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Disney Flora, Fauna, and Fantasy

Posted on April 17, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is celebrating it’s 15th Anniversary this year. It’s funny growing up with Disney because I can remember all of these major Disney World milestones taking place. This week, the theme of the Disney Wordless Wednesday is Flora, Fauna, Fantasy. I figured my adventure on the Wild Africa Trek would be perfect for this occasion. There was lot of flora and fauna to be seen, plus it was a fantasy come true to experience the adventure and eat in the Boma.

Be sure to stop by Focused on the Magic by clicking on the button above to join in the Disney magic this week.

Making Time for Me

Posted on April 12, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Raise your hand if you often forget to take time to put yourself first. No really, I’m being serious. I think the majority of us could probably say that with the hustle and bustle of our every day lives we tend to neglect our own need for a sort of time out.

While the boys were on Spring break, the stress of some items in the weeks leading up to it left me sick. I had a fever, chills, aches, and was miserable. Thank goodness NHL and JSL were amazing during that time and played together and make sure I was able to rest.

After being sick, I was unable to travel with TechyDad and the boys to a family birthday party that was out of town. I was home alone the entire day. The house was quiet and I had time to do what I wanted to do. I had no work to get done and could rest, relax, and unwind.

Imagine this…time to read with no interruptions.

Yes, it happened and I was not attempting this at night when my eyes were heavy. Many times, I fall asleep reading a book. It isn’t because the book is bad, no it is because I was so exhausted. TechyDad has had to close a book, move my Kindle, or pry my phone and Kindle App out of my hands while I was sleeping too many times to count.

Then, I had control of the remote, Roku, and Netflix. There was no giving in to watching something the boys wanted. I was able to play some more catch up on Arrested Development since new episodes are coming in May. Oh and while I was watching, I could work on some of my crochet project.

While I never wish I was sick, I enjoyed the quiet day to just relax, recoup, and do things that I enjoy. Had I been feeling better, I would have added a long walk while listening to an audio book.

So, what would your perfect YOU day look like? Think about it and remember that from time to time we all need to put ourselves first to make sure we do not crash and burn.

Categories:
arts and crafts me moments

Ditch that Paper List for an App

Posted on April 8, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Disclosure: As a member of the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers, I recently received a RAZR HD phone to test out and share ways that I use my cell phone to make life easier. There was no other compensation. I am a paid Verizon customer, and all opinions are my own.

Here is my time for a confession. I am a list maker. I thrive by making lists. They help me to recall things, stay more organized, and keep on task. It could be the teacher in me, but I really have a hard time when there is no list to keep me going. Of course, there is a problem with my paper list method.

As you can see above, there are three lists and most likely more of them floating around my work area, calendar, and beyond. In addition to this, I am notorious for forgetting my list when heading to the store. There is nothing more dangerous than shopping for groceries without a list.

Just before Passover, TechyDad and I were out to lunch without the boys. As we were planning out Passover Seders and meals, I wanted to make a list. We were researching sponge cake recipes and needed to get some items. Problem, I had changed my purse and did not have paper or a pen. Solution – I quickly added a new app to my RAZR HD.

With Out of Milk on my phone, I was ready to go. I can use the shopping list to keep track of items that I need to pick up at the store. Plus, the To-Do List option allows me to keep tabs on items that I need to get done during the day or week ahead. There is more to explore, but that will come with time and I am also curious about the paid version of the app as well.

The best part of this free version of the app is that I no longer forget my shopping lists on the dining room table. Let’s be honest here, I have done that so many times I can’t even keep track. Now, when I am at the store and I think of something I need to do, I can open up the app and add it to my list. Simple, easy, and very effective.

Do you have apps that you use to help with organization and/or daily tasks? I would love to know as I continue to explore more items on my smartphone.

Disclosure: As a member of the Verizon Lifestyle Blogger program, I am testing out different devices and sharing how I utilize them in my life. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own. We have been long time Verizon Wireless customers.

