theastonishingkylejackson

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[theastonishingkylejackson]

“There’s a big question behind all of this: Why do they want to get into shape only for summer? Why did they not think about this months ago or even last year? There are many answers to this question but the problem is due to the fact that many people will try to rush and cause much more damage than they want in the long term.” – Written By Ben Maynard, Contributor For The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine, Motiv8me Magazine, and Founder of BenOnAdventures.com

Originally published HERE.

  Summer is almost here and for many of us that means really wanting to get into shape.

Ben Maynard, adventurer and contributor for The Astonishing Tales Magazine and Founder of BenOnAdventures.com

 Getting physically fit can mean a lot for many people.

The reason behind this is because so many people want to look good for the beach or look at for a wedding or social event or another thing.

There’s a big question behind all of this: Why do they want to get into shape only for summer?

Why did they not think about this months ago or even last year?

There are many answers to this question but the problem is due to the fact that many people will try to rush and cause much more damage than they want in the long term.

Damage, in this article’s sense, is the rebound effect that happens after a rapid weight loss period.

The ‘damage’ usually happens after a crash diet. For example, if a very active person cuts their calories to only 1,000 a day they will lose a good amount of total body weight.

But this weight loss is not just fat weight, it can also be muscle as well which is not ideal.

A fat loss phase for summer should begin months beforehand so you have time to achieve your goal and  it doesn’t have to be rushed.

Many crash diets may cause weight loss but after this period many people bounce back and gain much more weight due to complacency.

The impact of this can be negated altogether by dieting properly over a longer period of time and really dialing your nutrition. Getting your nutrition right is key to all of this. If you get that right you are taking a big step in the correct direction.

After getting your nutrition dialed, the next step is to figure out a workout program for your goals.

 Ideally you would be lifting weights multiple times a week but there are other options.

If you like to get out and go hiking or go on a run or go swimming or whatever it may be, go for it. The most important thing is being active around one hour per day.

Having this much activity will keep your metabolism going and allow you to burn fat off effortlessly.

A fat loss phase takes time and it’s really important to remember this. Now how does all of this play into this summer?

Honestly, it doesn’t to a large degree. To truly succeed, you have to remember be in it for the long term game and not the short term.

If you start to work on your nutrition right now and incorporate some type of exercise every day you will start to see results, slowly build your fitness level over the summer time and by next summer you will be looking fantastic!

Patience is the key. If you are patient you will love the results you execute on.

I Am The Astonishing Ben Maynard, Contributor For The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine And Motiv8me Magazine and I Approve This Message.

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Health & Fitness Tips: How To Succeed In Shaping Up For Summer "There’s a big question behind all of this: Why do they want to get into shape only for summer? 

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“It’s an important lesson, online presence something that more and more employers and universities are paying attention to. Whether fair or not, opinions about a person are being formed by what they post and share on social media.” – Written By Jeremy Barnes, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and Author of Thirsty Daddy.com

To read more of Jeremy Barnes’ work, go to her website by clicking HERE.

You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Originally Published HERE  at Thirsty Daddy

  As sympathetic as I try to be towards the tribulations of other parents, I have no problem admitting to a preference that  my “teachable moments” originate from consequences suffered by other people’s children.

The Astonishing Jeremy Barnes, contributor for The Astonishing Tales Magazine and founder of Thirsty Daddy

This past week offered just such an opportunity, a conversation with the teenager initiated by the news that Harvard had rescinded offers to at least ten potential new students for the crime of sharing memes that the Admissions Committee deemed too offensive.

They had been posted in a private Facebook group called “Harvard memes for horny bourgeois teens.” The university cited its right to withdraw offers “if an admitted student engages or has engaged in behavior that brings into question their honesty, morality, or moral character.”

I won’t share the memes here, but if you want to find them it’s not difficult. They’re pretty bad.

They’re pretty bad but to be honest, I’ve seen worse.

They’re jokes. Horribly offensive ones that aren’t particularly funny, meant to shock and push back against political correctness.  

They are purposefully cringe worthy, competitions  common where people vote on which are the most “dank.”

I’m sure that it never crossed any of these kid’s minds that these actions could be considered bad enough to lose the right to attend a school that only accepted 5.2 % of applicants to the class of 2021.

It’s an important lesson, online presence something that more and more employers and universities are paying attention to. Whether fair or not, opinions about a person are being formed by what they post and share on social media.

I asked the teenager who she would be more willing to hire if two applicants had similar qualifications, the one that posts pictures of her dog on Instagram or the one tweeting about how wasted they got the night before?

As important as it is for teens to use a little more common sense before hitting the “send’ button,  it’s equally important for those doing the judging to use it. Teenagers can be incredibly stupid and naive.

It was true when I was one, when you were one, and when my youngest gets to be that age I have no doubt that she will have me shaking my head in consternation often.

What the people at Harvard missed was that these memes were being shared precisely because they were considered offensive. This is evidence of poor judgement but also shows that they are not indicative of the true feelings of the posters.

It’s a hard balance to find, as with all aspects of raising teenagers. Accountability must be taught but they also need to be allowed to make mistakes, to learn from them.

Very few of us get to be be responsible adults without first spending time as stupid kids, doing stupid things.

Things become even more problematic when stupid adults try and legislate stupid teen behavior. With the intention of fighting child pornography, a laudable idea, the US House of Representatives has voted to mandate a fifteen year mandatory minimum sentence for anybody who shares sexually explicit photos of a minor.

Besides being against the idea of mandatory sentencing in general, I’m also unable to comprehend how it never occurred to any of these brilliant lawmakers that the law as currently written doesn’t exclude minors, the very people it is intended to protect.

That means a young girl who sends a picture of her boobs to her high school boyfriend could go to jail for fifteen years. If that boyfriend asks for a picture that is solicitation, fifteen years.

If one of the boyfriend’s buddies told him to ask for the picture that’s conspiracy, fifteen years in federal jail.

Teenagers need to be talked to, constantly.

They need to realize the consequences of their online actions and be taught to use as much common sense as we can instill. We need to use a little sometimes too.

I’m The Astonishing Jeremy Barnes, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and Thirsty Daddy I Am Astonishing, And I Approve This Message! 

You will find more of Jeremy’s work here at The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine.

Jeremy can be found on Instagram by Clicking HERE; and also at Facebook by clicking HERE.

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Social Media And Teenage Stupidity – A Thirsty Daddy Musing "It’s an important lesson, online presence something that more and more employers and universities are paying attention to.

[theastonishingkylejackson]

Written By Claudia Santangelo, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and Author of Words, Whiskey And Wanderlust

To read more of Claudia Santangelo’s work, go to her website by clicking HERE.

Originally Published HERE  at Words, Whiskey, And Wanderlust

One of my favorites: It’s Sexy yet accessible. Smooth with a little zing. Simple.

Claudia Santangelo, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and Founder of Words, Whiskey and Wanderlust

With an air of Italian mystery…

INGREDIENTS

2 ounces rye whiskey 

½ ounce fresh lemon juice

½ ounce Averna amaro

½ ounce Ginger Simple Syrup ( you can make this at home easily) 

Festive orange twist or candied blood orange slice  for garnish

How to make it

Combine the whiskey, Averna, lemon juice, and ginger simple syrup ( make ahead recipe below)  in a cocktail shaker and fill with ice.

