*Watermelon Salad*

waterBalsamic Watermelon Salad

I was more than a bit skeptical about this recipe, before we tried it yesterday. I mean, watermelon is great ALONE- why mess up a good thing? Plus, this dish is less than pretty. Let’s be honest.  I was totally wrong, this is the most delicious salad I’ve had in decades. Seriously. You have to try it!

*Season to taste with this recipe, no ingredient amounts *

Ingredients:
-Watermelon, chopped into  cubes
-Feta cheese, crumbled
-Fresh basil, chopped
-Drizzle of balsamic vinegar

Directions:
1. Combine watermelon, feta, and basil. Lightly drizzle with a balsamic vinegar. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until serving .

 

*Be You*

be you

*Hooray*

happy friday

*Papa palooza*

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We’d love to take a minute and tell you about a “party with a purpose” that we are helping to throw. It’s called Papa palooza and it will be held on June 15 at The Piazza, in Northern Liberties. We have musical guests such as Lolly and Yoyo and Alex from Alex and the Kaelidoscope band playing. There will be TONS of vendors offering free activities for the kiddos.

Have any questions, or are you interested in becoming a vendor? Get at me: info@dailybloom.net

 

*Only One You*

Rarely does a book reach and teach children of elementary school-age through college graduates.  Aside from the classic “Oh the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss, it is hard to find a book appealing across the age ranges with a message that sinks in deeper and deeper the older (and wiser) you grow. 

Here’s my favorite for my own little kiddos, but also for my 18 year old niece about to head off into the great blue yonder of college. 

 only one you

Simple thoughts resonate such as:

“Always be on the lookout for a new friend.” 

“Set aside some quiet time to relax and reflect every day.” 

“Blend in when you need to.  Stand out when you have the chance.”

During Children’s Book Week (May 13-19), we hope you’ll share your favorite books with us as well!

*Do’s & Don’ts*

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My son is just turning seven months old and we are finally sleeping (thanks to Jennifer Schindele) and this has given me some time to reflect on new parenthood and how lonely and wonderful it can be. Through my own experiences over the last year or so with various people, here are some suggestions for friends of pregnant ladies/new moms ( or at least those who would like to remain friends with the pregnant ladies/new moms).

Do Not:

  • Tell her the name she chose sucks. So, Fernando may not be your cup of tea…girlfriend, you just keep that info to yourself. Be supportive. You wanna be mean to somebody- then go write a letter to the Westboro Baptist Church.
  • Talk about your horrible painful 4 day labor. This one is especially important. There is an unspoken rule amongst women who have given birth- do not freak out the woman about to go through it. If your experience was completely lovely, sharing that should be okay but NO GORY DETAILs. ever.
  • Tell her about all the wonderful things you’ve been thinking about doing for her. There is either do or don’t do. We are not expecting anything from anyone but our time is limited, don’t fill it with things you did not care to put any effort into. It’s insulting, I promise.

Do:

  • Bring that mama some food. This is so very helpful. Food that can be served a few nights in a row for dinner? Pricelesss. You know she loves cute baby clothes, too (that goes without saying).
  •  Visit your girlfriend or invite her over, better yet ask her to meet for coffee.  She is still the friend you liked to stay up late with, over a glass of wine. She probably won’t want to stay up late but she would definitely love to share a laugh. I promise.
  • Be kind. The baby business is 24/7 with no days off. A little kindness goes a long way!

 

Did I miss any important Do’s or Dont’s? Let me know!

*Resilience*

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It bears repeating…

We don’t think about our Resilience until we need it—then it is all we can think about.

How do your kids cope with Change?  Frustration?  Difficulty?  Loss?  Tragedy? 

Resilience has a lot in common with a balancing scale.  The balance is between the things that bring us down, and the things that build us up.  Researchers call these “risk factors and protective factors.”

As parents, we sometimes have control over the risk factors our children face.  We can help limit their exposure to violence, both in the community or through various media such as TV and video games.  We can help limit the junk food and soda that enters their systems.  We can help reduce the unnecessary stress in their lives. 

But, we can’t always control for all risk.

One of the best ways to combat the negative impact of risk factors is to help build up the positive side of the balancing scale, or, protective factors.

