Disclaimer: I received products to review. All opinions are my own. While I do not subscribe to the idea that my children will not be able to socialize because they are homeschooled, I do have worries about the subject. I worry because my son does not like strangers AT ALL. The other thing I worry about is him being bullied by other kids his age, especially since he is very polite and shy. He also tends to not think about others around him when he wants to do something, but he is only 4. I want to start building these skills with him, but without completely freaking him out. Luckily for us, EQtainment came to the rescue.
The folks at EQtainment sent me the book "Q's Wild Ride" (with Narration CD), the game Q's Race To The Top, and the weighted Q-time buddy. Both of the kids get in on the fun and have benefited from these amazing products.
The founder of EQtainment, Sofia Dickens, wanted to find a way to teach her 3 children emotional intelligence. This can help children with school readiness and even make them more likely to achieve life success in school, relationships, and careers.
I have fallen in love with this line of products and have been amazed at the improvement my little guy has made in this skill set. I'm a mom that has been convinced and I see improvements all the time in the way Tbomb interacts with those around him.
The Q-time buddy helps Koda calm herself. She really does not like being in the car. This weighted monkey makes her smile and feel comforted. When mom can't hold her, this is the next best thing.
Tbomb and I have so much fun playing Q's Race To The Top. He loves the book that comes with it and loves doing the activities in the game. Basically, you roll the dice and move that many spaces. Then, whichever color you land on, you choose one of those cards. The game is designed for ages 3 and up, and is truly matched for that age group. Tbomb always asks me to play it with him. Soon, Kodabug will be old enough to play and will have a blast playing with her big brother.
Tbomb also loves the book Q's Wild Ride, all about the little guy's journey to a baseball game and what it took for him to get there. In the end, he realized that he forgot to think about those around him and learn's a very valuable lesson. I love that it comes with a narration disc, teaching him to follow along. When he's having a rough day, I can put it in with some headphones and it calms him right down.
Any family with little ones could really benefit from these products.
Shooting POV (point of view) videos is something kind of new to me. I have used them before, but basically just clipped them on. Since receiving my MeCam, I have been paying more attention to what I am doing so that I get a better shot. While I do have a GoPro, it is mostly for evidence collection and it is aimed a certain direction. My MeCam is geared towards documenting my investigations and getting some behind the scenes videos. Today, I'm going to share with you some tips I have found for getting the most out of using your POV camera.
1. Get To Know Your Camera
Different cameras have different strengths and weaknesses, they also have different settings. Getting the most out of your POV shooting experience depends a lot on getting to know your camera.
2. If Needed, Have The Appropriate Mounts
One thing I love about the MeCam is that it pins on (like a lapel pin) and can also be worn on a lanyard. That makes mounting simple. However, many other POV cameras require mounts. I have several for my GoPro, and use them for different reasons. If there is going to be a certain thing you mount your camera to a lot, make sure to invest in a good mount for that. For instance, my backpack mount is my favorite. I can clip it to my backpack strap or my hat.
3. Keep It Short
No one wants to watch 30 minutes of you skiing down a mountain or walking through an abandoned house. I mean, I don't even want to watch myself doing that. Keep your video to just a few minutes of footage- keep the good stuff, of course!
4. Do Something Exciting
Walking around your house is generally not youtube worthy (although there are exceptions). Make sure you catch the excitement in your life.
5. Try Different Mounts
Although I have my preference, I have tried out many different mounts. One that you didn't think would work may shock you- the head mount shocked me!
6. Try Different Angles
The angle can make all the difference in your video. I have tried walks through the woods with mine pointing up and even behind me. The views are breathtaking- we usually don't look at things this way. The same goes for other activities as well.
7. Narrate
Tell your audience what is going on- pretty simple.
8. Use A Pole
Can't get the right angle? Enlist the help of a pole attached to your mount, or even a selfie stick and you can control what shot you get.
9. Check Your Shot
Make sure your angle is right- it would be horrible to get that perfect experience only to find that your camera didn't catch it. Also, try your camera out before you are depending on it.
10. Have Fun
Your audience knows if you aren't having fun- show them some fun!
Disclaimer: I received a product to review. All opinions are my own.
