back, as they teamed up with <a href="http://rubbermulch.com/">Rubbermulch.com</a> to bring you the ultimate "Playground Safety Guide for Parents" infographic!<br />
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From advice on what to inspect the playground for to insight on the correct length of the soft surface under the swings, the Playground Safety Guide for Parents has essential tips that all moms and dads should know when setting up their play area. It will help you plan the perfect playground for plenty of "fun in the sun" days with the little ones!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmNuB4Tgxocr1fQJhyHtbjzgAITssNBpg6v4hJOUpqYXzRS4cTDtE9zMZQdKfe07GiXAFxWJMyJrPGEcPRHpl9896RGP-FNbBGj50xyTBBv3_SCFt8G1gNO6b4KYPg5K7NAFFwGrGecg/s1600/PlaygroundSafetyGuideForParents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Playground Safety Guide for Parents" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmNuB4Tgxocr1fQJhyHtbjzgAITssNBpg6v4hJOUpqYXzRS4cTDtE9zMZQdKfe07GiXAFxWJMyJrPGEcPRHpl9896RGP-FNbBGj50xyTBBv3_SCFt8G1gNO6b4KYPg5K7NAFFwGrGecg/s640/PlaygroundSafetyGuideForParents.jpg" title="Playground Safety Guide for Parents" width="395" /></a></td></tr>
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Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-24966381401824570512015-02-25T23:12:00.002-06:002015-02-25T23:12:44.614-06:00Swap-bot: Digital Photo Email Scavenger Hunt - FebruaryI enjoy a community of swappers at <a href="http://swap-bot.com/">Swap-bot.com</a>. One of the regular swaps I join is a photo scavenger hunt. This is my swap for February. Swap-bot username: <a href="http://www.swap-bot.com/user:3stairs" target="_blank">3stairs</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1WqfipL23QcpxznVV7i_f3RlmiRIyvqaOEAQ8Ipfp8dDjQJhBm0wpuF8LrqkT8PXtqqs1bAkx3g09WkzZaBkeCJXW-Z6d4DxYpddQYhHTYyIUh6Q3wSqNVJf8VsMKo4XyTDWmZxEl1I/s640/blogger-image-617509360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1WqfipL23QcpxznVV7i_f3RlmiRIyvqaOEAQ8Ipfp8dDjQJhBm0wpuF8LrqkT8PXtqqs1bAkx3g09WkzZaBkeCJXW-Z6d4DxYpddQYhHTYyIUh6Q3wSqNVJf8VsMKo4XyTDWmZxEl1I/s640/blogger-image-617509360.jpg" /></a></div>
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1 - Something messy<br />
My desk - and this is actually relatively clean! I know know it's a disaster compared to most people's desks, though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7OmSo5XaILpOXn05-4sY_qq8I7_ZPg84OQK3cRtV1v4LiwKBSGmdRv0LC72IRcQz_deDpglf3hRETtIdM5zyh7MBVW2uVU2BTavvrhxmQspzy3WNjAFVyG7sxOmiBd312j2R7pbh4Z8/s640/blogger-image-1093407218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7OmSo5XaILpOXn05-4sY_qq8I7_ZPg84OQK3cRtV1v4LiwKBSGmdRv0LC72IRcQz_deDpglf3hRETtIdM5zyh7MBVW2uVU2BTavvrhxmQspzy3WNjAFVyG7sxOmiBd312j2R7pbh4Z8/s640/blogger-image-1093407218.jpg" /></a></div>
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2 - Something that crawls<br />
a doll at the church nursery where I work - you set her down and she crawls and turns her head back and forth and babbles<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBryctQDhyZ9JdsLVP0TionWkHXkye01O88-rjL7UZSt9wZfJehn3_mzHyf70Xt7cffgVRoO9mHNFvidQuur2uAYNoqV3MsDHM5CCTh4qBpBjZHPu_Yok-Oln42MvipvrMZnjk8jwOnDg/s640/blogger-image--522096878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBryctQDhyZ9JdsLVP0TionWkHXkye01O88-rjL7UZSt9wZfJehn3_mzHyf70Xt7cffgVRoO9mHNFvidQuur2uAYNoqV3MsDHM5CCTh4qBpBjZHPu_Yok-Oln42MvipvrMZnjk8jwOnDg/s640/blogger-image--522096878.jpg" /></a></div>
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3 - Something with multiple buttons or levers<br />
the radio/CD player at the nursery<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6kyzKvTl12tO_YR0xVmkLu8jkoHSc10w9YEVIXWfqlb294SJPv2DGuNjYTgXaRAv5KKvjEBwxGDD-aqpIgtHkoJN-MkUXX2nLpZAbm5Qj4z3aCuFoTJW0V_G7vsRMXKX1JwtyZXt23Q/s640/blogger-image-1998486839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6kyzKvTl12tO_YR0xVmkLu8jkoHSc10w9YEVIXWfqlb294SJPv2DGuNjYTgXaRAv5KKvjEBwxGDD-aqpIgtHkoJN-MkUXX2nLpZAbm5Qj4z3aCuFoTJW0V_G7vsRMXKX1JwtyZXt23Q/s640/blogger-image-1998486839.jpg" /></a></div>
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4 - A landscape or cityscape you find interesting<br />
the view up the hill to my house - the driveway is on the right up there where the road curves off<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7i3uMAGuB-cYVLL_bnMcQ2DzMFU6pSVOhl6giPYNluB2PX6glr7_AeQUSZASqMQIug_FuQmiBit9EuwfTyjxwTDv96D2P2mo4bBci1QiOwlbvDekYjMcjzSHdQ8M_EGy3YWzhWSgM2HM/s640/blogger-image--428156174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7i3uMAGuB-cYVLL_bnMcQ2DzMFU6pSVOhl6giPYNluB2PX6glr7_AeQUSZASqMQIug_FuQmiBit9EuwfTyjxwTDv96D2P2mo4bBci1QiOwlbvDekYjMcjzSHdQ8M_EGy3YWzhWSgM2HM/s640/blogger-image--428156174.jpg" /></a></div>
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Bonus: the view from the other direction during our day of snow here in east Texas - a rarity!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJl50waTBxMB4WbmMgp53g_Yr_7rHT3a5-6sW2lQ-fSTPy8bDwWr39ZSM6Hhdt7q-a_TQQdA4T_eYAxL2aaskcKHfaM0h80cRU9qMj2EnaksC0Zt1O2ba3Syz9TSfa6n-nOq_jZbKT-A/s640/blogger-image--1615580711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJl50waTBxMB4WbmMgp53g_Yr_7rHT3a5-6sW2lQ-fSTPy8bDwWr39ZSM6Hhdt7q-a_TQQdA4T_eYAxL2aaskcKHfaM0h80cRU9qMj2EnaksC0Zt1O2ba3Syz9TSfa6n-nOq_jZbKT-A/s640/blogger-image--1615580711.jpg" /></a></div>
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5 - Something layered<br />
the skirt on one of the baby dolls in the nursery<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUKkKErcJ_VkBc6KIxw5F_cKoqdHlKCJpn-GJpQ4KaowchzmO6r76OdXuGoMb_J-pjeU38saIOGYc2pu4jRYCTLjBK6UHDFjFPPc1SccZoj4oZWIxUpYIETgsKjBA23g5E1OEhhiiCEQ/s640/blogger-image--1970716778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUKkKErcJ_VkBc6KIxw5F_cKoqdHlKCJpn-GJpQ4KaowchzmO6r76OdXuGoMb_J-pjeU38saIOGYc2pu4jRYCTLjBK6UHDFjFPPc1SccZoj4oZWIxUpYIETgsKjBA23g5E1OEhhiiCEQ/s640/blogger-image--1970716778.jpg" /></a></div>
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6 - A group of people<br />
worshipers during the early, contemporary service at the church where I work in the nursery<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdah7smMT0N7UwFKc_mHa-0D5O5AwrFoftV2GLcmfu7U-zV5QB6n3GpKHn22j04_oKnlIdsWh1n-dzbc3jfU3nNMK2xIG3jmyiX-Sk2_OtYej_DNHFW4kV63C3c22edUUW8DYdg_NLC-I/s640/blogger-image-826904331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdah7smMT0N7UwFKc_mHa-0D5O5AwrFoftV2GLcmfu7U-zV5QB6n3GpKHn22j04_oKnlIdsWh1n-dzbc3jfU3nNMK2xIG3jmyiX-Sk2_OtYej_DNHFW4kV63C3c22edUUW8DYdg_NLC-I/s640/blogger-image-826904331.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-18096230319960947262015-02-03T21:38:00.001-06:002015-02-03T21:41:17.612-06:00First-Time Parents Guide<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">By: Julie McCaffrey, <a href="http://www.pishposhbaby.com/">www.pishposhbaby.com</a></span></div>
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-e7702d64-52a9-f9f4-e936-8d5f542b05d9" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a first-time parent, are you constantly on the lookout for ways to simplify your new life with baby? For example, are you in need of quick tips for making feeding cleanups easier? Or, would you like advice on calming baby down when a massive fussy fit strikes? How about insight on helping baby sleep better in the crib or while at daycare?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Look no further! We at Pish Posh Baby have been there, done that, and have helpful hacks for making your life with baby easier and more efficient. From health and sleeping tips to advice for bathing, teething, and feeding, the below insight is sure to keep your day-to-day routine with baby stress-free and fun!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Blanket: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To aid in a daycare transition (or out of co-sleeping), sleep with your baby’s blanket or sheet overnight, so that when they are using it they are comforted by your familiar smell.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Crib</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: To aid with reflux or even just a stuffed-up baby, place a thick book under the crib mattress or lower the mattress settings at one end to give a slight recline to the crib.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bath</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Try taking a bath or shower with your baby, as the skin-to-skin contact and warm water can be calming.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The 5 S’s</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Correctly use the 5 S’s to instantly calm a fussy baby.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Swaddling </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Side or stomach position</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Swinging (rocking baby from side to side)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sucking (bottle, nipple, or pacifier)</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Skin Irritation</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Use coconut oil to combat dry skin, diaper rash, or any other skin irritation</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fever</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Take off your baby’s socks to help break the fever faster.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medicine</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: To help your child take medicine, blow in their face after you’ve gotten it into their mouth. This will help stimulate their swallowing reflex.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Congestion</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Run a hot shower, and close the bathroom door to trap in the steam. Fill the tub with warm water and sit with your baby, as the steam will help clear the sinuses.