Monthly Archives

January 2018

5 Amazing Ways To Support The Black Panther Movie Release

by Nellie January 31, 2018

Excited is not even the word. I still remember the chill that ran down my spine when I saw the cast of the Black Panther film last year. It’s not only that the characters are african american but the caliber of actresses and actors is just incredible. As a brown girl growing up, a film like this would be life changing!

If you don’t understand the power of representation, imagine growing up never seeing a superhero who looks like you. When American Girl dolls came out I always picked Addy who had to escape slavery. But now kids have #BlackPanther’s Nakia, Shuri and Okoye. Dope on many levels.

— Natasha Sonia Alford (@NatashaSAlford) January 30, 2018

I’m sad it took so long, but I am SO happy it’s finally here. I’ve got my tickets for Thursday the 15th and I’m so excited to see it!

“It is your time.” Get your tickets to see #BlackPanther, coming to theaters February 16: https://t.co/Nr2Hefr37C pic.twitter.com/KDNmvt94c7

— Black Panther (@theblackpanther) January 29, 2018

Gather Your Outfit: When you go out to the movie, make sure that you are READY for the premiere. That could mean anything to anyone, but I’ve heard rumblings of wearing traditional African clothing, to wearing all black. Whatever it is you want to do, is up to you. Dressing up for the movie makes the whole event so much more fun! Plus think of the awesome social media pics!
Sponsor a teen: Do you know a teen that you can sponsor to see the film? Buy them a ticket! Tickets are on sale now at Fandango.com and have them be a part of the historic opening!
Follow along on the hashtag and engage: The official hashtag for the Black Panther Movie is #BlackPanther. Check out the hashtag often on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and engage with other excited fans. The social media footprint is being watched as well and we want to make sure that the impact is HUGE!
Advocate for a Black Panther 2: Yes, I know, I haven’t even seen the new film, but I already want there to be a second movie. I want to show that there can be hit films with heroes of all colors, but especially a dominantly African American film.
Explain the significance to your children: For us this is a big deal because let’s be honest the movie industry has come pretty far and this is a revolutionary event for us so let’s be sure to explain to them how big of a deal it is and WHY they should be excited too! The moment is history is simply too great to ignore!

Like BLACK PANTHER on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackPantherMovie

Follow BLACK PANTHER on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theblackpanther

Follow Marvel Studios on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvelstudios/

BLACK PANTHER arrives in theaters everywhere on February 16, 2018!

5 Easy Ways You Can Support The #BlackPanther Movie!

Are you going to see it? Do you take the time to explain to children when great strides are made in entertainment?

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running tips tricks

5 Unconventional Tips For New Runners

by Nellie January 24, 2018

Even though I’ve been running for a long time, I am still learning new things about running every single day. I read blog posts from my favorite runners, I read articles on line, I listen to podcasts–and the learning NEVER ends! Just four short years ago I decided to start taking my running seriously and run longer and longer distances. It has been a complete roller coaster, from the very high highs of personal records and running like the wind, to the very low lows of never wanting to lace up my sneakers to run again. Running is a wild beast that simply cannot be controlled!

Looking to start #running? Check out these tips from @carlypizzani @vitatrain4life @runfargirl

There are a few things that I wish I absolutely knew before I really started putting in consistent miles every single week. Things that I had heard whispers about but didn’t really KNOW until I experienced it myself. Don’t worry, I’m here to share these things so that YOU don’t get caught out there like I did!

5 Unconventional Tips For New Runners

You will chafe. And it will hurt.: I will admit, I had read some of tales of chafing and while I felt sympathy for the people in pain, I had never experienced it in my very short career of running. That was until I ran my very first half marathon in a monsoon. My husband had to peel my wet clothes off of me (trust me there was NOTHING sexy about this) and he discover a series of welts all along my back where my bra had attacked my skin. Chafing can pretty much happen anywhere (YES, EVEN THERE) so I suggest always having a small tube of glide to put on yourself BEFORE you run. Trust me, you will thank me later.
Don’t compare: This seems super cliche, but it’s the realest advice ever. When I started racing I’d get super disappointed when I see people running faster and pretty much dusting me behind. Then I’d get further in the race and realize and sometimes pass that person! When you race, the only person you have to beat is yourself. That is it.
Don’t only run: 11 years ago I started running every single day. I ran 4-5 miles a day. I did this for three months straight, the weight was falling off, there was no reason to stop right? Except I injured my knee pretty bad. I wasn’t taking any rest days and I wasn’t doing any cross training. I’ve noticed now that I actually have better training runs after strength training or spinning. Vary your workouts while improving your running–it will help you, trust me!
Go for a walk: I know this sounds crazy right? I remember a couple of days when training runs seemed impossible–either my body or my mind did NOT want to cooperate. Sometimes taking ALL the pressure off with a walk can really get you in the right frame of mind to run.
Don’t Drink at every water station: It’s tempting, I know. In my first marathon I was fixated on drinking gatorade AND water at every mile. That adds up to a lot of liquid doesn’t it?! I am pretty sure that is why I ended up feeling so awful at the end. Drink whatever works for you, practice different consumptions, sometimes it might be a little better to skip a drink station if you are in the zone, or don’t need any hydration at the moment.

