The Laceyville Monkeys - Say the Right Words

It’s the eve of the big talent contest in Laceyville and the monkeys are ready. Their owner and trainer Ms. Hepzibah Mott has taught her monkeys well – Eva the ballerina, dances with grace, Sheva sings sweet opera, and Keva the gymnast tumbles with skill.

In fact, these little monkeys are so talented that old Granny Scott decides to show them off herself. She sneaks them out while Ms. Hepzibah naps, but when she orders them to perform she soon finds out her unkind words have an embarrassing effect.

The Laceyville Monkeys – Say the Right Words by Harriet Ruderman is a wonderful and gentle reminder that our words have effect on others. This book is written in rhyme and perfect for your little ones. The bright illustrations by Beverly Luria, draws your eye over the page and only adds to the fast-paced story.

Available on Amazon.com.

Check out The Laceyville Monkeys – Say the Right Words web site at; http://www.laceyvillemonkeys.com/

What Does Your Name Smell Like?

This may sound like an odd question. But how fun would it be to know?

Scent of a Name by Rosemary’s Potporri Products is your way to find out. They start by researching the meaning behind your name. Then, “a fragrance word association process is used to create a scent just for you.” Plus, they also put your name right on the bottle – the way you spell it. Scent of a Name fragrances are fun, natural oil blends of fruit, floral and spice, with a twist of retro (exact formulations are trade secret). And no, they don’t all smell the same!

Scent of a Name makes a perfect gift for;
• Holidays
• Birthdays
• Bride’s Maids
• Shower Gifts
• Or any other occasion

In addition to perfume, Scent of a Name also carries lotion, shampoo, and body wash for both girls and boys - so you're little guy won't feel left out. And if you want, you can get them in a tin or basket.

Rosemary’s Potporri Products is a manufacturer of fine quality Essential and Fragranced products. With over two decades of experience in the fragrance industry, they are able to custom blend products to meet your needs.

To learn how to say it with fragrance, visit their web site at; http://www.rosemarysscents.com/

Swamp Scum?

Some like it hot...hot..HOT!!

If you’re one of them, then you’ll love Louisiana Swamp Scum hot sauce made by Mossy Bayou Foods. This sauce has a rich, delicious smoky flavour and can be used on or in your favourite dishes. But be prepared, cause Swamp Scum also has a kick. And unlike those other hot sauces, Mossy Bayou Foods made this one a little thicker with lots of peppers, so a little bit goes a long way.

Louisiana Swamp Scum is also the 1st Place Winner in the 2002 National competition conducted by Chile Pepper Magazine and the 2nd Place Winner in the People's Choice Award, 2003 Zesty Food Show, Ft. Worth, Texas.

Check out their web site at: http://www.mossybayou.com/swamp_sauce.html

The Practice Room - Review

Imagine having the ability to transport yourself to another world by making music. That’s exactly what Zoey Browne does in, The Practice Room by Susan Zeidler.

Twelve year old Zoey’s life has always been shrouded in mystery and Zoey isn’t sure what’s happening when she suddenly finds herself in Music Land, where purple squirrels talk and instruments float in the air. Will her travels back in time finally give her the answers she’s been looking for? Find out in, The Practice Room.

This book was an enjoyable read. It's written for tweens to teens, however, I found it just as exciting.

Susan Zeidler is an award-winning journalist and author. Visit her web sites at: http://susanzeilder.com/ and http://thepracticeroomthebook.com/

Bossi Pynk Interview and Giveaway

Check out my interview with Apryl, owner operator of Bossi Pynk -

Tell us about Bossi Pynk
Bossi Pynk is a lifestyle brand for animal lovers, founded by two dogs, Duchess & Empress. Duchie & Emy are two sisters with a passion for fashion, each possessing her own unique style. Duchess & Empress found a way to fuse their sassy and sophisticated styles to shape the concept of Bossi Pynk. Duchess & Empress co-founded Bossi Pynk, Inc. in 2006, intending to share their love of apparel and accessories with the world. Their message is simple, "Don't Be Afraid to Be Bossi!"

