4 Easy Ways to Implement Self Care into Your Life

Something that everyone needs is a good pair of shoes, or kicks as my boys say. For as long as I can remember I tend to buy the same brand over and over, Skechers. They have come out with so many innovative styles over the years…and colors that will please anyone. I was recently able to work with Skechers to try out their line of Women’s Equalizers! Skechers Equalizer are a Skech-Knit Mesh one piece upper in a lace up sporty athletic training sneaker with Gel Infused Memory Foam insoles. It’s like a cloud for your feet! I have worn them for a while now, and I love the Skech-Knit Mesh, it really allows your feet to breath in this south Texas heat, whether I’m running errands, or just running. The Gel Infused Memory Foam insoles keep my feet comfy all day. As I mentioned earlier, they have an array of colors with this shoe as well, I choose the Oasis, which I love, but is not like me at all, I usually choose a pink…they have a pink/navy & pink/black, but for some reason the blue/purple called my name! While they have kept me great company this summer, I think they would make a great Back to School shoe as well, there is a color for every outfit, and it will keep you or your grown kiddos going all day at school..I remember how much walking I did around campus my freshman year..it was killer on my feet, I would have loved to have these Skechers back then (lets just say it was a few years ago). The Equalizers are not the only memory foam shoe they have, you should check out their full line and see for yourself! Plus check out their full line for the kiddos, like twinkle toes, skech-air, & z-strap…you know they need new “kicks” too! Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links with fund the Mom of 4 Boys blog. All opinions seen in this publication are those of the writer and may differ from your own. Momof-3boys.com received compensation as a condition of this publication. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions or to have your product featured on Mom of 4 Boys, email Becky at [email protected]..

The force was strong in LA last night for the Star Wars The Force Awakens World Premiere. Many Fans showed their support by dressing in Cos-Play anxiously waiting to catch a glimpse of the cast. In case you missed the red carpet which aired live on StarWars.com last night, here are a few red carpet looks from the big stars we love.
Lucasfilm and visionary director J.J. Abrams join forces to take you back again to a galaxy far, far away as Star Wars returns to the big screen with Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
The fans were fierce, and you could just feel the excitement coming through the screen as I watched Star Wars The Force Awakens World Premiere Red Carpet from home.
The film stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Max Von Sydow. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk are producing with Tommy Harper and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Lawrence Kasdan & J.J. Abrams and Michael Arndt.
How I would have loved to have been in this room! But I have to wait a few more days, just like the rest of the world.
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STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS arrives in theaters everywhere This FRIDAY, December 18th!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Most people think of October as “Pinktober”, but did you know it’s also National Bullying Prevention Month? Bullying is a huge issue in the United States today. October is dedicated to uniting communities and bringing awareness to this problem & now is the perfect time to talk to your children about bullying. Gone are the days when bullying solely consisted of having your lunch money swiped, having a “kick me” sign taped to your back, and being tripped in the hallway. Bullying now goes beyond just school and now extends into the cyber world and even kids so brave as to attack others at their own home..their safe place.
Kathryn Hast has a Master’s of Fine Arts degree in writing and a Master’s degree in Education. She is from York, Pennsylvania, and currently lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband and two children. She has one dog named after a Beatles song, and one that barks at the television. Batty Betty is her second published children’s book, following her previous title Otis Grows.
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Let’s face it – feeling “different” can be scary. It’s true as a kid, and it can even be true as an adult. In a world that seems to encourage us all to look, talk, think, and act the same and is in a constant state of comparison, how can we teach children from a young age that their differences are actually their strengths, not their weaknesses?
It all begins with what we show them and tell them, and a wonderful starting point for this important conversation is the engaging, beautifully illustrated new book Batty Betty by children’s author Kathryn Hast (LuJu Books). What sets this book apart from others in the stack is its storyline – which is purposeful, delightfully whimsical while also tackling tough subjects – as well as its lyrical style. Hast wanted to be sure it was just as fun for both parents and
children to read while illuminating ways to approach and tackle real and often difficult scenarios.
Enter: Abel, the tuba; Eve, the sad banana; and Betty, a giant who dances unapologetically to her own drum. When Abel goes out marching by himself, he finds a sad banana named Eve who has been bullied by local beavers. As it turns out, she’s not alone. The beavers are also out for Betty, who stands out with her towering height and “batty” behavior. Abel sets out to defeat these beavers, but soon discovers it’s not about winning – it’s about finding your own music amidst the ruckus and noise.
“I’m really committed to the notion that kids can read, think, and discuss ideas that might initially seem difficult,” Hast says. “My hope is that Batty Betty offers both entertainment and depth and can serve as a springboard for conversations between parents and children.”
Playful yet touching, Batty Betty explores:
Why it’s not only okay – it’s GREAT – to be different
The best way to stand up to bullies (tune out their noise, find your music!)
Opportunities for parents and kids to begin discussions about tough topics
A unique and surprising style of writing everyone will enjoy reading
And much more!
Bullying stems from the all-too-human need to feel included, approved of, loved. And inasmuch as the last three decades have cultivated awareness, resources, and training, it’s difficult to stomp out why it is that people bully others. We will never eradicate the fact that various children need an extra dose of support, that bullying makes them feel confident. However, we can try to minimize the cues they receive from us, the adults around them.
Bullying is a learned behavior. There are adult bullies of every size and stature, even now in 2017. Perhaps especially now, the rest of us must stretch ourselves, to appear bigger, wiser, and kinder. What follows is a brief list of Dos and Don’ts, coupled with some anecdotal lessons I’ve learned, as I try—like so many others—to shape my own children’s growth.
It’s easy to swoon over how well your own kid writes her name or completes a pirouette. But how often do we reflect on the talents of the other kids in their classroom or neighborhood?
“Boy, Darrian collected a lot of acorns today. He’s a pretty good finder, isn’t he?”
Similar to the previous point, this suggestion leans more toward acknowledging other people’s suffering. And remember: suffering for kids can be bee sting, a tantrum, a fight. Putting your son or daughter in the shoes of someone who had a bad day will help him or her do the same later, reflexively.
“Why do you think Francisco hit Grayson today? It’s hard to handle angry feelings, isn’t it?”
I’m a near-forty, white, frizzy-haired, state employee who dances exactly like what you would expect. And although my moves invariably cause my husband to chuckle (knee-slap, whatever), I still get down something fierce to James Brown or De La Soul.
“Why did you say I’m sorry to that driver, Mommy?”
“Because it was my fault for pulling out in front of him. I wasn’t paying attention. I need to work on that.”
Perhaps most importantly, we need to acknowledge the sin for what it is when we see it. But consider the four points prior to this. We should never avoid discussing an example of bullying. We should name it, but we should also frame it. Because more love, albeit amorphous, is the only true solution to bullies in the first place. Contextualize the situation, as best as you can guess, and help your son or daughter recognize it for what it is: namely, unwelcome.