The Witty Comeback…

Shake until outside of shaker gets all frosty. (About 30 seconds)  Strain into a coupe glass or a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish 

Ginger Simple Syrup

¾ cup sugar

¼ cup chopped peeled ginger

Bring sugar, ginger, and ¾ cup water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar.

Remove from heat and let sit 20 minutes. Strain into a jar, cover, and chill.

MAKE AHEAD: Syrup can be made 2 weeks ahead. Keep chilled.

You’re gonna enjoy this one. 🙂

I’m The Astonishing Claudia Santangelo, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and Words, Whiskey and Wanderlust I Am Astonishing, And I Approve This Message! 

You will find more of Claudia’s work here at The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine.

Claudia can be found on Instagram by Clicking HERE.

If You Loved This Astonishing Tale from Claudia Santangelo from Words, Whiskey and Wanderlust and feel like you want to live your own astonishing travel tale, then get in touch with The Astonishing Claudia Santangelo by emailing her at [email protected] where she is arranging special group tours for travelers. If you want more information contact using her information below or via email!

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Have You Ever Tried The Witty Comeback? Written By Claudia Santangelo, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and Author of…

[theastonishingkylejackson]

“When they were little, I always looked forward to their little drawings and hand painted cards for Mother’s day, I cherished each one and still have to this day. Now that my sons are adults and my daughters are pre-teen/teen, What I would really like for mother’s day… well, let me make a list… “– Written By Margie Staples, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine 

When I was young, I always dreamed of having children.

The Astonishing Margie Staples, Contributor for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine

I dreamed of twins, a boy and a girl. Then I would have 2 more boys.

We would live in a big fancy house and I would drive the coolest SUV. We would vacation at Disney and have Barbecues in the backyard, while I sipped wine, and I would tuck them into bed every night while reading them a bedtime story.

I would check under the bed for monsters and kiss away all their boo-boos…. And then I wake up… because that shit is not at all realistic!

Now, before I go on, I love my children, I mean really, really, with my whole heart, die for them, love my children.

BUT… they can be real jerks. I can’t be the only mother to admit it, can I? When they were little, I always looked forward to their little drawings and hand painted cards for Mother’s day, I cherished each one and still have to this day.

Being a mom… well… it’s a blessing but it’s not easy doing the most important job ever!

Now that my sons are adults and my daughters are pre-teen/teen, What I would really like for mother’s day… well, let me make a list… 

The first thing I would like for mother’s day is an uninterrupted trip to my bathroom.

It doesn’t matter what I want to do in there, take a bubble bath, play Candy Crush on the toilet, or just stare at my wrinkles in the mirror, I would like for the door to not be knocked on and my named not to be yelled. I would take a solid 30 minutes, that would work. 

Secondly, I would like to watch my TV show without feeling guilty for tuning my child out. Actually, it would be nice if they just wouldn’t talk while I am watching my show.

Doesn’t every mom at least once in their lives end up here in this place?

I watch like two shows a week, that’s basically like 2 maybe 3 hours where I am not needed to referee, sign the school paper you forgot to give me or look at the rash on your back. 

Lastly, I would like for my children to pick up after themselves. Clean up their own messes, the right way. After countless hours over the years of showing them how to do something, it would be nice if they actually did it, my way.

I mean, my way is ultimately the right way, so lets just save the arguing and just freaking do it right the first time… geesh! 

And this scene here is why we have Mother’s Day

In the broad scheme of things, ONE day a year to allow me these things isn’t too much to ask for, right? That’s 364 days that I will take a bath with interruptions, pause my TV show ten times in the hour and pick up after my children.

  Thank goodness Mother’s day is only ONE day a year, because I know one day that I will get all those things everyday and I know me… I will go to the bathroom and wish that I could hear…. MOM!

I’m sure One Day I will watch TV and miss the interruptions and I will look around and miss their little messes and think, Man, I miss my little jerks!

I’m The Astonishing Margie Staples, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and I Am Astonishing, And I Approve This Message!

You will find more of Margie’s work here at The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine.

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What Every Mom Wants For Mother’s Day This Year And Every Year…. "When they were little, I always looked forward to their little drawings and hand painted cards for Mother’s day, I cherished each one and still have to this day. 

[theastonishingkylejackson]

“I’m told sociopaths are typically partial to the tart and sour so do with that what you will, but I think there’s something to be said for a tangy lemon square that makes you appreciate the sprinkling of powdered sugar on top.”- Written By Claudia Santangelo, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and Author of Words, Whiskey And Wanderlust

To read more of Claudia Santangelo’s work, go to her website by clicking HERE.

Originally Published HERE  at Words, Whiskey, And Wanderlust

Are you ready for the best damn lemon bar recipe you’ve ever had?

Claudia Santangelo, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and Founder of Words, Whiskey and Wanderlust

OK good.

Cause I’m as discerning with desserts as I am love interests and quite frankly there isn’t time for feeling meh about things. 

Your basiclemon square will be lacking salt in the crust, mildly lemon flavored and predictably sugary. If its one thing I love, it’s a good dessert/love analogy and I’ll be damned if I settle.

It’s happened to all of us.

You’re at brunch. You spot the dessert table from across the room. Your eyes lock in on the lemon bars. Well, hello there. Your mouth waters.

You elbow your way past grandma and trample a small child to get your hands on the goods… but alas when you take a bite, you find it lacks depth, flavor…zest. It’s all wrong.   

So stop eating basic lemon squares…You’re better than that. 

Here’s the perfect lemon bar recipe.

I’m told sociopaths are typically partial to the tart and sour so do with that what you will, but I think there’s something to be said for a tangy lemon square that makes you appreciate the sprinkling of powdered sugar on top.

If I’m going to indulge in a lemon bar, it will have a thick flakey crust and extra organic lemons for a bright, tart and intensely lemony filling. It also needs a dusting of powdered sugar for the perfect balance. 

Ingredients 

2 cups white whole wheat Flour (trader joes!) 

1/2 cup Sugar

1/4 teaspoon Salt

2 sticks (1 Cup) Salted Butter, Cut Into Small Cubes ( make sure its salted or your crust will me bland)

Filling

1-1/2 cup Sugar

1/4 cup Flour

4 whole Large Eggs

1-1/2 cups of fresh squeezed organic lemon juice – and the zest from said organic lemons

 Powdered Sugar, For Sifting

For the crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Start by greasing  a 9-by-13-inch pan with butter.

Stir together the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.

Add the butter to the bowl and use a pastry cutter to cut it all together until the mixture resembles wet sand Press into the prepared pan and bake until golden around the edges, about 20 minutes ( Tip: if you throw it all into a food processor and pulse it a few times you’ll get the same effect with a lot less effort). 

For the filling: Stir together the sugar and flour. Crack in the eggs and whisk to combine. Add the lemon zest and juice (juice over a strainer to catch seeds ) and mix until combined.

Pour over the crust and bake about 18- 20 minutes until the filling is set. 

Allow to cool in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours, then sift powdered sugar over the top before ( or after) cutting into squares and/or triangles (Use an 8 x 10 pan if you’d like the layers to be a little thicker. I like lots of crust).

