Valentine’s Craft that is good for your Heart

February 14, 2014 / mysenkid / 1 Comment

It’s Valentines day! YAY! Usually I am the mom who goes out the night before to my local 24 hour CVS and picks up a box of pre-maid valentines. For other holidays I am more open to spending time making something crafty for the kids in Landon’s class. But, for some reason, I always feel like the Valentines that he gets, we just toss. So, wouldn’t others do the same? Why waste all that time on something?

Maybe it’s just me, being cynical or a pessimist. I am known to be a little of both. Any-who, this year I decided to make something. I wanted to make a Valentine craft that is good for your heart! But not just anything. I wanted to make something I felt at least half of his class would actually use.He has 21 kids in his class, so my odds were good I thought. With the emphasis on reading & writing in Kindergarten this year, I thought what would be a better thing to make then BOOKMARKS! The kids can feel “grown-up” with their very own and it promotes the LOVE OF READING! Which by the way, I am very keen on.

Here is our attempt at Valentine’s Crafts! It’s pretty self-explanatory. Landon had a blast helping and was so excited to give them to all his friends! He even left the other side of the bookmark blank for the kids to decorate with their own stickers or markers! He is just too thoughtful! Wonder who he takes after? I hope you all have a great Valentines Day- and I apologize in advance if your kid is in Landon’s class- I will hold onto the Valentines for a day- then out they go! My 640-sq foot home has no room for anything extra! TRUST ME!

Namaste~

Joy

Listen to Your Mother- Providence Submission

February 6, 2014 / mysenkid / 4 Comments

Listen to Your Mother submissions are due Feb 14th. So soon…..ahh……(stop blogging Joy- start writing)…… For those who follow along- you know I auditioned for Listen To Your Mother – Providence last year. I did not make the cut. I will not sit here and lie and say I wasn’t upset. I was. But after about 2 weeks I realized something. I wrote my best piece yet. A piece that I know Landon will appreciate once he is older. A piece that helped people realize why I call Landon, “a miracle”. A piece that may have gotten some naysayers off my back about wanting an only child (side note- I can care less what you think really). It was a perfect piece. If you want to re-read it- you can do so here. While I really would love to audition with this piece again- because I feel it is a story that needs to be told, I am not.

I am working on another piece. A piece that I feel is like the elephant in the room if you will…….Some may feel the same way I do- but are too afraid to admit it because they fear what others may think. Well, I will be the guinea pig. I have finally been able to put two & two together and figure out what has been plaguing me all these years.

If I don’t make the cut this year- I will post my essay on here right away. However, if I am lucky enough to be chosen, well you must come and get tickets to watch me rock the stage on May 10th (and of course I will post after the show for all you non-local readers). I am excited to continuing writing this piece and hope I do it justice! But, its all about me and my feelings- and I believe you should never feel bad for how you feel. Hope I kicked up some suspense……….That is all…..

Namaste~

Joy

Cookies for Kids Cancer- Local Event

February 3, 2014 / mysenkid / 1 Comment

Did you know that pediatric cancer is the #1 disease killer in the U.S. of children under the age of 18. Even with this being said, pediatric cancer receives a very small percentage of the National Cancer Institute’s $4.8 billion annual budget and almost no research and development dollars from pharmaceutical companies. This makes me angry. I don’t have a child with cancer, but I have a child. And I know, I would want no stone unturned for the cure to this disease that takes so many precious little ones away from their families.

Photo by www.cookiesforkidscancer.org

Good News People! We can help! We can help provide more funds, for more research. We the people can make a difference. Every dollar helps, because it goes directly to the Cookies for Kids Cancer, which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit public charity raising money for pediatric cancer research through local bake sales. It was founded by a very determined mother to help increase her young son’s odds in his fight against cancer. In late 2007, she had the idea to bake cookies to sell during the holidays. Her small idea became a huge movement with 96,000 cookies baked and sold during a three-week period with the help of more than 250 dedicated volunteers. She soon realized more people wanted to help and in turn- this charity was created for other towns and cities to join in on the fight to cure pediatric cancer.

Photo by www.mamasnightout.org

Heather Wirtz, Publisher of my local Macaroni Kid newsletter has been involved with this charity for 3 years. I have seen first hand how it has grown over the years and proud to be a part of this local community. The amount of work Heather puts in is incredible and so appreciated. But she needs your help. Through her platform of Macaroni Kid and connections in the local community, we can help her reach her goal and maybe even surpass it! One person can make a difference- so can you imagine what we can do in large numbers? The possibilities are truly endless.

