The true meaning of "Simple Acts of Kindness"

In my  heart of hearts I believe that when you do something kind for others
it always comes back! Of course this shouldn't be your motivation for doing
nice things for people, it should be a need you have. It doesn't always come
back right away or in the way you might expect, but it will...

The last 10 years have been a struggle for us in our personal lives with
financial  problems that has led to strain on relationships with people
we've known for years and even new acquaintance's.

So for the most part we've tried to keep a low profile, take care of our children
and do what we need to recover. I think it's called "Survival Mode"

Recently our situation seems to have gone into the valley of doom, feeling
like nothing could make things worse.

I'm the kind of person who searches for blessings every day as a coping
mechanism. Blessings like, the day went well with the kids or  I was able to
have my hair done after cutting it myself for a year.  I learned how to
cut hair when I was a teenager. I used to cut all of my friend's hair.

This week was full of blessings.

We closed on our home and came away with a small check to get us to point b.
My mother in law seems to be improving after a nasty fall down the stairs.
During all of this I see my daughter growing leaps and bounds not physically,
but as a person. She has been an angel cooking, cleaning, packing and pushing
us to spend more time with Grandma and being so kind and gentle with her.

Another blessing came from a tragedy. On Wednesday I came home from work
and found my husband very distraught. He explained to me that our son's
best friend's home had been hit by lightning that morning and had burned
the top floor. Instantly, they were homeless.

My instinct kicked in and I called to see if I could lend a hand. Naturally,
they were in shock and very emotional. I offered our (sold) home up for
anything they needed laundry, sleeping, food storage etc...
Since those things put you in a tailspin they didn't even know what they needed.

The only thing that I could do for them was to have them over for dinner.
We got groceries before work, worked from 11 to 3 and came home to cook dinner.

Suddenly, my mood changed.

When our 5 guests arrived I went to greet them with a sense of strength
I thought that I had lost. Our friends needed us. As they described the event
there were tears but as we ate and talked the conversation turned from the
tragedy to sharing stories about every other thing besides the tragedy.

By the end of the evening there were smiles from the kids and they were sharing
stories as well! We all hugged and said what a great time it was. Our friends were
very grateful to have an evening where they didn't have to think about their loss for a while.

We finished cleaning the house and as we went to bed we felt very grateful ourselves
that we were sleeping in our own beds and if only for this day we were putting our
efforts on someone else's troubles and not our own!

This is the true meaning "Simple acts of kindness"

Kindness Inspires Kindness

"Kindness Inspires Kindness"

We're touched by acts of kindness every day. 

Do we recognize kindness? Do we pay kindness forward? 

As a part of the manners and etiquette classes for children I explain the difference between kindness and helpful and we work on examples for both.


"Being Helpful makes another person's life easier"

"Being Kind makes another person feel good"

Kindness and Helpfulness work hand in hand!

You can teach children the same principles by sharing when you do 
something  helpful for another person or when someone does something 
helpful or kind for you.

Explain what motivated you and what the reaction was by the other person. 
Include your children and let them take part in it. 

Ask your child to give you an examples of things that he or she can do for 
others that is helpful or kind.

Many of us do this naturally however, it's  important to make a conscious effort to include your children so that they see the benefits and the valuable lessons that come from a

"Simple Act of Kindness"!

"Family Dinners"

In the past I have talked about the importance of family dinners. Last night my daughter's good friend joined us for dinner. Which by the way was prepared by the two of them. Since Casee is a foody and pretty close to a gourmet cook, it was delicious. Parmesan Pesto Pizza and Salad with carmelized onions, red pepper, feta and balsamic dressing. It's common for Casee to come up with these combinations.

We had spent the summer in 2006 learning to cook by watching Food Network and spending hours looking through celebrity cookbooks. Cooking and food has been a passion for Casee since then.

That was just a little side note because I am amazed by my daughter!

The subject was Family Dinners.

