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2012-01-31T09:15:00.000-05:00

Courage to Change - Week Two

2012-01-29T09:56:00.000-05:00

Week two in Courage to Change deals with Commitment & Forgiveness - two powerful aspects in all our lives.

I also learned about the ASK principle - Aaccountability, Support, Knowledge. Being accountable to myself and responsible to carry through with my decisions for better health, supporting my decision to do so and gaining the knowledge - not only physical knowledge - but humility, wisdom, and understanding
= knowledge.

To wrap up week two I also learned about Forgiveness - which for me is a big thing - do you ever find yourself struggling with forgiving someone? I learned that not only is forgiving someone else important, but forgiving ourselves is crucial. How can we move forward if we are constantly sabotaging our our efforts from the residue of past failures? Forgive and move forward!

The final section is a signed commitment to not just TRY but to DO what we have set out to accomplish. Using Christ's commitment by sacrificing himself on the cross as an example of true commitment I move forward into week three.

Check out Courage to Change by Brian Wellbrock

The Sneezy Wheezy Day Sneak Peek

2012-01-27T10:35:00.000-05:00

Cougar Cub Tales The Sneezy Wheezy Day

2012-01-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

Nobody likes to get the sniffles, so when brother cub starts to feel ill his sister takes him to all their forest friends for a cure. However, after all the good-hearted critters fail to provide brother cub with anything helpful, sister comes up with a plan. What is it? Find out in The Sneezy Wheezy Day by Sharon Cramer.

The Sneezy Wheezy Day is a delightful, poetic tale of how love always prevails. Cramer takes an ordinary, everyday occurrence and turns it into a fun and adventurous story. The illustrations also done by Cramer are simply beautiful - magical, bright and bold - the picture of the cubs journey to see Grizzley Old Bear is my absolute favorite!

This book is a must have for any child's library and will be especially helpful when the nasty flu bug makes it's appearance.

Check out The Sneezy Wheezy Day by Sharon Cramer today, there's a free download available on Amazon for a limited time (see sidebar logo for details).

Award-winning Cougar Cubs are Remedy for Sniffles

2012-01-23T10:11:00.000-05:00

Wheather sick with a cold or something more serious, book provides kids comfort, teaches compassion.

When kids get sick, parents want nothing more than to “make it all better.” We pull out every comfort tool in our arsenal – chicken soup, extra cuddles, and more cartoons.

Just in time for the peak of cold and flu season comes The Sneezy Wheezy Day (Talking Bird Books, January 1, 2012, $14.95), a book every parent will want to keep on hand for when the sniffles come on.

Written by nurse and mom of three, Sharon Cramer, The Sneezy Wheezy Day, is the third installment of the Cougar Cub Tales - an award winning children’s picture book series that follows the adventures of a brother and sister cougar cub.

In The Sneezy Wheezy Day, brother cub isn’t feeling well. As he and sister cub seek help for his cold, they encounter many well-intentioned forest friends who offer silly home remedies. One friend even tells brother cub, “Tickle your nose with the tail of a goose and do it before the next blue moon rise!” Although the recommendations help, the final remedy is a sibling’s love.

Cramer wrote the first book in the series, Lost and Alone about sibling rivalry, when her youngest son was born 18 years ago. As a mom to two older sons at the time, Cramer says she felt like an expert on “brotherly love” already. The second installment in the series, I’m Just Like You addresses intolerance.

Cramer illustrates the Cougar Cub Tales books in watercolor, with each picture taking her between 18-24 hours to create. She chose cougar cubs because she wanted to create characters that spoke strongly of the Pacific Northwest, where she lives.

About the Author

SHARON CRAMER is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and avid competitive equestrian. She is also the author of, soon to be released, Marlo and the Monster, and is working on a new young adult series called The Cerulean Star. She lives in Spokane, Wash.

To learn more and hear audio of Cramer reading the books, please visit: http://www.talkingbirdbooks.com/.

Trust Your Children

2012-01-20T17:38:00.000-05:00

Kidnap Survivor Shares His Story & Tips for Protecting Kids

Each new generation of parents keeps its children closer to home, supervises them more carefully, and guards them from both neighbors and strangers alike. With the rise of the Internet, they’re even running background checks on babysitters and troop leaders.

And still, children go missing.