The event itself is so much fun! Heather has truly mastered the idea of a family fun day- paired with yummy snacks and raffles- all going to the charity. The Bake Sale will be at Dream Big Gymnastics in Cranston, RI on March 2nd from 12pm – 4pm. Kids and adults can play in the gym and have a great time together! The event is FREE- we only ask you support the charity by coming hungry and leaving with some yummy baked goods! There will also be a free craft, face painting and plenty of fun raffle items. ALL bake sale and raffle proceeds will go to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer!

HERE’S HOW TO HELP: Heather is currently looking for volunteers to bake and/or help out during the event. Do you own a local business? They are also in need of giveaway/raffle items (all proceeds will be donated to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer), bottled water, juice box and snacks! If you are interested in helping, please contact Heather @ (heatherw@macaronikid.com).

If you are local- I urge you to consider stopping by for a bit, or even taking your little ones into the kitchen to bake up some treats to donate. If you are not local- look into if there is a local Cookies for Kids Bake Sale in your area here.

As the mother whose idea it was to create Cookies for Kids’ Cancer says, “If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes the world to fight pediatric cancer.” We’re in this fight because every child battling cancer deserves a fighting chance.

Namaste~

Joy

31 Things You Oughta Know About the Woman Behind the Blog!

January 31, 2014 / mysenkid / 3 Comments

Yes- I am sure you know the basics. Either you are friend, a friend of a friend, a Facebook friend or read my blog weekly…….

I am Joy. Married to my baby’s daddy. Live in Warwick. Love the color purple. Love cupcakes & margaritas. I am from NJ. My son has Sensory Processing Disorder. Travel anywhere I can. Write my blog for fun (& therapy). But do you know the real “Me”. Would you still read, be my friend, friend of a friend or Facebook friend (stalker) if you knew the real me? Don’t get me wrong, I am not a monster. But what I am is someone who has a clear understanding of what she likes, doesn’t do bullshit and has no tolerance for ignorance. Therefore sometimes people don’t like that- especially the ignorant ones!

I turned 31 on January 5th- and to honor my glorious day of birth, here on Jan 31st I give you 31 THINGS YOU OUGHTA KNOW ABOUT THE WOMAN BEHIND THE BLOG!

31. I don’t make “lasting” friendships easily. My guard is always up- and he is a fighter.

30. I wish I was a Canadian. But I am still proud to be an American! I just love all things CANADA!

29. More than any other place, I wish to visit Greece. (and Italy….and….everywhere)

28. I have only ever wanted 1 child. 1 perfectly imperfect child to call my own!

27. I have dated men from almost every ethnic background. Taste the Rainbow Ladies!

26. My most exceptional work is Landon and will always be Landon.

25. I have an issue expressing happiness. It makes me feel strange inside and in turn sometimes it comes out as anger.

24. Most days you can catch me going “all natural”, for I hate Bras.

23. I will never ever ever in a million years go sky diving.

22. I have Sensory Processing Disorder, diagnosed as an adult. Betcha didn’t see that one coming! Or did you?

21. I love Yoga. It makes me feel strong & sexy. Namaste~

20. I have a glazed stick from Dunkin Donuts every morning for breakfast. It is my addiction.

19. I quit smoking January 12th 2007, and not 1 day goes by where I don’t want another one. But I won’t give in.

18. I belive in Karma. And its a Bitch Baby!

17. I am adopted and so is my little brother.

16. My husband is the smartest person I know. Professor, Entrepreneur, Businessman, Published Author, WordPress Expert, Public Speaker- See for yourself!

15. I have Social Anxiety Disorder. All those years quietly watching in a corner- I have come to sense “Bullshit” like no-ones business. I don’t do Bullshit.

14. I have no tolerance for the “N” word- I grew up defending my brother and I would defend anyone anytime from that word.