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Earache</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: For fast and natural earache relief (temporary, not used in place of a doctor visit), put a drop of olive oil in the affected ear.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Water Temperature</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Most babies prefer water that is warmer than what the “temperature warning” gauges say. Test the water with your elbow rather than your hand.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Towel</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Use an adult towel if your baby cries at the end of the bath. Most baby towels are too thin to provide any warmth.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Feeding Tip</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Easy Cleanup</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Buy a cheap shower curtain or shower liner to put under the highchair for easy cleanup.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Contact card</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Tape an index card with your emergency contact information and your baby’s stats to the side of the car seat.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Errands</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Park next to the cart return bins in the grocery store parking lots. Then you can put your baby carrier in a cart immediately and wheel it to the store. This also allows you to return the cart after shopping without having to leave your child.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Furniture Corners</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: To soften hard furniture or fireplace edges, look for pipe insulation in a home improvement store. It’s cheaper than what they sell in baby stores and comes in a variety of colors.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Frozen Food: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Put frozen grapes, apples, or any other food, including formula or breast milk, into a mesh feeder for instant relief.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Apple Sauce</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Place applesauce into the center of a washcloth, twist the washcloth around it, and freeze. You can also wet the center of a washcloth to achieve the same effect.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Laundry and Dressing Tips</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lost Socks</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: If you have a front loader, check the rubber ring around the door…baby socks love to hide there.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Poop Stains</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: To get poop stains out, dampen the garment and put it in the sun (even in the winter or through a window)</span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Clothing</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Use dresses as tunics and tops over pants or leggings once they no longer work as dresses.</span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sleepers</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: If you have sleepers that snap up the legs, snap the legs before you put them on the baby and then just snap up the front while it’s worn. It’s much quicker and easier, and you’re less likely to make a mistake.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These helpful tips are sure to help all new parents navigate their new life with baby. Happy parenting!</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">About Julie McCaffrey</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Parenting expert Julie McCaffrey is a proud mommy to 3 kids and offers personalized consultation to new and expecting parents along with functioning as the Chief Brand Officer at </span><a href="http://www.pishposhbaby.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PishPoshBaby.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">—the high-quality baby store that supplies the facts and advice, along with the right choice, to parents who are completely lost in the whirlwind of baby gear. She loves to help moms and dads navigate everything from baby gear, preparing for multiples, getting back to work and getting the whole family on a routine.</span></div>
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Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-71127364113584599032015-01-06T14:24:00.000-06:002015-01-06T14:24:09.658-06:00Entrepreneur’s Ingenious ‘Posture Apparel’ is No Slouch<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">UpCouture, the world's first patented anti-slouching, posture-promoting shirt line, launches in the U.S.; Revolutionary apparel improves personal image and appeal, outside perceptions and overall presence <em><span style="font-size: 12pt;">at work and play</span></em></span></em></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><img align="right" alt="mini_up_shirt_style_anti-slouch_upcouture.jpg" class="CToWUd" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjuWEWRB7o8UTzCBs0PEoJGKkegLAGSun7tn-LUfwj-N446ILcmSsQ3lP0SBMFR8IY1EE_RsKHiycrm4txyWAlf-on-URVDcLTl-HmZJo33TlD_vFGqYHGdK3I5JnunMj11Sw-4X91ejh9M6ruOqKyqsS80ToFTOl2Qf9kJXehFbHmvxa7UHKGgqPKrA3seTYvAE5z4C-ta9KhWU4daHT4=s0-d-e1-ft" style="float: right; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px;" width="150" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">While poor posture is long-proven to cause a litany of adverse medical issues, one less tangible yet critical aspect is often overlooked: our personal image. Just look around any public venue and you’ll notice that nearly everyone tends to slouch, making them far less alluring and seemingly less confident than if they were simply sitting up straight. Indeed, those with good posture exude a greater air of elegance, self-assurance, poise and, in a work environment, professionalism and a stronger presence overall. Executive stylist and fashion mogul, Monica Barnett, CEO of Blueprint for Style, notes, “Like a strong handshake and quality attire, posture impacts the overall impression others have in you and can help or hinder how you are perceived.” With these and other benefits of maintaining good posture well in mind, Parisian clothing company UpCouture has developed the “Up T-Shirt”—a revolutionary, fashion-forward line of women’s and men’s posture stabilizing shirts that are as sophisticated as they are salutary.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">As the world's first anti-slouching shirt, UpCouture’s innovative Up Shirt is a modern, chic and stylish improvement over posture-promoting garments of yore, including back braces, corsets, vests and other tops that marginally address society’s enduring droop. However, the Up Shirt takes posture apparel to a whole new level.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><img alt="mini_upcouture_look_posture_up_t-shirt.jpg" class="CToWUd" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgAnxb4jBKUkJuQadhumqHBs6B1uGqhzWH4Cg4CV6T_HnT9RjeOVK1fNcyMohBR7Pkq3n1xDu8OfPlbQXBtznMMn1YJpX31KcO5yLQH_fvy5slGPB7u-DZn7bDOgBBC8U0tol6iBXGs9y8y4g7V_KsA7vSBU5eyRgsds7P1csjonjFrZCzHgpbh6GXJRZ8IZ3MUigr9UG9R7qPGopM=s0-d-e1-ft" style="float: right; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px; text-align: right;" width="150" /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><img alt="mini_up_shirt_correct_posture_upcouture.jpg" class="CToWUd" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEi33i1ZogqbaR25-8T0Qiz2ptbfiRXL3Fx4XwqsUow-QqpOxrIsd_JXSC0B4tMSuRZwm5zlwnGFbDjlVLeWfRqq5UVcOJyIWl2lIN_n_q_Fx0zfzYO-tTlvyG2pOlBlEniTlXLf4R6v1P_bIF4jLn8ivSCZads6w9ng6A5bpMA3_8MUws31sic5giLNpDIfk8T0k4boHNd2SFrRSn76=s0-d-e1-ft" style="float: right; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px; text-align: right;" width="150" /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-size: 11pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Thanks to a pioneering patented active mechanism, extra-thin elastic film built in-between organic cotton layers within the Up Shirt comfortably</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> and gently pushes and maintains the shoulders in a straight position. The effect is more aesthetically plea</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">sing, making the wearer look more composed </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">and</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">even slimmer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Up Shirt is a marvel of ingenious action melded with modern textile technology and leading edge fashion practices. The extra-thin configuration of elastic bands that are sewn and bonded into the </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">garment proffer the optimal level of pressure, which makes the t-shirt less comfortable to wear when slouching than when maintaining good</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> posture. The</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> shirt doesn’t actually force the wearer's posture into position, which would weaken his or her back muscles, but rather uses an optimal level of pressure to redirect the wearer’s shoulders into the right position when they leave their correct alignment. In addition, Up Shirts employ a particularly resilie</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> nt and high quality form of elastic resistance that encourages better posture without degrading over time. And, the Up Shirt gets even more comfortable as the posture improves. All of this as the rest of the ethically respectful and environment friendly t-shirt’s 92% organic cotton makeup ensures a </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">soft and flexible fit. In fact, Up Shirts have earned a GOTS </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">certificate ensuring ethical and organic production standards for the cotton, itself, are adhered to. As fashionable as they are functional, th</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">e Up</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Shirts are available in a range of styles and colors for both women and men.