HAPPY FATHERS DAY from WWE Diva Natalya!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY from WWE Diva Natalya!

WWE Diva Natalya and father Jim “The Anvil” NeidhartMost people know that I have followed in my dad’s footsteps professionally, carrying on the Hart family legacy in WWE. However, what people don’t know, is how much I’ve followed his example outside of the ring. It’s easy for people to think that because of my last name, I was handed my position as a WWE Diva.  The truth is, I struggled a lot to make it to the WWE.  I am grateful for those doors being slammed in my face. I kept going, following my heartbeat, my pulse, and what made me excited to wake up every morning, my love for wrestling. I didn’t realize it at the time, but all of the tiny wars and setbacks would make me stronger than I could ever imagine. My dad reminded me that I would become more skilled learning how to “drive” on that winding road, than on that straight, “perfect” road. So I kept going. I persevered through years of being rejected, trying to make it to WWE. It is true, I am my father’s daughter. Our professions may be the same, but I’ve learned much more about life from my father than I could ever learn about wrestling. Growing up, my father instilled in me several key values that have made me the person I am today. Most importantly, hard work and determination pay off, family will always come first and having fun is more important than winning. After all, in the end, it’s the fun stuff in life that we want to remember!

My father always had goals. Before he came to WWE, he was a world class shot-putter. He went to UCLA on a full scholarship. He played in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys and the Oakland Raiders. Then, he went on to become a multiple-time WWE Tag Team Champion.  My dad was always working toward something. He had this incredible discipline inside of him. When he put his mind to it, there was nothing he couldn’t do. He showed me that if you never stop setting small goals, big dreams come true as long as you have enough determination and motivation to not give up. He taught me that just because someone tells you can’t do something or a door closes, doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel. That’s when you grab the towel and hit the ground running!  Each set back and each obstacle is a learning experience that provides the knowledge you need to achieve your goal on the next try. My dad showed me that it’s ok to fall down,  because when you get back up, you’ll be strong like an ANVIL.

I’m also incredibly grateful that my father showed me what unconditional love looks and feels like. He has lived through major triumphs and some difficult pitfalls. Through it all, he never forgot the importance of family. My father has always believed that family is EVERYTHING. Winning the Divas Championship was a wonderful feeling and getting to be in the ring during WrestleMania is indescribable. However, I came to the realization a long time ago, that for me, if I don’t build relationships with people that share in my joy and help carry me when I stumble, my accomplishments won’t mean anything. Every time my dad watches me wrestle & cheers me on, I feel like I’m the champion of the world.

Finally, my father taught me the importance of having fun… F-U-N! My father is my biggest supporter, and he is always there to remind me to smile, pause and enjoy the moment. I can still hear his words ringing loudly before I walk out for every match: “Don’t forget to look out at the crowd and connect with them. They believe in you the same way that I do.”  Being a WWE Diva is hard work, there’s no doubt about that. There are long hours, lots of traveling and intense training. However, I wouldn’t trade it for the world because I really love what I do. My father reminds me to this day how lucky I am that my passion is wrestling because I never have to work a day in my life.” (Insert ANVIL laugh while pulling his goatee!) For that reason, I never gave up on my dream, and now I get to live it every day. My dad pushed me to keep going because he knew I loved this. He knew how much fun it was for me. My happiness made him happy.