Any significance behind this unique name?
The word “Bossi” cleverly describes the fusion characterized by the diametrical personalities of Duchess & Empress. Duchess is the older, more SOPHISTICATED of the two sisters, while Empress is young and SASSY. We chose the color pink to represent our company because it is the color of a true feminine fashionista. So, “Bossi Pynk” means “Sassy & Sophisticated Fashionistas”.

Are you purely internet based?
Yes. Currently, our apparel and accessories can be found on our website, www.BossiPynk.com.

What makes your line unique?
Duchess and Empress are the co-founding dogs of the company and each have their own avatar that represents them. We have two distinctive lines that are based on the personality of each dog. People can root for their favorite dog by wearing a “Team Duchess” or “Team Empress” t-shirt.

What sort of products do you carry?
Currently, we carry t-shirts & hoodies for women, girls and babies as well as coordinating t-shirts for dogs. We are always adding new products and will soon be offering our very popular hats and dog beds.

What's your biggest seller?
Our biggest seller is our Paw Print Peace Sign design. It comes on a variety of shirts, hoodies, and even onsies for the Bossi Baby in your life!

Anything else you'd like to add?
Duchess and Empress can be found on MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/bossidogs), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/BossiPynk) & Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/BossiPynk) where they have thousands of followers and fans (two and four-legged alike). Check out Bossi Pynk at; http://www.bossipynk.com/

Want to win a fabulous (ladies) T-Shirt from Bossi Pynk? Just leave a comment and on Saturday March 27th I'll draw from the names left. Become a new follower to Bumples and you'll get two chances to win :)

Also if you have a dog and want to enter the draw for a cute puppy-T, pop on over to Nuneaton Wildlife Sanctuary Blog (http://nuneatonwildlifesanctuary.blogspot.com/ and leave a comment in the Bossi Pynk interview.

Good Luck!

YouTube Tuesday

This is too cute. Enjoy :)

New Look 2010 - Freshen Up Your Home's Fashion Wardrobe

By Linda Hunt

Every spring, we repeat the same ritual. We peer into our clothes closets and decide what to keep, what to toss and what to update with an accessory or two. This year, how about applying that very same idea to your home’s fashion? It is also a reflection of your unique style. Let’s concentrate our efforts on updating and accessorizing your interior décor for spring. The birds’ chirping that accompanies my daily walks affirms the welcome arrival of spring.

It is common knowledge that paint is an inexpensive, quick way to freshen up and add zing to your home’s interior with color. Keep in mind two things- balance of color in a room and where to apply that color. Decide the room’s main color and, as a rule of thumb, it should make up about 70% of that room. Think about painting only one or two walls or maybe apply a lighter tint of your main color to the ceiling. Some wood and concrete floors can be painted with the proper type of paint for a fun colorful look. That old tired dresser or table can sparkle with fresh paint and new knobs. There are lots of knobs to choose from online at places such as http://www.knobdepot/ pictured here. They are the “ jewelry” of furniture.

Pairing up different pieces of our wardrobe can give us a range of different outfit possibilities. Your home’s furnishings can benefit from the same approach. Decorators like myself bring a fresh set of eyes to remix and recreate what you currently have in your home. Your rooms are reborn before your eyes for just the cost of the consultation. What’s old can become new again as the saying goes! You too can do some “moving and shaking” for your home! Put a seldom- used living room lamp in the master bedroom or that small foyer table in the bathroom for a contrast of texture. This should get the ball rolling for you.

The final touches, the accessories, are the beautiful bows on home packages. Pillows are a logical start. Armed with the very latest seasonal color -turquoise - you can fast forward a room to Spring 2010 painlessly. Beautiful metal finishes are everywhere on fixtures, faucets and furniture. How about hanging a new bathroom towel bar or replacing your home’s switch plate covers with the newer decorative metal ones found at your local home decorating centers? Eye-catching, artistic vases and bottles saturated with color are showing up in trendy magazines. Get that look by purchasing inexpensive clay pots available in many shapes and sizes and paint them any color you desire- very chic and very budget-conscious. The whole idea here is to infuse high style and color in small doses for an update that will not break the budget.

Getting the interior you love is well within your grasp. Pair that with resolutions to eat healthy and live well in the new year and you have just what the doctor ordered for 2010!

Check out Linda's blog at: http://interiordesignrichmondvacyc.blogspot.com/

HUGE Special Just for YOU!