Protective factors come in all shapes and sorts, and from a variety of places such as:

-          Loving family members

-          Rules and consistency

-          Positive guidance

-          Skills and abilities

-          Independence and autonomy

-          Healthy relationships and friendships

-          Problem-solving skills and frustration tolerance

-          Safe and secure places to learn and live

…And many, many more.

To help your child be more resilient, do what you can to reduce risk.  And help your child build strong protective factors for today, and for their future!

Great ways to build protective factors provided by the Devereux Center for Resilient Children (DCRC): http://www.centerforresilientchildren.org/home/for-parents/

*Children’s Mental Health Day*

We writers here at Daily Bloom are excited to participate in National Mom’s Night Out on May 9th.  We think it is no coincidence that May 9th is also National Children’s Mental Health Day!

 

Moms who take care of their OWN mental health also promote the mental health of their children!

 

We wanted to say thank you to the Devereux Center for Resilient Children who donated copies of Building Your Bounce: Simple Strategies for a Resilient You.  This book is an adult resilience journal, designed to help adults reflect upon and plan ideas to build their OWN mental health and wellness!

 BYB banner

We hope you can join us at the Oxford Valley Mall in Langhorne, PA on May 9th from 5-8pm.  Stop by the DailyBloom.net booth to enjoy some conversation and give-away items!

 

 

 

*Mom’s Night Out*

Please come meet Kari and I at National Mom’s Night  Out! index                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

                  NATIONAL MOM’S NITE OUT CELEBRATIONS AT

OXFORD VALLEY MALL

Join Oxford Valley Mall on May 9 for an exciting, guilt-free evening of pampering, refreshments and entertainment

It’s high time for moms to be pampered. On Thursday, May 9, Oxford Valley Mall will host a free, relaxing evening dedicated to rewarding moms.  From 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the upper level of the JCPenney Court, Oxford Valley will provide attendees with makeovers, entertainment, refreshments, retailer fashion tips, exclusive swag bags and more. The center will be one of more than 120 Simon Property Group, Inc. malls participating in this year’s national Mom’s Nite Out™.

 

From mini makeovers by Sephora and beauty tutorials by Macy’s MAC Cosmetics makeup artists to complimentary manicures from the JCPenney Salon to food samplings by Sbarro and Doc Popcorn, Mom’s Nite Out celebrates motherhood by giving moms a guilt-free excuse to take the night off.

 

Additionally, Oxford Valley Mall will host an interactive Mom’s Nite Out blogger lounge on the upper level common area where several of our area’s esteemed bloggers will engage with shoppers and attendees, offering insight and advice on arts, entertainment, DIY activities, local resources for families and more.

 

“Moms are incredibly deserving of a night off and it is our privilege to be the venue where they come to enjoy it,” said Jim Malervy, Director of Marketing at Oxford Valley Mall. “As an added bonus, one lucky mom and a friend will be treated to a trip to Chicago to see Bon Jovi’s “Because We Can” tour at historic Soldier Field on Friday, July 12.”

 

The presenting sponsor of Simon’s Mom’s Nite Out celebration this year is Rethink Varicose Veins, an educational campaign encouraging those who suffer from venous disease, including varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), to rethink their condition and recognize it as a serious health concern.


The Rethink Varicose Veins team will be at Mom’s Nite Out dispelling the myths about varicose veins and encouraging attendees to take a quick self-assessment to determine their risk for varicose veins and CVI. Attendees taking the self-assessment test will be automatically entered to win a spa getaway weekend at the Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa from November 14 – 17. Shoppers may also visit
www.RethinkVV.com/escape to enter the giveaway.

 

Originally organized by Maria Bailey, CEO of BSM Media, author and host of Mom Talk Radio, National Mom’s Nite Out unites social media groups, companies, local playgroups, mommy bloggers and networks in giving moms a well-deserved night off. Bailey brought the first National Mom’s Nite Out to life after watching moms take care of everyone else on Mother’s Day, but never themselves.

 

 For more information about Mom’s Nite Out event activities at Oxford Valley Mall, please visit http://www.simon.com/mall/oxford-valley-mall.

