Your summer wardrobe can be seen in a whole knew way!  Take a look at those winter clothes and see if you can remake them into something amazing.   Pants can be turned into shorts…..long sleeve shirts into cute little tanks.  Sounds great right? Check out all the amazing refashions in the gallery below!

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  10 Summer Refashion Ideas

  Click through the gallery!

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/05/15/10-summer-refashion-ideas/#10-summer-refashion-ideas
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  Shirt to Skirt

  Have a few old t-shirts laying around? Whip them up into a cute skirt! You can see the step-by-step over at Whipperberry!

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/05/15/10-summer-refashion-ideas/#shirt-to-skirt
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  Men's Top to Tank

  Men's button ups have lots of other uses in the refashion world. Convert one to a tank top using this great tutorial from Cotton and Curls.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/05/15/10-summer-refashion-ideas/#mens-top-to-tank
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  Hemmed Jeans

  This is a great idea for your worn out jeans....or jeans that are "high waters" on your kiddos! Shorten long jeans into rolled hem shorts! See how to finish the edge at Very Homemade.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/05/15/10-summer-refashion-ideas/#hemmed-jeans
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  Peplum Top

  This is so adorable! Take a men's t-shirt and transform it into a cute little peplum style top! The full tutorial can be found at Cotton and Curls.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/05/15/10-summer-refashion-ideas/#peplum-top
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  Sweet Shorts

  Turn a cute pair of pants into shorts for the summer! See how La Vie En Rose made hers using a pair of J Crew Pants.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/05/15/10-summer-refashion-ideas/#sweet-shorts
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  With a Sash

  Another great pants to shorts tutorial from Darling Adventures. Her tutorial includes a cute little belt sash.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/05/15/10-summer-refashion-ideas/#with-a-sash
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  A Fitted Dress

  Find an unflattering boxy dress at the thrift shop and make it amazing! See how Cotton and Curls refashioned this cute striped dress into a stunning fit!

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/05/15/10-summer-refashion-ideas/#a-fitted-dress
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  Rolled Over

  Create a colorful hem on a pair of shorts using an old pair of pants and some contrasting fabric. Find the instructions at Sisters What.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/05/15/10-summer-refashion-ideas/#rolled-over
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  4 Different Shorts

  4 different ways to turn pants into shorts! Roo shows you how...click here for the steps on hemmed, cut and fold, rolled and cut!

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/05/15/10-summer-refashion-ideas/#4-different-shorts
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  Skinny Pants

  Ever wished your wide-leg pants were skinny? You can alter them in a few easy steps. Check out the step by step tutorial at Merrick's Art.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/05/15/10-summer-refashion-ideas/#skinny-pants

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This post is sponsored by Disney Story. To find out more about this brand-new story-creation app – and how it puts the power of storytelling in your hands - click here.

I rarely buy those “as seen on TV” products but my daughter has been begging for the individual ice cream maker.  I finally gave in because I thought it would be a fun way to do some “cooking” after school.  She’s been experimenting with a few different recipes and they have all been great.  Her favorite (and mine) is the strawberry ice cream … here’s how she does it:

Her Recipe:
1/4 cup Heavy Cream
1/2 Tbsp of Sugar
1 Tbsp of Diced Strawberries
1 tsp Hershey’s Strawberry Syrup

I love that the serving of ice cream is only about a 1/4 cup and she ends up eating most of the fresh fruit I’ve diced up in advance as she concocts her recipes. It’s kind of a sneaky way to get her to eat a few servings of fruit that she wouldn’t agree to otherwise!

During the busy week there is one recipe I come back to over and over…..vegetable fried rice. I typically use frozen white rice….

….and a premixed bag of vegetables. It takes under 20 minutes to make from start to finish!

The key to making fried rice is using rice that is a few days old (i.e. the frozen rice from the grocery store is perfect) and also using a bit of sesame oil!

Click here to find the full recipe!  There is also a separate recipe for Chicken Fried Rice it just involves additional steps.

Have your planned out your summer activities yet? Here are a few fun craft and activity ideas featuring chalkboard paint. One can on paint can go a long way for entertaining! Links are in the gallery below:

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  Summer Chalkboard Fun

  Click through the gallery to see all the fun projects!

