Confronting Acrophobia

I have been very fortunate this summer to attend weddings in both Florida and Colorado! From the depth of the ocean to the mountain tops, what could be any better? Although the scenery and the adventures have been awesome, I do have a few true confessions! When in Florida, I love the beach and the swimming pool too. Long ago I became certified in scuba diving.  I was convinced I wanted to experience the life under the sea. And then when I did, I quickly said never mind! It is fascinating, of course, with brilliantly colored species of sea life and the coral reefs are magnificent. Then one day I decided I really didn't want to know if "Jaws" was anywhere near me. I'd rather not know in advance if something dreadful was about to happen. So I let my diving certification expire and now I only wade into the rolling and sometimes aggressive ocean waters. In view of the many recent shark attacks this summer I am happy with this decision.

Gulf of Mexico
Captiva Island, Florida

Now on to Colorado! This is a whole 'nother game for me! I have some real phobias that cause me to panic. One is snakes! I can't even look at a picture of a snake without fear overtaking my psyche! And another major anxiety producing phobia I have had my entire life is acrophobia. This is defined as an extreme or irrational fear of heights.  When at an altitude above my normal grounded self I feel a sense of imbalance and become consumed with a fear of falling. To drive along the roads of the mountainous terrain of Colorado is extremely difficult for me.

Drive from Denver to Winter Park, Colorado

The wedding we attended in Colorado was at the YMCA of the Rockies - Snow Mountain Ranch, about 15 miles northwest of Winter Park Ski Resort. We flew into Denver via Southwest Airlines, rented a car, and then drove a little over 2 hours to our destination. It has been years since I last visited Colorado. At that time, I vowed never to return as I spent that entire trip hyperventilating! However, I convinced myself I had to be at Sara and Pete's wedding and everything would be okay. So here I was on my way to Snow Mountain Ranch! Although the magnificent snow capped mountain peaks, enormous pine trees, beautiful native plants and flowers, and the impressive wildlife are all exceptional, it just didn't work for me. Absolutely gorgeous scenery to gaze upon (when my eyes were open!), but actually rather terrifying as we twisted and turned on the mountainous roads. Once again, my anxiety was heightening with the ever increasing altitude!

Rocky Mountain National Park

The wedding ceremony took place atop Columbine Point and the backdrop of the snow covered Rocky Mountains was indeed glorious! However, to compensate for my fear, I had to completely focus my eyes upon the gorgeous bride and her handsome groom. I realize, regretfully, since there is so much to see and do in Colorado I really should have worked on overcoming my fear of heights long before our trip.

Columbine Point - Snow Mountain Ranch

Now that we are safely home at just about 465 feet above sea level, I belatedly decided to search online for methods to cope with my acrophobia. Too bad I didn't do this BEFORE our trip to Colorado!

Howcast.com has an instructional video discussion highlighting 7 steps for managing a fear of height. Some suggested tips include breathing exercises to calm yourself and finding distractions by means of mental exercises or music.

An article by Mark Tyrrell published on his website UncommonHelp.com suggests confronting your fear one step at a time. He recommends setting small challenges for yourself. In addition, the free audio contains more specific directions for preparing your mind to feel calm and relaxed before attempting to go to a higher elevation.

And finally, WikiHow.com has an online tutorial on "How to Overcome a Fear of Heights." In conjunction with providing insightful information on acrophobia, it also recommends removing caffeine from your diet. WikiHow suggests that cutting down on your caffeine intake can make you feel more relaxed which will make it easier to confront your fear of height. It also suggests that if the methods discussed for overcoming your fear of heights are not resulting in a positive solution you may want or need to consider seeking help from a professional therapist.

Whatever your fears, the best of luck overcoming them!