 

 

*National Public Gardens Day*

National Public Gardens DayPhiladelphia Unveiled as America’s Garden Capital

For National Public Gardens Day

 

Distinction will be celebrated on Friday, May 10 with

free seeds, special events, and tours at region’s 30 public gardens

 

PHILADELPHIA, PA With 30 public gardens within 30 miles, Philadelphia has the highest concentration of public gardens and arboretum on the continent. City, tourism, and horticulture leaders recently gathered at Bartram’s Garden to officially anoint Philadelphia as ‘America’s Garden Capital’ and encouraged the public to celebrate this distinction on National Public Gardens Day on Friday, May 10.

More than two million visitors enjoy peace, beauty, and respite at Philadelphia’s public gardens each year, contributing to the $3.3 billion economic impact of the region’s arts and culture sector.

 

“It is only fitting for Philadelphia to be among the cities nationwide to celebrate National Public Gardens Day, and everyone is encouraged to enjoy the gardens at the height of their springtime beauty on Friday,” said Casey Sclar, executive director of the American Public Gardens Association.

Way to go, Philly!!

 

*Truth*

shakespeare

*Honesty*

We all have our stories of children being unapologetically honest. 

Hilariously honest as in, “Your butt is SO much bigger than it used to be.” 

Brutally honest as in, “I don’t like playing with her.  She’s mean.”

Heartbreakingly honest as in, “I think Uncle Al lives in heaven but also in our hearts.”   

Reflectively honest as in this picture Mia drew for a friend… after considering the word “Best friend”, she edited and demoted herself to a more honest title of “Good friend”.

Honesty

It would be difficult to find a parent anywhere who doesn’t want to instill the value of honesty in their children.  But, honesty isn’t always black and white.  There is a fine line between telling it like it is, and hurting someone’s feelings. As parents, it isn’t easy to teach this balance of being truthful, while also holding back.  It really is a delicate ‘dance’. 

And as an adult, I don’t get it right half the time.  I hold back when I should be a little more clear and forthright.  I say more than I should, often in the heat of the moment when my wits aren’t about me.  I’m still trying to get it right. 

Part of this struggle is modeling for our children how to get it right, but also talking about our mistakes when we fail miserably. 

I had a situation recently where I was a little too honest with someone about my feelings about their child.  While many positive feelings and thoughts were shared as well, it was those few comments that were a little too honest that I still regret voicing. 

I told my kids what I said, and why I regretted it.  We discussed better ways to have handled the situation.  They helped me problem-solve, and really did come up with some good suggestions to make things right again.  We all learned a bit more about honesty by talking about my mistake. 

Making mistakes like this does have one benefit, and that’s being a bit more understanding and patient with my own kids as they struggle to find the right balance in the dance between being completely honest, yet also kind.

*The 30 Day Yell Free Challenge: Update*

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So, I haven’t yelled in 30 days. It has been a whole month since I took this challenge and I passed. Barely. I did actually yell. 2 times. But who’s counting?

The things I yelled were, “STOP you are going to pull the baby’s head off!!!!” and “Don’t let go of him or he is going to fall on his head.”

They were both  desperate, “Hey, lets not kill the baby” kind of yells. That being said, I’m not sure this challenge is appropriate for anyone with a toddler. Seriously. There is no way to nicely tell a toddler to stop chewing on the electrical chords or to stop smearing lipstick all over the new  bedspread. I am definitely a proponent of peaceful parenting but I am also a realist and sometimes (not often) there needs to be a raised voice.

Anyone who doesn’t believe that a little yell can actually be a beneficial thing should watch a marathon of Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares. I watch this show almost every day when I feed Wyatt in the afternoons. It’s pure gold. And also proof that on occasion a little yell can be beneficial.

*Do it with STYLE*

My five-year old, Mia, may not do everything right (okay, a LOT of things…).  But, she does do everything with her own unique style.Pouting in Style

                                                                                                                                                                                             Including pouting.

Here’s to all the kids out there like Mia, who are marching to their own drummer.  We’re confident one day this trait will translate into something pretty cool!

{SKILLS}

top 10

Top 10 Skills Daily Bloom Readers want for their children…

We asked, you answered!  Daily Bloom readers suggested these among the top skills we want for our children. 

