Kim and Steve Wedding Day December 24 2015

A GREAT DAY INDEED!!!  This wedding officiant in pa had the HONOR to marry Kim and Steve on Christmas Eve!!!  In attendance was Gavin, Kim's son, and we ALL had a blast!  Steve and Gavin were dressed in black tones, and Kim was stunning in her Black and White attire.  The I Do's were performed in my home via the private ceremony room.  After pronouncing as husband and wife, Kim, Steve, and Gavin continued their festivities by visiting with a variety of family members.



Again, my Honor to have Served for your Awesome Wedding Day!!!

Weather Tidbit for the Day: Advantages/Disadvantages of Relative & Specific Humidity and Dew Point Temperature by Dr. Anna Mock-Ward

My oh My, What a Wonderful Day It Is!!!  Is it because of the weather? Or perhaps I am experiencing poor Humidity!!!???  Oh NO!!!!!!  If you missed our last weather tidbit, be sure to review my blog for yesterday's comments!!!

As you know, I am not only a wedding officiant in pa, but wear many hats!!! Well... I try to anyway, as long as this back pain will allow...  Anyway, as a wedding officiant in pa, we often schedule our weddings a couple years in advance, but how can we be sure of a bright, sunny day?  Unfortunately, this wedding officiant has no control over our weather, but since I did take a class in such, I just LOVE to continue education for our public!

Today's weather tidbit will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of relative humidity, specific humidity, and dew point temperature.

Relative humidity is measured by percentage.  We take the ratio of the amount of vapor in the air, and compare it to the amount that is required for saturation, and the ratio of air's actual vapor pressure to its saturation vapor pressure.  The advantage of using relative humidity is to indicate an air's sample closeness to saturation, but it is not good to indicate amount of moisture in an air sample (Ahrens, 2008, p. 83).

Specific humidity is the ratio of mass for water vapor in a given parcel to the total mass of air in a parcel.  The advantage is good for indicating moisture in an air sample because the values are the same; they are not affected by temperature changes.  However, if we add or remove moisture this tool will not be good for our meteorologists (Ahrens, 2008, p. 82).

Dew point temperature is another type for humidity measurements.  It is also an absolute and relative indicator of moisture content.  We take the temperature that our air must be cooled, in order for saturation to occur (Ahrens, 2008, p. 85).  The advantages are that we can determine that a high dew point will have more water vapor in the air, and a low dew point will have less vapor in the air (Ahrens, 2008, p. 85).  The disadvantage is that if our air is already saturated, the human body's perspiration will not evaporate.  This person could experience a heat stroke (Ahrens, 2008, p. 88).

I know all too well of the above scene!!!  If we are having a wedding during summer time, be sure to stay hydrated!!!

OK, I hope you enjoyed this tidbit for the day, and look forward to seeing you ALL soon.

Kind Regards,

Dr. Anna Mock-Ward

To learn more about our weather, be sure to read the following works cited page!

Works Cited

Ahrens, C. Donald. (2008). Essentials of Meteorology: An Invitation to the Atmosphere.
     USA:Brooks/Cole.

Weather Tidbit for the Day: The Importance of Water Vapor in the Development of Weather and Climate

Water vapor is a variable gas, and the only one that can "exist as a gas, liquid, or solid at temperatures and pressures [that are] near the Earth's surface" (Ahrens, 2008, p. 3).  Water vapor is important to weather because it gives us precipitation, and gives us the greenhouse gas.  It allows absorption of a portion of outgoing radient energy, and allows the warmth we feel over our surfaces (Ahrens, 2008, p. 4).  Water vapor affects our climate because with no clouds, our Earth would be warmer.  Furthermore, global cloudiness would give us a potential for a negative feedback on the change of climate (Ahrens, 2008, p. 38).

OK, I hope you have enjoyed our weather tidbit for the day, and to learn more, be sure to check out:

Ahrens, C. Donald. (2008). Essentials of Meteorology: An Invitation to the Atmosphere. USA:      Brooks/Cole.

We will continue our Weather Tidbit for the day by discussing relative and specific humidity, and the dew point temperature.  Until then... have an Awesome day!!!

Regards,

Dr. Anna

Expectant Fathers’ Transition to Parenthood by Dr. Anna Mock-Ward

Assignment Report: Research for Local Social Agency to Incorporate into Pamphlet on Expectant Fathers’ Transition to Parenthood

This Assignment Report will entail information that will allow a local social agency to create a pamphlet on expectant fathers’ transition to parenthood.  More specifically, what changes can the father anticipate after the baby arrives will be provided.

The birth of a child is indeed a joyous occasion for both mother and father.  However, there are times the married couple could have thoughts that such a change in current conditions could bring despair upon the marriage.  The good news is that “for most new parents, the arrival of a baby does not cause significant marital strain” (Berk, 2009, p 567).  The bad news is that although a mother’s bonding has been assumed for many decades, it is not until recent decades that we have started thinking of a father’s bond for the newborn (Berens, n.d.).  To remove this dreadful news for the father, there are many techniques that can be achieved “to be more inclusive of dads … and to address relationship changes post kids …” (Berens, n.d., para. 9).  In the following, varying techniques for the father will be displayed in hopes for a better educated transition to fatherhood.