Every day in the United States, 2,000 youngsters are reported missing, according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Each year, 58,000 are taken by people unrelated to them and 200,000 are snatched by members of their own families. Sadly, there’s no relief in knowing the child may be with family.

George Molho knows that only too well. As a 7-year-old in 1978, he was taken to Greece from his home in Houston by his father, a man with a brutal temper, an obsessive need for control and a sadistic desire to inflict pain. No one, not even his mother, believed him when he anticipated his father’s plan to spirit him away and tried to warn them, Molho writes in his new memoir, Scarred (www.georgemolho.com).

Now a passionate advocate for child kidnapping and abuse victims, Molho says awareness of the problem and efforts to develop solutions that protect children should be a top national priority.
“One thing every parent can do to protect their children comes right from my own experience – and I don’t think parents know how very important it is,” Molho says.

“My mother thought I was being paranoid when I shared my worries with her. She took me to a psychologist, who said I was making up the story because I was upset that my parents weren't living together anymore.”

When young children express fear or concern about even a close friend or family member, adults tend to chalk it up to shyness, a ploy for attention, or fantasy, Molho says.

“Trust your child's instincts,” he says. “If they act uncomfortable around someone because they can’t verbalize their feelings, or if they tell you they’re uncomfortable, trust them. No matter who it is, if they tell you a person scares them, protect them.”
Molho offers these other lesser-known tips for protecting children from kidnappers, whether they’re friends or family:

Teach children how to fib on the phone. If they’re home alone, for instance, and someone calls asking to speak to their mother or father, they might say, “My mother’s busy in the kitchen right now and asked me to answer the phone and take a message.” Put them to the test by having someone they don’t know, one of your friends or co-workers, call.
Make approved lists of people who will deliver any important news to them. If Mom or Dad is in trouble or hurt, only these people will know and will tell the child. Even if Uncle Bob tells them Mom is in the hospital and the child needs to go with Uncle Bob, if he’s not on the approved list, the child should not go. This is a common ploy.
Teach them, train them and give them permission to defend themselves. This is very important and it saves lives. Most children are taught to be polite and respect adults; it’s far safer to risk offending an adult – even if it turns out the adult meant no harm. Screaming, kicking and running away are perfectly acceptable if a stranger grabs your arm – even if the stranger is smiling sweetly.

About George Molho

George Molho worked as a health-care consultant for 15 years before becoming a writer and public speaker, addressing domestic abuse, child abduction, and recovering from trauma through self-reflection. He lives in Houston, where he has volunteered as a board member for several Texas charities and agencies that assist children and the elderly.

What Can One Person Do?

2012-01-18T10:12:00.001-05:00

Activist Reveals How One Act of Community Service Can Spark Thousands More

Don’t tell Lisa Sellman that one person can’t make a difference. She knows better.

Sellman, a community activist and lifelong volunteer, recently learned how one act of kindness can set off a chain reaction that can span the globe.

“It just started out with me asking a regional pet food company for a donation of dog food for Red Lake Rosie’s in Minnesota,” said Sellman, a professional dog trainer and owner of a pet care business. “I called Solid Gold Northland, and one of the marketing managers there advised me that they were trying to increase the number of people who ‘liked’ them on Facebook, and that if I could get 40 new Facebook members to click on their ‘like’ button, they’d give me $200 worth of pet food.”

So Sellman, who currently volunteers for six different community groups, sent a message out to all her Facebook friends inviting them to Solid Gold Northland’s fan page on Facebook. Somehow, the invite made it to the Facebook page of The Patrick Miracle, a page devoted to the story of a two year old pitbull found by a janitor in a dumpster. Their Facebook page has charted over 109,000 “like” clicks from users. When the founders of the page posted Sellman’s invite, Solid Gold Northland received more than 2,000 new fans from all over the world in the course of about 48 hours.

“When I contacted them the next week, they were blown away by how quickly the response took off,” said Sellman, also author of the children’s book The Legend of the Wolves of Gunflint Lake (http://www.dreamcatcherpress.us/), which contains the theme of the value of community service and which she hopes will serve to inspire others. “As a result of the combined outreach, Solid Gold Northland and Chuck and Don’s Pet Food Outlet have committed a donation of $2,000 worth of pet food, and I’ve helped to forge new friends from other countries who all care about the same things I care about. And it all started with a simple posting on Facebook because I wanted to help a local animal shelter. It’s been magical.”

