Clothing shopping for fashion concious individuals can be challenging at times, especially if you are trying to stick to a budget. Finding out about Fashion Nova is really exciting for me, because I plan on taking advantage of their decent pricing and free worldwide shipping (if spending over a certain amount) to buy clothing for my sons, who like what they see on their site.
Fashion Nova Men carries a wide selection of styles, including shirts, tees, jeans, joggers, and more. They also carry a wide variety of sizes, from plus size to petite. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for a friend, you’re sure to find the perfect style. If you have any questions about what to buy, don’t hesitate to ask a member of their sales staff.
Plus size shirts
If you’re looking for men’s plus size shirts to add a fresh new look to your wardrobe, Fashion Nova offers a wide range of fits and styles to choose from. You’ll find plus size polo shirts, graphic tees, and everyday bottoms in a wide variety of colors. These items are perfect for pairing with your favorite jeans and other fashion essentials.
Plus size graphic tees can be found in pastel tie dyes and splashy screen prints on bold neon hues. Pair them with plus size biker shorts and jeans to complete your look.
Fashion Nova’s plus size shirts also include logo boxer briefs. This stylish collection can be worn under a blazer or with your favorite pair of trousers.
The brand’s activewear line has some of the most popular items on the market. You’ll find full-on jogger sets, sweat shorts, and track pants. Wear them with sneakers and a sleek gold watch for a streetwear-inspired look.
Graphic tees
There are many reasons why you should consider buying a good quality graphic tee. Whether you’re looking for a shirt to go with a pair of denim jeans, or just want to show off your nifty new sneakers, a quality tee is a must-have. If you’re looking for the perfect present for the guy on your shopping list, check out the latest men’s tees from Fashion Nova. With more than 1,000 different styles to choose from, you’re sure to find something that suits your style.
Graphic tees come in all shapes and sizes. You can find simple, low-key crew neck tees, as well as more eye-catching, oversized shirts. From band tees to on-trend art inspired designs, you’re bound to find a shirt to suit your tastes.
Joggers
There’s a lot of buzz about Fashion Nova Mens’ launch. As with their women’s side, the company has relied on social media and influencers to make its name. But the mens’ side has also garnered some criticism.
Some consumers were expecting something edgy and out of the ordinary. However, the initial reaction on Twitter was more mixed. Some fans praised the clothing line, but others accused it of being a rip-off. They even offered suggestions on how to make the line better.
One of the major trends in athleisure is joggers. They have a sporty look and are comfortable. These pants are great for running errands, picking up your kids from school, and going out for brunch.
For a more stylish look, try a blazer or sweatshirt with your joggers. A casual button-up or knit tee can be worn under a blazer to give your outfit some texture. You can also use a neutral or dark color for a less structured look.
Jeans
Fashion Nova’s men‘s jeans come in all kinds of washes and colors. They are a great addition to your wardrobe. Whether you want a slim fit or a funky two-tone style, you’ll find them here.
Fashion Nova’s jeans are affordable. Their prices start at just $35. You can get them in various shades of blue, black, or white. And they are made from quality materials.
The men’s skinny jeans from Fashion Nova are comfortable and trendy. This style has a zipper at the ankles, giving it a sporty touch. Moreover, the waist is tighter than traditional jeans.
These jeans are suitable for any occasion. Whether you are going to the bar, or on a date, these jeans will keep you looking cool and stylish.
Accessories
If you’re in the market for some stylish new fangled attire, you’re in luck. Fashion Nova is one of the most stylish brands in town. They have a wide range of menswear to suit every budget and style. The company has an impressive array of men’s accessories, from men’s underwear to frocks to flaunt. Whether you’re looking for the oh so fancy to a full on fashion makeover, you’re sure to find something to fit the bill. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised by the variety of fashions on offer, from the sexiest to the sexiest. Plus, they’ll help you find the best deal, as they have a whole slew of menswear consultants on call, to help you out. In short, Fashion Nova is the fashion-savvy man in your corner.
Wondering what not to miss this year? At Kidding Around we love sharing things to do in Greenville and the Upstate. To kick off our new year, and help you plan out yours, our contributors teamed up to share their absolute favorite, never miss, already excited-about, must-go to events of the year. Get out your calendars. Bookmark this list. Whatever you do, don’t miss the Upstate’s best events of 2023.
When: February 24, 2023 Recommend by: Kidding Around Team What is it? A big birthday celebration of Kidding Around’s 10th birthday at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. Why you should go: There will be all your favorite businesses, lots of prizes and giveaways, and of course, we’ll be there.
When: Spring, usually April Recommended By: Shannon What is it? A free-to-attend spring festival in downtown Spartanburg Why you should go: The streets of downtown Spartanburg turn into a spring festival as the weather starts to warm up. You’ll find non-stop live music and entertainment, food trucks, local small business booths, a Family Fun Zone, car show, breweries, a corn hole tournament, face painting, and so much more. There’s truly something for everyone. Not to mention, most of the downtown shops are also open so you can help support even more local businesses. Spartanburg Spring Fling
When: April 1st, 2023 Recommended By: Erin What is it? A free, super kid-friendly event exploring science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics Why you should go: The festival is located in Downtown Greenville on Main Street. The event is highly interactive, with dozens of demonstrations, opportunities to engage in play-based learning, robots, displays, and so much more! The event is engaging, and great for kids and families from young to old. There are moments of wow, awe, joy, and you will see the little gears in your child’s head turning as you explore the different stations set up by organizations throughout the Upstate.
When: April 2023 Recommended By: Kristina What is it? An annual event at Split Creek Farm in Anderson that features their baby goats, award-winning cheese, and local vendors Why You should go: Because baby goats of course. Split Creek Farm review
When: April 29, 2023 Recommended By: Maria What is it? A free festival celebrating Italian American heritage with food, music, and dance spread out through downtown Fountain Inn, SC. Why you should go: Last year was the inaugural event and it was full of delicious Italian food and entertainment. It was an extremely well-attended event which means this year will likely be even bigger and better. Plus, Fountain Inn has a great little downtown area that’s perfect for festivals!
When: May 6, 2023 Recommended By: Kristina What is it? A big, free event in downtown Greenville where rubber ducks race over the waterfall. Why You should go: Because who doesn’t want to watch rubber ducks pour over a waterfall? There are tons of great vendors, music, and food. Duck Derby review
When: May 12th – 14th, 2023 Recommended by: Erin What is it? A wonderful celebration of all forms of art! Why you should go? There are tons of beautiful artists to explore, live demonstrations of art being created, performance art, a large kid’s station with arts and crafts at Kidsphere, and lots of fun visual, culinary, and performance art pieces. There is also live music, great food to eat, and the weather tends to be nice and not too hot.
When: May dates TBD Recommended by: Kristina What is it? A cultural festival celebrating all things Greek – food, music, arts Why you should go: Because the baklava and gyros are amazing. And the music and dancing are a lot of fun to watch. Greek Festival
When: September 8th and 9th, 2023 Recommended By: Erin What is it? A two-day celebration of all things medieval and mystical with lots of cosplaying and great food! Why you should go: The event is located at Greer City Park, and there are tons of people dressed up in character costumes like Vikings, fairies, mystical monsters, and more! There are also live demonstrations with swords, musicians playing, and a large vendor market of super cool and unique items, and it is a lot of fun.
When: Usually the third weekend in September Recommended By: Kristina What is it? A supremely delicious festival where you can taste awesome BBQ and vote on your favorite. They also have bounce houses and kids activities Why you should go: To eat amazing, local BBQ. SOOIE BBQ Festival
When: Third Saturday in November at Hagood Mill Historic Site Recommended By: Kristina What is it? A festival celebrating all things Native American with cultural dances, vendors, activities, and food. Why you should go: It is a lot of fun to watch the dances and learn about Native American customs and culture. It’s both fun and educational. Native American Festival
When: December 2023 Recommended By: Kristina What is it?The Nutcracker is a famous ballet and the music is provided by the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. Why you should go: The performance is outstanding, even if you don’t know the story! The dancers and the music are amazing.
The Nutcracker performed by the International Ballet
If you are looking to increase your earning potential and learn a profession that would work with children, you may have considered going into nursing. But what about an ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program to learn nursing? Learn more about that option here.
The demand for nursing courses has gradually gone up as more and more students are now interested in nursing degrees. A lot of good institutes also offer a variety of nursing degrees to choose from, and this is where some students might get confused. One of the most common questions is whether to get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or simply go for an accelerated program.
People who have a bachelor’s degree in a different field and want to change careers may find the accelerated programs available to be encouraging. Also, as the baby boomer generation ages, the skills of registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree will be in demand.
The pandemic has also shown how important nurses are to the healthcare system every day and in emergencies. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that between now and 2031, the need for nurses will grow by 6%. A lot of people are hence taking up nursing courses like BSN, MSN, and accelerated BSN programs.
But is an ABSN program better than a regular BSN program? Let’s take a deeper look at both programs.
The need is to first understand what is an ABSN program and determine if it suits you. The best person for an ABSN is someone who already has a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. The ABSN is made to help people who want to become nurses get into the field quickly and without having to spend another four years in school.
Graduates of an ABSN nursing program are ready to start working as nurses in a wide range of healthcare settings. The accelerated program lets the student get their BSN quickly and prepares them well for the exam to get their license. Graduates of an ABSN program are able to practice based on both systems and evidence.
Through health education and promotion, they will be able to encourage people to live healthy lives. Most importantly, they will be able to advance in their careers and one day lead a group of people.
Program Length For ABSN vs. BSN
If you want to get a bachelor’s degree in nursing faster, you probably already have completed a college degree. A standard BSN takes about four years, or eight semesters, to finish. On the other hand, most accelerated BSN programs can be finished in less than two years.
For example, few universities offer accelerated nursing programs that can be finished in as little as 15 months. Students can finish the classes in just four semesters (versus spending four years in nursing school).
Different Courses For an ABSN and a BSN
You’ll be happy to know that even though the ABSN curriculum moves quickly, it doesn’t deviate from what you need to know to be able to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN Exam). The basic difference between the ABSN and BSN programs is that a traditional BSN student has to earn credits in general education while they are in school.
