Better the World

There are so many great causes and charities that we would each love to contribute to, but it’s just not possible for most of us. Better the World has created a great online tool that allows you to donate to charities of your choosing by simply shopping at the sites you already purchase from (including Target, eBay, Best Buy, iTunes, Gap, and Macy’s).

How it works is simple—when you are surfing the Internet you are already seeing ads that corporations are paying for. By joining Better The World and downloading its tools, you still see ads, but 90% of the revenue from Better The World ads goes to a charity you pick.  As an added bonus these ads are all from companies that have social responsibility programs, social products and services, have products of interest to members, or are non-profit organizations.

By going to www.BetterTheWorld.com you can immediately start raising money by:

1.      Choosing a charity you are passionate about.
2.      Downloading a sidebar (seamlessly integrates into Microsoft Internet Explorer & Firefox) or EZ Shopping Widget.
3.      Surfing the Internet as usual.

For those of you interested in bettering the world, whether you are someone who already contributes but wants to do more, or you just can’t afford to donate to a cause quite yet, Better The World offers an opportunity to help the charity of your choice.  It’s a simple, but highly effective way of combining the power of the Internet and your desire to help make the world a better place.

The more people who surf together to help a charity, the more money we can raise!

Operating in Canada, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the United States.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

An Educated Choice

If you’re visiting this site because you recently read about Happy Healthy Hip Parenting at An Educated Choice, welcome! It may or may not be everything you expected, but a sense of humor is certainly required! This blog is where I de-stress, where I come to share, complain, entertain and inspire. There is an amazing group of educated, delightful, generous and funny individuals in the on-line community and I’m glad you’re here to be a part of it.

While I focus on my clients when I’m sitting down with them, everything they share with me is confidential. Many parents, single parents in particular, are going through an extraordinarily hard time right now. I should know. I’ve been juggling many things and wearing many hats since becoming a single mom over three years ago.

Our son is now in Kindergarten. He goes to a premiere independent school in La Jolla and both his dad and I are devoted to giving him the best education there is, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Redirecting Children’s Behavior is a program that I recommend to any and all families looking for ways to reduce the stress in their lives and in their relationships. Trust me, it works.

Thank you for stopping by, continuing to read, and supporting me through the journey. I hope I can do the same for you.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

I may or may not have applied for a job at HOOTERS.

This story may (or may not) be true and it may (or may not) be based on real life events. Names may (or may not) have been changed to protect privacy.

Just before Thanksgiving, I sat in a courtroom facing a family judge who ordered that I make ten job contacts a week. Ten per week.

I have experience in publishing as well as with social media and traditional marketing. Surely, there have to be jobs out there for me, right?

Well, it’s been nearly a year since I was laid off. Just about twelve months have gone by and I have been searching looking for jobs on every available job site I could find. Now, with the pressure of having to apply for ten jobs each week, I’m panicking. Or at least I was, until last week.

I stepped inside Hooters for the first time – ever – to apply for a job. It wasn’t on my list of places I’d like to work, but after discovering the restaurant while searching for another address which happened to be right next door, I convinced myself, (with Mr. Right egging me on), that if I can walk around in public wearing a wig and red frilly underwear, then a job working at Hooters might be just the next step up or down in my career path.

The Hooters girl outfit is a bit outdated, but the atmosphere in the restaurant was not unlike other sports bars I’ve been to. I asked the perky hostess if they were hiring and she answered with, “Well, we’re always taking applications.” This, I felt, was a scam, a plot to keep me inside the restaurant long enough to crave the Hot Wings that they’re known for.

She disappeared to get me an application and her manager appeared in her place. He invited me to sit down (smooth move), and I proceeded to fill out the application which asked for my work history, references and an affidavit stating that I wouldn’t sue Hooters (if I were hired) for sexual harassment, or whatever.

After about one minute (maybe less), the manager came back and asked me if I had completed the application. “Almost,” I responded and felt pressure to perform and began to write faster and messier than usual. Perhaps this is why I neglected to realize that I put down the phone number of Mr. Right’s parents in the reference section…

When I finally completed the paperwork, Anthony, the restaurant manager, sat down with me to go over the application. At this point, I am dumbfounded that I am still there, applying for a job that would require me to wear orange shorts, (much, much smaller than the granny panties I pretend not to own).

He said several things to me over the course of our ten minute conversation that truly startled me. He mentioned that several “little girls” had recently gotten “big girl jobs,” so he was trying to fill their positions. My response: “I used to have a big girl job.”  (I couldn’t make this up if I tried.)

We proceeded to talk about my work history, why I was sitting across the table from him and my lack of experience in the food industry. “I have experience on this side of the bar,” I told him at one point. He wasn’t impressed.

Finally, Anthony pointed out that the job (being a Hooters girl) was more than just about the uniform. It’s about the experience and the atmosphere. Of course it is! Then, out of nowhere, he asked if I’d be OK with dancing and getting on the microphone. He obviously doesn’t know who he’s dealing with.

