Wishing You A Zen Christmas By Guest Author Betsy Henry

Life is really simple but we insist on making it complicated.
~Confusius

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. 

~Roy L. Smith

One of my preschoolers excitedly told me today that there are 16 days until Christmas.  YIKES!

I admit it.  I’m behind this Christmas.  Some holiday seasons I have everything ready to go by Thanksgiving.  This year, I’m helping my parents move, hosted a fundraiser for my preschool.

How can you make your Christmas more “Zen like”?  How can you let go and be closer to the true meaning of Christmas? For me this means being closer to my family.

There are so many reasons Christmas gets hectic.  One is our high expectations of what we can accomplish.  Another is the feeling you have to see all your family and friends.  You can’t say no to anything.  Another reason Christmas gets crazy is that we worry about what other people will think if we don’t make it to the cookie exchange and we’re not volunteering at the soup kitchen or our Christmas lights aren’t up yet.  There can be huge anxiety associated with Christmas.  Debt can be one of those anxieties.

Take the Christmas season back!  Make it about your kids and being a kid again!  I decided to research simple Christmas ideas and here’s what I came up with:

1.  Make meaningful presents like a photo album or a framed picture. This year I'm making photo cards for all my family.

2. You don’t have to send a Christmas card.  I didn’t last year.  But if you do, try to get your Christmas card or letter done in November.  I may work on it this weekend. But maybe not!

3. Plan to get some items online like amazon.com.  Amazon has free shipping after you spend $25.  You can send the gift directly to the recipient also saving on time and money.

4. Pick family names out of a hat; don’t buy a present for everyone in the family.  And as young kids get older they can join the adults.

5. Entertain less and go out less.  One night at home eating chili and watching a movie and you’ll be hooked! (We're actually having chili tonight!)

6. Have Christmas traditions.  You don’t need to spend a lot of money.  Our family gets one big gift per person and then does little things for each other.  Baking cookies and reading favorite holiday stories can be some of the best presents.  We have a tradition of always doing the tree together.  We also watch “A Christmas Carol” together every year (The Muppet one!).  We have a family meal together at our favorite Greek restaurant every Dec. 18th.  These traditions are just as important as Christmas Day.

7. Have the kids do their shopping for family members themselves.  We go to the dollar store and 2nd hand shops.  They love the giving as much as the receiving.  It’s very meaningful.

8. Regift! Shop at 2nd hand shops.  I find so many treasures. Spend wisely.  Keep a list of what you’re spending.  You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make someone happy!  They are often just happy you thought of them.

9. Lower expectation of family members.  I have some friends who don’t enjoy Christmas because they’re expected to see all their family.  You can’t be everywhere and please everyone.  If you expect that this year everyone will be different, you should lower your expectations.  Then you won’t be disappointed.

10. Help others.  Every year we pick a family who is having a tough year and leave secret gifts outside their door for the first “12 Days of Christmas”.  The first day is A Partrige in a Pear Tree.  We try to find something that has to do with a pear or a partidge.  Sometimes it's hard but we manage to think of ideas.  The kids love ringing the doorbell and running away.  Also, being an anonymous giver is part of the fun, too.

Here are some wonderful low cost ideas for this Christmas

1.  Plastic stemless wine glasses are inexpensive and look like glass.  I'm giving this with a inexpensive bottle of wine for our preschool exchange.

2. Through blogging I have come across some great books. Here are two I recommend:

Courage & Croissants: 

I loved this book!  Jean and Suzanne leave their hectic San Francisco life and move to the south of France with their young daughter. There, they unplug and search for the joie de vivre missing for so many modern families. It is an act of taking back control of life in small and big ways, reclaiming their creative sides while embracing a change of priorities and pace. Courage and Croissants brings readers along on this journey. A gripping memoir and guidebook!!


Zensational Living: Loaded with sensible advice, Zen-Sational Living is a road-map for making good decisions and being your best. From the basics of Zen, to health (mental and physical), creating a personal space, and everything in between! Whether you're in need of a boost, a change, or are starting on your own road of self-discovery, ZEN-SATIONAL LIVING will guide you on your journey. Your life will change with easy to follow chapters on judgment, focus, compassion, forgiveness, stress, relaxation, and many more.


And don't forget my books!!  :)

3. Apple Photo Albums (or others like Snapfish) If you have a mac computer it's easy to make little professional photo albums with iphoto.  I've made one each year and it's everyone's favorite present!

Good luck and hope you find yourself having a more zen like Christmas.  I'll let you know how mine goes!

Picture credit: http://best-christmas-online.com/

Written By Guest Author Betsy Henry From Zen Mama.

Follow Zen Mama on Facebook.