During our conversation at dinner, Casee's friend commented how "Blessed" we are to eat dinner as a family. She explained that the only night of the week her family eats together is once during the week she eats with her Mom when she picks her up from dance at 7:30. The rest of the nights she is at dance so late that the family has eaten and makes her a plate or she has something quick while she finishes her homework before bed.

While the observation made me feel good it also made me sad because I know that we are not the norm.  I also know that our family dinners are numbered since my son is about to start driving!

Until then, we make it a point to eat as a family whenever possible.

There are books and articles written on the subject and the benefits. My favorite is a weekly post on the Huffington Post called  "Family Dinner Table Talk". The writer poses a subject for the dinner conversation. The topic may not interest you or your family but it is a great idea!
As usual in visiting the site on the subject I also found a great book "The Family Dinner".

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tag/family-dinner-download

I recommend that you check out both forinspiration. I love the idea of a dinner topic! It's fun and motivates me to stay on track with Family Dinners. I will be sure to share a topic every week on our facebook page!
The message says to me that the important thing is a sincere dialogue with your family. Whether you're your enjoying a Sunday roast dinner, fast food or cereal for dinner.

Make time to talk with your family, as a family and do it as often as possible, the benefits are immeasurable!

Thanksgiving 2010 Table scape by Casee

New Year's 2009 Table scape by Casee

Christmas 2009 Table scape by Casee

Casee's favorite pass time "Food"

Christmas 2010 Table scape by Casee

Christmas 2011 Table scape by Casee

"Simply Good" Life Lessons

Raising children is the most rewarding and challenging job we have. There's so much at stake.
The experts say that who we are is 50% nature and 50% nurture.
No matter how you look at it, we have a 50/50 chance of raising a happy, well-adjusted child
who will become a happy, well- adjusted adult.

The best opportunity we have in building character is when our children are young and less      influenced by the outside world!

As we go about our daily lives we become so busy that we sometimes miss opportunities to teach

our children some the greatest lessons in life. Lessons about right from wrong, owning mistakes,

or the importance of our choices and simple skills for taking care of ourselves.

I don't hold myself out as an expert. No, I am actually someone who came from an upbringing
in which let's just say I was left to learn these lessons by the grace of God and inner strength.

Not complaining because instead of following in my parents footsteps I somehow managed to learn
from their mistakes. If you have parents who were born in the 30's and 40's you know that this generation was notorious for raising children with a "Seen and not heard" and less seen the better attitude!

There is something to be said for figuring things out on you own. However, I believe that balance helps especially today when information comes at our children at a much faster pace.

This is why I feel so strong about family meals. I am not June Cleaver! But try I very hard to have as many meals as a family as possible. It doesn't matter what you're eating as long as you have some quality time to talk about your day, your feelings and your fears. I can't stress enough how important this is.
It's worth taking the time to arrange things to make it happen!

Which brings me to manners! If you are lucky enough to have a couple of meals with your family I  recommend the following:  Insist on phones and television off! Including Mom and Dad.


Another thing that I am very passionate about is understanding the importance of bonding with your children through hobbies or everyday activities. Children can learn so much about life when you
make "together" time. For a better picture of what I mean take these examples:

A Father fishing with his son is not about the fish!
Throwing and catching a baseball with your son is not about him making the travel team!

Finding a recipe and cooking with your daughter is not about her going to culinary school.
Filing and polishing your nails together is not about the color of the nail polish.

We can teach our children so much about life in our daily routine when we're aware of the benefits!

So I say no matter how old your children are, make a list today and try those things TOGETHER.
    
      Make matching bracelets
      Paint a picture
      Make a paper airplane
      Make a house of cards
      Give the dog a bath
      Teach your child how to clean the floor, toilet or the inside of your car
      Show them how to use the washer and dryer
      Set a proper table
      Make a summer dress on the sewing machine
      Have your child make the grocery list by taking inventory, planning meals and
      let her help you do the shopping from the list.
    
These are the things that you and your children will remember and carry with them throughout
life.  It also gives you the greatest opportunity for influencing them in positive ways!

