• Home
  • About
    • Press
    • Videos
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Gluten Free
    • Lunch
    • Smoothies
    • Snacks
    • Vegetarian
  • Freebies
  • Store
  • Blog
  • BBK Bars
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Blue Barn Kitchen

Get your new favorite snack recipe!  Enter your email to sign up →

CREATE YOUR SELF – AT Kits

October 8, 2017 By Beth Nydick

Ricky Bella, art therapist and founder of AT Kits, is on a mission to awaken creativity…one circle at a time. Ricky’s passion for the creative process and life experience took her on a journey that led to the development of a unique line of meaningful art experiences that adults, teens, kids and specialty populations benefit from. Here’s the inspiring story of Ricky’s path to launch her product line, appropriately named CREATE YOUR  SELF – AT KITS.

My CREATE YOUR SELF Story

Looking back on my childhood it’s clear to me that I relied heavily on the creative process to express myself—in fact, I depended on it. Being a misunderstood tomboy with “mischievous tendencies,” the adults in my life were just happy I found something to do that kept me out of trouble (well, except for that time I painted a mural on my neighbor’s garage. Oops). No one encouraged me to express myself through art or bought me fancy supplies, by ‘fancy’ I mean the 64-count crayon box WITH the sharpener. It wasn’t until high school, when our teacher hung my self-portrait in the hallway for all to ID, that I received any recognition or praise. Making art was simply my default activity— a safe outlet that I stumbled upon naturally, trusted completely and did entirely for me. As a result, I spent a lot of alone time being creative while growing up….and truth be told, I still do.

As an art therapist, I’ve had the privilege to work with many different populations, age groups and settings over the years: teens in a hospital, children and families at my local community center and even women in a mammography clinic waiting room. What I saw, time and time again is that when given appropriate supplies and direction people want to be creative—it’s that simple. Admittedly, even I had my doubts walking into some of these situations – I wondered, Does a woman in a paper robe with no bra about to get her breast flattened to see where she falls in a 1 out of 8 statistics really want to create a small sculpture? I felt uncomfortable even asking!  But I trusted the process and offered up some carefully selected art supplies with confidence. To my surprise, no one declined. In fact, women would actually return to that small waiting room AFTER their mammogram to sculpt some more. 


It was amazing to witness how the energy shifted for those women—the opportunity to silently express one’s SELF and their inner feelings in the thick of an otherwise heavily guarded moment was profound. This experience, along with others, deepened my belief in the process and drove me to make meaningful art experiences more readily available.

I introduced The CREATE YOUR SELF  line of art experiences with my ‘SELFIE’ Kits for adults, teens, and kids. The idea is to explore a more ‘authentic’ take on the traditional selfie by creating small free-form circles, also known as Mandalas, over the course of a week. The process is simple, calming and has been described by many as ‘meditative’. The thoughtful design and beautifully packaged high-quality supplies intentionally make it clear to the user that they will embark on an experience, rather than a project. Soon after, the line expanded to include other versions of the concept including a family-friendly Vacation kit, the ’On the Mend’ kit for patients and Mama’s Mandalas, an experience designed specifically for pregnant woman.

I’m excited to share that AT kits will introduce two totally new concepts to the market later this year. One will address children’s confidence and help change limiting mindsets;  the other will inspire uncensored free expression with endless applications through the use of a ‘magic canvas’. The potential fuels my passion and the future excites me because I sincerely believe that meaningful art experiences can play an ongoing valuable role on the journey to CREATE and re-create YOUR SELF. 

One of my favorite basic art therapy directives was always the mobile. The directive is simple: Build a structure and hang elements on it. The trick is to find the point of balance between the different objects. You quickly realize that each time an element is added, a new point of balance needs to be determined. The seemingly simple harmony achieved in a peacefully swaying work of kinetic art is ALWAYS preceded by erratic movement, instability, and intentional adjustments. You see where I’m going with this??  Such is life. Whenever I find myself making adjustments to restore balance in my own life – be it professionally, within my marriage, or among my 3 boys – this visual serves as a comforting metaphor. For me, being present in that moment of vulnerability helps – I rely on creative thinking, flexibility, and an open mind to withstand the stress in my pursuit of harmony. Ultimately, that’s what AT Kits is about for me: an empowering opportunity to restore balance and attain stability through a creative process….one circle at a time.

To buy your own AT Kit visit Ricky at www.CreateYourSelfKit.com

 

 

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

Filed Under: Articles, Blog, My Favorites

Yours Free: My favorite snack recipes

Just enter your email address.

« Break your Fast with Breakfast
Reset »

Hey, How are you?