“Oh, you’d have a hard time taking the microphone away from me. I love being on stage.”

I think I got the job. Fingers and legs crossed.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Brothers and Wives

Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Tobey Maguire star in Brothers (directed by Jim Sheridan), an amazing and intense story of a young man fighting to survive after being captured in Afghanistan, and upon return home, fighting for his old life back.

The movie trailer depicts the anger, resentment and anxiety that Sam (played by Maguire) brings home after his experience as a POW, but it’s the chemistry between the characters played by Portman (Grace) and Gyllenhaal (Tommy) that truly sends Sam over the edge. After returning home, he watches every move, follows every sound and literally falls apart when he discovers that his daughters and wife feel more safe with and loved by his brother, Tommy, who had just been released from prison before Sam was deployed for the fourth time.

Maguire lost a great deal of weight for the role, training several times a day while only consuming 1,200 calories to prepare for this project. He talks about it in an interview with Access Hollywood and speaks of the marines he met with at Camp Pendleton and the research that went into the development of his character.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects military families in devastating ways. There are resources available to help but as Maguire so genuinely states in his interview, it is those of us who have not served that need to be open to the discussions that typically remain unspoken.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Have yourself a happier, healthier holiday

Guest post from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation

The holiday season is a magnificent time of year, but it can also be challenging for families trying to eat healthy and stay physically active. Between family gatherings, parties, lots of food and traveling, healthy habits can get left in the cold. But the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, founded by the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation, has tools and tips to help families stay healthy and physically active while still enjoying the holiday season.

Think Healthy Thoughts

Spend time before the holidays planning healthy snacks, appetizers, meals, and desserts to prepare. Make a grocery list and stick to it. Whether you are a host or guest, be the one to create healthy alternatives to the typically not-so-healthy holiday menu.

Snack, Don’t Skip

Just like any other day, you shouldn’t skip meals during the holidays. It is not a good approach to cut calories by cutting meals from the day. Not eating breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner may lead to overeating at holiday meal times. Keep normal eating times and if you do happen to skip a meal try to snack on healthy foods to keep you from starving and then stuffing.

Don’t Forget Rest

Don’t forget to add sleep and relaxation to the holiday to-do list. Staying well rested not only provides an extra boost of energy, it also helps keep you from overstuffing yourself. Studies have shown that lack of sleep directly affects the amount of energy you have, your appetite, and your ability to maintain a healthy weight; in fact, getting enough sleep can decrease your chances of becoming overweight.

Stay Physically Active

Don’t use the holidays or the cold weather as an excuse. Even if you are traveling you can find new ways to engage in activities alone or with family and friends. This time of year is the perfect time to try out something new like ice skating, or head to your local indoor pool or basketball court for some fun.

Rock the Halls

With the holiday season also comes lots of fun music, so get the family physically active by turning up those holiday tunes and dancing—anything that keeps the kids moving and having fun. If it’s impossible to pry your family away from those holiday TV specials, encourage them to do jumping jacks, sit-ups, and push-ups during commercial breaks.

About the Alliance for a Healthier Generation

The American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation joined forces in May of 2005 to create a healthier generation by addressing one of the nation’s leading public health threats – childhood obesity. The goal of the Alliance is to reduce the nationwide prevalence of childhood obesity by 2015, and to empower kids nationwide to make healthy lifestyle choices. The Alliance works to positively affect the places that can make a difference to a child’s health: homes, schools, restaurants, doctor’s offices and communities. For more information please visit: HealthierGeneration.org

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

The Christmas Secret

Donna VanLiere is the author of many NYT Bestselling titles, and The Christmas Secret is her most recent.  I am happy to announce that I’ve been provided with 2 copies to give away to a few lucky readers!

The Christmas Secret follows single mom, Christine, through a rough spot in her life, having to leave her two children home alone, so she can go to work and stash some money away for rent, heat, and a few presents to put under the tree.

Christine struggles with the idea of dating again on top of everything else she’s juggling and as a single mom, I could really relate to the confusing thoughts and emotions that go through her mind as she tries to justify her feelings regarding the new man in her life.

He’s so handsome. What’s the point? Maybe he’ll love kids. When he hears about the kids he’ll be gone. He’s too young for me. I’m too old for him.”

With the support of friends and those who create a new family for her and the children, Christine rises above the pain and hurt from her past and steps into the warmth of the holiday spirit, surrounded by love from those lighting her path.

Pain is a part of love…I don’t think we’d recognize love without it.”

The Christmas Secret is just one of many titles by VanLiere. Others include The Christmas Promise, The Christmas Blessing, The Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Hope. Three of these books have also been turned into movies, with The Christmas Hope recently premiering this weekend as a Lifetime Original Movie. Look for it on Sunday, December 13th.

You can also read my review for her memoir, Finding Grace, a book that is both haunting and healing.

If you’d like to win a copy of The Christmas Secret, for yourself, or as a gift for someone else, please let me know what your holiday secret wish or burning desire is this season! Mine is to find a job that will allow me to move closer to my family, and Mr. Right.