Sellman’s simple act was a drop in the bucket compared to her schedule of volunteer activities. She works as an after school care volunteer at the Minneapolis Indian Center, a special events assistant at the Loft Literary Center, a volunteer marketing director for canine events at the Gunflint Lodge (the real location contained in her children’s book), and a trail staff assistant with Wilderness Inquiry, where she and her husband take disabled children and adults on outdoor adventures throughout the US. They’ve been volunteers with this organization since 1997.

“Although I work hard, I love being able to serve my community.” Sellman said. “The people in all the organizations I’m involved with, all share my values and my world view and they are my friends and my family. The people and the activities fill up my life with fun, joy and a purpose I could never have achieved any other way. It doesn’t mean that I think everyone should take the same path that I have. I know most people don’t have the time. My point is this: it only takes one simple act, one click of a mouse button to start a movement. It happened to me and it can happen to you. All you need to do is give it a shot.”

About Lisa Sellman

Lisa Sellman, owner and professional dog trainer at Aloha Pet Care & Dog Training, volunteers for half a dozen charitable organizations. She believes that community service is its own reward, a message that resonates throughout her new children’s book The Legend of the Wolves of Gunflint Lake.

Courage to Change - Week One

2012-01-16T09:50:00.000-05:00

I was given the book, Courage to Change 12 Weeks to Physical and Spiritual Excellence by Brian Wellbrock to review. I thought...I could do a regular review - read it and comment - but why not REALLY read and put into practice the wonderful advice this book as to offer?

So that's what I'm doing. For the next twelve weeks (everyday Sunday) I will post what I've learned and how it is affecting my life. So here we go...

This week (week one) I have been reminded of the love God has for me and how I need to pay more attention to His Love Notes to me. Upon Reflection I was given the opportunity to write down those gentle reminders of God's love - it really helps!

Next I moved into the 5 areas that are most neglected by people;

~ Thankfulness
~ Courage
~ Enthusiasm
~ Motivation
~ Inspiration

Here I was reminded of all of these important principles and once again given the opportunity (with pointed questions) to reflect on how these points work in my own life.

Next I moved into the "TAP" Principle; Spiritual alignment: Keeping your thoughts, attitudes, and performance (TAP) in alignment with God's. This guide was most helpful to me. I learned I need to be more "tuned" in to my negativity so I can immediately put a stop to it.

To wrap up the week I was given pages of "I Am Declarations." These are internal quotes that we tell ourselves - all negative and all destructive lies - to combat these we are shown scriptural quotes that show us we are valuable and loved.

So far this week, this book as already made a difference. I was able to keep my faith active even though I still struggle with negative thoughts. Tune in next Sunday for my progress report on Week 2

.Courage to Change: 12 Weeks to Physical and Spiritual Excellence

12 Tips to Help You Land that New Job

2012-01-12T09:06:00.000-05:00

Ellyn Enisman is the author of “Job Interview Skills 101

If your resolution is to find a job and you want to be the candidate that stands out and gets the job offer, then here are 12 tips to follow.

1. Become An Expert at Interviewing.
Nobody gets a job without going through the interview process. This takes a lot of preparation and planning. It starts with knowing yourself and your experiences and learning how to convey to the interviewer that you have the knowledge, skills, experience, and attributes that make you the best fit for the job. Learn the secrets of acing telephone interviews, panel interviews, decoding a job description to know what questions to expect, learn what questions to ask, learn how to answer “What salary are you looking for? and learn to use the art and skill of storytelling to help the interviewer hire you. The book, "Job Interview Skills 101, the course you forgot to take", provides a method and strategy that can help you succeed in successfully preparing for the interview process. Make the investment in yourself and prepare so that you can beat out the competition.

2. Gear Up To Network.
About 80% of jobs are filled through referrals. When I am recruiting, I always reach out to the people I know to ask if they might know someone who could fill my open positions. Make a list of everyone you know, which includes friends, relatives, former co-workers, managers, classmates, teachers, etc. Include people who have been your advocates and mentors in the past and also the present. Include people you haven’t seen in years so you can get back in touch with them. Create a spreadsheet that includes names, contact info, company where they work, date of contact, how contact was made, what you discussed, outcome of the conversation, and follow up date.