The most important tool for any father to have is that he must keep the lines of communication open with his partner.  “Talking with your partner can help you both air your feelings about the big life changes ahead” (Downs, n.d., para. 7).  Moreover, when there are open lines of communication, the father will become sensitive to his partner and his listening capabilities will improve.  It is not only the sensitivity of the father at hand, but also inclusive for the partner.  Both the father and partner can incorporate the Deep Democracy concept for their communication process.  When both parties are discussing feelings, opinions, and disagreements, the Deep Democracy approach will allow each person “to express [themselves] … and  ... have … feelings understood” (Berens, n.d., para.11).  To incorporate the Deep Democracy concept, the father should write a letter to himself that describes his relationship within himself, and to that of his partner (Berens, n.d.).  Below are the items that should be included in this self letter:

1.       Describe what your wants are for being a new parent.

2.      If you’re amiss of wants for being a new parent, then describe how you intend to support yourself.

3.      Be sure to list and describe items such as your appreciation for your partner, and what you envision the togetherness for both as your baby enters the world.

The father can also have his partner complete a same self letter, and each can exchange with one another.  “Put your letter and the one your [partner] wrote in a place where you’ll be able to access them again easily, in case you need to be reminded of your connection with each other and yourself; and need some support in navigating the challenges of parenthood” (Berens, n.d., para. 22).

Another important tool for the newly transitioned father to incorporate would be the time allotted for his partner and newborn.  “As a new father, balancing your roles as parent, partner, and (possibly) bread-winner is tough … [let alone that] you suddenly have a lot to do and a lot less time to do it in” (Downs, n.d., para. 8).  It is very important that the father jump in and help his partner at every avenue possible with newborn.  This includes helping your partner with “giving baths, changing diapers, or rocking your baby to sleep” (Downs, n.d., para. 9).  If the father is rocking the baby to sleep, most often it is a signal response due to the baby crying.  The father can utilize the “lift the baby to the shoulder and rock or walk [method]” (Berk, 2009, p 136). 

It is also good to remember not to feel guilty about leaving your partner and newborn to go to work, because “you’re fulfilling a key role by providing for your family” (Downs, n.d., para. 11).  Depending on your financial situation, you may also be approved for 12 weeks of unpaid leave.  However, “the federal government mandates only 12 weeks of unpaid leave for employees in companies with at least 50 workers” (Berk, 2009, p 117).  So the father will need to check with his employer to see what options are afforded to him. 

There are many techniques available for the new father, and by keeping the lines of communication open can lessen the burdens one may experience.  It is also important for the new father to “stay positive and work with your partner as a team” (Downs, n.d., para. 31).  Remember, at any time you may be experiencing guilt, anguish, or despair, the local social agency is here to assist you.  Your local social agency is a wealth of information and resources; all at the tip of your fingers.

 To learn more about the article I have written, please be sure to review the following references...

OK, thanks for stopping by and see you ALL soon...

Regards,

Dr. Anna Mock-Ward

 References

Berens, R. (n.d.). Helping dads transition to parenthood. Retrieved from http://www.pregnancy.

            org/article/helping-new-dads-transition-parenthood

Berk, L. E. (2009). Child development (8^th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

Down, M. (n. d.). What changes can the father anticipate after baby arrives. Retrieved from

            http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/new-dads-what-to-expect?print=true

Wedding Officiant in pa reminds ALL of Jefferson's Ten Rules

I know, I know... You want to know why on earth am I posting information that we have learned as children!!!  The fact is that although we have learned such information as children, we most often forget this learned information as adults.

Sometimes, we all need some gentle reminders in our lives, and so... This wedding officiant in pa is here to do just that.  OK, take a moment to review, and see if anyone of these rules apply in your daily lives ...

JEFFERSON'S TEN RULES

1.  Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

2.  Never trouble another for what you can do yourself.

3.  Never spend your money before you have earned it.

4.  Never buy what you don't want because it's cheap.

5.  Pride costs more than hunger, thirst and cold.

6.  We seldom repent of having eaten too little.

7.  Nothing is troublesome that we do willingly.

8.  How much pain the evils have cost us that have never happened.

9.  Take things always by the smooth handle.

10.  When angry, count to ten before you speak, if very angry, count to one hundred.

This wedding officiant in pa is curious as to what rules you utilize, or believe you should incorporate.  I look forward to reading all your comments below.

OK, see you ALL soon, and have an Awesome day!!!

Dog Training Tips from the Experts

Whether you have a new puppy or an old dog, it makes good sense to invest a little time training them. And while there is an abundance of information available about how to train your dog, you can go wrong with dog training tips from the experts.

1.  Positive reinforcement is essential. While there are many theories on how to train your dog, most dog training experts agree that positive reinforcement works best. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your dog with verbal praise “good dog”, physical praise like a pat on the head and food rewards. It doesn’t involve yelling at your dog, hitting or punishing them.

Positive reinforcement works because it builds a bond of trust with your dog. Dogs are motivated by rewards especially food rewards.

2. Consistency is essential. If you’re working with your dog on a specific skill or trick then try to train them at the same time every day. This helps your dog know what to expect. Most dogs thrive on structure and will perform and learn much faster when they know what’s expected. If you’re training using food rewards, try to train your dog before mealtime so they’re a little bit hungry and motivated.