One last tip: Once you create the perfect lemon bar, things may still get a bit sticky when you go to cut them. Fret not. Dip your knife into cool water to cut through the gooey lemon filling and cut with cleaner edges!

Also you will need to sift additional powdered sugar on them again once they are in place on the serving plate, for maximum curb appeal.

You’re gonna enjoy this one. 🙂

I’m The Astonishing Claudia Santangelo, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and Words, Whiskey and Wanderlust I Am Astonishing, And I Approve This Message! 

You will find more of Claudia’s work here at The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine.

Claudia can be found on Instagram by Clicking HERE.

If You Loved This Astonishing Tale from Claudia Santangelo from Words, Whiskey and Wanderlust and feel like you want to live your own astonishing travel tale, then get in touch with The Astonishing Claudia Santangelo by emailing her at [email protected] where she is arranging special group tours for travelers. If you want more information contact using her information below or via email!

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Delete Your Tinder – The Lemon Bar Recipe Of Your Dreams Is Here. "I'm told sociopaths are typically partial to the tart and sour so do with that what you will, but I think there's something to be said for a tangy lemon square that makes you appreciate the sprinkling of powdered sugar on top."- Written By…

[theastonishingkylejackson]

“You personal bucket list can indeed have everything you want. It can be as hedonistic, outrageous, irresponsible, immoral, illegal and outright dangerous as you wish.”- Written By J. Allan Longshadow, Contributor For The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and Publisher of  Motiv8me Digital Magazine

To read more of J. Allan Longshadow’s work, go to his website by clicking HERE.

Originally Published HERE at Motiv8me Digital Magazine.

  Stop! I hear you saying – surely a bucket list is just a glorified wish list and not a tool for transformation?

The Astonishing J. Allan Longshadow, publisher of Motiv8me Digital Magazine based out of London, England

Well hear me out on this, because I intend to prove that such a view might just be completely wrong.

Why do lists matter?

It is well documented that lists are a powerful tool in achieving success. Psychologists widely agree that writing lists helps us to organise our thoughts, set objectives and develop strategies to make our goals into reality.

Richard Branson is a massive advocate of to-do lists and claims that they are one of the keys to his success – as he explains in this brilliant blog post about his 1972 to-do list, pictured below.

According to Branson, “Lists not only provide great structure for getting things done, but they also help us to set goals and achieve our dreams,”

With this in mind, it becomes much clearer just how powerful a bucket list can be as a tool for self improvement and transformation.

Richard Branson’s note…

Why the heck is it called a bucket list?

Interestingly, when I recently asked a group of coachees this simple question, nobody actually had the answer – and if you haven’t already figured that one out, you’ll ‘kick’ yourself when you do (did you catch the clue there?).

Quite simply, a bucket list is a list of things to do before you kick the bucket.

For those readers less familiar with the English language, To kick the bucket is an English idiom, considered a euphemistic, informal, or slang term, meaning ‘to die’.

What can I put on my bucket list?

The short answer – everything you want! And that is not intended to be a reference to the famous line from Full Metal Jacket (see here if you are unfortunate enough to have missed out on this iconic film).

That said, there is a point to be made seeming the matter arises.

You personal bucket list can indeed have everything you want. It can be as hedonistic, outrageous, irresponsible, immoral, illegal and outright dangerous as you wish.

But let’s be honest here, if you have deeper intentions and the aim of your bucket list is to achieve personal transformation, then you probably want to be looking at filling it with more meaningful experiences, at least some of which will hopefully provoke some soul searching and perhaps allow you an opportunity to explore your spirituality.

Should my bucket list have time limits?

By its very nature, a bucket list is time bound!

But simply using your unknown expiry date as the deadline for completion of a given list of tasks really doesn’t help to make it achievable.

Personally, I like to break my personal bucket list into a couple of categories – things I believe are possible within a given twelve-eighteen month period (the quick wins), and things which would require substantially more planning and preparation and are for the longer term.

So for example, my 2018 – 2019 bucket list items include:

– Run the London Marathon (which almost happened this year until a hernia repair stopped play)

– Get ripped (vague, I accept, but we all have a pretty good idea of what ripped should look like, and your bucket list really doesn’t need to follow SMART goals).

These particular examples are both quite closely related, and actually have far greater significance if achieved than simply ticking the ‘I did it’ box.

They offer a range of benefits in terms of both health and the wider achievement that goes with accomplishing them – and it is exactly this kind of goal that can truly motivate you to become an even better version of yourself.

Other items on my list that have not yet been allocated a completion time include

– Complete the three peaks challenge (realistically possible)

– Summit Everest (slightly more adventurous)

– Spend a week in a silent monastery retreat in India (viable)

– Give a TED talk

There is, of course, no reason that you can’t have some items on there that are purely for self gratification – but try not to choose items that are essentially self-destructive, as whilst it may be satisfying to achieve them in the short term, you may come to regret them on reflection.

I do highly recommend watching the fantastic film ‘The Bucket List’ (Morgan Freeman, Jack Nicholson, 2007) which illustrates the point superbly.

Some healthy bucket list suggestions for personal transformation

Swim with dolphins

Bathe an elephant

Teach English Abroad for a month / year

Start a fire without matches

Watch the sunrise and sunset in one day

Have a meaningful conversation with a stranger

Write a book

Learn to dance

Learn to play an instrument

Build a successful business

Extract honey from a beehive

Volunteer for a cause you believe in

On a final note, remember that your bucket list should be dynamic – it is completely OK to remove things that once seemed important to you and don’t any longer, which is a natural effect of the process of transformation. It is equally OK to add new items as you complete existing ones, or simply as they inspire you.

Creating a healthy, constantly evolving bucket list is a great way to motivate you in both the long and short term and encourage you to seek truly transformational experiences.

Throughout May, here at Motiv8.me Magazine we are going to be exploring instant techniques that absolutely anybody can try in order to transform their life. All of the techniques can be tried and tested with absolutely no special equipment and at no cost.

I’m The Astonishing J. Allan Longshadow, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and of Motiv8me Magazine And I Am Astonishing, And I Approve This Message!

You will find more of J. Allan’s work here at The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine. or at www.motiv8.me/

You can also follow Motiv8me Magazine on: 

Instagram

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An A – Z Of Techniques For Transformation: B Is For Bucket List "You personal bucket list can indeed have everything you want. It can be as hedonistic, outrageous, irresponsible, immoral, illegal and outright dangerous as you wish."- Written By J.

[theastonishingkylejackson]

“Communication isn’t just about saying what we want to say, how we want to say it, it’s about saying it in a way that helps others to hear. The words that jump up from the archives of my mind aren’t always the best words to use for this purpose.”- Written By Angela Noel, Contributing Author for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine

Originally Published HERE  on April 6th, 2017 at You Are Awesome.

  “You know,” my dad said from his living room in California, “for that You are Awesome thingy you do . . . maybe you could ask people about speaking truth to power.”

The Astonishing Angela Noel Lawson, Author, Writer and Founder of You Are Awesome and contributor for The Astonishing Tales Magazine

“Tell me more.” I held my phone to my ear, enjoying a peek of springtime sun three-thousand miles away.

“Well, in my career (he’s retired) I never really gave much thought to whether I should say something, I just said it.