Beach Vacation With Kids

We're heading to a wedding, in Florida, on the beach! So many details and so many things to pack that I think I may need to check extra bags for the trip. I have selected everyone's outfits for the actual wedding and they're ready to pack. The beach towels and swimsuits are already in the suitcases, but now I'm trying to think of everything else we will need for a week at the beach with kiddos. It's times like this I wish we were driving instead of traveling the friendly skies! Since we're flying I can't take along all the things I normally would stuff into every nook and cranny space I can find in the car. Since space is limited I've consulted several favorite blogs and websites on my quest for the very best suggestions on what to take for a stay at the beach with little ones.

TravelingMom.com has lots of fabulous suggestions including to remember to pack a big beach bag for hauling towels, toys, sunscreen and lotions to the beach. A super plan is to have smaller beach bags or backpacks for the kids. I love this idea! She suggests a small beach bag or drawstring bag easy for the little ones to carry. Kid floaties and beach toys can be packed in these smaller bags. In the larger beach bag be sure to include lots of waterproof sunscreen and be sure you re-apply it often. Sunburns are no fun!

Remember to pack your beach bag and beach towel.

RealSimple.com has a detailed beach vacation packing checklist you can print and reminds us to be sure to wear flip flops or other sea shoes when spending the day at the beach. The sand gets very hot and can really burn the soles of your feet, especially the soft bottoms of your little one's feet. And if you are at a shelly beach, they can actually make small cuts on your feet. Also remember to wear sunglasses and a sun hat for additional protection from the sun's intense rays.

Remember to pack beach shoes.

There are lots of great suggestions on what to pack for the pool or beach at Minitime.com. If you have babies or toddlers that aren't potty trained yet be sure to remember to pack swim diapers. In addition, you will need to bring along water wings, floaties, and a life vest. Minitime also has a detailed printable packing list which I have found to be very useful!

Remember the water wings and floats.

NateandRachael.com offers some super ideas in their "ultimate" beach packing list. They suggest bringing your kiddos bath toys. They are washable and typically on the small side, and therefore would be easy to pack. Another grand suggestion is to let the little ones use your plastic coffee cup and spoon to dig in the sand (of course after you've savored the very last drop!). But please be sure not to leave any trash on the beach when you pack up for the day. 

Thank goodness I checked About.com for their tips on traveling with kids. I'm so obsessed with what to pack for a day at the beach I almost forgot about keeping the little ones happy on the plane! The list includes an iPod or iPad, books, snacks, and be sure to bring a change of clothes for the little ones in your carry on luggage just in case you need it!

Remember to bring lots of water and your iPad.

A simple internet search will lead you to a multitude of awesome sites with lists of what to pack for any type of vacation you have planned. Just pick and choose those items that you think will work for you! Oh, and have a great vacation!

Summer Cruise? Maybe!

It  might be Spring but I'm thinking about summer vacation! Not sure yet what, where, or when we will vacation but I do know we have taken some pretty awesome family vacations in the past. One of my favorites is cruising, and yes, with the kids! You would be surprised what a great deal a cruise vacation can be and oh such luxury for Mom and Dad!

If you haven't cruised before with children you might want to research the web for reputable cruise lines that offer programs for children. Disney Cruise Line, for example, offers fabulous onboard experiences such as the Frozen Deck Party and the Star Wars Day At Sea.  Disney Cruises aren't just for the kids! Adults can enjoy Broadway style live shows and top off the evening with a nightcap in one of the ship's nightclubs or lounges. And in the morning, before onshore sightseeing trips or an afternoon at the pool, Mom and Dad can work out at the ship's fitness center or have a relaxing massage at the spa. Disney's onboard clubs provide an array of fun activities for kids and teens of every age. Child care is also available at an additional charge on Disney ships for children 3 years of age and under. The It's A Small World Nursery is open from 9 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., and is the perfect solution if Mom and Dad want to enjoy an onshore excursion or private dinner and show.