People in the ABSN program are expected to have already finished their general education credits, so these credits can be transferred. In the ABSN degree program, students take classes that are mostly about nursing because of this.
Content of an ABSN Program
The career aspects of students with BSN and ABSN programs are vast and bright. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing said in a report in 2021 that 77.4% of employers prefer BSN graduates and that 40.6% of healthcare facilities require a BSN.
In order to get their BSN, students in an ABSN program need to get 64 credits in their previous general studies and 56 credits alone in nursing. In order to finish their program, students need to achieve 120 credits. Students must have already taken a number of prerequisite courses, such as:
Microbiology
Sociology Statistics
Anatomy and physiology of Lifespan Development
Algebra for College Chemistry
Psychology in General, in English
Before you can start the career-focused ABSN classes, you have to finish these classes. If an ABSN student doesn’t have to take classes in general education, they can focus on learning and improving their nursing skills and knowledge.
Students take classes in Pharmacology and Nursing Fundamentals during their second term. Students take a variety of advanced and basic nursing courses in the following terms. Some of these classes, but not all, are:
Research on the Leadership and Management of Family Nursing
Care for your health
Trends in Health Policy for Nurses
Nursing for mental health
Students also have to finish a professional practice practicum. This lecture course has hands-on clinical work.
The Health Resources and Services Administration says that by 2030, the United States will need 3.6 million more registered nurses than it has now (2.8 million). People with a BSN are eligible to teach about health, give their patients expert care, lead care teams, and work in specialized nursing environments.
They can become registered nurses and, if they want, can even go on to study at a higher level. With their skills, nurses with a BSN can answer the urgent need for nurses in the American healthcare system.
If you want to get into the field quickly and already have a bachelor’s degree, you can confidently enroll in an accelerated BSN program, which is neither harder nor less in-depth. The ABSN program will help students get ready for a career in nursing and give them the skills they’ll need to give their patients great care.
I haven’t budgeted since the middle of the summer.
As someone who talks about how important it is to have a budget, it is embarrassing to share that.
I’ve written before about building a bedroom for my son, something that I couldn’t wait any longer to do. He was already nearly 13 and sharing a room with his two sisters, 8 and 10, and he needed his own space already. And I could only do it in the non rainy summer because in order to build it I needed to store the things that were in the stairwell outside during the construction.
But the summer was already an expensive one. I had promised my children to give them an enjoyable and meaningful summer and though I tried to keep costs down, the cost of the outings did add up.
Then I got into a car accident and totalled the car (not my fault), but was naive enough that I ended up paying a large chunk of money to the owner of the car even though I shouldn’t have, and that didn’t help my finances.
But despite those large expenses, the room still needed to be built. And while it was far cheaper than paying someone to do the construction for us, it still added up. By the time I was finished with the expenses of the room, I had not only depleted my emergency fund and the money I’d set aside for building the room, I also ended up needing to take money out of the money I’d set aside to buy my ex out of our house. And because of the time and energy spent on building the room, I wasn’t able to work so much.
Basically, I wasn’t in great shape financially.
And then I went through a few months of an emotional and physical breakdown (building the bedroom was not good for my body) where I was barely able to work. So my finances didn’t catch up to where they were before the summer.
I was terrified to see what my financial situation was. I spent what I did, trying to keep costs down, checking sporadically how much money I had in the bank, but didn’t calculate things or keep a detailed budget because I was sure I would hate what I saw and freak out.
Then I was approved for disability, so got a small chunk of money which got me out of that hole I was in. Because of inertia and having gotten out of habit of budgeting, I wasn’t tracking my income and expenses even when things were a little less scarily tight.
But today, I saw a post about starting off the new year right with budgeting. And I am opposed overall to new years resolutions since I don’t think they generally are great for people for a variety of reasons.
However, I needed to start budgeting again, and doing so at the beginning of a month is a convenient time, so took this as a call to action and finally went over my finances and updated my budget, and hopefully will track all my income and expenses now.
Who knows how long it’ll be until I fall off the bandwagon? All that matters, though, is that I get back on, even if it takes about 5 months to do so….
Does your family love to go hiking? If you are looking for hiking near Greenville this winter, you’ve come to the right spot! Here’s where to go hiking around Greenville this winter and what to bring.
Taking your kiddos on a hike in winter may seem like a crazy feat, but if the unpredictable upstate weather is in your favor it can be one of the best times to go. Cooler temperatures bring broader views, a change of scenery, less sweat, and fewer bugs. It makes hiking the tougher trails just a bit easier and also allows you to choose hikes that offer a view, rather than a water feature, as a payoff – something you wouldn’t opt for in the summer months. Get your camera ready and read on for a list of tips to help you and your little troops make the most of your adventure.
There may be an absence of lush greenery or fall color splendor you see in other seasons, but that doesn’t mean that hiking in winter is drab. In fact, you can expect to see things as you haven’t before. Fewer (or no) leaves on deciduous trees means that you can see through them for a view usually hidden. Expect to walk through a forest which feels much more open, and expect more lookout stops and panoramic mountain views, even from the valley trails. What you won’t see many of? Bugs. And snakes (usually).
Check out this beautiful photo taken from a forest trail in winter. You can see straight through the trees. This view is totally missed in warmer months.
Where to go for a winter hike in Greenville, SC
Choosing a hike is a fun task in winter. Since you won’t likely be playing in the water, you can choose trails that require more of a hike without the water attraction. For example, Raven Cliff Falls. Or choose a hike that is more strenuous than your usual picks. Top of Table Rock, anyone? Or maybe a dry mountaintop route usually shrouded in humidity.
With cooler temperatures, it will be a more pleasant trek than at other times of year. Alternatively, you may want to revisit your favorite hikes and compare the changes. We enjoy a few of the same trails year-round at Paris Mountain and my kids have fun pointing out the seasonal changes as we go along our familiar route. “Look at all the bird nests way up high in the empty trees!”
What to bring on a winter hike
It can be tempting to take less water or provisions during a cooler hike, but this is not advised. Treat each hike with the caution and preparation it deserves, taking more than enough food and water, and never leaving behind your first-aid or emergency supplies. You may never use the amount of water you bring (I recently finished a day-hike with my kids and still had four liters of water on my back) but it is as they say: better to be safe than sorry.
In addition to your regular provisions, be sure to pack chapstick, hand warmers, and an emergency blanket. A great winter staple to entice the littles to keep pushing on? Pack in a thermos of hot cocoa and they’ll surprise you with their determination. Or serve up the White Witch’s Hot Vanilla (from Chronicles of Narnia) in the crisp forest air. Recipes for Hot Vanilla can be found online or in The Unofficial Narnia Cookbook (uses a bit of cornstarch as a thickener and a dusting of nutmeg instead of cinnamon – my kids LOVE this recipe). Bonus: cook up some Turkish Delight and they’ll hike with you anywhere.
What to wear for a cool weather hike
Layers, layers, layers. Start with close-fitting thin base layers (tanks or tees), layer with long sleeves, then fleece, and finally a light or heavy jacket depending on the weather. Layers can be taken off or piled back on as needed during the hike. And they will need to be shed at certain points (uphill) and pulled on again (during a snack break). Layering makes it a breeze. Don’t forget hats, gloves, and wool socks for everyone.
And speaking of breezes, when planning your hike pay close attention to the wind chill or “feels like” temperature of your destination. Plan for a colder hike than forecasted. That wind can make all the difference between a gorgeous hike and a miserable munchkin troop.
We recently went to the top of Black Balsam Knob where the actual temperatures were in the upper twenties and the winds were gusting over 20mph. The hike was incredible! We experienced the thrill of clouds billowing through us and then lifting for blue skies, depositing a phenomenon called hard rime all over the trail. But we were FRIGID ourselves. My hair even had ice! Let’s just say, that was one of our prettiest and shortest hikes yet.
A note on unpredictability
The SC winter weather can vary greatly from sunny and mild, to chilly, to downright cold (like our frosty hike). There have even been hikes this January where my boys have been shirtless with their feet in the creek under a 78-degree sky! Watch the forecast for a mild window.
This hike is great in winter because you can see a whole lot further and you can’t play in the falls anyway. The waterfall is a long distance away from the overlook, you may want to bring binoculars.
Either enjoy the easy trail along the Saluda or head up the strenuous trail to Rainbow Falls. It is much easier (yet still a challenge!) to climb the steps in cooler weather and still enjoy a lunch by the cascading falls. *Check the website for trail closures as ice and cold temperatures may cause seasonal closures.
In winter, head up a more strenuous trail for an incredible view. The hike to the top of Table Rock is tough, but more do-able with cooler temps and the right provisions if you think your troops can manage. There is no water feature at the top, but the panoramic view is a huge pay-off. If the temps are below freezing though, I would not recommend going to the top since the steps to Governors Rock will be frozen over. Instead, hike the Carrick Creek loop.
The BRP is mostly closed during winter but you can actually walk those parts that are closed, which is really fun. Get a map and find intersections of the Parkway where you can park your car and then just walk the road. Or head to Pisgah Forest in Brevard, NC (near the BRP) and hike to Moore Cove Falls or on the Coontree Loop Trail.
Blue Wall Preserve is a beautiful, easy hike near Landrum, SC. It even passes by a pretty little waterfall. You’ll get a stunning view of the Blue Ridge Escarpment as it rises up above the ponds. Park in the lot and not on the street. The 2.7 mile trail is down and back with the option of taking a loop to view the waterfall around the backside of the second pond. This trail is free to use.
Waterfalls in the winter are a whole other experience than other times of year because you can just see so much more around them. I love waterfalls any time of year really but I like being able to see the falls from a bit further away. Our big waterfall list can help you decide where to go.
I ranted about this during a recent episode of Suburban Parents Talk. My bean has done a lot of different sports and extracurriculars, and I’m proud to say that I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve missed being there. I’ve gone to swimming lessons, hockey practices and games (even the super early ones that are crazily far away), tee ball, soccer, cooking classes, and more. And then, when everything suddenly stopped, I found that my son not only missed his sports but I did too.
When we came back I was invested more than ever. And I have been since. My phone usually only comes out to take photos or videos. I really make a point of not scrolling around on Facebook or getting into texting convos because all of that can wait one measly hour.