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Up Shirt line is the brainchild of lawyer Neda Naef, CEO of UpCouture, who was working most of the day at the computer and longed for a more empowering posture. Naef never had any back problems or pains, but was concerned about the non-aesthetic appearance caused by her slouching. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Naef was a fitness enthusiast and in great physical shape, so she felt that if she herself had trouble maintaining good posture through the day, then a great number of other people probably have the problem. In fact, Naef noticed that bad posture was rampant throughout society.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">“Whether people are sitting at the computer or using their handheld devices, standing at the bus stop, or simply moving through a day's routine, most have poor posture—some to an extent that seems debilitating and most certainly does not enhance their appeal or attractiveness.” Naef notes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">In attempting to solve the problem, Naef found devices that would either uncomfortably and inefficiently compress the torso, or just have no effect at all. She began studying the physiological mechanisms that promote optimal posture and, with that knowledge, she began a lengthy R&D process to facilitate those mechanisms through an elastic resistance, activated by the natural movement of one’s arms. Once perfected, the unique double-8 mechanism of elastic resistance she created was then merged with beautiful fashions that would resonate with today’s style savvy marketplace. The result is the ground-breaking Up Shirt line that has amassed devotees around the globe. In fact, UpCouture’s proprietary mechanism has been acknowledged as being completely new, having been accepted for international patent without any restriction. Learn more about UpCouture’s manufacturing process </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNoS7SIUieY" name="14ac0b38a9213007_LinkIsNotTracked" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">here</a></span><span style="font-size: 13px;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">"Rather than focusing on what are valid medical and health benefits of good posture, our goal is to offer beautiful, fashion-forward garments that not only foster a feeling of wellness the entire length of time it’s worn, but also enhance the wearer’s presence, presentation and manner in a way no other piece of apparel can achieve. Back, neck and shoulder pain, or the lack thereof, aside, every adult needs to strive to maintain good posture. The Up Shirt is truly a unique fashion fix."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Learn more about UpCouture's anti-slouching Up Shirts online at</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.upcouture.com/" name="14ac0b38a9213007_LinkIsNotTracked" style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11pt;" target="_blank">www.UpCouture.com</a><span style="font-size: 11pt;">.</span></div>
</span>Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-9482502344585889352014-12-23T21:27:00.001-06:002014-12-23T21:27:07.421-06:00Swap-bot: Digital Photo Email Scavenger Hunt - December<div dir="ltr"><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Swap-bot username: 3stairs</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzG83jGZbNPOX8QJk8L0tcp31Lr6-yYzdF2BDPB7w1O2A4ZGbhTVn_JDKmNbu1Q_YuJmb5qVMzfblXO_V6rTuFAd76qrXGupjrjgxI-IPllOcKR2cAIuNhmxt521tsNPfdFE4J_PDxCs/s640/blogger-image-1362937348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzG83jGZbNPOX8QJk8L0tcp31Lr6-yYzdF2BDPB7w1O2A4ZGbhTVn_JDKmNbu1Q_YuJmb5qVMzfblXO_V6rTuFAd76qrXGupjrjgxI-IPllOcKR2cAIuNhmxt521tsNPfdFE4J_PDxCs/s640/blogger-image-1362937348.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1 - Some kind of ticket (clothing, speeding,meal, movie...)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A ticket to an Irish music and dance (Michael Londra) concert held at a local university. I had a grand time and learned my first Irish phrase. :)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2REqOUCsaM8AHx4BajApnl8KrPfXbl4jwTf5KDJpMndo96r9hzcOEibvqi4dyQnkHuu9-fXiFbmAGJKvacS0N1kYBjTGSHgUpNRgBNfV_4kU-YpkZhK5Yq9KDj1gnl9peHMXtvLIfNE/s640/blogger-image--906429135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2REqOUCsaM8AHx4BajApnl8KrPfXbl4jwTf5KDJpMndo96r9hzcOEibvqi4dyQnkHuu9-fXiFbmAGJKvacS0N1kYBjTGSHgUpNRgBNfV_4kU-YpkZhK5Yq9KDj1gnl9peHMXtvLIfNE/s640/blogger-image--906429135.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2 - Something with 4 legs</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Our last surviving cat, Spot. She has become much more affectionate towards me since we lost our Bootsie. I think she misses him. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54yd6Brd6HFUMxZnY9u6RNbdwvFmTEdsANquj5aZlV8uJyZBkGsTELQu_vIgCPRDnNsu6UnszAdBnX7XaMQO0dF0_cGiqJGOdWEvlZJDVi2qgPLYp0txDeUY7W7OKIwSHX_z8-8ZZbuM/s640/blogger-image--1512421780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54yd6Brd6HFUMxZnY9u6RNbdwvFmTEdsANquj5aZlV8uJyZBkGsTELQu_vIgCPRDnNsu6UnszAdBnX7XaMQO0dF0_cGiqJGOdWEvlZJDVi2qgPLYp0txDeUY7W7OKIwSHX_z8-8ZZbuM/s640/blogger-image--1512421780.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3 - Something with at least 2 compartments</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My medicine box - and I've taken my meds every day this week - go me!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04hoWHrawEAExKS1QJ_PttVM90JfRmxCDS1iApzXtpxlwu-wb_t2iXFb-NDXjZbgi4FSQjqnhFTdF3AEq-Ia6JcIALn7KxmF44-rdVU02qp4-C3wWkt2SwHVuwJpDVgFvVl_I16Y8Qtw/s640/blogger-image-442266232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04hoWHrawEAExKS1QJ_PttVM90JfRmxCDS1iApzXtpxlwu-wb_t2iXFb-NDXjZbgi4FSQjqnhFTdF3AEq-Ia6JcIALn7KxmF44-rdVU02qp4-C3wWkt2SwHVuwJpDVgFvVl_I16Y8Qtw/s640/blogger-image-442266232.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4 - Something with a buckle</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The buckle on my youngest child's booster seat that attaches it to a chair</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HiUckzl-Tn3u9p4T6AXFU9MCiP2KbZh43mUsjrXMKj8trQwU_BNc1XLj07f-1G_7dJVkyoG6RV7anocQ75_EL26ynOhe-GoWZS0JN25BRY4q86m3YpiYTHD3SmsfIUqo2d9eicHDPM4/s640/blogger-image--368793424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HiUckzl-Tn3u9p4T6AXFU9MCiP2KbZh43mUsjrXMKj8trQwU_BNc1XLj07f-1G_7dJVkyoG6RV7anocQ75_EL26ynOhe-GoWZS0JN25BRY4q86m3YpiYTHD3SmsfIUqo2d9eicHDPM4/s640/blogger-image--368793424.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5 - Something decadent</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My first pair of chandelier earrings - totally <i>not</i> my usual style!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbbKzywj8xzsUP5EMqhmJsvt1gx-Lo0KQzrlmQk_wIoSrM0Q8sejnZQxkh55MKgJoWx4og1y_2HhgjsY3ZevOaOXyCgTXBmRj7chpy0P381oe-dHrsSG5gfUx5BnqKFEucBSRi8vcEFw/s640/blogger-image-1547196032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbbKzywj8xzsUP5EMqhmJsvt1gx-Lo0KQzrlmQk_wIoSrM0Q8sejnZQxkh55MKgJoWx4og1y_2HhgjsY3ZevOaOXyCgTXBmRj7chpy0P381oe-dHrsSG5gfUx5BnqKFEucBSRi8vcEFw/s640/blogger-image-1547196032.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">6 - A wrapped package</span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My gift to my husband - it's taking a lot for me to not give it to him early!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3q2B8E5d95XpfWmGNwo6DsgKdmPr1h5b-7PrvC5K_GQ5GEFRn4tZJ_xQKzMFo6Qj6hBj7sv_urNC2KdDoV_YYPweMIxGvwBo1mpDW9jvjKTHNrI7MfMi596IQ-BFg4MESAt26Ip_tJb8/s640/blogger-image--1427449312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3q2B8E5d95XpfWmGNwo6DsgKdmPr1h5b-7PrvC5K_GQ5GEFRn4tZJ_xQKzMFo6Qj6hBj7sv_urNC2KdDoV_YYPweMIxGvwBo1mpDW9jvjKTHNrI7MfMi596IQ-BFg4MESAt26Ip_tJb8/s640/blogger-image--1427449312.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><br></div></div>Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-42386972644512107042014-11-11T13:15:00.002-06:002014-11-11T13:15:27.476-06:00Swap-bot: Digital Photo Scavenger Hunt - November<div>
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My Swap-bot user name is <a href="http://www.swap-bot.com/user:3stairs">3stairs</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0O4pV9QhfgPtyCZ51Ix4ml_wD4Gk3w4935vnCuIiROiVr6Ob4XdW8N03QoUM-aRQgiSL-2Fn1KQxo5aHuxukBAGfOsldp-keYEX_IxWdrFS8Cri45NQXq6yy7K8KSjc8bO3TVu247c4/s640/blogger-image--406822800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0O4pV9QhfgPtyCZ51Ix4ml_wD4Gk3w4935vnCuIiROiVr6Ob4XdW8N03QoUM-aRQgiSL-2Fn1KQxo5aHuxukBAGfOsldp-keYEX_IxWdrFS8Cri45NQXq6yy7K8KSjc8bO3TVu247c4/s640/blogger-image--406822800.jpg" /></a></div>
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1 - Something with the word "LOVE" on it: a well-loved tote bag given to me in a swap long ago<br />
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2 - An item you use daily: the cotton coaster I crocheted that resides on my desk<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qztN33nT6bI3x5YR_SPal7zMoFRYMzEDsybZDzbH8AbeT1fqSJ-LZWJWZSmDzfalpq7LwDVjIBbWA2eTC1IM77QgqYtqtGT32Cmj01khu7Y5S6k4K1Sk5bezqudxw-MOUkMKHTNvQJ4/s640/blogger-image-1291168552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qztN33nT6bI3x5YR_SPal7zMoFRYMzEDsybZDzbH8AbeT1fqSJ-LZWJWZSmDzfalpq7LwDVjIBbWA2eTC1IM77QgqYtqtGT32Cmj01khu7Y5S6k4K1Sk5bezqudxw-MOUkMKHTNvQJ4/s640/blogger-image-1291168552.jpg" /></a></div>
