The Future is Here with Xfinity XFI

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Updated: May 15, 2017

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This post is sponsored by Comcast. I was compensated to write this post my opinions are my own. See My Full Disclosure Policy.

Last week Mimi and I went to explore a beautiful home! Although my husband and I are trying to live minimally, it’s nice to see the possibilities. I was grateful to be invited to the Philadelphia Magazine 2017 Design Home in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. It was a beautiful audacious and the things that you dream and over $4 million dollars home would look like and more. Walking through touring the rooms and closets the size of my first floor was lovely. It was a breathtaking home that was designed well and simple. Lately, I have been looking for simplicity in my life. Especially, now that the lil diva’s are getting older and technology is a part of our daily lives.

It’s becoming another job monitoring my newly turned teen and tween on their devices. There are also other new things like I now have a built-in babysitter. Although it’s nice to have more freedom I don’t leave them home longer than 2 hours, and I still need to check-in with them to make sure they are behaving and not fighting. I was amazed at the abilities I would have to monitor the girls while I am at the gym or training clients. I now can do some easily and not just my girls but the entire home with the services of Xfinity XF1.

Peace while I’m Away

Xfinity Home Security may be something that Ed and I should look into as the girls get older and more freedoms. It’s funny how parenthood changes through the stages and Mimi is a great reminder. Little people require little problems. Now that we have two girls active in sports and extracurriculars my oldest often gets a ride home or is home by herself while I am at her sisters’ events. What I particularly liked is that I can get notifications every time my door is opened or closed while I am gone. It was also comforting to know that Xfinity Home there is 24/7 professional security monitoring system that I can turn on or off remotely. It also has LIVE video monitoring that can be accessed from my Xfinity Home app or online on any mobile device.

Xfinity X1

Now as I am walking through the spectacular Philadelphia Design Home I am a very simple girl. I don’t need much to make me happy, and it’s more about the people so it was truly a beautiful home but I found my favorite room was the Screened in Patio just like it is in my home. I am writing my post from my own screened in patio where I get a lot of inspiration. As you’ll see or saw when I went LIVE on Facebook it was beautiful and simple.

It was also a great place to check out all the versatility of the Xfinity X1 Service now has if you’re a Xfinity customer there are so many different things that you can do all from the sound of your voice. Voice activated remote was good news for me because I struggle with the remote and my kids are usually doing it for me. Now, I can just speak and retrieve. Say what? The Xfinity Voice Remote is an easy and simple way to search for any network, change the channel, record your favorite show on DVR, find your favorite tv show or even Netflix movie. It also will recommend what you may want to watch based on your viewing.

I also love to play music pretty much all the time in the house that’s probably the thing that I am most skilled with the remote. I play it while I cook, clean and workout so pretty much all the time. Xfinity X1 now has integrated apps like Pandora, and you can even get your Facebook feed on your TV. Readily available and custom to you.

It’s got security measures in the Kid Zone, as well as the Common Sense Media that keeps the children in a secure place to play with the remote or if you have biggins’ like me, aren’t watching age appropriate movies.

Not only can you access all these things at home but you can now stream them anywhere you go and access 1000 of Xfinity hotspots to play them at no charge to you.

 Streamlined

After touring the fabulous home, I got to learn how Xfinity if simplifying your living experience. Streamlining and customizing each customer’s experience to make it easy for you. All the possibilities that they are providing are going to create a unique experience for everyone in my family. My lil diva’s ages range from 13,9 to almost three years old. Creating profiles for them would be an excellent way to parent with technology. As you have seen from how I manage my chores.  How we control the internet in our house that we have fully embraced technology in my home. I still feel that you need to monitor your children in all areas of life especially, technology.

Each child has their parameters. I could create profiles for each of my girls that are unique to our rules. I can have an option through my MY ACCOUNT Xfinity App that turns off the WIFI access to specific devices. I can do that remotely too so if I need her to do chores (homework hard they need the WIFI) I can turn off the WiFi for that hour and get her to do it. You gotta do what you gotta sometimes do to motivate your child. I’ve noticed when I have possession of her phone it drives her more; same concept.

