Surviving the Tropical Storm

Hurricane season is upon us! Erika is knocking on our door and she might be coming in whether we like it or not! The most important thing about an upcoming storm is being prepared. Nothing will put you at ease more than knowing you are ready for whatever the storm might blow your way! 

*Important Tips

• Don't wait until the last minute to prepare - Don't go out hours before the storm is going to hit expecting to find everything on your list. Be responsible and try to get ready a few days early. 
• Stay informed - Know the current details of the storm that is moving toward you! 
• Stay inside! - Once the storm starts, stay inside no matter what! Pets should NEVER be left outside during a storm. Trust your gut; if your boss is calling you, but you just saw a chicken fly by your window, it's OK to let it go to voicemail. 
• Stay calm, Make an Emergency Plan - Chances are, this is not your first time going through a storm, and if it is, there is a reason why the rest of us aren't freaking out. As long as you are prepared there is nothing to be worried about. God is in control and He loves us! 

*for those of you who live in Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands, I am using Google Public Alerts to keep track of the tropical storm Erika. The website is also the source of more excellent tips and safety information. 

IN CASE OF BLACK OUT….

6 Must Have Supplies:

• Bottled water - If you freeze 3 packs of water you can use 2 of them to keep the food cold in your fridge and one of them to thaw and drink! 
• A grill or mini grill - Something to cook on if the power goes out. 
• Aluminum foil - For cooking things on the grill 
• Candles - Because candles don't run out of batteries. 
• Flashlight or Lantern - Because sometimes candles aren't quite bright enough to chase monsters away. (; Don't forget the batteries ;)
• Deck of cards - To see how many games you can make up in one night! 

4 Dinner Ideas: 

• Sandwiches - Tuna, ham, cheese, turkey, Swiss, the list goes on and on! There has never been a better excuse to eat a delicious grilled sandwich! 
• Hot Dogs - The go-to grill food, accompanied with your favorite chips! 
• Fish - Wrap some seasoned fish in aluminum foil with olive oil and toss it on the grill for a delicious healthy snack
• Baked Potatoes - Wrap in aluminum foil and bake of the grill with the lid on; don't forget to add the yummy toppings! 

3 Activities to Brighten the Night: 

1. Shadow Puppet Theater - Act out TV shows or movies, or make up something totally original! 
2. Read a Book Out Loud - Each person can read for a different character, or the person with the most enchanting voice can captivate everyone else! 
3. Never Ending Story - One person begins the story with 2 sentences and the next person adds to it with their 2, etc. See how long your group or family can keep it going! 

A Kul Kind of Valentine

 Valentine's Day 2015 was cause for excitement and anticipation for people all across the country and in Puerto Rico. 

Everyone, and I do mean EVERYONE, was out trying to get gifts that expressed their undying love to their significant other. The stores were full of white, red, and pink, balloons, chocolates, flowers! 

However, after all was said and done, this V-day was very low key for this Kul Mom and her family.

It started out as most days do with my wonderful husband cooking up breakfast. 

On the menu, egg, cheese, and roast beef sandwich!

And an ice cream cake for dessert! Sprinkles by yours truly. 

After a pretty average morning, Pedro went off to work and I put Nico down for a nap. 

I used my lovely 2 hours of Me Time on a Valentine's day make-over. 

BEFORE

AFTER

 Then, my date finally woke up!

Nico waited patiently while I got dressed...

He didn't look too bad himself!

And, after a thousand more pictures, we finally went to the park. 

 

He took some selfies...

I took some selfies...

And overall it was a very simple day full of the best kind of love! 

Much Needed "Me Time"

This time of year has to be one of the most stressful of all. On top of everything else you normally do, add making lists of things to get people, shopping for hours, cooking for hours, extra holiday cleaning, and so on for what seems like forever! 

I don't know about you, but all of the additional little tasks have me pretty tightly wound. It can be more difficult than ever to find time for yourself, to relax, which makes it more important than ever! Sleep is simply not enough anymore, as I find myself waking up sore and stiff.  

In order to feel better throughout the day we have to focus on establishing a time of rest for our bodies and souls. 

Fortunately there are 3 minor things that we can do to keep our batteries fully charged!

1. Devotional first thing in the morning - What is the first thing that comes to mind when you wake up in the morning? Usually, a long list of things you have to get done! What if, you turned off those automatic reminders, and tuned in to the Lord? Instead of casting all of those burdens and worries on to your own shoulders, remember that God is present and in control of EVERY situation. He cares about the things that trouble us throughout the day! Upon waking up, pray, and ask him to help you to relax, because He has it all in His capable hands. I like to use the YouVersion Bible App because it has endless devotions to help you listen to, and become aware of what God is trying to tell you today; which is far more important than what you will have for breakfast.

2. Stretch!!! - As I mentioned before, I have recently found myself waking up in worse shape than I was in when I went to sleep! The stresses of work, home life, and these end-of-year holidays have finally caught up to me. As a result, I found relief in an extremely mild daily exercise. If yoga is not your thing (it is definitely NOT mine) stretching works just as well! I found a video that works for me on YouTube; it is the first thing I do after my time with the Lord and it has gradually been loosening my tight muscles! 

3. Do something mindless - No, I don't mean go out and do something crazy and reckless just because you can! By mindless, I mean, do something that does not required much though or concentration, something that makes you feel good! I like to buy a cheap fun color of nail polish (97 cents for NYC Color at Walmart) to do my nails. It is easy, relaxing, and it forces me to stop for a minute to recollect my tranquility. It also makes me feel pretty! If you don't like to do your nails, pick your favorite song and listen to it without doing anything else. Close your eyes, and enjoy yourself!

 

When life gets overwhelming take a few steps back, and a couple hundred deep breaths! 

Things always get better!