sponsored posts

Celebrate the Holidays with Seven Sisters Scones!

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

I can hardly believe that the holidays are upon us! Thanksgiving is next month, and then the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season will be in full force! As a busy part-time teacher, blogger, and mom, I love to have options that make my life easier: especially when it comes to gift-giving.

Seven Sisters Scones are the perfect gift idea for anyone on your list. They offer a modern take on scones with flavors to satisfy everyone on your list! I love that they also offer Gluten-Free and Vegan options as well as Subscriptions and Sampler Boxes! Seven Sisters Scones is take Pre-orders right now for their holiday boxes so I suggest placing your order now! Choose from flavors like: Apple Caramel, Blueberry, Cinnamon Roll, Chocolate Kahlua, Maple Pumpkin, Three Cheese, Triple Chocolate, Vanilla Bean, and so much more!

GO HERE to check out all that Seven Sisters Scones has to offer.

5 Tips On Moving With A Toddler

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

Moving is one of the most stressful times for any family. It can be a little more challenging when you add children, specifically toddlers into the mix. Toddlers love helping but it causes the issue when you are putting items into boxes and your child is taking them out. There are a few easy and simpler ways to move with a toddler that I’d love to help share. 

Give Them Something To Do – One of the biggest obstacles that children and parents face is keeping themselves occupied. Of course, don’t hand them tape or scissors and leave them alone! Why not give them a box that they can fill up with some of their own things. You might need to repack it later but my child loved being able to take ownership and control over this big process. Depending on how old they are, have them assist you with some boxes like toys, small pots and pans or their coloring tools. 

 

DeClutter During Nap Time – We all know how many times you put something away only to find the item a few minutes later in the hands of your child. This also goes with toys that they haven’t played with in months. Oh and those meltdowns! Nobody has time for that! A way to help avoid this scenario is by decluttering while they are asleep. If you can, put all their toys in a bag and put it in a trash can where they can’t see it or it’s out of your home. If you just leave it in the kitchen trash, they will eventually find it and have a panic attack. You could also have them help you throw some items away or even donate their toys to a local shelter or daycare center. This also allows them to see the process of helping other children who may not have toys.

 

Talk About The Move – With toddlers, it may not be extremely emotional to move until the big day arrives. To help calm their fears, talk to them about where the new home is, meeting new friends and the excitement that can happen with a move like this. If you aren’t moving far, perhaps visit the new neighborhood you’ll be seeing to show them what it looks like. If there are neighbors around, introduce yourself and your toddler to them so it doesn’t seem as scary and they know what to expect.

Image: Weston Moving and Storage

 

Hire Quality Movers To Assist – Finding a quality moving company can be difficult. If you live in the Florida area, a reputable company called Weston Moving and Storage  is the company you’ll want to assist you in moving. They give you more time to settle in your new place and less time worrying about how many boxes you still need to pack, store and move. They handle heavy loads for you so you can focus on your family. They offer packing services, tailored moving services and moving supplies as well. This Broward County safe movers  comes highly recommended by many locals in the area which also gives me a great reason to want to hire them. 

 

Color Coding – To help you figure out what box goes where, a simple way to organize your boxes is by color coding them. This can also be a fun project for your child to help too. Pick a color for each room and then use a crayon or marker to write with it. Make sure that you have an inventory list of the colors of the boxes coordinated to each room. Red can be for the kitchen, blue can be for the living room and green can be for the garage. Allow your child to take that color marker or crayon and color the boxes so they feel like they are helping. 

 

Although moving can seem scary, nerve wracking and down right impossible to finally get to the big day, it is possible to start small, start early and allow help to be given, even when it comes to having your little ones assist. Another piece of advice I’d suggest is have a list each week of what needs to get done so you don’t become overwhelmed. By starting early and getting ahead on packing and planning, the move will hopefully not be as stressful on you and your family members. This goes with hiring a moving company to help you as well. Make sure that you call well in advance so they can book you and your family on your journey from apartment to home or even cross country. 

Gift Giving Made Easy with Groovy Groomsmen Gifts and Groovy Girl Gifts!