Xfinity has ERRYTHANG and Now Mobile!

As Mimi and I made ourselves at home at the Philadelphia Design Home, I got all the tea on the new Xfinity Mobile that is being launched. Yep, you read right Xfinity has it all now guys; Home Security, X1 Television with unlimited access on the Cloud and Apps but now they have Mobile.

So, they already got HotSpots everywhere in over 16 million locations. They are not launching “Xfinity Mobile is the nation’s first wireless service combining America’s largest, most reliable 4G LTE network with Comcast’s 16 million WiFi Hotspots to provide customers with a better wireless experience, for less money on today’s most popular devices.”

Basically, with Xfinity, you will not have an access fee instead you pay by gigabytes of data that you use meaning there is no set price. Like $50 per month it goes according to the data, you use that is NOT on the Xfinity WiFi HotSpot and your phone will automatically connect you, so you don’t have to worry if you’re on one. That’s what kills your phone bill the data. They will have different packages like pay per gig or unlimited that you can switch back forth depending on your need that month AND you will not get penalized from change to pay per or unlimited. You will also have access to the Xfinity Mobile App that will allow you to view, monitor, and protect your home. I am pretty excited because anything I can do to streamline my life and save money I am trying to do. It was an amazing experience exploring a truly spectacular home. I took a few notes of inspiration. If you want to check out the home too, go I save my Facebook LIVE for you.


 

What are your biggest concerns with technology now; simplicity, secure, streamlined, organized? What do you think of all the Xfinity has to offer?

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My Figure Prep Update

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Updated: May 8, 2017

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 There are Amazon and other affiliate links which I do make a commission from. My Full Disclosure Policy

So, a few months ago I made this huge announcement. (to all those who would listen) I was going to train to compete in National Physique Committee (NPC) Figure Division “Bodybuilding” Competition.  I still get a lot of, “Why do you want to do that?” and honestly, in short, I’ve always thought it was cool and I am an adult and one of the benefits of being an adult we can (within reason) do what we want. Me, I want to try to compete in a body building competition. I love the discipline, the results and the training.  I chose figure over other division because for one I don’t want to do a routine in an eenie weenie teenie bikini, no thank you. Even though I did do gymnastics for 12 years. I feel like been there done that and want something new.  I never even considered Bikini for a few reasons: I don’t want to do the glute pose (I know silly) I also want to look strong and not skinny. In my opinion (only mine) bikini is very lean competitors. I want to be strong and have more muscle definition. I believe the training and the food is just as hard but just didn’t appeal to me to pursue.  So, when I announced this I was going to Hit the Stage in July 2017.

Welp, that was my naiveness and some misguided counseling. I believed that I could do it and I could have with real dedication and hard work. Unfortunately, this mom of three, student, entrepreneur, blogger, wife, and daughter has a lot of roles to fill. The workout regimen quickly became overwhelming which I tend to shut down when I am overwhelmed and do nothing at all which is what I did.  It also was BORING! The online trainer that I had me doing a 9-week progression program of the SAME WORKOUTS EVERYDAY! I get bored easily and that lasted for about 3 weeks before I was like I need something different. I am a firm believer if you want to change you have to change the way you do things and that’s what I did.  Godcidentally, I met another Mom (of four) who aspires to step on the stage one day and got the number of a great strength coach/personal trainer. During the assessment  the first thing I said, “I don’t want to look strong; I want to BE strong and whatever is needed to get me there I will do.”