I am partnering with 6 other amazing running bloggers so that they can share their amazing tips for new runners too! Check them out because even I learned some awesome nuggets!

Laura @ This Runner’s Recipes

Angela @ Happy Fit Mama

Sarah @ Run Far Girl

Allie @ VITA Train 4 Life

Carly @ Fine Fit Day

New to #running? I am sharing the most unconventional tips that NO ONE TOLD ME! #runchat

What are some running tips that you would share that no one ever told you?

5 comments

Multiplication can be learned many different ways, check out these printable multiplication table sheets to help your student memorize their times tables!

brothers DIY family Free Printables

Reusable Third Grade Multiplication Worksheets {Free Printable}

by Nellie January 22, 2018

Third grade math–especially multiplication has been, quite the interesting time around these parts. I remember when I was in the third grade, my mom took away my Sega Genesis, my TV time, my books and most importantly my outdoor play until I knew my multiplication tables backwards and forwards.

Things have changed A LOT in 20+ years and it has been a bit of a learning curve for me as a mother to keep up. Back in my day we memorized it until it was a permanent part of the brain, now the schools have new methods for basic multiplication that require a whole lot of thinking and a lot more “figuring out” that I am accustomed to.

Being home with the kids full time has made me ask myself more than once “Are you smarter than a 3rd grader?” However, with multiplication, I feel strongly that knowing their times tables back to front in a critical life skill. Figuring it out is fine, but being able to do basic multiplication fast is something I don’t mind teaching my kids on my own.

So I created some multiplication sheets. I wanted something that they could physically touch, write on, erase, and carry with them wherever we go. I also wanted them to get used to forward and backward multiplication problems. These sheets start at zero and go all the way up to twelve. I put the page with the blank problems on one side and the answers on the other side for easy study reference. I put the pages opposite of each other, (Or you can print them double sided), laminate, and just like that you can use a dry or wet erase marker to write answers on over and over until it’s memorized.

How To Create Reusable Multiplication Worksheets

What you will need:

Copy Paper (Or card stock)
Printer
Laminator
Dry or Wet Erase marker

Print out both the answer keys and the blank multiplication tables. Put the answer table on the opposite side of the blank table. (For example, 0 answer on the back of 0 Blank)
Put both papers into the empty laminating envelope
Laminate and you are ready to go!

Download The Full File of 0-12 Multiplication Worksheets here.

Help your kids practice and memorize their #multiplication tables with these #free #printables!

How are you teaching your kids multiplication tables? The traditional or non traditional way?

3 comments

DIY partytime

DIY Personalized Gift Tags For Any Occasion {Tutorial}

by Nellie January 12, 2018

DIY Personalized Gift Tags For Any Occasion {Tutorial}

Confession: I’ve been getting a little crafty lately. After declaring loudly and proudly in 2013 that I was the anti-crafty mommy, I have dup deep and found my ability to make things pretty–and from my very own hands. Trust me, if I can be converted, YOU CAN TOO!

My foray into crafts began with my planner. Every week I started to take time to decorate the weekly layout for my planner…and actually like it. Then I received a mini cutting machine (A Silhouette Portrait) that cut my own designed stickers for my planner. It was only this year that I have expanded out to vinyl and cardboard. The more I make the more my confidence grows, it is so addictive!

Since I had been learning all of the things, I decided to make some fun things for my son’s school birthday party. I made personalized tumblers (tutorial coming soon!) but to make it a little more fun I made personalized gift tags and I am sharing how with you today!

Needed Items:

Card stock of your choice
PicMonkey or other graphic design software
Cutting Machine (or you can manually cut)
Hole Puncher
Slim Ribbon in color of your choice

Step One: Design Your Tag

I have a few graphic programs, but one that is super quick and easy is PicMonkey. I have had a yearly membership with PicMonkey for over 5 years and the product just keeps getting better! Whatever graphic design program you choose just make sure that the background is transparent. Choose a shape to write your information in: I chose a star. Inside of the star it says “Thank you for attending Jacob’s 6th Birthday Party” Then “12-20-17” in a different font and color. It is important that all of the words are comfortably inside of the shape which should be around 3inches by 3inches depending on the complexity of the shape you choose. Make sure you save in PNG Format to retain the transparency of the the graphic.