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. The items featured in this post were gifted to me in exchange for my honest review. Please see my disclosure policy)

The holidays are quickly approaching! I can hardly believe that we are once again headed in the the Christmas season! If you are like me, you will be searching for the perfect gift for everyone on your gift list. This year, why not give them something different? How about a nice bag for traveling or weekend getaways? Groovy Groomsmen Gifts and Groovy Girl Gifts has something for everyone!

Your guy will love this Muscle Duffle Bag. It is the perfect bag to stuff all of his favorite things into. It is strong, tough, versatile, and ready for all occasions. The Muscle Duffle works for anything, whether for overnight, travel, gym, work or sports. This tough bag features one large exterior pocket with a flap and 2 zipped side pockets, leather accents brass closures. This cool man sack also comes with an adjustable shoulder strap and features two handles with leather connectors for easy carrying. It will last a lifetime for that guy that will put it through the wringer.  The Bag Also Features 2 Convenient Carry Handles, An Adjustable Shoulder Strap, And Leather Zip Pulls. I personally love that you can personalize this bag to make it even more special for the favorite guy in your life! 

Be sure to check out all of the items that Groovy Groomsmen Gifts offers. They have a wide assortment of bags, totes, backpacks and so much more.

For the special lady on your gift list, Groovy Girl Gifts has you covered! Whether it be a beautiful handbag, wallet, or tote, they offer accessories that every lady is sure to love! A woman’s outfit is not complete without the right accessories. Choosing the right accessories is an important task, and Groovy Girl Gifts makes it easy for you! 

I especiallly love this chic Nantucket Weekender bag. It is so roomy and the perfect getaway bag for long weekends. The Nantucket Weekender is made of 24 oz. canvas and features elegant vegan leather accents. Add a touch of personalization with an embroidered monogram. Dimensions: L 19″ H 13″ W 10″ It also features 4 inside pockets, and a front outside pocket for all of those travel necessities. 

Head on over to Groovy Girl GIfts to see what other handbags and accessories that they feature. Gift giving has never been easier this holiday season thanks to the personalized items available.

Sweet Onion Baked Chicken with RealSweet Onions + Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This post is sponsored by RealSweet Onions. All comments and opinions are my own.

Cancer.

It’s a word that we hope to never hear for ourselves or for those that we love.

When my best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago, I remember feeling scared and overwhelmed for her. We have known each other for well over 20 years, and she has been that friend to whom I can tell anything. In fact, we joke that we are Lucy and Ethel, and share such a special bond. She had listened to me through some difficult times in my life, and now it was my turn to do so. I knew that the challenges and difficulties that she would be faced with along her road to recovery would be difficult, but I would be there for her every step of the way.

It is hard to know how to respond to a friend with cancer; how do you help them; how do you talk to them about the situation? The most important thing that you can do for that friend or family member is by just being there for them. Find meaningful ways to help them along their journey. A card, flowers, a meal, whatever you can do to let that friend know that you are there for them during the darkest days of their life. Treat your friend with normalcy. Their diagnosis does not change the person that they are, and most certainly not your friendship.

Thankfully, my best friend is cancer free today. She is one of the strongest people that I know. She went through, chemotherapy, radiation, a double mastectomy, and even cancer in her thyroid. I know that these times were challenging for her, but she faced them with such dignity, strength, and grace. I am so thankful that we have many years of friendship ahead of us! I am also thankful for companies that help to bring awareness and support the fight against breast cancer.

Shuman Farms, RealSweet Onions are making a huge impact in the fight against breast cancer. Not only have they donated over $110,000 since 2009, but for the past 13 years, during the month of October, their entire line of onions goes pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. You can look for their special pink bags at your local grocery store. In addition, the stickers that you will see on the onions are also pink to show their support for a cause that has touched so many of their lives too. In addition to supporting and donating to the fight against breast cancer, RealSweet Onions also likes to educate their consumers on how to eat a nutritious diet filled with fruits and veggies to help fight diseases like cancer.