Whatever is Needed

Let me say two things before I explain the extravagant expense of this sport. First, it is a very expensive sport.  Coaching, Training, Food, Bikini ($300+), Posing, Hair and Makeup and nope I won’t be tanning I was blessed with melanin and don’t need to go the Oompa Loompa route to stand out on stage. Thank God, saved my pockets and…… I am not one of those six figure bloggers so little campaigns here and there (and chasing down payments) weren’t going to finance this endeavor. So, when I said whatever it takes I meant it; spoke with my gym’s manager and landed a job Friday and Saturday overnights at my gym.  Once I was able to finance my new hobby with my new part time gig. I hired my new Coach and have been training and seeing results ever since.  When I started working with Damon McDonald of MuscleBabee.com I was 148 lbs. and had no clue about the world of bodybuilding I knew I just wanted to “get on stage.” I don’t even own a bikini so I still have a lot to do, I guess.

Trainers Need Trainers

I believe trainers need trainers. Well at least I do, I have expertise in large weightloss but I am not an expert in the world of bodybuilding. Couldn’t tell you about muscle symmetry and other hypertrophy or muscle gaining techniques like Damon. That is his strong skill, niche and why I went to him for training. You don’t go to you tennis coach to teach you Lacrosse.  First, he killed me with tough workouts pushing me passed my limits each training.  Now, I can Dumbbell Press 50lbs., seriously?! That is something that I would never attempt on my own.  I travel an hour roundtrip to see him. Stick to his prescribed meal plan of measured food and try to train hard on my own. When I am not with him.  I don’t chest press 50lbs on my own but I do push myself a little harder than I used to.  The results guys I have lost 12 lbs. about gained muscle mass since working with him.

Lofty Ideas

I was also told that I could train to compete with NO CARDIO! Yea, that was definitely misguided online training.  You need to lose fat to show muscle and the best way to do that is low impact cardio.  Every online trainer (which up until this point were the only trainers I had)has promoted no cardio and lots of resistance training which is great if you want to spend lots of time with them meaning month after month of investment but if you are trying to lose fat YOU NEED CARDIO to get results quickly; Personal Training 101. It also made me realize that yes, I work hard but there doesn’t need to be a set date in stone.  This is my journey I call the shots so I extended my competition date to October and will see if I’m not ready then I’ll push it back some more.

Growing through the Process

Now, this is tough it takes a lot of discipline, planning, and attention.  When I was a teen I used to watch “True Life” on MTV.  The body builder ones were my favorite I also used to watch competitions on television with my Mom. I always saw it as cool but never put the forethought of the effort it took. I don’t think I would have pursued it if I really did get a second opinion I just saw the end results which are phenomenal. (At least in my opinion) But leaning your body, building muscle it takes years to become a professional to the people we see on television and that is another reason why I have extended my date. Not because I want to be a professional but  I at least want to compete competitively. I only intend on doing one MAYBE two competitions.  This is a bucket list kind of thing which is basically a list of things that you are curious to discover.  I just want to see what you have to do and how it is to step on stage and compete.  Cross that off the list and I am moving on to……American Ninja Warrior? I don’t know there are so many things to do when it comes to fitness, lots to try and discover and so far it’s been a love-hate journey.

Doing what I want 

I think the best thing that has come out of this is my self-confidence in who I am and what I like to do.  Previously, changing the date that I announced would have been a big ego blow. I would have cared what people think but as I become stronger physically I find emotionally stronger too.  I know longer care what people think (as much). I’ve had opposition from women in the Church (caring way too much about what I do) judge me because I want to step on stage.  At first, it hurt people that I thought was my “friends” or “church family” passing their own judgments on me. I also had stopped posting progress pictures because of caring what people think of what I am doing.  But then I realized why do I care what they think? Why am I living my life for other people? So, once I got over myself and got over other’s ignorance I have been smashing goals.  That alone is worth the journey.

How do you train to compete as a body builder?

Well, that’s a good question and if you’re looking for a specific workout plan I’m not there yet.  Not sure if I will ever be because it’s not something I am passionate about learning how to program, (that’s why I hired Damon) but I can tell you what I have been doing so far. I lift super heavy with MuscleBabee aka Damon twice a week.  I do cardio which has been 35 minute treadmill walking at 3.0 with an incline of 13.0; 2-3 times a week. I am supposed to do more but I’ve come along way. I think now that it’s sunny and I can do things outside I will increase that but I am supposed to be doing 6 days a week. I program my own workouts 3 days a week.  Right now, I am doing my Bibles and Bootcamps Home Workouts with my Warrior Sisters.’

