Category: Holiday Rising

Glorious Travel Butterflies!!

Is it just me, or do you also get so excited at just the thought of planning your next getaway? Whether it’s a short stay-cation at a local hotspot or a 10-day cruise of the Panama Canal, the thought of planning the excursion is almost as intoxicatingly wonderful as the experience itself!

I get so excited, planning itineraries, mapping out favorite local hot spots, and thinking of immersing myself in a new culture. The overall experience is such a thrill, that it always provides just the right amount of glee, to hold me over until the next trip. When staying in that state of mind of excitement and gratitude looking forward to all the fun perpetuates a constant state of feeling as if I am always on vacation. Now that’s, Holiday Rising lifestyle living at the core!!

You can apply that thinking to everyday life as well to enjoy all of life’s everyday beautiful moments. Looking forward to every smile, every beautiful sunrise, every vibrant beautiful color that this lovely world offers us allows us to be present and appreciative and presents a whole new world to us in return. All we have to do is accept it, smile, and say thank you!!!

This wild journey we call life will always present challenges, heartaches, and roadblocks, but how we choose to view these things determines our eventual outcome. If we can understand that life is a work of art of our own making, that we can create our canvas and paint the greatest piece of art ever imaginable, then even the once mundane or troubling things, don’t seem so daunting or oppressive anymore. We have all heard the phrase “Your attitude determines your altitude” and I think that is true.

If at the moment you don’t think you have the funds to go on an extraordinary travel journey, then pack a lunch, take a walk, and escape to a local park, pond, or museum and be transformed in that moment to somewhere magical. And in taking that leap and journey in your mind, you have brought about that same adrenaline rush of getting on a plane and traveling the world. That very vibe just might bring on the actual trip itself, you never know. The universe picks up on frequencies and since, like attracts like, just being on the good vibes frequency helps to create a world of happiness and joy.

Just give it a try, and let yourself not just enjoy the ultimate destination, but the days leading up to it as well. Appreciate all the days in between leading up to the main event because they are all a part of the grand journey. Enjoy it all, treasure it all, and be grateful for all, and then you will find yourself in a state of permanent bliss!

Happy Holiday Rising!!

Does the seven-year itch apply to vacation destinations?

Hmmmm. Let’s see, we have all heard of the marital tale of the seven-year marital itch where the shine wears off and the real work of partnership, communication, and acceptance kicks in. While some don’t experience this I wonder if this also applies in other areas or aspects of our lives. They say your taste buds for food change every seven years, how about your musical tastes, hobbies, interests, reading selections, or yes even vacation destinations?

Our beautiful world is full of countless places to explore and exotic destinations to cross off of our list, however, some locations, at least for me are constants. I’m proud to say that there a a couple of locations that are so ingrained in my vacation experience, that they truly feel like home. A true Disney kid at heart, I have been going to Disney World with my family for over 40 years religiously and you know what… I still get the same wonderful butterflies every time I cross that magical Welcome to Disney World sign. It’s as if every single visit provides a new magical experience. Whether the experience is new because of a new attraction, venturing with a different family circle, or just our immediate family of 4. Every time is an amazing experience that fills my heart with joy, even now!! I don’t think Disney will ever get old to me.

Now for the ultimate vacation destination for me, that also rings true as home is Idlewild Michigan. My wonderland oasis of the North. A destination that once served as one of the only 3 active vacation areas for Blacks in the 1940s-1960 it was a bustling town that offered endless parties, gatherings, events, celebrities, and families looking to let off steam and unwind in the comforts of the ultimate outdoor playground.

In the ’70s and ’80s, Idlewild transitioned into a small community of families who kept the legacy and family tradition of owning vacation property and gathering over holiday breaks and summertime fun. Here we could count on, barbeques, making smore’s, setting off fireworks, and playing endless games of cards while listening to music are just some of the many fun activities everyone would look forward to.

Here is where I learned to roller skate, ride a bike, swim, fish, and yes snipe hunt! so many memories of summer vacations in Idlewild fill my heart with joy and every time we return with the boys, we find new things to appreciate. Even writing this article, I can’t keep the grin off of my face when strolling down memory lane.

So I guess for me, no matter where I travel and fall in love with. Some vacation spots are just stuck with me and I am a loyal one or two favorite vacation type of gal. But this certainly doesn’t stop me from appreciating and having a thirst to explore everywhere I can. I just make sure to keep my favorite two spots in the rotation!!

Happy Holiday Rising

Creating a safe space…

We have all heard of child-proofing a home. But almost always that refers to a child’s physical safety. But many times the mental and spiritual health of the child is not regarded with the same vigor. To feel truly safe, one needs to be in an environment where their true self, opinions, and needs are heard, considered, addressed, and celebrated.

It is so easy for families and individuals alike, to only see the world or circumstances through their lenses. But what of consideration for those sharing space around us? There may be differences in tastes, hobbies, interests, politics, and so on, but to truly feel safe one needs to feel seen, heard, and appreciated.

Allowing each child to express themselves and shine in their regard, especially in a family of 4 or more is crucial for self-awareness and identity. It helps to shape not only how we view ourselves, but how we are perceived by others as well. Showing children, their value at home and encouraging them to explore their talents, dreams, and hobbies is an excellent way to teach them to move in a society where many have polarized, individual thought, self-empowerment, and recognizing every individual as the core of a community.

