Friday's Fix!

Sweet Potato Baby!

I used to cringe at potato's. Too much work to peel, cut, bake and wait for. Well...hold on!

Photo credit Charged

It really is not. Many times I am making these the night before and they are ready for me the next day at dinner. Sometimes I make more than one so they are in the fridge cooked for another meal. 

They are packed with beta -carotene, antioxidants and have the ability to raise our blood levels of vitamin A. 


Here is my no frill tips for baking sweet potato's. 

• Peel the outside skin off
• Wash
• Cut the potato in half, then quarters. 
• Keep going until you have 1 inch cubes.
• Pour a TBSP coconut oil and mix with your hands
• Add dash of salt, pepper. ( I also had sage)
• 1 TBSP cinnamon
• Cook in the oven on 400 degrees for 35 minutes
• Keep checking after 20 minutes.
• The potato's should be fork tender when they are ready to come out.
• Take them out and mash with a large fork until creamy. You can add a TBSP of milk if you like to an as option.

Photo credit Charged

They make your whole house smell like Thanksgiving and why should you have to wait until November to have a yummy side dish!

Adventures in Pole Dancing

So... we have all heard of exotic dancing right?  Ever think... whoa, wish I could do that? In recent years, pole fitness classes have popped up everywhere. This is not about stripping, men or designed for you to be able to put on a personal show in your bedroom, although I am sure it could help! :) 

Don't get me wrong. It CAN be. But this studio is not meant to push you into being a sex kitten.This is about empowerment. This is performance art, movement, beauty, strength and control. It is about a lot of muscle control and strength and has nothing to do with taking off your clothes. Perhaps exotic dancers are best well known for pole dancing, but since the early 2000's, professional pole competitors and acrobatics have been working to give it a better image. AND, it is not as easy as it looks!  


I participated in an Intro to Pole class at The Girl Spot in Milford, CT.  What I walked into was a fun, welcoming space that was by no means intimidating. Who knew this small community was host to a sexy and fun fitness trend? I am always looking at fun and new innovative ways to stay in shape, but more importantly learn something new. Upon entering the studio I met a lovely student who was an avid member and was telling me how much of an underground community there is with pole dancing including pole competitions and how many students branch out onto other categories like acrobatics and aerial type classes. Many of the members I saw looked like you and me. College-aged to mommies and baby boomers. We had a fun instructor named Elin who has extensive training and knowledgeable in dance and movement. She walked us through each move and step we took and encouraged us on. No intimidation. Just supportive and energetic. We laughed at ourselves when we fell and high fived each other when we did not. I left with bruises, had sore shoulders the next day and I have a new found respect for this art all together.This class challenged me in ways I never imagined.  

So, would I do it again? Yes! It was fun and not about perfection. Practice, technique and not thinking about what you are going to be doing next was what I took away. All in all, I can say.. pole dancing? Yeah been there, done that!

Life is short. Get on that bucket list and start trimming it down ladies! 

If you would like to give the pole or other aerial classes a try, check out The Girl Spot!

The Girl Spot

Another shot from Jones Winery! Check out my visit here! http://t.co/KsP1QlW977 pic.twitter.com/xmQjatZetE

— Christine (@chargingup1) July 27, 2015

Red, Red Wine

A visit to a winery on a beautiful picturesque day in July was in store for us this past Saturday. Jones Winery in Shelton, Connecticut has won consecutive Best Of Connecticut awards for wine as well as wineries. When we got there, we were pleasantly surprised. The place was packed! I guess I would have assumed everyone would be at the beach on a sunny day.  Light, upbeat music played and patrons were sitting on the terrace, taking advantage of wine tastings, buying bottles and enjoying family time with little ones tuckered out from picking blueberries. 

Photo credit Charged

Photo credit Charged

 As we entered the Winery and looked at the menu, we found a nice red bottle to purchase. We were surprised to find out that this winery does not allow you to open the bottles for consumption or to bring outside food of any kind. Oops!Only light fare that is sold at the winery and what is made in the kitchen is allowed. Note to self. This was not my experience at other wineries and it put a bit of a damper on what we were thinking of for our day having packed a picnic.  However, we were able to return the bottle and opted then for 2 glasses of their Ripton Red and enjoyed the view. 

The winery also has a a farm to table cooking studio called the Harvest Kitchen where you can learn how to prepare easy meals from farm to table and learn the wine and food pairings for what you are making. Definitely something to 
consider next time!

