I’ve been reading a lot about how kids are motivated to do well and I’m finding a lot of research (read this post from my mom’s blog) on how when we praise someone for how smart or talented or pretty or wise they are, we’re really hurting their effort.  So, today, I challenge you to reaffirm someone for their effort.  Tell your kid you’re so proud of how hard he worked at picking up his room.  Tell your friend you’ve noticed how purposeful she is as a parent and that you admire that.  Tell your husband you really appreciate how hard he works to provide for your family.

First of all, I’ve been a bone fide slacker this week.  I have no excuse.  I just didn’t get around to blogging.

But, that said, today’s challenge is a toughy.  I want you to forgive someone– for something big or small– and to tell them that you did it.  I’m actually having one of those do-as-I-say-and-not-as-I-do crises of the heart right now as I write this because I’m kinda irritated at my husband for having to work late (again) tonight.  And, even though I know it’s technically not his fault, it’s still made me mad last night.  So, I probably need to apologize and ask for forgiveness, but I also probably need to forgive his imaginary offense in my mind.  Sheesh.  Relationships are tough.

Anyway, you know the drill… once you’ve done it, leave a comment and let me know and you’ll be entered to win the chocolate!

Congrats to Christi at Honey Aplenty for winning the Maama Cards.

Congrats to Michelle for winning “The What’s for Dinner Solution”

Keep coming and commenting for more chances to win every day in February!

It’s gift day!  Today, I want you to buy a gift for someone that you love.  Nothing expensive or fancy, but just something small to show them you care.   Drop a latte off for your husband at work. Buy your kid a trinket in line at the grocery store when they ask instead of saying no.  Pick up a chocolate bar for your mom.  Download an eBook for a friend.

Tell me what you did and you’ll be entered to win CHOCOLATE!

I’ll be drawing winners for Maama cards shortly… stay tuned!

Okay, okay, so going off alone isn’t exactly intentionally loving someone, but if you live in the wild & crazy mama world that I live in, some down time is probably the best thing you can do to make today great for your family.  So, today, your challenge is to carve out 15 minutes (yes, just 15 minutes!) of your day to chill– by yourself– and refresh yourself for the rest of the weekend.  I don’t have to ask you twice, do I?

After my kids get their pajamas on every night, I try to give each of them a five-minute lotion massage.   They love it.  Even my baby crawls towards me the instant I pull out the baby lotion.  Anyway, today, I’m challenging you to reach out and touch someone.  Give your kids a massage or give a friend a hug.

Did you know that February 13-20 is National Random Acts of Kindness Week?  So, today, I’m challenging you to do a random act of kindness.  Anonymously buy coffee for whoever is in line behind you at Starbucks.  Leave flowers on your neighbor’s doorstep.  Offer to babysit your friend’s kids so she can take a break.

Tell me what you did and leave a comment and you’ll be entered to win!

Happy Valentines Day! Today’s challenge is to do something loving for someone who ISN’T your spouse/boyfriend.  Send a Valentine to a friend.  Pick up chocolate covered strawberries for your best friend.  Bake heart shaped cookies with your kids.

Tell me what you did and you’ll be entered to win!