Did you know that sweet onions are filled with an excellent source of cancer-fighting antioxidants like quercetin and allicin? Quercetin is a natural antioxidant found in sweet onions that helps zinc get to the center of your body’s cells, where it can then aid in preventing viruses from reproducing. Bring on the sweet onions!

I was so honored when asked to partner with RealSweet Onions, and to create a recipe with their delicious onions! Sweet Onion Baked Chicken couldn’t be easier to prepare, and it is sure to be a new favorite that your family will ask for again and again. If you love French Onion Soup, then you will love this dish! It tastes just like French Onion Soup with the addition of the chicken. Sop up all the juices in the pan with a nice crusty loaf of bread and you are all set! My three guys loved it, and there were no leftovers!

Sweet Onion Baked Chicken

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter

2 pounds sweet onions, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon minced garlic

½ tablespoon Bragg Liquid Aminos

¾ teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

3-4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 bag of shredded mozzarella, provolone cheese blend

1/2 cup beef broth

Salt/pepper to taste

 

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt the butter in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.

Add the onions and cook until tender and soft. You will want them to be almost caramelized and a light brown color. Add the Bragg Liquid Aminos. Stir and continue cooking for several minutes.

Add the garlic and thyme. Cook for another minute.

While the onions continue to cook, add the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Season with salt/pepper to taste.

Place the cooked onions in the baking dish with the chicken. Divide them evenly between the chicken breasts.

Pour the beef broth around the chicken.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on the top of the chicken and onions.

Bake at 350 degrees until chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and starting to get golden brown.

Serve and enjoy!

DIFF: Eyewear for a Cause

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

I love sharing new companies with my readers, particularly those companies who are doing good and giving back to those in need. DIFF Eyewear, a company that provides high-quality eyewear without hidden costs, is doing amazing things by giving back to individuals in need around the world. In fact, since 2015, DIFF has donated over 1,500,000 pairs of reading glasses to individuals in need around the world! I absolutely love their mission of using fashion as a force for good. 

If you are looking for quality eyewear, look no further than DIFF. They use premium materials and maintain exceptionally high standards for quality and social responsibility. They eyewear from DIFF is designed right in their Southern California studio, and each pair of frames is handmade with care. 

DIFF offers a wide array of eyewear products for Men, Women and Kids, including: Sunglasses, Blue Light, and Prescription glasses. Sometime when you purchase prescription eyeglasses online it can be tricky, but at DIFF they make it easy! With your up-to-date glasses prescription in hand, you can choose from their wide variety of stylish glasses to find a pair that best fits your style and everyday life. After you choose what style of prescription glasses best suits you, you will need to decide on a prescription lens. Your choices of lenses include: single vision, reading glasses, polarized sunglasses, or photochromic glasses. In just a few more quick steps you will be on your way to the perfect pair of prescription glasses shipped right to your door! 

Why not enjoy a new pair of glasses from DIFF Eyewear while giving back to help those in need?

6 Hacks For The Budget Conscious Mom

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

As a Mom, we hope that we can do it all but when it comes to moving, the reality is that you can’t. While it might be extremely easy to think of all the things that could go wrong or already begin to daydream about what your new life in a new city will look like, you first need to figure out how you are going to get everyone and your belongings there in one peace. When it comes to moving, there are few hacks that can make it easier for you! 

Image: 24/7 Logistic Services

  1. Declutter It All – A simple way to help you stay on task, organized and ready to move is by decluttering what you won’t need for your move. Go through each room with a trash bag and put items in that you haven’t used, touched or seen in at least 6 months. Once that is done, donate your items to a local charity, church, neighbor or put it up on Facebook Market to see who you can help in need. This will also help the hassle of trying to pack everything and really just the items you want or need for your next move.

2. Color Coding– To stay organized with so many items, color coding is one of the best things you can do to look at things from a glance instead of writing on boxes. Pick a color that you want to use. For example, you could pick the color pink and designate all boxes that are pink to be the kitchen. Have a diagram to give the movers that has each room color coding so they know what color box to put in each room. An easy way to do this is with post it notes! Then when you get to the new house, tape that color post it note on each door to let the movers know what goes where! 