Recently, I moved to a new house. I hired movers, thinking I would just sit back and let them take care of everything. I hate moving! My cats hate moving. My goldfish hates moving (Ok, I don’t have a goldfish, but you get it!).  Instead, my father insisted on coming to oversee the move. He took such pride in taking the reins and making sure everything went smoothly. What is normally an exhausting and stressful event turned out to be one of the best days I’ve ever had with my dad. I also schemed up a plan with my dad to break a plastic lion head my mom bought me at a garage sale. I secretly thought it was absolutely hideous. I didn’t have the heart to tell her I did not want it hanging front and center in my living room. Who else could I turn to? Of course, I asked my dad for his assistance! I told him to pretend he tripped over the sprinkler outside and “accidentally” broke this horrendous plastic piece that was truly uglier than any garden gnome I’ve ever seen. Without fail, my dad happily body-slammed this plastic hunk of junk onto my driveway, risking my mom yelling at him if she had caught him. Imagine what the neighbors were thinking!?  My dad did it for me! Mission accomplished! He broke that plastic lion head and my mom’s feelings were spared! Now that is LOVE.  During the move, we worked hard, we laughed, and when he couldn’t quite get the giant couch out the door by himself, I got the other end and we moved it together.

My father has taught me about love, perseverance, reflection, and how to throw a great punch! I am so proud of my dad. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. I’m still working on growing my Anvil style goatee so I can be just like him 🙂

Happy Father’s Day, Daddy!  And Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful dads out there!

George W. Bush honored at 74th Annual “FATHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS” 2015

George W. Bush honored at 74th Annual “FATHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS” 2015

SAM_0851As we all celebrate Father’s Day we think of our Father’s and our children. At the 74th annual Father of the Year event at the New York Hilton, given by the Father’s Day/Mother’s Day Council, Emceed this year by Mark K. Shriver, a Kennedy look alike he made reference to one of the awardees, former President George W. Bush and how nauseating it is to play on a family name.

Daughter, Barbara Bush gave the presentatoin speech for her dad, and welled in tears “a family trait” as she recounted all her parents and grandparents had done for her and her sister. When the former President accepted his award, he credited becoming a father with helping him stop drinking and then spoke with humor and eloquence about the importance of the role of a father, “I think the most important priority for a dad is to be a dad. In my case, I might have been slightly self-absorbed at times, but when I became a dad, I only had one real job and that was to provide for these little girls. “ He said he didn’t think he would have quit drinking if he hadn’t become a father. But most of his time at the microphone was to speak from his book 41 A Portrait of My Father about his father.

Also receiving recognition from the National Father’s Day Committee was Morris Goldfarb, the head of the G-III Apparel Group, who spoke about his children and grandchildren and how he changed his ways over the past five years after realizing how much he missed traveling and building his business and being away from his family and how now when he shares his vacation home in Saint Barts with his children he is the first one up to prepare breakfast for his grandchildren, and of course, how much money he has given to them.

David Gonzales of Jacksonville, Florida, was recognized as the Ashok Sani “All-Star” dad, who met his child when she was three after falling in love with her mother. Both father and daughter agreed that the bond of genes did not matter to them, agreeing they love each other and feel for each other as if they were genetically bonded.

As a father and grandfather, this award makes me think about what my kids and grandchildren think of the role I played and will continue to play in their lives, as I remain an integral member of the family. I can only hope, though I’ll never win a national award like President Bush did today, that in their minds and hearts that they always knew and will know that I love them unconditionally and that I am there for them in any way I can be. That’s my view of my being a Dad.

And to my Dad, allow me to take this time to wish you a happy Father’s Day too.

 

Father’s Day first shave with Schick Hydro

Father’s Day first shave with Schick Hydro

IMG_3626Thanks to Schick Hydro® for sponsoring a series of post for Socialstars.

Father’s day is one of those days I like to make memories – If you have a son that is on the verge of shaving, I think that father’s day is a great day to make it a lasting memory.  Is there any day more about being a positive male role model?  There are only a handful of memories in a young mans life that will stay with him, then the first time they shave.

My friends at Schick, recommended that for the first time shaving you start them off with the good stuff of the Schick Hydro® which has five Ultra Glide® blades with Skin Guards that help reduce friction and reduce irritation.

First time shaving tips…

1) Shave after (or during a shower) the water helps to soften the hairs

IMG_36272) Use a shaving cream or gel

3) Go with the grain of your hair, not against it. If you go against it you’ll end up with razor burn or ingrown hairs.