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3 - Something or someplace peaceful: my beloved teddy bear given to me in high school by a cousin waiting for me on my pillow and sheet in my favorite color<br />
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4 - The word "assembly" on a package or sign: assembly instructions for a personal heater we purchased for our daughters' room recently<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZ0ZW6yZmJW2laizSGB4Adlk8mkBSb7RXye2g0V46LpmtZ9EUNHyT8Rs8WluwAxRTNgLCi524xzmMUfACz0u4AQBwfsI8upi-1ZnQJOP7lpG9GnKyi0JtDaqAdWbIf-DhxO3zIh1jNZM/s640/blogger-image-987377910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZ0ZW6yZmJW2laizSGB4Adlk8mkBSb7RXye2g0V46LpmtZ9EUNHyT8Rs8WluwAxRTNgLCi524xzmMUfACz0u4AQBwfsI8upi-1ZnQJOP7lpG9GnKyi0JtDaqAdWbIf-DhxO3zIh1jNZM/s640/blogger-image-987377910.jpg" /></a></div>
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5 - A souvenir from a trip or vacation you or someone took: a Lego photo from the trip to LegoLand that my mother took our children on<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFDKgWdl71hNvLs8BNRbH7crCOymw6pv4zVlbeXFs9jEolezMge9jMyBUjCEit8yivgucNkGYe6RvSKE1ep5pus41hDDdWWK19j_uGe1T_sOKYWk_7BQqUlCLgSss6WRa6-_5nVOTIvk/s640/blogger-image--845008135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFDKgWdl71hNvLs8BNRbH7crCOymw6pv4zVlbeXFs9jEolezMge9jMyBUjCEit8yivgucNkGYe6RvSKE1ep5pus41hDDdWWK19j_uGe1T_sOKYWk_7BQqUlCLgSss6WRa6-_5nVOTIvk/s640/blogger-image--845008135.jpg" /></a></div>
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6 - A trophy or award you received: the Brownie Girl Scout Leader pin that I received after taking leader training<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDEIxaD69WaSruNojvZ1UtW_R5_hIxKC-BImMDdmF3Q1xri_GR2lSHtguvpZ9pbcnXzsuZ83KSwfFEY-PPwBdOjH20tCfDNpFrqehaYP_KIL0YafqJMuAg-3Ok7oHhmxapdzHXNYsaIU/s640/blogger-image-603853582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDEIxaD69WaSruNojvZ1UtW_R5_hIxKC-BImMDdmF3Q1xri_GR2lSHtguvpZ9pbcnXzsuZ83KSwfFEY-PPwBdOjH20tCfDNpFrqehaYP_KIL0YafqJMuAg-3Ok7oHhmxapdzHXNYsaIU/s640/blogger-image-603853582.jpg" /></a></div>
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Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-13178030567800916412014-10-31T21:09:00.001-05:002014-11-11T12:59:25.586-06:00Swap-bot: Digital Photo Scavenger Hunt - October<div style="margin: 5px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1 - Something illuminated</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My charm bracelet and the necklaces I wear most often hanging from my desk lamp</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9qy2Gp6y-ushPkKf9XqnTz5fJOSIKf52Ul66TaRAfB3y-0w4g5rwzcn8iKAMaL11OEQFxRbcDyTEltvYFsHYKhOpyHjIl69DcIRVO1NltLsKwGnOYQX1MQbCnnOWszJWdtxJOmAIfFE/s640/blogger-image-1077005323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9qy2Gp6y-ushPkKf9XqnTz5fJOSIKf52Ul66TaRAfB3y-0w4g5rwzcn8iKAMaL11OEQFxRbcDyTEltvYFsHYKhOpyHjIl69DcIRVO1NltLsKwGnOYQX1MQbCnnOWszJWdtxJOmAIfFE/s640/blogger-image-1077005323.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2 - Something tangled</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The top drawer next to my chair with a tangled mess of yarn</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7azQKDYg-kUsq-K-iQxOKhgUCL4cIR3qGS5EBuvPlvwb2y8Eg3fkb1Ba-zX-QRrs1AkiadAqq_qUMF5DcJosmwyFuEHOP2WeWlTGVl9xiHk2zyQk87jg0ftwM84614D5QQGvTHPvCcL4/s640/blogger-image--702376865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7azQKDYg-kUsq-K-iQxOKhgUCL4cIR3qGS5EBuvPlvwb2y8Eg3fkb1Ba-zX-QRrs1AkiadAqq_qUMF5DcJosmwyFuEHOP2WeWlTGVl9xiHk2zyQk87jg0ftwM84614D5QQGvTHPvCcL4/s640/blogger-image--702376865.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3 - Something crooked</span></div>
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My daughter reaching for candy to hand out at the block party downtown</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEn_Quso5eRQfogJlLYwdfwtDuhXIVZoZ6Pi6WeZ2FT33X-A4jY3W2qMplC822L2pEudVLNfV1o2900eotV7gOWXfkXpG8GEC9k3r40FVyIGWYfNvsMdnkq2z5XUMSNblXEWDKQqh1hA/s640/blogger-image--1602254263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEn_Quso5eRQfogJlLYwdfwtDuhXIVZoZ6Pi6WeZ2FT33X-A4jY3W2qMplC822L2pEudVLNfV1o2900eotV7gOWXfkXpG8GEC9k3r40FVyIGWYfNvsMdnkq2z5XUMSNblXEWDKQqh1hA/s640/blogger-image--1602254263.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4 - Something tempting </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">the chocolates in the refrigerator door</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOeZRJ-0AIgfBn5b7A0PZbenIz15MqEsp5O_dqzqlLb4v_n0zQJfb5qg2mHu4EnFXm-qloB56vXTvMhgTSIgjjS2uWHGFuxqlUFjiG4FrdkYmRSiCS30okkozTqxWYcuxjq1OCne1BJU/s640/blogger-image-2017656914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOeZRJ-0AIgfBn5b7A0PZbenIz15MqEsp5O_dqzqlLb4v_n0zQJfb5qg2mHu4EnFXm-qloB56vXTvMhgTSIgjjS2uWHGFuxqlUFjiG4FrdkYmRSiCS30okkozTqxWYcuxjq1OCne1BJU/s640/blogger-image-2017656914.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5 - Something that makes you happy </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">owl folders that my mom got for me</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5bkTZ9dFc_S2OlGTVxw4HcTNILT0BqebH0xo0nCiatoZAlOifi0NHcnSEybRwMNLzMpy7NsIs5bbutU0OTm1rP_a0E29hjPhoOWT7Dw9hvj8K328F9Akjd9JhtwEKidY95RbrwDW1Uk/s640/blogger-image-1854621615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5bkTZ9dFc_S2OlGTVxw4HcTNILT0BqebH0xo0nCiatoZAlOifi0NHcnSEybRwMNLzMpy7NsIs5bbutU0OTm1rP_a0E29hjPhoOWT7Dw9hvj8K328F9Akjd9JhtwEKidY95RbrwDW1Uk/s640/blogger-image-1854621615.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">6 - Something in triplicate or a trio</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">three of "my" babies handing out candy</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgus7mTVi4okp3hzrTHxzPL3WfuSeqvKCIvkvOCR81jjjYNEcTP1cNjG7ZzDazEAnueM-IzbE3t_c1JBOZYysNu3pAda0_fpUU62RCXA6O6_30z-dYUuhFSToq-q7tgjgfKeciw333pwE0/s640/blogger-image--1324679579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgus7mTVi4okp3hzrTHxzPL3WfuSeqvKCIvkvOCR81jjjYNEcTP1cNjG7ZzDazEAnueM-IzbE3t_c1JBOZYysNu3pAda0_fpUU62RCXA6O6_30z-dYUuhFSToq-q7tgjgfKeciw333pwE0/s640/blogger-image--1324679579.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-67238730943344853602014-10-22T06:34:00.001-05:002014-11-11T12:59:25.590-06:00Swap-bot: Digital Photo Scavenger Hunt - September<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGawOigCUXh_frgIgyEgchRDwsJ1t5eM49-ZLMzd1NAlchzt_GyDZahmFRJaVKM5TJXnYmuXAvxmxqqvaxpSjKnIsOpe0m4uFvgy3hBoGxVqaEw8C8W9i4EjJwFzjjjekPIz31HWvAYi8/s640/blogger-image-1639586428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGawOigCUXh_frgIgyEgchRDwsJ1t5eM49-ZLMzd1NAlchzt_GyDZahmFRJaVKM5TJXnYmuXAvxmxqqvaxpSjKnIsOpe0m4uFvgy3hBoGxVqaEw8C8W9i4EjJwFzjjjekPIz31HWvAYi8/s640/blogger-image-1639586428.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>1 - Something that is a mixture of a few or many things;<br></span><div dir="ltr"><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The top of the cabinets in my kitchen with lots of tins, some glassware, and my bridal bouquet</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiITGLTqv57_T7KIwJchmK7KFiDYmPXriKXncEWM0J2JmJrdf4QYcoVbaf_pj9NxqGMsN849f-Lo_lDaFB4gEJ4Qg-cA6zELIats6mpdXAazaQB9GT6NBHZHMQYL774ClVe3XOG9qMoXs/s640/blogger-image--166239742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiITGLTqv57_T7KIwJchmK7KFiDYmPXriKXncEWM0J2JmJrdf4QYcoVbaf_pj9NxqGMsN849f-Lo_lDaFB4gEJ4Qg-cA6zELIats6mpdXAazaQB9GT6NBHZHMQYL774ClVe3XOG9qMoXs/s640/blogger-image--166239742.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2 - Something green;</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My dish towel and tablecloth (green is my favorite color)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDF0NciiBBKkUUqD1JrNqTmpj3wwncKvrT7f1AuR_SRFAKHDzhDkylc5h7qYLgilt_ERNupg5noBllGQOBdoxHmD00rYFldTt5UZ5CQMQPOhDSK6GchLwwXJDMqLvhkyCDP87bqIj6JA/s640/blogger-image-1639587611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDF0NciiBBKkUUqD1JrNqTmpj3wwncKvrT7f1AuR_SRFAKHDzhDkylc5h7qYLgilt_ERNupg5noBllGQOBdoxHmD00rYFldTt5UZ5CQMQPOhDSK6GchLwwXJDMqLvhkyCDP87bqIj6JA/s640/blogger-image-1639587611.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3 - Something dirty (in a clean, family-friendly way, of course!);</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My stove after making hamburgers!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirb1yly8_k4mgpRQQfnZcWlKVCrcwLyFLPD6i7QGPaYRWR5RqahTUOGEWrRDEeXcUebxbhSimuOBIVPvasZ7D_cHRokhUNrugR8oWzPUsmgHIwvilkBqEryV4NhZVh9zT_yLwkiEi3w80/s640/blogger-image-2068297997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirb1yly8_k4mgpRQQfnZcWlKVCrcwLyFLPD6i7QGPaYRWR5RqahTUOGEWrRDEeXcUebxbhSimuOBIVPvasZ7D_cHRokhUNrugR8oWzPUsmgHIwvilkBqEryV4NhZVh9zT_yLwkiEi3w80/s640/blogger-image-2068297997.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4 - Something with sharp edges;</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My tomato knife from Pampered Chef - my best knife</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1kxoIorx3jH52TZJmfZJia9AluKSim-4nFHJyhCzmzLeJbvEAGIT4g-jq1Qoq-JdxA-EJ2AHRsVTj6UE1EYQICCJ1Z8QENxCR1kKEK5sE1ycSyV7aJQ4p65A6JZ9MBdXGI-u0txONTs/s640/blogger-image-1238175387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1kxoIorx3jH52TZJmfZJia9AluKSim-4nFHJyhCzmzLeJbvEAGIT4g-jq1Qoq-JdxA-EJ2AHRsVTj6UE1EYQICCJ1Z8QENxCR1kKEK5sE1ycSyV7aJQ4p65A6JZ9MBdXGI-u0txONTs/s640/blogger-image-1238175387.