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/05/07/summer-diy-chalkboard-fun/#summer-chalkboard-fun
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  Sun Block

  How about a fun photo prop or opaque shades for laying out in the sun? Make your own chalkboard glasses via Lost in the Haze.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/05/07/summer-diy-chalkboard-fun/#sun-block
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  Yard Art

  A chalkboard outside makes great fun and doubles as yard decor! Make an outdoor chalkboard wall via Project Denneler.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/05/07/summer-diy-chalkboard-fun/#yard-art
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  Take Notice

  Post all your summer activities and photos in one place! Make a magnetic chalkboard tray via HelloBee.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/05/07/summer-diy-chalkboard-fun/#take-notice
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  Honey See, Honeydew

  Make sure all your summer plans are followed through on! Create a chalkboard wall or use large piece of MDF and add your summer bucket list via I Create with Love.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/05/07/summer-diy-chalkboard-fun/#honey-see-honeydew
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  Rock On

  Fun little summer gifts and activity in one. Make chalkboard stones via Artful Kids.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/05/07/summer-diy-chalkboard-fun/#rock-on
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  One Step at a Time

  Decorate your garden with this fun craft! Add chalkboard stepping stones to your garden via Tip Junkie.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/05/07/summer-diy-chalkboard-fun/#one-step-at-a-time

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Looking for a simple gift idea? I recently used an old thrift store pair of suede pants to make some little journal gifts:

Here’s the before and after:

I made the little journal inserts using some paper and cardstock:

Want to make your own?  You can find the full tutorial here!

Thanks to Minute Maid® Pure Squeezed for sponsoring this post. Click here to see more of the discussion.

As a family we are always trying to find new games to play but we always end up going back to our favorites! My favorite types of games are the ones that have simple instructions, can be taught quickly to any guest and can involve a wide range of ages. There’s only so much Candy Land I can take without seeing double gumdrops.

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  Favorite Family Games

  Here are our favorite classic games that we come back to over and over again....ones that stand the test of time. Click through the gallery!

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/04/22/our-favorite-classic-family-games/#favorite-family-games
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  Apples to Apples

  Apples to Apples has always been a favorite and it's an easy way to involve a large number of people! We love that it involved imagination and creative thinking. It's a very non-complicated card game. $18.99 at Amazon

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/04/22/our-favorite-classic-family-games/#apples-to-apples
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  Blokus

  Blokus is a great game of strategy and math skills...and there's even a version for small kids. It keeps the whole family on their toes and we joke that we get smarter every time we play (I think we do!) $19.91 on Amazon

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/04/22/our-favorite-classic-family-games/#blokus
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  Modified Scrabble

  We've started playing Scrabble as a family. With my six year old we've made a few modifications so that she can easily play it (click here to download the scorecard). $23.99 at Amazon.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/04/22/our-favorite-classic-family-games/#modified-scrabble
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  Uno

  Uno was my favorite game as a kid. It's easy to pack for travel and easy to simplify for all ages. $6.71 on Amazon.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/04/22/our-favorite-classic-family-games/#uno
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  Oversized Checkers

  I inherited one of these marble labyrinths from my grandfather and I still love pulling it out. It's hard even for the adults but we'll sit there for hours trying to get the marble through the maze! $19.99 on Amazon.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/04/22/our-favorite-classic-family-games/#oversized-checkers
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  Marble Labyrinth

  A jumbo checker game is great when the weather is nice! Take it to the park! $14.37 on Amazon.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/04/22/our-favorite-classic-family-games/#marble-labyrinth
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  Connect Four

  Connect four is always a blast! We even have a little mini travel version I throw in my purse. $22.95 on Amazon.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/04/22/our-favorite-classic-family-games/#connect-four

What are your favorites?

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I don’t know about you, but I used to get so much anxiety about having way too many digital photos on my computer that weren’t printed. I’ve been on a mission recently to catch up on all my home movies, photo printing etc.  It’s not as daunting as you may think….because I use a process.  From photos to home movies, I have lists (and free download) that keep me on track regardless of when or how I left off in the middle of working on a project.  I’ve learned in the past few years to: keep it simple.  I thrown fancy scrapbooking and embellishments out the window and kept to a very classic, easy system that will never go out of date.  I hope some of these will help you get back on track too and assist you in preserving your family’s precious moments! Links are in the gallery below:

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  10 Tips for Organizing Photos and Preserving Family Memories

  My top 10 tips for getting your photos printed....see links in the gallery!

