I once went to an all-day workshop for female entrepreneurs in Los Angeles and listened to a speaker who came out and stated “Balance is bulls*it,” right at the start of her talk. Being a health coach with the business name of “Balanced Health & Wellness” (which eventually turned into “Balanced Mamas”), I was slightly taken aback.

I wanted to stand up and say, “You’re not trying hard enough! It’s different for everyone!” and defend the beautiful word that so many holistic wellness enthusiasts preach about every day.

What does balance really mean? Deepak Chopra says that when we’re in an optimal state of dynamic balance, we naturally tend to listen to our body with love and reverence and make choices that support balance, happiness, and wellbeing.

That sounds legit.

The dictionary defines balance as keeping something in a steady position so it does not fall, an even distribution of something or to offset one thing with another. Well, when it comes to motherhood, my mind, and my body, I want to remain upright and make sure that nothing “falls.”

So, what does it mean, in today’s world, to be out of balance? If your stressed, upset, tired, resenting parts of your day, your relationships and feeling like you have lost your ability to find peace, joy and activities you enjoy, you’re probably out of balance. When your body is reminding you regularly (via pain, poor sleep, poor immunity, digestive problems, low energy or depressed/anxious thoughts) your body may also be off balance a bit.

In my opinion, balance means finding a way to prioritize all of what is most important to you so that you don’t feel any of those icky feelings listed above. One might say, balance is the lack of feeling out of balance. Balance is not the same as perfection. It’s feeling at peace. It also allows you to be the best that you can be at everything else. Making time to honor and nurture your mind and body allows the space so that you can be devoted to your spirituality, focused on your work, and committed to your family and relationships.

We’re all busy. It’s part of our country’s culture right now. But we are also way more concerned about the views and opinions of “everyone else.” So, it appears that many of us, specifically moms are concerned about how we’ll be viewed or judged for our choices. (“If I prioritize my workouts, or alone time, or time with my spouse or friends, isn’t that selfish?” “My kids need me” …or we end up revolving all schedules and activities around our kids’ preferences to “make them happy” or “giving them the life we never had.”) This can lead to making choices that go against our gut. Women may find themselves taking on more than they really want to, creating unrealistic or unsustainable expectations for their kids, or even losing a bit of themselves in parenthood and commitments.

But guess what? We have more control than we want to admit. Admitting that we can make choices that are better for us, is hard. We may not want to hear the judgments and resistance from other people (kids, PTA people, think Bad Moms, our parents, other parents, etc.) It can be hard to change how we take care of ourselves and prioritize our own health and sanity. And that is ok. It’s ok if it’s a little hard. Everything that is worth it in life is a little hard. And it also comes down to a simple formula…What do you want? What does it take to get there? And what will be better when you get to that point? (Oh yeah, and then take inspired action.)

We have the control and power to choose how we spend our time. So, whether you spend your hours in each day eating ice cream or greens, going for a walk or watching Netflix, attending EVERY single baseball game or half of them, signing up for a class to learn something that inspires you or heading to happy hour, you get to choose. Every day. And none of those types of choices make you “good” or “bad.” Just know that these are the types of decisions that may affect how you create balance, whatever that means for you.

Nicole L. Schmitz, helps others to improve their energy, digestion, sleep, nutrition, weight, and health conditions with simplified, cleaner eating, and better self-care. She is a mother, aspiring yogi, writer, and artist, loves living by the beach, and inspiring others to make clear and confident healthy lifest‌yle choices every day. 

 

For those of you needing motivation, a kickstart, or a fire under your buttto get out there and “kill it’ in 2019—this post isn’t for you. 

For those of you who are tired and just want to love yourself now the way you are, this post is absolutely for you and for me. Resolve to change nothing in 2019. Resolve to let yourself off the hook. Resolve to feel joy NOW—not “When I can…When I have… or when I am…”  

I have made New Year’s resolutions the majority of my time on this planet. Some successful, some not. Most of them revolving around weight loss, getting fit and overall outward aesthetics. The past couple of years I have resolved to not change. I have let myself off the hook. At most, I’ve taken a moment to smile and tell myself “feel more joy this year”‚but no goals, no steps and mostly, .no beating myself up when I’m not successful.   