And it got me in trouble, even fired. But, it’s really important. Especially now. So, I want to know how people do it, and do it well.”

Separated both by geography and sometimes ideology, my dad and I do agree on many things. We both, for example, believe societies big and small–families, workplaces, neighborhoods, countries–need healthy, well-informed debate by people that care.

We believe respectful discourse among equals brings clarity, if not agreement.

But, there’s that whole power thing that mucks things up.

Many, many social constructs imbue power to one individual over another. Parent to child. Boss to employee. Dominant culture over minority culture. Rich over poor. Masculine over feminine.

The types of power an individual can possess are equally numerous and complex: physical, economic, psychological, and legal; just to name a few.

We hold these powers at different times, at different strengths, and among different people.

Some examples: a mother has power over her child, but no power over her work schedule; a father has power at work, but can only see his kids on the weekends; an entrepreneur owns her own business, but can’t stop a stranger from grabbing her crotch as she walks down the street; a college professor minding the law gets pulled over three times a year, every year.

There’s a similar thread among these experiences, though it may not be easy to spot at first.

I wrote a paper in college, the only one I saved for more than twenty years, titled, “The Other Product of Advertisements.”

In it, I argued that though the post-modern era attempted to redefine the power differential, the basic structures that create and maintain that differential remained the same.

Writing one paper on the dynamics of power and reading a few books on social justice do not make me an expert on, well, anything. But I do have eyeballs and am living in the world today. What was true in 1995 is still true.

We haven’t moved the needle much when it comes to redefining core power structures. We’re changing the way things look, without changing the way they feel.

And that’s not good enough.

We’ve changed the names for things without changing the dominant context around them. We say LGBTQIA to offer a more inclusive moniker for non-heterosexuals. But we still use the term straight.

If I’m straight, does that make someone else crooked? Isn’t crooked the term we use for criminals and fraudsters? And that’s just one example.

The words we use matter, they’re the buckets we cart meaning around in. But, the words we choose follow patterns we’ve learned, reflecting the world we’ve grown up in.

Communication isn’t just about saying what we want to say, how we want to say it, it’s about saying it in a way that helps others to hear. The words that jump up from the archives of my mind aren’t always the best words to use for this purpose.

If what I say causes someone else to feel “less than” will they hear me? Or will I just be another petty tyrant reinforcing the story they’ve heard all their lives of their otherness and vulnerability?

And all this comes back to power. When we have it, people don’t mess with us. When we don’t, they do. If we see each other as equals, we have open dialogue and respectful conversations. If we aren’t equals we have exhausted mothers, heartsick fathers, crotch-grabbers, and frustrated professors.

This is not news. I am one more voice, saying what many have said before me. No law or mission statement can make equality real. Individual people must feel it, and act upon it in everyday ways; at the grocery store, choosing a movie, taking kids to school . . . you get the idea.

But making equality a part of every day isn’t easy. We’ve been fed a steady diet of images, words, and experiences that reinforce inequalities from our earliest memories. The messages we thought were innocent, are not.

Disney’s Princess Problem

An excellent blog post by Hayley Beasley Dye on her daughter’s broken Disney Princess cup got me thinking.

Hayley points out that her daughter’s favorite princess, Princess Tiana, had gone missing. Tiana, unlike Belle or Ariel, didn’t (presumably) sell enough merch.

Disney sells stuff to people, that’s their business. Magic and all that loveliness aside, their purpose is to make money. They have no vested interest in upending their Princess machine to change the world for the better.

Or do they?

My son vociferously protested against seeing Moana. He thought it was another one of those “pretty dress movies,” a topic he’s not interested in at all. But, when he learned Moana was an adventurer appointed by the ocean itself for an important mission, he said, “Oh! THAT Moana. Yeah, I want to see that.”

By offering characters representative of more than the damsel in distress, pretty pink dresses, trim waists, and pale white skin, Disney can capture the imaginations of boys and girls of all races, classes, body-types, and orientations.

Teaching every child they can be who they want to be with the help of loyal friends and a boatload of hard work, but without needing anyone’s permission, creates a positive tension in the world.

They do great things because they know they can and want to try.

A Brave New World

Plenty of evidence suggests children aren’t predisposed to prefer one type of toy or hero over another. Girls don’t naturally gravitate to dolls, and boys to cars. We teach them these things.

A recent experience by a little girl, rewarded for her potty training success, demonstrates both sides of our culture today. The two-year-old white girl who sees herself reflected in the African American doll in a lab coat (inspired by a Disney show, Doc McStuffins); and the cashier who can’t understand why, perfectly illustrates where we’ve been and offers a glimmer of hope on where we could be going.

That is, if we speak up. And if we do a whole lot of listening.

Disney’s business follows customer demand. A whole lot of customers want to buy the damsel-in-distress-style Princess gear for their girls. And as long as people still see this merchandise filling the shelves, the dominant themes persist.

Until the demand ceases, the supply will remain. Individual customers might seem to have little power to influence Disney. Much like individual employees have little power to influence CEOs. So how does change occur?

One mind, one choice, at a time.

It’s slow, but important. One voice speaking truth to power when it counts, is added to another voice that does the same.

Getting fired isn’t the goal. Being a jerk is not the goal.

But, speaking up with whatever power we possess–economic, positional, social–and speaking out in defense of respect and equality to those who can influence large scale change, is the goal.

And when we’re the ones in those positions of power, listening is our most courageous act. 

So I’m using my You are Awesomethingy, to ask you my dad’s questions:

What issues matter to you?

How have you used your voice to speak truth to power?  

What was the result?

How have you used your power to listen to others?

I’d love to know your thoughts (and my dad would, too.)

I’m The Astonishing Angela Noel, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and I Am Astonishing, And I Approve This Message!

For more from Angela Noel, check out her website at Angelanoelauthor.com

You will find more of Angela’s work here at The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine.

Angela can be found on Twitter by Clicking HERE; and also at Facebook by clicking HERE; Her work can also be found on Bloglovin by clicking HERE.

Leave Comments Below If You Like!

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Speaking and Listening: The Power of Truth "Communication isn’t just about saying what we want to say, how we want to say it, it’s about saying it in a way that helps others to hear.

[theastonishingkylejackson]

“Without a doubt, confidence is the most important thing you need in order to succeed. You have to always be confident for yourself. Confidence increases smartness, which helps you to be sure about your goal.”– Written By Monika Verma Contributor for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and Motiv8me Magazine 

To read more of Monika Verma’s work, go to her website by clicking HERE.

Originally Published HERE.

  It is said that Rome was not built in a day…. and very true it is.

Monika Verma, Author and Contributor for The Astonishing Tales Magazine and Motiv8me Magazine

Now, you may well be thinking, what I am trying to say?

Very simply, no one gets anything before its time.

Success is also the same.

You cannot get it whenever you expect it.

A lot depends on time and luck, but more importantly, it requires some input from yourself.

To become successful, there are some essential ingredients that must be poured into the recipe for success.

1. Confidence

Without a doubt, confidence is the most important thing you need in order to succeed. You have to always be confident for yourself. Confidence increases smartness, which helps you to be sure about your goal.

Just focus on your goal with confidence in yourself, you will achieve it someday. It may take time but you will.