3. Be patient. Dogs tend to learn in waves. Sometimes they pick things up quickly and then the next day it seems like you have to start over from the very beginning. Be patient. Start each new trick with very small steps and be clear about what you expect. Even with the smallest tricks like “sit” you will want to break it down into smaller steps.

4. Use hand cues in addition to verbal cues. Some dogs have an easier time understanding and remembering hand signals than they do with verbal cues. Assign a hand signal to each trick or behavior you are training.

5. Train in small increments. Dogs have short attention spans. Trying to train them for twenty or thirty minutes isn’t going to work. They’re going to get frustrated and lose focus. Instead, keep training sessions to no more than five minutes.

In the beginning, you may want to train for only a minute or two until your dog learns to look forward to training. Dogs can learn to dislike training. Keeping the training sessions short will help them learn to enjoy the process.

6. Always end on a positive note. Learning a new trick is hard work. End each training session, no matter how frustrating, on a positive note. Always give your dog a trick or behavior to perform that they know how to perform and end with a food reward and plenty of praise.

7. Keep your dog healthy. Finally, one of the most important dog training tips from the experts recommends feeding your dog a quality dog food, giving them plenty of fresh water and making sure they get enough sleep. A healthy dog is a happier dog and will learn desired behaviors much more quickly.

Wedding Officiant in Pa Revamps her Elopement Room for 2015 Holidays

This wedding officiant in pa originally had the ceremony room located in the dining room.  You all may have seen prior pictures from website, or perhaps on my Facebook page, but I wanted to spice things up for this 2015 Holiday festivities!!!

During this Holiday season, I have moved my ceremony room into a private, secluded space; all of it's own devise...  You and your guests will be welcomed with a Christmas Tree, and various decorations.  OK, I hope you enjoy, and look forward to seeing you ALL soon.

Christiana Freight Station in Christiana, PA - Holiday Venue for your We...

This wedding officiant in pa just LOVES this venue!!!

Wedding Officiant says YES to this Awesome Venue!!!

Are you ready to tie the knot?  Are you looking for a venue to getting married at?  If you answered YES, then this wedding officiant wants you to view this video for more details!!!

The Inn at Leola Village is located at 38 Deborah Drive, Leola, PA 17540.  There you will have many choices to complete your Awesome Wedding Day Ceremony!!!  You can reach out to Kaci Willwerth, Director of Special Events at 717-556-8704 or email at www.theinnatleolavillage.com.

OK, when you are looking for your wedding venue and officiant, be sure to give this wedding officiant in pa a call at 717-417-6510!!!

Wedding Officiant in Pa Gives take on Quality Crafting Time via Mom: Danielle Pietrusza Photo Credits to: Danielle Pietrusza

Some parents are skilled crafters. Others are doing well to cut paper in a reasonably straight line. No matter which group you fall into, crafting with your kids can be beneficial for all involved.  A great example is seen with my friend Danielle.  This wedding officiant in pa was fortunate enough to marry her and Josh for their special day, and she also has three Awesome girls.  Time spent at home is not only for school work, but time, and I might add... quality time spent with the family!  Danielle is very creative, and Always has some type of crafting going on with the girls!!!

Like I said ... Few things bring families together like crafting. Here are some of the good things that come out of crafting with your kids.

* Crafting builds creativity. Developing minds need a creative outlet, and crafting provides the opportunity for kids to use their imaginations. It helps them learn to solve problems, and it could lay the groundwork for a lifetime of interest in art. For parents, getting creative can help reduce stress and promote using the brain in ways that we don't have a reason to use it every day.  Danielle Always relieves her stress through crafting!!!

* Crafting teaches kids to follow directions. This seems like a very basic skill, but we all know adults who can't seem to follow directions. When kids craft, they learn the consequences of not following directions when their projects do not turn out as expected. This instills in them the importance of doing things the right way the first time.

* For young children, crafting is fabulous for learning basic skills. Almost any type of craft promotes hand-eye coordination. Kids can also learn to use scissors, measure and do lots of other things they will eventually do in everyday life.

* Parents and children have a chance to talk. In our busy lives, it seems that we know less about our kids than previous generations of parents did. Passive activities such as watching TV do little to encourage conversation. But when you're crafting together, talking comes naturally. You can seize the opportunity to discuss such things as your child's interests, his or her concerns, and how he or she is doing in school.  This is just one reason why this wedding officiant Loves Danielle!!!  Danielle will make sure to Always find the time for her girls no matter what the day may bring!!!

* Crafting is a great way to wind down. It's wonderful for kids to be active, but there are times when they need to calm down. If you find your child getting agitated or exhibiting an overabundance of energy near bedtime, try bringing out the craft supplies. Crafting engages kids' minds, giving them something to focus on and a good reason to sit still for a while.

* Creating things is a confidence booster. Parents who craft regularly know the feeling of accomplishment when a project is complete. Multiply this feeling by ten, and you have a pretty good idea of how your child feels when he or she makes something. For kids, crafting can help build positive self-esteem.  This especially holds true for Danielle, because her girls constantly see their mom creating, painting, and baking!!!  This wedding officiant knows how talented Danielle is, and this truly will shine through with her girls!!!