 

 

Prior to May Workout Schedule were all hypertrophy workouts:

Sunday’s Chest, Shoulders and Triceps with 10 minute sprints at the end. Jogging at 5.0 on the treadmill and sprinting uphill at 8.0 speed and 3.5 incline for 6-8 intervals with a 3.5 incline depending on my energy.

Monday’s Legs, Cardio

Tuesday Back and Biceps with 10 minute sprints at the end. Jogging at 5.0 on the treadmill and sprinting uphill at 8.0 speed and 3.5 incline for 6-8 intervals with a 3.5 incline depending on my energy.

Wednesday Train with Damon

Thursday Rest; Cardio

Friday Train with Damon

Saturday Rest, Cardio

What do you eat when you’re training to be a body builder?

It’s obviously specific to me and my goals.  Right now, my goal is to achieve lean muscle, which According to livestrong.com, “Lean muscle is less of a scientific term and more a term of art that refers to muscle that is independent of, and not obscured by, fat.” My goal is lose fat without losing muscle. So, I eat 6 meals a day that consist of protein, fats and carbs but is very specific in measurement. I drink water, lots of water, broccoli, asparagus, Kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes is typically a veggie I would eat on a regular basis; My three many meals is usually probiotic yogurt, nuts, protein shakes (Use coupon code “FaithFueled” for 15% off) and I eat pretty much all lean meats that I can for variety: salmon, chicken, turkey, and other fish. Once is a while I have grass fed beef but I have never been a real beef person. I do try and struggle to stay away from salt so I do eat at home often (which is typical of people prepping).  I also take Fish Oil, Vitamin C and a Multi-Vitamin for women. I have been using Collagen Peptides since the summer as well as BCAAs and I continue to use that daily. <These are both affiliate link I get a commission from the purchase: Use Coupon Code “SENDIT” for Free Shipping on the BCAAS)

What’s the new date?

So, I am a little more than 6 months from my new competition date, prayerfully, October 14, 2017. I have achieved a significant difference from my training and will continue to work towards my goal. In the meantime, I will be running my first Tough Mudder this May. In June, my husband and I are running my first 5k together which I am excited about he finally got tired of sitting on the sidelines and I love it we have another thing to do together. In July, I am going to IdeaWorld Blogfest so I have some really fun things to do until I get to the competition.  It’s crazy how a weight loss journey turned into so much more but I am enjoying (most days) the new adventures.  Thanks for checking in on my progress!

Do you have a goal (fitness or other) that you have set for this year? How is it going?

 

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Dressing the New Me

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Updated: April 24, 2017

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I remember when….. always dates you when you start off something like that, but I do; I remember when I was a self-proclaimed fashionista. I don’t know if I was stylish, but had a sense of style, and then I became a Mom. With each lil diva, I fell into a different sense of style.  It happens, you change, your lifestyle changes, your body changes and so does your wardrobe.

 

Getting Summer Ready

So, here I am looking at the summer fashions thinking I am finally smaller its what I have worked for; right? I’m going to go to the store grab an Easter dress and a few things that don’t come in Small, Medium or Large or my personal favorite One Size Fits all (which anyone who has been bigger girls it should be One Size Fits Most). You know the clothes you just pick your favorite color and put it on. The “oh so forgiving” stretchy material and go about your day.  Well, here I am again shopping for the summer season while currently in a new life season.

Misperceived “Small” Section

Although, last year when I was hoping to be thinner to shop in the “smaller” girl section this year it’s just overwhelming and I have no clue where to begin. I thought shopping for a smaller body in the smaller section with the old perception that the smaller clothes are better but guess what? Nope, there is not a new sense of satisfaction with the smaller section.