This change came about when I entered my ’30s and noticed that what I want the most, is to be kind to myself. Historically, I have struggled with too many negative thoughts, feelings and overall bull-shirt I told myself. So now, every January I un-resolve and just allow myself to be.   

Be content. Be joy. Be peace.   

If you need it, here is your permission to just be and love yourself in 2019. You are doing just fine. Your kids are fine. We are all doing the best we can.   

Every first of January I listen as others begin their journeys and I exhale. I breathe out, smile and tell myself, I am doing great. To be clear, anyone reading this post could easily peer into my life and find numerous things that could use improvement. I could be “fitter” or “tighter.” I could spend less money. I could fold more laundry and drink less gin. However, the point is, I am already content with myself now, just the way I am.  

Remember that line from Bridget Jones Diary—when Mark Darcy tells Bridget, “I like you, very much. Just as you are.”  It rocks her world to be liked, just as she is. A slightly “pudgy”, drinking, smoking swearing, mess of a women. We can all be our own Mark Darcy’s. Like yourself now, just as you are. 

Resolve to let all the B.S. and “shoulds” go. I am on year three of my resolution to have no resolution and I can assure you it does not grow old. Every year I start out loving myself the way I am. It is the best resolution I never made. So, here is to you, just as you are, in 2019. 

Mary Elizabeth Tellefson
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I am a single mom in my 30s living life with as much joy and gratitude as I can with my two crazy, adorable and precious girls. We love to sing loud, play big and snuggle hard. We love tacos and donuts and making each other laugh. 

Standing at 605 feet tall, the Space Needle has always been a spectacular sight for both visitors and Seattleites alike, but with its latest $100 million renovation, it looks better than ever! Sure, the Needle has been around since 1962 and you’re probably thinking ,”been there, done that,” but wait until you see what they’ve done with the place and the view. A whole new experience awaits you, and we have all the deets you need to know plus more on the epic climb to the top of the Needle with Base 2 Space. Read on!

photo: Suraj Joshee via Space Needle Facebook page

Arriving at Atmos
The top of the Needle is now referred to as Atmos and includes three levels: the 500-foot observation level (with the world’s first revolving glass floor), the 510-foot Ring Level (with less spectacular but still important new restrooms) and the 520-foot observation level (with both indoor and outdoor open-air viewing). Connecting all three is a new grand staircase. The Oculus Stairs are two half-moon shaped staircases built from steel, wood and glass. At the base of the stairs sits the Oculus, a 19 foot by 11 foot glass floor that gives a unique view of the elevators and counterweights.

photo: Marcy Grantor

Skyrising Selfies
On the 520-foot level you’ll immediately notice one of the biggest changes to the Needle. Gone is the metal security “cage” that used to surround the Observation Deck. It has been replaced with open-air glass walls providing uninhibited 360-degree views. All around the deck you’ll find 24 glass “Skyriser” benches that lean back away from the needle. If you dare, take a seat, lean back and imagine what it would be like to be floating high above the ground (selfies are encouraged from this unique angle!). Inside the indoor observation level, you’ll find the Atmos Café offering beverages and light bites.

photo: Marcy Grantor 

Around the Loupe
Located on the 500 foot level is “The Loupe” which is the world’s first and only revolving glass floor giving you amazing downward views of Seattle while also revealing the mechanics of what makes the rotating floor turn. The Loupe makes a full rotation every 45 minutes, and while two-thirds of the floor actually turns, the center third of the floor stays still. While little ones might not want to look down, you can relax knowing that the 37-ton glass floor is made from 10 layers (yep, you read that right!) of structural glass. And if that isn’t enough to settle your nerves, you will be happy to know that the Atmos Wine Bar can be found on this too. Well played, Space Needle!

