Join Us: #OwnYourBodBabe

So I decided to put the story I've been sharing in a blog post so it's easier for people to refer to if need be... It's all about the body positivity, yo! I've been having a lot of conversations lately about body positivity. I posted an instagram story the weekend before last about a crop top (as in I was wearing one) and in all honesty, I have never had so many people respond so positively while also admitting that they don't give themselves enough love. In talking with close friends and even ladies that I only know online, one thing rings true... we can all build one another up, but we aren't the best at giving ourselves the love we deserve. I had an idea and it's really quite simple. We embrace what we have and we own it, because it's awesome no matter the jiggle or the wrinkles or our height or the perception that we have of our flaws. I want to encourage myself and also encourage every lady in our lives to do the same because we are all perfectly imperfect and beautiful and so so worthy!

THE IDEA! 

I am coordinating a day (May 14th, a Monday) to coordinate a campaign to spread self love, because I am sick of shaming myself because I don't feel like I'm "enough" or when I look in the mirror and see my age showing thinking "bleck". Where do you come in? Post a picture (wherever you want Instagram, facebook, twitter, text or email) on this same day using the hashtag #OwnYourBodBabe and talk about what you love about YOU. I'm thinking white shirts and jeans, the most basic palette of you (but also, I totally want us to be matchy matchy). It can be a professional shot, a selfie, a snap of you running (for exercise or after your kids), a video of you dancing, ANYTHING!... but what I think is most important is the messaging, what example you're setting, who you might encourage by being proud of what your Mama gave ya. Two out of Two Elizabeth's I polled agreed this was a good idea!

If you are interested, I will totally remind you a few days before. Fill out this veeeeery short survey. Survey monkey says this survey will take you one minute. It is basically "yes I'm interested" and "here's a good email address to remind me when May 14th is nearing": https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MQ553VS


Let me know if you have any questions. This is for fun but also for encouragement, for ourselves and the people around us. No pressure if this isn't for you but obviously you know I would LOVE LOVE to have you involved- this is my community and I love the support I've received so far!

Comment with any feedback or questions below!

Earth Day Every Day Sponsored by Wayfair

Boom, all of a sudden it's Earth Day then it's not! I mean, every day should be Earth Day because we live on this planet and should take care of it each and every day. We can embrace the date on the calendar and use it as a catalyst to make some changes in our every day lives. We've been trying to make small adjustments in the Propah Household, as we go along, to make less of a footprint in our home. (recycling, consuming less, reusing, DIY with what we have instead of buying new, etc). No single family is perfect but we sure are trying! One thing that absolutely makes me feel close to the Earth is gardening. Every year, I get excited to start my seeds, buy flowers, really take my space up a notch. Plants in almost every shape and size, make me happy and I want to help preserve the Earth for my children and their children, am I right?

It has been something that I take pride in, using eco-friendly items to create a garden space that will last the whole Summer and into the Fall but doesn't create unnecessary waste in the process.

Items you can use to start seeds: 

I prefer items that will break down when planted in their "forever home" but reusing is also a good option when the alternative is ending up in a landfill.

Toilet Paper Tubes
Egg cartons (cardboard)
Stale Ice Cream Cones
Used Ziploc bags and wet paper towels (they started beans like this at daycare, just tape 'em to the window!)
Newspaper, think paper mache!
Egg shells, interested to try though would require me not to break them fully, which would be a challenge.
Old Muffin tins (just slip in cupcake papers!)
Old Ice Cube Tray
Old K-cups, though they won't breakdown, is certainly a way to re-use!

Items you can use as planters:

Milk Cartons or jugs
Soup Cans
Soda Bottles
Plant Sacks
Plastic Water bottles
Pretty much anything, just be sure you account for drainage!

Items you can use that are mindful:

Organic soil: it's a touch more expensive but if you're growing edibles, it's great for the environment and your peace of mind.
Reusable plant sacks and planters. Keep using them for years and years!
Also, When buying plants at your garden center, look for ones that are in recycled container or better yet ones that will break down when planted. You'll find a lot of brands offer this option!
Planters made from recycled materials
Natural Wood Stakes

My favorite gardening items that help me keep my business in order can be used year after year with proper care and increase my enjoyment in said activities:

Jackson Potting Bench, Ogrow Greenhouse, DMC Wood Planter Box, Greenes Fence Wooden Supports, Self Watering Ceramic Spike Probe, Leisure Season Plant Stand 

Obviously, these are just a start and there are so many ways that you can make your garden more Earth friendly than it already is, I mean, it's already pretty earthy-crunchy! I can't wait to build my new potting bench that Wayfair sent (check out their potting benches here)We love this time we get to spend together and it's a real treat to be able to recycle, re-use and reduce when we're creating our garden! How do YOU celebrate Earth Day everyday?

Xfinity's Work for Accessibility, Sponsored by Xfinity

*I was invited to an event with Xfinity to celebrate Autism Awareness Month. All opinions are my own.

Last week, I attended an event with my friends at Xfinity, this time for Autism Awareness Month and I gotta say, this wasn't just fun, it was also moving. I am not personally affected by autism but as a mother of two young boys, I know how hard it can be to raise children. It's hard to raise kids, let alone children who have developmental delays, communication challenges and sensory sensitivities. With help, families living with autism can certainly increase the quality of life for everyone- parents, kids and other family members so that everyone is able to live happier lives... so you're probably thinking, what does Xfinity have to do with families living with autism? Well, more than you'd think! Xfinity is working on a lot of great things to help families have access to technology that enriches their lives. Have a look at Anne, an Xfinity Product Market Manager, and her son Jake's story. 

Did that give you the feels? It gave me the feels. At the end of the day, I just want to see everyone living happy and fulfilled lives, not matter what they're doing. Anne, along with the Xfinity team, as well as representatives from the New England Center for Children were on hand to show us in person, the great new technologies and features that Xfinity has created to help their customers. Using the Xfinity Home Camera and her cell phone+Ipad, Anne was able to have more freedom while also giving Jake more independence... and those aren't the only things that Xfinity has to offer those looking for more accessibility in their home. Looking for more security? Xfinity's Home security system will keep you connected and protected. Their completely customizable smart home devices are a game changer for parents looking for security and peace of mind... and speaking as a parent, those things are of the utmost importance.

You know Xfinity's trusted X1Voice remote? It's been a game changer for those living with disabilities and illnesses. I didn't know that and it's something that I take for granted but to think that something as simple as a remote, is giving someone more accessible entertainment, well, it's pretty amazing. In April, simply say “Autism” in your X1Voice Remote and select Autism Awareness Month to see a variety of curated content specifically for this event. They're really offering customers the robust experience that is not just about our entertainment but also about adding value to our homes in ways that we need, curated to our needs.

You can learn more about what Xfinity is doing for home entertainment as well as mobile, home security and more on their website. They really do such a great job marrying all of their different technologies so that you're able to be connected to your home through your phone and tablets, even while on the go. Be sure to keep updated on their new offerings to ensure that you're learning about exciting new features that can make your life easier! Thanks again to the folks at Xfinity for hosting me, and teaching me all about the awesome things you're doing!

PS. Right now is #Watchathon (Xfinity's annual weeklong bingefest). Xfinity customers can enjoy access to the top shows from Netflix, HBO, STARZ, NBC and more — for free with Xfinity On Demand on Xfinity TV or the Xfinity Stream app through April 22nd... looks like we have some TV to catch up, am I right?