* Working on a project together is a great way to teach your kids teamwork. This will help them develop skills needed to resolve disputes peacefully and effectively. It will also help them discover their strengths and teach them that doing their best will make the entire project turn out better.

* Crafting creates treasured family memories. The finished product will serve as a reminder of the fun you had making it together.

Crafting as a family provides opportunities for us to interact with our children. It is also a valuable learning experience for them. Don't worry if you aren't the world's greatest crafter. Simply being willing to try anyway is a lesson to your kids in itself.  If you are in doubt, just ask this wedding officiant about Danielle, and the LOVE she has for her girls!!!  Danielle will Always try new things with her girls, and in the end...  isn't this all that really matters?  Family, LOVE, and Time Together???

Of course, this wedding officiant can not forget about Josh!!!  Believe me... you are Awesome too!!!

Easy Relaxation Tips for Busy Moms

It seems like there is no rest of the weary.  I know as a wedding officiant I rarely get to rest, but what about our moms?  Moms take care of hearth and home, but who takes care of her?  If you are a busy mom, learn to value yourself as a person and schedule personal time.

Personal time is a right of being for a person.  Each of us has the capacity to nurture others but that type of care takes its toll.

A car is filled with gas to make it run.  Eventually the gas runs out and your car won’t move unless the car is replenished with fuel.  The same goes for you.  Emotional issues can develop when you don’t take the time to take care of your emotional well-being, not to mention the physical results of emotional neglect.

Mom time refuels the tank so that you can give to your family as well as yourself in equal measure.  Don’t be ashamed to sit for fifteen minutes doing nothing.  In the springtime, relaxing in a hammock under a tree is the perfect getaway from the pressures of the day.  Reading a book for 30 minutes can also seem like heaven to many moms.

Here are a few tips to help you fit in much needed “mom” time:

1. Get up early if you have to.  When you have kids, the day begins at a hurried pace.  Once you hit the ground running, there is no stopping you.  Waking 30 minutes to an hour ahead of time means quiet solitude to drink your coffee, read a book, meditate or listen to music.

2. Turn ordinary experiences into major events.  When you take a bath, add candles, bubble bath, quiet music and/or an inflatable bath pillow.  Your regular bath has now become a spa level experience.  If you watch a movie, turn out the lights, pop a bag of microwave popcorn and curl up on the couch.

3. Ask your significant other for help.  Kids love their mothers but time spent with dad is important too.  Let them bond with dad while you go shopping for a new outfit or root around in the garden.  Since the time is yours, do whatever you like.

4. Use the Boy Scout motto.  Always be prepared and you can spend more time in a relaxed mode.  Fix lunches the night before.  Iron clothes for the next day and place backpacks by the front door so kids can grab them on their way out.  The fewer things you have to do throughout the day, the calmer you will be with your family and not experience burnout.

5. Take exercise breaks.  When you get a few minutes the last thing you want to do is exercise but getting a little physical activity in your day has far-reaching implications.  Exercise helps you to think clearly and stretches the muscles.  Also, stress will drain away as powerful endorphins are released into your system.  Do jumping jacks during a television commercial or jog to the bus stop to pick up the kids.

6. Laugh at regular intervals.  Keep a funny calendar cube on your desk or subscribe to a daily joke site.  Laughing releases stress and can lift your spirits significantly.  It also keeps the abs tight.

Moms, take care of you.  Your family would miss you if you were not around to love and care for them.  You owe it to yourself and you deserve a break from the daily hustle and bustle.

Fun Autumn Activities For Kids

Fall winds blow and leaves make their decent from tree limbs. It is the perfect time for fun autumn activities for kids. Here are some ways to have fun with your kids this fall:

Create an autumn yard collage

This is a great way to get your kids involved in beautifying your front lawn for the fall season. Materials you will need to create your autumn yard collage include hay bales, pumpkins (all sizes), scarecrows, witches, cornucopias, etc. Anything related to fall will look wonderful. Stack your hay bales to create a backdrop. Next, place a huge scarecrow (or witch) on the center of the stack. Then add other complimentary fall accessories like cornucopias, corn stacks, ghosts, etc.

Make a haunted tree

Making a haunted tree is a fun activity for everyone. It is especially great to do right after raking leaves. First, pick the biggest, best tree in your front yard; preferably one with many long, crooked limbs. Next, take small white trash bags and stuff the top half with leaves from your yard. Twist and tie the bag into a knot, or use a twist-tie to close the end where the leaves stop. Turn upside down and you have a ghost! Make as many of these ghosts as you can, then tie them to tree limbs. As the fall winds blow, your ghosts will haunt your tree.

Happy Autumn Cards

Supply each kid with markers, paper, glue, glitter, stickers, etc. Let them make several autumn cards and write a special message on the inside of each one. After any wet appliques are dried, gather the cards and take them to your local nursing home to distribute among patients.  This wedding officiant just LOVES seeing the smiles on members within the nursing home when they receive these gifts!

Wedding Officiant in Pa Performs Wedding Vow Ceremony at RoundTop Mountain Resort

On Sunday, September 6th, 2015, this wedding officiant in pa performed a glorious wedding vow ceremony.  The ceremony was for my Awesome Couple: Jason and Beth, and the location for such an event was at RoundTop Mountain Resort.  Some of you may refer to this location as Ski Roundtop, and the location is 925 Roundtop Road, Lewisberry, PA 17339.