Extra Extra Read All About It!!

Bumples Interactive Magazine for Kids is having a HUGE deal!! Until April 15th, Bumples is offering a full year’s subscription for only $15.00 - That works out to only .62 cents an issue!

And unlike other magazines, Bumples offers two brand new issues every month – that means all new games, stories, and fun for your little ones. With the summer holidays right around the corner what could be better?

Bumples Interactive Magazine would also make a great gift for Easter, a Birthday or just to say, “I love you.” And since this deal is only for my readers you'll need this code; b15.

Check it out at: http://www.bumples.com/Subscribe.aspx

Remember offer ends April 15th so don't delay, sign up today :)

March - National Nutrition Month

By Margaret Lewin, MD, FACP – Medical Director, Cinergy Health

As March comes roaring in, let’s look at winter’s glorious choices of fruits and vegetables and plan to E.A.T. R.I.G.H.T.!

Eat the rainbow! Not only do foods of varying colors pack a wealth of nutrition, they also look ever so enticing on the plate!

• Red fruits (think cranberries, grapes) and vegetables (think beets, red peppers, tomatoes) are high in the anti-oxidants which help fight heart disease, cancer and age-related memory loss.

• Orange and yellow fruits such as citrus and vegetables (sweet potatoes, squash, carrots) are high in beta-carotene for healthy skin and eyes, Vitamins A and C and anti-oxidants.

• Green leafy vegetables (think kale, spinach, cabbage, Brussels sprouts) – the darker the green the better – broccoli, bok choy, avocados, and snow peas. They are high in fiber and most are rich in folic acid, vitamins A, C and K and potassium.

• Blue and purple fruits (grapes, raisins) and vegetables (purple cabbage, blue potatoes, black beans) are high in fiber, anti-oxidants and many important trace elements.

• White and tan fruits (pears, dates) and vegetables (garlic, ginger, mushrooms, shallots, onions, turnips) add spice, phytochemicals and anti-oxidants to any meal. Cauliflower is rich in vitamins C, K, and folate, and is one of the cruciferous vegetables that reduce the risk of many cancers.

• Brown grains, seeds, legumes (beans, lentils, split peas) and nuts are high in fiber, zinc, iron, folic acid, minerals, healthy fats and B-vitamins.

Avoid processed foods. Take advantage of your time at home to multi-task by making your own soups and stocks and steaming some fresh vegetables while you prepare the main course (note that micro-waving removes many valuable vitamins). Cook larger portions than you need and freeze the extras in individual portions to reheat for lunch or to thaw quickly when you’re in a hurry to get dinner on the table.

Take a list with you when you shop – with a mind to whole meals containing those fresh fruits and vegetables of varying colors as well as whole grains.

Read package labels carefully. Pay attention to serving size (for example, you’re likely to be surprised that those little boxes of dried pasta contain 8 servings!) and choose products low in hydrogenated and saturated fats, salt and added sugar, altogether avoiding products containing trans fats.

Inspect fruits and vegetables carefully for signs of spoilage, store them properly, and wash them immediately before using.

Get locally grown, seasonal fruits and vegetables when possible, in order to maximize nutrition; decrease the risk of contamination and save money.

Have fish at least twice weekly – it’s high in protein, low in calories and fat, and high in omega-3 fatty acids. There is evidence that dementia and impairment of thinking are significantly decreased, the incidence of heart attacks and sudden deaths are decreased by more than one-third, and the risk of death from all causes is decreased by more than 15%... and benefits can be seen in as little as 3 - 4 months! Fish’s ability to reduce inflammation can decrease symptoms of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and it may also help to control diabetes.

Take time to enjoy your meals, eating slowly to decrease portion size and to help digestion.

So… celebrate National Nutrition Month by trying at least one new seasonal vegetable or fruit every week of this month, going to the Internet to find new and interesting ways to serve them, and making your meals brilliant with color and nutrition.

Golden Curly Tail - Check it Out!

Monica Ly, Co-Founder of Golden Curly Tail was kind enough to answer my questions about her awesome company. Check out our interview below and be sure to take advantage of the coupon code made specifically for Bumples readers. - bumples0310 - Good for 15% off your entire order. Offer ends May 1, 2010, so don't miss out.