“The Good Dinosaur” asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.
Below you will find The Good Dinosaur teaser Trailer for your viewing pleasure!
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THE GOOD DINOSAUR opens in theatres everywhere on November 25th!

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With much of the land of Costa Rica having protected status, it’s no surprise that this country is the flag-bearer for conservation of nature and wildlife. An astonishing twenty-six percent of this gorgeous country is designated as a national park, wildlife refuge, biological refuge, or some other category of protected status. Both public and private organizations work tirelessly to protect this country of fascinating ecological and biological diversity from the potential ravages and exploitations of other human beings. This makes Costa Rica an excellent destination for nature lovers and conservationists as there are a range of stunning National Parks open to visitors.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
On the self-guided Las Pailas trail which skirts sulfurous hot rocks and boiling mud fumaroles, you can experience awesome volcanic action up close and personal. This National Park boasts dense rainforests and meadows which are fantastic for hiking and exploring, leading to the La Cangreja Waterfall where you’ll find hot thermal springs and a cool swimming hole.
Isla Del Coco
Designated a protected National Park in 1978, this is one of the largest uninhabited islands in the world, located over three hundred miles from the mainland. Nature lovers will find many endemic species inhabiting this island, many of which are endangered and can only be found in this area.
Corcovado National Park
To the south of Costa Rica, the Corcovado National Park is a haven for many endangered animal species. Visitors to this wild area will be able to see jaguars, Barid’s tapir, white-lipped peccaries and a whole host of endemic bird species.
Tortuguero National Park
This National Park is a large labyrinth of natural jungle canals, which cover over forty thousand acres of the Caribbean coast and hinterland. Along with a sharp-eyed guide who’s familiar with the local area, you’ll be able to see myriad endangered birds, reptiles and mammals.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Located on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park hosts rugged rainforest, coral reefs, and crisp, clean beaches with pure white sand. The National Park is famous for its huge diversity of wildlife and tropical plants, from endangered capuchin monkeys to three-toed sloths and a whole host of bird species. The park is crossed with extensive hiking trails which reach from the coast up into the mountains. Those looking to stay near this stunning area can stay in a Manuel Antonio Villa from villapuntodevista.com.
Palo Verde National Park
The Palo Verde National Park is a part of the Tempisque Conservation Area. This park concentrates on conserving vital floodplain, limestone ridges, marshes, and seasonal pools from risks caused by the encroachment of civilization. During the dry season, a variety of birds flock to the park and its river basin for water. Protecting one of the most endangered ecosystems, Palo Verde is the largest nesting site for the black-crowned night-herons in the country.
Have you ever visited a national park in Costa Rica? We’d love to hear all about your visit! Let us know in the comments.

Summer’s almost here which means this fantastic deal on a Digital Media Academy Summer Camp is almost up! Does your child enjoy learning about the world of Digital Media? My 12 year old loves to assist when I’m taking photos, and him & my 9 year old are getting into computer programming, robotics & graphic designs … With summer just about here, encourage their interest and save money when you check out Digital Media Academy!
Founded at Stanford University, Digital Media Academy is ranked as one of the ten best summer camps in the world.
Save $75 off summer camps at Digital Media Academy with code TECHSUMMER at www.DigitalMediaAcademy.org. Sign up for multiple weeks and save big! Campers save $125 for each additional course they register for. Register by May 31 to #CreateTheNext best-selling app this summer!
Kids and teens learn computer programming, app development, 3D modeling, robotics, graphic design, filmmaking, and much more. DMA summer camps are one or multiple week experiences taught by industry experts and tech professionals. Campers get hands-on experience creating projects using the latest hardware and software from Apple, Canon, Adobe, and more.
Digital Media Academy is also proud to introduce Made by Girls, a new program dedicated to empowering girls and closing the gender gap in the tech industry.
Give your teen a pre-collegiate experience or build a child’s confidence through project-based learning. Learn at some of the most prestigous colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Save $75 off summer camps at Digital Media Academy with code TECHSUMMER at www.DigitalMediaAcademy.org. Sign up for multiple weeks and save big! Campers save $125 for each additional course they register for. Register by May 31 to #CreateTheNext best-selling app this summer!
The DMA Experience from Digital Media Academy on Vimeo.
Questions? Call 1(866)656-3342 to speak with a Guest Service Representative or email [email protected] and mention the US Family Guide Special Offer
#CreateTheNext this summer at Digital Media Academy!
Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”