"A conscious relationship is never hierarchical or linear. Conscious discipline isn't parent versus child, but involves a circular dynamic of parent with child. The relationship between parent and child is paramount, not specific techniques. No matter what may be occurring in the terms of the content of the relationship, the relationship itself should always be circular in nature. Many behavioral issues can be headed off simply by altering the parent-child dynamic in this way." Shefali Tsabary, PhD
The Conscious Parent ~ Transforming ourselves empowering our children.
Review And Give Away ~ Christmas Day!

The Conscious Parent (book) by Shefali Tsabary

Appreciation Jars For Kids

Every parent struggles at some point in life with feeling unappreciated.  You've bathed, clothed, fed, and lost sleep over the little wonders you've brought into this world.  Doesn't anyone notice how much you've sacrificed?  It seems hard to imagine those kiddies may feel like you don't appreciate them enough.  But, kids struggle with the same internal angst that we model for them.  So, today is your day to model appreciation.

It won't take a playstation, electric guitar, or keys to the car to show your love.  Instead, one of life's most valuable lessons can be taught with a tiny, inexpensive jar.  Now, this will take a little work, but it is worth it.
You'll see.  First, identify a milestone in your relationship.  It could be a 15th birthday, college graduation (17 years of school), or your 20-year-old is finally taking the leap and completely moving out of your nest.  Tell your babes 15, 17, or 20 reasons you love them and package the message up in a bottle.

Here's what you will need:

1-A tiny (yes tiny) glass jar from the dollar store, with a lid.

2-A few pieces of colorful paper.

3-A fine tipped black marker/pen.

4-A piece of ribbon

5-A piece of cardstock to make a small card.

6-Hole punch
7-Glass beads optional

Fold your cardstock into the shape of a small card.  Punch a hold in the corner and slip your ribbon through it.  Then, write a message to daughter or son.  Need an idea?

To my beautiful child,
     You have enriched my life beyond words.  Each day I am more grateful for the time we've shared.  Now, as you prepare to move into your own home...I want to celebrate each year of your life by sharing 20 reasons that I love you.

Now you need to come up with those 20 reasons.  The thought can be as simple as "I love your beautiful eyes", "I love that you call your grandma everyday",  or "I love your artistic side".  Just make sure the words will fit on the paper square you're about to cut out.  You can also offer 20 reasons you are proud of your child instead, depending on the occasion.  If you need a higher number...tell them how they've made each of your 40 years in this world worth it.  Don't get complicated.  Just sit back and let yourself think about all the ways you love your child.

After you cut several squares out of the multi-colored paper, write each of the things you are thankful for on the paper.  You can also buy a heart-shaped punch if you prefer that instead of squares.  Fold the pieces once or twice, just to give the paper some volume in the jar.  My jar is rather large (too large really), so I padded the bottom with glass beads, which I got from the Dollar Store.  Tie the ribbon attached to your card around the top of the jar and throw on the lid. 

Carve out alone time for this special gift.  Pull out each piece of paper one by one to read to your loved one.  You will knock their socks off.  It will only cost a few dollars to make, but the results are priceless.  Your child will say it was the best gift they've ever gotten, and if they don't...you'll know it is the best gift you've ever given.  You'll feel wonderful all night having the peace of mind that you didn't keep those feelings bottled up for a lifetime...you opened that jar and made sure your kids know just how much you love and appreciate them.
P.S.  I'd love to hear all about your give-giving experience.  Connect to the original post on my blog and share your story in the comments section by clicking here.

Written By Guest Author Tammy Palmer (Crafty Cat) from the super creative blog Crafty Life And Style.
Tammy & Jodee are super creative ladies. Be sure to check out one of their recent blog posts.
Ho Ho Ho Valance & Double Sided Foam Tape!
Crafty Life And Style On Facebook



"Your unconsciousness isn't your children's to inherit: it is yours to excavate. Being a conscious parent means you are increasingly aware of the force and prevalence of your unconsciousness as it arises in everyday situations." Shefali Tsabary, PhD
The Conscious Parent ~ Transforming ourselves empowering our children.
The Conscious Parent (book) by Shefali Tsabary

To the Children of this New World | Namaste Publishing

Amber Hinton author of the profound children's book Mr. Ego And The Bubble Of Love wrote this beautiful letter to the children of this world.

We wanted to share it with you. Enjoy!

To the Children of this New World | Namaste Publishing

What's your favorite oracle card deck?

I love my angel cards. It's fun and harmless to ask the universe or the angels a question and pick a card for the answer. Everyone who comes over loves to draw a card. Me and Stacy have several different kinds of card decks spread around our homes in decorative baskets or bowls. We have decks from Louise Hay, Doreen Virtue, Abraham Hicks and more.


  


Each deck comes with a guidebook explaining the meaning of each card.