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/04/12/10-tips-for-organizing-family-photos-and-memories/#10-tips-for-organizing-photos-and-preserving-family-memories
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  Artwork and More

  Make an easy portfolio to hold precious artwork. It can be stored behind a chest of drawers or under bed. Click here for the tutorial.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/04/12/10-tips-for-organizing-family-photos-and-memories/#artwork-and-more
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  Printing Digital Photos

  Do you have anxiety about printing all those digital photos? I have a process I use to catch up. Read more here on printing YEARS worth of photos.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/04/12/10-tips-for-organizing-family-photos-and-memories/#printing-digital-photos
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  Organizing Photos

  Not sure what to do about stacks and stacks of photos? Try organizing them with an easy checklist method so you never get lost or disorganized. Click here for the free download.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/04/12/10-tips-for-organizing-family-photos-and-memories/#organizing-photos
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  Photo Books

  In addition to photo albums, I also make a yearly digital book with photos, artwork, quotes etc for my daughter. I've compiled all my page ideas into one master post. Click here to see all the samples!

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/04/12/10-tips-for-organizing-family-photos-and-memories/#photo-books
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  Yearly Albums

  I love making yearly photos albums with everything but the kitchen sink. I love making them timeless and easy. Click here for my tips, process and supply list.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/04/12/10-tips-for-organizing-family-photos-and-memories/#yearly-albums
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  Memory Notes

  An easy way to keep track of events and milestones for your child (or you!) is to keep a notebook in your car. Read more about the "school gossip" book here.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/04/12/10-tips-for-organizing-family-photos-and-memories/#memory-notes
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  Home Movies

  Do you have a bunch of VHS and old movie reels? I've recently converted mine to DVD. Click here for my top tips!

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/04/12/10-tips-for-organizing-family-photos-and-memories/#home-movies
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  DVD Cover Templates

  How to make easy DVD covers and labels to organize your home movies. Click here for the full tutorial and template download.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/04/12/10-tips-for-organizing-family-photos-and-memories/#dvd-cover-templates
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  File Back Up

  Make sure to back up all your digital files and photos into several places. I have a very easy method for backing up my files and it's all about using "screenshot!" Visit the entire tutorial here.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/04/12/10-tips-for-organizing-family-photos-and-memories/#file-back-up
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  The Lil Journal Project

  I started the Lil Journal Project last year to help people start recording their memories and legacy in a fun way. Here's a sample day: Paste a class photo into a page and write everything you can remember about your classmates and events. Click here to view the entire project or click here to just view Day 9.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/04/12/10-tips-for-organizing-family-photos-and-memories/#the-lil-journal-project

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Have you started your spring shopping yet? I always need a few go-to dresses that make my mornings a little easier getting my daughter off to school. Here are 10 fun dresses for any occasion that I’m sure you’ll love! The best part? They are all under $50!

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  10 Fab Spring Dresses under $50

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/03/20/10-fabulous-spring-dresses-under-50/#10-fab-spring-dresses-under-50
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  To the Max

  I can never have enough of the jersey maxi dress for spring and summer each year.
  
  Old Navy T-Back Jersey Maxi Dresses $25.00

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/03/20/10-fabulous-spring-dresses-under-50/#to-the-max
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  Nautical

  I love the nautical vibe of this dress and the length of the sleeves.
  
  Tokyo Street Striped Dress from Ruche $32.99

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/03/20/10-fabulous-spring-dresses-under-50/#nautical
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  Fun and Flirty

  A fun style and flirty shape! I love the pockets.
  
  Printed drop-waist dress from The Gap $49.99.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/03/20/10-fabulous-spring-dresses-under-50/#fun-and-flirty
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  Versatile

  This is one of my favorite go-to styles for church on Sunday because I end up wearing it all day!
  
  Old Navy Tab-Sleeve Tee Dresses $19.99.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/03/20/10-fabulous-spring-dresses-under-50/#versatile
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  Mint Juleps

  Mint is the perfect spring color!
  
  Filled with Merri-mint Dress from ModCloth $49.99

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/03/20/10-fabulous-spring-dresses-under-50/#mint-juleps
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  Sweet Variety

  This dress is such a sweet style and comes in a variety of colors!
  
  Merona Women's Front Ruffle Bodice Dress with Belt at Target $25.00

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/03/20/10-fabulous-spring-dresses-under-50/#sweet-variety
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  Tunic Length

  This would make a great dress for travel. Wear as a tunic to mix it up!
  
  Merona Lace Top Dress at Target $20.00

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/03/20/10-fabulous-spring-dresses-under-50/#tunic-length
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  Just Peachy

  Blush. A cute, buttoned dress with a flattering silhouette.
  