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean International is another kid-friendly cruise line. In fact, in 2013 readers of Travel + Leisure magazine recognized Royal Caribbean as one of the world's best vacation options for families. Some ships in their fleet offer family suites that can sleep up to six people. Age appropriate programs are also available for kids of all ages at no additional charge. On a Royal Caribbean sailing your little ones can visit with their favorite characters from Shrek, Madagascar, and Kung Fu Panda during character dining events, shows, and surprise appearances. Your older kids can participate in sporting contests such as miniature golf and table top tennis tournaments. They can also enjoy poolside games planned by the staff of the Adventure Ocean® Youth Program. In addition, select ships offer daytime and evening drop off care for children ages 6 months to 36 months at an additional cost.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Norwegian Cruise Line offers several sailings where the 3rd and 4th guests (presumably your kiddos!) sail at either half off or even free! Now that's a deal! Children traveling aboard ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line enjoy a multitude of activities and programs that are optimized for the specific age groups including infants, kids, and teens. For an additional fee Group Sitting Services can be booked for children 3 -12 year of age every night from 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. and on port days while the ship is docked. A variety of Youth Programs are hosted by NCL and include such fun activities as arts and crafts, treasure hunts, and even Circus School with stilts and ball juggling! Teens can also enjoy the complimentary and fully supervised dance club in the teen center.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Cruise lines also offer a variety of dining options including everything from laid back casual to formal dinners with the ship's Captain. 

Dining in one of the many restaurants on a Disney Cruise Line ship is pure pleasure! Options include exclusive adult dining, main dining, casual dining, and quick service available 24 hours per day. Complimentary room service for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks is also included in the price of your cruise. My all-time favorite Disney movie is "Beauty and the Beast" so dining at Lumiere's aboard the Disney Magic ship is a must! There are a plethora of opportunities to meet your favorite Disney characters while sailing with the Disney Cruise Line. It's an absolute unforgettable experience and the photo ops are amazing!

There are so many dining options on Royal Caribbean ships that it's difficult to choose because you'll want to experience all of them! Just about any food delight you could ever desire is available ranging from finger foods to a five course gourmet meal. And since there are no required formal dining hours or seating assignments it makes meal time so convenient when accommodating eating schedules for both children and adults. RCL also offers several beverage packages at reduced cost for your favorite drinks including bottled water, fruit juices, Coke products, beer, wine and even cocktails!

Norwegian Cruise Line offers Freestyle Dining which, in my opinion, is perfect when sailing with the kiddos. There are no fixed meal times or pre-assigned seats so you can eat whenever it's best for your family and at any restaurant, grill or cafe on the ship! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets and 24-hour room service round out the dining options provided by NCL.

Cruising with the kiddos!

Be sure to check out Cruises.com for current cruise deals and specials! They also have tons of information on several respected cruise lines, destinations, and top shore excursions. Whatever your summer plans.... Happy vacationing!

Indoor Fun On Icy Days

Freezing rain, ice, snow, oh my! The family loves to play in the snow, but definitely won't venture out in the ice! Quick, I need to think of lots of indoor activities to keep everyone happy this weekend! So one of my tasks has been to scour the internet to find suggestions and of course I have some of my own. So here is a list of 5 fun things to do around the house on these icy days:

1.) With the nasty weather come thoughts of summer vacation! So gather the family and ask everyone what they would like to do or see after school lets out for summer vacation. Ask the older kiddos to look for books or check out vacation spots on the internet and report back with their ideas for the best summer vacation ever. Then have a family meeting to discuss the best vacation options and start making plans.

2.) Snuggle with the fam and have a movie day! Turn the lights down and the sound up and add some popcorn and soda pop just as if you were at the movie theater. First give a choice of possible movies to view (you may want or need to watch several films throughout the day and evening to accommodate everyone's wish). My all-time favorite movies include Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, and the Sound of Music produced by 20th Century Fox.

Beauty and the Beast
Courtesy of Disney.com

3.) Make an indoor fort! Absolutely one of my very favorite things to do since I was a little girl myself!  Arrange chairs, sofa pillows, blankets and sheets to create your very own personal space. Then let the kiddos add their personal items to the fort including pillow, special blankie (if old enough for these bedding items), books, toys, and games. You will want to check out realsimple.com for their super suggestions and tutorials on building forts with blankets and pillows!

