"My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness. The effect you have on others’ lives is the highest expression of your own." ~ Maya Angelou Posts from HealthyExpatParent.com/Facebook Happy Monday!  Have you ever wondered about those stickers on fruit?  There is actually a purpose to those little things.  https://www.seriouseats.com/why-do-fruit-stickers-exist-11874523 ? New recipe: Let’s start the new yea

We know what a riptide is, right? A riptide is a strong ocean current that flows directly away from the shore. It is one of the...

Happy Monday!  Have you ever wondered about those stickers on fruit?  There is actually a purpose to those little things.  https://www.seriouseats.com/why-do-fruit-stickers-exist-11874523 ?

You can't make a comeback if you don't start. Posts from HealthyExpatParent.com/Facebook Wellness News Around the 'Net Happy Monday!  Food for thought on this last Monday of the year:  There are 10 distinct types of happiness.  Which ones resonate with you?  And, maybe more importantly, how can you embrace more of it? https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/ten-kinds-of-happiness You still have time to gift, not just for the holidays but because a birthday, a special day or

Looking to make some changes, add some healthier habits, shifting the balance of your activities more towards “well” rather than just maintaining.  Often, especially this time of year, people start seriously considering or moving towards adding new habits, or changing behavior.  Well, listen, changing behavior is hard, my friend.  In all cases of success, there has to be a lot of determination, will, and the ability to resist temptation.  Effective change CAN happen, but it c

Happy Monday!   Food for thought on this last Monday of the year:  There are 10 distinct types of happiness.  Which ones resonate with you?  And, maybe more importantly, how can you embrace more of it? https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/ten-kinds-of-happiness

"Celebrate what you've accomplished, but raise the bar a little higher each time you succeed." ~ Mia Hamm Posts from HealthyExpatParent.com/Facebook Monday post:  How we connect, how we relate to others, staying in the room even if it is uncomfortable or complicated — this is relational intelligence and it is really important. https://superage.com/the-real-reason-building-community-feels-so-hard/ New recipe: A treat that is as lovely as a candy-gifting option as it is a goodi

May you too find the peace that comes from self-awareness, serenity and introspection, and being content with what has — or has not — passed. At peace ~ Amado Nervo Very close to my sunset, I bless you, life,  because you never gave me false hope,  nor unjust work, nor undeserved pain; because I see at the end of my rough path  that I was the architect of my own destiny; That if I extracted honey or gall from things,  it was because I put gall or tasty honey into them:  when

Invite everyone to the table! Happy Christmas Eve!  May you enjoy this season with loved ones, and perhaps those who don’t have another table to join, too.   https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2025/12/intermarche-unloved-animated-christmas-ad/ ?

Monday post:  How we connect, how we relate to others, staying in the room even if it is uncomfortable or complicated — this is relational intelligence and it is really important. https://superage.com/the-real-reason-building-community-feels-so-hard/

The opposite of a good idea might also be a good idea. Posts from HealthyExpatParent.com/Facebook Happy Monday! This might be more for you than for your kids (depending on their age), but you know I love a deep dive and here's one into the evolution of St Nicholas, mall Santas and all things in between.  https://join1440.com/t/santa-claus?pinned-resource=the-history-of-mall-santas New recipe: What is better than caramels? Homemade caramels that you can gift to friends and fam

I am a rule- and schedule-lover, and I am not going to apologize for it. At the same time, I love a spontaneous rambling adventure. For me, the best times are with my kids, even if it is as simple as going to the mall, and hanging out over some weird food concoction in the food court. I love that there’s this pure and beautiful area of life where we are grounded, engaged, and deeply connected. My relationship with my kids has always felt right, and I’ve always trusted mys

Here we are with episode 3 from our series talking about Foreign Service kids and College.  This time, Hannah and I talk about money.  How to figure costs, what is need, what is merit and other kinds of aid, and how can we make going to university a bit more accessibly, financially-speaking.  It's a very different ballgame than when we parents went to university!  Grab your notebook and get ready to take a deep dive into finances for university.   Listen here for the episode:

Happy Monday! This might be more for you than for your kids (depending on their age), but you know I love a deep dive and here's one into the evolution of St Nicholas, mall Santas and all things in between.  https://join1440.com/t/santa-claus?pinned-resource=the-history-of-mall-santas

No rain, no flowers Posts from HealthyExpatParent.com/Facebook Wellness News Around the 'Net Happy Monday! We’re about to all have a lot more conversations with people, during these holiday events and (hopefully( with family. You ready?  https://www.wired.com/story/the-science-of-having-a-great-conversation-research-social-connection/ New podcast: FS Kids and College podcast # 2 - What is it students should be looking for, and how parents can support them in creating a balan

One of the best things we can do for our relationships -- parental, sibling, marital, friendship -- is to feed them.  What, exactly does 'food' for a relationship look like?  A couple of suggestions.   Laugh together. A new study out showed that the relationships that endure are those wherein those involved laugh together.  Not just at funny shows, or books, but through genuine interest and joy found together.   Do things you are both/all interested in.  Yes, this means you

Recording # 2 - FS kids and University A chat with Hannah Engel-Rebitzer, an independent Educational Consultant with Peak College Consulting, about what it is students should be looking for in university, and how parents can support this piece of the process .  We talk about location, academics, social scene, as well as a little about finances.  We talk about creating a balanced list and what that looks like.   Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2304981/episodes/1831679

Happy Monday! We’re about to all have a lot more conversations with people, during these holiday events and (hopefully) with family. You ready? https://www.wired.com/story/the-science-of-having-a-great-conversation-research-social-connection/

"Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory." ~ Dr. Seuss Posts from HealthyExpatParent.com/Facebook Happy Monday! Super exciting: Winter Olympics in February has already kicked off … I mean, the flame has started on its route. https://apnews.com/article/olympic-torch-relay-flame-lighting-milan-cortina-4e65b3fd17469322dd0023c4df1fb361?user_id=66c4c9515d78644b3ac6a2f2# ? First in a series of podcasts about Foreign Service Kids and Applying t

Here's what I know to be true: 1. Drink enough water. 2. Sleep as much as you can. 3. Eat leafy greens instead of things you can’t pronounce. 4. Move your body around as much as you can, preferably in nature. 5. Find some sort of faith in a force bigger than yourself. 6. Spend time with friends. Love your family. 7. Don’t work all the time. 8. Look for the best medical care you can manage. 9. Don’t monitor these things too obsessively, or you’re liable to go nuts. 10.  Stress