Escape Goats and Toddlers

September 24, 2021

 I definitely haven't been the best at life updates lately. Life is in somewhat of a pattern after school, but until a few more loose ends are tied I think my brain won't agree that we are in a routine. 


We are on our 4th house buyer. 4th! Two we had to cancel, one never paid earnest money, and now we have a 4th. This is why I look stressed and crazy. 


Now, in no particular order, because Blogger can't upload in order to save it's life... what we've been up to the last few weeks. 


At the zoo today a couple of the goats had escaped, to the boy's delight. Elliot help telling the little black one "sit dog!" as if he were speaking with Dill. 

Who is he kidding? Dill ignores him too. 


While wandering Walmart after we returned to the Deep Cajun South something occurred to me, this bread is evidence that we are back in Acadiana. 


Low and behold my library card hadn't expired. We added a library trip to our usual Friday ice cream date and the boys have loved being back in a library now that Covid has allowed it. 

This week we grabbed a level reader and I really have to make sure we do it more often. Harry felt so proud of himself reading a book on his level again. 

The reading program they use at school sends home phonics homework, where we were getting more level books in Hoover. That little level book at least encouraged him, reading is hard when you've got speech mountains to climb. 

But he's made so much growth the past two years. So. Much. Growth. 


We've had some backyard swimming fun. 


After 8ish years I finally painted this old brown dresser. It's Sherman Williams Privilege Green, and y'all it looks good in person! 


Yes, I know half my photos are edited and half aren't... but that's what it is. 

As I went to get in bed the other night I found the kids giraffe, who wears underwear, tucked into my side of the bed and wearing my sleep mask. 


Who else has jumped on the seasonal drink train? 

After the heck of a week I had last week, Saturday morning called for loud Emo music and Starbucks. 


This ding dong did something dumb and landed his little self with meds for two weeks, this is our daily morning routine of me forcing it in his mouth with peanut butter.

He ain't here for it. 


Elliot and his crib transition should be its own post. 

In short, he's been plotting an escape for clearly years and was going to live his best life. Harrison isn't happy about this new found freedom. Jeremy didn't want him to break something so he left the side down again. 

We went to get them out one morning and found Elliot had rearranged furniture. That bed doesn't go there. 


And while this photo should be with the first two, we had our little monthly donut date while Jeremy got his hair cut. The kids always love to wander over to Sunrise Donuts in Broussard while we are waiting on Dad to get his hair done. The weather has been perfect this weekend for outdoor donut dining. 



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Top Non-Social Socializing Ideas for Introverts

September 17, 2021

Not everyone has missed socializing over the past year. In fact, for some of us, it’s been bliss. 

Introverted types or those still anxious about the effects of the virus might find socializing in person a little overwhelming. And that’s perfectly okay. However, this is why if the party scene isn’t your style, we’re sharing six non-social socializing ideas that are perfect for introverts. 



Volunteering


While you’ll still have to leave the house for this one, volunteering is a great middle-ground activity. You have the chance to helps those less fortunate or more vulnerable while also meeting like-minded people. After the work is done, volunteer groups often offer social activities as well, but these are not compulsory. That means you can enjoy a little fresh air and company, then leave when you want to. 


Board games night


Introverts don’t have to be or want to be at home alone all the time. A board games night is the perfect way to hang out with friends, have some fun, and be in bed by 10. Whether or not you’re competitive doesn’t really matter; there’s a lot of fun to be had when pizza and games are involved. 


Afternoon tea


If you absolutely loved Bridgerton on Netflix and now find yourself enjoying only the finer things in life, why not get out for afternoon tea? With tea, cakes, and tiny sandwiches, you can re-connect with your best friends without the need for dancing or loud atmospheres. 

Alternatively, if you really prefer to be a homebody, why not try an afternoon tea delivery service? Then, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy a quintessentially British day – and could even put Pride and Prejudice on in the background. 