Blanket Fort
Coutresy of Mark Lund RealSimple.com

4.) Play board games or put puzzles together. As a child my favorite board game was Candy Land and it's still a family favorite today! Other fun board games include Hasbro's Monopoly for the older kids (unless you play with me!). In fact everyone in my family refuses to play Monopoly with me because we don't quit until I own all the properties!  It's always a good idea to keep several decks of family card games on hand. You can pick up a variety of board game cards at your local drug or department stores such as Walgreens, Target or Walmart. Simple card games are such as Old Maid, Crazy Eights, and Go Fish are popular and so much fun too.

Monopoly
Courtesy of Target.com

5.) And my last but not least favorite suggestion is to read the day away! Reading to your child and encouraging an enthusiastic love for learning is one of the greatest gifts shared by both children and parents alike. In addition to bonding with the children, they also learn reading is fun! There are also so many more benefits to daily reading such as increasing communication and verbal skills while adding to your younger children's knowledge bank of colors, shapes, numbers, and letters. The older kiddos will enjoy learning about such educational topics as, for example, the U.S. Presidents, the planets and outer space, or trains and other modes of transportation.  A bonus benefit from regular interactive reading was described in a January 2013 study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science. The work concluded that "reading to a child in an interactive style raises his or her IQ by over six points."  When we read as a family, I prefer to choose the first book title for the little ones. Of course my favorite place to read to the youngsters is cuddled in the big rocking chair.  After reading my book selection, the kiddos get to each opt for a personal favorite of their own. Depending on the child's age and current reading ability either I read the story aloud or they read the story to me. It's especially fun to discuss the characters and story line and invite the children to describe their very own alternate ending to the story. My all-time favorite book selection for the little ones is "Go Dog Go" by P.D. Eastman. No matter how often I read this book, it always makes me smile!

Courtesy of Goodreads.com

Whatever your plans are for these freezing cold, teeth chattering days, enjoy your time spent with the family!

Best Customers In The World!

Well this picture about sums up what a wonderfully relaxing family vacation we had at the beach!

Of course this wouldn't have been possible without the love and support from all of you (and some cooperation from Tropical Storm Debby!).  Thank you so much for being so understanding of our delayed shipment dates/times/convos etc. while we were away enjoying some greatly needed family time together! We got back this week and are working day and night to fulfill all your orders.

Thank you again for allowing us to kick back a bit and savor these magical moments with our family.  Our customers and friends of Zoey's Attic / Zoey's Personalized Gifts are absolutely the very best in the whole wide world!

Summertime Vacation Announcement

Beginning Friday, June 22nd, we are packing up and heading south - this mama needs some sun and sand. This means, all orders placed up to and before 3pm CST Thursday June 21st will be shipped before I leave - so if you need something quick, be sure and get your order in by that time! If you placed your order after that date/time it will ship out the week of June 30th (just a teeny bit past our normal 3-5 business days). Sorry, no rush orders will be available the week of June 23 - 30th. If you aren't in a hurry, no worry, we'll take great care of your order when we return and we are super fly fast at getting them out!

Thanks so much for your understanding! Thanks so much for your business - we HEART you all so much!! :)

Also, now through our entire vacation - ends June 30th  :(

-  USE CODE VACAY for 10% off your total order from Zoey's Personalized Gifts

- no minimum order required!

Gone Fishing





Personalized Doggie Tshirt

Vacations with the extended family are so much fun! 

I love watching the little ones taking it all in with so   

much energy!  By evening, the adults are exhausted! 

However, these are the traditions we are establishing

and savoring every minute of it!  I also like to have

something special for each child such  as a

personalized shirt specifically for them. So Bridget 

likes cheerleading,  and  Lindsey likes to dance, and

Ryan likes doggies. Makes me smile when all the

children feel so important in their very own customized Tshirt!               

   

Personalized Cheerleader Tshirt



 

Personalized Dance Shirt