I call them "Simply Good" Life Lessons.

A Prayer for Mothers of Daughters Everywhere

A Prayer for Mothers of Daughters Everywhere

Written by: Tracey Wormsbacher

I pray that in raising your daughter you influence her in positive ways.

I pray that you teach your daughter to be kind and compassionate not only with words but with actions.

I pray that you understand that what you teach your daughter today is who she

will be tomorrow.

I pray that your daughter knows that you’re not perfect and that you don’t expect her to be either.

I pray that you instill values that build a healthy sense of self-confidence,

self-awareness and self esteem.

I pray that you can find a way to give her the confidence to stand up for herself when others won’t.

I pray that you invest the time to talk about right from wrong on a regular basis.

I pray that you spend time showing her how her actions affect others.

I pray that she can learn to be a “lady” no matter what the circumstances.

I pray that you can control your emotions when faced with times when things hurt your daughter.

I pray that when bad things happen you show your daughter that

“Doing the right thing” is most important.

I pray that your daughter is able to tell you the truth, no matter what the consequences are.

I pray that no matter what the truth is that you will let her know that your love is unconditional.

I pray that during conflicts you are able to see it from different perspectives and teach your daughter to do the same.

I pray that you care for and protect the friends of your daughter as if they are your own.

I pray that you recognize the times when your daughter needs you to be a friend and the times when she needs you to be her Mother.

I pray that you can find it in your heart not to judge others when they make mistakes but take advantage of the teachable moments for you as a mother

and your daughter as a child in these challenging and confusing times.

I pray that you convey that is never ok to have fun or gain at the expense of another human being.

I pray that your daughter learns to be a “Good Friend” by your example.

I pray that you surround yourself with other Mothers who share the same values for their daughters.

I pray that God shows you that we all share the same goals for our daughters.

To be raised in a safe and loving environment that will prepare them to be “Mothers of daughters”.

“I pray that you help other mothers by sharing this prayer.”

What do you do here?

On a regular basis people will walk up in front of the store, look in the windows, read the marketing pieces that are posted, shrug their shoulders and walk away without coming in!

I try not to take that personal. After all, people walk downtown and pass many stores with out going in! But if you think about it. They walk all the way to the end of the hall anyway.

Aren't they curious?

By the name Hearts of Inspiration most people wouldn't know what I do right?

A couple of days ago two teenage girls walked in to look around. They were between classes at the dance studio down stairs. They looked around, sprayed perfume, tried on jewelry and hair clips. Then all of a sudden one of them says "What do you do here?" I had to laugh a bit.

Aha! I started to explain and walked them to the party room. They were so excited and said that they wish that they could have a party here. So, there inlays the challenge!

What do I do here and how do I let people know?

Here it is...

Hearts of Inspiration is:

• A Gift Boutique for girls and women. We carry gift books for children and adults by Compendium, bath and body products by Lollia and Love & Toast, unique designer jewelry, handbags and totes by Amy Butler. Picture frames, trays and serving pieces by Mariposa, a recycled aluminum line for hostess gifts, birthdays, showers and weddings. Dresses, Wings, Wands and Fairy Dust for little girls. I throw in a few of my own creations too! tutus, hair accessories and jewelry! Always looking for Michigan Made Products!

• Manners & Social Etiquette Classes for girls and boys from 5 and up. These classes are best taught in groups because we incorporate roleplaying and interactive discussions. The goal is to inspire kind, courteous behavior and encourage self confidence, self control and consideration for the feelings of others. We offer two different classes.
• Table Manners are centered around dining etiquette whether you're at home, Mcdonalds, a nice restaurant or a country club. We talk about everything you need to know to be a proper dining companion! Setting the table, Posture and Conversation. Plus utensil use and tricky foods! Each student will leave with the materials to practice their new skills.
• Etiquette and other Social Graces covers Greetings, Introductions, Conversation Starters to use with peers and adults. We talk about tone of voice, facial expressions, body language and the difference between sharing and bragging. We give tips on how to be respectful and helpful to our friends, parents and teachers or anyone we come in contact with. We encourage thinking about how what we do and say will affect other people.
• Daisies, Brownies and Girl Scout Troops Fun Patch workshops that focus on learning how to be helpful to parents, teacher and friends! 