13. I live in a 840 sq. foot home with my husband, son, 2 dogs & 2 cats. Yes, It’s crowded.

12. My dream home is a quaint 1,000 sq. foot log cabin, open floor plan and wrap around porch. Someday!

11. I am a child of divorce. It still affects me even as an adult.

10. I dye my hair monthly. I get bored very easily. It’s another way for me to be creative. All these creative juices flowing………

9. I primarily shop in thrift stores for our clothes. Ask me the best ones for designer labels- I will share my secrets!

8. My favorite food is Potatoes. Baked. Fried. Stuffed. Mashed. It’s all good……

7. I refuse to eat Lamb & Veal.

6. I have PKU. It is a rare genetic disorder that means I lack the enzyme to break down protein.

5. I live for football. I study the game, the players, the history. From NJ- but my team has been the New England Patriots since I was 9.

4. I utterly despise baseball.

3. I am addicted to food. Thus- I am a Lifetime Weight Watcher.

2. I listen to Sports Radio in the car. No music.

1. My boys- Jesse & Landon are the reason I am living!

NAMASTE!

Wordless Wednesday- Skiing In NH

January 29, 2014September 7, 2015 / mysenkid / 3 Comments

NIGHT SNOW-TUBING

DAY OF SKIING

INDOOR FUN!!!

We had an impromptu trip to NH/ME this weekend! It was 72 hours of jam-packed action! Skiing, Snow-tubing, Water-slides, Yummy Food, Shopping and yes Lots of driving! Landon was amazing- even though he was having his “sensory” days more often because of the lack of schedule, sleep and new environment. But that never puts a damper on our fun. We work with him to make sure he has the best time regardless! And I think these pictures prove he did.

Skiing & tubing at King Pine Ski Area

Hotel Accommodations : Hampton Inn & Suites North Conway, NH

Dinner- Yankee Smokehouse

~Namaste~

Coconut Oil- Is it a Magic Potion?

January 24, 2014 / mysenkid / 4 Comments

Coconut Oil is not just another fad. It is here to stay. A fad tends to leave this life almost as quickly as it graced us with its presence. Coconut Oil my friends is no fad. I won’t argue that within the last couple of years it has risen in popularity. That’s probably because the amount of useful possibilities this oil has; and I am sure we will continue to learn more each year. Chefs, beauty experts, and even medical professionals use Coconut Oil for its many benefits it offers. Maybe, that is why it is here to stay- but you should find out for yourself. The uses for this oil are really endless. It transcends from one market to the next. I mean, shoulder pads, MC-Hammer pants and fanny packs really didn’t do much to help the human race! Coconut Oil on the other hand- well It’s A WINNER!

Photo By Gary Yee

Honestly, I don’t think I knew much about Coconut Oil until after my son was born. He has eczema and had bad breakouts when he was an infant. I am not against traditional medicine when its needed, but I never felt comfortable using the steroid cream on him as he was under 6 months when he got his first outbreak of it. Luckily, my allergist saw my hesitations and recommended pure coconut oil, or a natural cream made with coconut oil. I tried both. It worked wonders. It is still the one thing I use for my eczema and my son’s (6 years later).

Photo provided by Laura Rossi Public Relations

Years went on and I thought I was so clever with my new found uses for coconut oil! I mean, I use it for my beauty regime, to help replenish my dry skin & heal my eczema and I even cook with it. I even add a few tablespoons to my green smoothies after I run for my healthy oil component. But I have got nothing on this book. Bruce Fife, C.N, N.D, has come out with even more new uses for this amazing oil. Published previously as The Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil, it is now in its 5th edition as The Coconut Oil Miracle. With this book, you can really include coconut oil in every aspect of your lifestyle.

Did you know that you can coconut oil can be used in these ways:

Heart disease fighter
An anti-microbial
Lose weight
Gain glowing skin & healthy locks
Better health
Food & nourishment
and so much more……

Did you know that Coconut Oil can do all this? Come on, did you? Even Pinterest has a board dedicated to this amazing oil! If you don’t believe me- check out one of my favorite boards for yourself here.

Laura Rossi Public Relations was kind enough to give me digital copy of this book- but YOU can enter to win a Hard Copy for yourself! Keep this book in the kitchen, in the bathroom, in your bedroom- the possibilities are endless: because this book encompasses all aspects of your life. You will be amazed to learn all the benefits that coconut oil can give you. From glowing skin, maintaining weight-loss to healthy gums- it’s nothing short of miraculous! Plus there are recipes included in the back of the book- and let me tell you the Coconut Brownies are to die for!

So what are you waiting for? Learn more about this book and all the benefits of Coconut Oil here! And Enter for your chance to win! Giveaway will end Feb 8th and Noon! Good Luck!