Mama was right, “I hate that!”

The fitting room mirrors are the same in the smaller sections as they are in the plus size section. Unforgiving, unflattering and self-esteem were demoting. So, does that mean that they reflection in the mirror doesn’t depend on a size but depends on a person in the clothes? Didn’t our Mama say that to us maybe once or twice before, I hate it when my Mama is right. In this case, though I wish she were wrong I wish that my outside reflection would silence my inner thoughts.

1 Peter 4:12 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

Anxiety Robs Your Joy

I was diagnosed with anxietybdisorder when she was 25 I understand the demon that can turn good intentions into mental breakdowns. Anxiety disorder looks different on everyone and is handled differently by everyone. As of lately, my anxiety has been at all time high. I have a lot of things going on in this season of my life. I have also realized that although my faith has grown in many areas of my life trust, dependence, and reliance. Anxiety is where I allow the enemy to get to me. Especially, lately since recommitting myself to Christ until January.

I hadn’t had a panic attack in years (probably 3 or 4) and the in January before taking my NASM Certification I had a full out, time stopping panic attack before I left to take my test. It’s been a long while like I said since that has happened and I had forgotten how debilitation they can be it took days to get back to my positive mindset and ever since I have, to be honest, I have had a fear of my old friend anxiety creeping back in.

Growing through Disorder

I received two reminders; one, I realize how far I had grown in Christ because my instant reaction was unceasing prayers until the overwhelming feelings of fear, uncertainty, inadequacy and tears lots of tears went away. Second, it was a wake-up call on how I need to cling to God and get closer to Him.  The snooze button has been shortening my time more and more in the morning with God, and my life has continued to go nonstop meaning I probably should be waking up earlier instead of later to give me the peace, clarity, and direction I feel I receive from my morning studies.

John 10:10 (ESV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Getting back to my Basic Needs

I am in the homestretch of finishing my associates in Fitness and Exercise Science. I have decided to continue to get a Bachelor’s Degree in the field. I am still training to compete in an NPC Figure Division Competiton in October. I will am teaching a few group fitness classes in the next few weeks, launched my soul project (I do believe it will change women’s lives) Bibles and Bootcamps and I am a mother of a 13,9 and two-year-old and wife of a teacher, basketball coach, and entrepreneur.

Let’s just say my anxious moments are more frequent and my time is more limited which is probably why something fun and exciting as clothes shopping is bringing overwhelming anxious feeling; because that’s what anxiety does, takes something meant to be harmless and makes it so much more. I was reminded that prioritizing my time with God is essential these days.)

 Finding Peace in Jesus

No matter what I put on if I don’t have peace on the inside then it is all meaningless.

That shopping trip was so discouraging. I got my Easter dress and decided to try again later. I spoke with a friend who encouraged me to give it another try to see myself through Jesus’ eyes. To find the joy in shopping again, trying on different options, having things fit. Now, I don’t believe I found a special pair of “Jesus glasses” the next time as I looked in the mirror but I do know that a different perspective some time with the Father and I found the joy in shopping again much to my husband’s dismay.

Colossians 1:10 “so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

Victory in the Fitting Room

I haven’t worn shorts in about three years; well guess what? I got two pairs. I usually buy very flowy tops because flowy hides muffin tops and is what I was used to and became accustomed to with the forgiveness of leggings and the miracle of compression I didn’t realize that I no longer have a muffin top to cover with flowy tanks. When you wear a uniform of workout gear or over sized shirts and leggings, it’s easy not to notice these things.

My anxiety has been a catalyst as well as a hindrance in the past decade of my life. But as I sit in the fitting room staring at the reflection of a girl who worked hard to get to the small section and realizing that the tag number doesn’t matter. Despite my size, if I don’t turn to Jesus to resolve my problematic thoughts I will never have peace.Regardless, of what I look like on the outside. My point is no matter the size you are now enjoying all the victories and don’t let the enemy steal joy from you that you deserve.