Music appreciation was always one of my favorite classes, especially when we got to study the history of rock! It is one of the things I'm looking forward to teaching the kids the most. However, finding the curriculum, information, and tools to teach it to them with was proving to be more difficult than I like.
Thanks to Music Lab, I am not longer worrying bout that! Music Lab has now brought us WE ROCK: A Fun Family Guide For Exploring Rock Music History, by Jason Hanley. This book contains biographies, historical context, extensive playlists, and even activities for the whole family. It covers artists including Elvis, The Beatles, Ray Charles and even The Ramones.
This book is going to be the guide for teaching music appreciation for our family. (Even with other types of music, we can use it as a guide to make activities fun!) In fact, I cannot wait to really dive in.
This book has 52 music labs (yep, that's one a week) that have listening activities for the families together. They also highlight the great songs in rock history and even share stories and insights about the artists. That's what I've always loved- the little-known facts about those artists that influence the music we have today. These labs include ideas on how to enjoy music as a family and even "Try This At Home" activities. Some of these include writing lyrics and singing in harmony. Each lab also includes a playlist, historical fact/ social connections, song facts and destinations that are relevant. There are even online playlists included at the back of the book.
The artists included was enough to get me excited. I can't wait to teach Tbomb and Kodabug about Nirvana, Led Zepplin, U2, and Kiss. Little known fact- I was named after a Kiss song- my mom loved the song so much, my middle name is Beth. Journey, Queen, Madonna, and Michael Jackson are high on my list as well.
The author, Jason Hanley, is the director of education at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. He has done an amazing job at creating activities to get families and children of all ages excited about rock!
Disclaimer: I received a product to review. All opinions are my own.
It isn't very often that I receive a product to review and know immediately that I will insist on purchasing more right away- unless it is something for the kids. This light is one of those things- I have warned my husband that we will be purchasing one for him, one for the car, and probably a couple for the kids. These light are just that versatile.
It can be hung up, can set on a table, or used like a flashlight. Same goes for when it is expanded into "lantern" form. This will be perfect for emergencies and for night lights for the kids while camping and traveling. This is also one o those things I'm insisting my husband and in-laws have in their investigation packs.
I've used it on one expedition and couldn't be happier. The light is super bright, but also has a dimmer and flashing mode. Not only can I use it to see where I am walking, but also for looking at evidence. If I find a footprint during a night expedition, I can set this light on the ground and have both of my hands free to film or to look at the evidence more closely. Did I run across some hair snagged on a tree branch, well I can hang the Power Puck on a nearby limb and look closer. See what I mean, it is truly amazing!
This super versatile light runs on 3 AAA batteries, and they last quite a while. In fact, you get 12 to 15 hours of light with a set of batteries with the light on bright. When you turn it to dim, that time can be doubled. The LED light itself will last 100,000 hours. One of my absolutely favorite features of the Power Puck is that the rubber coating on it allows it to be waterproof- we all know how important that is to me. If something is waterproof, it wins in my mind.
When the light is closed (in the puck shape), it is in flashlight mode. It is pretty small, and will even fit in your hand. At 3.5 inches around, 2 inches high, and less than 5 ounces, it is the perfect light to carry with you. When you want it in lantern mode, just twist the top away from the bottom and it pos on open.
Something Special
Because you guys are so amazing, the folks at Power Puck have offered something special. Now, they are offering the amazing Power Puck at 50% off on Amazon. This light is normally $39.95, but while this offer stands, you can get it for just $19.95.
They could use our help though- if you buy a Power Puck, they would love it if you would share photos of you using it! (Paranormal Investigators- they would really love to see this).
That is a dang good deal, but it gets even better!
It gets even better, they are giving away 2 Power Pucks to readers at The Palmetto Queen. It is super simple to enter too!
Just CLICK HERE TO ENTER. Just one thing- when you enter, be sure to use a valid email address, or they will not be able to contact you when you win! Good Luck!
I know I've been talking a lot lately about Uqique and their digital voice recorders. I'm sure you also may think that either you don't need one or that one is plenty, well you may be wrong. There are so many uses for these handy little devices that you may need more than one. Even better- with Uqique's prices, you can afford it too!