Jason and Beth had Diana Ernst for their Special Events Coordinator.  Diana is in charge of such events via Altland House Catering and Events.  You can contact Diana directly at 717-965-6326, or via www.weddingsbyah.com  and www.altlandhouse.com.

This wedding officiant in pa just LOVES this location! Roundtop Mountain Resort has 3 rooms to choose from for your wedding event.  The Main Lodge can hold up to 300 guests, The Fireside can hold 90 guests, and Tubing Lodge can hold 75 guests!

Jason and Beth had their wedding vow ceremony performed outside; near the Fireside and the grounds/views are Awesome!!!

 If you are looking to getting married, and searching for your next wedding venue, then please give Diana a call.  If you are searching for your wedding officiant, then be sure to reach out to this wedding officiant TODAY!!!  You can call me directly at 717-417-6510, email at abossami@comcast.net, visit my website at www.officiatemywedding.com, or head over to Facebook at www.facebook.com/officiatemyweddingpage.  Again, this wedding officiant in pa is here for you, and I look forward to serving you soon!!!

How to Build Communication Bridges with Your Teen

Raising a child doesn’t come with a book of instructions.  If it did, the task would be much easier.  Facing the teenage years with your son or daughter is not something most parents look forward to. Although I am a wedding officiant in pa, I also have my ministry, and often have the task of helping parents out with their children. This article will help you take the experience one day at a time and learn how to bridge the communication gap.

As your child goes from toddler to youngster to tween to teenager, something in what you say gets lost in translation.  They can give you that blank stare as if the words that are coming out of your mouth sound like the unseen teacher in the Charlie Brown cartoons.

It’s not easy to improve the communication bridges with a teen but it’s important to try to get through as these years and the choices they make now will have a vital impact on their future.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Watch your body language.  How you move says a lot about you.  When a person is tired, they tend to slump.  When angered, your jaw muscles tighten and your eyes narrow into slits.  Believe it or not, teenagers are good at interpreting body language.  Yours will betray you when you are talking to them.  Keep it open and honest.  Avoid sitting with your arms crossed, eyes looking away from them or squirming in your seat.

2. Make eye contact.  When you don’t look at the person you are talking to it says that you are either hiding something or you are not at all interested in what they have to say.  Your teenager will shut down emotionally when they suspect that you are not “tuned in” to them.  Sit comfortably and give your teen undivided attention with consistent eye contact.  It lets them know that you care.

3. Keep your emotions in check.  Remember back to when you were a teenager.  Some of the things you said to your parents were aimed at freaking them out.  Teenagers will push your buttons if they can.  Don’t go overboard and get upset.  Their target is the situations they know make you mad.  Instead, take a deep breath and ignore the taunt.  Do the opposite of what they expect because really, they want you to see through their ploy and find out the real problem.

4. Ask them about their day.  This technique works with spouses also.  Even if your teen only grunts or says the obligatory, “It was okay,” ask anyway.  Your show of caring will go a long way to convince them that you are interested in the things that they do and how they feel.

5. Be honest with them.  If you don’t understand the situation they are talking about then say so.  Kids know when you are being insincere.  Discuss the situation until you get an idea of where they are coming from.  Your teen won’t mind explaining as long as they know you are listening.

6. Allow them their privacy.  This one is tricky and since you know your child better than anyone else, you can draw the line.  Teens value their time alone.  While the policy in your home may be that there are no locks on the doors, always show respect by knocking before entering.  If they don’t want to be pressed about a situation in school, wait until they are ready (if it’s not urgent) and then talk about it.

Parenting a teenager takes a tough skin, a willingness to be vulnerable and lots of love.  You will make mistakes but whatever you do, don’t ever stop talking.

Jason and Beth Wedding Day Video Sept 6th 2015

A Great Day for a Sunday Wedding, Don't you agree?  This wedding officiant just LOVES my Awesome Couple, Jason and Beth!!!  I will continue this blog with more details of this special day soon, so stay tuned in for more!!!

Quick and Healthy Breakfast Ideas

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Unfortunately, many of us neglect breakfast.  And there’s a lot of evidence to suggest that your body and mind will suffer unless you have a healthy breakfast each morning.  Even this wedding officiant understands that my body MUST have nourishment to get my day off to an Awesome start.

You spend six to eight hours sleeping. Unfortunately, I am lucky to get 3 hours of solid sleep!!!  After that time, your body needs fuel to keep going.  Without breakfast at home, your options for on the run nutrition may amount to too much fat, too much sugar and too many carbs.  And, that convenient run to the fast food joint is not as convenient and time saving as you think if everyone else has the same idea.  The fifteen or twenty minutes spent in line could have been used to fill your belly with something good at home.

If you are the type to skip breakfast, here is a solution to starting the day with a good breakfast which will help you keep hunger in check as well as give you the natural energy boost to start your day.

1. Oatmeal – This food makes a good hot meal that contains lots of filling fiber to keep you from getting hungry later on in the morning.  Depending on your taste, you can take five minutes to fix it on the stove or use the microwave for instant oatmeal.  Kids tend to like the variety of flavors that come with instant oatmeal.  The night before, put together a container of add-ins like blueberries, strawberries and bananas that can be tossed on top for a bit of antioxidant power.