  Newberry Buttons Dress in Peach $39.99

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/03/20/10-fabulous-spring-dresses-under-50/#just-peachy
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  For a Polo Match

  This is my favorite out of the bunch! Sporty and sweet all wrapped into one.
  
  Striped T-Shirt Dress by Hive and Honey at Piperlime $49.00

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/03/20/10-fabulous-spring-dresses-under-50/#for-a-polo-match
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  Asymmetrical

  Love the shape of this dress and the colors!
  
  Mossimo Racerback Maxi Dress at Target $25.00

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/03/20/10-fabulous-spring-dresses-under-50/#asymmetrical

Make sure to check out these other recent roundups! Click the images to view the galleries:

(or click here to visit 10 Fun Easter Crafts)

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My 6-year-old daughter “Boo” and I were brainstorming some ways to raise money for her little school to help fund financial aid for students who need it.  The final idea: Paintings by Boo

I helped her a little with some ideas and taught her to use the sander. Once she finished a painting we looked for quotes for her to add.  The trick to letting a kid get messy?  Purchase large lined tarps…..no worries after that.

A few more tips:

1. Add water to paint. It makes it easier to spread across the canvas.

2. Purchase large, long, inexpensive paintbrushes from your craft store. These are perfect for kids to stand back and get a perspective of their painting.

3. Introduce different techniques! We love using bubble wrap and other household items for printing.

4. Always wear old clothes…..so there are no worries about getting covered from head to toe in paint.

Here’s her process:

For more information about the paintings and the cause click here!

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Make sure to check out these other recent roundups! Click the images to view the galleries:

Thanks to Minute Maid® Pure Squeezed for sponsoring this post. Click here to see more of the discussion.

I was in an airport recently and I saw this little bird scurrying around. He was walking right up to the waiting passengers and looking for crumbs they might have left behind.  I noticed that he was missing part of his foot but he didn’t seem to miss a beat.  He flew and fluttered around like any other bird. I watched this little creature while I was reading my book for over an hour and I came away thinking he might have been the happiest little bird I’d ever seen. It reminded me of this quote:

I love starting off my family’s day with a good quote or saying. Sometimes it’s just a simple “make good choices today” and other times it’s something a little more specific to help my daughter get through the day.   I write quotes down from movies, books, Pinterest and even the adorably funny quotes from my 6 year old daughter. They are little tidbits of wisdom…..”Cliff’s Notes” I want to remember to model each day around.

My daughter’s sentences she writes in school get me every time….I love her great attitude:

Note: Yes, my daughter thinks she has legally changed her name to “Boo”….and has even convinced the school.

I wish I could freeze time for her.

Here are a few favorite quotes. I’ve paired a few of them up with my morning Instagram hiking shots…..it’s beautiful here in the Southern California desert.  I hope today you are as happy as can be:

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  The Art of Happiness

  I work on this every day. What can I do without? How can I live with less? How can I pass this on to my daughter?

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/03/14/starting-off-the-day-inspired/#the-art-of-happiness
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  For What It's Worth

  I love this quote from Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It's never too early, it's never too late, there are no rules....

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/03/14/starting-off-the-day-inspired/#for-what-its-worth
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  You're Out There

  I'm out there every day! Making mistakes by the boatload....

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/03/14/starting-off-the-day-inspired/#youre-out-there
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  Considerate

  My mission in life: to raise a considerate, humble, hardworking child who has empathy and compassion.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/03/14/starting-off-the-day-inspired/#considerate
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  Show Them How

  My daughter said to me today: I don't know the names of anyone in my pottery class. I asked her if she had introduced herself and she said no. We made a plan that next time she would take the initiative and ask her classmates names and what grades they were in to break the ice and make it easier on everyone!

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/03/14/starting-off-the-day-inspired/#show-them-how
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  Without Your Consent

  Another quote I used today with my daughter only I changed the words a bit: no one can make you feel bad about yourself!

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/03/14/starting-off-the-day-inspired/#without-your-consent
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  Self Pity

  I first wrote this quote down after seeing G.I. Jane years ago. The rest of the quote is: A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself.

  /babble-voices/hey-look-at-me-ashley-hackshaw/2013/03/14/starting-off-the-day-inspired/#self-pity

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Read more of my writing at:

Make sure to check out these other recent roundups! Click the images to view the galleries: