Holly and Heather’s Handy Hint: Get Crafty, Take Up a Hobby!

We love lots of things “crafty” and have a few hobbies that are very rewarding. A lucky few can parlay their favorite passion into their life’s work but most people, like us, just get enjoyment from creating. Indulging in a hobby can be good for the soul, a way to unwind and focus on something creative.

As kids we loved to make hook rugs, sew needle point and paint ceramics. As adults, one of our favorite things to do is crochet. Our mom taught us and the three of us have been known to visit yarn shops in search of unique colors and textures for our projects. It is fun to make blankets, pot holders and scarfs for ourselves as well as donating our creations.  How rewarding to know that your colorful scarf is keeping someone a little warmer in the winter? We have given baby blankets for new arrivals and crocheted hats for our kids.

Another favorite hobby of ours is scrapbooking. Whether alone or with friends it’s so much fun to take your photos and transform them into a beautiful memory book. It’s very satisfying to see the finished project and especially fun to make small books for people to give on special occasions. Whether you enjoy cooking, playing softball or collecting, hobbies are a fun, relaxing way to enjoy the small pleasures of life!  What is your favorite?

Holly and Heather’s Handy Hint: People Just Want To Be Heard and Acknowledged

That title is our new mantra when something is bothering us. Inevitably, there will be times in life when you will have an issue with something. Whether there’s a conflict with your spouse or a friend, if it’s something you feel strongly about, it deserves an important conversation. We like those closest to us to see our point of view. Arguing is never fun but sometimes necessary to work out problems that come up from time to time. We’re not talking about little annoyances that you can just let go but bigger issues that are really important to you. Bottling up your feelings with those closest in your life can lead to frustration and usually, after a while, a big blow up. What we’ve found is that, in general, when we are discussing a problem, we just want to be heard and acknowledged. Ever listen to someone go on and on about something and when you try to help they want nothing to do with your advice? They just want you to listen. A lot of times you feel better when you just vent whatever it is that is bothering you, even if there is no real solution. Just having your spouse, for example, really hear you and acknowledge that you’re upset about something can make all the difference.  What we really crave is the knowledge that we’re being heard and that our feelings matter.  Next time an issue comes up and you are speaking to someone about it, try listening, making eye contact and sympathizing with the person that is upset.  It really does help to know that those closest to you care when you have a problem.

Holly and Heather’s Handy Hint: Nourish Your Body; Dance for Exercise!

Part of living a good, healthy lifestyle is incorporating exercise into your routine. Sometimes it’s hard to get motivated so why not try something fun instead of jogging on the treadmill? We are life-long dancers and we don’t mean the club hopping, partying kind. Tap, jazz and ballet are traditional forms of art that are both fun and a workout. We have been taking classes and teaching dance our at our mom’s studio our whole lives and can tell you first hand the physical as well as mental benefits of dance. There is nothing like a good piece of music and a nice stretch to get the blood flowing and mind clear. Try a ballet class for beautiful classical music and great discipline for your muscles. An hour-long jazz or hip-hop class will give you so much energy while burning calories and having fun all at once.  Dancing with a group of people to choreographed steps is a lesson in working together as well as an accomplishment of all that you have learned.  Dancing releases all of those feel good endorphins that nourish your mind and body.  No matter your age, try a class.  You may find it a great way to stay in shape!

Holly and Heather’s Handy Hint: Celebrate Freedom; Happy 4th of July!

This week our country is celebrating the fourth of July. We are so lucky to have a great deal of freedom and independence in America. A huge thank you goes to our veterans for making that possible as well as those currently serving in the military and armed forces. Being born in this country gives us the privilege to strive for our hopes and dreams and the unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness! Celebrations abound this week from backyard barbecues to the sight of nighttime fireworks. We have great family memories of spending summers in Ohio lighting sparklers and watching parades. So fly the flag, have fun with your families and thank a veteran for this great day of ours!