1. Record Thoughts or Notes
Sometimes we think better doing our normal daily activities, not while sitting in front of our computers or notepads. Keep a digital voice recorder with you and when a thought or idea comes to mind, record it!
2. Record Lectures
Oh how I wish I'd had a digital voice recorder in college. Those lectures wouldn't have lost to the dark recesses of my mind after I got back to my dorm room. I can't count how many times I looked over my notes and wondered what something was about.
3. Record Interviews
Whether you are recording for a show, a client for an investigation or a client for a job- having a voice recorder could make things so much simpler. You can go back and listen many times and make sure the client will be happy and your research correct.
4. Have An Audio Sequence of Events
Using a digital voice recorder during set up could be amazing. You can record all of your initial readings, where and why your equipment is in certain places, and even not special things about the location. You wouldn't have to worry about remembering to write it all down.
5. Stick With A Camera
We all know that the audio on cameras isn't all that great. If you have a hot spot of activity and want to make sure you catch everything, stick a digital voice recorder next to the camera so you are sure to capture great audio and video.
6. Leave With A Trigger Object
Is there an area where you are investigating that has evidence of a child spirit? Use toys as a trigger object and place a digital voice recorder nearby- don't forget an emf detector. You never know what you might catch.
7. Have It Always Running
Keep a digital voice recorder with you during an investigation. Keep it running the whole time- in addition to the one you use for EVP sessions. Sometimes EVPs can be caught by one recorder, but not another. In addition to that, if something happens, you can just voice it and have a record of the night.
8. Keep It At Command Central
Keep a voice recorder by command central and use it for those monitoring the cameras. Also, it will catch when the team discusses events of the night. Also, use this for team members to document any experiences they have right away.
9. Record Night Time Forest Activity
We hang voice recorders in our research over night when there has been a lot of activity. You would be surprised at what you'll catch when no one is around. Just be sure to protect them from the weather.
10. Record Moments To Remember
Whether you are recording first words, school moments, weddings, or any other milestone of life, having an audio account of that moment can be amazing. You can also record elderly members of the family so your children can always hear their voices.
If you are looking for a new digital voice recorder, check out Uqique. Their prices and quality will amaze you.
I will be turning 31 next Friday. When I turned 30, it got me really down. The main reason was that I realized that I would already be 40 when Kodabug turns 10. Turning 31 hasn't sent the same panic through me. Instead, I feel rejuvenated and I've really been contemplating things.
I've really been thinking about all the things I've learned in my 31 years of being raised all over the southern states. My mother being raised in the Air Force made a huge impact on the way I was raised as well. I realized that I've learned some valuable lessons in my life and maybe I should take this time to pass some of my realizations along. This shirt explains my feelings lately!
I know that you are thinking that's easier said than done, but it really isn't. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is that happiness is a choice. Yes, we all have bad days- but you can be a generally happy person just by choosing to be that way. Be happy with what you have and with the people you have in your life.
2. Stop Worrying
This is something I struggle with more than anything. I like to be in control and when things are out of my control, I worry. I've learned though that I have to give it to God. Worrying does no good. I pray about it, pray for a plan and get to work. In the grand scheme of things, that's all we really can do. Hiding under the covers and stressing does no good.
3. Use Your Manners
I cannot tell you how many times I have been told to not call someone "ma'am". Many times, this would make me feel guilty. I had to realize something about myself and my upbringing. Using etiquette, southern charm, and certain terms is part of who I am. To me, the terms "ma'am" and "sir" are said out of respect. I have even been put down for using manners and simple etiquette.
To me, when someone tells you that you shouldn't be using the manners that you were raised with, they are insecure with their behavior, but they are not willing to change. I use my manners and southern charm while holding my head high. I expect the same out of my children and know they will be better adults because of it.
4. Love Yourself and You Are A Better Mother and Wife
This was a hard realization for me. Since the Mr and I have gotten married, I've been through some times that really got me down. I would wonder how in the world I could be a decent mother to my children, I've wondered if I was good enough, and I've wondered why he married me to begin with. It took a stern talking to from my husband to realize that I was hurting my children and him by thinking this way.
I had to realize that he married me for whatever reason he did and that it was the plan God had in mind. I also had to realize that those to special and beautiful children were put in my care because I am the one that is supposed to mother them. There is a reason for it all and God knows what he was doing. Basically, I had to trust God and let him teach me to love myself and realize that I am worthy so that I caould be the best mother and wife possible.
5. Our Fears Go Deeper Than We Think
Besides the obvious fear of spiders, my two biggest fears are of failure and of thunderstorms. It took me quite a while to realize the true reasons for both of these. My fear of failure stems from my deeper fear of disappointing those that I love. I realized that those that really love me are never truly disappointed in me, maybe my actions, but not me. I have had to adopt the "those that matter don't mind, and those that mind don't matter" mindset when it comes to this.
My fear of thunderstorms is a true fear of that type of weather, but it also has deeper roots. I cannot stand to be in control and I do not like change. Thunderstorms are almost a symbol of change for me. Every time something traumatic or life-altering happens in my life, there is a thunderstorm. Even with good things. Our last pit bull died today and it is storming. On another note, the night I realized that the man I love would one day become my Mr, it stormed.
The point is to think about your fears and what they could mean deeper than just the fear- you may just learn a lot about yourself.
5 Pieces Of Advice
I wrote this post to you all with several things in mind. One, it is something that has been on my mind to share, and there is an up and coming project that needs our support because changing lives is what it's all about.
5 Pieces of Advice- Uplifting Humanity, One Story At A time is a project now on Kickstarter to create a project that will definitely change lives. This project will come in the form of books, films, and even an online platform. The advice and stories shared will cover a variety of topics from business, health, relationships, and even parenting.
The aim is to help others live the best life possible that is enriched with advice that the individual may not have the chance to hear otherwise. This project started with Pawel opening his ears and heart to take the advice of a stranger- how amazing is that. If you want to help other's lives be better, happier, and more fullfiling, head on over to Kickstarter and see how you can help.
Last year, we took our first vacation as a multi-kid household. While it was only for a few days, I learned a lot from that experience. I want to share with you what I learned and hopefully help you actually get a little bit of a vacation the next time your family vacations, because we all know moms never really get to vacation.
1. Have Two Of Everything
I learned this the hard way. Kodabug had this ball- you know, the ones with the bells inside and all the cool hexagons that they can grip on to. It always made her laugh, so I made sure to take this ball along on our vacation. I didn't take Tbomb one and we had a disaster on our hands when she played with that ball. Lesson- take something appropriate of the same type for each kid.
2. Give them time away from each other.
Although my kids are always together, vacation changes things. Because we were in a different place, the kids adjusted differently and needed some time away from each other to deal with the change. So, at restaurants, we put them at opposite ends of the table. We let Tbomb play on the balcony with daddy while Kodabug crawled around the room.
3. Plan a special activity for each
This can be something really simple. We took Kodabug and let her play in the sprinklers along the main strip of Cherokee. It was new to her and she had fun. She did this while Tbomb and daddy played at the arcade, something they do each time we go. Tbomb's special activity was mining at the rock shop on the way home. They each got that special thing to do to make them feel special. I believe that was a success.
4. Plan something they can do together
Last year, Kodabug wasn't really old enough to experience something Tbomb would get excited about, but this year will be different. They both love animals, so we are going to take them both to the petting zoo. I think they will feed off of each other's excitement and them something out of the ordinary to bond over.
5. Souveniers
This is something that my husband and I have thought about over and over again. Tbomb usually gets his own money to buy things with. We are going to change that up a little this year. We are going to put the same ount of money in two different envelopes. We don't like a lot of stuff coming home, so they will each get something just alike and one other thing that is different. That's the plan anyway!
6. Staying organized
Everything in our life is color coded for the kids. Kodabug is pink and Tbomb is green. In addition to that, they each have their favorite character. So, Tbomb is spiderman and Kodabug is Minnie Mouse. While at home, we do stray from that, if we are out and about or on vacation, we never stray from the colors and characters. It makes life much easier. The kids know what belongs to who and so do I.
7. Staying Safe
This is the most important thing in my travel list. Each kid has a bracelet with my phone number on it. They wear these on their ankles at all times. We also have a harness for each kid. This year, we actually have a second umbrella stroller, so we have one for each. This helps us keep up with them and make sure they are safe at all times. Don't forget the first aid kit.
8. Entertainment
If both kids do not like the same movie, don't take it unless you have two ways of playing it. I actually convert all of my kids' movies to mp4 and put them on a thumb drive. I then put up the DVD. If you don't want to do that or can't, take movies they both enjoy. Luckily, I have all movies with us. Tbomb has his tablet, and we have an old one with some baby apps on it for Kodabug. I can use a mount on the car seat so that they can both watch a movie together.
9. Noise
Noise is the biggest problem for our family. Especially while on vacation, we set quiet time. Usually after we have lunch in our room. They don't have to go to sleep, but they have to be quiet and still. They usually end up going to sleep anyway. We also have a rule about noise with devices. If the app, movie, or whatever they are doing they must wear headphones. It may not seem like a big deal to some, but when you are having towo different types of noises coming in your ears while trying to do something, it can be quite loud and overwhelming. These rules go at home and on vacation.
10. Plan to have fun
I am a planner and an organizer to the extreme. There are times though that I go overboard and forget tha the point is to have fun and bond as a family. My husband has to remind me to not be so serious and to go with the flow. We have come to a common ground. The main things get planned, but if the plans fall throuh, it is okay. I also have to plan for sponteneaty. We balance eachother and I think it is a good thing for the kids- they are learning both sides of it.
Disclaimer: I received a product to review all opinions are my own.
I have mentioned many times using my monopod. It is great for holding my camera steady while filming and walking. It doesn't solve another problem I have. I sometimes need to film myself in front of something. That can be in front of a historical location, a tree structure, or even in front of some of the team members.
When I'm filming, sometimes it is for a podcast, and other times it is for evidence. During these times, I need a good shot of me and what I'm standing in front of. I also love taking group photos, but we want the whole team in there, not the photographer left out. That's where the SelfieMaster comes in.
It extends up to 1005mm. It has anti-rotation on the rod itself so that the weight of the phone (or camera) will not let it slip while filming. Yes, the phone adapter screws onto a tripod end, so you can use a camera with it as well. I think one of the coolest things about the SelfieMaster is that it is Bluetooth enabled. Just pair it with your device after charging and you are good to go. Just press the shutter button on hte handle to take your photo.
Another benefit to the #selfiemaster is the phone holder itself. It holds larger phones (even my LG L90 and the new iPhones.). There is a rubber grip that keeps it in place without scratching your phone. Another thing I really like about it is that it holds the phone much more securely than other phone adapters for tripods and monopods.
I think I will actually start doing video diaries with investigations and expeditions, now that I have this awesome gadget.
Disclaimer: I received a product to review. All opinions are my own.
Summer planning is in full swing at the George house. Not only are we scheduling day trips and vacations, we are also planning out which community activities we are interested in participating in- like the Summer Reading at the Library (superhero theme, yay!) and Lowe's Build and Grow workshops (also superhero). We are looking into the activities going on at the local parks and festivals that will be taking place. We are going to have so much fun with the kids this summer, but also know that we need to have some down time at home. We have created our survival kit for days at home with the kids. They want to be outside and sometimes it is just too hot, so we have a bucket of activities from movies, to activities that are educational. One savior we will have this summer is Space Scouts.
Space Scouts is an amazing subscription service. We received the starter kit and the first month's box. One thing that I really like about this company is that instead of getting the box that everyone gets that month, your child receives them in order, making the educational element flow beautifully.
When your child is introduced to the Space Scouts program, they will recieve the introduction to the Space Scouts program, Space Scouts Lunchbox, Space Scouts Solar System Poster, Space Scouts Activity Sheet, Space Scouts Sticker Scramble, Space Scouts Souvenir Toy, Space Scouts Constellation Card Startup Kit (cover & ring) and the Introduction to Space Scouts Constellation Cards.
Each month, your child will receive Space Scouts Exploration Plan, Space Scouts Magnet, Space Scouts Sticker, Space Scouts Activity Sheet, Space Scouts Sticker Scramble, Space Scouts Souvenir Toy, Space Scouts Constellation Card and the Space Scouts Constellation Activity Sheet.
This subscription box is put together beautifully with education at the center of the program. It is the perfect program to get your little one started on this summer, and throughout the year.