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5 - Something you climb;</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The footstool in the kitchen - being only five feet tall makes this a daily necessity! (Those are my toddler's feet)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5f8wJFzXtXhXUPNghS-tqumuu9rb7rmrueWsYPuSHuPhxDKaGA9Q7UIwGXSw3cYsMMccjYhioeFs1Va1SBWg6-niXzlcg-iCggRJuc0TV_nZlZ84Ll3lOYYp1K0k-3uVexwwNMnIp3-0/s640/blogger-image--1718308555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5f8wJFzXtXhXUPNghS-tqumuu9rb7rmrueWsYPuSHuPhxDKaGA9Q7UIwGXSw3cYsMMccjYhioeFs1Va1SBWg6-niXzlcg-iCggRJuc0TV_nZlZ84Ll3lOYYp1K0k-3uVexwwNMnIp3-0/s640/blogger-image--1718308555.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">6 - Something you pack.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My crochet bag - it goes everywhere with me and I always pack my current project into it to work on whenever I am stuck waiting</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrGxbMxYWv3zh6gNclkqzFEJBHOPWB_JSj9HXk9FJbyMa5XukDxQvYu-kjKC-fopXFDeXimiUa2bIHaDI5-32S3eCQBpBpMpBOmMjm0-UOBaum_8xX7nIiBPD-Yqyni_XPeLBAEfEbl8/s640/blogger-image-1216573279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrGxbMxYWv3zh6gNclkqzFEJBHOPWB_JSj9HXk9FJbyMa5XukDxQvYu-kjKC-fopXFDeXimiUa2bIHaDI5-32S3eCQBpBpMpBOmMjm0-UOBaum_8xX7nIiBPD-Yqyni_XPeLBAEfEbl8/s640/blogger-image-1216573279.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-51911121008696512572014-09-30T17:25:00.000-05:002014-10-14T17:26:35.067-05:00Kids' Indoor & Outdoor Fitness Strategies<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">No matter the season, it’s important to ensure kids get up and moving so they stay on track with their physical fitness! Here are some tips with many that offer the opportunity for some good old-fashioned family time.<br /><b><br /><strong>Exercising need not be reserved for the outdoors as there is plenty kids can do inside of the house to get fit! Here are just a few good ideas:</strong></b></span><u></u><u></u></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Walk or run up and down a stairwell multiple times (skip a step for added intensity and effectiveness).</span><u></u><u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Jump rope - yes, indoors too! Just ensure that the child has enough clearance from that cherished vase!</span><u></u><u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Dance! Let the kids "boogie" away those calories.</span><u></u><u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Calisthenics (push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, etc.) are great exercise and you can hold a friendly competition!</span><u></u><u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Hula hoop where, again, clearance is key here!</span><u></u><u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Crunches! Sure, let the kids watch TV but challenge them to do as many sit ups as they can while the commercials are on. Do this for at least one full TV program, which usually has at least 3 or 4 commercial breaks.</span><u></u><u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Shadow boxing is a great way to work the arm, leg and core muscles while also getting the heart pumping for some nice calorie-burning cardio. And, it’s fun. Kids will have fun showing you how they can “float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.”</span><u></u><u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Yoga (yes, for kids, too!) is great for developing body coordination and balance.</span><u></u><u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Stretching helps with flexibility, which is another sign of a healthy body.</span></li>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Prefer the great outdoors? No problem! Outdoor fitness ideas abound, including:</span></strong><u></u><u></u></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Take a walk, jog, or hike. Raining? Walk the mall double time!</span><u></u><u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Ride a bike, skateboard, or scooter.</span><u></u><u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Roller skate or in-line skate.</span><u></u><u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Catch a pickup game for basketball, baseball, football, tennis and others that get your heart pumping and muscles working.</span><u></u><u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Swim! Forget doggie paddles; instead, do laps up and down the pool or, for the ambitious types, try butterflies!</span><u></u><u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Jumping rope is an old standby that offers an array of health benefits.</span><u></u><u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Take casual activity to the next level and add excitement. Seek out community events,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> such as a walk-a-thon, bike-a-thon, or even a triathlon that accepts minors. However, competition should not be the focus. Instead, the focus should be on doing one’s best. These events are often in support of a good cause, so children can also learn the value of fundraising and giving to those that are in need. Let children pick a cause that is important to them and make sure the activity matches their physical abilities. Families can even spend a couple of weekends prior to the event “in training,” getting conditioned and practicing team-building skills. </span><u></u><u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Take advantage of local activity courses. Many area parks and schools are set up with physical activity courses that span across fields and trails with exercises stations interspersed throughout. These courses are good for all ages and levels of fitness. Consider having your child visit these courses during a Saturday morning event with each session having a different theme or pace. For example, “Boot Camp” might be one such theme for your aspiring soldiers. Children can even walk briskly between stations and then attempt to perform given exercises (push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, balance beams, etc.) with parent's encouraging them along the way. Children can set goals, such as trying to beat their time from last week, spotting animals along the route, or finding “treasure” along the way. The course can be followed with a healthy family picnic lunch in the park. Doing so will also teach children how to prepare healthy foods</span><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">.</span><u></u><u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Take some lessons. Find an after school program, YMCA, or community center that offers lessons or activities that are physical fitness-oriented. Your options are unlimited and may include tennis, dance, kick boxing, golf, swimming and self-defense. These lessons will help your child become more well-rounded in many areas of fitness and may possibly help them find one that they enjoy and where they might want to take advanced lessons.</span><u></u><u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Enjoy an “extreme” family vacation. Get your children involved in planning a dynamic family vacation that includes physical activities for everyone, both together as a family and individually. Each family member should be able to plan a</span><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">physical activity whether it is taking a walking tour of a city, playing volleyball, kayaking, white water rafting, snorkeling, skiing or snow boarding, hiking a trail or climbing a summit. Together, your family can take the months prior to the trip to build up the endurance, strength, and skills necessary to enjoy your active plans. The “vacation” can even be a simple day trip in your own neighborhood or something much more extravagant. Children can save allowance money for “cool” fitness gear or earn money to be used toward the purchase of specialty equipment by achieving physical fitness-oriented goals (like getting a yellow belt in Karate or completing a successful season on the swim team). This will not only teach children about preparation, organization, and planning, but it will also motivate and reward them for engaging in activities that are good for their health.</span><u></u><u></u></li>
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Children’s health advocate, health industry veteran and two-time fitness champion, Merilee Kern, is the creator of the ground-breaking “Kids Making Healthy Choices” APP for children, parents/caregivers and educators (available on iTunes), which is based on her award-winning, illustrated fictional children’s book, “Making Healthy Choices – A Story to Inspire Fit, Weight-Wise Kids.” She may be reached online at: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="1485cf044173b33a_1485bfa86d6ff2f8_LinkIsNotTracked"></a><a href="http://www.kidsmakinghealthychoices.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.KidsMakingHealthyChoices.<wbr></wbr>com</a>.</span></em></div>
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Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-40004353694280781742014-08-14T06:00:00.000-05:002014-08-14T06:00:00.949-05:00The Cure for the "Perfect Life" by Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cherigregory.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Cure-for-the-Perfect-Life-COVER-1000-x-1545-662x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cherigregory.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Cure-for-the-Perfect-Life-COVER-1000-x-1545-662x1024.jpg" height="400" width="258" /></a></div>
I've been reading this book, and I haven't decided yet if it's stepping on my toes or comforting me! I'm loving it so far and have already recommended it to several people. If you feel like you're struggling to live a perfect life, this is the book for you!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">From the back cover:</span><br />