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Worries & Sensory Processing Disorder : Post, Review & Giveaway

January 14, 2014 / mysenkid / 2 Comments

The Worry Monster. My kid has it. Does your kid have it? Heck, I have it. I worry all day everyday. Its in my nature. It was only fitting that Landon be a worrier like me, even though I wished it otherwise. Having Sensory Processing Disorder only amplifies his body’s reactions to his anxieties. In Dr. Dan Peters book, Make your Worrier a Warrior, he teaches parents & teachers how to help a child who suffers from anxious tendencies.

The Worry Monster is real. This book only reinforced what years of therapy has taught me. While my worries may be silly to others, they are very real to me. Sometimes worries can affect how your body reacts. From personal experience, I know this feeling is terrible. Just like the TLC song, “I get weak in the knees, I can hardly breathe, I lose all control……..It’s an awful feeling that can happen anywhere, anytime. The fact that I know how my son feels when he has his “attacks”, well it just breaks my heart. I wish I could take all his worries away. But, I know that is not possible. Instead, he needs to learn how to use his worries in a positive way. This book shows you the tools needed to get there.

Say NO to the Worry Monster photo via Dr. Dan Peters

First and foremost, this book taught me to externalize the problem so it becomes something outside of himself. This helps him narrow in on the worry without having a close personal reaction while working on it. I found this to be extremely helpful for Landon as well as in my personal experiences. It allows the worrier to feel as those they might be able to control their worry.

Uncovering just how powerful the physiological response of excessive adrenaline was quite interesting. When I read all the symptoms that can occur from too much adrenaline, Landon was so happy. He yelled, “I get that” and “Just like me”. It made him realize that are other kids out there who experience anxiety like he does. It was a great moment for me as a mom to see him actually feel good about his anxiety, rather than shame & guilt.

The book is filled with writings of worries and achievements from children and parents who have tamed the Worry Monster. It was interesting to read some of the worries our kids of today are facing. I was so proud when I read one where they talked about how they faced a fear they previously had.

Tame the Worry Monster Today Photo via Summit Center

Things to remember-The most important pieces I took from this book:
The Worry Monster is a Bully
Our tone of voice, as much as the words we use, help our children feel hopeful.
The more you talk about the Worry Monster, the weaker he gets.
There are many types of anxiety that can affect your child
Helping your child to face his fears is key in helping them go away
The more we think worrisome thoughts, the more adrenaline is released, the more scared we feel.
The Worry Monster is always lying to you.
Worries and fears can be broken down into baby steps.

Listen, we all worry. But, it’s how you react to those worries that can affect your daily life. I urge any parent or adult for that matter to grab this book and uncover why & how our bodies react to anxiety & stress the way it does. You will learn why your heart races fast and why you feel clammy and dizzy. This book is not a magic cure. It’s a guide to help you and your family on a journey to live your best life. No-one wants there child to hide away from life, you want them to live it. With this book, you will learn the tools needed to help them reach their potential!

Amazon is working to quickly restock the book. Lucky you- I have a digital copy of both of his books (parent + tween/teen review copies) to give away to a lucky reader. You do not need to have Kindle, just the ability to open a .pdf file and away you go on your path to taming the Worry Monster! Please remember, these opinions are mine and mine alone. Enter today to start your journey……..

*Laura Rossi Public Relations provided the review copy www.laurarossipublicrelations.com

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What did you say to me?

January 13, 2014 / mysenkid / 15 Comments

Things you do not say to a mom- most importantly ME!

My list could go on, but these are my all time TOP 5 ones that I hear all too much.

1. What’s wrong with him?
You know moms do not do well when others pick out flaws in our children. I will be the first to mention when there is something he needs to work on- you in the other hand can keep your mouth shut thank you very much.
2. Give me one week with him…….
Excuse me? And Why, what will you do? You will what? Fix him? Change him? As if I am doing something wrong? Step back…..step away slowly…….
3. If he is hungry, he will eat it.
It might work for most kids, but not ALL kids. Ever heard of the exception? And if I hear one more story of how when you were younger there was only one meal for dinner and if you didn’t eat, you went to bed hungry, I think I will scream.
4. You look tired.
Well, moms are tired. We work all day long, some with multiple children. So,
Thanks, if that’s your way of saying I look like crap, then you are too kind!
5. You look like such a mom.
As if there is something wrong with being a mom, society defines looking like “a mom” with negative attributes, I.e mom jeans, fluffy belly, saggy boobs, flats, “mom” haircut- I find that unfair……..If I want to rock high waist jeans and ballet flats I freaking most certainly will. I will do it with pride!