photo: Space Needle

Other Features to Make Note Of
The new Space Needle comes with a few extra special touches to make your experience all the more memorable without any extra fees. These include:

1 Multiple professional digital photos including the Skyhigh Selfie and the Zoomie.

2. An interactive area that includes a digital globe and a wall of memories featuring photos through the years.

3. The Stratos Virtual Reality experience where you can feel what it would be like to bungee jump off the Needle!

photo: Melinda Wong

Be Sure to Exit Through the Gift Shop
Though you don’t have to, your visit to the Space Needle wouldn’t be complete without stopping at the Spacebase Gift Shop. Not only will you find Needle-themed souvenirs, but you’ll also find apparel, drinkware, food items, jewelry, toys, books and more. If you need a Seattle-themed gift or unique kid’s birthday present, the Spacebase Gift Shop has you covered.

photo: Mark Grantor

Climb to the Top of the Needle with Base 2 Space 
During the month of September, guests can climb the 832 stairs up one of two intertwining, open-air stairwells. Why? To support the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the Space Needle Foundation. The best part? One hundred percent of the donations benefit the two organizations with close to one million dollars in funds raised annually. Keep an eye on their website for 2019 climb dates!

photo: Mark Grantor

Good to know: To be eligible for a trophy, you’ll need to be signed up as an Elite Climber (one that can run a 5-6 minute mile), a Runner (able to complete a 7-10 minute mile) or a Trotter (able to complete a mile within 11-15 minutes). All participants must be 8 years old or older and all kids ages 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. The registration fee for adults is $75 plus a $175 fundraising minimum and $50 plus a $100 fundraising minimum for youth ages 8-17. Register or find more information online.

Space Needle
400 Broad St.
Seattle, WA 98109
206-905-2100
Online: spaceneedle.com

Hours: Sun.-Mon., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tues.-Sat., 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Cost: $27.50-$37.50/Adults; $25.50-$32.50/Seniors (65+); $22.50-$28.50/Youth (5-12); 4 & under Free. Save $5 per ticket if you arrive between 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

Insider Tip: Buy your tickets online before you go and you won’t have to wait in line (in the rain) at the base of the Needle. Wheelchairs are allowed on the observation decks but all strollers need to checked.

—Jeffrey Totey

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Eat, Drink & Be Merry: Top Family Restaurants for Dining Out

Looking for an edible adventure that will have your kids in awe rather than saying ‘ew’? Enter conveyor belt sushi joints where you grab your food as it passes by on its own little moving platform. Half the fun is stopping a plate before it’s about to whiz by! You’d be surprised how open kids are to trying new things when it arrives via bullet train. Read on for our top picks and jump aboard the self-serve sushi express!

photo:  Yuri K via Yelp

Magic Touch Bullet Train Sushi
Sushi ordered from a booth via table-side iPads and delivered by miniature “high-speed” bullet trains directly to your seat? Um, yes please! Parents will love the built-in hot green tea spout right at their table and kids will love, well, the “trains” of course whizzing around the restaurant on double-decker beltways with plates of high-quality sushi on board. Come hungry (sushi tacos anyone?) and leave feeling like you and your family blasted into the future of sushi dining!

11900 South St.
Cerritos, CA 90703
Phone: 562-402-5177
Online: facebook.com/magic-touch-bullet-train

photo: Edith M. via Yelp

Gatten Sushi
Family-friendly is what this revolving sushi joint is all about where you’re bound to get greeted at the door with enthusiastic exclamations, and even a song or two if you’re lucky. Not sure if your picky toddler is going to fully embrace their first Philadelphia roll? No problem! Gatten offers rolls and sushi selections in 3-piece portions making it much easier to try new things (and makes it easier on the wallet as well!). For those that crave the conveyor belt experience but aren’t fans of raw fish, there is also plenty on the menu to satisfy the non-sushi sect. Ramen for the win!