Good luck.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Children’s Bill of Rights

This has been published elsewhere, although I do not know who the original author/source should be attributed to. I do know that this is provided to parents dealing with custody issues through most US Courts.

I. The right not to be asked to “choose sides” or be put in a situation where I would have to take sides between my parents.

II. The right to be treated as a person and not as a pawn, possession or negotiating chip.

III. The right to freely and privately communicate with both parents.

IV. The right not to be asked questions by one parent about the other.

V. The right not to be a messenger.

VI. The right to express my feelings.

VII. The right to adequate visitation with the non-custodial parent which will best serve my needs and wishes.

VIII. The right to love and have a relationship with both parents without being made to feel guilty.

IX. The right not to hear either parent say anything bad about the other.

X. The right to the same educational opportunities and economic support that I would have had if my parents did not divorce.

XI. The right to have what is in my best interest protected at all times.

XII. The right to maintain my status as a child and not to take on adult responsibilities for the sake of the parent’s well-being.

XIII. The right to request my parents seek appropriate emotional and social support when needed.

XIV. The right to expect consistent parenting at a time when little in my life seems constant or secure.

XV. The right to expect healthy relationship modeling, despite the recent events.

XVI. The right to expect the utmost support when taking the time and steps needed to secure a healthy adjustment to the current situation.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Communication 3.0

It’s Mr. Right’s birthday today. It’s all about him and since we can’t celebrate together, I wanted to make sure to let him know that I’m thinking about him.

Yesterday, he received a package from me in the mail. After several failed attempts to put a special playlist onto a CD for him, I had to settle for importing the mp3 files onto a USB drive for him.

This morning, I sent him an e-card that would’ve shown up in an email followed by a note posted to his Facebook wall, a message to him on Twitter and a mention of him in my own Facebook status update.

I have yet to give him a call, but I’ll do that later, when he’s home from work and after his birthday dinner with his family. I also forgot to send him a text message but that’s OK. I have all day to do that.

One thing I have realized over the last few years is that people communicate in so many ways now that we have more devices and tools (and apps) to do use. I can now cyber-stalk my long-distance boyfriend and smother him with affection without having to actually be there.

And you thought I wasn’t the romantic type.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Home is where your mom is

I’m not a native Californian, but I’ve lived here long enough to realize that Christmas is not quite the same without the snow and cold that I grew up with and long for this time of year.

My family, friends and even Mr. Right are all in Minnesota, where I was born and raised. Around the holidays, I start to miss them even more than usual. Seasonal depression, winter blues – whatever you call it, I’ve got it.

This year, I’ll be taking my son “home,” for a quick 3-day weekend. We’ll be able to spend just enough time with his cousins, aunt & uncle, and grandparents before getting on a plane to come back here.

Family traditions, winter vacations and holiday celebrations take on a whole new meaning with kids. I’m excited to create new memories with my son and help shape our holidays into something completely our own.

Many people move away from home, for jobs, college, work or other reasons. Even though I’ve lived in San Diego for ten years now, I still consider St. Paul my home.

Where do you call home?

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

The Knowledge of Y.O.U.

I was introduced to the Knowledge of Y.O.U. (Your Own Understanding) over a year ago, and my life has been forever changed and illuminated by the amazing people who helped create The Ultimate Life Tool and who give it life by sharing it with the world.

My turn to share it with you! The Ultimate Life Tool is a simple survey, at least that’s how it appears to those who take it to gain a greater understanding about themselves and the characteristics that make them each unique. What I can tell you, from hours of training and conversations about the science and nature that are behind the scenes of the test, is that each of us is as unique as our fingerprints.

The results of The Ultimate Life Tool serve to represent what motivates us, how we connect with others, how we process information, our personal levels of refinement and our energy levels. We can get all of this information to you and provide you with a 7-page Operating Manual (unique to you) which will help you understand where you are in The Cycle of Life and how we can help you reach your healthiest state.

The cool thing about the results is seeing how compatible you are with someone else. We can provide a couple’s compatibility report as well as the individual ones and we are working with companies seeking employees, single men and women looking for a life partner and couples wanting to reconnect after parenthood changes the dynamic of their roles and their relationship.

I’ve had my parents take it, my sister, my friends, clients and just recently, Mr. Right. Everyone who has been introduced to the Knowledge has learned to appreciate their strengths and recognize how and why their past relationships and their reaction to them happened the way they did. Overall, having the results of the test provides great relief, insight and validation that we all so genuinely need.

Our services have saved many people going through divorce, job loss, grief and addiction. For a limited time, I am offering a discounted price on the 7-page translation that is specific to you and where you are at this time in your life. While I offer more personalized services, connecting with you over the phone, in person, or via Skype, you can take the survey and get the results sent to you automatically if you prefer not to work with me at this time.

We are in the business of changing lives and helping individuals create perfect relationships, in their personal lives or in business.

Test-drive The Ultimate Life Tool today!
(Please use SLYOU if prompted to enter event code).

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home