Online gaming


Those tired of playing video games could go old school with a few online games like Solitaire or Bingo. This bingo sites reviewer will help you find a reputable place to get started. A lot of bingo sites have different themes, too, so you’ll likely find a game that’s suited to your interests in no time. 


Book club 


Whether you’ve always been a bookworm or have started reading more over the pandemic, a book club is a great place to socialize, discuss topics in-depth and find some new book recommendations. You could set up and host your own book club – online or offline – or find an existing group in your area. 


Netflix party


There’s nothing worse than getting together to watch a film, only for everyone to talk over it. So why get together at all? A Netflix party is the perfect way to enjoy films with all your friends without interruptions. Once everyone is set up, you’ll be able to watch the film together in real-time while chatting via a chatbox. You can join in the conversation as little or as much as you’d like. 

Being introverted doesn’t mean being lonely. Some people just prefer their own company or are selective with who they choose to hang out with. There are plenty of socializing opportunities available to even the shiest of people.

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Why Updating Your Garden Can Improve Your Mental Health

September 13, 2021

For many of us, the recent lockdown following the coronavirus outbreak made us truly appreciate what we have on our doorstep and interestingly, how much time we enjoy in and around the home. In 2020, the lockdowns meant spending time in our backyard became the everyday norm. As a result, homeowners spent thousands of dollars renovating their outdoor space to make it a much more pleasant and relaxing place to be. 




Updating the yard can have significant positive impacts on mental health, an effect that has since been reaffirmed in an unprecedented and truly worrisome time for the entire population. 

Below, we’re going to look at some of the reasons why updating your garden can improve your mental health:

1. Exercise


Whatever project you have in mind when it comes to updating your garden, there is bound to be some form of exercise involved. Digging, carrying, hammering – you name it. Exercise has been discovered by scientists as one of the best ways to suppress feelings of anxiety and depression and form a more positive outlook on life. This is due to the fact that once your heart gets pumping, endorphins are released in the brain, which are otherwise known as ‘feel-good chemicals’ and have been proven to give a mental-health boost when you’re feeling down. Quite simply, if you don’t enjoy going to the gym, gardening is a great alternative.

2. Feel closer to nature


A scientific report discovered that spending just 120 minutes a week in nature is linked to good mental health. During the pandemic, millions of adults claimed that being surrounded by nature and wildlife was one of the only aspects that helped reduce their stress and anxiety and have continued to spend more time outdoors this year.  A gardening project is the perfect opportunity to get out in the fresh air and enjoy natural surroundings.

Building a pond is the ideal project for bringing more wildlife into your garden and is a feature that will help you stay calm though the use of cascading water blades from Water-garden.co.uk, which creates a visually pleasing sheet of water and a relaxing trickling sound.

3. Boosts your self-esteem


Have you ever taken care of a plant and watched it bloom? If not, it certainly is something you should try. There are few better feelings than nurturing a seed and feeling the sense of pride and self-esteem when it grows into a fully formed plant. Gardening takes a great deal of time and effort. Therefore, committing yourself to become a seasoned gardener is sure to give your mental health a positive boost.

4. Improves your attention span


Did you know the average adult has an attention span of just 8 seconds – shockingly, that’s even less than the standard goldfish. Consequently, taking on a gardening project can help keep your mind focused on one task that is directly in front of you as opposed to what is happening elsewhere, which could gradually increase your attention span.

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Improve Your Work from Home Chances With an Online Degree

September 9, 2021

 Working from home has been the default position for many companies over the last 18 months, but the trend is on shaky ground as the world opens up after COVID-19. 


With many businesses looking to recall employees to offices, many home-workers are considering the option of going back. 


However, for those that would rather stay in the field of work from home, doing an online masters in communication could offer valuable industry credentials to take to future employers, and more importantly, give you a solid grounding in business practices.




Boosting Your Skillset

Many avenues exist for employees working from home, but an online degree in communication is an excellent way of preparing yourself for the workplace and helping your career prospects. The convenience of completing your studies at your own pace is a major benefit of working online.