1530 W. Artesia Blvd.
Gardena, CA 90248
Phone: 310-436-0076
Locations also in Monterey Park, Granada Hills & Cerritos
Online: gattenusa.com

photo: Lito O. via Yelp

Blue C Sushi
In the heart of Hollywood at Sunset near Vine, Blue C sushi has rotating plates that are color coded for easy price identification while the contemporary décor lends the place a modern, cheerful ambiance. Inspired by and modeled after the colorfully dynamic Tokyo subway lines, these conveyor belts use digital tracking technology that allows the staff and chefs to closely monitor every item out for selection. You won’t have to worry that your junior sushi brigade will select anything with subpar quality as chefs receive an alert when it’s time to refresh any particular dish! Located next door to ArcLight Cinemas, it’s a perfect excuse to grab a quick bite (don’t forget to order the blue cotton candy for dessert) before catching the latest family flick on the big screen.

6374 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Phone: 323-391-2241
Also located in Newport Beach
Online: bluecsushi.com

Sushi Sumo
For those wanting to try the conveyor belt sushi thing but aren’t ready to go all in, this place is a happy compromise. With both table and waiter service and a revolving belt of freshly made plates in the middle of the restaurant, you and your little fishies can have the best of both worlds, along with some of the friendliest service around. Snag a couple of smaller portioned items from the conveyor as appetizers and order traditional sushi platters table-side for the main meal. This place becomes quite the party spot after 8 p.m. so if you’re bringing the littles, probably best to make it an early evening.

1831 W. Redondo Beach Blvd.
Gardena, CA 90247
Phone: 310-576-0499
Online: sushisumogardena.com

 

Let us know if we missed any of your favorite serve yourself spots! And if you’re looking for regular old sushi restaurants, check out our list of local favorites for kids.

—Jenifer Scott

 

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If your household looks anything like ours, the best family photos are probably stuck on a device or floating around in the Cloud somewhere. It’s time to get those pictures off your phone and onto your walls. Nix pricey professional photo framing services and do it yourself with one of these user-friendly apps. Read on for the scoop.

photo: Keepsake

1. Keepsake
It will probably take you longer to get the kids to sit still for a family photo than it will to pick the perfect frame and click “order” on this easy-to-use photo framing app. Keepsake only offers photo framing and photo-to-canvas printing, which means you won’t have to worry about too many options confusing your agenda. Just choose your photo, adjust the filters and cropping dimensions, then preview it in a variety of tasteful frames (or canvases) to see what look best suits your image.

Cost: Frames are $25 and up, and shipping is free (within the U.S.).

Available from Google Play or iTunes, free. 

photo: Brushstroke

2. Brushstroke
Do you want your latest, greatest shot to look more like a painting than a photo? With Brushstroke, you can turn photos into art on canvas with just a few clicks. Pick an art filter—styles aren’t attributed to specific artists, though most of the filters have a Monet or Van Gogh-style slant—then swipe left or right to change the saturation, density, and color of the image. Finally, sign your print, choose a product (poster, framed print, or canvas print), and click “Ship.”

Hint: If you’re not ready to put your work on the walls, you can still upload your creations to social media, e-mail, or instant message with the click of a button.

Cost: Products start at $26, and are printed via a partnership with CanvasPop.

Available from iTunes, $3.99.

photo: Mixtiles via Facebook

3. Mixtiles
Mixtiles is like the real-life equivalent of Instagram. This app takes your photos and turns them into adorable, stylish little squares you can stick to the walls as easy as you can slap a magnet on the refrigerator. The tiles adhere via four double-sided tape squares designed to come on and off your walls without damage, which allows you to easily move them around to suit your whims. Click on a whole slew of pictures, and you’ll have a ready-made tableau to dress up your walls in no time.

Cost: $49 for 3 tiles, $9 for each additional tile. Shipping is free.