What is something that was said to you that rubbed you the wrong way? Please share……so at least I know I am not alone with this. Or maybe I am. Oh no……..am I?

A Promise of Personal Branding

January 2, 2014 / mysenkid / 5 Comments

I don’t do resolutions. I don’t do goals. I do personal promises. A resolution is something I find very easy to pass off, to neglect if you will. A goal is great- if you get there. If not, you wallow in your own self pity thinking about how you failed. Granted, failure is something we all need in life. A good failure only helps us get back at “it”, only to eventually succeed beyond your initial expectations. But a promise, that is personal. I don’t know about you, but when I make a promise to someone, I do it. This promise is a connection you have within yourself. From your mind to your heart. A “Promise”can also mean a capacity for good, similar to a value that is to be realized in the near future. So, 2014, I promise you & I the following:

I promise to run 299 miles in 2014- which is 1 more mile than my total for 2013 (well 297.49 miles in 2013) I rounded up!

I promise to devote 3 hours to myself and only myself each week.

I promise to continue my writing, regardless if not a single soul reads it.

I promise to believe more in the good of mankind rather than the bad.

I promise to express my love & gratitude to my friends & family more often.

You just read my promise for personal branding in 2014, So what promise will you make yourself this year?

Top 10 Best of 2013

January 1, 2014 / mysenkid / 5 Comments

Top 10 Best of 2013 – joy style

I have compiled a list of my favorite things that I have come in contact with during 2013. From places, to cleaning products and DIY crafts. Here is what I found interesting and wonderful about 2013.

10. Best song of the year- I will get shit for this- but Katy Perry’s ROAR is awesome. Just listen to the lyrics for a minute. It can help you get through a tough workout, a bad mood or just keep your spirits up!

9. Best “guilty pleasure” new show. Arrow on CW. It’s a hot man in tights, saving his city to right the wrongs of his father. It’s addicting……..

8. Best DIY Holiday treat: Christmas Crack! I know it is not new to 2013, but it was to me. It was freaking amazing…….I will be making a version of it for every holiday I can! Check out the amazingly simple recipe and gorgeous pictures from Sweet Bella Roos

7. Best Family decision: to join Mastery Martial Arts. Karate and Kickboxing has become apart of our family 3-4 nights per week. You know the saying, “families who play together, stay together”!

6. Best Weekend Roadtrip: Mystic Seaport & Mystic Village. While we have been to the village many times, we have never been to the Seaport. It was amazing. Landon loved it and it was so educational yet so much fun. We can not wait to go back in the Spring! To learn more visit them @ Mystic Seaport

5. Best toy purchase: Legos! It was only a matter of time before Landon found the Lego aisle of the Toys R’ Us. He received his first real ” little” Legos this past summer and the rest is history. I know they probably cost next too nothing to make, but I truly don’t mind paying the price for them. They are a forever toy and he learns so much from building and being creative!

4. Best Pinterest find: Homemade doggie treats! My dogs love the summer! Love the sun- but they can get very hot and drink so much water! What a great way this is for them to play and stay hydrated and it doesn’t break the bank! Freeze water and chicken stock with toys, carrots, treats, etc to keep dogs from getting bored and overheated in the backyard. For all my dog friends!!!

3. Best kids movie: Disney has done it again! Frozen was amazing! Not just for the kids, but for the parents who thought they would be bored sitting through yet another kids movie! The music, the cast, the characters and the story were all entertaining and hands down the best kids movie of 2013!

2. Best household cleaner- my new staple! Vinegar, water, lemon rind and any scent I want (oil- from Whole Foods) . I spent so much money on all the new products and they were so full of chemicals. I wanted something that was cost effective, good for the environment and safe for my child! Again- thank you Pinterest!

1. Best mommy moment- When my son taught his kindergarten class about his allergies and asthma and explained what happens to him and why its important for them to not bring in nuts. Proud of my 5 year old!

Here’s to 2013 and onward to 2014! May it be everything 2013 was and more! What were some of your favorite (best) things of 2013?

Happy New Year Everyone!

Namaste -joy

Joyful Noise, by Joy Adamonis

Joyfully Me raising a Sensational Kid

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