Tell us about Golden Curly Tail;
Golden Curly Tail (GCT) is a new online webstore that specializes in eco-friendly baby and toddler wear. The mission of GCT is to make small changes each day to cherish and preserve our environment. We believe that even taking baby steps, we can make a big difference when we make conscious decisions and take conscious actions to take care of mother earth's natural resources.

Any significance behind the name and designs?
Golden Curly Tail (GCT) was inspired by the birth of my daughter, who was born during the Year of the Golden Pig in 2007. Some say, children born during the Year of the Golden Pig bring many blessings, and also 2007 was a rare year that happens once every 60 years. There was a baby boom all over Asia and also in the U.S. that year, as many Golden Piglets were born.

After my daughter was born, I realized she had eczema, and had skin that was very sensitive to many fabrics. After many sleepless nights of seeing her scratching and suffering, I went online and researched all I could do to help relieve her suffering, from fabrics, to lotions to toys, etc. After learning about the many benefits of bamboo, I fell in love with the bamboo fabric. Its so soft and is also hypoallergenic.

Currently, GCT has 3 designs. The GCT Logo, the "Golden Piglet" and the "Yoga Piglet".

The GCT Logo is an icon represents a new generation of Change Makers.
The "Golden Piglet" is a cool and playful character, and loves to be the center of attention.
The Yoga Piglet is calm and present in its natural yogi state. He also brings wisdom and inspiration to the next generation.

How Long has Golden Curly Tail been in business?
Golden Curly Tail officially launched in December 2009.

Your products are made with Bamboo - Could you explain the benefits etc?
Yes, our products are made of 70% bamboo and 30% Organic Cotton. Bamboo fabric is organic, natural and comfortable. It is also amazingly soft, highly absorbent, naturally anti-bacterial, biodegradable and dries faster than cotton. I couldn't believe how good bamboo fabric felt after I bought a bamboo towel for my daughter. Bamboo fabric is perfect for skin that is very sensitive skin to chemicals, dyes, etc.

What types of products do you offer?
We currently offer onesies and toddler tees and have three designs: The GCT Logo, the Golden Piglet and the Yoga Piglet. The onesie sizes include 6-12 months, 12-18 months and 18-24 months. The toddler tee sizes include 2T and 3T.

Anything else you'd like to add?
We're currently offering FREE SHIPPING. Offer expires May 1, 2010.

And be sure to take advantage of our coupon code! Golden Curly Tail is located on the web at; http://www.goldencurlytail.com

Picture This - Samantha Bell

Not only does Bumples Magazine have talented writers, we also have talented artists. Samantha Bell is here to tell us what it’s like to lend her artistic skills to Bumples Interactive Kids Magazine.

How long have you been drawing?
I have been drawing as long as I can remember! I think my mom has even saved some of those early pictures...

Is this something you'd like to do for a living?
Right now I'm home full-time with my kids, but illustrating is a wonderful part-time career. It's creative, expressive, and for me, relaxing -- I like to turn on my favorite music as I work on the next piece. And it's so much fun to illustrate for children, as I feel I'm also illustrating for my own.

How do you decide what to draw for a story?
I start off by reading through the whole story several times, envisioning the action as I go along. I then decide which scenes would be the most interesting to depict. Depending on the number of illustrations needed, I choose from those scenes the ones I'm going to draw.

What types of media do you like to draw in?
I enjoy trying out different types of media. I like pencil, pen, watercolor, acrylics, oils, cut paper, pastels, scratchboard, or a combination of any of those.

How do you start a drawing? Do you plan or just jump right in?
I start an illustration by sketching out thumbnails -- small drawings showing just the basic shapes of the characters and where they'd fit in the illustration. These are quick and easy to do, and with them I can decide which composition will work the best. If the drawing is a realistic one, I take reference photos of the people/animals/objects that I've planned for in the drawing. I then begin the illustration, drawing it in pencil to scale or a little larger.

Any advice for folks hoping to break into the drawing biz?
1) Learn -- take an illustration class, go to conferences, and ask other artists about their techniques. 2) Get to know other illustrators -- it's a very supportive community! 3) Don't give up -- persistence is the key!

Anything else you'd like to add?
When considering your work, take a look at how others create their illustrations. Visit the children's book section of your library or book store, or check out websites such as ChildrensIllustrators.com. If you're like me, you'll find some inspiration and some motivation!