Are you crumbling under the burden of perfection?<br />
You know the expectations are unreasonable–even unreachable.<br />
And when everyone else seems more together than you, where do you turn for help?<br />
Meet Kathi, a disguised perfectionist always looking to put everyone else’s needs above her own, and Cheri, a formerly confused and exhausted poster girl for playing it safe. They’ve struggled just like you–and found the cure. With unabashed empathy and humor, they invite you to take part in their rebellion against perfection. Step-by-step they’ll teach you how to challenge and change unhealthy beliefs. As they free you from always seeking more or needing the approval of others, you’ll discover a new, braver way of living. At last, you’ll exchange outdated views of who you should be for a clearer vision of who you are in Christ.<br />
The truth is you don’t have to be perfect.<br />
You just have to be brave enough to read this book.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">From the Introduction:</span><br />
Even though we have different life stories, we’ve both succumbed to Try-Harder Living. We used to look for the nice, polite ways to follow God’s call. We caved to others’ expectations for too long. We finally decided stop taking our cues from the world and start asking ourselves, “What does God want from me … and have for me?”<br />
And we’ve come to the conclusion: there is no nice, polite way to do this. There’s no easy way to leave the life that’s been expected of us and to start living the brave, not so neatly tied up life that God is calling us to.<br />
We have to rebel. We have to make choices that are countercultural to our society, our families of origin, and even our churches.<br />
We’re guessing that as you’ve read our stories you’ve said, “Me too!” at one point or another (or perhaps, several points.) Most women we know are fighting THL to some degree.<br />
We get it. We’ve been there. We have the souvenir travel mugs. And because life isn’t perfect, those mugs have leaked all over our shirts. (It’s the official uniform for the recovering perfectionist—a nice white shirt with a huge stain down the front.)<br />
Come join our rebellion. We have cupcakes. The frosting is a little mushed, but hey, they still taste great. And they aren’t homemade. But we’re okay with that.<br />
As we share our own rebel stories and strategies, we hope you will<br />
exchange outdated views of who you “should be” for a clear do-able vision of who you are in Christ.<br />
take control of that too long to-do list so it no longer controls you.<br />
stop striving to maintain an image and live with more freedom day-to-day.<br />
overcome the tyranny of “more” and radically live with the abundance of “enough.”<br />
stop trying to earn others’ approval and learn to rest in God’s lavish unconditional love.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">About the Authors:</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.cherigregory.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/kathilipp.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cherigregory.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/kathilipp.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Kathi Lipp</span><br />
Website: <a href="http://www.kathilipp.com/">http://www.KathiLipp.com</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKathiLipp">https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKathiLipp</a><br />
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/kathilipp">https://twitter.com/kathilipp</a><br />
Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kathilipp/">http://www.pinterest.com/kathilipp/</a><br />
Kathi Lipp is the author of The Husband Project, The Me Project, The Get Yourself Organized Project, 21 Ways to Connect With Your Kids, and several other books. Kathi’s articles have appeared in dozens of magazines, and she is a frequent guest on Focus on the Family radio and TV. She and her husband Roger are parents of four young adults in San Jose, California. Kathi shares her story at retreats, conferences, and women’s events across the United States. Connect with her at www.KathiLipp.com, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AuthorKathiLipp, or on Twitter @KathiLipp.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cheri Gregory</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.cherigregory.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/cherigregory.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cherigregory.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/cherigregory.png" /></a></div>
Website: <a href="http://www.cherigregory.com/">http://www.CheriGregory.com</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CheriGregoryAuthor">https://www.facebook.com/CheriGregoryAuthor</a><br />
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/CheriGregory">https://twitter.com/CheriGregory</a><br />
Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/CheriGregory">http://www.pinterest.com/CheriGregory</a><br />
Cheri Gregory is a Certified Personality Trainer; contributor to multiple books, including Wired That Way and 21 Ways to Connect With Your Kids; and frequent speaker for MOPS groups, women’s retreats, parent workshops, and educational conferences. She is also a high school English teacher and graduate student. Cheri has been “wife of my youth” to Daniel (her opposite personality), a pastor, for over a quarter-of-a-century; they have two college-aged kids (who are also opposite personalities). She blogs about expectations, “baditude”, and hope at www.CheriGregory.com. Connect with her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Cheri.Gregory.Author and Twitter @CheriGregory.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">About the Book:</span><br />
Website Link:<br />
<a href="http://www.thecurefortheperfectlife.com/">http://www.TheCureForThePerfectLife.com</a><br />
<br />
FREE download of Chapter 1:<br />
<a href="http://www.thecurefortheperfectlife.com/downloads/chapter1.pdf">http://www.thecurefortheperfectlife.com/downloads/chapter1.pdf </a><br />
<br />
Facebook Page (aka “Braver Living Rebel Headquarters”):<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TinyActsOfRebellion">http://www.Facebook.com/TinyActsOfRebellion</a><br />
<br />
Barnes & Noble link:<br />
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-cure-for-the-perfect-life-kathi-lipp/1118908688?ean=9780736957007">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-cure-for-the-perfect-life-kathi-lipp/1118908688?ean=9780736957007</a><br />
<br />
Amazon link:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Cure-Perfect-Life-Trying/dp/0736957006">http://www.amazon.com/The-Cure-Perfect-Life-Trying/dp/0736957006</a><br />
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CBD.com link:<br />
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/-perfect-trying-harder-start-living-braver/kathi-lipp/9780736957007/pd/957007">http://www.christianbook.com/-perfect-trying-harder-start-living-braver/kathi-lipp/9780736957007/pd/957007</a><br />
<br />
Family Christian link:<br />
<a href="http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/270248/">http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/270248/</a><br />
<br />
<br />Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-54761631337724686112014-05-26T11:29:00.001-05:002014-05-28T13:27:00.721-05:00Green BreakfastOr: How to Get Your Kids to Eat Superfoods<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcji5_-bzjclNO0Vu7yrVC4KZwh4lezl0joG2aVMY7J3cgLvJhOIxV8vgMgJkD2jylcqAhE88NHZ7VXV1LlfnHop-h2wm0Ph2I5D7fnzmjTdr87PChtwHEhI-5DHMcMA-lMhYwEHTpws/s640/blogger-image-1641698261.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcji5_-bzjclNO0Vu7yrVC4KZwh4lezl0joG2aVMY7J3cgLvJhOIxV8vgMgJkD2jylcqAhE88NHZ7VXV1LlfnHop-h2wm0Ph2I5D7fnzmjTdr87PChtwHEhI-5DHMcMA-lMhYwEHTpws/s1600/blogger-image-1641698261.jpg" /></a> Inspired by the green smoothies they made at Bethy's Girl Scout meeting for the Brownie Snacks badge, I bought some fresh spinach and kale to add to my fruit slushy. I added two big handfuls of spinach and a generous handful of kale to the blender with the liquid from a jar of mandarin oranges in 100% fruit juice. After I puréed that, I added two bananas, three chunks of cantaloupe, and three chunks of watermelon. Next came two handfuls of strawberries and two handfuls of blueberries. The last ingredient was a couple of globs (very scientific terms here, people!) natural applesauce.<br />
<br />
Sam and I enjoyed some right then. Okay, I confess: I filled up the 23.5 ounce jar the oranges came in and proceeded to gulp down the entire thing, sharing a few sips and spoonfuls with Sam along the way. <br />
<br />
I put the blender with rest in the refrigerator. After a while it gets thicker. Sam called it applesauce when I spooned some into a bowl for him this morning. <br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
After he ate some of his, he snitched mine and tried to pour his into my bowl. I helped, and he happily continued eating. Being two-and-a-half, he decided to stick his finger in it then eat it off of his finger.<br />
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<br />
I am trying to teach the child proper table manners, so I told him to use his spoon. He complied, but not in the way I meant.<br />