3. Help Your Network Help You.
It’s great to have a long list of people to connect with, but it’s important to know what you want them to help you with and give them the tools they need to help you. Have your resume ready to send to them with a summary of all the attributes and qualifications that you have. Make sure you send it to them in an email so they can forward it to anyone they might know who would be interested in meeting you. Your summary of qualifications and list of attributes allows them to advocate for you. It also makes it easy for them. Even the best of your advocates will be too busy to write something on your behalf. Having it in an email allows them to email others and say, “ I know you are searching for a Public Relations Professional, here is info on someone who I think would be a great fit. Here is a list of their qualifications and their resume.”

4. Work Your Network.
A network is only as good as the contact you make with them. Remember networking isn’t always about asking for something. It’s about learning about your contact and sharing info about yourself. Networking is also about helping your contact or adding value to them. So listen carefully to what your network tells you because it will give you clues on how you can help them. Once you find out, take action. But what if you haven’t spoken to a few people in years or what if you there are people you want to connect with who you have never met? This leads to the next tip.

5. Get Social and Grow Your Network.
If you are not tech savvy, you need to get tech savvy. This includes social media. LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, are three of the most important. There are others such as Quora and Google+. Anyone who is looking for a job needs a solid LinkedIn profile. There are tutorials on LinkedIn that can teach you how to do it. Facebook and Twitter have tutorials as well. When I am recruiting, I go to LinkedIn and I search for people using keywords. I have identified qualified candidates for open positions this way. When I look at a resume, the first place I go is to LinkedIn, Face book, and Twitter to see what I can learn about that person. This is before contacting them. That being said if you have these profiles already, ask yourself: “Would I be interested in interviewing me if I saw and read my profile?” That includes photos and postings on your wall. If the answers are maybe or no, then build up your profile to include information about you that a recruiter should know, post only professional photos, and privatize information you only want your close friends to see. Learn about the aspects of these social media sites such as joining groups and discussions on LinkedIn, how to reach out to people you don’t know, how to ask for introductions, tweeting and following on Twitter, and connecting through Facebook. Follow people in your industry on Twitter. Research people on LinkedIn who have the type of job you want and look at their profiles. Does yours measure up? If not make some changes. Make sure your profiles have the keywords that recruiters would search on when looking for someone with the skills of the job that you want. Remember always be truthful about yourself and your experience. Besides tutorials there are tools out there to help. “Job Searching With Social Media For Dummies” by Joshua Waldman is a great source of info.

6. Get Visual.
Get out there on the Internet for all to see. Create an online multimedia resume to give a complete picture of you as a professional. Check out www.visualcv.com. It allows you to add video clips of your work, audio, letters of recommendation, images, awards, writing samples, and qualifications. You can put the link on your resume in your heading, on your LinkedIn and Facebook profiles and in your cover letter.

7. New Year… New You…Look The Part.
First impressions are everything. In fact most employers will make an assessment about you the minute they see you. Revisit your interview wardrobe and make sure your can dress the part. You don’t have to buy expensive clothes to look professional. When you are in a job search be aware of how you look all the time. Although you do not have to wear a suit all of the time, be aware of grooming. You can meet that important contact at the gym, at the supermarket or while at the dental office. Remember, when you look good, you feel good and feel confident.

8. Give Back While Your Searching. While your searching for that new job, help others by giving to your community. Find a local organization that resonates with you. Volunteer and participate. Making others happy can help you feel good about yourself. Job searching can be a daunting experience and there is nothing better to lift your spirits then hearing thank you from someone who needed your help.

9. Go To Industry Conferences.
Going to industry conferences are a great way to keep current on what’s happening in your industry of choice and provide the opportunity to meet contacts in your field. Check the agenda before you go and sign up for classes or sessions of interest. Don’t worry; the people you want to meet will be there. Conferences can be expensive so if you cannot afford the price, call and offer to volunteer to work the conference. Often you can do that without paying the registration fee. It’s a great way to get to know people.

10. Job Boards Are A Small Part.
Job boards can be overwhelming. People always tell me how they apply to so many jobs on the job boards and never get a response. I can tell you from my experience as a recruiter that when I would post a job online, I would get over 100 responses in the first 30 minutes. It is as overwhelming to the recruiter as it is to you. While you need to keep applying, don’t rely on the job boards as your only source for your job search.