Today I'm drawing a card from the Ascended Masters Oracle Card Deck By Doreen Virtue with the intention of receiving advice from the angels for anyone who might read this post!


I drew the Teacher card. The teacher card has a beautiful illustration of Mahachohan Ragoczy on it.

Meaning: This card is about learning and teaching. You've learned a lot from your experiences and relationships, and now it's time to pass that knowledge along to others. Your current situation is bringing you opportunities for spiritual growth and teaching you some important life lessons. As soon as you understand and accept these lessons, old patterns will drop away and be replaced wonderful new experiences.

HEALING WITH THE FAIRIES ORACLE APP FOR YOUR PHONE!




What's your favorite card decks?
Written by: Carol Lawrence

Mister Ego And The Bubble Of Love Children's Book Review & Give Away!

We recently had the pleasure of reading Mister Ego And The Bubble Of Love by Amber Hinton    Illustrations by: Gabreyhl Zintoll

Amber Hinton displays her superb craft in a very colorful luminous way. The phenomenal eye candy of Gabreyhl Zintoll's illustrations mixed with Amber's transparent words fit like a glove. At it's simplest form this profound children's book shows children how to invite their ego into their own love bubble within. The I AM Presence is strong through out this book. This valuable tool could last your child a lifetime!








When that "icky" feeling arises inside, And I feel I must scream or else I will cry, I remember that prickly Mister Ego's about, Trying to make me bang something or shout.


That's when I choose to sit still and invite Mister Ego to join me. Oh, what a delight! He can meet me inside and get cozy within. My bubble of love, just made for him. ~ Constance Kellough


Win a copy of Mr. Ego And The Bubble Of Love
Please leave a comment for every entry. 
A winner will be chosen using random.org. 
The more comments the more chances of winning.

• Follow us on Facebook 
• Follow us on Twitter
• Join our Intentional Conscious Parenting Blog Frog Community
• Visit Namaste Publishing and pick up a copy of Mr. Ego And The Bubble Of Love or leave a comment on Amber Hinton's blog. 
• Please leave your email for easy follow up contact if you are the winner.

Thank you for reading our blog!
As we always say! Follow your intuition.





Written by: Carol Lawrence & Stacy Toten

Free Flowing Child | FitBeautiful! Magazine - The Source For Fitness & Beauty

Our article Free Flowing Child was published this month in FitBeautiful Magazine. FitBeautiful is a monthly online magazine that is also available in print twice a year. 

FitBeautiful ~ The Source For Fitness And Beauty. 
Our article is under the Inspirational ~ Your Spiritual Side category. If you want to learn how to take care of your body inside and out this is the magazine for you. I particularly found the articles: The Protein Shake and When To Throw Away Your Cosmetics very insightful.


If you have a chance please check out our article and leave a comment at FitBeautiful!

Free Flowing Child | FitBeautiful! Magazine - The Source For Fitness & Beauty

Thanks for reading our blog. We really appreciate it.
Do you have any topics in the spiritual parenting realm you would like covered?
Leave a comment with your ideas. We'd love to hear them.

Update: Review and Giveaway of the brand new children's book On My Way To A Happy Life by Deepak Chopra & Kristina Tracy will be coming soon! 
We have a whole line up of exciting reviews and give aways, so stay tuned!

"When we focus on the achievement of the goal instead of the learning process, our children miss many opportunities to develop their self esteem," ~ Shefali Tsabary 
Quoted with permission from her new book The Conscious Parent transforming ourselves empowering our children. (Review and Give away coming soon)



Do you have a relationship with your angels?

Winner Announcement For Milton's Secret By: Eckhart Tolle & Robert Friedman

Congratulations to Aruna Kathy Humphry. 
You have won a copy of Milton's Secret by Eckhart Tolle and Robert Friedman. 


Milton's Secret  
~ An adventure of discovery through Then, When, And the Power of Now.
By Eckhart Tolle & Robert S Friedman
Illustrated by Frank Riccio

Milton's Secret will take your child on an internalizing thought provoking journey as Milton seeks to utilize his own inner power. Through lessons learned from being in the now Milton is empowered to turn a negative scary situation into an eye opening positive engaging experience.

Eckhart Tolle & Robert S. Friedman do an exceptional job teaching children how to see the light in others and live in the now.

Illustrator Frank Riccio draws you in with his 
alluring illustrations and exquisite details!



Aruna is the author of Young Yoga Masters ~ Timeless Wisdom For The Leaders Of Today And Tomorrow


Thanks Aruna for reading our blog, leaving comments and entering our contests! We would like to invite you to tell us more about your blog and your idea of bringing yoga into schools.


ANNOUNCEMENTS:
You still have time to check out the Hay House dollar day sale. 
The sale is good through December 11th.