Step Two (WITH Cutting Machine)

Add your newly made graphic to your Silhouette Library. Resize your image to as big or as small as you need. My star was 3in by 3in and fit about 18 gift tags comfortably. Print on card stock from your printer. Trace your image and send to the machine for cutting. Make sure your blade is customized for cutting card stock.

Step Two (Without cutting machine)

Insert your image into a word document, copy the image then paste until you have your desired amount of tags. Print your tags on card stock. Proceed to manually cut each tag.

Step Three: Punch a Hole

Once your tags are cut, use a hole punch to punch a hole near the top of the tag. Slip the small ribbon through and voila! Super cute gift tags!

Step Four: Impress Your Guests

These are perfect for birthday party gift bags that need a little more pizazz. The best part is that you can cut the images in the shapes of the character theme of the party, or hearts for valentine’s day or Christmas trees–pretty much anything you need!

Take your party gifts to the next level with these #DIY personalized gift tags!

What is your favorite thing to DIY? Do you have any fun parties coming up?

3 comments

BAM Travels

3 Countries, 4 Days: London, England (The Day Prince Harry Announced His Engagement)

by Nellie January 8, 2018

London, England (The Day Prince Harry Announced His Engagement)

After spending the evening exploring beautiful Brussels, we woke up early and took the train to catch the Eurostar. The Eurostar is a high speed train that links London to Brussels and other countries. I was a bit nervous about the ride because I had read reviews about people getting sick and needing Dramamine, but quite honestly I felt none of that. We had WiFi and I didn’t know exactly when I was underwater and when I wasn’t. 🙂 The train ride was easy peasy, and reminded me of a standard Amtrak ride–except without the beautiful scenery.

London Eye

I was extra excited to be in London…I don’t know if it was the amazing accent that I have been impersonating for years, or the incredible culture, or all of the movies I’ve seen–this leg of the trip had a very special meaning for me.

The first thing we did was go to the London Eye for tickets, it was a little chilly and raining but it was completely manageable. We got there a bit early but waiting patiently until they started loading people on at 11am. This was my first time being on such a slow moving view of the city and it was REALLY cool. After 15 minutes, I had seen everything and was antsy to get off but you can’t quite do that when you are 443 feet in the air can you? 🙂

The views were phenomenal. I didn’t take any of the touristy pictures but I did go to the souvenir shop afterwards and purchased some fun trinkets for the kids.

Big Ben

Unfortunately Big Ben was undergoing heavy construction while we were there, but it was still cool to see such a recognizable icon up close and personal.

Pub Food

We hadn’t eaten much so we decided to wing it and jump into a local pub called The Red Lion for lunch. It was really fun because there were a LOT of suits around as it was in the center of what would be the “city hall” area of London. The food was really good!

This would also be the time we learned that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would be getting married! It was a HUGE deal and honestly it was kinda awesome to be in London proper when the announcement was made. It is a story I will have for my grandchildren!

Change of the guard

As we were walking toward Buckingham Palace we saw the change of the guard. It was REALLY cool! Just like on television they are SO serious and perfectly in step with one another. I was able to grab a few pics with the guard and I’ll treasure these forever. 🙂

Buckingham Palace

It took us a while to walk to Buckingham Palace, but the actually walk was gorgeous. We walked The Mall which passes by St. James Park. It was a super serene, relaxing, and just visually pleasing area.

Once we got to Buckingham Palace, we joined a hundred other tourists that were peering into the grounds. The Palace is REALLY beautiful. The guards are very serious however, we saw two little kids start to climb the fence and the guard yell at them so fast I got scared. Ha!

We walked around and checked out some of the souvenir shops, and you guessed it, I bought more things including some mince pies for hubby (which he devoured when I returned home).

Harrods

Although I didn’t go into Harrods, it was a pretty amazing sight. They had their Christmas windows up and they were all done by Dolce and Gabbana.

I decided that I wanted to take a walk down to Nottingham Cottage, because if you know me, you know I love a good media circus.

There were tons of cameras and live interviews. We didn’t see anyone famous but it was cool to be among the excited energy. Plus the grounds of Kensington Palace are really beautiful.

Notting Hill & Thoughts

We had a quick dinner then we roamed around until we settled at the train station as we geared up to take the Eurostar over to Paris. I loved the London vibes, the trains, the people and the food. I felt the most comfortable there for some reason. It’s hard to put into words the feels that I had for this beautiful city, but I will say that if I see a cheap fare to London in the near future, I’ll be headed back immediately!

Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, The London Eye and more in a Day Trip To #London #England! #travel

Where have you visited that you unexpectedly fell in love with? Have you ever been to London?

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