11. Call Even When It Says Don’t.
Most online job postings say no calls or don’t give any information on how to reach the recruiter by phone. When recruiting, my online postings always said no calls please. Always, however, several people found me and called me. I would be annoyed that they didn’t follow my request, but if they had something compelling to say about how they fit the position and why they were interested in the company, I would speak to them. If they had what I was looking for, I invited them in for an interview. My advice, plan what you are going to say before you call. Make it short and compelling. Ask for the interview.

12. Don’t Give Up. Be Strategic.
Job-hunting can be exasperating and you may have to accept a lot of rejection. But just remember that your job search is like a funnel. The more you put in the more that comes out. The more quality you put in the more quality comes out. You put in quality by being strategic. Using the tips above is key.

In closing, keep in mind that you need to find your new job because it won't find you!

About the Author

Ellyn Enisman is the author of “Job Interview Skills 101, the course you forgot to take” and has over 27 years of experience in interview coaching, career counseling, corporate recruiting, employer relationship development, human capital management, human resource consulting, job placement, job search strategy coaching, interview skill workshops and more. Ellyn has held senior executive management positions in the staffing, corporate recruiting, and manufacturing industries. She has recruited, interviewed, hired, and has been instrumental in helping new college grads and college students succeed in their job search. Ellyn has coached students from leading colleges and universities, and is the founder of a professional coaching firm with a unique and successful approach to empowering college students and recent college grads to prepare for the job market. Ellyn is a Huffington Post forum contributor and is interviewed regularly on Fox, CNN, Payscale and other leading business and recruiting websites.

For more information go to http://www.jobinterviewskills101.com/, and http://www.collegetocareercoaching.com/

How Working Parents Can Avoid the Homework Crunch

2012-01-09T10:41:00.000-05:00

by Ann K. Dolin, M.Ed.

After a long day at work, one of the last things a working parent wants to come home to is a pile of homework. Kids certainly aren't the only ones who dread it. In fact, a recent LifeCare® poll found that 99 percent of working parents feel some level of stress when trying to help their children with homework--and 49 percent of them rate the stress they feel as "high." Many parents report that their children don't even begin to tackle assignments while they are in after-care or home alone. When this occurs, they then have a full load of homework to complete in addition to dinner, chores, and sports. More than ever, a working parent must have a few tricks up his or her sleeve to get it all done.

Consider these ideas:

Use After-Care to Your Advantage

Talk with the after-care director or teacher responsible for your child. Ask him or her to have your child complete the easiest homework assignment before leaving for the day. Many children either cannot focus or do not want to do homework in after-care, but they are capable of completing a simple task. By the time your child arrives home, at least one piece of work should be out of the way.

Plan Time While Home Alone

If you are unable to be at home when your child comes in off the bus, arrange to either call home at a specified time or have your child call you upon arrival. During this conversation, ask your child to share his prioritized homework list, again, ranking work from easy to hard. This way, the simple work is completed early on and you can assist with the more difficult assignments as needed. In addition, encourage your child to check off work he has finished so that you will be able to see quickly and easily what has been accomplished and what is left to do.

If your son's or daughter's list seems unusually short on a regular basis, ask him or her to print out a list of homework assignments from the school's online portal so that you can verify the homework load when you return home.

Find a Study Buddy

Many elementary classrooms already distribute a list of contact information for classmates. Have your child identify three students he feels comfortable contacting in case he has any questions regarding homework. Keep their contact information in your child's homework area. If your student is older, encourage him to choose several trusted peers or one peer from each class, to call with any questions.

Use Weekends Constructively

The weekend provides a wonderful opportunity for working parents to be active supporters of their children's homework. And many times, weekends are needed to catch up and get ahead.

Schedule a Sunday Planning Session

On a weekly basis (Sunday evenings usually work well), set aside a half hour to plan for the upcoming week. During this time, talk to your child about any extra-curricular activities that might be scheduled and, most importantly, any long-term assignments. Often, it's what's not due the next day that can throw even the most seasoned parent for a loop. Create a plan for upcoming projects, book reports, and studying for tests. Help your child to break them down and write the smaller tasks in their assignment notebook. By previewing the week ahead, everyone is less stressed and more organized and not confronted with last minute surprises that don't bring out the best in anyone.