2. Faith

Having faith in oneself helps to grow confidence and smartness. You should always keep faith in yourself and God.

God is always there to help us achieve what we want but if you help yourself then only he is also going to put his hands on your head.

Have faith in yourself, but also be guided by a belief in something bigger than you.

3. Patience

Now let’s talk about patience.

Trust me, I do not have it at all in me!

It is quite difficult to have patience, and let’s be honest, it is not possible for everyone.

But those who have it are likely to achieve all the happiness which is meant for them – eventually.

These three ingredients are very important to achieving success. But they are not enough on their own. These three ingredients need to be poured in the main recipe – hard work.

Yes, hardwork is the one thing which you must be doing to achieve your goal.

All of the above qualities must be combined with hard work in order to get results.

So, motivate yourself to get what you always want and never stop your hard work to achieve all the success that is meant for you.

And to be honest, if you achieve success as a result of hard work, you will feel satisfied and more happy than you can ever feel after getting success with any hard work.

I’m Monika Verma, Contributor For The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and Motiv8me Magazine And I Am Astonishing And I Approve This Message!

Want To Leave Some Feedback On This Article? Be Kind, Be ASTONISHING! Fill Out The Form Below And Leave A Comment On This Article!

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A Recipe For Success – 3 Key Ingredients To Accomplish Your Goals "Without a doubt, confidence is the most important thing you need in order to succeed. You have to always be confident for yourself.

[theastonishingkylejackson]

“Soon after the dreaded pit hair, came loads of leg hair. I mean, loads. I had hairier legs than my dad (I’m not sure that’s saying much, though. Last we counted, he had, literally, three precious hairs left).”– Written By Katie Pitts, Contributing Writer For The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine 

To read more of Katie Pitts’ work, go to her website by clicking HERE.

Originally Published HERE  at the Fatty McCupcakes Blog.

  Except, this isn’t an actual ode. It’s more like a dedication, but the word ‘ode’ sounded so much more interesting.

The Astonishing Katie Pitts, contributor for The Astonishing Tales and Founder of Fatty McCupcakes Blog

I can’t write poetry in any form, but I can write one hell of a dedication to hairy women, because I have a lot of experience with unwanted body hair.

I would call myself a Purple Heart recipient veteran of the War on Body Hair, but I’m still in the trenches, fighting.

Before I go any further, if you’re a man…a man who happens to be disillusioned about women, in regards to them being similar to hairless Sphynx cats, stop reading now. 

If you’re brave, be warned. 

I am about to rock your world, in a really, really bad way. If you care to remain in blissful ignorance, go read literally anything else. 

My first experience with unwanted body hair happened in the bathtub at my grandmother’s cabin, the summer before 4th grade.

Pretending I was a mermaid grew boring, and I suddenly felt compelled to look at my armpits, and good thing I did. I looked like a chia pet. It was terrifying.

My mother introduced me to the razor that day.

I didn’t know yet that that single instrument would be the bane of my entire existence. Why didn’t my boy cousins grow armpit hair? It was so unfair.

Soon after the dreaded pit hair, came loads of leg hair. I mean, loads. I had hairier legs than my dad (I’m not sure that’s saying much, though. Last we counted, he had, literally, three precious hairs left).

My mom started buying razors in bulk at Costco. She also bought a lot of band aids. I had still not mastered the art of not bleeding to death during shaving. I looked like a 10 year-old cutter.

Next came the worst decision of my life. Do you ever look back on an event in your life, regardless of how many decades ago it was, and still cringe, like the pain of bad decisions is still a fresh wound?

I still feel this bad decision, and if I were ever able to go back in time to change one thing it would be this. Not getting to go back and change how awful my first kiss was. Or, change farting in class the first day of freshmen year.

No. I would go back and grab the razor out of my stupid, stupid hand the day I decided it would be smart to shave the baby hairs growing below my belly button.

I had a smooth, beautiful, hairless belly for precisely one day.

 The next day my stomach looked like Robin William’s shoulders. I cried harder for the loss of my womanly belly than when my hamster, Rascal, died. It was traumatic. 

During my formative years, I discovered Nair. The day I discovered that a product could literally melt my mustache away was one of the best of my life.

That is, until I failed to read the directions properly. I left that nasty shit on for 10 minutes longer than is suggested (I mean, the box specifically states to, “Under no circumstance leave on longer than 10 minutes, unless you want to melt your lips off, dumbass”).

My mom actually let me stay home from school, because no one in the house could stand looking at me longer than a few seconds before dissolving into a big pile of ugly laughing. “Fuck-You-I-Hate-My-Life” pretty much said it all.

After this incident my mom hid her Nair, and just a whiff of that noxious chemical would send me reeling.

During college, I struggled with additional unwanted hair. As if a hairy belly button, man legs, and a Burt Reynolds ‘stache wasn’t bad enough, I discovered I had hair sprouting on my chin.

The day I found my new unwanted friends was the same day I had a blind date planned, because that’s how being me goes.

I asked my best friend to pluck those deceiving bastards. After she plucked the few I had seen, she started in below my chin.

I said, “Wait, what’re you doing? Are there more?” She just said, “Um.”

In a state of utter panic, I asked how many more.

She said, “Well, most of them are white, so we won’t have to pluck them. So…if I had to guess, 25?”

I died a little inside that day.

  Fatty McCupcakes has been nominated in the Funniest Blogger category for the Annual Bloggers Bash Awards. If this gave you a chuckle, I’d really appreciate the love! You can vote HERE! Thank you, and as Leslie Knope would say, “I love you and I like you.”

I’m The Astonishing Katie Pitts, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and of The Fatty McCupcakes Blog And I Am Astonishing, And I Approve This Message!

You will find more of Katie’s work here at The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine.

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An Ode to Hairy Women "Soon after the dreaded pit hair, came loads of leg hair. I mean, loads. I had hairier legs than my dad (I’m not sure that’s saying much, though.

[theastonishingkylejackson]

“The first reason why knowing your purpose is important is because it provides CLARITY in your life. Many people are wandering aimlessly in monotonous lifestyles where they feel like they’re trapped in a hamster wheel, doing the same things day in and day out and accepting that this is all life is for them.“– Written By Nikki Cohn-Byrd, Contributor For The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine, Wellness Coach and Founder/CEO of Well Life Coaching

For More About Nikki Cohn-Byrd, visit her Facebook Page by Clicking HERE or Visit Her Page to Read More of Her Articles By Clicking HERE. – Listen to the audio version HERE!

  In an EXTREMELY shortened version, I have discovered that MY PURPOSE is to help others find their own purposes!

Nikki Cohn-Byrd, Contributor for The Astonishing Tales and Wellness Coach at Well Life Coaching

And I recognize that it is possible to live a life in service to their purpose and actually MAKE MONEY doing it!

Why? I went through the struggle and depression and pain of feeling unfulfilled in my life. Consistently knowing that I was meant for and CAPABLE of more continuously put stress on my life and made me desire CHANGE.

Once I broke through the mental stigmas and actually made the decision to change, which resulted from a state of uncomfortability, I was able to see with clarity that it is my JOB to share this with the world.

But WHY is this IMPORTANT?

I want you to sit back and think of things that you DO NOT want in your life. Go ahead. Do it. -> What did you come up with?