Samantha Bell is a freelance illustrator/writer. Her work has been published in magazines both online and in print, and she's illustrated several picture books for Guardian Angel Publishing. Her first picture book with Alma Little is due out this spring.

The Write Stuff - Ann Deiterich

Today on “The Write Stuff,” we have Ann Deiterich author of “The Tryouts.” Here’s what she had to say;

How did you hear about Bumples Magazine?
I learned about Bumples Magazine through a chat room hosted by the Institute of Children's Literature. I've recently completed their "Basic" course, and still try to sit in on the chat room whenever I can.

Do you have other stories published?
Although I've had a large number of articles published online through Demand Media, "The Tryouts" is my first published story for kids. I'm thrilled about that!

Could you tell us what your story is about?
"The Tryouts" is about a boy obsessed with practicing basketball in order to make the team despite interruptions from his young neighbour, but things, of course, don't quite go as planned! The characters in the story are based on two boys in my own neighbourhood.

Did you always love writing?
I'd have to say "yes," but I've only been pursuing it professionally for about a year. My college degree is in journalism, and with those studies I came to realize that I enjoyed the production end more than the reporting, so I had a 24-year detour in the graphic arts field. Due to the economic downturn and a company merger, I was forced to "decide what I wanted to be when I grew up" and returned to writing. After more than twenty-five years, I finally got around to taking the ICL course. I'm now working as a solo freelancer doing a lot of copy writing and ghost writing for small businesses. My freelance site is: http://writewordforyou.com/

What's the first story/poem that you ever wrote?
Oh, gosh... that's hard to remember! I know I wrote stories through elementary and high school, but the first one I distinctly remember was "Laces" which I wrote for a college creative writing class about a very young girl learning to tie her shoes.

How long have you been writing?
Really, since I was a kid. I always enjoyed it and that's what put me on the journalism track. I figured that would be the right career choice for me. Although I didn't start writing professionally until the last year or so, I've been keeping a journal for over 20 years. That's been my outlet for writing. While I still write in my journal (a wire-ring notebook... and I've got about a dozen of them now), I have started a blog as well. The link is: http://writewordforyou.blogspot.com/.

The blog serves as a bit of a soapbox as well as a great reason to write topical essays on subjects that interest me and when the mood strikes.

Any advice you'd like to share with those still struggling to get published?
Have "rhino skin"... of course I mean that figuratively and not literally! :-) Having that attitude has been my stated goal since I began submitting for publication last year. I never take the rejections personally. If one magazine says "no," I re-evaluate the story and send on to the next one on the list.
The 2nd bit of advice is "be patient." After more than twenty years in printing where deadlines came up at warp speed, it was a HUGE adjustment to enter the world of publishing. The whole "4 to 6 months" for a reply has been a bit frustrating.

What's next for you?
Well, I've got several stories and articles sitting on slush piles at various publications right now, and I've written a children's picture book. I'm currently reviewing publishers who might be the right fit for it. Researching for submission is really the toughest part.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Just my best wishes for continued success at Bumples!

Check out Bumples Magazine at; http://www.bumples.com/

The Write Stuff - Kelly Hashway

Bumples Magazine wouldn't be the same without all the talented writers that lend their skills to us. So in honour of these great folks we have started "The Write Stuff." Here we will showcase the writers that make Bumples Magazine fun to read.

Our first writer is Kelly Hashway (The Christmas Bunny - March Issue). Here is what she had to say...

How did you hear about Bumples Magazine?
I am a student at the Institute of Children's Literature and I first learned about Bumples Magazine through the school's news letter. I loved the fact that the magazine is interactive and couples stories with facts. It really gives kids a little bit of everything. I immediately knew it was a market that I wanted to submit to.

Do you have other stories published?
I've had five short stories previously published in a variety of children's magazines and have two more coming out soon--including a running story in the May issue of Bumples. I love writing about all topics from fantasy to realistic fiction to humor. I write for children ages six through young adult.

Could you give us hint about what Easter Bunny is about?
I actually wrote "The Christmas Bunny" because my daughter said she wanted to hear a story about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. It was around Christmas time and I started to wonder what would happen if the Easter Bunny decided to take over Christmas because he thought kids loved Santa more than him.