Photo credit  Charged

After our wine, we took a short walk around the grape vines and checked out the views of the farm. Jones Family Farm is host to all kinds of seasonal fruit picking and vegetables. Most popular is pumpkin, blueberry and strawberry to name a few. They also have a large selection of Christmas trees during the holiday season to choose from. All in all, this place is quaint, family friendly and the staff was very warm and helpful and I love to support local businesses and especially our farms. 

If you are ever stumbling across Shelton, Connecticut and need to recharge your battery and kick back, check it out!

National Tequila Day!

National Margarita Day! Azteca, Wallingford home Margarita! @CTcocktails @CTBites @WattsYvette pic.twitter.com/iVww0vHUmd

— Christine (@chargingup1) July 24, 2015

Friday's Fix!

Happy Friday!

This week's Friday Fix is something I did not know I needed and now cannot live without.

Photo credit Charged

An athletic roller! I stumbled upon this during physical therapy a few years ago. I always saw it at the gym in the corner, but never really new its purpose. As my therapist directed me to roll on it for my hip injury 3 times a week I quickly found out, it hurt. Yes, it was not pleasurable at first with an injury and I only kept thinking how sore I was going to be tomorrow from doing this.  I could not fathom how this was helping. Well... it did.

It brought blood through my muscles which aided in circulation to areas that were sore. The next day, to my surprise I was less sore and felt great! I had to have one at home. This is not just for the person who works out or is injured. Anyone with back, leg or neck tightness would benefit from using this on effected areas as it would aid in mobility and loosen tight muscles. You can find them at most stores that sell workout equipment. I got mine on Amazon for under $30. You must read the fine lines however. Some are more firm than others. Some also are smooth on the outside and some come with bumps for more of an aggressive effect. They also carry smaller travel size versions that can fit in a duffel bag! As always, it is best to consult your doctor or physical therapist before using equipment like this for an injury. 

Now before I run or workout and after, I always get on the floor with my roller and have my own little private PT session. Rarely do I suffer from muscle soreness and stiffness after using this.

So...when in doubt... roll it out!

Why Reading is Good For You!

We are always looking for the new ways to be healthy in life right? Some are more fad driven and sexier than a book of course, but something as simple as introducing reading into your habits each day can have positive health benefits in your life. 

Books feed the mind, nourish the soul, educate, motivate us, unlock emotions and improve our vocabulary and of course entertain us! They also help us problem solve, give us good analytical skills, help us write better and provide brain stimulation. 

The feeling of finishing a book is such an accomplishment and energizes you. The anticipation of again being able to pick my next read is fun!  I am a slow reader and often have to actually schedule time aside to get reading done. Yes, too busy to read sometimes! (Sound familiar?) But when I get going, I often have trouble putting it down. I love the smell of the pages, attractive text, catchy title and a good book cover goes a long way encouraging me to pick it up and keep going. 

Currently I am reading Mindset, The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck. This book is all about tuning into your full potential by identifying if you have a fixed or growth mindset. Dweck shows us how a growth mindset approach to all things in our life make all things possible and is the distinguishing trait that separates success vs failure. Failure is not a bad thing explains Dweck further in the book. It is the approach you take at the failure that matters. A fixed mindset of giving up and all is doom, or a growth mindset to discover what I did wrong, what I will do differently and how to go at it again. This one should be on your motivational book list for sure. 

For those of you who do not gravitate toward self help, there is a multitude of good reads out there for your summer reading pleasure. I do enjoy a good fiction book now and then myself, but embarrassed to say it was probably Fifty Shades ago! :)

Let's not forget the kiddos! Reading to children from infantile stages are proven to expand children's vocabulary, encourage early speech and early reading skills. Plus, we can only hope it will also foster their love of books as well. Libraries are full of activities, events and guest authors to engage our children into the love of reading and are usually free. Bookstores too are now doing book events with children's favorite book characters and giving incentives to children who read and discounts to their stores for purchases. My all time favorite children's books are Charlotte's Web by E.B White and The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. I also had an affinity to anything Judy Blume wrote like every other tween growing up in the 80's I am sure!

Perhaps you will give some thought to take some time to dive into a book. It's good for you!

Check out the Newbery Award winners for 2015 for wonderful enriching children's books

Newbery Medal winning books 2015

Here are some suggestions from great sites for summer reads for the big kids. :)

Good Reads

Oprah's Book club via Amazon


What is your all time favorite book? Let's hear it!

Get Snappin'!