4) There is no prize for rushing – take your time.

5) Remember to ease up on the pressure – the harder you push against your face the more likely you are to cut yourself (and when it does happen use a little piece of toilet paper to help stop the bleeding quicker).

IMG_36286) Change razors or blades frequently (this really depends on how tough your hair is and how quickly it grows back in).

7) Clean your face after you shave with soap and water.

Buy 2 participating Men’s Schick or Edge products in a single transaction and get 2 Fandango Movie Tickets (up to a $20 total value) offer ends July 10th. Details

 

Disney Pixar’s Inside Out Review

Disney Pixar’s Inside Out Review

Inside Out Movie PosterInside out is a movie for the whole family. “This one has all the feels” as Marc walked out of the theater saying. Literally each character is a feeling and emotionally they do their job making you feel happy, sad, fear and anger throughout the movie.  Also fun is the initial sighting of the secret character who is originally a silly drawing on the wall that almost goes unnoticed until half way through when he comes to life as Riley’s imaginary friend Bing Bong. Best of all the ah-ha moment where the golden lesson is taught to kids. This film teaches that life has some hard times and sadness is ok. Better still that sadness helps you find your happiness. Definitely take your little ones to see it and the 3D is worth it with the great colors and characters really popping out at you!

 

I love this Father’s day message too…

Bringing home the milk for families in need #MilkDrive

Bringing home the milk for families in need #MilkDrive

#milkdrive infographicLeading up to Father’s Day, four teams of five dads in the NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, and WEST will compete against each other to see who can raise the most money for The Great American #MilkDrive, the first-ever national program to help deliver highly desired and nutrient-rich gallons of milk to hungry families who need it most.

So I’m on the EAST team with some pretty rad dads…. We’ve been driving people to milklife.com/giveDadsEast to donate any amount of money but $5 deliveries a family in need 1 gallon of milk (so we recommend starting with $5).

 

Dads never know what they want for Father’s Day (I did publish a great list of suggestions) but I don’t need any more ties and if none of those items are a fit for that special guy in your life; Then maybe this year, why not make a donation on his behalf to my fundraising team for the Great American Milk Drive.  It’s really the best gift that you could give not only to him but to that family in need…

 

 

 

Milk has always been a part of my daily life and a really solid source of nutrients in my kids lives… imagine if you didnt have any milk and not out of choice but out of the fact it was either a box of cereal that would feed you for 8 days or a gallon of milk. Did you know that more than 22 million children may miss out on milk’s nutrition in the summer months when schools are closed and they lose access to free or reduced-price milk programs.

Milk – a nutrient powerhouse providing 9 essential nutrients, including 8 grams of high-quality protein in each 8 ounce serving – is one of the most requested items by food bank clients year-round. But it’s especially needed during the summer when kids may be missing out on nutritious meals provided through school breakfast and lunch programs. On average, food banks are only able to provide the equivalent of less than one gallon of milk per person per year. That’s because while Americans are generous with canned and dry goods, many don’t think to donate milk because it’s perishable.

Again a donation of as little as $5 will deliver a gallon of milk to a local family through the Feeding America nationwide network of food banks. Donate NOW!

Disclosure: I have partnered with Life of Dad and Milk Life for this promotion.  I have received compensation for my participation, but my passion and thirst for Milk is my own.

The 2015 Father’s Day Gift Guide

The 2015 Father’s Day Gift Guide

Samsung NX500Samsung NX500 Mirrorless Camera
The NX500 is defined by its advanced 28.2MP APS-C, BSI CMOS Sensor. Delivering up to 9 frames per second bursting with sharp detail and intense colors. The large sensor is ideal for creating detailed images and stunning 4k/UHD video.

Philips ShoqBox Mini
This rugged and water resistant portable wireless speaker can go wherever you want to go, in and out, up and down, rain and shine. It sounds as powerful as it is tough.