Did you always love writing?
Yes! When I was in elementary school, I wrote stories all the time, about everything. I even tried to write a novel, which I remember was all one long paragraph! Being a writer has been my dream for as long as I can remember.

What's the first story/poem that you ever wrote?
Wow! The first thing I ever wrote had to have been a poem. I loved writing silly poems when I was very little. But the first story I ever sold for publication was a ghost story. It was about a ghost who couldn't scare anyone and had to learn how in order to graduate from Ghoul School.

How long have you been writing?
While I've written all my life, I really started working at it as a career in 2004. I decided that I wasn't happy just writing as a hobby. I wanted to be a serious writer. I started working on a novel and eventually enrolled in the Institute of Children's Literature to improve my skills.

Any advice you'd like to share with those still struggling to get published?
The best advice I could give is to keep writing and keep reading. Never stop trying to improve your skills, and above all, continue to submit your writing despite rejections. You can't ever get published if you don't put yourself out there.

What's next for you?
I'm continuing to write and submit short stories for children's magazines. Also, I'm querying literary agents with my first middle grade fantasy.

Anything else you'd like to add?
For more information about my short stories and novel, visit my website at http://www.kellyhashway.webs.com/.

Interview with Footenbarn Creators

I caught up with Oomer and Gibson, the creators of the hilarious characters of 'The Adventures of Footenbarn. Check out what they had to say;

Where did the idea for Footenbarn come from?
GIBSON: From many years of losing socks and wondering where they heck they went....I finally decided they must be pulled into another world and come to life...can there be any other explanation...I think not....

How long did it take from conception to actually book?
OOMER: Honestly, years. It was definitely a long process, but a fun one. The hardest part was designing and visualizing the sock world and how the missing socks made it into this new world. Then the characters had to be created (this was definitely the funniest part). There were so many hilarious characters that were created, but only a handful actually made it into the first book "Hot Seat". More characters will be introduced in the upcoming books. Once the Hot Seat story was written the illustrations and character design and editorial re-visions took about a year and a half to complete.

How has the response been so far?
GIBSON: Excellent....the reviews have been amazing and the feedback I have received in person has been tremendous...everyone from kids to grownups can relate to where do those lost socks go to, and now everyone knows...it's great to solve one of mankind's great mysteries and share it with the world....

Is it both Print and ebook format?
OOMER: Currently the book is available in paperback. We hope to have an ebook format available in the near future.

Where is Footenbarn available to purchase?
GIBSON: Its available through www.footenbarn.com and Amazon.com (click on the Paper Press Books store front).

Is Footenbarn going to be a toy, tv show, feature film?
OOMER: We hope all three and more! There are some things currently in the works and we hope to be able to make an announcement in the upcoming months. If anyone has any ideas, let us know too!

Hot Seat is the first Footenbarn Adventure, any others on the horizon.
OOMER: Yes of course. You can't keep a character like Footenbarn held to just one book - he's got too much adventure in him! There are 4 more books already written. The next book is titled "Spelling Bee". Footenbarn wins the school spelling bee contest with the help of a Bee that can actually spell! There is a sneak preview of the other books on the Footenbarn site.

Do you have any advice for struggling authors and/or illustrators?
GIBSON: You can achieve SOCKSESS if you TOE the line and stay on the SOCK and narrow towards your goal...also, SOCK away some money and self publish...

9. Anything else you'd like to add?
GIBSON & OOMER: Please add us on your Twitter page and tell your friends and family about the book. And keep checking back in on the Footenbarn website for updates.

Check out Footenbarn and his pals at; http://www.footenbarn.com

Don't forget to leave your questions or comment to be eligible for the drawing of, "The Adventures of Footenbarn, Hot Seat.'

The Adventures of Footenbarn - Hot Seat

Warning – Reading this book will lead to much hilarity and laughing out loud. Do not attempt to read in quiet places such as classrooms or church.

What happens to the “other” sock that always gets lost in the dryer? It goes through a worm hole and ends up on a hilarious adventure.

The Adventures of Footenbarn – Hot Seat, by Jeff Gibson and Shahrook Oomer is about one such sock. Whether it’s in his dreams fighting the bad guys, on the bus ride to school falling in love, or in the classroom pulling pranks, Footenbarn’s adventures are sure to keep you entertained.