Here's a few of the items that are just $1.00 
Use for special holiday gifts or stocking stuffer's!

• The Wise And Witty Stress Solution Kit
• The Ultimate Astrologer
• Love Thyself ~ by Dr. Masaru Emoto
• Words Of Wisdom For Women Who Do To Much - 50 Card Deck (ONLY $1.00!) 
• Slyvia Browne ~ Father God
• Carnie Wilson ~ Gut Feelings
• Power Thoughts For Teens 50-Card Deck By: Louise Hay
• How To Ruin Your Life ~ Ben Stein
• Cat Comfort Cards ~ Beautifully illustrated Card Deck With Daily Advice From The Feline World To Their Human Companions!
• Rainy Day Fun Cards ~ A 25 Card Fun Deck By Parenting Magazine

And lot's more. 



As Promised The Review And Give Away Of: Mr. Ego And The Bubble Of Love Will Be Posted This Weekend.


Have you heard of The Conscious Parent by Shefali Tsabary? Our review and give away will be available soon until then we will be sharing little tidbits from her Inspiring new book.


I want to emphasize that the most profound way for which we can teach our children to access their inner abundance, empowerment, and purpose is if we have accessed our own. When we have, our presence becomes our most potent parenting tool.
~ Shefali Tsabary The Conscious Parent  


I was absolutely enthralled with the insight and detail Shefali brings to the conscious parenting world. She is truly walking the conscious parenting path and is willing to share with all of us her infinite authentic voice.


Have you heard of Namaste Publishing? Namaste is not your traditional publishing company. The Namaste Publishing staff is full of  passionate, spiritually-oriented people who publish books, DVDs, and other materials that provide rich experience of stillness, oneness, love, and service.
They believe true change comes through inner work.
 Learn more about the Namaste Publishing story and take a look at all their great products.


Written by: Carol Lawrence

Are You Practicing Intentional Conscious Parenting?

Intentional              Conscious                       Parenting


Deliberate               Awake                           Guardian
Calculated               Able To Recognize       Originator
Planned                   Aware                            Source Of Product
Considered             Apprised                         Performance Of
Proposed                Attentive                        The Duties Of A Parent
Purpose                  Assured                          Architect
Unforced                Au Courant                     Author
Willful                      Discerning                      Father 
Intently                  Informed                        Mother
Intended                Mindful                            Be The Root
Designful                Recognizing                   Prototype
Premeditative        Responsive

                                Sensitive To
                                Supra Liminal
                                Watchful
                                Wise To
                                Calculated
                                Effective
                                Rational
                                Reflective
                                Responsible
                                Self Conscious 


What would you like to add to this reference list from your parenting skills?


Written By: Stacy Toten & Carol Lawrence


Follow up Comments:

A Mountain Momma said...

I think being 'Respectful' is an important part of parenting. I find if I give respect and do not shame or humiliate my children I sometimes get the same in return.

Milton's Secret (book) by Eckhart is a children's picture book that will demonstrate to your child the power of living in the now. 

                                               

The Conscious Parent (book) by  Shefali Tsalbary is so full of much needed parenting information for parenting today's children. The Conscious Parent explores the many concepts of Conscious Parenting. and walks you through the process.

SNIFFASAURUS & Building Your Own Merch Store

Did I get your attention with my wacky title?

Sniffasaurus sniffs out gas leaks!

We couldn't resist getting our picture

taken with him at a recent local event.

Do you have your own Merch Store?
Did you know you can create one for free and promote it on your blog or Facebook page?

Winter arrived early this year.

Across the street from
Carol & Stacy's homes.

Marv playing in the snow.









Cedar Trees.

A friends cabin.

Review & Giveaway of Milton's Secret by Eckhart Tolle & Robert Friedman

Parents, have you been looking for a children's book that reflects Eckhart Tolle's wisdom and teachings? 
Look No Further! Here is the children's book you've been waiting for.


Milton's Secret ~ An adventure of discovery through Then, When, And the Power of Now.
By Eckhart Tolle & Robert S Friedman
Illustrated by Frank Riccio

Milton's Secret will take your child on an internalizing thought provoking journey. Milton seeks to utilize his own inner power. 


Through lessons learned from being in the now he's empowered to turn a negative scary situation into an eye opening positive engaging experience.


Eckhart Tolle & Robert S. Friedman do an exceptional job teaching children how to see the light in others and live in the now.

Illustrator Frank Riccio draws you in with his 
alluring illustrations and exquisite details!



Life is here to be our teacher, our guide, and our spiritual partner. We are here to uncover our unconsciousness and integrate it. ~ Shefali Tsabary, PhD
The Conscious Parent ~ transforming ourselves empowering our children

Give a unique gift they'll remember.