What mental roadblock have you had to overcome? What did you do differently to address them?

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Cranberry-Orange Yogurt Cookies

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Updated: March 27, 2017

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Cranberry-Orange (1)

Another, kitchen experiment from lack of ingredients and a little snowed in boredom.  My lil diva’s love to do craft, cook, play games. After a four day weekend all of those things were exhausted with the exception of baking.  We had almost made it through the entire weekend without indulging. Since, beginning this weight loss journey I have been making a lot of lifestyle changes.  Trying to be wheat and gluten free due to sensitivities, drastically reducing the amount of processed sugar my family and I consume and showing my girls that healthy eating does not mean lack of flavor and treats.  So, when I ran out of all other ideas I turned to my favorite cookbook, social media.  Beyond Fit Mom, is the workout plan that I use and she always has fat loss friendly recipes that actually taste good. Just because it’s good for you doesn’t mean it needs to lack in taste.  If that was the case I would not be able to have lost 45 pounds in 6 months because I love food and flavor way too much.

These “Cookies” are more like little cakes.  I actually gave my daughter one for breakfast this morning. She thought Mom had temporarily lost it giving out “cookies” for breakfast. But they are perfect for on-the-go breakfast, snack or after dinner treat.  You can use any fruit, Beyond Fit Mom used blueberries, which we were out of and you don’t go out in a snow storm for blueberries. We did have dried cranberries, which I hydrated in water, oranges, bananas, apples and pears.  I didn’t use every fruit in the house but I think all of these would be delicious substitutes for blueberries.  They don’t all have the same antioxidant qualities, which is why I went with the dried cranberries and the orange was because I personally love cranberry orange-ANYTHING! The combination with Almonds and Chai Spice made this an absolute delicious treat.  If you make them please let me know if you substituted the fruits for anything different I am all about experimentation.

has fat loss friendly recipes and

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Cranberry-Orange Yogurt Cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 24 minutes

Yield: 36

Serving Size: 2

Cranberry-Orange Yogurt Cookies

These "Cookies" are more like little cakes.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of stevia
  • 1 1/4 cup plain (no sugar added) greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp orange juice
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract
  • 1 tsp chai spice
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 2 cups gluten free oat flour
  • 1 tbsp. ground flax seed
  • 2 tsp of baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup of cranberries
  • 1/2 cup of sliced almonds
  • Chai Spice
  • 1 1/2 tsp of Ground Cardamom
  • 1 1/2 tsp of Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp of Ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp of Ground allspice
  • 1/4 tsp of Ground ginger
  • 1/8 tsp of Ground nutmeg
  • Mix together in glass jar, air tight container or bag

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
  2. Grease several cookie sheets, or line with silicone baking mat or parchment paper and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, mix together yogurt, stevia, egg, vanilla and almond extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together oat flour, baking powder, salt, chai spice.
  5. Then blend wet and dry ingredients. Gently fold in cranberries and almonds.
  6. Drop tablespoon of cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets leaving 2 inches in between.
  7. Bake for 10 minutes till barely brown around the edges.(These will not be crunchy cookies)
  8. Let cool on wire rack and enjoy!
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https://faithfueledmoms.com/cranberry-orange-yogurt-cookies/

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Teens and Money

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Updated: March 15, 2017

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Parenting is getting real, hard!

This school year has been a huge transition for the Bolton’ family. My husband and I are transitioning from parents of littles to parents of biggins and our roles as parents are expounding. We are no longer caring for our children’s safety and teaching them the laws of the land.  We now have to deal with another set of issues such as other children, social cues, independence, and responsibility.

It’s hard raising children in this world that are grateful and aren’t entitled.  I feel that children are handed a lot of things that we had to earn.  Tomorrow my in between diva will be nine and my twelve years old will be thirteen in April.  We are at a point especially with my twelve-year-old that we are asking to go beyond our at home playdates. We want to go places, do things and spend money.