A full cast of wacky characters come to life among the pages, like Simbu (who grows toe fungus for fun), Flex the bumbling-buddy and Francipants, the foreign exchange pair of pants. Plus, what would a good adventure be without a pretty girl and a villian? Or in this case, a brand new, high quality student err, sock named Filless and a bad-guy-dust-ball named Smackberry. This book has it all.

Footenbarns rules his school with his quick wit, up to date technology (YouTube Sock, Sock Foot Page) and all ‘round fun – think Sponge Bob Square Pants meets Bart Simpson. In addition to being quick-witted and hilarious, the illustrations are bright and bold with lots of detail filling in the background. I found myself looking at the pictures and finding more ‘punny’ remarks that only added to the story. With all this going for it, The Adventures of Footenbarn – Hot Seat can’t help but holler…READ ME!!

This book would make a great addition to any child’s collection or for anyone who has ever wondered…”where did that sock go?”

For more fun and information, please visit their web site at; http://www.footenbarn.com/

Or to purchase a copy of The Adventures of Footenbarn, just click on;
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615325173?ie=UTF8&seller=ASQWIP6RBC4CE&sn=Paper%20Press%20Books

Want to find out more? Leave your question in this blog spot and one of the talented authors of Footenbarn will get back to you.

We will also be drawing for a FREE, The Adventures of Footenbarn, Hot Seat Book. All you have to do is leave a question or a comment in this (or the next Footenbarn) Blog Spot. I will do a random drawing on Wednesday March 10th - Good Luck :)

What's In Your Parenting Toolbox?

By Pam Dyson

Parenting, like any other job, has tools that can make the job a little easier. Sometimes we already have these tools at our disposal but we’ve forgotten to use them. I have put together a list of essentials for your parenting tool box and suggestions on how to use them effectively.

A Calendar:
A calendar is the most important parenting tool. Children are aware of the importance of calendars because they see you using them. Many families have a large one in their kitchen and use a different coloured pen to note each family member’s activities. You could also use a calendar as a way to monitor your children’s TV viewing time and when they are allowed special treats. When your child asks you if he can watch TV or have candy you can tell him to check the calendar. You’ve diverted an argument because he’s going to have a difficult time arguing with the calendar. If you were to note on that same calendar a special “Mommy and Nick time” just think of the message you’d be sending to your child. Wow! I’m so important to mom that she puts our time together on the calendar!

A Timer:
Children, especially young ones, have no concept of time. Whether it’s ten minutes or an hour it’s all the same to them. Help your child understand how long she has left to play before dinner by using a timer. Explain that when the timer goes off it’s time to come to the table. For children who don’t transition easily you can set the timer to go off five minutes before dinner so she has a heads up. Set the timer and play the beat the clock when it’s time to clean up toys. When you’ve had a challenging day and your kids have you pulling out your hair give yourself a time out. Tell them you’re going to take a ten minute break. Set the timer and tell them to come and get you when it goes off.

Sticky Notes:
Use sticky notes to teach your child organization and how to complete tasks. Write each step of a task on a sticky note and put them on the wall or on the refrigerator in numerical or alphabetical order or use a different coloured note for each step. Your child removes the sticky note upon completing each step. It’s a great way for a child to visually see how a task is completed following a step by step process.

Love Notes:
Little things can make such an impact on children. Tuck a love note in your child’s lunch box, on their dinner plate or under their pillow. Better yet, mail them a note. Your child will be thrilled to get a piece of mail from you. Do it on a regular basis and encourage your children to do it for their siblings.

These parenting tools can be used to avoid problems, set limits and teach your child new skills. Not every tool will work with every child so adapt them to fit your unique situation.

Check out Pam Dyson, MA, LPC Child Development Expert, Parenting Coach and Licensed Professional Counselor at;
http://www.pamdyson.com/ and http://www.pamdyson.blogspot.com/

How to Keep Yourself From Cringing When You Hear the "C" Word

By Joy Warfsman

What is that dreaded "C" word? Chores.