3. Protect Glassware with clothes or dishtowels – If you have ever traveled with breakable items, you want to make sure they are well protected. One way to do so and by not having to spend a lot of money ( or waste a lot of newspapers ) is by using clothes to help you pack your glass valuables. Wrap your glassware in a sweatshirt or long t-shirts and place them gently in the box to protect them. If you don’t want to use your clothes, you can also use your dish towels as well! Especially when wrapping kitchenware, then it’s two products in one room!  

4. Use A Toilet Paper Roll For Cords –  If you have multiple cords for your computers, laptops, phone chargers and iPads, the worst thing you can do is try and throw them all together in a box and attempt to untangle them later. One way to help with this problem is by wrapping your cords up but then placing them in a toilet paper roll for safekeeping and for keeping your cords bending the correct way too. 

5. Save Boxes From Past Online Orders-  One way to help yourself save money on boxes and packing materials is saving any that you’ve received from any online orders. If you aren’t one to shop online, check any restaurants or liquor stores that have any free ones for you to use in the box. They usually just cut them down when they are done but several are wanting to get rid of them or put them to good use! 

6. Call In The Professionals: Once the boxes, bags, and items are all packed away, color-coded and ready to go, call a professional to help you move them all into a truck. One company that can assist you with this is called 24/7 Logistic Services. The friendly staff can handle all of your belongings with ease. While many moving companies may charge high rates for sub-par services, they go above and beyond providing exceptional service and affordable rates for your move. Hiring these Hollywood, Florida long-distance movers are there to make it easier for you and your family. If you don’t want to do all the packing and unpacking yourself, they also offer not only a truck but boxes, tape, label and organize them within your home and then deliver them to your new location safely. 

Some other suggestions include putting important documents in a safe space such as your purse or file cabinet that can be locked. To help you get rid of some items quickly, you can host a garage sale in your neighborhood which also can give you some extra cash to use. If possible, try not to move during peak times ( aka the summer ) for cost reasons as it can be extremely expensive to do so and many moving companies are in high demand. Whatever your choice of packing or hiring someone or family to help, the move will go as smooth as possible. Focus on the experience and your new journey together.

Grab What’s Good on National Ice Cream Day with Mayfield Ice Cream!

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

I can’t believe how quickly that the summer is flying by! We have already enjoyed several trips together as a family and have a few more fun things planned before the boys’ head back to school next month.

While I do love traveling and getting away together as a family, I must say that I love relaxing and enjoying family time right at home. Whether that be taking a family walk, playing board games together, or enjoying a movie night, making memories is so special!

When we are at home and enjoying family time, I love to keep delicious treats on hand. One of our all-time favorite treats is ice cream. I have countless memories of our family enjoying ice cream while laughing and talking about the day’s activities. I look forward to continuing that tradition for years to come! There’s something about slowing down from the hustle and bustle of the day with a big bowl of ice cream that brings so much joy! I know that our boys will look back and treasure the silly moments that we had together as a family.

Mayfield Ice Cream knows a thing or two about ice cream and family traditions. They have been serving up delicious ice cream since 1923! I personally love that Mayfield Ice Cream is 100% owned by a dairy farm cooperative, which includes family farms right in your community. Mayfield Ice Cream is not only delicious, but also comes in many unique flavors. Our favorite varieties include Moose Tracks and Cookies and Cream. We also love the Sundae Delights. They are the perfect amount of ice cream and toppings in a convenient cup. Yum! Whatever your craving, Mayfield Ice Cream has a flavor of ice cream for you!

Get those spoons ready! Did you know that this Sunday, July 18 is National Ice Cream Day? You will certainly want to “Grab What’s Good” and pick up some Mayfield Ice Cream at your local grocery store to celebrate this fun day with your family and friends!

How do you enjoy National Ice Cream Day? Whatever you do to celebrate, remember to slow down, and make special memories with those that you love!