By anticipating trouble spots and careful planning, even the busiest parent can ensure smooth sailing ahead.

About the Author

Ann K. Dolin, M.Ed., is the founder and president of Educational Connections, Inc., a comprehensive provider of educational services in Fairfax, VA and Bethesda, MD. In her award-winning book, Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools and Solutions for Stress-Free Homework, Dolin offers proven solutions to help the six key types of students who struggle with homework. Numerous examples and easy-to-implement, fun tips will help make homework less of a chore for the whole family. Learn more at http://anndolin.com/ or http://ectutoring.com/.

10 Household Details Your Nanny Needs to Know

2012-01-07T12:42:00.001-05:00

Now that you have hired your nanny, it’s time to start thinking through the onboarding process (aka the first day). Typically, you will have thought through the basics like when they should show up and how to introduce your caregiver to the kids, etc. However, sometimes it’s nice to have a checklist of household details prepared in advance for your nanny. It’s true that you know your home along with the strengths and weaknesses. You also know where everything is and who to call in the event of an emergency whether it’s a repair or something even more serious. Of course, your nanny needs access to some of that information so here are 10 items that you should be prepared to download to your nanny on his or her first day:

1. Electrical panel (fusebox) - The exact location of the electrical panel (fuse or circuit-breaker). You should also be sure that they have access to a flashlight and that they are comfortable with resetting the breaker and/or replacing a fuse if the need arises.

2. Water shut-off valve - The exact location of the main shut-off valve for the water supply. In the event of an unfortunate water leak, the nanny will need to be aware of how to prevent a catastrophic water disaster. Its also a good idea to establish ground rules for when they should immediately call a plumber versus calling you first (though you should be very high on that list of course).

3. Security system - If you have a home security system, you will definitely need to go over how to enable and disable the alarm along with the basic process your monitoring company goes through in the event of an alarm and how the nanny should interact with them.

4. Emergency info - The written or diagrammed fire escape plan you have established with, and for, your children (you may even walk them through it literally depending upon how easy that is to pull off). Also, post all emergency related numbers, (Fire, police, Poison Control, etc.) directly by the telephone.

5. Fire extinguishers - The location and operation of any and all fire extinguishers you have in your home.

6. Medications - The secure location(s) where you store any medications. If your children are taking any medications on a daily basis or require ‘as needed’ medications (ie. asthma inhalers), you need to post a written chart for the convenience of the nanny, indicating the time and dosage of the medication.

7. Smoke detectors - The location of any, and all, smoke detectors; and, if applicable, where replacement batteries are in the event that they start to go off due to low batteries (a common problem).

8. Cleaning supplies - The location of all cleaning supplies; and if there are area specific cleaners (ie. stone countertops, stainless appliances), make sure you provide written instructions if they are abnormal.

9. Cleaning equipment - The location and operation of vacuums, brooms, etc. Depending upon how old your children are they should be able to help quite a bit in this area.

10. Bathroom supplies – As hard as it may seem to believe your nanny doesn’t really want to search through every cabinet or drawer looking for a new roll of toilet paper, soap/soap refills, and other bathroom products. Be sure to help them out by quickly pointing out where you store them.

Getting your nanny off to a good start largely depends upon how well you have done your job screening, hiring, and then preparing your nanny. Your work is not done when you offer them the job and they show up, it’s your responsibility to make sure they know everything you want them to know as quickly as possible to keep everyone on the same page and to enable them to be successful in their new role.

Tips porvided by - http://www.nannypro.com/

Bumples for Kids 4-10

2011-12-29T10:28:00.000-05:00

Bumples is a fun, interactive magazine for kids.

Check out our sample issue.

You and your kids will love it!

It's BumplePedia!

2011-12-27T17:45:00.000-05:00

Each issue of Bumples Magazine is not only filled with fun stories, but there's some facts thrown in as well. This month's Bumplepedia tells us about dogs, bubbles, reindeers, and sunflowers.

Did you know...

~ The Labrador Retriever is one of several kinds of retriever, a gun dog...?
~ A Bubble is a thin layer of soapy water enclosing air...?
~ The Reindeer has two layers of fur...?
~ The Sunflower has a rough, hairy stem...?