We all have them. For us SAHMs it's just everyday life from dawn to dusk. They are our "job". There are people who think that I stay home because I like to spend my day cleaning the house. Are they kidding? While I take pride in my house and try to stay on top of things there are days where zero, zip, nada, gets done. Nursing an infant and feeding a toddler, potty training, changing diapers, quelling tempers, and cleaning up messes comprises most of my day.

For moms who work and then come home to do chores and take care of the kids, my hat goes off to you. If I was still working in education where there was no end to the work since I always had papers or projects to grade or lessons to prepare, I would have probably lost it by now since I am not good at finding balance in my life. While I have no magic answers for how to avoid chores altogether, beyond hiring a maid, I do have some tips for making them more bearable.

Tips for Those Who Dread Chores:

1. Indulge yourself
Give yourself a break after you check some items off of your to-do list or reward yourself with a piece of chocolate. Sometimes it's okay to indulge.

2. Lists
It helps you focus on what needs to get done and can help you keep from feeling overwhelmed. It can also be gratifying to check things off of your to-do list. Even if the bulk of the work doesn't get done just crossing off one or two items can give you a sense of accomplishment.

3. Move it to music
Dancing around while you do some chores like dishes or vacuuming helps you burn extra calories and it provides a mood lift.

4. Get the kids involved
Involve your family in the chores. It helps provide a sense of family teamwork and it teaches your children responsibility.

5. Daydream while you work
Sometimes it helps make the chores go faster, especially for those that can be monotonous such as folding laundry, dusting, or mopping. A little "what if" never hurt anyone.

6. Switch it up
If you hate putting away clothes, don't wait until right before bedtime to do it when you are more likely to feel tired. The last thing you will want to tackle at 11 pm is a mountain of laundry on your bed – instead, try completing some chores in the early afternoon or morning. If you’re not a morning person, doing some chores at night may make you dread them less.

Check out The Practical Mom Guide at; http://thepracticalmomguide.blogspot.com/

Seven Simple Steps to Stay Organized this Spring

Check out these great tips By Jamie Novak

1. Everyday Essentials: sunny skies means you ad your family need your sunglasses, not to mention sunscreen and your a hat. Keep all these easily misplaced everyday essentials at your fingertips by designating a single basket near the front door as their “home.” Simply drop them in your way through the door and grab them on your way out.

2. Grab and Go Basket: stop making a mess of your kitchen cabinets trying to find a snack to take with you. Instead designate a single basket or drawer as the grab and go spot. Stock it with granola bars, chewing gum and single serve snacks. Next time you are heading out you can grab a snack without making a mess on pantry shelves.

3. Tote Bag: blue skies and warm temperatures means more outdoor time. Slip your “to-read” pile into a tote bag to grab as you head outdoors. Catch up on your reading in the park or while waiting to pick up a child from school.

4. Party in a Box: spring brings so many opportunities to entertain, from picnics to a BBQ’s company is coming! Simplify your party planning; keep a single box of party goods, serving platters, sno cone maker, extra glassware, plates, candles etc. That way you can find what you need when you need and you don’t take up valuable kitchen cabinet space for items not used everyday.

5. Makeup Cases: we tend to swap bags and purses more in the warm weather. From tote bag to beach bag to evening clutch. Make switching your items from bag to bag real simple using makeup cases and clear zip top baggies. Fill a few makeup cases or zip top baggies with the essentials like gum, pens, make-up, small packs of crayons and fast food or party bag toys (to keep kiddies happy), then just move only the cases you need from bag to bag.

6. Quick Cleaning Caddy: warm breezes blowing in makes us want to clear the clutter and dust away the dirt. Make cleaning even easier by placing all the commonly used supplies (multi purpose cleaner, sponge, lint roller, gloves etc) in a single carrying caddy that you can tote around with you so you have what you need. Oh and you can save even more time buy wearing an apron with pockets during your cleaning routine, slip supplies in the pockets and you’ll clean even faster.

7. Stop Throwing Money Away - turn clutter to cash, trash to treasure and save the planet while you’re at it Jamie’s newest book. The only book on organizing out there today covering how to make and save money, this is one you’ll actually read instead use as a paperweight for piles of clutter.

Jamie’s newest book Stop Throwing Money Away is on shelves now and she hosts an online community at http://www.BiteSizeLiving.com to read the missing chapter from her book stop by now.