We live in the world of cell phones. Cameras on cell phones have come along way however, not to mention all the applications you can download them or just to make them awesome before sending to an uploading program. Instagram, Snapseed, Shutterfly, Flickr just to name a few. 

Photo credit Charged

We are all taking "selfies", capturing vacations, life events, pictures of nature, our family, kids, friends, proud meals we have made at home (guilty) and things during our travels. The one thing many of us (this girl right here) is guilty of is actually getting them printed. I would not want to to lose a single photo on my cell phone yet it could easily be lost, stolen or damaged and boom.. I would lose it all. Thankfully we live in the age of the "cloud" so some of our photos might be backed up and saved. But I would not want to take that chance. So, I aim at each month downloading the photos off my phone onto the computer to create albums, edit photos and order. The best part is I can order from Snapfish and have them mailed or pick them up at my local Walgreens for a few dollars more. Eiether way I have options and it is super easy. No more going into the store to download and order at the counter. 

Sometimes the best way to also get your pictures downloaded is to buy frames in advance. Pick out frames when you see really special ones of all sizes and shapes. If you have them on hand, you will be more willing to remind yourself to download and print and of course fill them. I get many of my frames from discount designer stores and craft stores which I feel have the most unique selections.

I also love to give photos as gifts to unknowing family members. If they text me a photo of themselves and it is a good one, I will tweek it, upload, print and get a frame to give as a gift. Many times they do not remember even taking the picture months earlier. Why? because they never downloaded it off their phone!! :) It sat in camera cell phone heaven for-e-ver. 

Any way you go about it, set time aside to do this. I always feel so accomplished when I know my priceless pics are printed and can adorn my home to enjoy and then you get to delete all the pictures on your phone that take up storage and start fresh.

What is your favorite program for uploading your cell phone pics or editing your pics?

Pre-Planning to Charge Your Week

Planning for the workweek is always cumbersome. You are not just yet done with the weekend and have to start thinking about what you are going to make for dinner that week, for lunch the next day, what you are going to wear, what is the weather going to be like? It's mind boggling. The world we live in is fast and we have to for the most part during the work week move with it and all you really want to do on the weekend is relax. And you should. Putting some of these things in your weekend can really impact your week for the positive and still allow for relaxation on the weekend.

Photo credit Charged

Their are many things you can do to make your Monday and the rest of the week run seamlessly. Here are some tips.

• Pre-plan your meals. Before heading to the grocery store think about what you want on the menu that week. You will save time and money by not buying things you do not need or forgetting an item you do.
• Cook for the week. Ok... maybe not the entire week but some of the week. Cook all the meat in advance (for those who eat it) for the week so you can easily put it in salads, create quick dinners when you come home and are tired and hungry. Make the baked potato's the day before then store. Rice holds up well done the night before as well. Think of what can be done in advance for your menu that week.
• Wash all the veggies and fruit. Before putting them away, why not get them all washed and ready to cook and consume! You can pre-chop your veggies for salads for the week the night before which is a huge time saver. Some fruit should not be washed beforehand as they will become soft and rot quicker like many berries. When washing ahead of time, think apples, peaches, plums and grapes. 
• Iron the night before. This is the one chore I loathe. BUT, if I think about what I am going to wear the night before and be sure it is clean and ironed, you bet it saves me at least 15 minutes in the morning. Even laying out your jewelry, watch and undergarments can shave off a few minutes of your morning. 
• Fuel up. Be sure your car has a full tank Sunday evening. You should never have an almost empty tank anyway in case an emergency occurs. This also helps in a big way when all you need to do is get to work with no stops. 
• Pack. Pack the kids bags and lunches before. Better yet, include them in it if they are old enough going through a checklist of what they need and having them add it to their bags or to their lunch.
• Get the laundry in. A week of clean clothes and towels is one way I know I will be able to spend more time with family during the week if this is done on a weekend. 
• Check email. If Monday emails consume you at work first thing in the morning, peek in your work email Sunday night and blast through a few of them. This will also give you an idea of what is in store for Monday at work with your schedule.

Sound like a lot? It might. But if you do a few of these things each weekend in preparation for Monday, Sunday will be more restful and your Monday more smooth.

Have a planning tip for the week? Let's hear it!

Playing Nice in the Sandbox

We all have to work, deal and interact with people each day. The hardest part is when you have to interact with someone who does not play nice because of family ties, work responsibilities or an assignment. I have seen people struggle with this. I struggle with this. Kids often struggle with this as they are growing up very young and are learning how to share, cope with something they do not get and play nice in the sandbox.