Essential Expert Moving Tips

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

Image: Weston Moving & Storage

Moving from one house to a new one can be so exciting. But it’s also one of the most stressful experiences. From finding a new home, uprooting your life, and saying good-bye to friends and family. There are a lot of emotions happening in a big move. That’s why we wanted to share our moving plan and how we managed to unpack all of our boxes without going crazy!

This week we unpacked our last box from our big move into our new farmhouse. It feels like we are all settled in. But the stress from moving from Seattle, Washington to Maryland was enormous! Thankfully we hired some great movers and all went well.  Since we built our house, we had to move twice! We moved into a temporary rental townhouse while we waited for our home to be completed.  So twice the moving and lots of wondering where exactly we left things.

Thankfully we loved our real estate agents in both states and they were fantastic for helping our moves go smoothly. So a shout out to Stacy Hecht in Seattle and Richard Waxman in Baltimore, Maryland for not only helping us sell and buy our dream houses, but they also helped make sure our big cross country move went great! 

Make A Plan

Moving has a lot of working pieces that all have to come together to form a great plan. It’s hard to keep all of the notes and ideas in your head. Grab a pad of paper and make a plan for your move. Keep a list of significant phone numbers, the address of where you are going, and plan out your budget and how you are going to keep to it.

 It’s also helpful to keep a folder for all of your receipts, estimates, essential documents, and an inventory of what you are moving.

A detailed plan helps you to stay clear-headed when it is time to do the hard work. Trust me, when things start moving quickly, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and even scared. 

What’s your budget? How will you move your cars and pets? Are you moving into a temporary home first?

Make sure you have the moving company’s contact information with you in your moving folder.

Do you need to move your business too? 

Before moving, it’s time to lighten up.

Before you pack one box, find a moving company, or tell your friends you’ll pay them in pizza for helping you move, it’s time to purge. 

Go from room to room and be honest with yourself what you really need and want to take with you to your new life in your new home. This is how you will declutter your life and your new home.  Think about what you really want to box, lift, and put away in your new home. This is the time to get rid of anything broken, stained, unwanted, or won’t fit into your new life.

Donate unwanted goods to charity. The Purple Heart will even come and pick them up! Gather up canned and boxed food and donate it to your local food banks. 

What you need to know about getting moving quotes.

If you are hiring movers, you will need to get quotes. We suggest getting at least three different quotes from moving companies.  They will need to come and do an in-home assessment of how much stuff you have, how many stairs, and the distance you are moving. This is also why we suggest purging everything you can BEFORE getting quotes. Don’t pay to move junk! 

Keep in mind that certain times of the year, like June, are big moving times.  You should reserve your movers with plenty of time to get you on the schedule.

Do your homework! Research which companies work with the  U.S. Department of Transportation. Check with the Better Business Bureau regarding the mover. There are a lot of scams that happen with movers. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Don’t get your stuff held hostage!

You will want to pack some boxes on your own.

Even if you are hiring packers to move you, or moving everything on your own.  You should pack a few things on your own. These include:

  • Personal items like jewelry, keepsakes, baby books, and important files should be packed and moved with YOU. Don’t rely on the movers to take these boxes. 
  • Fragile items and heirlooms- you want to make sure these are packed with utmost care.
  • Items you will want to unpack first- dishes, pet supplies, toys, etc.

You also want to disconnect all computers and back them up on the Cloud.

Take photos of any high-ticket items. Note any existing scratches, dings, or damage to your furniture.

Prepare yourself, your pets, and your family for the big move.

Even if you are just moving down the street, moving is stressful for everyone.  There is a change in schedule, new environments, and for a while, nothing is where it belongs. Planning ahead, playing music, and planning a few fun breaks can make the day go smoother. 

2 weeks before moving day, make sure the kids and pets have been checked by their doctors and have their shots current.  If flying, pets need to be seen by the vet a week before the flight to make sure they are healthy enough for the flight. The vet will write a letter stating they are fit to fly. 

Pets can easily get frightened during the big move. Plan to take them to a friend’s house or kennel the day of the move to ensure they don’t run away and get lost. 

Note: You can not move flammable items like gas cans, fuel for the BBQ, tiki torches, ect. Ask friends if they would like them and share the love!