Categories:
me moments Phone Apps Technology

Time for UBP 2013

Posted on April 5, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

It is that time of year again. Time to introduce yourself, hop around to new blogs, and make some great new friends. Yes, it is…

The Ultimate Blog Party is so much fun each year. It allows those that are part of the blogging community to get to know more people. So pull up a chair, have some of this cake, and let me share a little bit about myself.

My name is Beth and I am TechyDad’s wife, mother of two boys, educator, Disney enthusiast, long time knitter, new crocheter, tech geek, and freelance writer/blogger. I started blogging in 2007 when I was expecting my youngest son, who will turn 6 in just over a month (*GULP*). The Angel Forever is a combination of items in my life. I feature books on Tuesday Tales each week, share my Disney love every Wednesday (and sometimes more), write about out travels, and toss in items about life in general. Recently, I also started to share our journey into the world of autism advocacy. Yes, my son is an Aspie and I poured my heart out into a post about my wishes as a mother.

Life is never dull over here in The Angel Forever and I would not change a thing most days (being honest). Thanks to blogging, I have come out of my shell, learned a lot, and figured out more about the person I am and want to be.

Are you participating in the Ultimate Blog Party? If you are, please let me know your post link and I will be sure to stop by. If not, why not join the fun? Take some time to look around and enjoy. I look forward to the fun over the next week and beyond!

FYI, you can also find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

It's Me

Previous post about The Ultimate Blog Party:

Categories:
Blog Hop bloggy friends family me moments

Verizon Lifestyle Blogger

Posted on March 29, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

It’s hard to believe that it has only been about a year since I entered the wonderful world of owning a smartphone. TechyDad and I held out for as long as we could. It really was a matter of trying to be frugal, but then we realized opportunities that we missed thanks to not having a more functional phone. I look back now and cannot imagine life without a smartphone. My phone allows me more freedom.

This is where I am honored to share that I am a Verizon Lifestyle Blogger. Yes, I was asked to participate in their program to try new phones within my life and share how I use them. As a long time Verizon Wireless customer, I can stand behind the customer service that we have had and continue to have with this company. Now, I am thrilled to be working with them as a blogger.

Part of MY World

Using apps are a daily part of my life. There are at least a dozen that I use each and every day without fail. This includes my e-mail apps, Facebook, TweetDeck, Pinterest, Chrome, Fitbit, Out of Milk, Add Watermark, Instagram, PicsArt, Kindle, and GoodReads. I also use the app for our local library to renew, request, and locate books. With a cup of coffee in one hand, I can sit down and get some work done right from my phone.

Never too Connected

Some people may think that being connected all the time is a bad thing, I do not. I am able to put my phone away and do things with my family. At the same time, thanks to my phone, I am able to respond to business on the go without worrying that I will not be at my laptop for hours. I do not think of it as making me too connected. My phone helps me as a wife, parent, writer, educator, and advocate. Teachers know that they can call or e-mail me at any time. If I am walking out of school, I can sit in my car and write a quick note to alert them. When in a meeting with someone, I can pull up a document, website, or other resource to share and make a point.

Mom is Almost Always Prepared

I am far from perfect, but my phone can help me in a pinch. Thanks to technology, the cameras within the phone allow me to snap photos on the go and not worry about getting my point and shoot camera if I am in a hurry. The video capability also is a wonderful perk that helps me to record milestones when I forget my regular video camera. I can set up my phone to be synched with a calendar to remind me of doctor visits, conferences, or other important event.

Of course, my phone has helped when I have gloomy kiddos waiting in a doctor office complaining about a wait, test, or other item. In a pinch, I can find something new on the go to keep them occupied, happy, and ease anxiety. Eeyore moments melt away for my Aspie son who has a routine when waiting. Yes, my smartphone could be considered therapy at times since it keeps him calm and happy in stressful situations.

So if you see me out and about, chances are my smartphone is very close to me. Like my original Droid Bionic, my new RAZR HD has become a part of who I am. It does not make or define me, but allows me to be a more organized version of myself.