2. Fruit smoothies – These are good any morning but particularly on a hot day.  You’ll have to blend the ingredients together in the morning, but the prep work can be done at night.  Cube your fruit and place it into a container.  Instead of frozen yogurt in the morning, use a cup of plain yogurt.  Add ice cubes, a little water and blend.

3. Egg sandwich – The eggs can be cooked the night before and placed in a sealed container.  In the morning, warm up the eggs in the microwave.  If you want, add some chopped veggies or shredded cheese.  Serve on toasted wheat bread.  The night before, place two pieces of bread into a Ziploc bag for each family member.  They can toast their bread as they get up and place the sandwich in the bag for easy transport in the car to work or school.  I even like to use a variety of breads and rolls, the choice is up to you!

4. Yogurt with granola and fruit – Some people like to eat yogurt.  But, yogurt by itself won’t keep you from being hungry.  Add some granola and a few blueberries to the mix.  This makes a great breakfast idea for those mornings when you are running late.  Keep small bags of granola and blueberries in the fridge next to the yogurt so you can grab them and run.

Are you fighting the breakfast battle?  To get a filling meal you don’t have to opt for too much fat, calories or carbs.  These quick and easy breakfast ideas can be made within minutes and are a much healthier alternative to skipping breakfast or grabbing a high fat alternative.

What’s For Dinner? Menu Planning Tips for Busy Moms

Dinner is the last meal of the day and a time when families can get together and discuss their day. It is also a hectic meal for busy moms who are just getting off of work or who have been busy with other activities all day. Now, I too am busy, a busy wedding officiant in PA, and dinner planning is also hectic for me! If you are a busy mom or you know a busy mom, here are some menu planning tips to help make dinner meals easy and even fun.

1. Schedule your meals a week in advance.  This is one of the most important planning tips for meals. Knowing what you are going to eat throughout the week means less chance that you will stop off at the closest fast food joint for a convenient, but unhealthy meal. Decide on the last day of the previous week (let’s say Saturday for the sake of argument) what the menu will be for the following week. Create your shopping list from the list of ingredients to avoid buying what you don’t need at the grocery store.

2. Look for bargains. Clip coupons, read advertising circulars and the like to decide where the best grocery to shop is for your menu items. If one ingredient is a common denominator in many meals, consider buying in bulk to save money. Common staples like milk, eggs, bread and sugar can be bought in bulk as well. Some stores will have double or triple coupon days when you can save even more.

3. Search online. After a while your family will get tired of chicken and rice every Thursday. You can get into a menu rut sometimes. Use the Internet to search for new and exciting recipes. Learn to put a twist on old recipes for a new taste.

4. Have a leftover night. After preparing meals for five or six days, there is bound to be some food left over. Designate one night to be leftover night and let everyone mix and match for dinner. It saves mom from having to throw away any food.

5. Cook your meals in advance. After deciding on a menu plan for the week, go ahead and fix as many meals as you can. Choose a day when the entire family can help like Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon. Each person can take one meal and fix it for the following week. Once everything has cooled, store it in sealed containers or casserole dishes to be frozen until the night it is needed.

6. Do prep work in advance. All of the meals can’t be cooked at once. Some foods just taste better freshly prepared. For them, do as much prep work in advance as you can. Enlist your kids to help chop (give them the kitchen shears instead) vegetables, dice cooked meat and mix together dry ingredients. The night of the meal, all that is needed is to add the wet ingredients and bake.

Meal time doesn’t have to be all on mom. The entire family can help with dinner so it is a relaxing meal for everyone.

41 Social Media Tips

This wedding officiant understands the importance of incorporating social media into business practices.  If you are just starting out in the business sector, or even the person who wants to connect for fun, then these social media tips are just for you.  Now keep in mind... our current technology is constantly going through a facelift, thus as I am typing these words at this very moment, a new procedure will have been created!!!  OK, enjoy, and get your social media groove on!!!

