Posts tagged ‘celebration’
5 Ways to Add More Play To Your Day
Dr. Stuart Brown has spent much of his career studying the benefits of play for adults. He says we shouldn’t just set time aside to play, instead we should infuse each moment with it!
I love that. But how do I do that? Really do that? Especially when I have a propensity for the serious side of life? Shocking I know, but true nonetheless.
I have given this a great deal of thought and have started creating my own list of things I can do to infuse more play into my day. Much of this involves stopping what ever else I am doing — working, over thinking something, getting frustrated, you know, being human — and taking a moment to presence myself. And sometimes that’s a big deal all on it’s own.
I thought I would share my list with you. Who knows, perhaps we all may find a little more joy because of it.
1. Hug your child. I mean really stop 
what you’re doing and hug your baby. Take pride in knowing that you made this incredible little being full of wonder and curiosity. They are gifts to be cherished.
2. Go outside, be in nature. Take a break and go outside for a breather at the very least. If possible go play ball, take a walk, smell a flower. You can take 10 minutes for yourself no matter how busy you are!
3. Do a happy dance. 
We all have one inside of us. Get up from your desk and shake your tail feathers. Sure, it may feel silly at first, but that’s the idea. Allow yourself to be silly and get those endorphins flowing.
4. Watch an animal play. Animals have a remarkable ability to make us smile. If you’re a pet owner, you already know what I mean. So take a moment and enjoy the little critters in your life. If you don’t have your own, visit the dog park, pet store, kitten adoption or volunteer at a dog shelter. There are so many animals around us, one is bound to tickle your funny bone if you let it.
5. Smile at your reflection. 
You’ve heard people say, “Smile at a stranger.” Well, I say, “Smile at your reflection.” We see our reflection everywhere, so why not smile at it! It’s in my computer screen right now!!! Hello!!! It’s just makes you laugh. It’s about creating a playful relationship with yourself. So when you pass by the mirror, the framed art work, the store front window and the TV screen and you see yourself, give a little smirk. It’s like saying hello to an old friend on the street.
Baby’s 1st Birthday
As a new mom, I had no idea how important a first-year birthday party was until I almost didn’t plan one for my daughter Natalie. I did think about it though, but couldn’t imagine who I’d invite? Natalie didn’t have many friends yet. What activities would we do? She just started walking four days before she turned one…a bit hard to play musical chairs. And because she put EVERYTHING in her mouth, party favors were completely out of the question. What was I to do? Nothing, I thought, why bother? It wasn’t until my mother, mother-in-law, and sisters-in-law all told me that first-year birthday parties aren’t for the baby but for the FAMILY, that I thought, “Oh, I can do that!”
First Baby Party Tips
I’ve come a long way since those early days, and learned a few tips worth sharing when it comes to celebrating your one-year-old. If this is your first baby, Tip 1: Know that the cake is the thing! The family really just wants to see your baby enjoying his or her first cake experience. So even if you’re health conscience like me, and not a big fan of sweets, you gotta let ‘em eat cake! Giving them their own personal mini cake or giant cupcake for them to devour is a fun idea. Tip 2: Consider a bib, t-shirt, or hat that identifies the occasion in photos. Tip 3: When picking out a birthday party outfit, pick out two. Natalie was so covered in chocolate after her first cake experience, she not only needed clean clothes she needed a bath too! She was truly the picture-perfect poster child for the “Got Milk?” campaign.
Second Baby Party Tips
If you are planning a first-year party and you already have children or inviting family who does, as was the case when my second daughter turned one, here are a few tips to consider. Tip 1: Provide a craft project for the older kids to do during the party, (preferably one that ties into your theme, of course). Tip 2: Give out Goody Bags DURING the party filled with fun things for the kids to do because they really don’t care much about watching a baby eat cake. Tip 3: When it’s time to open presents, give your older child a small gift to open as well, especially if your siblings are one to three years apart. This will make them feel included and not want to open all of their brother or sister’s gifts!
These tips are not included in this month’s episode of “Shelby’s Secrets to a Great Party!” at YouCanPlanAParty.com where I walk you through the process of putting together a Milestone Birthday Party, which just happens to be – surprise – a little girl’s first birthday. Keep these tips in mind though, as you watch the video clips, and consider them golden nuggets—a gift from me to you.
Currently the host of “Shelby’s Secrets to a Great Party!” airing on YouCanPlanAParty.com, Shelby Phillips is an award-winning party design expert with over 20 years experience. Shelby has co-written a book series titled “The Enlightened Party Planner: Guides to Creating Parties from the Heart” and developed a 6-step formula for bring people together to celebrate. She has also been a host and designer on the Style Network’s “Big Party Plan Off,” and owner of a successful event planning and promotions company.
queen of connection | Shelby L. Phillips 