The professional world has been opening up job opportunities for employees with an online degree qualification from recognized accredited institutions.

Why Do An Online Degree Specifically?

More and more people are turning to online courses and programs in addition to their formal qualifications as a way of making themselves more attractive to potential employers.


The good news is that there's never been a better time to do it, with many new programs launching all the time - so, if you're interested in working from home without having to give up your formal career, it’s definitely worth investigating the range of online degrees available.

Why a Communications Degree Online?

The benefits of doing an online degree, specifically in this field, are numerous. Communication is an important element in any business, and to have the skillset to improve it can only benefit a company.


The advantages of doing an online degree in communication include:

Greater Flexibility 

With an online course, you don't need to commit to set timetables or quit your existing job.


You will be able to study at times that suit you and fit around any other commitments you may have - including work-from-home jobs if you choose not to give them up.

Greater Accessibility

Many of the courses on offer are designed for people who live in urban centers, but people in rural areas can also take advantage of this opportunity. 


You will also get the benefit of teaching from qualified tutors and a range of practical courses with a focus on industry specializations, allowing you to tailor your studies further.

Being at Home 

Due to the convenience factor, many students choose to study online from home


You don't have to worry about travel costs, and you can combine this with family time or looking after children if you wish - there are countless options to choose from! 


The hybrid nature of the course also means that you can study this from your own home- with the online element and the small classroom environment(if you choose to do an online degree in Communication from a school rather than online). 

A Great Move for Your Career

You can know that your learning is tailored to suit your needs and will help to make a smart move for your career.


With an online degree in communication, you can feel confident about putting yourself in a position where you are highly employable.


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Why you Should Choose Online Education as A Mom

September 8, 2021

For many people, the idea of home educating their children isn't something they want to entertain; education is seen as something that only experts can provide. 


While that may be true for some specialized classes, there are many options for early years and general education for parents who want to homeschool their kids.




Sticking To the Basics


When you consider your child's development and learning targets, you can see that many of them are things that can be achieved at home with little more than a bit of parental guidance and support. 


You don't need a classroom full of other children or other adults to help your child learn the basics. You just need to see their potential and make sure they get the best possible start in life.


A Little More Advanced


For parents who want to go further and educate better, doing an online education certificate is a great way to go. There are hundreds of online courses you can sign up for, such as the online Programs in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education, and Educational Leadership available at https://online.bankstreet.edu/


It can take years to get through all the levels you need to obtain a license and a degree in teaching at a standard school, which means that many parents won't have that kind of freedom to devote themselves fully to learning. It also means that professional advancement or any real pay rise is on hold if you are working even part-time.


Work Around Commitments


Many courses offer flexible study programs and great value education for a fraction of the cost of a traditional university course, and you can get your education certificate in as little as a few months.


You also don't need to leave your kids at home alone while you get educated. Online programs give you the freedom to learn from home and complete assignments online so that you aren't taking time from your kids while they're growing up.


Flexible Schedules


There are few limitations on how much you want to learn with online classes or how quickly. You can study at your own pace, and with the added support available from qualified tutors, you are likely to see great results as well.


Don't forget the kids! With an online course, you can get plenty of practice in the art of being taught from home, and this will help make sure that when it comes to homeschooling your children, you're ready to give them a great education and help them build a great start in life.


The Future Is Bright


These are just a few of the reasons that choosing online education is likely to be good for you and your children in the future. 


With online courses, you can learn what you want to learn and when you want to learn them. It's an exciting time to educate yourself and your children at home, and there are plenty of great programs for you to choose from.


Older children who are of high school age may even want to join you in furthering their education at home, learning important skills.


Learning Together


You can also learn a lot from your children as they grow up, and the experience can be invaluable for both you and your kids.


Education can help you to get a great start in life, and with the number of people choosing to homeschool their children rising across most age groups, it's worth thinking about how you can benefit from the flexibility online education has to offer.


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