1. What’s your social media goal? If you don’t know where you want to go, it’s pretty hard to get there.
2. Promote your most popular posts – and that goes for blog posts as well as social media posts.
3. If you hate tracking, at least track with Facebook Insights. It’ll show you a lot about your Page progress.
4. How do you get the conversation going on social media? Try humor and controversy. They’re very powerful.
5. Social media is a powerful thing, but never mistake fooling around with being productive. Stay focused!
6. Click FB Insights’ “Posts>When Your Fans are Online” to see your audience’s peak posting times. (Post during these times!)
7. Look for questions repeated over and over on your chosen social networks. Provide the definitive answer.
8. Analyze your own tweets. Which types got most retweeting? Most Interaction? Questions, graphics or?
9. Don’t be shy with your social media presence. Go for it – but be authentic – and be social!
10. Still trying to be everyone’s “friend”? Each connection counts – and speaks loudly about who you are to your other connections.
11. If you want your social content to social content to attract, do your best to share quality tips that are really unique
12. Make sure you speak with an identifiable, individual voice when posting social content. Your posts should never sound “canned”.
13. Be consistent and post regularly during your audience’s peak posting times on any social networks you’ve chosen to frequent.
14. If you use Pinterest regularly, make sure you also access http://nitrogr.am/ for powerful, easy to use Pinterest analytics.
15. Use http://nitrogr.am/ for easy hashtag monitoring. (Let your social networking friends know about this, too.)
16. Posts people skip most? Highly personal negative posts complaining about illness and problems.  (Do you agree?)
17. Include a mix of rich media in your social content. Video, photos, Instagram and Vine looping video clips.
18. Vine video clips loop. Instagram video clips don’t. Vine streams on Twitter; Instagram videos on Facebook.
19. Vine videos are 6 seconds long. Instagram are 15 seconds. How can you use this information for your marketing?
20. Tapping your screen for a Vine video starts filming. Tapping your screen for an Instagram video just adjusts focus.
21. Be sure you don’t use any banned hashtags with your Instagram photos or videos: http://thedatapack.com/banned-hashtags-instagram/
22. Use Instagram hashtags to crowd-source user-generated content as well as extend your own reach.
23. Remember that Instagram hashtags are not case-sensitive and don’t work with spaces or special characters.
24. If your preferred social platform doesn’t have good native analytics, look for third party sites that provide it.
25. Give your new product campaign a name – and start talking about it on your social media.
26. Make sure all new product posts are made regularly. Don’t let gaps occur. Keep it fresh in people’s minds (without overdoing it.)
27. Don’t tell everyone too much at once about your upcoming project. Mystery breeds interest! Hints and teasers are part of the fun.
28. Use surveymonkey.com to create free surveys. You can ask questions for your new product idea and share the link on social media.
29. If you’re advertising on Facebook, remember your ad images, including the thumbnail, cannot include more than 20% text.
30. Take advantage of the fact you can now use text, arrows and calls to action in Facebook Cover –photos.
31. Facebook Profile photos are square and display at 160 x 160 pixels – but remember Facebook wants you to upload at 180 x 180.
32. At the very least, include a Facebook app tab leading to your sign-up page or form (and use a clear, easy-to-read call to action.)
33. You can display 3 custom app tabs of your choice in your Facebook header section. Make the most of this “real estate”!
34. Only your short description displays in your Facebook header section, but fill out your Profile 100% for max searchability.
35. Select “Replies On” in your Page Admin panel “Manage Permissions” section to increase the conversation on your Page.
36. If you consistently get endorsements that are not relevant on LinkedIn, be aware you can remove endorsements completely.
37. Check “Who’s Viewed Your Profile” in LinkedIn to see who is finding you – as well as the keywords they used.
38. In your LinkedIn Privacy and Settings page, "Select what others see when you've viewed their profile” to keep it private - or not.
39. In Google+ posts, encase text in asterisks for bold and underscore it to create italics. (Share this tip!)
40. Did you know Google+ makes animated .GIFs from your photos? Just type the keyword “motion” in your Photos section to find them.
41. Use the Google+ Ripples feature to track your posts by clicking the top-right arrow in your post.

No Matter Your Budget... This Wedding Officiant in PA is Here to Serve on your Wedding Day

Getting married can place a strain upon one' wallet, but have no fear...  This wedding officiant is here to work within your budget.  I am here for an elopement, or can even perform a Basic Wedding Vow ceremony, because I want to help you stay within your budget...

Best Family Beach Vacations

As a Wedding Officiant in PA, I have noted that the best beaches can be found along the Atlantic and Pacific Coast.  Here are a few ideas you may wish to consider for your next family beach vacation.

Florida.  From Ft. Lauderdale to Miami Beach, Florida is a prime resort area for family vacations.  With perfect weather and miles and miles of beaches, this area is affordable, diverse, and has a wide variety of water-sports, restaurants, and a myriad of activities for children. Cocoa Beach is only an hour away from the Kennedy Space Center and Disney World.  In addition, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is considered one of the best in Florida.

Myrtle Beach.  Among the many favourite activities for children include: Ripley’s Aquarium, Le Grande Cirque, a show quite famous for its acrobatics and other circus performers; and Myrtle Waves Water Park.  For older children, a definite must-see is the NASCAR Speedpark.

With a myriad of dining options, shopping, and other historic sites; Myrtle Beach has been named the number one choice for beach family vacations in the U.S.

Hamptons.  One of the most affordable vacations for beach-loving families is East Hampton, New York.  The best place to stay is at the East Hampton House.  The rooms are available in one and two bedroom units that contain fully-equipped kitchens and/or kitchenettes.  Moreover, you have guest privileges at the nearby beach.

Although this vacation spot does not offer food, it does have an indoor gym and offers morning coffee there as well.  But, across the street is a deli that has an array of items on their breakfast menu and is very affordable.  In addition, there is a Chinese restaurant across the street as well as a take-out barbecue, and deli.

The grounds are impeccable and there is a very large pool (one for the kiddies, too) where you can lounge in the sun.  A tennis court is also on the premises.  Every room has its own balcony with lounge chairs and a table.

Hawaii.  Of course, nothing can compare to the beaches that are in Oahu, Maui, and Kauai.  No matter what island you choose, Hawaii has the most pristine beaches anywhere in the U.S.  Moreover, there are black-sand beaches on the island of Maui as well as a myriad of activities for the entire family.

San Diego.  Shifting to the west Coast, your family might enjoy a stay at the Beach Cottages.  This site offers numerous amenities such as water sports, biking, as well as an amusement park.  For the kids, San Diego Zoo and Sea World are not far from the Beach Cottages.