But I see the parents who just can’t seem to put their phones down. I’ve seen parents regrettably miss goals. I’ve seen kids look expectantly out into the sea of parents to get a small wave or wink from a parent only to find them absorbed in something on their screens.
If Covid has taught us anything, it’s that life is completely and totally unpredictable. So many lost so much in those two years, and parents did too – we lost time to watch our kids grow and have fun and enjoy sports and extra-curriculars. And that’s why now, more than ever, we need to put down our phones.
It’s for one hour.
Put it down.
And who knows: Maybe you could put it down during meal time too. But that’s a whole other rant *wink*.
A full-time work-from-home mom, Jennifer Cox (our “Supermom in Training”) loves dabbling in healthy cooking, craft projects, family outings, and more, sharing with readers everything she knows about being an (almost) superhero mommy.
Think bowling in Spartanburg sounds like a good family fun night? Perhaps you’ve been blessed with a rare night away from the kids and have no idea where to head once the babysitter takes over.
There’s a cool place in downtown Spartanburg that is perfect for both occasions, Underpin Lanes ‘N Lounge.
Spartanburg’s downtown is coming into its own and we couldn’t be more excited. Until recently, to spend time in an upscale bowling alley you’d have to travel to a larger city like Atlanta. Several years ago Greenville got their own boutique bowling alley in the form of Stone Pin Company.
Now one of the Co-owners of Stone Pin has been brought on board to bring that same kind of entertainment to the people of Spartanburg.
Not your typical bowling alley, UnderPin is intimately sized with just 8 lanes. This is good a good thing in my opinion because it keeps the noise level down. This can be helpful when you’re enjoying a date night or if you have a child with sensory issues. Even though the alley itself is small, the lanes are regulation size.
The other feature that sets them apart from a typical alley is their menu. Don’t worry; they have all the things you might expect at a bowling alley in the way of food. Things like nachos and quesadillas are elevated to a whole new level with the use of ingredients like brisket and pork belly. The menu includes burgers, wraps, salads, and a kids menu.
What Readers Are Saying About Underpin
Everybody who visits the alley seems to love it!
We’ve been, great food and atmosphere. Can’t wait to go back.
Karen M.
Super Friendly staff and really cute décor. It is pretty small inside and I’m not sure how I felt about the pins being in wires butttt overall I had a really great experience there.
Morgan W.
Things to Know When You Visit Underpin
If you are planning on heading out, here’s the info you’ll
need to know to snag a lane.
Reservations are only allowed for large parties and private events. If you are thinking of having a large group of friends join you, the alley has a nice semi-private area where your group can hang out with their own lanes. All other guests are first-come, first-serve access to the lanes.
Lanes are rented out by the hour and those super chic shoes will cost you $4 to borrow. A lane accommodates up to 6 players. Playing on a Friday or Saturday night from 5 pm – 10 pm will cost you more than any other time of the week. The peak rate for those times is $40 per hour on a lane, the rest of the time lanes are $24 an hour.
Initial Q: Social Bar & Smokehouse is open above UnderPin and you can enjoy a sit-down dinner upstairs, then head downstairs to bowl. The menu at Initial Q is the same type of elevated fare you see at Underpin. It’s not the typical BBQ meal you find in most places.
There was one thing my husband and I vowed when we had our son almost six years ago: no sleeping in our bed. And he never did. Not even once. Until he was 4… and I decided that I wanted to sleep with him. I wanted to cuddle him and fall asleep to the sound of his methodical breathing. And I figured, “I’m allowed. He’s mine. I can do whatever I want.”
So I let him.
Now I know what you’re thinking: the end of the story is that I have a 6-year-old kid who won’t leave my bed. True… but it’s not because of him. It’s because of me.
I love it. I love co-sleeping.
My husband does shift work, and it’s never the same shift, and quite selfishly, I sleep better when it’s my son and I. We have the same early-to-bed, early-morning routine, so it works better for me. My hubby graciously takes the bean’s bed, and he and I share the bigger bed.
I still test the waters and make sure he’s still okay sleeping on his own, so he’s most definitely not in my bed every night. And he’s fine – he knows that if he starts making a fuss about always sleeping with us that we’ll put an end to it forever. So he’ll casually ask over dinner, “Am I allowed to sleep in your bed tonight,” and if we answer, “No, bud, tonight you sleep in your bed,” he concedes no problem.
I know I will only get to sleep with my son for so long, to cuddle him and hold his hand while I drift off to sleep. So if I can, and it isn’t hurting anyone (like making him more dependant or less of a good sleeper), I’m gonna.
A full-time work-from-home mom, Jennifer Cox (our “Supermom in Training”) loves dabbling in healthy cooking, craft projects, family outings, and more, sharing with readers everything she knows about being an (almost) superhero mommy.
What is the top 100 makar Sankranti quotes you will ever find? As a Hindu holiday, Makar Sankranti occurs yearly in sync with the sun’s orbit.
What is special about Makar Sankranti? On January 14, we celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of longer days as the sun enters the zodiac sign Makara (Capricorn). The festival’s roots can be traced back to Gujarat, and it is celebrated there with great fervor.
On this day, friends and neighbors gather together to enjoy a day of friendly kite-flying competitions, rooftop dance parties, and bonfires. In addition to traditional treats like jalebi, fafda, and undhiyu, they want sweets made of gud (jaggery) and til (sesame).
People believe that anything they start or do on this day will be successful, so it is regarded as a lucky day. Makar Sankranti is the name given to this festival in the western Indian states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, but it is also known and celebrated under other names all over India.
For instance, in North India (right after Lohri) is known as Maghi; in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana it is known as Pedda Pandaga; in Assam, it is known as Magh; and in Tamil Nadu, it is known as Pongal.
We’ve gathered a collection of inspiring quotes and messages to help you share your joy with your loved ones during this holiday season. Share your joy for this year’s celebration of Makar Sankranti by sending these greeting cards to your loved ones.
On this auspicious day of Makar Sankranti, I wish you to have all peace and prosperity, Let this festival brings endless happiness to you and your family, Wish you Happy Pongal!
What is Makar Sankranti in simple words?
Makar means Capricorn and Sankranti means transition.
Why do we celebrate Sankranti 10 points?
The change of the sun into Capricorn.
Why wear black on Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti is considered a day of happiness and prosperity by Hindus.
“May this Makar Sankranti bring in new hopes and a fruitful harvest for you. Happy Makar Sankranti”
“Look at the brighter side of life, it’s so pleasant and sees the Sun smiling for you & birds singing for you. Happy Makar Sankranti”
“With great devotion, fervor, and vivacity, with rays of hope and light, we wish you a very Happy Makar Sankranti”
“As the sun starts its northward journey, let’s come together and celebrate this season of opulence with love, peace, and joy. Wish you a very Happy Makar Sankranti”
“Explore out the brightest light coming from the sun rays and enjoy this gentle breeze & cool air with hearty music. Wish you a very Happy Makar Sankranti”
Makar Sankranti Messages
May we all be blessed with joy and prosperity on this Makar Sankranti. Wish you and your loved ones a happy Uttarayan!
This year, I hope the rising sun of Makar Sankranti fills your life with happy moments. Wishing you a very happy Makar Sankranti!
May the Sun God bring fills your life and home with sunshine and happiness. Happy Makar Sankranti!
Sending you warm greetings on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti! Have a great day.
Makar Sankranti is a new beginning of a new destination, happiness or sorrow. Wish you a happy Makar Sankranti!
It’s time to enjoy the first festival of the year. Wishing you a prosperous and delightful Makar Sankranti!
We wish you a very happy Makar Sankranti! Sending love, luck and joy from our family to yours.
Makar Sankranti SMS
May passion, happiness, and success fill your life. Happy Makar Sankranti!
I wish to bless you with a good harvest, peace, and prosperity, this Makar Sankranti! Happy Makar Sankranti.
May your life be filled with the sweetness of til and gud. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Makar Sankranti!
It’s time to enjoy the first festival of the year. Wishing you a prosperous and delightful Makar Sankranti!
Gudd, til da mausam aaya, Makar Sankranti nu saath laaya! Makar Sankranti diyaan lak lakh vadaiyaan!
Makar Sankranti Quotes
Now let us straight away dive into the quotes:
“The sun of Makar Sankranti inspires us to always believe in goodness and always have faith in life…. Best wishes on Makar Sankranti to you.” – Unknown.
“I spent a lot of winters in my childhood flying kites with my brother, with my cousins, with friends in the neighborhood. It’s what we did in the winter. Schools close down. There was not much to do.” –Khaled Hosseini
-“Friends were hundred, kites were none, this was the time when I was young. Now the kites are hundred, friends are none, sitting under the sun.” –Yash Gupta
“Runaway again fly for that childhood kite.” –Chandni Negi
“Childhood memories of flying a kite, of my feet on the ground, of my spirit untethered, of the playful wind, of rooftop cries, of joy and curses, of a day ever to remember.” –Norma D Mahanty
“True courage is like a kite; a contrary wind raises it higher.” –Jean Antoine Petit–Sennpetit–Senn
“It is time to harness the breeze and enjoy flying a kite. With so much happening in a day, it could be a perfect weekend getaway for everyone in the family.” -Anonymous.
“Chase your fantasies in the sky; no one can really tell when these fantasies rise high like a kite.” – Unknown.
“In the embrace’s release, I caught the scent again. Unmistakable. Marijuana. These homos were high as kites.” –Emily M. Danforth
I am a kite in a tornado, but I have a long string.” –Karen Marie Moning
I hope you enjoyed the list of makar Sankranti quotes in English. How do you say Happy Makar Sankranti in English? These are the ways to express.
Regional Variation Of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti, which occurs a day after Lohri, is also celebrated widely throughout India, though the celebrations tend to be more intense in North India. This celebration heralds the arrival of warmer weather, the beginning of harvest time, and the end of the long, dark days of winter.
People from all over the world come to pray to the Sun by bathing in the Ganges. Kites rule the skies in many regions of northern India, and tasty treats like Til Ke Laddoo are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
On the day of Makar Sankranti, January 14, the International Kite Festival takes place, making it one of the biggest celebrations in India. Ahmedabad, in the state of Gujarat, is frequently the site of the annual Kite Festival. The celebration is known as Uttarayan. So, on this happy occasion of Makar Sankranti, please share these warm wishes with your friends and family.