Creating entitle diva’s

This is becoming a serious problem in my house, and I have complained about it before but like anything without consistency and follow through my best efforts have been without success. That just means I need a readjustment right? Well, I am starting to realize that as I affectionately call my daughters’ ill diva’s which I intend it to mean (Divine Inspired Virtuous and Anointed) sometimes they are actually what pop culture would refer to high maintenance lil women.  I have no one to blame but myself.  I have been a stay at home mom for going on 13 years. I have catered to the two of my girls every whim leaving them with little to no responsibilities. Although, I have taught them gratitude they often have to be reminded and can be entitled.

Since I was the one who created this poor work ethic and these little girls who “believing they are inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment” without any labor.  My aha moment as I was folding my nine-year-olds (who if I remember my childhood correctly was a skill I had mastered by this age). It dawned on me, these girls need more responsibilities and need to earn their keep. It was either a brilliant idea or my way of lessening my load, but I needed a better chore management system, maybe an app?

We need a solution

In a few weeks, I will have both a nine-year-old and thirteen-year-old. As we approach the lil diva’s Birthday’s, I am starting to see the need to give my girls more responsibility.  At this age, the focus is no longer taking as much care of these independent souls and more teaching them skills to use in life.

At least once a week my husband Ed and I admit we have no clue to what we are doing and this parenting thing has reached a climax. It’s gotten real hard now, the solutions to the problems are more thought provoking and creativity is a necessary.  I am not an expert parent, I know there are those who claim to be out there, and I am very grateful the next generation has a few experts raising them because I know I fail daily.

Benefits of Showing Kid’s Financial Responsibility

Last year, we explored a new app to make chores seem more enjoyable and easily monitored by me without nagging. Well, Homey App (Check out my Original review of Homey App) has revamped and given us parents, even more, option.

I know it’s been a year so let me give you a basic breakdown of what Homey App used to do and what they do now?|

 

Parents Capabilities:

  • Create a household name and password.
  • Invite your family members to join and set up an account with family members names, pictures/avatars, and passwords.
  • Once that is all setup then you (the parent) can start assigning chores and value.
  • You can take a picture of their messy room and create as detailed of a description of what you expect from them to complete the task.

How it works now?

I love the new upgrades that Homey App has made it now has:

  • An allowance management functions teaching children the value of labor and future life skills.
  • Create savings goals for your child whether they be a short term want like going skating or a long term goal an electronic or game.  It helps them see their effort and their money accumulating.
  • You can transfer money! Say what? I don’t even have to got to the ATM to remember allowance. I am an online shopper and use my debit card often. I have bank accounts set up for the girls (not Mimi yet which is a reminder poor third child) and the difference between paying them in cash and going directly to their bank.  They collect interest at the bank, and they will be more likely to use it wisely if it’s not in their hands.

Chore Management Upgrades

Some of the things I suggested before are now available, YAY!

  • I like the reward/deduction feature.
  • Skip chores
  •  undo completed tasks in case they weren’t done up to standards
  • can add or take away points and coins
  • add photos of the child’s rewards that they are seeking to earn
  • edit templates that Homey App has available for you and make them your customer chore pack
  • You can also change the family dynamics too. However, they fit your household for example Grandparents raising children or other family members that aren’t the child’s biological parents..


The free version of  Homey App is still available, but this new premium feature will have a subscription fee which covers the bank transfer fees and compliance to enhance your capabilities. You should give this a try for yourself.  We have been using it for a few weeks, and it has made the enthusiasm and reminder for my nine-year-old of her compensation for effort.  She gets points my oldest receives coins and now knows what she needs to do to go to special places with friends.  Now if I am consistent this just may be what the Bolton’s need.

Right now, if you register for Homey Premium, you get a complimentary trial of all the features.  This is a great trial to check out all the features and customize it to work for your family.  Creating an environment that not only encourages good work ethic but gives my lil diva’s some financial responsibility and management skills I think that’s a good thing. If you’re interested go visit my peeps at Homey App and find out more information.

What do you think?

 

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