Last week’s Alaska jewelry giveaway had a bunch of commenters kvelling about the dragonfly pendant. (See illustration at left.)

Can’t blame them; I love the piece myself. It looks as though Alaska’s official state insect is about to take wing. That suggestion of motion stimulates my senses, especially during such a sluggish time (thanks, pandemic!) and sluggish season (hint: I’m not a skier).

The good news: Those who expressed admiration for the piece still have a shot at getting it, because the winner chose a different pendant. (Jeanne: The necklace and earrings should go into the mail today or tomorrow.)

What else is available? So glad you asked. 

In addition to the dragonfly pendant pictured above, the following works can still be purchased:

Pendant 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pendant 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pendant 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pendant 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re interested in obtaining any of these, drop me a line at SurvivingAndThriving (at) live (dot) com and I’ll put you in touch with Linda to arrange the purchase. Her pendants, with choice of cord or chain, are $30 to $35. #SupportTheLocalEconomy

 

Stuff you can win

 

Why not throw your hat into the virtual ring?

With the Savings.com #ZalesForVDay giveaway, five random lucky folks will each get $100 Visa e-gift card – which will be a nice head start on some Valentine’s Day bling. Throw your hat quickly, though, as this one ends at 11:59 p.m. PST Thursday, Feb. 4.

Arrest Your Debt is giving away a $100 Amazon card. The deadline to enter is Feb. 14 to enter.

Wealthy Nickel is also giving away a $100 Amazon card. Enter by 11:45 p.m. CST Feb. 28. 

Gridiron Gaming is giving away the winner’s choice of a Nintendo Switch or $300 cash. This contest also ends on Feb. 14.

A site called Gamestingr has put an Xbox Series X up for grabs. Not a gamer? Then accept the alternative prize – $500 into your PayPal account – if you win. The giveaway ends on March 6.

 

Kids and pandemic stress

 

It’s no secret that parents have struggled with the uncertainty, isolation and scheduling upheavals created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools that are closed. Schools that are opened and then closed once more. Cooped-up kids who can’t burn off energy at the playground or visit grandparents. And, of course, kids who are feeding off their parents’ stress over money, work and fear of illness.

According to an article on The Conversation, this sets up potential problems for the near future. Our kids could very well “struggle forming friendships, have academic difficulties, and face physical and mental health problems in adolescence and adulthood.”

In an article called “10 parenting strategies to reduce your kids’ pandemic stress,” the site suggests some antidotes to ongoing stress and anxiety. All are fairly simple and, better yet, none of them cost money.

My particular favorite: “Find ways that children can help others.” Center that discussion around the fact that other people are struggling during this time, and brainstorm ways that kids can make a difference. It could be as simple as donating outgrown toys or offering to help a neighbor with yardwork.

Some people use the “three jars” method (save, spend, donate) to teach their children about money. If that’s you, here’s my suggestion: Tell your child(ren) that while your family is food-secure, some families need to visit food banks. Then take the contents of the “donate” jar(s) and go shopping.

Should kiddos want to buy stuff like presweetened cereal or potato chips, bring up the notion of helping people with meals vs. snacks: canned soups, stews, beans, meat/poultry/fish, vegetables and fruit. Peanut butter and boxed mac ‘n’ cheese are always welcome, too.

Bonus parenting points if you teach them how to read the unit pricing labels and do the math; for example, since the store-brand baked beans cost X percent less, your money will go further.

(And if you don’t feel safe with in-person shopping? Order contactless curbside pickup or buy via grocery delivery.)

Ideally, you’d give the cash directly to the food bank or to Feeding America, a nationwide clearinghouse that helps food programs buy in bulk. But I think that with kids it’s better to show cause and effect: 

• There’s hunger in our community.
• I am choosing to spend my giving dollars on canned tuna/cheese ravioli/beef stew/mac ‘n’ cheese/whatever.
• Because of this, some households will be able to feed themselves/their kids.

Alternate scenario: If your child is an animal lover, make your shopping trip to a pet store to buy food or litter, and then drop the items off at the pet shelter or with an animal rescue group. Talk with kiddo about how their donation is helping to provide care for animals in need. This might also make them (or you) want to take home Every Single Cat and Dog, so be ready to have that conversation.

Readers: How are the kids in your household (or in your immediate orbit) handling the ongoing stress? Got any coping tactics to share?