The Indian subcontinent celebrates it in a variety of ways. Many worship the Sun God by bathing in holy sites like Ganga Sagar (Surya). Sankranti (Pongal in Tamil Nadu) is a major holiday in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, and Maghi (also known as Lohri) is celebrated with great fanfare in Punjab.
There are many melas, or fairs, held on Makar Sankranti, the most famous of which is the Kumbha Mela, which takes place once every 12 years at one of four holy locations: Haridwar, Prayag (Prayagraj), Ujjain, and Nashik. Magha Mela (a smaller version of the annual Kumbh Mela held in Prayag) and Gangasagar Mela (held at the head of the Ganges River, where it flows into the Bay of Bengal).
Odisha’s Makar Mela. Tusu Mela, also known as Tusu Porab, is a festival celebrated all over Jharkhand and some parts of West Bengal. This celebration has nothing to do with the Poush Mela that takes place on the seventh day of Poush in Shantiniketan, West Bengal.
At Muktsar Sahib in Punjab, the annual Mela Maghi commemorates the forty Sikh martyrs (Chalis Mukte) who sacrificed their lives to defend Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhism. Guru Amar Das, the third Guru of the Sikhs, documented the celebration before it became customary.
Makar Sankranti Greetings For Family Members
How do you greet someone on Makar Sankranti? These are some of the popular ways to greet:
Dear sister, happy Makar Sankranti wishes for you with love. Let this festival bring in prosperity and wealth in your life with a good harvest to dwell on.
For my brother, sending good Makar Sankranti wishes for you. I send gifts to celebrate the harvest festival well and hope you love them.
To dearest brother, happy Makar Sankranti wishes for you. I hope your crops provide high yields and good grains to give more profits during the sale.
For a cute friend, happy Makar Sankranti wishes for you. I would be there beside you soon to celebrate the festival of harvest together by lighting bonfire and making merry.
To dear cousin, sending happy and funny Makar Sankranti best wishes with love. Do pray the harvest Lord to bless the crops with prosperity and good earnings throughout.
Makar Sankranti Quotes In Hindi
सपनों को लेकर मन में, उड़ायेंगे पतंग आसमान में, ऐसी भरेगी उड़ान मेरी पतंग, जो भर देगी जीवन में खुशियों की तरंग।
छू लो आप ज़िन्दगी की सारी कामयाबी, जैसे पतंग छूती है ऊँचाइयाँ आसमान की। मकर सक्रांति की हार्दिक शुभ कामनायें
तिल हम हैं और गुड़ आप मिठाई हम हैं और मिठास आप साल के पहले त्यौहार से हो रही है आज शुरुआत आपको हमारी तरफ से हैप्पी मकर संक्रांति
मिठे मिठे गुड़ में मिल गया TiL, उड़ी पतंग और खिल गया DiL… चलो उड़ाये पतंग सबलोग Mil… Happy Uttarayan
खुले आसमान में जमी से बात न करो.. ज़ी लो ज़िंदगी ख़ुशी का आस न करो.. हर त्यौहार में कम से कम हमे न भूला करो.. फ़ोन से न सही मैसेज से ही संक्राति विश किया करो !!
Significance of Makara Sankranti
Since the spiritual significance of Makara Sankranti is widely acknowledged, many devotees visit holy rivers on this day, including the Ganges, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. It is believed that by taking a ritual bath one can earn merit or be forgiven for past wrongdoings. In addition, they offer prayers of thanks to the sun, which they believe is responsible for their abundant fortune.
Indian Hindus have a tradition of making sesame (til) and a sugar base like jaggery into sticky, bound sweets (gud, gur, gul). This candy represents the spirit of harmony and happiness that can exist among people of different backgrounds and perspectives.
This time of year coincides with the early stages of the Rabi crop and agricultural cycle across most of India when the majority of the hard work in the fields has been completed. In Gujarat, the festival is celebrated by flying kites, but elsewhere it is a time for gathering with friends and family, tending to the cattle, and lighting bonfires.
The solar festival of Makara Sankranti is celebrated across India under a variety of names, but always on or around the same day. Various regions of India celebrate it under different names: Pedda Panduga in Andhra Pradesh; Makara Sankranti in Karnataka, Telangana, and Maharashtra; Pongal in Tamil Nadu; Magh Bihu in Assam; Magha Mela in some regions of central and north India; as Makar Sankranti in the west; as Makar Sankranti or Shankaranti in Kerala.
Final Thoughts On makar sankranti quotes
These were the top happy makar Sankranti quotes. Sankranti is known by many different names across India but is celebrated with equal fervor and enthusiasm everywhere. Join your friends and family in reveling in the joy of this spectacular holiday.
On this joyous occasion, you can help a virtual family member feel closer to you by sending them your best wishes. Don’t keep these incredible Happy Makar Sankranti Images, Makar Sankranti Wishes, Makar Sankranti Greetings, Makar Sankranti Messages, Makar Sankranti SMS to yourself; instead, send them to all your loved ones.
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Ellaberry Llama Farm is a completely unique farm in Hendersonville, NC, about an hour north of Greenville, SC, that lets guests interact in ways they likely haven’t experienced with a llama before!
Media tickets were given for this experience.
I love llamas and alpacas and big, fluffy animals. I am also an avid hiker. So when I heard of a farm in Hendersonville that lets you hike with a llama and actually play with them and get up close, I was practically in my car driving up there already.
Ellaberry Llama Farm is so much more than a farm though. This place not only has a very unique history but the family who owns the farms and its llamas are amazing. Plus, what they let guests do at the farm when it comes to interacting with their llamas is the stuff dreams are made of.
About Ellaberry Llama Farm
The farm sits on more than 100 acres of farmland and is actually a sixth generation apple farm. They aren’t a u-pick apple orchard though. Their apples are for processing, which means they get made into applesauce and baby food that you’ll likely see in a grocery store.
The farm is surrounded by gentle hills and sits at the foot of Bearwallow Mountain. While we went during the winter time and the apple trees were bare, they are full of blooms in the spring and only add to the beauty of the farm.
The agritourism llama venture started out of creative necessity. When Hendersonville got hit with a late frost last year, the apple orchards in the area lost most of their crops. Ellaberry Farm was no different. But they did have llamas and these llamas were trained with human interaction – which I’ll get to in a minute – so the idea was thrown out there to open the farm for tours. Guests would get to interact with the llamas on the farm tour and if they wanted to hike, that would also be an option. Well, the idea thankfully caught on and here I am writing about these fluffy and loveable creatures.
The farm currently has 26 llamas, including an adorable fluffy baby llama.
How Llamas Got on the Farm
The Justice family (not to be confused with the other Justus family with the awesome weatherman and apple orchard) has four kids who are all homeschooled. The oldest, Allie, fell in love with llamas when she was 10 years old and the neighbors had llamas. Her sister also adored llamas and their dad, being the great father he is, decided to get a couple llamas. They had the farm and the space and barn so it worked out.
But that wasn’t enough for Allie, now 17 years old. She learned how to care for llamas through the instruction of her llama-loving neighbors and became quite the expert. She worked with her local 4H group on caring for them and then started showing them at llama contests around the country. They probably aren’t called llama contests but these are basically to show how awesome your llama is and they can win prizes for the best llama. Allie’s llamas were champs and she came home with lots of ribbons. To train the llamas to do this well, Allie has to work with them constantly, like twice a day on doing all the cool llama things they need to do to get first prize.
This kind of constant interaction lends itself to some very attentive llamas who interact well with humans. They are gentle and full of personality and oh-so-cute and fluffy. Allie also knows a lot about llamas, way more than my mind could possibly remember at once. I remember that they have three stomachs, that she taught them not to spit at people, that females are pregnant for a year, and that they have soft padding on their feet, which look like sheep feet. I promise you’ll learn a lot of interesting llama facts when you go to the farm.
Interacting with the Llamas
We did the farm tour llama experience and got to do a short jaunt in the woods with the llamas to see how that part of the trek works. But the majority of our experience was the farm tour, which was amazing. Calling it a tour is not the right word. This was more of an unforgettable experience than anything. Honestly, when can you run with a llama through an obstacle course together? That’s more than a tour.
You’ll learn a lot on the llama tour as the Justice family takes you either on a school bus or a tractor ride over the barn to meet the llamas. You’ll learn about the history of the farm and about llamas themselves and how to interact with them.
Once you get to the barn, you are free to pet the llamas, take photos, and just enjoy their fluffiness. You can hug them and talk to them and ask questions of the tour guides, Donna and her husband, Jason, and of course, Allie. We got to give the llamas little treats also and some of them gave us llama kisses. No llama drama here.
Playing on the Obstacle Course
After you get to know the llamas a bit, you’ll lead them on their leash over to the obstacle course ring. This is a big sandy, enclosed ring that has fun obstacles like a pool noodle slide through thing, a balance beam, crates to step over and through, a tunnel, and things to jump over with your llama.
The llama follows your lead here so you have to do all the obstacles with your llama. This was beyond fun. It was like being a kid again except better because you had a llama with you!
You can trade your llama for another llama and do the course again. You can even try some jumping obstacles with your llama, which is harder than it looks because you have to jump while trying to get your llama to come with you and jump themselves. They all have very different personalities and some llamas are all like, “nah, I want to watch you jump and I’ll walk calmly around the obstacle”. Others are all into it and will jump along with you. This was so fun and myself and my kids really had a blast playing with our llamas.
Llama Therapy
All this llama cuddling and playing got me wondering if llama therapy is a thing and sure enough, it is, although not very widespread or studied yet. Llamas are charismatic megafauna, a term biologists use for bigger animals like tigers, pandas, orcas, or polar bears that have a wide appeal to humans. Llamas are technically in that category but even cooler because humans can safely cuddle and play with them and they can be incorporated into therapeutic uses.
Ellaberry Llama Farm doesn’t have an official llama therapy program but they do host groups that have suffered trauma in the past or have disabilities and welcome them to do all the things with the llamas that they are comfortable with. Ellaberry also takes llamas to local nursing homes so residents can interact with the llamas and as you can probably guess, the residents love it.