In no particular order…

1.)    Kindness

2.)    Empathy and Compassion

3.)    Honesty

4.)    Perseverance and Determination

5.)    Self-Reliance and Autonomy

6.)    Humility

7.)    Sense of Adventure

8.)    Courage

9.)    Charity

10.)  Resilience              

Also rounding out the list was “one to grow on”… Cooking!  Something we love here at Daily Bloom; and a skill that will help you take care of yourself and nurture others throughout life.

We love this list, and will be offering a small piece on each skill soon!

*A Sweet New Ride*

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Graco.

Disclosure: All thoughts and opinions are my own, I am so thrilled to have this opportunity to receive a complimentary FastAction™ Fold Click Connect™ Jogger from Graco.

Since my second child has arrived, I’ve been REALLY trying to use consignment pieces and hand me downs for the massive amount of baby equipment that we’ve needed.  Unbeknownst to me, car seats expire and the jogger we held onto is in sore shape. So, the hunt for a new car seat and jogger began. I was thrilled to have the chance to test out the new Graco Jogger which comes with the Graco SnugRide Click Connect™ 35 Infant Car Seat.

Some things that I adore about this stroller are:

  • It’s super easy to use! I’ve almost always got my hand full and being able to easily open and close a stroller are vital to me. This jogger has a one second, single step fold and it automatically locks AND it is self standing when folded.
  • The FastAction™ Fold Click Connect™ Jogger  has a smartphone cradle, with a pretty large tray underneath the cradle (perfect for a wallet and keys). Also,the underside storage basket is HUGE!! Big enough that my bulky diaper bag and some blankets easily fit in.                                                         
  •  This jogger is actually perfect for jogging. The locking front swivel wheel offers an easy transition from daily strolling to jogging  There are large air-filled rubber tires for a smooth ride on any surface AND reflectors for low-light visibility for evening or early morning use.
  • When the infant car seat is inserted in the stroller, the shades from both create a complete canopy for sleeping babies. That means no light, no wind, no rain and lets be honest to be able to get a good run in, your baby HAS to be comfortable. thumbnail-1

Graco’s NEW jogger is the ultimate crossover stroller, combining all the comfort and convenience features of a traditional stroller (FastAction Fold and Click Connect Technology) with performance and maneuverability of an all-terrain jogger.

As an added bonus, Graco’s innovative one-second, one-hand FastAction™ fold automatically locks & is self-standing.

This post is sponsored by the Graco.

 

 

 

 

*Mommy Talk*

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Tell us! What skills do you hope your children will possess? How did having or not having  these skills impact your life?

I will start:

Courage, Kindness, and Empathy.

I wish for my children to be courageous. There were times when I was growing up that I wished I had the courage to speak up for millions of different reasons. Sometimes I did, but often times I did not. This was because I was painfully shy AND because I never felt courageous. I hope that my children will feel empowered and courageous and that they will always speak their minds, no matter who is listening.

 

 

*True Story*

no sleep(This photo was taken by the lovely Jennifer Parke of Jennifer Parke Photography)

Six months may be a small exaggeration, truthfully there have been some full nights (but not many). I fell prey to the “feeding on demand” scenario that has kept my sweet little baby boy awake and hungry every 2 hours for the last 6 months.  Here is the skinny on my little guy, he is not so little. In fact, his weight is at 90%. Eating every 2 hours throughout the night is something my little pudgkin does NOT need to do.

Long story short: We decided to enlist some professional help. The magical Jennifer Schindele of Gift of  Sleep Consulting, came into our lives. And while we just started this sleep training, it seems to have taken 1 laborious day and night to take effect. Our kiddo has slept through the night and taken 2 two hour naps each day.

I hate to count my chickens before they hatch, but I am feeling very optimistic. Because seriously, I am a much better mom if I’ve had some decent sleep.

To be continued…

* Intro to the Arts*

Hey Philly Friends! Here is our latest contribution to Bucks Life Magazine. We might be slightly biased, but we think this is probably the most informative article in there. You’ll just have to read the entire magazine to find out!

Bucks Life Arts

**Saturday Sale**

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Looking for something fun to do this Saturday? These local gals have tons of great stuff! Support local and come join Whim. jewelry, Shimmer and Spice vegan handbags, Love Illuminati’s summer vintage treasures, and delicious snacks from Mariposa’s Treats!

10-2 pm

202 Stoopville Rd., Newtown PA

PicMonkey Collage