 

Centrally located to restaurants and shopping, Beach Cottages is an affordable vacation spot where the family can enjoy the sun, the surf, and other amenities available.  In fact, you can book a studio that offers a fully equipped kitchen.

Redondo Beach.  Located on Santa Monica Bay, this report haven is perfect for family beach vacations.  Here you can enjoy water sports, fishing bicycling, kayaking, as well as fine restaurants shops located not far from the Santa Monica Pier.  There are many hotels that are situated across the street from the beach or within walking distance.  Each has its own set of amenities that are geared towards families.

A Tuesday Morning Health Quote for You

41 Health Tips

Happy Sunday to All, and now that you have most likely completed dinner and bellies full...  This wedding officiant would like to provide you with some health tips.  I know, I too am guilty of splurging on junk food, less to no exercise, and just basically ignoring health in general...  Below I have included 41 Health Tips that I believe we all can utilize at one time or another.  OK, HAPPY READINGS!!!

1. Most people are dehydrated (especially in winter areas where you have to heat your home) so do drink 6-8 glasses of water daily.
2. Got a headache? Try drinking a couple of glasses of water first before reaching for the aspirin.
3. Inhaling and drinking a cup of black coffee can help stop mild asthma attacks before they get worse.
4. If water makes you gag, add a slice of lemon or lime. Stick with trying to drink 1 glass a day for 22 days (21 days=new habit).
5. “To keep the body in good health is a duty. Otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” ~ Buddha
6. If you’ve never had surgery, avoid cosmetic procedures until you know if your body reacts abnormally to scarring.
7. If your child is putting on unnecessary weight, look to your own cooking and feeding habits.  Lead by example.
8. If your child needs to control their weight, start exercising with him – but call it “play” – not “exercise”.
9. “The way you think, the way you behave, the way you eat, can influence your life by 30 to 50 years.” ~ Deepak Chopra
10. Never put a child on a diet. Instead, focus on slowing weight gain until she grows into the weight she is now.
11. If you hate water, start with 1 glass then make the next 5 soda water.  As you get used to water, start cutting down on the soda.
12.  To get your child interested in healthier foods, ask her to help you prepare and cook them. (Please retweet.)
13. Step away from the computer. Go do some stretches. NOW!
14. Instead of that second cup of coffee, wait 10 minutes; then have a glass of water.
15. Human beings are like car batteries: we start short-circuiting and run out of steam if we don’t keep topped up with water.
16. To cut down on weight gain from alcohol during the party season, try dry white wine spritzers made with soda water.
17. Did you know that the higher the alcohol content, the higher the calories, when it comes to wine?
18. Red wines slow your metabolism down more than white wines due to a higher alcohol count.
19. People who are too rooted in habit are using the same worn neural pathways. Exercise your brain by doing new things.
20. If you seem to have low immunity, get your folic acid checked and take it as a supplement.
21. If you avoid carbs for at least an hour after exercise, your body is forced to burn fat. (Share with your low carb friends.)
22. Install an air filter in your home if you have pet allergies.  And be sure to let someone else brush him – outside!
23. Food you eat can affect bladder health.  Be sure that fresh fruit is a part of your diet – your bladder will thank you.
24. Everyone knows about cranberries being good for your bladder – but did you also know pears can help too? (They balance acidity.)
25. Eating good yogurt can improve bladder health by strengthening cells and helping balance acidity. (Retweet this!)
26. Hand-washing is never a “suggestion”. Wash thoroughly with soap and scrub for at least fifteen seconds before rinsing thoroughly.
27. If you frequently end up with bladder infections, cut irritants such as caffeine, spicy foods and acidic foods from your diet.
28. Avoid sunscreens with a citrus or coconut scent:  This can indicate the presence of psoralen, which speeds up aging!
29. If you have asthma, choose aerobic (endurance-building) forms of exercise rather than anaerobic (e.g. sprinting).
30. If you need to carry an Epipen, make sure you always carry at least 2 (1 is rarely enough). And keep them current.
31. If something is not working in your life, get rid of it. The results will be less stress and better health.
32. Whether or not you opt for a low-carb diet, starchy or sugary foods should make up no more than 1/3 of your daily food intake.
33. Eat lots of leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale if you want to protect your eyesight.
34. Our foods and diets are no longer “pure”. It’s now essential to supplement with vitamin D in the winter and Omega 3/DHA all year round.
35. Not only does smoking age your skin, it causes cataracts, macular degeneration and optic nerve damage.
36. Be eye-smart: Winter or summer, use sunglasses that block out 99-100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
37. Always wash your hands thoroughly when taking out or putting in your contact lenses. (How many do that, do you think?)
38. “Your body hears everything your mind says.” ~ Naomi Judd
39. Did you know that being overweight puts every system at risk – including your eyes?  Diabetic glaucoma is one of those risks.
40. Let’s beat insomnia! Cut off caffeine drinks by 2pm and go to bed instantly when tired – don’t wait.
41. “Rest when you're weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.” ~ Ralph Marston

 OK, so now that you have read this wedding officiant's health tips, I hope there are some items that you will be able to utilize and help improve on your personal well-being...  If you want to add additional health tips, be sure to leave me a comment below...