Photo courtesy of Charged

How can we accomplish what is needed in our lives and our responsibilities and still play nice for the sake of our our sanity?

I invite you to give me your tips as I am no expert. I will tell you my strategy always comes from a place of inner peace, confidence and looking at the big picture. How would my disdain for this person help me? What will get accomplished by letting this person get to me? How can I use this person's bad behavior to my advantage. (That is my favorite strategy!) Will I be compromising my values and morals at the chance to throw sand at someone? How will I feel after I react?

So, it normally takes a good, hard, deep look inside to decide to be reactive or proactive. 99.9% of the time I choose proactive. Offering solutions, asking questions about the person's thinking, and yes sometimes ignoring the comments from the person all together. Deciding to shut my mouth than open it. Walk away rather than walk into fire.  Not easy to do. I believe that (for me) allowing this person to break my spirit, confidence and outlook on my day is not worth reacting many times. I normally think to myself, they must be going through a hard time. They might be taking things out on the wrong people. They might not be happy in their career, in their relationships or ......they might be jealous! Oh! And that never feels good.

How do you deal with people who do not play nice?

Hey There!

Welcome to Charging You Up!

My name is Christine. I am a mom, career gal, social butterfly and lover of all things possible. Visit for lifestyle tips, yummy recipes, gadgets I love, discoveries I find and lots of inspiration. You won' t find negativity or extra lengthy blog posts, cause who has time for that? Charging You Up is all about being excited about new and fun things in life and living it the best you can!

If you are a brand or company looking for exposure or hosting a blogging event, please email me directly at chargingup1@gmail.com 

 Like what you see? Follow on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram! Cheers!


Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the blog are purely my own views, beliefs, and opinions, and do not necessarily reflect the outlook or opinions of any other organizations or places of employment.

All pictures, articles, and stories are subject to copyright.

Charging You Up is a blog written and edited by Christine and periodic guest writers. We may receive products directly from brands, manufacturers, public relations companies, and brand marketing firms. In addition we have been invited to fairs, shows, and other events. Complimentary services, gratis products, tickets and press samples never compromise our coverage of the product or event. We will always cover and disclose whatever we receive fairly and honestly. Charging You Up will not be paid for a review but may receive complimentary products, services, tickets, and travel in exchange for our opinion. Any advice on this site is the opinion of Charging You Up and any/all contributing editors for this site. We are in no way responsible for the effects of our advice and always suggest that our readers decide for themselves.

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If you have any questions, please email us directly at chargingup1@gmail.com 

Friday's Fix!

This week's Friday Fix is a gadget I stumbled upon recently and now love. 

I showed you a picture earlier this week of a spin on the "traditional" veggie peeler by OXO. 
http://www.oxo.com/default.aspx

Look closely! You will notice the blades are jagged and not just in one direction. There are two blades with these edges. This creates delightful strips of whatever you cut with it. You can use this on potatoes (think potato pancake perfection) carrots, cucumber, cantaloupe or apples for an apple slaw. Sometimes a boring salad just won't do. This took under 10 minutes and was so much more pleasing to the eye and fulfilling on the stomach.

For me, I am all about the zucchini spaghetti! Peel, cook in 2 tbsp olive oil for 3-5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, fresh basil and chopped tomato's. Boom!

 If you can peel a vegetable, you can make this and alike side dishes for your family. 

Peel away kids!

Udi's Gluten Free Pizza

We are making homemade pizza. Well sort of!

Photo courtesy of Charged

I got some help from gluten free pizza crust by Udi's  and 365 Whole Foods brand to be exact. By far the best gluten free pizza crust I have had! I have made it from scratch, bought gluten free mixes that are time consuming and messy as well as expensive. A box of these for 2 shells will run you approximately $5.50 at the supermarket. They are thin and come out crispy and light and you have no idea you are eating gluten free. 

Photo courtesy of Charged

I started by sauteeing spinach and garlic in a non-stick pan with a tablespoon of olive oil. After it starts to wilt, I added chopped cooked chicken and fresh basil, salt and pepper. Then I spread the shells with 365 Classic Marinara sauce and topped it with the spinach and chicken. I then shredded cheese. I used cheddar as that is what I had on hand but classic mozzerella or another of your choice will do. I added olives for a bit more flavor but you could add peppers, sausage, onion...think out of the box. 

 After topped and prepared, the shell cooks in about 15-20 minutes on a pizza stone at 400 degrees. My suggestion is to watch it half way as they are thin and on a stone could bake quicker. 