Available from iTunes, free. 

photo: Art.com via Facebook

4. Photos to Art
The coolest thing about the Photos to Art app is that it lets you superimpose your selected image onto your wall to get a sense of whether or not it’s worth printing in the first place. Upload photos directly from Instagram and Facebook, as well as from your phone’s camera roll. Then, choose from a slew of options for your finished product, including photos on metal, wood mounts, acrylic prints, canvas or framed prints.

Cost: Products start at $2 for small poster prints, $50.99 for framed prints.

Available from iTunes, free. 

photo: Framebridge

5. Framebridge
Framebridge has one mission: To get your treasured things and favorite photos up on your walls. That means you won’t find any coasters, photo books, or tote bags here—only frames. Upload photos from your phone or Instagram account, choose from a selection of 40 styles and then let the team custom frame your piece. Not sure what frame style will look best with your piece? Framebridge’s design team will mock up some options for free. You can also do it yourself by choosing the size, matte, and frame style, with previews of your finished product every step of the way.

Good to know: Want to frame something other than photos? The Framebridge folks say they’ll frame anything, from your child’s artwork or kindergarten diploma to your baby’s baptism dress or first blanket.

Cost: Prices start at $39, and shipping is free.

Available from iTunes, free. 

photo: Snapfish via Facebook

6. Snapfish
The advantage of choosing a heavy-hitter like Snapfish is the sheer number of options available, as well as a consistency that has garnered the site more than 40 million members over more than 15 years. Along with an assortment of gift-minded photo products (mugs, pillows, iPhone cases, etc.), you can put your prints onto several different sizes of canvas, including panoramic-sized canvases and wooden-framed canvases, and even metal wall panels. The app also offers four different styles of frames for various photo sizes.

Hint: Check the site regularly for a revolving door of discounts and seasonal specials; some offer as much as 60 percent off your order!

Available from iTunes, Google Play, and Windows Store, free.

Have you ever used a phone-to-frame app? Tell us about your experience in a Comment below.

— Melissa Heckscher

San Diego kids have a good life! Not only does the sun shine nearly all year long, there’s also no shortage of awesome restaurants that promise way more fun than a kids menu and coloring sheet. Several of San Diego’s culinary spots have fun features to entertain the wee ones while parents savor delicious bites and craft drinks. Click through to see where you need to take the family for your next dinner out.

Kula Revolving Sushi Bar

Even the pickiest of eaters will be excited to eat sushi that comes to the table on a revolving conveyor belt. Kula Revolving Sushi Bar is the newest (and coolest) way to eat with chopsticks. Here's how it works: You're seated at a table that's next to a moving conveyor belt. Throughout your time at the restaurant, the chefs send out tons of different sushi plates on the belt. You pick and chose exactly what you want to eat. Once you finish your food, simply place the plate in the slot at your table that goes right back to the kitchen for washing. Each plate is about $2.25 each, so you can eat as much as you'd like. Kids are especially motivated to eat because they get a prize (right at the table) for every 15 plates returned. Kula Sushi is delicious, affordable and will keep the kids eating and entertained for the duration of your lunch or dinner.

Insider's Tip: If your kiddo isn't a fish or sushi can, you can also select plates filled with edamame, watermelon chunks and other fruit. Save room for mochi or cheesecake for dessert (also from the revolving sushi go-round)!

4609 Convoy St.
San Diego, Ca
858-715-4605
Online: kulausa.com

Photo: Leah Singer

Where do you like to go when you’re craving a delicious meal with the kids in tow?

— Leah R. Singer

Reddit user Double_Cross_Gender recently posted a photo of her baby cousin with the caption “My baby cousin has hair that looks like a news anchorman.” The little tyke, who has better hair than McDreamy and happens to be a lovely baby girl, has inspired many on the Internet to create memes revolving around her hair (of course).

Some of our favorites include:

All photos courtesy of PS Battle via Reddit

 

Which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below!

