Heart and Habit

Heart and Habit | Cultivating A Simple, Stylish And Content Every Day

  • Heart and Habit
  • About
  • Work With
  • Products
  • Categories
    • STYLE AND ATTIRE
    • YOGA
    • HAIR AND FACES
    • ADVICE AND INFO
    • REAL LIFE
    • HEALTH AND WELLNESS
    • MUSIC AND BOOKS
  • Contact
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Filed Under: ADVICE AND INFO, Daily, Giveaways

How To Get Past Water Fears in Kids + Sunuva Giveaway

summer swimning Slowly but surely, my kids are close to being better swimmers than me. That’s also not saying much, because I’m less then stellar (to make myself sound better than I am) but at the same time it really is. Swimming in my mind, maybe because I’m not the best swimmer, is like reading. It’s a life skill they NEED to learn. Luckily, like reading, it’s a pretty fun and fantastic life skill. This is the first year that both kids, are pretty much swimming like little fishies and the first year that both are deeply in love with the water. They have both had a bit of a love hate relationship with the water, sometimes being down right afraid. But they (we) persevered and lately they are both talking about how happy they are that they did. (there is really cute/useful giveaway at the end)

Has your little one had a love hate relationship with swimming? Because it is often nice to hear from someone who has TOTALLY been there (oh those sad scared tears….heart pains) these are some of the things we did to get over those scared/not-interested-in-swimming-even-a-little-bit, bumps (because they are just bumps in the road):

  1. CANCEL THE SWIM LESSONS – not usually a good thing to do, because quitting is never a good example to set. But there is also no sense in forcing them to do something that they clearly don’t want to do. And I found with swimming, the more you force, the more they resist and unlike other activities the fear of water can leave a more lasting effect/memory. So cancel this session and just drop the whole concept of swimming for a while, let the things breathe a little….literally.
  2. SKIP A SESSION – if they are still talking about how they are scared of bobbing their head underwater or maybe something else that was scary about their last lesson (maybe just the water in general). Sadly sometimes it was just the teacher, just like regular school a good swim teacher is worth SO MUCH and a not so good one? Well that can quickly turn them to against something they otherwise previously loved. So what we did, in all situations is let the whole swimming situation breathe a little. We skipped the next session of swim lessons and gave them time to grow and maybe forget a bit.
  3. GO FOR FAMILY SWIMS – when you skip a session, go for weekend family swims just for fun. Even stay in the kiddie pool (with allll the pee — ewwwwwww) and just let them play. Create FUN memories of swimming, that will hopefully help replace or over power the scary ones.
  4. CHANGE THE LOCATION – after skipping a session, I always go back and sign them up again but I ALWAYS choose a different pool for the next swimming lesson. Something as simple as a different pool and teacher roster can change SO much, sometimes after the break the fear they had with the water is pretty much only associated to the pool they were at — or at least easier to talk them into trying (and all you both need is to try). So switch it up, it’ll probably be a bit more interesting for you too – new place, new people.

Also you know what helps, sure it sounds silly but it sometimes does; new swim gear to get them all excited for swimming again. This summer we broke past a few fear barriers and both kids are literally begging to swim every single day and really how could I say no, so if you’re looking for us the last 3 weeks of summer vacation – we’ll be at the pool.

no swimming fears Sunuva, my (honest to goodness) favorite swim company for kids; their suits just fit so perfectly on Harlow and the trunks are just the perfect length and fit for King. Plus the prints are always adorable AND they also happen to have full UV coverage on all their swim – which is like the goggles on a swimming day (icing on cake reference, no?).

Sunuva wants to give ONE of you a $135 CAD gift card (which equates to appx $111 USD and 100 pounds) to shop online at Sunuva for your little fish (maybe for their next swimming session?). (open internationally)
Entering is easy: a Rafflecopter giveaway

August 18, 2015     |     written by Brandy     |     24 Comments



Filed Under: Daily, Giveaways

DEAR KATE / GIVEAWAY

Dear-Kate-giveaway Last week, in my post about yoga and how it’s oozing into my everyday I wore the Dear Kate #nothingunder yoga pants. Which I have been wearing a ton since, I won’t tell you how much because even I would judge me. I mean yoga pants with built-in underwear? What’s not to love, it’s like two things that should have gone together (or apart, if we are talking underwear and yoga pants) from the very beginning of yoga pants.

Because I dig them so much, I really wanted one of you to also reveal in the world of commando yoga pants. And guess what, so did Dear Kate! They want to give one Heart and Habit reader The Yoga Bralet and The Full Length #nothingunder Yoga Pants – way better than just the pants, it’s a whole yoga get up!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

January 20, 2015     |     written by Brandy     |     77 Comments

Filed Under: Daily, Giveaways

YOGA ESSENTIALS STARTER KIT / GIVEAWAY

yoga essentials from manduka | giveaway What better way to start the new year out then with some brand new yoga gear? This isn’t just any yoga gear, it’s a full set of essentials from Manduka. This set of props would make a great starter kit or a wonderful addition to your existing yoga goods. Hey, this is the year to take care of yourself and doing yoga (or working out) is on the list – here is a great way to add some pep in your step!

So what will you win? Well, the wonderful people at Manduka want to give ONE Heart and Habit reader a LiveON mat, eQua Mat Towel, Block, and a Strap – all in your (since you’re gonna win, right?) preferred colors.