Hi! I'm Beth! Blue Barn Kitchen is a health focused lifestyle brand with simple and creative recipes, meal planning and lifestyle programs, making living healthy effortless. Read More

Must Reads

Vegan Organic Chili with Kale Pesto

Zucchini Oven Sticks

Spinach-Artichoke Dip – Cashew Cream

Yours Free: My favorite snack recipes

Just enter your email address.

bluebarnkitchen

🔅Eat whole foods, nothing processed!
🌱For the Health Conscious Mixologist
🥃Drink Clean in a Dirty World
Clean Cocktails @oprah @dr_oz @inc @forbes

Beth Nydick✨Blue Barn Kitchen
Do you love peas? Yes peas!! Cocktails can be heal Do you love peas? Yes peas!! Cocktails can be healthy and made out of almost any fruit or veggie. Today I show a few segments for @thelistshowtv for St. Patrick’s Day. Stay tuned for the segment! Xo Beth #cocktails #cleancocktails #heathylifestyle #healthyfood #cocktailrecipes
Sweet basil gimlet - one of the amazing clean cock Sweet basil gimlet - one of the amazing clean cocktails from my new cookbook “Clean Cocktails, Righteous Recipes for the Modern Mixologist”. Link in bio. .⠀
.⠀
.⠀
.⠀
.⠀
#Publicity  #freepublicity  #bookpublicity  #publicrelationslife  #publicrelationsspecialist  #publicrelationsstrategy  #collaborationwork  #brandcollaboration  #collaborationmastered  #collaborationgroup  #businesscollaboration  #collaborationseries  #bevisible  #visibilitymatters  #femmevisibility  #brandvisibility  #visibilitycoach  #businesscoachingonline  #businesscoachingskills  #businesscoachingprogram  #businesscoachforcreatives  #businesscoachforhealthcoaches  #businesscoach2women  #businesscoachformoms  #businesscoachforcoaches  #businesscoachesforwomen
Nothing better than a clean cocktail - BiTly.com/ Nothing better than a clean cocktail -  BiTly.com/2pBmgm8 check out the link for more recipes -  #cocktails #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktailparty #cocktails🍹 #cocktailgram #cocktailculture #cocktailrecipes #cocktailmaking #cocktailathome #cocktailrecipe #cocktails🍸 #cocktailsforyou #cocktailinspiration #cocktailspecial #cocktailgarnish #cocktaillove #cocktailgown #cocktailblogger #cocktailstyle #cocktaillife #cocktailshaker #cocktailoftheweek #cocktailsathome
Sometimes you have to go all VEG. Sliced tomato , Sometimes you have to go all VEG. Sliced tomato , squash and zucchini. Topped with 1/2 vegan pesto for me and 1/2 basil pesto for the fam.. aka Andrew and the boys.  Bake at 400 for 30 minutes. #vegetarian #weightlossjourney #healthyrecipes #eatclean #plantbased #cooking #glutenfree #motivation #foodies #organic #fitnessmotivation #cleaneating #bhfyp #foodgasm #lifestyle #healthylife #gym #workout #instagram #lowcarb #healthybreakfast #keto #like #salad #fitfood #homecooking #eat #protein #wellness
Meaghan is everything you want her to be, a celeb Meaghan is everything you want her to be,  a celeb regular on Kelly & Ryan, The Today Show and countless more. A fully dedicated mom of 3, head honcho at Women's Day and the spirit beneath the podcast, Off the Gram! Listen to how one writing contest and a “Yay” attitude propelled her life into achievement and a creative space of possibility. You have to know why I adore this women and all the “Yay” she brings…… You have to listen !  @womens_day @offthegrampodcast  #todayshow #yourfully chargedlife #offthegrampodcast @yourfullychargedlife #fullycharged #publicity  #freepublicity  #bookpublicity  #publicrelationslife  #publicrelationsspecialist  #publicrelationsstrategy  #collaborationwork  #brandcollaboration  #collaborationmastered  #collaborationgroup  #businesscollaboration  #collaborationseries  #bevisible  #visibilitymatters  #femmevisibility  #brandvisibility  #visibilitycoach  #businesscoachingonline  #businesscoachingskills  #businesscoachingprogram  #businesscoachforcreatives  #businesscoachforhealthcoaches  #businesscoach2women  #businesscoachformoms  #businesscoachforcoaches  #businesscoachesforwomen
Add those veggies! It so much easier to make a hea Add those veggies! It so much easier to make a healthy dinner when you have roasted a whole bunch of veggies. Last nite I made zucchini with scallion, carrots with parsley , tomato with garlic and it took me 5 minutes. Here is how to make veggies fast and tasty.
1. Pull all the veggies you have in the house that you can cook. Pick 3 to 4.
2. Chop everything into big pieces or keep whole.  3. Add to a bowl, add olive oil, salt and pepper. Get really crazy and peel some garlic to throw in. Put it all onto 1 or more oiled pans.
4. Roast the shit out of them. 375’ for 20-40 minutes is always a safe bet. You can always ask Alexa or google for that particular veggie. 
5. Have some right out of oven, taste the best!