Now, I want you to sit back and think of things that you DO WANT in your life.

Go -> What did you come up with?

Was it more difficult to name these things than it was to name what you didn’t want? Don’t worry it if was, that is super common.

Why? Because the truth is, most of us do not know what we really want.

Or, we are afraid to admit it because we think it is silly or impossible.

No. Just no. The first reason why knowing your purpose is important is because it provides CLARITY in your life. Many people are wandering aimlessly in monotonous lifestyles where they feel like they’re trapped in a hamster wheel, doing the same things day in and day out and accepting that this is all life is for them.

Though they may want more or feel that they are meant for more, for whatever reason, they never bring this feeling into fruition. The first step to do so, is to get uncomfortable with this lifestyle to incite CHANGE, and realize that you can live your purpose once you gain CLARITY on what it is you really want.

Trust me, clarity is one of if not THE most RELIEVING emotions you can feel.

Why else is knowing your purpose important?

This one is more physical, but it is important because of your personal health. Wait…what?

Yes. When your ideas of your life are not congruent with your current state, there is unhappiness, confusion, discouragement, discomfort, and fear.

All of these negative emotions culminate into an overwhelming STRESS! And we all know what stress does to the body. Big stressors, and even a combination of smaller constant acute stressors are DETRIMENTAL to ones’ health. Don’t believe me?

  Well, sparing you the scientific details, do some research on the impact of stress on the body. A lot of the times when the source of this stress is unable to be recognized, because one’s life is seemingly perfect, they do a deeper dive and realize that it is because they are not living their PURPOSE.

This unfulfilling feeling is wearing at them constantly and most of the time people are too afraid to take action against this.

I’m here to tell you, that it is TIME to take action.

Live your PURPOSE NOW! Find it, recognize it, DECIDE to pursue it, make the CHOICE to CHANGE, and begin living the life of your DREAMS NOW!

Do it like there are lives at stake.

Because there are.

The most important life… yours.

I Am The Astonishing Nikki Cohn-Byrd, Contributor For The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine And I Am Astonishing, And I Approve This Message!

Check out Nikki Cohn-Byrd on Facebook by clicking HERE and HERE, and Also Visit Her Website by clicking HERE.

Nikki is a Well Life Coach and always willing to help others. Visit her social media links above to find out more information on how she can add wellness to your life.

Want To Leave Some Feedback On This Article? Be Kind, Be ASTONISHING! Fill Out The Form Below And Leave A Comment On This Article!

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Why It’s Important To Live Your Purpose "The first reason why knowing your purpose is important is because it provides CLARITY in your life.

[theastonishingkylejackson]

“Daily affirmations are for your mind what exercise is for your body and work at both a conscious and unconscious level. At the conscious level, they challenge you to reject limiting beliefs, embrace positivity and pursue your goals.” – Written By J. Allan Longshadow, Contributor For The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and Publisher of  Motiv8me Digital Magazine

To read more of J. Allan Longshadow’s work, go to his website by clicking HERE.

Originally Published HERE at Motiv8me Digital Magazine.

The aim is not to adopt every single technique (but feel free if you wish to!) – our aim is to introduce you to a wide range of techniques so that you can choose the one that best resonates for you.

The Astonishing J. Allan Longshadow, publisher of Motiv8me Digital Magazine based out of London, England

We do however strongly encourage you to give each one a go – just because you can!

So without further ado, the letter A in our A – Z of Techniques for Transformation.

1. What are affirmations?

Affirmations are a practice of positive thinking and self-empowerment that absolutely anybody can adopt as a means to improve your mental attitude and self-belief. Although they are often portrayed in popular culture as a questionable, new-age technique, a large number of highly successful people, from top salespeople and entrepreneurs to bestselling authors and Olympic athletes attribute the technique to their continued success.

They can be used to bring about success in any area of your life, be it professional achievement, health and well-being, wealth, love or any other area that matters to you.

The same technique is essentially at the heart of T Harv Eker’s powerful work, ‘Secrets of the Millionaire Mind.’

2. Why do affirmations work?

Daily affirmations are for your mind what exercise is for your body and work at both a conscious and unconscious level. At the conscious level, they challenge you to reject limiting beliefs, embrace positivity and pursue your goals.

Subconsciously, they train your mind to overcome obstacles and challenges, and to become more resourceful in how you approach difficult or unexpected situations.

3. What does an effective affirmation look like?

An affirmation is a carefully formatted statement that should be repeated to one’s self and written down frequently. For affirmations to be effective, they should be present tense, positive, personal and specific.

They should also be repeated out loud.

The key to success with affirmations is to choose the right time and place that allows you to make it a consistent, daily habit that you are completely at ease with.

Some powerful example affirmations from Jack Canfield, America’s leading expert in creating peak performance, include:

“I am joyfully celebrating my graduation from college with a master’s degree.”

“I am effectively delivering my first talk to an audience of over 1,000 people who affirm my message with a standing ovation.”

“I am confidently checking the balance of my bank account as I make a deposit of $1,000,000.”

“I am walking up on stage to receive my first Emmy award and receiving a roar of applause.”

According to Rhonda Britten, founder of the Fearless Living Institute, affirmations work best when combined with acknowledgements because the acknowledgements build up a backlog of results in one’s mind to prove that one can do what one is affirming. For example, the acknowledgement:

“I bought a good pair of sneakers and some gym clothes” could complement the affirmation “I can reach my goal of losing 20 pounds.”

Although this is a variation on the present tense approach to affirmations, the goal is to focus on steps one has taken toward accomplishing one’s goals rather than criticizing oneself for what one has not yet accomplished, or could theoretically have accomplished but did not.

4. Formulating your personal affirmation

Now that you have a good understanding of the principles and practice of affirmations, it is time to formulate your personal affirmation. Begin by asking yourself the following questions:

What is it that you most want to achieve right now?

What will this success look like when you get there?

What have you already done towards achieving your success?

Now you are ready turn this into your affirmation.

Let’s use the example of someone who’s goal is to become a millionaire. The answers to the above questions might be:

Become a millionaire

I will have a bank balance of at least $1,000,000 i.e. seven figures

I am working every day on building my business and increasing my income.

Applying the principles described in section three, an example affirmation might therefore be:

“I am enjoying checking my seven figure bank balance as I make another deposit from my business venture.”

So there you have it – affirmations.

All that remains is for you to come up with yours and incorporate it into your daily routine.

Throughout May, here at Motiv8.me Magazine we are going to be exploring instant techniques that absolutely anybody can try in order to transform their life. All of the techniques can be tried and tested with absolutely no special equipment and at no cost.

I’m The Astonishing J. Allan Longshadow, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and of Motiv8me Magazine And I Am Astonishing, And I Approve This Message!

You will find more of J. Allan’s work here at The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine. or at www.motiv8.me/

You can also follow Motiv8me Magazine on: 

Instagram

Twitter

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An A-Z Of Techniques For Transformation: A Is For Affirmations "Daily affirmations are for your mind what exercise is for your body and work at both a conscious and unconscious level.

[theastonishingkylejackson]

“Following these basic tips will allow an adventure to have a higher success rate than it would be if you didn’t prepare.  Preparation is key and it can really make or break an adventure.”  – Written By Ben Maynard, Contributor For The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine, Motiv8me Magazine, and Founder of BenOnAdventures.com

Originally published HERE.

