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A Gottman Institute Therapist Provides Tips to Keep Your Marriage Strong
The Gottman Institute: Many of you might have heard about Dr. Gottman of The Gottman Institute and his ability to predict with 98% accuracy which marriages would end in divorce. When I read this statistic, I was intrigued to learn more about this man and the compile of work he has done through the years. The Gottman Institute was co-founded by Drs. John and Julie Schwartz Gottman. The Gottman Relationship Institute has two major functions: helping couples directly, and providing state-of-the-art training to mental health professionals and other health care providers. The Gottman Institute applies leading-edge research on marriage in a practical, down-to-earth therapy and trains therapists committed to helping couples. No…
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To Ponder Love
Most mornings I begin with meditation. Like so many words associated with the inner-life, or that potentially eek towards the edge of spirituality or even religion, it seems to me that maybe these days there ought to be a glossary attached when a person writes or speaks. Therefor, in the interest of context, let me just say that I use that word to equate my personal period of quiet and introspection in the morning. It is, to be clear, the period of time that counts and not at all the actual practice. I am a big advocate of learning and using tools such as breathing and present-centeredness that help…
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Photographer Becky Lew
Photography has always inspired me and I hope to someday make the time to learn the ins and outs of taking a good picture. At this point I just take a bunch of pictures hoping I will have a couple good ones! I came across Becky Lew’s work from a friend’s holiday card she sent out this past Christmas. I loved how her family looked so natural and the lighting was amazing. We are always hearing about the importance of lighting when taking a good photograph. Becky Lew really takes it to the next level and one of the things that stands out to me about her work is…
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Hawthorne for the Heart
The Hawthorne ( Crategeous oxyacantha or mongyna) is a sweet scented flower with snow-white blossoms; however, in the fall, red berries emerge. Hawthorne is well known as a heart herb for anyone needing to increase circulation, bring on more joy and love into their lives. History The Hawthorne plant has long been known as a sacred and protecting. In fact, for centuries, parents would place sprigs of Hawthorne around a baby’s cradle to protect against evil spirits and illnesses. Hawthorne tinctures, teas or syrups are also used to lift spirits and relieve sadness. In Greece, wedding guests would bring sprigs of Hawthorne to gesture happiness, prosperity (and fertility) to the…
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A Unique Valentines Day Card Craft
The Love Bug Card Valentine’s Day Craft! If you are in need of a quick, inexpensive, fun and unique Valentines Day craft to do with the kids – you just might enjoy the one my daughter and I did today! We went online to look for something fun we could do together after a trip to the grocery store where we found a poor selection of cards. In my search online, I came across dandee designs website. She has some great suggestions for unique cards that are quite simple to make. My daughter is all about bugs these days so we went with the Happy Valentines Day Love Bug craft. It was…
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The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity Review and Giveaway
The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity: Brings out Creativity in the Young and Young-at-Heart: Most of us grew up watching Bugs Bunny, The Roadrunner and Coyote and many more of the characters that Chuck Jones created in his lifetime. I had a chance to speak to his grandson, Craig Kausen, who spoke about how his cartoons are timeless and children today enjoy them just as much as we did as kids. I completely agree and just love that one man created such wonderful characters! My daughter and I found The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity a few months ago at the new SoCo shopping center in Orange County. We…