What you get is a delectable, flavorful personal size pizza that is gluten free but not free on taste or quality. 

Photo courtesy of Charged




http://udisglutenfree.com/

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/about-our-products/product-lines/365-everyday-value

  

Making the Most of Your Summer

Summer is half way through. Yes, that's right.. not paying attention? You might miss it.

If you have not gotten enough summer out of your summer, look no further. I have gathered some thoughts on making the most of this delightful yet short season.

Photo courtesy of Charged. Gulf Beach Milford, CT

EXPLORE! Check out parts of your state you have not been too. Some people call this a "stay- cation". So will I.

PARTICIPATE! Hike, run a 5K, bike, boat, join a fun summer course, eat outside or better yet pack a picnic. Summer is short and so is life. Soak it in before the winter dull drums are back

RELAX! Find a park, beach, mountain top, resort, backyard, restaurant deck, pool, grassy lawn, park bench. That is right. Do nothing. Enjoy people watching, the surroundings, kids playing, ringing of the ice cream truck or live music playing. Not enough of us do this. What's that? Yeah that's right. NOTHING! Relax kids.

EAT! Corn, watermelon, tomato's, peaches, berries of every kind are all in season and not for long. Corn on the cob is at my table 2-3 times a night during the summer. Plus there are fabulous farmer's markets all over the place during the season. Take advantage.

BE SOCIAL! Make time to spend it with friends, family, neighbors, co-workers (preferable ones you like) a college friend or make new ones! Summer is the perfect time to be social with many restaurants that have outside bars and eating areas, live music, summer events, family happenings. Take advantage of it all.

STAY SAFE! Yes, with all the fun we need to also be safe. This is not the season to be wreak-less. Wear proper safety equipment when doing outdoor sports, always wear sunscreen, always watch children near the water, NEVER drink or drive! Designate a driving buddy you can call at anytime. Offer to do the same on a night you are home.

Check out a few of these local links I posted below for more summertime happenings, travel and events. Their are too many to mention, but with a little internet search, you can find an abundance of links and sites for summer fun. 

Also check out your local AAA, Chamber of Commerce for travel deals and local events and your own State website for park and recreation information and beach updates! 

http://www.ctoutandabout.com/connecticut-events-calendar/

http://www.events12.com/newyork/july/

Charged: Tomorrow's blog is all about ...... - Summertime

Charged: Tomorrow's blog is all about ...... - Summertime

Basic Guacamole

Never buy store bought again!

Photo courtesy of Charged

Guacamole is the easiest thing to make and there is nothing like making it fresh. Not to mention that in some stores it is very pricey! I have been doing it for several years and it only takes a few ingredients and can be done in under 10 minutes. 

Avocado's are good for you! They are 160 calories each and have 2 grams of protein and 16 grams of mono saturated fat (the good kind of fat) that will keep you feeling full. They are also low in sodium and high in fiber.

If you are not a avocado connoisseur, that is OK! When going to the store, look for ripe avocados. Gently press your thumb into it. It should leave a small indentation. That is when you know they are perfect. If your thumb goes right through it, it is on its way to rotting. If you can't press your thumb into it, it is likely too hard. If you get them in advance, you can put them in a brown bag tightly and they will ripen in the next day or so. You should only be using avocados that are bright green on the inside and show no sign of black spots and it should not be brown in color. 

Basic Guacamole

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/2 cup of cilantro. Fresh only.
•  1 clove of garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/1 tsp pepper
• 1 lime
• 1 Tbsp mayonnaise. Any kind will do. ( I use Just Mayo by Hampton Creek for those that are dairy free.) 
• 2 small Roma tomato's.
• Small food processor. If you do not have one, you can still mix by hand using a large fork for a more rustic result.

STEP 1. Cut each avocado in half and scoop out the insides into a bowl. Remove pits.

STEP 2. Pull off a 1/2 cup of cilantro leaves and add to the bowl.  You do not want stems as they are course.

STEP 3. Mix in salt and pepper.

STEP 4. Cut lime in half and squeeze each halve into avocado mixture. This will keep your guacamole super green and adds flavor

Photo courtesy of Charged

 

STEP 5. Chop and add garlic.

STEP 6. Chop tomatoes into tiny cubes and set aside

Photo courtesy of Charged

STEP 7. Put all the ingredients in the food processor and start mixing. If the guacamole appears too dry, add more lime or a touch more mayo. We are looking for a creamy consistency. 