Pack a suitcase for everyone with the essential you will need for the first week. Don’t forget your toothbrush and favorite book!

No packing should be done on the day of the move. If you hire packers, they will come a day or two before moving day.

On moving day, you must be there to make sure it all goes well. 

It might surprise you how many people think that they can hire a moving company and leave it all up to them.  But there are a lot of questions that must be answered and things that must be done on-site the day of the move.  If you’re looking for a quality moving company, Weston Moving & Storage  is the company you want to accompany you every step of the way. This commercial moving company in Broward County,  is there to help keep costly damages to a minimum and hiring a reputable local moving service for your business ensures everything is managed in an organized manner to not only help you but others as well! YOu can rely on them to help move your office from the metropolitan area and surrounding ares as well as making getting back to work quickly and efficient.

Their office mover provides fast services at affordable prices that you can feel good about. We always have donuts and coffee for early movers and order pizza for delivery for the afternoon. Don’t forget paper plates and napkins. Before the truck leaves, do a walk through to make sure nothing has been left behind. This is also when you should give them their tips.

Tips for unloading in your new home.

In your new home, tape names to doors to assist movers; map out the floor layout so movers know what’s going where; finally, prepare your new home for moving to prevent any damage.

You want to make sure you are there while they are unloading. There will be a lot of questions of where things go. You also want to make sure items are not damaged, check the inventory list, and you will need to sign any documents. Tackle some of the fun projects first, like hanging your favorite pictures, setting up the bed and exploring. Moving can stink, but when you plan ahead and have help, it sucks a little less. I hope we helped you find some tips for your big move.  

Six Facts You Should Know Before Moving to Florida

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

Are you thinking about moving to the Sunshine State? Florida has so much to offer, from unspoilt beaches and ocean-facing houses to great schools and an immersive culture that’s ideal for families and retirees alike.

Discover the facts you need to know before you make the move to the Sunshine State: 

Luxury properties mean you’ll be spoilt for choice

Whether you have a generous budget and are considering Vero Beach luxury homes, or you’re moving with retirement in mind and the famous golf courses of the Gulf Coast are at the top of your wish list, when you search for properties in Florida, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Whether you see yourself overlooking miles of unspoilt beach in a family home, or you’re searching for a property with nightlife, restaurants and glamour in mind, you’ll find famous landmarks, gated communities, great schools and ocean-facing properties in abundance throughout the Sunshine State. If you’re unsure of which region you want to reside in, start with a list of your essentials and factors that are important to your chosen lifestyle and begin your search from there.

Tourists are part of the culture

Living in a state that is famous for its landmarks, landscapes, beaches, theme parks and persistent sunshine and heat, doesn’t just attract homeowners and families looking for a better life. Tourism is a huge part of life in Florida and moving to the Sunshine State means dealing with large numbers of visitors throughout the year. Florida is renowned for being a friendly, welcoming state so make sure you keep up appearances!

Southern Florida and its hurricanes

Although Florida is famous for its heat, it’s just as infamous for its severe weather conditions, particularly in the South of the state where hurricanes are prevalent during the aptly named “Hurricane Season”, which typically lasts between June and November each year. Before moving to Florida, it’s worth reading up on hurricane safety and the precautions that many residents take every year to protect their homes.

Be ready for election fever

Florida is a swing state, which means casting votes here carries a lot of weight and influence. As a major swing state, residents can expect election fever to sweep their locality in the run-up to presidential elections every four years. This means flyers, ads, knocks at your door, TV crews, and even heated debates with friends, family and colleagues during this dramatic period. Something worth keeping in mind if you’re not currently politically minded!

It’s not all for retirees

Retirees and seniors are everywhere in Florida, after all, wouldn’t you like to retire somewhere warm, friendly, and tax-friendly? However, don’t let this demographic put you off moving to the Sunshine State. While seniors might be in abundance, Florida is a diverse and captivating location, with something for all ages, families, singletons and couples alike.