  Preparation is a huge word in life and especially in the outdoors world.

Ben Maynard, adventurer and contributor for The Astonishing Tales Magazine and Founder of BenOnAdventures.com

Preparation can mean the difference between getting lost or finding your way.

It can mean having enough food to last your entire trip or running out too soon and having to scavenge.  Preparation can also mean life or death in some extreme scenarios.

 It can impact many things, here are some of the most important things to be prepared for.

Weather: Weather can have a huge impact on an adventure.  Having nice sunny weather can be really nice but if you’re not prepared you could possibly get severely sun burned.  Another way weather impacts an adventure is if the forecast changes.

If the forecast changes and you do not know it you could possibly be looking at a situation where you get soaked in a heavy rainstorm.

Tip: Check the forecast and pack appropriate gear for the conditions you’re going into. Plus pack gear for either 20 degrees less/more than the actual forecast.

The Environment: If you’re not prepared heading into an environment it can be disastrous.  It can mean getting yourself lost and not being able to find your way.  It can also mean that you could get yourself stuck in a situation where you can’t get out yourself out of.  

Tip: Look over maps, weather charts, blogs, etc before heading out. Basically just do a thorough amount of research before going on your adventure.

Gear: As stated above having the appropriate gear is one of the major points to having a successful journey.  Having reliable gear is a major player on any kind of adventure.  

Gear failure can cause the trip to become much worse a lot faster due to the fact you may have to improvise if your gear fails.

Tip: Test out your gear before you head out.  Read reviews, articles, blogs and watch videos about the gear you’re using.

Food & Water: Food and water are two of the biggest parts of adventure prep.  Making sure you have enough of each of these is paramount.  If you run out of either of these while out on an adventure you can possibly be looking at a situation where you’re scavenging for food or water in the wild which can be tough in some regions.  

Tips: Pack enough food for the entire trip plus a day or so extra if it is a longer trip.  Along with this, keep an eye out for food with a higher calorie count for less weight.  Having this in mind will allow you to carry more food for less weight.  If you have to drink wild water make sure you properly treat it.

These tips are just a few of the many tips that I have about preparing for an adventure.

Following these basic tips will allow an adventure to have a higher success rate than it would be if you didn’t prepare.  Preparation is key and it can really make or break an adventure.  

Feel free to comment your best preparation tips below or message them to me!

I Am The Astonishing Ben Maynard, Contributor For The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine And Motiv8me Magazine and I Approve This Message.

Want To Leave Some Feedback On This Article? Be Kind, Be ASTONISHING! Fill Out The Form Below And Leave A Comment On This Article!

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  Preparation: Why Is It Important And Why You Will Need It For Your Next Travel Adventure! "Following these basic tips will allow an adventure to have a higher success rate than it would be if you didn’t prepare.  

[theastonishingkylejackson]

“You can make them individually or in bulk. So, from a holiday surprise for the whole family to a single gift for your child’s teacher, this gift idea is universally fabulous!” – Written By Mattie Hartman,  BFA, MSHR, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine 

  Well hello, gorgeous!

The Astonishing Mattie Hartman, contributing columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine

Welcome back!

In two of my previous articles I have taught you how to create your own beauty duo. For quick access here are the links to the articles: The Clay Mask and the Rose Spritz. 

Once you get used to making these and discover all of the beauty secrets which emerge from your glowing skin, you will want to shout it from the rooftops, as if you just converted to a new religion or diet!

MY SKIN IS GORGEOUS! You may find yourself taking more selfies and getting out more. If the camera adds ten pounds, why are so many people taking selfies?

I like to think it is because with the leap in technology and writers’ abilities to spread the good word on feeling beautiful has become much easier, thereby raising the rate of selfies exponentially.

So, instead of simply posting how great you feel and look, it’s time to share the secret in a way that will make you look great on a whole other level and make others feel wonderful too!

Now that you know all about DIY clay masks and rose spritzes, you have the tools, the smarts, and the flair to make a gift for any occasion.

I love giving gifts from the heart, those that took time and thought to put together.

One Christmas I made fudge for the men and created a beauty bag for the women with a tube of clay and a bottle of rose water and printed out info with a flair. It doesn’t have to be just for women but that is how it worked out on this particular Christmas.

All you need to do is create an assembly line, make your product in bulk directly in the containers, print out something with flair, buy classy sacks and BAM! You have a gift for any occasion that will not only make the recipient feel beautiful but will save you money and you will become known for your savvy and thoughtful method of gift giving.

It may take more effort than buying a gift from the mall but this way you don’t have to drive, park, and deal with crowds.

All you need to do  is focus on the love being put into the gift (not the money and effort to buy it) and enjoy the process. Making gifts often makes the holiday or event!

Wouldn’t it even make the cutest little bridesmaid gifts? You can make them individually or in bulk. So, from a holiday surprise for the whole family to a single gift for your child’s teacher, this gift idea is universally fabulous!

These products are great for all sexes, ages, and skin types, making it a great gift especially with the instructions with benefits. You can even tailor make some to certain recipients’ needs and preferences.

Some don’t like too much rose, some need it to be more gentle of a mask so water will work best for them.

However, this is not necessary as both are very gentle. One thing to pay attention to is that you will be using no preservatives and the clay can get dry so put into your instructions to moisten it with a few drops of water if it is two thick after a few uses or time left on the shelf.

I find it stays fresher when refrigerated and it feels even more refreshing when applied cold.

Here are five easy steps to create this fabulous gift combo. Refer to previous articles for detailed instructions and HAVE FUN!

*Disclaimer: no metal is to be used in or around clay mask. It wouldn’t hurt but it would drastically decrease the efficacy of the mask*

Buy the supplies, including wrapping of your fancy. I like a sheer colored bag with a silk tie and you can use the instructions to decorate it for the particular occasion.The dimensions will depend on what size bottles you use.  I use the 2 oz spray bottle and an empty 2.5 oz squeeze bottle (no more than $2 a bottle), making the bag need to be about 5×7” which are very inexpensive (100 bags are under $10). All products come in various colors so be creative!

Create an assembly line (if you are making these gifts in bulk. If not just set the bottles so that you can fill them up appropriately)

Slowly fill the containers, taking your time- teaspoon by teaspoon is easier because it mixes better when filling the tube of clay.

Once the products have been made, close them up, wipe them down and insert into gift bag.

Print out a creative template explaining the benefits, ingredients, and instructions, using both sides of the paper if necessary. Feel free to use my articles on how to make these as your source of information. I like to get creative and find a image to make a border and decorate the font with colors for the occasion. Fold it to fit into the bag and bam! Turn it to one side and it is a surprise, obscured by the paper insert. Turn it to the other side and present the gift as is.

Making gifts makes a holiday for me so stay tuned for all sorts of neat gift ideas I’ve used over my years of being a resourceful and thoughtful giver of gifts.

Truthfully I could be a billionaire and still want to make gifts. It’s all about the love and the thought put into it.

Now go forth and be astonishing!

 I’m The Astonishing Mattie Hartman, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and I Am Astonishing, And I Approve This Message!

You will find more of Mattie’s work here at The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine.

