Get Creative (Again)

June 4, 2013

creativity1

We all need a little creativity to do our job well, to raise happy children and to simply stay motivated. I loved this infograph that reminded me a little bit of the last one I posted a few months ago. We can all use a little reminder.

This To-Do List will be my Go-To list! So simple and straight to the point. I’m listening to my children for cues regarding new interests. This helps me plan fun activities for them. I’m also asking strangers for opinions. I have met a lot of new people since I have been writing seriously and they have quickly become great feedback friends! (Thank you ;-) )

What are you doing lately to stay creative?

via

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Positive Series #8-Get Creative

March 12, 2013

creativeinfograph

Whether you are teaching, parenting or blogging, a little inspiration goes a long way in your work. Finding creativity in my daily routine helps my happiness status. I have numbers 1, 8 and 18 down! I make lists on my iPhone, on my dry-erase board and on paper. I drink coffee a couple of times a day and it gives me comfort. Getting out and buying a warm cup at one of my favorite spots or sharing some with a friend is a plus! Conversations and the exchange of ideas and experiences are so valuable. I also count my blessings on a regular basis and it sometimes becomes my mantra to get through tough days.

On those tough days, I beat myself up (as #5 clearly states NOT to do). I almost believe that I am not a good enough mom, that today’s post was awful, that my workout was weak-these negative thoughts start to influence my attitude towards everything. So, I do number 6: take lots of breaks! The breaks allow me to think and plan to go somewhere new (#17), even if it is just to browse someplace nearby. Number 28 kicks in and I have lots of fun exploring.

It’s a cycle, isn’t it? The search for creativity and the outcome once found can make a helluva difference in your days. Life is long, get inspired: find the positives and seek the benefits.

What do you do to stay creative?

P.s. For #23, I would suggest to READ anything! Don’t you think?

Infograph: Pinterest (another way to find lots of inspiration)

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Over the Weekend

January 28, 2013

eisenstaedt-alfred-woman-reading-book-among-shelves-on-balcony-in-american-history-room-in-new-york-public-library

Did you all have a good weekend? I want to thank my friend and reader Nancy for giving me the heads up on the “comment” problem!! I had no idea there was a little glitch behind the scenes of My Friend Betty Says. So sorry. I hope it is resolved as I have a giveaway planned for this week!

I did my first library shift at Diego’s school on Friday. You guys, I was in heaven! jajaja! Seriously, I discovered so much. Here’s a book I think we should all get for a young child: Ellen’s Lion: Twelve Stories by Crockett Johnson

And my other discoveries (outside the library): [Read more...]

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Cozy Thoughts!

January 24, 2013

cozyfashion

Wowsers! It’s cold outside! I’ve been indoors recovering but I set out today on my own and goodness…it’s freezing! Today I’m sending you warm wishes and a few beautiful photographs to help you look forward to staying in!
[Read more...]

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How To Be Happy Everyday

January 23, 2013

Travel

 

My little scares of the past week have me even more motivated than usual to let go of the things I can not control, to relax a bit more: I always say it, but I must do it too.

I have written in the past the importance of being nice to yourself and that sort of challenge is good for a weekend as it includes steps you may or may not have time for on a daily basis.

But surely there must be a few things you can do to brighten up your every-day days! Here are a few of my suggestions for you to try:

[Read more...]

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Hump

January 17, 2013

Lewis Quote
Written 1-12-2010

I cried at yoga today. Now I’m laughing about it. Nothing happened. No muscles pulled by doing downward facing dog and I didn’t fall on my face while attempting warrior three. At the end of a yoga class, in the final relaxation pose I became overwhelmed. It was an amazing class and my body felt great and I was simply grateful…

The holidays are over and everyone knows that January is a hump month. The month that is disliked by many. No holidays involving gifts…poor January. It’s smacked in the middle between Christmas and Valentine’s Day. [Read more...]

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Half Empty or Half Full? A Challenge

October 26, 2012

curioos.com

Surprise! My Friend Betty Says…got a makeover!

When I started this blog 10 months ago (!), I never intended for the blog to be a showcase of my life. I wanted to put out here what works for me and my family and because I enjoy reading, believe in the benefits of bilingual education, was a teacher and now a mother of three, I thought about a few things. I thought  I could be of good use to other parents that were looking to make little positive adjustments in their child-rearing. But now, I want to be a bit more honest with my writing and share with you how I have arrived to the many choices I make for me and my family. Behind the scenes, people are still asking me for advice. I appreciate that wholeheartedly but it makes me wonder, “Am I not giving people the whole story?” What makes me think I have the right answers for you? Honestly, I don’t. But I will figure it out with you.

What’s my experience? I have been through a huge journey with Jose over the last eight years. [Read more...]

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Dinosaur Theme Birthday Party

October 15, 2012

Happy Monday!

How was your weekend? For us, this weekend was full of more birthday celebrations, lots of soccer, and a yearly block party. Our weekends are always social and because our family is far away, we embrace opportunities to see old friends and to make new ones!

The weekend activities also inspire me and I say perfect timing because next month is Santi’s 2nd birthday! Keep an eye out for that post because I’ll be using a lot of Pinterest ideas for a musical theme! I’m so excited! For now, here are some pictures from Diego’s 4th birthday back in our place in NYC. Enjoy! [Read more...]

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Just Browsing

September 6, 2012

While in Baltimore last week I had a chance to slip away with Baby Jordi strapped to my chest for a cup of coffee and some peace and quiet. As I was walking back to the hotel I spotted one of my favorite stores, Anthropologie, and immediately thought, “What a bummer! I can’t try anything on!”. BUT, I have been feeling kind of zen lately, so I immediately reversed my thinking and saw an opportunity to just browse beautiful things… [Read more...]

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Be Nice to Yourself

August 20, 2012

Happy Monday!

How was your weekend? I had a lot to think about this weekend because I took a lot of time for myself (thanks to my supportive hubby)! It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day craziness that can leave you irritable and crabby and perhaps even saying, “I’m so tired. I feel fat. I haven’t had time for myself…” Do you recognize the negativity with which we fill ourselves EVERY SINGLE DAY? Here’s me raising my hand. I heard something over the weekend and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. It’s not the first time I hear it but it was a well needed reminder, “Be nice to yourself”. We are not showing ourselves gratitude.

Why are we so mean to ourselves? Not just the working moms or the stay-at-home moms but all of us. Why can’t we be more gentle? So another reminder: if we can not be nice to ourselves, we can not be kind to our children, to our significant others, to our students, and to the baristas at our coffee shops! We mirror each other and without that positivity floating around, well then…we are all just walking Negative Nancys. Hmph.

I have 7 tips for you (and for me) to practice the niceties on ourselves. You can do one a day or you can do them all over a weekend. I did them all this weekend and feel amazing. Challenge yourself. Be conscious and see what works and what doesn’t. Most of them don’t take much time at all and they don’t have to cost a thing! [Read more...]

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