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I'll just take the victory of him eating a breakfast of green leafy vegetables today. Maybe tomorrow he won't need a bath after eating...Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-32306214771531492492014-05-06T18:04:00.001-05:002014-05-06T22:30:36.800-05:00Tanka Tuesday: Blossoms and Blooms<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNoUasmdxpiWr78UsKEN1Unoj-uvjbfaQhXjZJ9BwrHbwZkIUEl1iOwk1mp2mtsFBLGkowkrE_BUW_MG7r7hUEk8k-jFYgrblCNJyC4Z8jLjjdQKJ943xXF4wKqtHECh4aOczRdlcsMw/s640/blogger-image-123423034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNoUasmdxpiWr78UsKEN1Unoj-uvjbfaQhXjZJ9BwrHbwZkIUEl1iOwk1mp2mtsFBLGkowkrE_BUW_MG7r7hUEk8k-jFYgrblCNJyC4Z8jLjjdQKJ943xXF4wKqtHECh4aOczRdlcsMw/s1600/blogger-image-123423034.jpg" /></a>The blossoms and blooms<br />
of spring should fill up the rooms<br />
so eyes and noses<br />
can ponder over posies<br />
and become drunk on the smells. <br />
<br />
Visit <a href="http://oneminutewriter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The One-Minute Writer</a> for daily prompts. Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-72801676198872386552014-04-25T15:46:00.002-05:002014-07-02T10:26:12.709-05:00Book Review: Totally Awesome Rubber Band Jewelry<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1574218964/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1574218964&linkCode=as2&tag=3stai-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2013/10/04/11198934/gI_82188_front_cover.jpg" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=3stai-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1574218964" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><i>I use Grammarly's <a href="http://www.grammarly.com/plagiarism-checker" rel="nofollow">plagiarism checker</a> because it's said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but flattery is nothing more than furthering one's own interests by whatever means necessary anyway. And it's just lazy. </i><br />
<br />
My daughter Sarah is squarely aboard the rubber band loom boat, so when I got the opportunity to review a book of patterns, I jumped at it. Since she is the one who used the book, I decided she should be the one to review it. I've pasted it below, just as she wrote it. She's 11.<br />
<br />
<b>Rainbow Loom</b><br />
By : Sarah Arcand<br />
<br />
<b>The Book</b><br />
OMG! Rainbow Loom bracelets are trending fast! I found out about The Rainbow Loom and bracelets when my mom, Crystal Arcand, got an instructional book on how to make Rainbow Loom bracelets to review. She asked me to review it! So . . . .<br />
<br />
<b>So Easy</b><br />
The Book and Loom are so easy to use! Pictures, bold words, step by step, and tips and tricks are so helpful and make it super easy to use, but I am very crafty just like my mom, Crystal Arcand.<br />
<br />
<b>My Bracelets</b><br />
I've made a lot of bracelets such as the starburst, single, triple, zipper, flower charm, back and forth, a fish tail, and earrings. All of these are easy, but I would still start with the single.<br />
<br />
<b>Would You Try It?</b><br />
I would love to try the book and loom, if I hadn't already! I think you would love this book too if you tried it. I love this book because it's easy to use and I've made a lot of bracelets, but not all of them - they are still coming up with new patterns around the world.<br />
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1574218964/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1574218964&linkCode=as2&tag=3stai-20"><b>Totally Awesome Rubber Band Jewelry</b>: Make Bracelets, Rings, Belts & More with Rainbow Loom(R), Cra-Z-Loom(TM), or FunLoom(TM)</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=3stai-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1574218964" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
By Colleen Dorsey<br />
ISBN: 978-1-57421-896-1<br />
8.5” x 11”, 48 pages, soft cover, 220 color photographs<br />
$7.99 MSRP<br />
<br />
<i>*Disclosure:</i><br />
<i>I received a free copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are those of the author. Links to purchase the book are affiliate links for Crystal Arcand.</i></div>
Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-49458389797669668612014-04-11T02:02:00.001-05:002014-04-11T02:02:59.507-05:00A Life With OCD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADP_KMC9HVfD87eAIsVrB90UOSPHvn2p_parPJ_LXFu9s7ClsH3xy0_vQn9KL8_bjjyvYLGWtiyIqgrMyuNYuT8z2vgdaM_J3RhYPLvPSHh4eu47BpAF0bA1hg0IAwSKbp3X8QOanfmc/s1600/iphone+853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADP_KMC9HVfD87eAIsVrB90UOSPHvn2p_parPJ_LXFu9s7ClsH3xy0_vQn9KL8_bjjyvYLGWtiyIqgrMyuNYuT8z2vgdaM_J3RhYPLvPSHh4eu47BpAF0bA1hg0IAwSKbp3X8QOanfmc/s1600/iphone+853.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
I live with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, often referred to as OCD. You usually hear "OCD" combined with laughter as someone uses it to describe someone that has shown a preference for things to be just so. As someone that is truly diagnosed with OCD, I find those instances belittling and insulting. If people understood what OCD is really like, they wouldn't find it funny at all. In <a href="http://www.ocduk.org/combatting-the-myth-about-ocd" target="_blank">A bit like that? Combatting the myth about OCD</a>, Dr. Stephanie Fitzgerald says<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"I wonder whether these people would still be keen to say they are a bit like that if they truly understood OCD? If by saying ‘Oh, I’m a bit like that’ they knew they were admitting to thoughts of <b>harming a loved one</b>, anxiety about driving because they believed they had run someone over, or harbouring such fears about contamination that they would be unable to hug their own child?" [emphasis mine]</blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.ocduk.org/ocd" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="OCD-UK logo" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ubA3wo9_mDUdBdPVoNyB74-dMiGEqU-2S4nPuedpkuMfrkfSP-CK5Y2j6YENHM56nrWK0pEGkrWyDIHThI02o6uwgLBss6r9PTty3fot6X-hUs0H1AeT3WlZT_V9Zze_-_RzC-EcUcs/s1600/ocduklogo.png" height="70" title="OCD-UK logo" width="320" /></a></div>
I want to help end the myths about OCD, and to end the stigma of mental illness. It really is not something that we can turn off at will. Believe me, if I could turn it off, I would in a heartbeat. <a href="http://www.ocduk.org/ocd">This is the best explanation of OCD that I've found.</a> I can share some of what it looks like in my head, but this is the best explanation I've found of the overall landscape of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.<br />
<br />
I am in the ruminations/intrusive thoughts category. The stress and anxiety caused by intrusive thoughts are deep. It has taken years for me to learn that the intrusive thoughts are <b>not</b> secret fantasies that make me a horrible person. It's more like being forced to watch a disturbing movie. I live huge swathes of time via movies in my head that I can't stop, often in just seconds. It has led to a lifetime of soul-crushing guilt, and paralyzing fear and doubt.<br />
<br />
I remember one of my first instances of intrusive thoughts vividly because it was so disturbing to me. I was going to the local senior center with my maternal grandmother. I had just finished washing the dishes and was taking a handful of sharp knives to the kitchen from the industrial washroom. I passed my grandmother, and in that split second, my mind flashed through a scene of my body running the knives into her stomach, taking them out, and repeating the action several times like a robot while my mind screamed ineffectively to stop my body and my eyes watched in helpless horror.<br />
<br />
<b>That was over 20 years ago.</b><br />
<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMYpJJo9PBpIfCzAkb9GuKC2MH_845Fj0i0XUlLi-WvLQmKZSiG2WnQTBzWPULsm2okyFPymCklnMxLoJvGs7700eNPKv1zsH9mB1i-99jAAyQvYMNiQD76uhmA1w0OvfGWH2PXKRxp4/s1600/meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMYpJJo9PBpIfCzAkb9GuKC2MH_845Fj0i0XUlLi-WvLQmKZSiG2WnQTBzWPULsm2okyFPymCklnMxLoJvGs7700eNPKv1zsH9mB1i-99jAAyQvYMNiQD76uhmA1w0OvfGWH2PXKRxp4/s1600/meme.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Meme</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Few people have heard the story because I always believed I was a horrible person for even being capable of having those thoughts. I love my Meme. She has been an integral part of my development as a person. So much of my pride-of-heritage, identity, and practical knowledge stem from that beloved woman that now <i>runs</i> a senior center at the age of 83. I always questioned if some dark, recessed part of my mind was really this murderous psychopath just waiting to spring out. To this day, the memory of that <b>thought</b> riddles me with guilt and fear.<br />
<br />
Knives are still a trigger for me if I'm not vigilant. I have fought my mind through such innocuous things as changing my baby's diaper, picking up my kids from a babysitter, and driving over a small bridge. Being a mom with OCD is fraught with fear and guilt. I couldn't tell you the times I've suddenly clutched one of my confused children to me - tears threatening, or even overflowing - to banish some intrusive thought that struck my heart with fear and self-loathing.<br />
<br />
Now before you tell me it would go away if I just prayed more, or read my Bible more, or if I were really a Christian (yes, all things that have been said to me), you must know that I prayed, pleaded, cried out to God to take away these attacks from the devil for years before I sought medical treatment. I sang hymns when they came; I went forward for special prayer at every opportunity at any church I attended; I was anointed with oil; hands were laid on me; I was prayed over specifically; I sat, naked and sobbing in the shower, begging God to release me for uncountable hours. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is not something that can just be prayed away. To tell someone with OCD that they simply aren't Christian enough is to pour salt into a gaping wound.<br />