From my own personal experience with these llamas, I can tell you I left the farm feeling more relaxed and carefree than I had been when I first got there. These llamas made me ridiculously happy, almost as happy as baby goats do – readers know that is a high bar to reach since I just love baby goats so, so much.
Hiking with Llamas
Since Ellaberry Llama Farm is situated on more than 100 acres, they have miles of trails they use for their llama hikes. We hiked a bit of one of the trails just to see what it was like and really, if you love hiking and llamas, this tour needs to go on your bucket list.
The farm offers two trail options: a one to one and a half hour trek and a longer two hour moderate hike. Each hiker gets their own llama partner and the llama can carry a small pack with water and snacks if needed.
Llamas are excellent hikers with sure footing. If you’ve ever hiked one of the trails to Mt. Leconte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you may have seen the llamas carrying supplies up and down the trails to the lodge. My kids and I got to see the llamas once when we were out there and it was so cool.
The llamas are very well-trained and my kids had no issues walking with them even though the llamas are way taller and bigger. The animals are just so sweet and fun. I got such joy seeing the faces of my kids as they cuddled with their llamas and played with them.
Special Events with Llamas
Ellaberry Llama Farm offers birthday parties and other special events right on their farm. The birthday party option is 1.5 hours and includes 15 kids plus the birthday child. They have picnic tables for parents to bring a birthday cake or cupcakes. Kids will get to run through the obstacle course with their llama and have the option to take lots of photos at photo booths at the farm.
The farm can also bring llamas to you! They will take llamas to daycares, schools, birthday parties off site, weddings, nursing homes – you name it. Contact the farm directly for more info.
Booking Your Llama Experience
Ready to go have fun with llamas at Ellaberry? To book your own llama experience, contact Donna Justice directly at [email protected] or 828.606.3577.
You can also follow Ellaberry Llama Farm on Facebook as they will post when they have slots open for tours and hikes.
Tickets for the farm tour are $20/person. For the llama hikes, a minimum of four hikers are required for each hike and the shorter hike costs $50/person while the longer one is $75/person.
The farm is open all year round. Be sure to dress for the weather in whatever season you go and bring sunscreen in the summer.
Things to do Nearby
While you can’t take the llamas up to Bearwallow Mountain, you can definitely fit in a hike there while you’re visiting Ellaberry Llama Farm. The hike is a moderate two-mile hike with sweeping 360 degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s stunning.
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are only 20 minutes away from Ellaberry as well, where you can visit the free Flowering Bridge, stroll through the Chimney Rock Village, or take a hike at Chimney Rock State Park.
During apple picking season, you will have no problems finding an apple orchard nearby to pick your own apples. The farm is very close to several big apple orchards.
And if you visit during the wintertime and want to add on a few hours of snow tubing, Black Bear Snow Tubing is less than 15 minutes away.
If you’re looking for more fun in Hendersonville, including lots of free/cheap activities, check out our Hendersonville Guide.
There’s More to Love in Hendersonville, NC
Ellaberry Llama Farm: Make Your Llama Dreams Come True in Hendersonville, NC
Lots of Winter Family Fun at Black Bear Snow Tubing in Hendersonville, NC
Are you looking for things to do this month or even this weekend in Greenville, SC? From concerts to shows to children’s programming, festivals, and free events, there is almost always a great answer when you’re searching for things to do near you, at least there is when you live in South Carolina’s Upstate!
Never be bored and never miss an event your family will love! We’re highlighting some of the coolest, most unique, most interesting, and most popular events this month. But, don’t forget to check out our FULL event calendar for even more amazing options. Here’s what to do this month near Greenville, SC.
We love free things to do! The events below happening in the Upstate are all “free” meaning they have no admission charge to attend. Kwanzaa at CAAAM, Clemson, December 27th – 29th, 2022
Do you know about Lawson Academy of the Arts at Converse University? The academy is an amazing resource for music education and the performing arts in the Upstate, South Carolina community. At Lawson your children can take private lessons and group lessons on a variety of instruments, but the thing that makes this music teacher and homeschooling mama’s heart sing is the music ensemble opportunities they offer.
Our family has been a part of Lawson Band for several years and I want to make sure every upstate family knows about the amazing opportunities at Lawson.
This review is 100% a review from a thankful mom. Lawson Academy is not a Kidding Around sponsor and nothing was given in exchange for this review.
What Does Lawson Academy Offer?
Lawson Academy at Converse University offers music and performing arts opportunities for the Upstate’s students, including:
Private lessons on wind, brass and string instruments
Group guitar lessons
Vocal study- private lessons and group study
Strings ensemble
3 levels of Band
Piano
Fine Arts Day Camp
Private ballet lessons
The Importance of Music Ensembles for Young Musicians
As a music teacher with 15 years of teaching experience including both private instruction and ensemble teaching, I wanted to make sure that even though my kids are homeschooled they have the opportunity to play their instruments with other musicians in an ensemble.
A complete music education includes ensemble playing. Why are private lessons not enough? Because music is social and it’s more fun with others! Playing in an ensemble requires a completely different skill set than playing alone. Students have to learn to follow a conductor and listen to each other in order to play together. They develop an ear for intonation and pitch matching that cannot be done alone. They develop humility, learn to encourage, and grow their ability to work with others. Very, very little musical literature was written for a solo instrument with no accompaniment. All the parts are needed to hear and play the music the way it was written.
And, I have to say, there is something completely out of this world about playing in an ensemble enveloped in layers of sound all blending together to create something beautiful, knowing that your sound is mixing in and part of that creation. All musicians, of all levels, can experience that. And, in my opinion, they really should. Students can start developing ensemble skills from day 1 of playing an instrument.
Please, don’t overlook this part of a well-rounded music education.
Lawson Band
I’m a band mom. I am a private violin teacher and a former school orchestra teacher, but, the hat I wear for this article is band mom. This is the bulk of our experience at Lawson and so I’ll focus my review on band. However, I’ll say upfront that based on what I have seen of Lawson, I would not hesitate to participate in any of their programs.
My son has been playing trumpet in Lawson Band for the last 4 years. He’s played in all 3 levels of band offered at Lawson: beginner, intermediate and advanced. From the very beginning, I have been hugely impressed with the instruction they offer, their flexibility and the creativity of instrumentation in ensembles year after year, all point to flat out giving each and every student the best possible experience they can, always.
In addition to the Lawson Band ensemble, my son has been able to participate in other opportunities because of his involvement with Lawson including auditioning for region bands and participating in the honor band clinic at Limestone University. These experiences are made possible because of the fabulous dedication of the teachers at Lawson. Opportunities like these are only available to students of members of the South Carolina Band Directors Association. And so, Lawson is opening doors for homeschool students who would not otherwise be able to participate in these other experiences, too.
I cannot say enough how thankful I am for these opportunities for my son. Lawson Band is hands down, no reservation, a true gem of music education in our community.
Who Can Join Lawson Band?
Lawson Band is open to any student in grades 3 through 12. The beginning band, as the name implies, starts at the very beginning; how to open the case, put the instrument together and get sound out. Your child doesn’t need any prior experience. After a year, students move up to the intermediate group and from there move to the advanced group based on skill.
If your child already plays an instrument, Lawson will place them in the ensemble where they can be most successful. My son entered band halfway through the year and jumped in with the beginner ensemble for the spring semester. The following year he moved up with his bandmates to the intermediate group.
The place to start is the Lawson Academy website. Parents can see the wide variety of offerings available for their students at Lawson and register for fall semester classes. You can also register by calling 864.596.9022.
Lawson Academy of the Arts 580 East Main Street, Spartanburg 864.596.9022
Thinking about getting tickets to Monster Jam in Greenville, SC? Monster Jam is back in Greenville, SC January 7-8, 2023. Maybe your life is ready for some thrilling entertainment or maybe you need something that is perfectly safe for you, yet still feels a little dangerous. Or, perhaps you just have some kids who LOVE anything with an engine and wheels? Try Monster Jam! Here is everything you need to know about the show!
Complimentary tickets were given to make this review possible. All opinions expressed are my own. This post contains affiliate links and has been updated with 2023 dates and costs.
What is Monster Jam?
Monster Jam is a live sporting event competition featuring seven monster trucks. It showcases the trucks’ abilities to crush cars, fly through the air, and spin. The Monster Jam in Greenville consists of three main events:
The wheelie contest: judges score the trucks on the most impressive jump over a line of three cars
Truck racing: trucks jump over the line of cars while trying to be the first to cross the finish line
Freestyle: each driver is given 60 seconds to perform whatever stunts he wants; this event is also scored by judges
These trucks are massive at approximately 12 feet tall and wide. The tires are 66 inches and weight at least 10,000 pounds. The trucks can travel up to 100 MPH and they can fly up to 125 to 130 feet out at up to 35 feet in the air. This is an amazing show that’s really an experience your kids will talk about for a long time.
The performance previously also included dirt bike and quad bike (four-wheeler) stunts and races.
How long is Monster Jam?
The show officially began at 7:00 pm, but there were pre-show activities for at least 30 minutes before the show began. The show concluded right before 9:00 pm. There is a 15-minute intermission when “construction” trucks smooth the dirt arena and move the crushed cars. (This may have been the most fascinating part of the show for my son.)
Pit Party
The Pit Party happens Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 am. In order to attend the Pit Party you must have a ticket to the 1 pm show, as well as an add-on ticket Pit Pass. At the Pit Party you will walk down on the arena floor and get to view the trucks up close, as well as meet drivers. There’s an opportunity for photos and autographs. Pit Party passes are $20/each.
There are also post-event Meet & Greet tickets available for $40/each after each show.
What Happens During the Monster Jam Show
Monster Jam is definitely a unique experience! We brought our five-year-old son, who was very excited to see the huge trucks. All of the trucks have sensational designs and paint jobs, and the drivers do a good job of getting the audience involved and cheering. I must say that I was truly impressed by the power and ability of the trucks, as well as the skill and daring of the drivers.
After each of the three events, the winning driver was presented with an award, which he then gave to his “biggest fan” in the crowd. I noticed that kids who had made signs for their favorite truck were easy for the driver to spot. So if you want the chance to bring home a (free) memento, make a sign! (Souvenirs are available for purchase in the lobby, if you want to be sure to have something to bring home.)