6. Pack them into containers and save for tomorrow.
7. When hungry pull out some veggies, pour them into a pan to heat up. I like to top mine with a fried egg or avocado and salsa.
8. Enjoy! ⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
#healthyfood #healthyeating #weightloss #foodstagram #dinner #delicious #dinnerideas #foodblogger #healthydinner😋 #foodporn #foodie #healthymeal #healthy #healthylunch #foodphotography #healthymeals #vegan #healthyrecipes #healthydinners #yummy #food #healthylifestyle #healthydinnerrecipes #healthydinnerideas #healthyliving #instafood #healthyfoodshare #healthydinnerinspiration #healthydinnerinspo #healthycooking
Cucumber Mint cocktail #cocktails #cocktails #coc Cucumber Mint cocktail  #cocktails #cocktails #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktailparty #cocktails🍹 #cocktailgram #cocktailculture #cocktailrecipes #cocktailmaking #cocktailathome #cocktailrecipe #cocktails🍸 #cocktailsforyou #cocktailinspiration #cocktailspecial #cocktailgarnish #cocktaillove #cocktailgown #cocktailblogger #cocktailstyle #cocktaillife #cocktailshaker #cocktailoftheweek #cocktailsathome #cocktailtime #cocktailtime
Relationship and collaboration ! I say it all the Relationship and collaboration ! I say it all the time and I live it.  I was asked to be apart of this incredible fundraiser.  Because .. well I’m fab.... that and I have a relationship with @dishitgirldina  @jessica_dambra & @cmspiceculture , the hosts. No I don’t know them from my kids and have only met Dina in person. But when I’m booked on their show, I show up in top shape, create a fantastic segment and follow up with social media leverage. We all work as a “team”, tagging each other to get  out the content. ................The way I made it happen from the start was this.... I saw Dina was hosting a new local show and I reached out to her and the producer. The producer was excited for me to bring cocktails to the show. Nothing special, just people being people. What are you doing to create your next opportunity from your contact list?? Yes, right now!?!?? Nothing? Let’s talk, I bet you I will help you find more than one. .. ⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
#getpublicityforfree #womenoftoday #presscoverage #businessstrategist #shemeansbusiness #marketingdigital #love #socialmedia #tv #getpublicitynow #song #womeninpr #socialmediaguru #socialmediamaven #businesstip #contentandconnection #femaleentrepreneur #womenwholead #contentcreator #getpublicityindiana #publicity #howtogetpublicity #brandingexpert #womeninspiringwomen #sandiego #contentcreation #savvybusinessowner #addingtagswillgetmyshittymemesmorepublicity #contentcurator #bethnydick
So honored to be apart of this amazing fundraiser So honored to be apart of this amazing fundraiser for @operationyellowribbon !! #Repost @kitchen2kitchenshow with @get_repost
・・・
Have you heard??!!! The Kitchen 2 Kitchen show  is doing a Christmas Cookie-Thon to raise money for Operation Yellow Ribbon, which is a nonprofit that sends care packages to troops. 
🍪
We have so many amazing people joining us you won’t want to miss it. Some of your favorite celebrity bakers, influencers, and even some pop ins from the ultimate Christmas channel, Hallmark! Oh and don’t forget the viewer giveaway!!
🍪
Make sure to watch December 14th as it streams live on @nj_on_air (app on iOS, Android, Roku) and @christmasflix ! @jessica_dambra @dishitgirldina @cmspiceculture
Time to take a “break” and enjoy the end of we Time to take a “break” and enjoy the end of week in a heathy and Happy way!  Seen today on @boldtv ! Try my favorite, Meyer Lemonade.⠀
Stop by my house on your travels and I'll fill up your glass.⠀. 
Meyer Lemons are a cross between a regular lemon and a mandarin orange.  The sweet flavors make this pitcher drink go down easy.⠀
Serves: 6-8⠀
Recommended Barware: Pitcher⠀
 5 Meyer lemons, zested⠀
 1 cup Meyer lemon juice⠀
 1 cup honey syrup⠀
 3 cups vodka⠀
1. In a pitcher add lemon juice, zest, syrup, and vodka or gin, stirring until combined.  #Cocktails #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktailparty #cocktails🍹 #cocktailgram #cocktailculture #cocktailrecipes #cocktailmaking #cocktailathome #cocktailrecipe #cocktails🍸 #cocktailsforyou #cocktailinspiration #cocktailspecial #cocktailgarnish #cocktaillove #cocktailgown #cocktailblogger #cocktailstyle #cocktaillife #cocktailshaker #cocktailoftheweek #cocktailsathome #cocktailtime #cocktailtime
Load More... Follow Beth

Yours Free: My favorite snack recipes

Just enter your email address.

Follow Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Search

Copyright © 2021 · BLUE BARN KITCHEN

© 2020 Blue Barn Kitchen · Maintained by WPOrbit