<br />
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder isn't a personality quirk, positive life choice to indicate tidiness, spiritual lacking, or joke. It is a real disease. Please treat it and its sufferers with sincerity and compassion.Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-32354776165689891692014-03-29T16:03:00.003-05:002014-03-30T11:40:34.710-05:00Six Word Saturday: Current SituationSix Word Saturday: Describe your day or current situation in just six words.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My entire left arm <b>really </b>hurts!</div>
Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-47564195908347439842014-03-22T15:33:00.000-05:002014-03-22T15:33:56.345-05:00Six Word Saturday: Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQNoFUngdM9cC4vXa4oJyyJAlbW3MRhqzd8mEFQSRdla8n9c-icHuN6ZVu3IkapGwNshQpXpKYegOpPtQRO2Atf8DQzqQaCC3o_KsROI4UbbhBFmDLtVOgiLOCP_N1_5VoWMh9ttXT8M/s1600/samoas+connection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQNoFUngdM9cC4vXa4oJyyJAlbW3MRhqzd8mEFQSRdla8n9c-icHuN6ZVu3IkapGwNshQpXpKYegOpPtQRO2Atf8DQzqQaCC3o_KsROI4UbbhBFmDLtVOgiLOCP_N1_5VoWMh9ttXT8M/s1600/samoas+connection.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Somebody</span></i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">buy these Girl Scout cookies!</span></div>
Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-12087636642674515722014-03-05T09:09:00.001-06:002014-03-05T09:11:18.942-06:00NaBloPoMo: Most like myself<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOkDtR2NagfDdHaB22KIiUJuLjaZerSMHak-ogZ3qn1ozgU6yvsIXbCMHLooCNvnm_7VrpjY0eUzRdnJnC_e-YDxzUOlkaVMjf-anQDWYCi6Ev2WvkSNPqwB5Y_u4pu-vC0j_obPD-B4/s1600/iphone+224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOkDtR2NagfDdHaB22KIiUJuLjaZerSMHak-ogZ3qn1ozgU6yvsIXbCMHLooCNvnm_7VrpjY0eUzRdnJnC_e-YDxzUOlkaVMjf-anQDWYCi6Ev2WvkSNPqwB5Y_u4pu-vC0j_obPD-B4/s1600/iphone+224.jpg" height="200" width="136" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the last time I got to dress up as <br />
The Cat in the Hat - March 2012</td></tr>
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<i>When or where do you feel most like yourself?</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> Ai. Um. What if I'm not sure what myself feels like?<br />
<br />
Okay, I lie. Well, not <i>lie</i>, but myself is several selves, I think. I feel equally comfortable talking to my Girl Scout group or chatting with mom friends. Discussing Shakespeare is as satisfying to me as reading Dr. Seuss to children.<br />
<br />
I feel like a nut.<br />
<br />
I suppose you could say that I am most like myself whenever and wherever I am connecting with someone and expressing myself. I am a connector, I think. I seek that lightbulb moment when eyes light up and someone says or thinks "<i>Yes! You get it!</i>" To be understood - felt, validated - is so important in life. Hearing "I see you" like in Avatar. I <i>see</i> you. I see your heart. I see your past. I see your intentions. I see your fears. I <i>see you</i>.<br />
<br />
I think expressing myself, whether through talking, writing, or acting, is a big part of connectedness for me. How can I connect with you if I don't show you some part of myself? Vulnerability is a prerequisite of connection. But it takes courage to be vulnerable. What if I'm laughed at? Scorned? Misunderstood? It's a huge risk.<br />
<br />
<i><b>But oh, the payoff when that connection happens!</b></i><br />
<br />
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And that moment, <i>that</i> place. That is me.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.nablopomo.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NaBloPoMo March 2014" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCS4XW9BfXHtRNipOJTzvBjVufk6prW2yxHAtyxnCZgXVAuivAXWnbP2DiLcqgQgwiuDEeYLSb84QXALduiF_JF9etImrI75UdqStyaZaAzJvOLH-jbGgYRWe-zjWsL9KKlxhcseFsILI/s1600/NaBloPoMo_March_2014_self.jpg" height="171" title="NaBloPoMo March 2014" width="200" /></a></div>
Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-76884146490847649632014-03-04T05:30:00.000-06:002014-03-04T05:30:00.543-06:00NaBloPoMo: Your writing voice<a href="http://www.nablopomo.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NaBloPoMo March 2014" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCS4XW9BfXHtRNipOJTzvBjVufk6prW2yxHAtyxnCZgXVAuivAXWnbP2DiLcqgQgwiuDEeYLSb84QXALduiF_JF9etImrI75UdqStyaZaAzJvOLH-jbGgYRWe-zjWsL9KKlxhcseFsILI/s1600/NaBloPoMo_March_2014_self.jpg" height="171" title="NaBloPoMo March 2014" width="200" /></a><br />
<i>How is your writing voice like you? How does your writing voice differ from you?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
When given creative license, my writing voice is much like my conversation. My blogging - indeed, the majority of my writing - is intended as a conversation between me and my readers. It is full of half-formed sentences, broken thoughts, opinions, bunny-trails, and questions.<br />
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When writing as a professional, my voice is all properness. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Yeah, properness probably isn't a word, but this is <i>me</i> writing, not me writing professionally, so I get to use it. I'm channeling Seuss today, <i>so there</i>.)</span> Proper grammar and sentence structure are used, and all that schooling comes into play. I'm capable of those things; I just prefer not to use them in daily life.Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1486438550015435682.post-45706113375870051152014-03-03T05:51:00.000-06:002014-03-03T14:08:06.851-06:00NaBloPoMo: Tell us five interesting things about yourself.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MDI6S4HMc9V4pLhTWQyaXigl5Wlfc-fqPjUQ7OAJV36i318eR79LjTltXFVPsIRkbQz8s1KBq91mK8LNkx_9Aed389d1NlaK331OSpRdhk13idHLTi2cmY2Oi8wN8GvxOhV39vunzBc/s1600/iphone+393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MDI6S4HMc9V4pLhTWQyaXigl5Wlfc-fqPjUQ7OAJV36i318eR79LjTltXFVPsIRkbQz8s1KBq91mK8LNkx_9Aed389d1NlaK331OSpRdhk13idHLTi2cmY2Oi8wN8GvxOhV39vunzBc/s1600/iphone+393.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in December of 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'm incredibly transparent, so there's not really anything about me that somebody doesn't already know. I think I've told all of my stories. Somehow, though, I feel very uninteresting and don't know why I blather.<br />
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<ol><li>I have a large birthmark on my back between my should blades. It is very faint, though, and I didn't discover it until I was in college and had been tanning. I also have a small one on my right bicep. When I ever get the courage and money to get a tattoo, I want it to be slightly darker than my skin tone so it looks like a birthmark.</li>
<li>I've had unexplained joint pain since I was a toddler. Episodes involve every joint in the affected limb. The joints do not swell, and cold exacerbates it. I never know which limb will be affected in an episode until it hits, and it sometimes travels from one limb to another during an episode. I've been tested for all the arthritic and rheumatic illnesses and have come up negative for all of them.</li>
<li>I was in a pageant in high school. It was for Miss Mineola. I placed third out of seven girls. My favorite memory is singing "Pharaoh, Pharaoh" backstage to get us to smile big just before we walked out on stage. I hate looking at pictures of me from it because my blush was a disastrous racing-stripe effect on my cheeks. I loved my dress, though, and still have it.</li>
<li>I've been referred to as a walking encyclopedia, dictionary, and reference. My brain is full of useless historical and linguistic trivia. I've been known to read the dictionary for fun, and I like to study etymology. I've read the majority of Shakespeare's plays - although I refuse to read <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/72978.Titus_Andronicus" target="_blank">Titus Andronicus</a> - and the majority (if not all - I can't remember at the moment) of his sonnets. I was an avid reader in my youth, and actually enjoyed most of the required reading in school. I loathed <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2165.The_Old_Man_and_the_Sea" target="_blank">The Old Man and the Sea</a>; <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18114322-the-grapes-of-wrath" target="_blank">The Grapes of Wrath</a> is an exercise in verbosity. I recommend reading <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2851633-a-separate-peace" target="_blank">A Separate Peace</a> every ten years, beginning in high school and commencing ten-year intervals at 30.</li>
<li>I've breastfed children for 5 years and 5 months of my life. Brandon was four months exclusively and supplemented for an additional five. Sarah and Bethany were 13 and 15 months, respectively, and Sam was 28 months. My goal with Brandon was 12 months. I was devastated when he weaned himself at 9 months. My goal was 18 months with the last three. Breastfeeding my children is one of the things that make me the most proud.</li>
</ol><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nablopomo.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NaBloPoMo March 2014" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCS4XW9BfXHtRNipOJTzvBjVufk6prW2yxHAtyxnCZgXVAuivAXWnbP2DiLcqgQgwiuDEeYLSb84QXALduiF_JF9etImrI75UdqStyaZaAzJvOLH-jbGgYRWe-zjWsL9KKlxhcseFsILI/s1600/NaBloPoMo_March_2014_self.jpg" title="NaBloPoMo March 2014" /></a></div></div>Crystal Arcandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903454268678078088noreply@blogger.com0