To enter? There are a few ways to enter (and one mandatory) if you like extra chances, check the rafflecopter widget below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

January 6, 2015     |     written by Brandy     |     116 Comments

Filed Under: Daily, Giveaways

CAVALIER / GIVEAWAY

Cavalier is a newish kids label that recently hit the market, have you heard of them? They make some crazy cool, unique street clothing for kids. Super unique but still super cool, like this D-Ray Cardigan – kiddos can wear it like a hooded cape, or without the hood as like a kimono cardi. The brand is the brainchild of a brave, design centric power couple, their vision is to dress kids in and eventually adults in clothing that sparks a creative freedom of expression.

Cavalier wants to give TWO Heart & Habit readers shop credits of $100 US dollars. So you can grab a couple really awesome and unique items from this new really fun brand. Also a quick note: the prices on the site are in Singapore dollars and the prize comes in US dollars.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hey, and for you folks who maybe aren’t so into entering giveaways but really dig sales. Well, you can use the code: 15FORH&H at checkout for 15% off your purchase at Cavalier (valid until the end of October).

Open to North American residents. Mandatory entry must be met in order to qualify. Giveaway ends October.8th at 12am.

October 1, 2014     |     written by Brandy     |     26 Comments

Filed Under: Daily, Giveaways, My Style, STYLE AND ATTIRE, Uniform

EVERYDAY BAG / GIVEAWAY

BRAVE Leather 'Dara" Bucket Bag BRAVE Leather 'Dara" Bucket Bag If a bag doesn’t have the capability to become a ‘everyday” bag, then it’s just not the bag for me! Everything that goes into my closet, needs to seamlessly fit into to my existing uniform – otherwise it’s a no-go and my closet basically spits it right back out.  This bag, from BRAVE Leather is the perfect bucket bag that can be worn over the shoulder or as a backpack, actually this bag didn’t even make it in my closet at all. It went from being nicely packaged in the box straight onto my back and it hasn’t left since (well, I don’t sleep without it – that might be a little silly or would it?). I can fit all my regular purse items (my wallet, maybe a lip balm and my trusty notepads) plus my chunky SLR or my water bottle – it would easily fit both the camera and water, but I’m not really a gambler.

BRAVE Leather 'Dara" Bucket Bag BRAVE has been making fine leather goods (like this bag) for over 20 years, each item is ethically designed and manufactured in Canada. They create women’s and men’s belts, handbags and accessories, all finely crafted and made to last both time and live well-beyond trends.

And hey, guess what!? The wonderful people at BRAVE want to give one very lucky (it really is a fantastic bag) Heart & Habit reader a Dara leather bucket bag of their own!

You have a choice between two colorways in the Dara the spring Sienna (like my bag) or the new fall color which is a galaxy silver finish. *There is one mandatory entry (the “leave a blog post about your favorite fall item” one) so, make sure you check that one entry off the list or your other entries won’t count!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open to US and Canadian residents. BRAVE leather will ship the winning bag to the randomly chosen giveaway winner, Heart & Habit does not distribute or handle items at all. Giveaway winner has 7 days to respond to winning email, if there is no response within this time – another random draw will take place.

September 23, 2014     |     written by Brandy     |     48 Comments

Filed Under: Daily, Giveaways

BRING THE SOUND / GIVEAWAY

Chris sneakily snapped some photos as I lay in the grass playing DJ while the kids played soccer just beside me (no I totally didn’t get smacked with the ball, I know you were worried) . These blissful moments of stillness for me only really happen when Chris is home, when I’m able to let me guard down a little and just (sigh) enjoy.

How am I playing DJ? It’s okay, my kids think I’m a magician too. Well, Sol Republic sent us their wireless speaker,  DECK and we’ve been bringing it everywhere with us; to the park, out in the backyard and to the beach (sorta beach/city beach). The sound is fantastic (way better than I expected) we just stream music from our iphones using the bluetooth option, usually a mix of Songza and our own playlists.

Sol Republic also wants to give one Heart + Habit reader their very own wireless speaker, Deck – it comes in three colors: lime, red or grey (we have the grey).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*giveaway is open to the US and Canada (for Canada, be aware that there may be a customs charge upon receipt of item – Sol Republic and Heart + Habit are in no way responsible for this fee). You must not have won an item from Sol Republic in the last 6 months, to qualify for this giveaway. This is not a sponsored post.

August 27, 2014     |     written by Brandy     |     50 Comments

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 9
  • Next Page »

CULTIVATING YOUR
SIMPLE, STYLISH AND
CONTENT EVERY DAY.

read more about how this blog can put a daily smile on your face. And also more about it’s yoga loving, apparel designing, eternal optimistic author, brandy.

I KNOW WHAT YOU’RE THINKING, “THESE POSTS ARE AWESOME!”


(and guess what? all you have to do is enter your favorite email address and you can have them all sent right to your inbox! And then you never have to miss any again, pretty great right?)
DISCLAMER
H+H contains some contextual affiliate links. What is that? An affiliate link is a link in which advertisers have agreed to pay a commission should a purchase be made from that click-through. I never post anything that I haven’t or wouldn’t purchase myself.

Copyright © 2010-, Heart & Habit all rights reserved. Reproduction of any content without written consent is prohibited.

see our collections

DAMN, THESE POSTS ARE GOOD!

(don't ever miss any again, get them sent to your inbox)


CULTIVATING YOUR
SIMPLE, STYLISH AND
CONTENT EVERY DAY.


  • PINTEREST
  • INSTAGRAM
  • TWITTER
  • FACEBOOK
  • BLOGLOVIN
  • Private Policy

Handcrafted with by Heart and Habit