As Seen On Better Connecticut

Here are some of the great products I mentioned on CBS Better CT- WFSB!

Hunter Original Tall Welly Boot: Chocolate
Hunter Original Tall Welly Boot

Personalized Chalkboard
Contact for personalization

Custom Couture Square Pillow

Mud Trey
Good Directions 100VB Circles Venetian Bronze Boot Tray

Inspirational Cards
Quotable Card You Rock Greeting Card Quote

Beach print

Jewelry Tree

Let your light shine

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Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Building Big Dreams

“If you can dream it, you can do it.”

Walking around Disney was an awe-inspiring experience! I know what you are thinking, “How could the pinnacle of big business and material consumption be an inspiring experience?” I guess it depends on where one focuses their attention. For me, every corner of Disney was yet another incredible example of dreaming big. From the magnificent lush botanical displays, magical set designs to the astonishing big vision of the creator, Walt Disney, who said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” The questions are; Do you dream big? Are you living the life of your dreams? Let’s look at ways to make your life a place where dreams come true.

When we are children are dreams soar and the sky is the limit to our invincible spirit. Can you remember back to what you thought you would be one day? Did you fulfill those dreams? I love to hear children speak of what their future holds because there are no barriers, should’s, or cant’s. The world is their playground and they are excited with the sense of possibility that is only restricted by their imagination. Which is often limitless. In most cases as people get older their sense of possibility diminishes. Begin to think, no scratch that, don’t ‘think’ instead use your imagination to design the infinite possibilities that your life could hold.

As we age we become contained in set beliefs. We accept the expectations that others have for us or that we have made for ourselves. This limited viewpoint undermines your ability to imagine the expansive potential of possibilities that you can create for yourself. Maneuvering through life containing your potential moves you into a coping mindset instead of claiming life on your terms. Imagine the array of opportunities for your life and begin living your full potential. If Walt Disney had allowed others to define his life, we would not enjoy the gifts of his imagination.

Design Your Big Vision

Take time to create a big vision allowing your imagination to fly free. It is never to late to realize your dreams. It is just a matter of figuring out what they are! Begin to look at what makes your heart sing. We are all unique individuals that have amazing gifts to share with the world. The orchestration of talents at Disney produces an amazing symphony of sights, sounds and textures. It is only with the combination of these elements and talents that an amazing experience is created. The microcosm of Disney is an example of the larger cosmos of life. Sharing your special gift with the world brightens and adds the textures, sounds and sights that only you can create which will allow others to benefit from your contribution to the world in whatever way you choose to shine your light.

Believe That Your Dreams Can Come True

Believing in you is an integral step in moving mountains, building castles or soaring to new heights. If the Wright brothers didn’t believe in themselves they would never have flown through the sky. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and inspire you to soar. The seeds of faith intuitively grow especially when watered by encouragement and support.

Begin Today

Do one small thing today that will help you realize your vision for tomorrow. Disney did not build his kingdom in a day. He had a big vision that started with a simple paper and pencil that allowed him to draw his dreams. His paper and pencil created all the lands in his realm including his Tomorrow Land that we enjoy today. You can build the life of your dreams by taking one small step today. It is in the many small steps that a path is paved.

The idea that you have no limits might seem like a foreign concept to you. Begin to believe that your dreams are meant to come true. Step out of the box of contained expectations and step into a mindset of infinite expression that will allow you to realize your power. Dream, believe and begin. Because, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Build With Intention

When I opened my front door today a bird flew out of the wreath hanging on the side of the house. I suggested to my daughter she take a look inside the wreath to see if there was anything interesting to see. As I had suspected, she exclaimed that there were two tiny blue eggs nestled into a nest among the silk flowers! We all climbed up on the front porch bench to get a bird’s eye view inside the home that the mama bird had created for the two blue miracles that lay inside. The sweet scene reminded me of the blessings of my own family and home that I nurture and cherish with all my heart. It made me think of how I love to share ways for you to make your home a nest that will support you and those you nurture to help you meet the day ahead and fly to new heights.

One of the main focuses of Home in Harmony Lifestyle is to create a home environment that is truly your nest. Similar to a mama bird creating her nest with the sole intention of building a space that is safe and secure to lay her eggs and allow her hatchlings to survive, thrive and eventually fly, I want to share insights that will help you build your nest so that you can soar. Let’s look at one easy lifestyle solution that can create a huge impact.

Your home either supports and nurtures your life goal’s or they deplete you of your energy which does not allow you to thrive or fly. The first step in creating a supportive space is to decide what you most need from your home and name it or set your intention. If you are a writer and envision a peaceful sanctuary your intentions are going to be different from a family with active children. Setting your intention for the space allows you to stay focused on what exactly you are trying to create. Naming the intention allows you to visualize what aligns with your intention and what is incongruent. This allows you to walk around your home and determine what things should stay or go based on your vision. This is also true when finding new items to bring into your home. Ask yourself, does this support my intention which supports my overall goals and needs?

I recently read an article about Rob Lowe in Architectural Digest. He explained how he and his wife decided what type of environment they wanted to create for their family home in California before they began the design process. This allowed them to create a space that was congruent with their overall family needs, life vision and hopes for their home. They chose to make their grande house feel like a comfortable, child friendly oasis that welcomed kids and dogs to run free. By thoughtfully examining, deciding and naming what they needed from their home they were able to create a home that best supported their vision and intentions for the family.

Quick Tips to Create Your Nest!

Name it & Claim it

First, name the intention for your home that will best support you on your journey and allow you to fly. Take some time to think about what most inspires you. Make a list of activities that you love to do at home and begin to create the space into a foundation of consistent encouragement and inspiration. Maybe each room has it’s own special purpose. Name it and claim it for each room and for the space overall.

Evaluate & Clear

Next, begin to evaluate the current space to determine what is in alignment and supports your intention and vision for your home and overall life. Clear those items or change the areas that do not support these goals. This means truly looking at the items in your space and consciously determining what types of memories each item holds. If the memories are positive, inspiring and in alignment with your vision, by all means keep it to support you in your nest and life. However, if the mementos, paintings or furniture have negative vibes from past experiences or negative people then it is time to let them go and make space for things that support you.

Evaluate & Align

When deciding on items to add to the space, choose things that are in alignment with the goal for your sanctuary and your overall big vision. Remember, less is more. Adding things slowly and consciously is better than going to a big box store and finding items without meaning. Imagine what it would feel like for your overall sense of wellbeing if everywhere you looked in your nest, positive memories would bubble to the surface of your consciousness.

These simple steps will help you build a strong, supportive nest. This will allow you to survive, thrive and fly!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Inspired Wisdom From a 6th Grader

Sometimes we are so busy in the daily to-do’s of parenting that we can miss the beautiful diamonds that stand before us as our children’s light and inner knowing hold more wisdom than we give them credit. It is interesting that in our society the sacredness of the inherit wisdom of the soul found in our young is lost. A jewel of wisdom shone brightly and caught my attention when asked to print out my 6th grader’s essay due to the lack of ink in the kids’ printer. I took a minute to glance over her words and was awe struck. Behind some grammatical errors were insights that many adults miss over a lifetime. Interesting that our young often hold the key to remembering the sacredness, curiosity and willingness to explore all aspects of life, including the openness to change that creates a more meaningful and Inspired experience on our life’s journey.

In Kiley’s words…

“To change is to pass from one state or condition to another. Moving to Hingham was a big change in my life. I used to live in Glastonbury, CT. My family and I lived in a big house, in a massive neighborhood with lots of kids to play with. It was the summer of 2009 which was the summer of third grade for me. It was an ordinary day on the beach and my parents were talking. They called my three siblings and I over and told us we were moving. Lots of things changed when we moved to Hingham.

