Saturday, August 4, 2012

The best thing, next best thing or worst you can do in moment of decision!

In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing and the worst thing you can do is..nothing!

Theodore Roosevelt

Friday, August 3, 2012

Back to school art project - 5 simple steps in right direction as a family!


Featured in Times-Republican

Summer vacation is almost over. Stores are so filled with back to school supplies, clothes and new decors. Not to mention … It's school time again!

A new school year is also the beginning of a period defined by mixed emotions for everyone; exciting yet crazy days full with conflicting schedules, getting homework done while keeping up with demanding extracurricular activities, and the famous pick and drop kid’s scenario. I tell you, if we mothers get paid for driving around our kids…we will be so rich!

So, it’s time to bid a not so desirable farewell to those lazy laid back mornings, that comforting cup of tea with a lavish book reading and say hello to chaotic beginning to the day, followed by super chaotic evenings.

On a positive note, life offers us a fresh start every moment and back to school with new everything around is a wonderful opportunity to talk to our kids about aspirations and small things that can make big changes in our lives. Tell them about our dreams that came true and dreams that we are still working on…times when we felt proud and times when we almost gave up on things. Stories of our success and failures can empower them and make them relate with events in their lives and apply.

I am so scared of swimming. My daughters are so fishes. They dream of swimming like Michael Phelps and make us proud. They tell me all the time, mom, its ok come and try. It’s nothing. It’s so comforting. We will teach you. I tell them it’s so easy for you and so hard for me…because it’s all in the mind.

The other day she had to do her vault and bars routine in her new gym for first time. She was so nervous. She came to me and she said it looks hard mom…and I said like swimming for me. It’s all in the mind mom, right? I am going to do this, will you learn swimming. I said yes! And she went and gave it her best. Now, bars, beams or vaults…bring it on! She rocks them all…

As for me I am going to enroll for swimming lessons.

This month’s art project is make a list of 5 things you and kids want to accomplish together in coming year, 5 simple steps in right direction as a family.

What you will need

• Chart or cardboard
• Construction paper
• Stencils (optional)
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Paints
• Sponges
• Markers
• Glue

Using pencil draw 5 shapes on construction paper. Cut them using scissors. Stick them on chart using glue. To cover the remaining area, dip the tip of sponge in paint and pat gently on the paper. You can use same sponge for all the colors. Just go from lighter to darker for beautiful overlapping effect.

Make a pizzazz artwork for the family room using inspirational words, craft supplies, stickers, sequence etc. Express your style stating your family goals.

It’s never too late for anyone to be what they could have been! Push each other, be each others strength and keep up with the good work!

Thanks for visiting and have a colorful day:)

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Raksha Bandhan - Celebrate the bond!

India celebrates the festival of Raksha Bandhan!

Here is such a beautiful and lovely quote by Smt. Bhanumathi Narasimhan.

"This full moon is dedicated to the seers -- the Rishis. It is also called the Raksha Bandhan, which means a bond that protects you. Your bondage to the knowledge, to the master, to the truth, to the Self, all save you. Today the sister ties Rakhi on the brother's hand saying, 'I will protect you and you protect me'."

Happy Raksha Bandhan everyone!

Featured is rakhi I made from reusing rakhis from previous years.

Festivals are colorful and joyful times. As we indulge in celebrations lets keep our carbon prints as less as possible. Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Reconsider!