 

Wrigleyville is where Cubs fans go bananas. And now kids will whoop it up there, too. That’s because Margaret Donahue Park just opened on School Street—and it’s unlike any playground we’ve ever seen. Full of Chicago accents (like play structures resembling Willis Tower and the Hancock Building) and homegrown spirit (check out the huge Cubs logo painted on the turf), this is a play spot with heart. Oh, and did we mention the splash pad? Read on.

donohue-splash

Splash Pad Madness
You’ll come to Margaret Donahue Park, a gated paradise located just blocks from Wrigley Field, to swing, climb and play. But let’s face it: In summer, you’re really there for the splash pad. It’s small and simple, but in great shape and so colorful. Bring plastic buckets and collect water underneath a revolving spout; it turns around and sprays up, down and all around. There’s also an arched sprinkler to run through and cool off in, and a ground fountain that shoots up with gusto.

While kids frolic, parents can sit on benches or a circular table. A bright, whimsical mosaic mural sweeps around the H20 action for a backdrop as joyful as the summer sun. But don’t spend all day in the water, because there’s more in store …

donohue-towers

Playful Chicago Touches
This isn’t just any spiral slide and climbing wall. They’re part of a mini Chicago universe—a play structure topped off by re-creations of Willis Tower and the Hancock Building. Giving the park its true local feel, this red and blue attraction for older kids (ages 4-8) has it all, from a slide to an elevated tunnel to a climbing wall to a spinning climbing pole. Just a few feet away is a smaller area for toddlers, and it’s crowned by a re-creation of the Historic Water Tower.

donohue-web

Challenges for All Ages
Ambitious kids will want to activate their inner Spiderman on the large climbing web made from interwoven ropes and plastic steps. Go for a ride on the attached pole that spins ’round and ’round. Then take off running up and down the cushy rubberized mounds nearby. Just don’t be surprised if kids with water buckets race by — water play doesn’t stay contained to the splash pad.

A swing set has two bucket swings for babes and a handicapped-accessible swing, along with three standard swings. Set at the far end of the playground, they’re great perches to soar above the action and take everything in.

donohue-scape

Turf for Picnicking & Playing 
Keep in mind this park has very little shade, but there are tables for picnicking that are sheltered by canopies. From the tables, you get a good view of just about every nook of the park. And since it’s all gated, this is a safe place for little ones to roam free. Pack a lunch and spend the morning or afternoon.

The far end of the playground invites kids to really run wild. It features a large swath of turf painted with the Cubs logo. Here, you can do just about anything, from toss a Frisbee to kick a soccer ball to play a friendly game of tag. You could even bring your baseball tee and wiffle ball. After all, this park is named after one of the first woman executives in major league baseball.

donohue-entrance

Good to Know
Margaret Donahue Park is open daily, from 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Admission is free. There is no parking lot, and street parking is permit only during Cubs games. While parking can get tricky, a visit here is worth a few block walk — just bring a stroller or wagon for little ones.

Margaret Donahue Park
1230 W. School St.
Lakeview
312-742-7826
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

Have you been to this amazing new playground yet? Let us know what you think of it in the Comments!

— Kelly Aiglon

Ah, play spaces — little paradises for sweet, innocent young ones. But where do you go when your kid ages out of them (aka: when he threatens to steamroll the entire joint in a few single bounds)? Transition to bigger, more active arenas, where physical activity is king. Click through our album to discover the local places where the activity and energy is full blast.

Yu Kids Island

Think you know mall play spaces? Think again. With over 10 attractions, Yu Kids Island has something for all ages -- especially the big kids. Have a child who likes to swing? Head to the Spinning Palms. Ball fanatic? The Dancing Balloons – a space filled with more balloons than you can count – has you covered (and older kids will love the BIG Dancing Balloons space). Climbers beeline to the Revolving Tree where they can climb poles on a revolving platform. Parents can energize themselves with a stop at the coffee bar and then relax and watch the kids exhaust themselves.

5 Woodfield Mall #G144, Schaumburg (847-969-9000) & 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills (847-680-3800 or yukidschicago.com)

Do you have a favorite place to take an older child? Let us know in the Comments!

— Jen Peterson