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” is a famous Winston Churchill quote. In my whole life, I had never stepped foot in the town of Hingham. Now, I was driving down Main Street in search for a new place to call home. We had a very nice relator named Rosemary. The thought of buying a new house was exhilarating because I had lived in the same house my whole life. After looking at tons of houses we finally decided to move to Central Street. I started fourth grade at Foster School and loved it! My teacher was really great and I made lots of new friends. Hingham has a girls hockey team that I could play for. Also, my house is close to the town square and shops like Nona’s Ice Cream. I can walk there very easily now. I am much more social because there are lots of clubs and activities that I can get involved with. Those are a few things I wouldn’t be able to do if I still lived in Connecticut.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “When your finished changing, your finished”. My life changed in a positive way when my family moved to Hingham. I changed into a better hockey player because Hingham has better hockey teams. Also, I have become more social because Hingham offers more clubs, events, and activities that I can get involved with. I can be more active, I can bike and walk to many places like the Recreation Center. None of this could be possible if I hadn’t moved to this wonderful town!”

These words make me ask, how do I embrace change and when has change had a powerfully profound & positive impact in my life? I am thankful for the many conscious awarenesses that came from this essay. It gave me the opportunity to witness the insight and inherit wisdom a 6th grader can hold and the diamond jewels of knowledge that can shine so brightly from within if we are willing to look, listen and acknowledge. It also gave me the opportunity to look at how I embrace change in my own life. Change allows growth, opportunity and inspiration into our lives. Can you see the gems of light and growth in your life?

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

5 Tips to Help Your Kids Eat Healthy Food

When I first started the journey transitioning my family from processed foods to their organic counterparts I too was met with some resistance. Initially, my 6 year old would say things like, “Yuck, the strawberries don’t look as pretty.” Or, “Mom, why isn’t this apple perfect and shiny?” The first time we switched from the standard blue box of Mac & Cheese to an organic version, their half eaten bowls left me feeling discouraged. My maternal instincts knew that this path was a healthier way that could help my children and our family live healthier with increased energy and vitality. I wanted that for my family which pushed me to continue along, experimenting with breads, pasta, chocolate and anything I could get my hands on that was organic. During those days, there were not as many organic options. Thankfully today with increased awareness about health, whole foods, processed food and organic food our choices are much more abundant!

The first step to getting your kids to eat healthy, whole and organic food is to begin to sample a variety of many new and different items. There are so many wonderful options out there that so many people pass by in the store aisle, opting for the same old staples. Trying a variety of items will expand your family’s palette and increase the amount of nutrients that you are putting into your body and those in your home. If you typically have carrots in your chicken soup, add parsnips as well. By exposing your kids to a variety of items and options they won’t be as likely to snub their noses at something that is new and looks foreign.

The second step is to make trying new food items fun! Make it into a game. For example, each night at dinner play the Description Game. Say, “Hey guys, look at this new and interesting item on our plates. Everyone take a bite and tell everyone at the table their opinion. What is the texture, what does it remind you of, does it taste salty or sweet?” This allows everyone to have their opinion and honors their thoughts. Kids like to feel that their opinion matters and they are less likely to be critical when they feel they are heard.

The third step to getting your kids to eat healthier is to keep offering the healthier version of the things they enjoy. Choose organic whenever possible. It is amazing how different an organic strawberry or blueberry tastes verses the one grown with pesticides. Although the initial response in my house was disappointment in the lack of luster that the strawberries or apples had, eventually the taste won them over! The organic versions just naturally taste better! Now, my kids prefer organic strawberries to their unhealthy counterparts.

The fourth step coupled with the third moves mountains. Keep offering the healthier version, but make your life easier by NOT bringing the unhealthy version into your home. It wasn’t an option in my home. If you wanted mac & cheese you were going to eat the organic type. When I became aware of the chemicals and ingredients in the name brand box, in good conscious I knew that, those types of products would not enter my home…no matter what my children said. Well, fast forward a number of years from that initial step, and my kids snub their noses at the original chemically processed name brand box!

The fifth step is to allow your children to be active participants in food preparation. I remember that initially the kids would look at avocados a little side ways. The texture was a little too slimy for them. I realized that by having them help me mash, squeeze lime juice and add some spices into the mixture, they were more open to trying their new creation. Getting acquainted with the food by helping to prepare it opened them up to the possibility, understanding and appreciation of what they were eating. This made them more willing to say yes to nutrient rich food. The added benefit is that I am able to spend time with them and we are all working together to create nutritious meals for the whole family!

These are a few ways to help your family enjoy nutrient rich super foods. These tips will help transition your family to healthier options that will create abundant health and vitality for the long run!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO