Parenting bloggers rave about Screen-Free Fun
Screen-Free Fun is now available both online and in stores nationwide, but what is even more exciting is that families are finding ways to connect and bond with this resource already. See what the top bloggers in the parenting community have to say about Screen-Free Fun. Continue reading
Screen-Free Fun is Getting Some Buzz – Upcoming Media Appearances
After a long wait, Screen-Free Fun is now available both online and in stores nationwide. Pick up this parenting resource to kick off Screen-Free Week (April 30-May 6) or to have on hand when the kids get bored this summer.
We’ve had quite an interest in the book and are pleased to announce the following posts/reviews by parenting experts, bloggers and avid readers. Continue reading
Screen-Free Fun Spotlighted by Mother Mag & Jinxy Kids
With Screen-Free Fun set to release this week (Tuesday, April 3rd), I thought I would share a few sneak peeks from a few media outlets who have received advance copies.
Special thanks to Mother Mag for highlighting their top 10 activities from the book in this article: 10 Screen-Free Activities to Try Now
Dreams Don’t Work Unless You Do
Published March 2018: The Messenger
Dreams Don’t Work Unless You Do
I’ve always been a dreamer, but a meticulous one. Although on the outside (and in my home of seven), you may not always see that I’m organized, but I believe that dreaming and planning go hand in hand.
Recently, I came across the phrase: “Dreams Don’t Work Unless You Do.” It struck me as something very fitting for my home office, so when attending one of those Brushes and Boards party, I made a wood sign with this exact phrase.
Every day when I’m working from my home office, I look up at this sign for motivation, especially when procrastination takes over. My children have walked through my office and noticed it, too. It truly defines how I feel about dreams and what I want my children to know. Continue reading
The Little Things: Aging Gracefully
I’ve never wanted to admit that I’m aging. In fact, as I get closer to 40, I find myself acting more like a teenager, wearing scarves, boots and purple jeggings, dancing to Flo Rida in my underwear and sucking down trendy Starbucks drinks much to my childrens’ dismay.
However, one thing I’ve learned during this year of transition and quite possibly, a mid-life crisis, is that as I age, it’s the little things that matter the most.
Instead of getting excited over 50 cent draft night, I find more pleasure in the purchase of a Dyson vacuum cleaner. Continue reading
New Beginnings Disguised as Chaos
As a working single mom, I’ve never been one to wallow in the challenges of the balancing act. I’ve accepted the fact that I live in my car 6 out of 7 days a week transporting my kiddos to and from dance, football and soccer practices. I’ve accepted the fact that no matter how hard I try, we will run out of milk before I buy a new gallon and it’s likely that we will be late to at least three events each week. I’ve also accepted the fact that I am going to mess up … a lot. Continue reading
When You Love Someone …
When you love someone, you give away your heart and your soul. You break down the walls, unleash your fears and dive in to experience something real.
When you love someone, you share who you are inside, what you dream to be and work together to accomplish those dreams.
When you love someone, you respect yourself, allow yourself to be treated fairly and embrace the good and bad about each other. Continue reading
‘You’re Fired:’ Is it Worth Burning Bridges?
I was raised to work and work hard. Maybe it was because I watched my mother struggle to raise three girls by working multiple jobs or maybe it was because I liked the intrinsic rewards tied to a job well done.
I work hard, I expect others to work hard and I believe that a strong work ethic is the most appealing quality of an employee, and even more, a journalist. Ethics surround our profession. They consume our minds when we choose photos, craft leads, choose quotes and organize facts. They trickle through our veins when we interview both sides to ensure the story is balanced and ask the difficult and often uncomfortable questions. We can’t half-ass it – our readers make us accountable. Continue reading
Nice to Meet Me
My name is Shannon and I like to run, sing, and dance around by myself. I truly like cutting the grass with the sun shining on my shoulders. I like to listen to music – any music – that makes me want to dance and I like to people watch and daydream. It’s nice to meet me.
I’ve always known ‘things’ about myself – I’m a mom, a partner, a teacher, an adviser, a friend, a colleague, a sister, a daughter and a neighbor – but I’ve always felt a little lost consumed by all of these roles. I wasn’t sure who I truly was and what I liked. Continue reading
I See You: Taking Risks Online
I’m not one to lecture and I hate being lectured to, but when it comes to talking to my students about establishing an online presence, I turn on my ‘lecture’ voice. “Be proud of what you produce because it is permanent.” In the past 5 years, I have uttered these words more times than I care to remember.
Here’s Why: Continue reading
About Me
Three words to describe me? Passionate. Motivated. Curious. These traits help me as a college media adviser and professor, freelance writer, author and mom. From student journalism and higher education to parenting and freelance writing, this site, focused on writing, reflecting and teaching, offers a mix of blogs with a hint of humor, sarcasm, and inspiration, as well as my published stories on just about every possible topic.
Feel free to browse my sample works including feature news, magazine, and web copywriting pieces from the past and present. You can also pick up my new book “Screen-Free Fun: 400 Activities for the Whole Family” now available. Check back often for daily updates, blog entries, and additional stories. Feel free to contact me directly at shphilpott@gmail.com, follow me on Twitter, or grab tips for Screen-Free Fun on our Facebook page. Comments are welcome!
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 