• Party Suite for any occasion. The pink party suite filled with possibilities! It's a dream come true for little princesses and fairies for a birthday tea party complete with princess gowns and princess games. But it is not just for little girls! Big girls can host a hair and nails party, craft party or even a dance party in their own private suite. So, relax and leave the details and clean up to us!

We offer party packages that are perfect for Girls Night and Home party businesses. There's an extra room available for overflow or additional activities. We can accommodate groups as small as 6 and as many as 35!

We can plan a party for whatever occasion you're celebrating.

Flexibility and affordability is important so we build the perfect party based on your

budget. Favors, Candy Buffet, Crafts, Entertainment are just a few services we can add.

Want something fun to do with the girls that's unique and won't break the bank?

Try one of our "Girls Just Want to have Fun" parties!

Ages 11 and Up. Great for Adults too!

Invite 10 or more of your friends and choose one of our workshops. We'll do the rest.

• Hands and Nails
• Haircare and Hairstyles
• Skincare and Make up
• Crafts

The price includes supplies and instruction, party food and beverages.

You and your guests will receive a special discount on purchases made in our boutique the day of your event. As an extra incentive the hostess receive bonus credit for all purchases made by your guests.

Our party room is intimate and private for for Baby Showers, Bridal Showers or Meetings for Book Clubs, Garden Clubs or Fundraiser Events! 

For more information please contact us at: (248)  773-7664

Teaching Manners, A lifetime job

I don't consider myself an Expert on Manners. More of a "Student"! I've read many books

on the subject. There are hundreds of websites and occasionally a story in the news.

Most of the time the message is the same. Kind and Courteous behavior with a certain grace.

Teaching manners to children at home can be tricky because it may seem like we're nagging!

I believe that our children's behavior is a reflection on our parenting. All kids misbehave from time to time. But I am talking about their normal behavior.

Let me give you an example:

I work in a mall with table and chairs, benches and rocking chairs set up in the hall. We're on the upper level at the end of the hall. Many times I have heard children running up and down the hall. When I go out to make sure that they don't get hurt the parents are sitting chatting while their children run, yell and play on the escalator! Harmless right?

My 1st reaction is "What are you thinking?" This is not ok on so many levels!

You can't hold children responsible if the parents think that's ok.

Where do I start?

Running and Yelling is good healthy kid stuff! In the park, outside or even an indoor playground. But not in a mall.

The escalator is very dangerous and yet I see parents actually playing on it WITH the child!

Yes, even young children should be expected to behave respectful in a public place.

It's not the easiest thing to teach. The most valuable parenting advice my Mother in law

ever shared with me is that it is much easier to say yes to your child but it's not always the right thing to do. It is harder to say no and follow through!

This is true when your children are 3 years old and when they are 14 years old.

My job of teaching my children manners is just beginning. When they were toddlers

we integrated basic manners like please and thank you. We also set boundaries and expectations at every stage based on their level of comprehension.

Examples of expectations are:

• Sitting through dinner without running around the restaurant and why.
• Telling the server what you would like to eat by looking them in the eye and being polite by saying please and why.
• Making sure to thank your friend's parents for having them over for dinner or giving them a ride and why.
• Reminding them to listen when their teachers are talking and why!

At 12 and 14 my children get the picture of what we expect from behavior most of the time.

But there is still so much to do! Now that they are old enough we can now teach them the details on how to use these important skills.

I love having conversations with them about posture, tone of voice, communicating their preferences.

Now if I could just get them interested in learning how to set a proper table!

I still have a great deal of work to do....

Inspiringly Yours,

Tracey Wormsbacher

Up next: "Manners by the age"