STEP 8. Once well mixed, pour into a bowl and fold in tomatoes. Garnish with chips and you have just mastered guacamole! 

Ole!

Photo courtesy of Charged

Friday Fix!

Welcome!

I am starting a new weekly post on Fridays called Fridays Fix!

I will highlight something that I love and makes my life easier, better or is just fun and out of the ordinary. If you have suggestions for me, please let me know. 

Today's Friday Fix is Organization Apps.

Photo courtesy of Charged

I finally downloaded an organization App called Google KEEP  for Android a few months ago. I never imagined how organized it actually would make me and not to mention productive!

Check it out here. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.keep&hl=en

I keep it on the desktop of my phone and am always adding to it as I remember something that needs to get done or a grocery item I need to pick up or photos I need to remind myself to download for printing. It all gets jotted down here for me to refer to throughout the day. There is also such a sense of accomplishment when you get to check it done and see it crossed off with a big line through it. Yes! You can also add backgrounds to each list you create and personal the colors, add a personal photo background and create names of all the lists you make. If you want to share the list with someone, there is an option to email it to that person as well. Just in case they are the one you would like to run your errands!

Here are some other applications I found for organization your life in work and at home from an article courtesy of Forbes.com.

 Have fun!

http://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2013/02/08/5-best-apps-for-getting-and-staying-organized/


Have a great app to share? Please do!

Out of the Box

By no means am I a professional baker, chef or cook. I do however love making food and being creative in the kitchen. Weekends are normally the only time I get to do this. And when I discover a little cute idea or discovery, I will be sure to always want to share it. Even if I did not invent it. It is NEW to me:)

I love Cherrybrook Kitchen products! Especially since we have family members who are dairy and gluten free. We happen to be craving something sweet one day and decided to open a box of vanilla cake mix from the pantry. Now this has adorn our pantry for at least 6 months now. Simply putting a cake mix in a bowl with some water seemed unfair and well... bland. I remembered I had left over pineapple from a salad I made earlier in the day and we just bought fresh blueberries. Do you see where I am going with this? :)

Ready for the oven

Ready for a spoon

We layered the bottom of the square baker pan with the leftover pineapple much like you do when making a pineapple upside down cake. Peaches would also work if they are really ripe. I then made the cake mix as directed on the box and then folded in the blueberries and baked for 35 minutes. What came out was more than just vanilla cake. It was a cobbler-like masterpiece! Top with frozen yogurt or sorbet and dessert was made!

So next time you want more than just cake mix, think out of the box!

http://cherrybrookkitchen.com/

Speed Bump Ahead

Nothing refreshes your inner spirit like going off the routine. Yes. Hit the snooze button, sleep in, skip the gym (OK at least not the first thing in the AM), enjoy a second cup of coffee and slowly let your inner spirit arise. 

I believe this is essential to my health and balance in life. It does not mean that I won't still go to the gym, do the grocery shopping for the week or the laundry that built up all week. It simply means I am taking it slow. REAL slow. No schedule, no routine. You know those speed bump ahead signs we always see in neighborhoods or driveways where they want drivers to slow down? That is what is needed for us to slow down as a society as a whole. A sign. A directive. Being deliberate in our action. Taking time to enjoy my home, the outdoors, my family and friends or sometimes just silence. 

Monday will be back soon enough with all its rituals, to-do lists and errand running. Getting off track in a deliberate way helps us be a better mom, dad, partner, sister, son, daughter and collegue. It allows us to settle our brains and expand our minds to think about what is important and what you really want at this very moment. And yes... many times it is an extra hour of sleep!

Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation for when you come back to your work your judgement will be surer". - Leonardo DaVini

Thanks Leo! 

How do you make yourself slow down in our busy lives?

Independence!

photo credit www.calendarhd.com


Independence for me is freedom to think, feel, act and direct my life the way I wish. Thank you for all those who helped give us our freedom.

Wishing you all a Happy, Safe and Healthy 4th of July from Charged!
What does Independence mean to you?

Hitting Pause

Summers are about spending time in the outdoors with family, participating in outdoor activities and making new memories and adventures!

As I reflect on my time away with family, I am soaking in the smiles on my son's face, excitement on seeing new things and time to just be present. I love changing the scenery and viewing different landscapes, learning new things and having new experiences with family. I can only hope that my big wide eyes are just as big as my son's while on vacation and he is creating memories and experiences he will remember for a lifetime.

What experiences do you engage in with your family to create memories?