Honestly, though, my favorite part of the show was the dirt bike stunts. The bikers sped up a ramp and then executed impressive aerial acrobatics before landing. The dirt bikes only made one appearance, but I think we would have loved to see more of them.
TIPS: Know Before You Go to Monster Jam
1 – Monster Jam is LOUD. Like, you can hear the trucks from outside the stadium if you’re standing across the street. Ear protection is a must. The music is loud, the engines are loud, and the announcer is loud.
2 – Get ear protection before you go or buy them at the arena. You can find affordable ear protection muffs for children at a sports store such as Dick’s Sporting Goods or on Amazon (see a list of ear protection options). Many parents I know recommend using both earplugs and earmuffs. It is really ear-splitting loud and you can’t be too careful protecting your children’s ears.
3- If you have a child who is sensitive to loud noises, don’t take them. The rumbling is crazy loud and can scare smaller kids or those sensitive to this type of noise.
4 – Sometimes between events, the momentum dips and kids can lose focus. You know your kid and if sitting for a longer period of time is hard, perhaps consider this event for when they are older.
5 – It’s chilly because the arena needs to be ventilated (no one wants to breathe in all that exhaust) so be prepared with a scarf, heavy jacket, etc.
6 – Try to get your tickets before you arrive for the event. The longest lines at the arena are the box office lines. Plus, you’ll save a lot of money in Ticketmaster fees if you buy direct at the Bon Secours Arena box office.
7 – Do bring: cash for parking, cash for anything you might buy at the arena, a camera, and a sign for your favorite truck. Do not bring food or drink. Only clear bags are allowed in the area.
8 – Sometimes one of the Monster Trucks will show up in a public place in Greenville the day of the first show. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram as we will post where and when it is if that happens. It’s free!
9 – Anyone ages 2 and up need a ticket so plan for that when purchasing tickets.
Who should go to Monster Jam?
I noticed a lot of kids at the arena, and it is definitely a kid-friendly show. I wouldn’t recommend the show for very small children, but everyone that I saw from 4 years to 75 years enjoyed the event. (If your child is frightened by roaring engines or cars getting smashed, then Monster Jam is not for him.)
If you want to see the trucks up close, consider buying your tickets for Saturday with the Pit Pass add-on. This special pass will allow you to go into the Pit with the drivers and see the trucks up close before the show.
The 2023 Monster Jam Show in Greenville is:
Saturday January 7th at 1 pm (Pit Party at 10:30 am)
Saturday January 7th at 7 pm
Sunday January 8th at 1 pm (Pit Party at 10:30 am)
Tickets start at $25, Pit Passes are $20, and are sold at The Well Box Office, Ticketmaster.com, and by calling Ticketmaster at 1.800.745.3000.
Soon after my toddler was diagnosed with ADHD (and with an extremely high score), we were told to expect a home visit from Cal, the child psychologist who would teach us behavior management strategies to use with Kip. Though my son’s diagnosis left us downcast, scared, and uncertain about the future, we at least had vital information. And knowing that a behavior management plan was in the works made me feel I was not navigating entirely in the dark.
In the weeks leading up to his first home visit, Cal asked us to keep a diary of Kips’ behaviors. But I couldn’t do it. I really tried, but it was impossible.
I tried to explain this to Cal, who listened sympathetically and patiently as I timidly handed him 25 pages of illegible scribble. He looked at my crumpled pages and asked if they were labeled for each day.
“That’s just one day,” I said, mildly. “Half a day, actually.”
Boundless Hyperactive Energy on Display
Finally, the day of the home visit came. I’d been mentally prepping myself all morning. This will be positive! Cal will offer a new perspective and wonderful strategies. We’d have a cup of tea; chat; Cal will interact with Kip and watch his behavior. He knows kids, right?
As Cal pulled into our driveway, Kip raced out the door toward his car before it had made a full stop. Cal greeted us with his easy smile, gently reminded Kip about the dangers of rushing towards a moving car, and asked me if we could sit, chat, and observe Kip.
“Great,” I said, going to check the kettle. I was feeling as enthusiastic as Kip appeared to be. Really good start, I thought optimistically.
But Kip, so excited to have a visitor to entertain, decided that he wanted to get the tea bags ready for us. So he shot toward the house, wrenched open the sliding door with a bang, vaulted a chair to get in first, and, in all his hurry, knocked the kitchen sugar bowl to the floor.
“Whoops, sorry,” he called over his shoulder.
He grabbed the jar of tea bags, pulled out two bags, and slammed the lid shut while I cleaned up the sugar on the floor. Without looking, he reached quickly behind himself to put the jar back in its usual place on the shelf. But he missed, and the jar fell, knocking down the salt, pepper, and other herb bottles.
Cal tried to speak. “Whoa! Slow down, mate!” No effect whatsoever.
While I picked up jars and bottles and made apologetic gestures to Cal, Kip was busy getting mugs for our tea. He was so ridiculously exuberant, and although he was always this ‘helpful’ and fast, he seemed to have completely lost his mind with Cal’s visit.
When Toddler Hyperactivity Intensifies
Kip grabbed two mugs, kicked the cupboard door shut with a bang, and turned without looking. He tripped on the edge of the mat and fell face first to the floor. One mug rolled across the floor and the other smashed into his chin and lip as he fell.
Cal made a startled noise. I didn’t. This was a pretty normal morning for us.
Blood dripped from Kip’s bottom lip, onto his shirt, and to the floor. But Kip simply leapt up, wiped his mouth on his sleeve and glanced at me. “Whoops,” he said.
I cleaned his lip, checked that his teeth were intact, rubbed arnica on his chin (for two seconds, because that’s all he stood still for), and went back to the kitchen to clean up the blood and pick up the mugs. All the while, I tried to smile and make small talk about the weather and traffic so Cal would feel comfortable.
Kip, who was talking nonstop from the moment Cal arrived, went straight back to the cupboard, determined to help set us up for tea. Along with his insane amounts of energy, Kip could focus on a task while constantly talking and changing subjects, from tea to dogs to the weather to cars and to games.
Before Kip could open the cupboard door again, I gave him an ice pack to hold to his lip, which was now black, blue, and swollen. Perhaps having only one hand free would slow him down. Good idea? Maybe. (These thoughts raced through my mind as I desperately attempted to keep conversation flowing in Cal’s direction.) Still, Kip grabbed two new mugs with his free hand and slammed them down on our table once more. He tossed a tea bag into each mug and madly heaped a large teaspoon of sugar into each (whether Cal took sugar seemed to be irrelevant) while spilling sugar all over the place.
Finally, the kettle whistled – and Kip instantly leapt toward to the stove.
This was what finally propelled Cal into action. He jumped forward ahead of Kip, reached for the kettle of boiling water, and said (much more loudly than he intended), “I’ve got it!” Crisis averted. We finally got the cups of tea poured.
I grabbed Kip mid-stride to hold him still for a second and sent him outside to run off a little bit of energy. Kip, legs already moving, happily yelled, “Okey-dokey, but Mum, I’ve got lots of energy today!”
Outside he sprinted, threw a ball to the dog, climbed over chairs, and swung around the bar of the rotary clothesline, all while saying things like, “Watch me! Did you see that?”; “There’s a crow!”; “It’s cloudy today!”; “How fast does Cal’s car go?!”
This gave me time to hand Cal his tea. (I hoped he liked sugar.) I took a deep breath as soon as we sat down, yet before we were able to take our first sip of tea, the back door flew open. Kip had returned, skidding to a halt right in front of us.
“Can Cal play with me now?” Kip asked.
Cal was beginning to get an inkling of our everyday life.
Lessons from Raising a Hyperactive, Neurodivergent Child
This was at the beginning of our journey, 20 years ago. Since then, I’ve learned the following lessons to manage daily life with a neurodivergent child:
Keep a sense of humor. Learn to laugh at yourself.
Remember: If it won’t matter in five years’ time, it doesn’t matter now.
What other people think doesn’t matter; we’re not here to please them.
Surround yourself with people who are positive and full of praise and understanding, not judgment.
One awkward event doesn’t last that long.
The relationship you have with your child lasts forever.
Signs of ADHD in Toddlers: Next Steps
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Are you thinking about snow tubing at Black Bear Snow Tubing in Hendersonville, NC? Western North Carolina has great snow tubing and Black Bear Snow Tubing is a stellar option for families! They have a huge mountain to get your winter in high gear with a fun snow tubing trip for the whole family! We took a trip up to try out that snow-tubing mountain and it was so much fun! Now we have all the details to share so you can plan your trip!
Media tickets were provided for this review and the opinions are solely those of the author.
While there aren’t any places to snow tube in the Upstate, SC, there are definitely options nearby and one of them is Black Bear Snow Tubing in nearby Hendersonville, NC, just over an hour from Greenville, SC. The snow tubing family-owned operation has been in business for seven years and they really have a good thing going there, which I’m going to tell you all about in this story.
Snow Tubing at Black Bear
The slope at Black Bear Snow Tubing is 600 feet long with an 80-foot drop and it’s pretty fast. They make their own snow (unless they get a big snowstorm, which doesn’t happen too often) and the hill is well-maintained by their attentive staff.
How it works is that when you get to Black Bear, you go to a little shed to watch a short safety video, where you learn how to get out of your tube on the run and not to start snowball fights, sign a waiver, and head inside the cozy lodge to pay. Then you get your tubes and head to the hill.
They have a pulley system to get you to the top of the hill, which works by slipping the handle of your tube on a cable that takes you, while sitting inside your tube, right up the hill to the top. Once at the top, you’ll wait for a few minutes before being situated into your group by the staff and then sliding down the hill.
Black Bear Snow Tubing Pulley System
Why Black Bear is Different
I’ve snow tubed at many places in our area and I think Black Bear Snow Tubing is pretty fantastic. Here’s why:
You can (and should) make a reservation ahead of time, which is crucial for us in Greenville who need to travel out of state to go snow tubing. It’s quite a bummer to get to our snow tubing place and either find out that they are sold out or having to wait hours for an open slot.
The staff is attentive and efficient. They were always around watching the hill to make sure things were running smoothly and safely. When there was a slight backup at the top of the hill, they figured out how to manage to get us all down the hill and back up to keep snow tubing without interruption.
The lodge is super cozy and warm and has reasonable concessions. I got a $2 hot chocolate and it was amazing. Plus, they have food, including apple cider donuts, that is affordable and you can get warm by the wood-burning stove inside or watch on the deck if you don’t want to go tubing.
The setup takes into account smaller kids. There is playground next to the place where you wait in line to go up the hill so smaller kids can get out their energy and there is a big fire pit also near the waiting area where you can warm up.
If you forgot a hat or gloves, they have them for sale inside the lodge. I feel like us parents can relate when our kid gets out of the car to go snow tubing and forgot his or her winter hat.
The check-in is fast. This is important because you want to get on the hill and start having fun as soon as possible!
Black Bear has excellent communication. They post daily on their Facebook page about current snow conditions, which is super helpful when you’re unsure about the weather.
The snow is real. They don’t have any synthetic chemicals in the snow – it’s the real deal.
My kids, ages 11 and 8, and I had such a blast snow tubing at Black Bear Snow Tubing. We went down the hill about 10 times (maybe more, I lost count honestly) and had so much fun together. I really love places where adults can carelessly be kids again. My kids are already asking to go back. The hill was super fast and seeing my kids faces light up with joy was special. I love those moments.
Tips on How to Enjoy Snow Tubing at Black Bear
Winter being winter, it’s usually cold when you go snow tubing. I’ve found that bringing hand and foot warmers is a really good trick to keeping everyone warm and comfortable. You can get them at Wal-Mart, Amazon, or most drug stores and they stay warm for hours.
It’s also really important to make a reservation when you know you want to go snow tubing. This is especially true during school breaks and holidays. Snow tubing is an awesome family activity on a day off but a lot of people also have the same thought. Don’t forget to make a reservation.
You don’t need to wear snow bibs or snow pants. I had on fleece leggings, hiking boots, and a couple layers of tops with a heavy coat (it was really cold when we went!) and I was fine. I saw people wearing all kinds of clothes that worked for them like pants, leggings, jeans, and sweatpants. The snow wasn’t wet at all when we went but if you go on a warmer day, you may want to bring a change of pants in case they get wet.
There are port-a-potties outside the lodge to use and no bathrooms indoors.
Double-check Black Bear’s Facebook page before heading out. Snow tubing is very dependent on weather, which changes often in the mountains. They will post current conditions and if they are open or closed most days.
Ticket Prices and Policies at Black Bear Snow Tubing
Tickets are $30/hour or $40/two hours for snow tubing. Kids must be 4 years old in order to go snow tubing. You can either sign a waiver when you get to Black Bear Snow Tubing or print one out online ahead of time. Either is fine.
While Black Bear Snow Tubing does take walk-ups, it is much better to make a reservation ahead of time instead of getting there and finding out they are full. Online reservations are fantastic for this very reason so definitely make use of them.
And be sure to check Black Bear Snow Tubing’s Facebook page before heading out to double check they are open and running. Winter tubing runs mid-December through February usually depending on the weather, of course.
And if you want to tube during other times of the year, you totally can! They have warm-weather tubing in the fall.
I can remember thinking that age 18 was the summit of my parenting.
If I parented my kids well (or well enough) to age 18, the job would be pretty much done.
I know. I was wrong.
The young adult years offer a new parenting opportunity — a new chance to feel awed by your child’s beauty and maturity and helpless in the face of their pain.
It’s a strange stage of parenting. The hands-on parenting years aren’t that far in the past. But the future is NOW. You know the balance needs to tilt toward independence and hands-off parenting. But how much? And what does that look like? And ugh, it’s so hard.
When my oldest daughter was a college freshman at a large state school, she was unhappy. She tried to make it work, but college freshman life kicked her down over time. She tried out for the club soccer team – didn’t make it. She applied to go on an outdoor club camping trip-it was full. She looked forward to the small journalism seminar – hated the professor.
I was there for the teary phone calls, the listening, and the empathy. It was more complex and more challenging when time and time again hoped things did not happen.
When my oldest daughter went to college, she faced many disappointments. (TBKilman)
I just wanted to scoop her up in my motherly arms and make it better. And I did that sometimes, in age-appropriate ways. But I struggled with how often to scoop her up, how often to back off, and how to be this new kind of mom — the mom of a grown-up human being.
Sometimes things will all fall into place for your young adult child. Yay! When that happens, do not gloat, do not boast. Just appreciate the moment of happy news and restful sleep.
Sometimes, things do not fall into place. When that happens, here are some tips to help you get through:
How to help your young adult when they’re struggling
1. This is normal.
In most cases, what your young adult is going through is typical of other young adults’ experiences. Remind yourself of this. If you are somehow living in a bubble where everyone’s kids are being accepted, getting the internship, belonging to the club, etc., congratulate those people (quickly) and find the parents who are also worried about their young adult (because it is most of us!) In his book, Emptying the Nest: Launching Your Young Adult Toward Success and Self-Reliance, Dr. Brad Sachs states, “No amount of education, care or effort is going to inoculate you or your young adult against disappointment and disillusionment, challenge and complexity.”
2. Don’t freak out.
If you panic, your young adult is more likely to panic, which pushes the brain into fight or flight mode, and takes the careful decision-making part of the brain off-line!
3. Don’t catastrophize.
Catastrophizing is a game your brain can play; you take what is happening now and project terrible outcomes in the future. I do not know what the future holds for your young adult child. Still, whatever job they did not get, miserable social experience, risky behavior, or mental health challenge is happening, there is a good chance they will get through it. It is NOT helpful to predict dire outcomes.
4. Let your spouse or grandma take the call every once in a while.
When you need a break from being his ‘GO TO’ person for every sad or frustrating moment.
5. Ask Questions.
“How can I help?” “What do you want to see happen next?” This can be a chance to engage them in problem-solving instead of feeling like you need to know the solution to their problems. Remember that in the midst of upset, disappointment, or sadness, your young adult may not be able to articulate what they need. So, if they don’t have an answer, let it go and don’t take it personally.
6. Remind yourself: their future is not in your hands.
You do not have that much control now that your child is a young adult. Lori Gottlieb, the author of the Dear Therapist column in the Atlantic, offers this wisdom to a parent concerned about her son’s future:
Throughout their lives, in hundreds of ways, our children are teaching us about control — how illusory it is, how futile our attempts to maintain it are, and how liberating letting go can be, for everyone involved. The good news is, you don’t have to choose your son’s path for him—because the reality is, you don’t get to.
7. Don’t take it personally if they curse at you.
In your high school psychology class, you probably learned about displacement: Someone has a bad day at work, comes home, and kicks the dog. Your young adult cannot ‘kick” their professor, or their boss, or their amorphous worries about life, so they “kick” you. Set your limits (“I’m heading to my bedroom if you keep that up” OR “I know you’re sad, but I’m getting off the phone if you call me names”) but understand it is not (or not usually) about you.
8. But, consider it could be about you.
If your young adult is angry at you for something you did, take a second to think about it. Are you constantly comparing them to their sister? Are you talking over them and not listening much? Make a sincere effort to understand and, if appropriate, acknowledge and apologize. “I realize I was comparing you to Katie, and I’m sorry.” This helps you can move on instead of getting bogged down by defensiveness.
9. Offer the support that seems reasonable and that you can reasonably offer.
Remember the well-used airplane oxygen analogy — you can’t help your young adult if you are too exhausted, conflicted, and drained. Your unhappiness does not fix their unhappiness. Get the support, exercise, therapy-whatever you need.
10. If the issue with your young adult child is related to mental illness or substance use.
Look for information and support. Don’t give up on them, but recognize that there are limits to what you can do.
For mental health issues, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a good parent resource; they are all over the US and offer support groups, information, and advocacy. You can often find local parent support groups through NAMI or an internet search. It may seem uncomfortable to reach out to other parents you do not know, but there is nothing like having another parent say, “yes, my son did that too; I know how you feel,” or “when my daughter was heavily using, this is what helped.”
11. Realize you cannot FIX everything.
You CAN provide emotional and material support (as you decide is appropriate). You CAN make a difference. Instead of feeling defeated, you can feel grateful that you can help your young adult child, even in small ways. In education, they have a term, scaffolding, which means supporting kids just enough to get them to where they can learn or do the next thing on their own. Your thoughtfully chosen parental help can ‘scaffold’ your young adult as they achieve self-sufficiency.
12. Young adulthood can be a challenging time of life. Most young adults will be fine.
Their OK may not be what you imagined or hoped for them or what they imagined or hoped for themselves. But most young adults turn into older adults with satisfying, meaningful lives. In his book, Getting to 30: A Parent’s Guide to the 20-Something Years, Jeffrey Arnett, Ph.D., calls it the “zigzagging road to adulthood” and encourages parents to step back while staying connected, just as you start doing the first time you drop them off at kindergarten.
Ups and downs are the very definition of the emerging adult stage and coping with them will shape the resilient, self-sufficient people they will become. And beyond the many mishaps are the projects that do work out, the lasting relationships that are worth waiting for, and the confidence that comes from standing on their own feet.
Food has gone up a lot in overall price these last few months, which have hit our wallets hard. But there are ways that you can cut your food expenses down a bit, and here’s how:
Buy whatever is in season, and avoid “exotic” items. Look for the items that are in season right now. That may have been tricky during the winter months (I mean, how many root vegetables can you really eat in a week?!), but try and stick to what’s in season, buy in bulk, and freeze or preserve the leftovers.
Make a list… and stick to it. There’s nothing worse than aimlessly wandering around the grocery store, throwing things haphazardly in your cart. Impulse buying will add to your bill, so create a quick list and only buy the things listed there.
Take advantage of savings. That means checking flyers. Know the prices of foods so you can really decipher between deals and non-deals. And, of course, use your MList Card – we have a whole section of food vendors who offer great discounts on groceries, restaurant purchases, and more.
Take advantage of technology. flipp is a cool app where it sends you your flyers digitally through a mobile device. You can even put in your grocery list and it will tell you what’s on special and at what grocery stores.
What can you prepare at home? Sure, that Starbucks coffee is amazing every morning, but those purchases can quickly add up. Invest in an awesome travel mug and start making your brew at home.