TabloTV
Tablo is a 2-Tuner Over-The-Air (OTA) DVR for Cord-Cutters using HDTV antennas to access broadcast TV signals. All Tablo units include dual band Wi-Fi enabling Tablo and the antenna to be placed in an optimal location for OTA reception. Browse, record and stream up to two simultaneous live or recorded HDTV programs on your iPad, Android tablet, laptop, smartphone, or your big screen TV using Roku, Chrome cast or Apple TV.

 

Roku 3 (2015 model)
Roku 3 is the fastest, most powerful Roku player. Enjoy more than 2,000 streaming channels offering access to 250,000+ movies and TV episodes, plus games, music, sports, and more

Plantronics Marque 2 (bluetooth headset)
Plantronics Marque 2 M165 Bluetooth headset is the perfect companion for smartphones, with universal-fit conformable gel eartips, a DeepSleep power-saving mode and dual microphones that reduce background and wind noise for crisp, clear call quality. Listen to music or stream audio and Internet radio, manage your calls without pressing buttons – just say “Answer” or “Ignore”.

Plantronics BackBeat PRO (noise canceling headphones)
Wireless, active noise canceling headphones + mic. Music makes any moment more personal.Every day, we stream our digital music to create a personal soundtrack while at home, work, running errands, and even while traveling.

Bose SoundSport (in-ear headphones)
SoundSport In-Ear Headphones energize your workout with full, balanced sound that conventional sports earbuds can’t match. And because they’re sweat-resistant and have proprietary StayHear tips, they survive and stay comfortably in place during vigorous exercises.

Izzi Gadgets (amazing iPhone cases for the Photographer)
You get five pro-grade interchangeable lenses with the twist of the rotating carousel, and your phone is safe from any bending. Life is better REMIXed.

WakaWaka solar powered charger (with a buy one give one twist)
The WakaWaka Power+ (WWP+) is the new version of the highly acclaimed, durable, lightweight and compact solar charger that is capable of charging virtually any type of smartphone or small electronic device within just a few hours and providing up to 150 hours of safe, sustainable light. Chargeable by the sun via a built-in high-efficiency solar panel and patented Intimation Sun Boost Chip, or through a standard wall outlet.

Ventev Powercell
This combination wall charger and backup battery is the ideal travel charger. The Ventev power cell 6000+ is a dual output, 6000mAh portable charger which has integrated folding AC prongs. No need to carry a wall charger for your backup battery. Charge your phone and tablet while plugged into the wall or with the power stored in the onboard battery. The battery delivers 25 hours of talk, 18 hours of internet, 20 hours of video use, plus 100 hours of audio playback.

Apple iPhone 6 / Samsung S6 Edge  / HTC One M9
Every year or two its time to get a new device sometimes we’re the last to get an upgrade ourselves… so check out these 3 options for new mobile phones.

Logitech Harmony Ultimate Home Remote
One remote to rule them all… Powerful home entertainment and automation control: One remote easily controls entertainment devices along with connected lights, locks, thermostats, blinds, sensors, and more

Western Digital My Passport X
My Passport X from WD expands your Xbox One or PC gaming experience. Connect this portable and powerful drive to immediately add storage capacity to your console. My Passport X is performance-tweaked to meet the desires of serious gamers.

D-Link  AC3200 ULTRA Performance Wi-Fi Router
You’re connecting more devices than ever to your home network. Smartphones, laptops, tablets, phones, Smart TVs, game consoles and more – all at the same time. That’s why we created the new AC3200 Ultra Wi-Fi Router. With Tri-Band Technology and speeds up to 3.2GGbps, it delivers the necessary ultra-performance to power even the most demanding connected homes.

The Selfie Stick
This selfie stick is heads above others – it collapsable head makes it fold up into next to nothing… while there are bluetooth versions out there and they look so slick. Take it from an owner – stick to the cabled one… no pairing the extra 4 seconds to plug the wire into the headphone port wont make you miss the moment unlike pairing with bluetooth.