And finally, the cost of living is low

Thanks to its generous stance on income tax, and its utilities coming in cheaper than the national average, Florida can certainly mean a cheaper cost of living, allowing you to enjoy the life you want for yourself and your family, without breaking the bank.

3 Tips on How to Promote Good Humor in Your Children

This post is sponsored by Community Care Plan. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

While the past year has definitely been one of challenges and uncertainties, my family and I decided that we were going to make the most of every situation. One of the ways that we have learned to deal with unfortunate circumstances is by finding humor. I firmly believe that laughter and good humor truly are the best medicine for the soul. Good humor and laughter not only provide a great way for us to connect as a family, but it also provides a sense of positive self-esteem and makes life more enjoyable overall.

Did you know that April is National Humor Month? National Humor Month is meant to bring awareness to humor and to showcase how it can bring therapeutic value in our everyday lives. In fact, the creator of National Humor Month, Larry Wilde, stated, “The idea of laughing and the use of humor as a tool to lift ailing spirits is growing. Scientific research now indicates that the curative power of laughter and its ability to relieve debilitating stress and burnout may indeed be one of the great medical discoveries of our times.”

The people at Community Care Plan appreciate how good humor, particularly in children, promotes a positive impact on the health and wellness of those around them. There’s a reason that Community Care Plan is known as the health plan with a heart.

Speaking of getting healthy, did you know that scientific research has proven that humor is a tool to relieve stress while helping us to heal emotionally and physically? When it comes to humor in children, I think it is important for them to realize that laughing and good humor is not only good for the soul, but it can make them feel good physically as well. There is just something about a good old-fashioned laugh that makes your entire body feel good!

Statistics have shown that children are believed to laugh 10 as much daily as the average adult. Therefore, good humor should be a vital part of their life! Here are several ways that we can help to promote and encourage good humor in children:

  1. Create an environment that promotes humor in children.

It’s true that laughter improves your mood and makes you feel better. This is why good humor inside the home is so important. Create a positive environment and teach your children that even in the midst of difficult circumstances you can still laugh, have a good time, and be happy. Our children will look back at our time together at home and remember the laughs that they had as a family. They will especially remember those challenging times and how we as parents tried to promote a positive view of the situation. Laughter is so very good for the soul.

  1. Teach children that it is okay to be funny and to have humor.

My husband and I want our boys to know that laughing and having good humor is a vital part of our lives. If our boys see us laughing and having good humor, then they are more likely to follow suit. We want them to realize that people want to be around those who are happy and have a good sense of humor. Laughter is contagious. The ability to laugh and to have good humor shows our personality. The more we laugh, the more that others will want to be around us. In fact, one of the qualities that I admire in most people is their ability to laugh and to have a good sense of humor.

It is okay to be funny.

It is okay to laugh.

It is okay to be silly.

I guarantee that our children will remember the memories that are made of laughter and silliness more than any other in their lives. Let’s teach them that laughter is good for our relationships, both in-home and out in the world.

  1. Be a good role model and showcase good humor in your life.

Not only am I a parent, but I am a Paraprofessional Educator as well. Being an educator allows me to be a good role model to those children that I come in contact with each week. One of the ways that I can be a good role model is to promote good humor among my students. I want them to see that I am funny and witty, and that even though things may not always go as planned, that I can still have a good attitude and humor about the situation before me. I can’t tell you how many times that I have said something, and it came out the wrong way. I just laughed about it and did not get flustered. This, in turn, made my students laugh. I have learned to laugh at the little annoyances that may take place in the classroom, and to not take myself so seriously.

Happy National Humor Month! Don’t forget to take some extra time today to laugh with your children and those around you! I love this quote from Charles Dickens, “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” Spread joy today and remember that laughter is medicine for the soul!

Be sure to check out Community Care Plan on Facebook, Instagram and You Tube for more details on benefits, coverage, and more. They also offer several resources to help you make self-care a priority. The health plan with a heart serves the health of their community through access to a high standard of health care and community resources. Their health plans cover a wide range of local medical services, offering an excellent choice of physicians and benefits that help members get and stay healthy. Put your health in good hands with Community Care Plan.