Melany xx
Married with three kids, MList’s Melany is a jack-of-all-trades. Not only is she a hardworking mom but she’s a serial saver (she loves her MList Card!), she loves to cook, she is very spiritual, and she is very organized. She is also chronically busy. Get her take on what to see, do and buy in Montreal and beyond.
Looking for the next FREE Home Depot Kids Workshop Kit? I have always looked forward to the first Saturday of the month for the past several years as it has been my mommy-daughter date at the Home Depot kids workshop. I grab my coffee and my two young kids get their hammers and paintbrushes and we build whatever the kids’ workshop has deemed the project of the month.
And it’s all free! Home Depot offers workshop kits for kids, including all materials needed to complete the project, totally free. These projects are an amazing way to spend some quality time with the kids, without spending a dime.
Home Depot continues the kid workshops in 2023 on the first Saturday of each month. In-person workshops and take-home projects are both available!
January 2023 FREE Workshop: Snowball Game on January 7th, 2023
The first Home Depot Kids Workshop Kit of 2023 is a cute snowball game that uses an adorable little penguin on a stick to block the snowball from entering a goal. How cool is that? Make the dreary winter weather a little more fun for free at Home Depot!
January 7th, 2023: Snowball Game February 4th, 2023: Valentine’s Vase March 4th, 2023: Pinball Game
More 2023 events coming soon!
Past Projects Included:
Toss Game Valentine’s Photo Box Airship Window Bird Feeder Mother’s Day Fence Picket Planter Fish Tank Constellation Viewer Summer Camper Pencil Desk Organizer Fire Rescue Boat Scarecrow Napkin Holder Train Ornament Santa Letters Mailbox
Review of the First Saturday Home Depot Kids Workshop
The Home Depot has workshops of all kinds for their customers and they have these awesome kids workshops on the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m.-Noon.
They provide all the materials you need to make whatever the craft is of the day is and you just show up with your kid. With the take-home kits, you’ll have to do some of that yourself.
You, and your child, don’t need any kind of handyman experience. I’ve certainly made mistakes helping my daughters build all sorts of stuff but it’s a great learning time for all of us and it also helps with hand-eye coordination for the kiddos.
Building and Painting
The crafts always consist of something that you have to hammer together and then paint. My daughters both are great with handling a hammer and have only hit my fingers a few times. They also absolutely love the painting part too.
We have made all kinds of stuff together – a birdhouse, a car, a plane, a mailbox, a little sled, a planter (these are all kid-size, not big people, normal-sized things).
Thankfully there are instructions on how to put it together. I also cheat and see what the other parents do.
How Kids Workshops at Home Depot Work
Check out your local Home Depot by going to the kids workshop link to make sure they have the kids workshop available. Most of the stores in the area have them.
All you do is show up between 9 am and Noon (look around for the area where they have the workshop or ask an associate) and the nice people at Home Depot will give you a packet that contains the craft, along with a kids apron and a commemorative pin. My daughter has a bunch of pins on her Home Depot apron At the stores, Home Depot has benches and tables set up where you can sit down and get to work. They provide the little paintbrushes, the hammers, and the paint. I try to have my kids wear clothes I wouldn’t mind getting paint on because it can get a little messy.
I have to stop myself from helping them too much because it’s so fun. I’ve seen parents really get into it and do all the painting while their child watches. It’s a kid’s thing so let the kids do it! And they are learning how to woodwork in the process, which helps build their confidence.
More Details
The kids’ workshops are on the first Saturday of the month. I started taking my oldest daughter when she was 3-years-old, which worked out great and my youngest when she was around two-and-a-half. It really depends on the child and how many kids you can control at once.
I have found it’s an awesome parent-kid date idea, especially for parents whose time is more limited during the workweek.
Don’t want to wait? Purchase Wood Kits for Kids
This section contains Amazon affiliate links.
You can purchase woodcraft kits for children instead of waiting for the free Home Depot kits each month. Help children develop woodworking skills, practice following written directions, get a little creative, and just enjoy some quality time with you!
Gifts have been opened, wrapping paper discarded and order restored (well, not really) but maybe soon. Now is the time to pick up great deals on the items you wanted but didn’t get.
Note: We are a reader-supported site and may receive compensation from purchases made through links on this post.
Some of your favorite brands on sale (Twenty20 @sijiaw)
Favorite brands with post-Christmas clearance sales
Some of our most popular items this year came from Lululemon, which has deep discounts on leggings, tops, and sweatshirts because “they made too many.” Another excellent workout clothing site is Alo Yoga, and now they’ve got some of their best apparel on sale.
Another alternative is The Girlfriend Collective which turns old water bottles into comfortable, gorgeous clothing. Follow our link for 50% off of select styles.
Nordstrom is a perennial favorite with our readers because of its terrific customer service and a great selection of merchandise. This year was no exception. Here is the sale they’ve got going on, with some items slashed by as much as 50%.
Everyone loved Everlane, and their Women’s End of Year Sale is running right now. They’ve got lots of sale items, with some up to 60% off. At Madewell, enter ITSAWRAP and get up to 50% off on many great items.
In cosmetics, we looked for two things — something our daughters will love and items that are great for our more mature skin. Our readers recommended Glossier for teens and young adults, especially this wildly popular 3-Step Skincare Routine which was $55 and is now $44.
Another retailer that knew exactly what we wanted was UGG, so comfy and warm —ahhhh. You can’t go wrong with their slippers or their boots, now discounted 30%.
Stock up on your Bombas socks; you can save with the many bundled styles.
Don’t forget your fur children. Chewy is having a tremendous year-end clearance.
Project Repat T-shirt quilts may be the #1 gift that Grown and Flown parents love to give their teens, especially those going to college. Prices are going up in 2023.
Madewell is another brand our readers loved. Starting today 70% off select items with the code LETSGO.
Dick’s Sporting Goods is a one-stop shop for anything fitness and sports-related. Check out their clearance site for up to 60% off.
Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean that our gift-giving ends. Uncommon Goods is our favorite place to buy unique gifts for everyone and now, save up to 75% off.
Pottery Barn Teen has some of the most well-made and designed furnishings for teens and young adults. If you have a teen heading to college in the fall to live in a dorm or apartment, shop their End-of-Season Sale to find basics your college student will need and cute decor pieces they will love, now 60% off.
Zappos will have its last major promotion to close out this year beginning on December 26th. The Winter Clearance Event will offer up to 50% off your favorite brands like Superga, Tory Burch, The North Face, and more.
Havianas flip flops are our favorites. It might be cold outside where you live but pick up some cute Havianas and close your eyes and imagine you are on a beautiful beach somewhere warm. Save 50% of select sale styles.
Another brand our readers love is Kendra Scott. Save up to 50% on their beautiful jewelry during their Semi-Annual Celebration Sale (12/26-1/2).
Tile products (use Bluetooth to find your missing items wherever they may be) have a 60% off sale through December 29.
Cute gifts our readers loved
Etsy was another favorite site for Grown and Flown parents. Our readers LOVED this Zodiac ring by Caitlyn Minimalist. If you order now, you save 30%.
And we can’t forget another of our most popular gifts, the Smiley Face Slippers, now discounted 10%.
2022 has brought many life changes — a new house, new jobs, newly single, new gym (that I’ve yet to visit). I’m in and out of London like a yo-yo, meeting hundreds of new people and struggling to put names to faces and firms.
I find that life comes in waves. I had little going on in January and February besides job hunting and a few other projects. I had been staying with my parents while waiting to move into my new place. So, I took the time to do nothing. I played PlayStation most nights, chilled out with the cat, hosted my podcast, and generally was a bit of a lazy slob.
To me, this time represented the quiet before the storm. I sensed that the rest of the year would be busy as all of life’s puzzle pieces fell into place — and I was right.
I’ve always had a vague feeling about what will happen — call it my ADHD intuition. Events never go exactly as planned (often far from it), but there’s this sixth sense I feel that guides me on the right path. It’s almost like when you go on a date with someone new, and by the time your date sits down you know whether you will have a future together.
Like many people with ADHD, I have experienced serious ups and downs. My life is either on fire or boring. I think that there’s a balance somewhere in there; I just rarely get to find it.
I’ve accepted this yin and yang for the most part —acknowledging that chaotic moments are part of life because sometimes the bad must happen before the good, as fate intended
ADHD Intuition: Where It Paid Off
If I hadn’t had an abusive first relationship, I wouldn’t have gone to work and live in Indonesia. I wouldn’t have met many incredible people I love to bits, swam with a whale shark, or became half the motorcyclist I am today. I wouldn’t have built my own company and gone to South America with my best friend if I hadn’t left my local journalism job. I wouldn’t have discovered that I have ADHD and thus wouldn’t be writing for ADDitude! My intuition told me to break some moulds, and I’m so thankful I did.
In my early 20s, I hit one of the hardest periods of my life. The stress made me depressed for the first time, but it also made me see the value of impulsivity. Following my intuition, I bought my cat, Crafty, despite everyone saying it was a dumb idea. That cat (along with my friends and family) carried me through a horrible and unpredictable period just by being with me and sitting on my lap while I fought my way out of that hole. He gave me a purpose — I was both chosen and needed by this little animal. He woke me up at 8 a.m. every day and made me get out of bed and go to the kitchen — he wouldn’t leave me alone until he was fed. Without him, I would have just stayed in bed lamenting. Crafty would sleep on my bed in the evenings, making me feel special despite being entrenched in pain and sadness.
Last February, I impulsively bought a van with my friend. We didn’t know what we were doing; we just thought it would be fun to do while we were in lockdown. A year later, that can of bolts with 213,000 miles on the clock made moving to a new house (and helping my friends do the same) much easier. The van’s been so useful; it’s paid for itself repeatedly.
Last September, I finally found and bought my first home. My ADHD sixth sense was on high alert. After searching for years, I walked into the house, and it just felt right. Turning the house into my home provided me with opportunities to be creative and helped me recover at a time when my self-esteem was at rock bottom.
Every single one of those decisions was driven by a sixth sense that said, “Now is the time.” Admittedly, some of my decisions flopped, backfired, or didn’t look great at the time. But more often than not, following my intuition that something felt like “the right thing to do” actually worked out for the best in the long term.
While I don’t know what the new year will bring, I trust my intuition to guide me.
ADHD Sixth Sense: Next Steps
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