July 2011

Few things are more destructive than the power of comparing yourself to others. This I know. I don’t know if it is my competitive nature or an inherent sense that I’m not good enough, but I invariably see myself falling victim time and again to comparing myself to others. Also, I am rather nondiscriminatory in […]

Five Summertime Cool Off Tips

by Heligirl on July 25, 2011

in Daily Ramblings

With most of the country roasting right now, I thought I’d offer some fun summertime cool off tips that will keep kids playing, but staying cool and hydrated. Remember to keep the sunscreen lathered on (and reapplied after the kids get wet) and have them wear hats. Homemade Popsicle Remember those Tupperware popsicle cases we […]

Last week I wrote about the honorable parenting qualities in fictional Transformers character Optimus Prime. One thing that really struck me about him, and was the source of a few reader comments, was his tendency to show an undying belief in those he leads, encouraging them to reach for their potential. As parents, we too […]

Riddle me this. I have in my possession a brotherhood of sorts. A handful of eclectic items that share a unique experience involving a certain machine. So, what do a puzzle piece, Lego horse, letter block, plastic onion, Mr. The King, a flight attendant from an airplane/airport toys set and the Transformer Bumblebee have in […]

The blockbuster movie today is Transformers: Dark of the Moon, the third installment of the live action run of the popular 80s cartoon Transformers. Almost every child of the 80s knew about Transformers. When researching a parenting topic for this week I came across a great article in USA Today published in 2007 just before […]

Caught in the In-between

by Heligirl on July 7, 2011

in Confessions

Have you ever finished a book (or series), come home from a movie, been pulled into an inspiring painting or otherwise been so deeply hooked by a great story or image that you’ve found yourself resisting the return to reality? Maybe it was a once in a lifetime experience you can’t replicate despite your deepest […]

Happy independence Day everyone. In honor of our country’s birthday I’ve put together a few fireworks safety tips for kids to help our little ones enjoy a happy and safe 4th. The Fourth of July and fireworks go hand in hand. As all the loud noises, bright lights and other surprises can be overwhelming, be […]

The other day I noticed a small mole on my right arm was misshaped, painful and had bled a bit – clear skin cancer symptoms. I. Freaked. Out. My life flashed before my eyes. I imagined my children talking to each other over old photographs trying to remember what I was like and hoping to […]