These lessons of our future leaders are learned at home at the earliest of ages. When parents celebrate kindness, individuality, courage, curiosity, compassion, and exploration, then the child learns to feel safe and encouraged to explore the world through an unfiltered and magical lens, where anything is possible and any dream that can be conceived can be achieved.

Perhaps if more of our leaders and society as a whole, were truly more confident in themselves and their ability to operate in a world that values critical thinking, understanding, and logic from all areas, then we would be able to work cohesively in harmony to advance our amazing human race and astonishing universe. Let’s create a safe space at home so that we in turn end up creating a safe world!!! Blogs like my favorite, Multicultural Kid blogs help to do just that!! Thank you for being such a positive beacon of light and hope MKB!!

Happy New Year!

New Year, New You!!

Hello, 2024!! Can you believe it’s been another 365 sunrises?

How have you fared with your last year’s resolutions? Did you surpass and surprise yourself in a good way? Do you need to take stock and re-evaluate this year’s resolutions? Either way, today is a new day and comes with the promise of hope and opportunity, so make the most of it!!

Say this is MY YEAR and mean it!!! 2024 is our time to shine.

Create your plan, and then let’s tackle every day bit by bit to achieve our goals together. No goal to big or small, let us pride ourselves at the end of each day with small victories that will no doubt lead to our greater ones.

There will be obstacles, tests, and other opportunities for us to show our fortitude and character, so embrace all roadblocks as well, and let’s turn them into real blessings! GOOD VIBES ONLY.

Wishing Everyone a Happy and Blessed New Year!!

Step into the future with positivity, courage, and a great work ethic!

XOXO Holiday Rising

Let’s crush it this year!

Holiday Hosting!

Garland, Check. Charlie Brown Vivaldi classic cd music playing check. Bacon Spinach puff appetizers, check. Hot chocolate bar, check, christmas cookie tower check…… and so on. These are just a few things that we have on our holiday hosting checklist? Do you have one? A list of itemized things to take care of before hosting your holiday party or dinner event?

Making a list for the holiday gatherings is great way to garurantee no stress and a great gathering. Another quick tip is to prep everything you can the night before so its ready to be popped in the oven the next day. This allows you to take your time and spruce up the home and get ready for your guests without rushing thru everything in the kitchen as well.

Take your time and enjoy the entire day, including setting up your home in the most festive way possible!

Grab your Garland, mistletoe and crushed leaves (depending on your weather). Crushed colorful dried leaves are a fantastic visual aid to any table or countertop!!

Also cater to your specific group. If you have a sports crowd coming over have a tv at the ready for after dinner to watch a bid event in one room at least, or you could have a cool sports triva game to play that engages everyone and shakes up the usual dinner party routine!

These are just a few quick tips for hosting over the holidays!

Happy Holiday Rising

Let It Snow!!!

A few cool fun facts and benefits of the fluffy white stuff..

Okay, so most of you know I would much rather lounge on a sandy beach any day rather than be pelted with a snowball. And Although Hawai’i will always be home in our hearts, we have been able to appreciate the beautiful mountains and snowfalls in Denver and Boise.

Being born and raised in the Great Lake State of Michigan, I have seen my fair share of icy cold winters and blistering winds but there are also some amazing joys that the snow brings as well. Aside from making snowmen, snowangels and igloos, a beautiful crisp white snowfall on the perfect winter’s night is an amzing sight to behold. For many, skiing, ice skating, sledding and so many other outdoor winter hobbies are every bit worth the wait for the other 3 seasons.

Here are some cool facts and benefits about snow that you may not be aware of:

1. Snow helps to insulate the ground below, holding in heat and preventing moisture from evaporating into the atmosphere.

2. It takes about one hour for a snow flake to reach the ground

3. No two snowflakes are alike

4.There must be pollen or dust in the air for snow to form

5.All snowflakes have six sides.

So the next time you are able to enjoy a beautiful snow fall, grab your boots, hat and gloves and get out there!!

Happy Holiday Rising!!

All Aboard the Polar Express!!

Golden, Colorado

Believe In the Magic!

It’s that time of year when smiles are brighter, the air chillier and childhood memories are aglow with holiday cheer! I feel as if everyone can actually hear the Charlie Brown Christmas theme music with every step as if all childhood wish are possible with every shooting star.

The sheer glee of the promise and hope that Christmas brings is contagious and full of wonder. There are certain staples that are stamped into my dna during Christmas time like, hot chocolate, holiday books, card games with egg nog and movies like Polar Express!

Somethings never get old, like Christmas morning excitement, opening presents and eating Christmas cookies all day long!! One of our favorite traditions leading up to the big day is watching a classic christmas movies like, It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf and Polar Express!! As a huge suprise, Colin booked us an actual seat on teh Polar Express Train!

Yup, that’s right, The actual Polar Express train in Golden Colorado, was a massive production of epic proportions that transformative and all immersive! Before boarding, we were treated to outstanding peerformances, from the movie and enjoyed deliciously rich hot chocolate. After being thouraghly entertained and leaving our wish list for Santa, we recieved our Golden Tickets to board, then away we went.

Into the nights chilly whimsical air we were transported right into the magical Polar Express World! Flashing by the foothills of the Rockies we were seranaded by the characters of the movie in tremendoues tune and cadence. Fully equipped with our snuggly pajamas and open imaginations, we allowed them to take us on a fantastical ride!! It was truly as if we had leapt into the movie ourselves and were the starring charachters!!!

What a night to remember and a beautiful way to capture and explore the joy and wonder of Christmas with Family!!

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