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Roses and Clay: 5 Easy Steps To Make A Gift for Any Occasion "You can make them individually or in bulk. So, from a holiday surprise for the whole family to a single gift for your child’s teacher, this gift idea is universally fabulous!" - Written By…

[theastonishingkylejackson]

“What I hadn’t realized is at how young of an age I needed to start my vigilance. Many times these self image problems revolve around weight. Not actual weight, but how the individual perceives his or her body image and shape versus what they believe it should be.” – Written By Jeremy Barnes, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and Author of Thirsty Daddy.com

To read more of Jeremy Barnes’ work, go to her website by clicking HERE.

You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Originally Published HERE  at Thirsty Daddy

  One of the things that I admire the most about my youngest, that I’m sometimes a bit jealous of, is her self esteem.

The Astonishing Jeremy Barnes, contributor for The Astonishing Tales Magazine and founder of Thirsty Daddy

There are times when it can border on arrogance, cute at six years old, potentially problematic as she gets older, but better than the alternative.

Multiple studies have shown that seven out of ten teenage girls have a negative view of themselves, believe that they don’t measure up to how they perceive that they should be.

Once formed these feelings of inadequacy are difficult to dispel.

Despite our best efforts it’s something that I know the teenager has struggled with at times, something that I had vowed to try and do a better job of identifying earlier if her sister ever felt the same.

What I hadn’t realized is at how young of an age I needed to start my vigilance.

Many times these self image problems revolve around weight. Not actual weight, but how the individual perceives his or her body image and shape versus what they believe it should be.

When I was sixteen I hated taking my shirt off at the beach because my ribs showed and ten years ago I would have hesitated because of my massive beer belly.

I’m thirty pounds lighter than I was then but last year my daughter still asked when she was going to grow boobs like I had. I think it’s a struggle that many of us can understand.

I can understand it, but I was still shocked and saddened last week when the six year old asked if she could go down into the basement and use the exercise equipment there.

She wanted to exercise not because she wanted to wanted to jump around with a calisthenic routine on the Wii or practice her ninja moves on the heavy bag, but because she wanted to lose weight.

My daughter is not a small girl. She’s not fat, actually she is very healthy. She plays sports, hikes, rides her bike. We try and encourage physical activity and healthy eating as much as possible.

When two of her friends came over this weekend, I was very pleased that they spent three of the four play date hours outside.

  We try, but the fact is that this kid loves to eat. She had rotisserie chicken, potatoes, and apple for dinner tonight, but the amount of each that she had was both concerning and somewhat impressive.

She doesn’t think that she is fat, is not yet burdened by insecurity or a desire to meet society’s standards.

She wants to lose weight, but also to gain muscle mass in her arms, the better to carry her body weight across the monkey bars, one final playground challenge that she has yet to conquer.

She doesn’t think that, and it’s my job to try and keep it that way.

My job to encourage exercise and smart food choices, but also self-acceptance and confidence.

It’s a job that starts much earlier than I realized it would.

I’m The Astonishing Jeremy Barnes, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and Thirsty Daddy I Am Astonishing, And I Approve This Message! 

You will find more of Jeremy’s work here at The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine.

Jeremy can be found on Instagram by Clicking HERE; and also at Facebook by clicking HERE.

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Weight Concerns At Six? – A Thirsty Daddy Musing "What I hadn’t realized is at how young of an age I needed to start my vigilance. 

[theastonishingkylejackson]

“How does my family have so much laundry? I’ll tell you how. We live in flippin’ Ohio where you must wear layers as it’s snowing in the morning then 68 degrees by 4 pm. Couple this with 2 kids having a combined total of 6 soccer practices and it’s a nightmare.” – Written By Angela Miconi, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and Author of The Hot Mess Memoirs

To read more of Angela Miconi’s work, go to her website by clicking HERE.

Originally Published HERE  at The Hot Mess Memoir.

  When I sit down with God in Heaven (because I’m going there damn it) we will probably assess how many hours I spent doing X amount of activities in my lifetime.

The Astonishing Angela Miconi, contributor for The Astonishing Tales Magazine and founder of The Hot Mess Memoir

Eventually he’ll come to the topic of laundry.

“Angela, 36% of your life was loading, folding and putting away laundry.”

“What? No! Seriously?” I’ll say in shock and dismay. I had spent 36% of my life doing laundry?!

I’ll just hang my head and cry in complete regret.

“There, there now,” God will say, attempting to comfort me. He uses his index finger and raises my tear soaked face. “Look on the bright side! You’ve prepared your whole life for your new role in Heaven.”

“What’s that G?”

“Why you’re the new laundry maiden of the apostle sector.”

“NOOOOOOO!” I scream.

Naked Day

I’ve only half jokingly announced in my home that I would be instituting naked day.

A day where we all only wear a towel or something. If my calculations are correct, that would reduce laundry by 14%. I could get behind that.

How does my family have so much laundry? I’ll tell you how. We live in flippin’ Ohio where you must wear layers as it’s snowing in the morning then 68 degrees by 4 pm.

Couple this with 2 kids having a combined total of 6 soccer practices and it’s a nightmare.

But at least my family does absolutely nothing to help me on laundry. The 13-year-old will occasionally bring down his hamper and throw it in the wash but that’s just because there are things in there he wants to quickly rewear again.

I have stopped putting away everyone’s stuff. I just lay it on their dressers.

My favorite is when my youngest doesn’t put his clothes away for a like a week and accidentally drops an article of clothing on the floor.

A day or so later I’ll demand he cleans his pig-sty of a room.

Rather than pick up the piece of clothing from the floor and place it in a drawer, he’ll just throw it in his hamper, still clean.

This is when I lose my shit.

“Listen, I don’t looovveee,” I put an emphasis on love, “to wash laundry. I don’t wake up every morning hoping my family has laundry to wash, cause I don’t! I hate doing laundry so if stuff falls on the ground, you need to pick it up. Comprende?”

This article has absolutely no plot or ending.

It’s just me whining out loud.

Do you guys go through this? Do you feel like you and your family could be away from your house for 3 months and someway, somehow, there would be laundry to be done?

Tell me you feel my pain.

I’m The Astonishing Angela Miconi, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine and The Hot Mess Memoirs I Am Astonishing, And I Approve This Message! You will find more of Angela’s work here at The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine.

Angela can be found on Instagram by Clicking HERE; and also at Facebook by clicking HERE.

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Why Aren’t There Robots To Do Laundry? – A Hot Mess Memoir "How does my family have so much laundry? I’ll tell you how. We live in flippin’ Ohio where you must wear layers as it’s snowing in the morning then 68 degrees by 4 pm. 

[theastonishingkylejackson]

  Words and Photo By Maude Varela, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine

View More Of Maude’s Astonishing Musings By Clicking HERE.

Check out Maude’s latest work:

“Relax”

For more on Maude, go to her website at www.maudevarela.com.  You can also check her out on instagram at www.instagram.com/maudevarela, username maudevarela

I’m The Astonishing Maude Varela of The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine And I Am Astonishing And I Approved This Message!

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The Astonishing Musings Of Maude Varela: “Relax” Words and Photo By Maude Varela, Contributing Columnist for The Astonishing Tales Digital Magazine View More Of Maude's Astonishing Musings By Clicking…