Check out Bumples Magazine. It's perfect for kids 4-10 and is delivered to your inbox 10 times a year.
http://www.bumples.com/

Holiday Sale Ends 12/25/2011

2011-12-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

Do you need a last minute gift? A subscription to Bumples would be a perfect gift for a child 4-10. Not only will they receive 10 issues but they can read the back issues.That is over 25 stories or poems plus games and facts.

Sale price is only$12.00. A savings of 40%

SALE ENDS 12/25/11

ORDER TODAY: http://www.bumples.com

Every issue is filled with interaction:

Exciting stories: Games:

Mysteries Puzzles, Word Search

Folk Lore Colouring Pages

Animal stories Hidden Objects

Feel good stories Maze, Hangman

Bumplephila facts

Plus misc. games

Kids tested * parent approved * teacher endorsed

Sounds Fishy To Me...

2011-12-19T11:09:00.000-05:00

Check out this and other awesome stories, interactive games and fun facts at; http://www.bumples.com/

Great Gift for Kids!

2011-12-16T09:04:00.001-05:00

Bumples Magazine is 60 pages of stories, fun games and facts. What child between the ages of 4-10 wouldn't love to read these stories and play the games? The issues offer animation, sound and interaction. Plus, the games are replayable.

Give a year's membership to your favorite daughter, son, nephew, niece, granddaughter, grandson or just a friend. They will think about you everytime they open a Bumple issue.

Buy a subscription for only $12.00. That is only $1.20 an issue. A saving of 40%. Sale ends 12/24/2011
http://www.bumples.com/

The subscription also includes reading the back issues. Over 25 more stories, poems, games and facts. That is bettor than buying a book.

Written by wonderful published writers and illustrators. We're kid, parent and teacher tested.

Next year we will be using more animation and interaction. We also will be going on the kindle fire, nook and i-pads.

We offer a money back guarantee if the child does not like the magazine. Order today, one less present to worry about.

Bumples the CandleMaker

2011-12-14T14:47:00.000-05:00

Check out Bumples Christmas Issue with tonnes of fun!

Bumples Christmas in the Doghouse

2011-12-11T16:59:00.000-05:00

When Rosi wakes on Christmas Day

What do you think she'll find?

No presents by the Christmas tree

Is Santa so unkind?

Find out what happens in Christmas in the Doghouse by Elaine Harris on Bumples Magazine; http://www.bumples.com/

Trust Your Children

2011-12-09T10:56:00.000-05:00

*Kidnap Survivor Shares His Story & Tips for Protecting Kids*

Each new generation of parents keeps its children closer to home, supervises them more carefully, and guards them from both neighbors and strangers alike. With the rise of the Internet, they’re even running background checks on babysitters and troop leaders.

And still, children go missing.

Every day in the United States, 2,000 youngsters are reported missing, according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Each year, 58,000 are taken by people unrelated to them and 200,000 are snatched by members of their own families. Sadly, there’s no relief in knowing the child may be with family.

George Molho knows that only too well. As a 7-year-old in 1978, he was taken to Greece from his home in Houston by his father, a man with a brutal temper, an obsessive need for control and a sadistic desire to inflict pain. No one, not even his mother, believed him when he anticipated his father’s plan to spirit him away and tried to warn them, Molho writes in his new memoir, Scarred (http://www.georgemolho.com/).

Now a passionate advocate for child kidnapping and abuse victims, Molho says awareness of the problem and efforts to develop solutions that protect children should be a top national priority.

“One thing every parent can do to protect their children comes right from my own experience – and I don’t think parents know how very important it is,” Molho says.

“My mother thought I was being paranoid when I shared my worries with her. She took me to a psychologist, who said I was making up the story because I was upset that my parents weren't living together anymore.”

"When young children express fear or concern about even a close friend or family member, adults tend to chalk it up to shyness, a ploy for attention, or fantasy," Molho says.

“Trust your child's instincts,” he says. “If they act uncomfortable around someone because they can’t verbalize their feelings, or if they tell you they’re uncomfortable, trust them. No matter who it is, if they tell you a person scares them, protect them.”

Molho offers these other lesser-known tips for protecting children from kidnappers, whether they’re friends or family:

• Teach children how to fib on the phone. If they’re home alone, for instance, and someone calls asking to speak to their mother or father, they might say, “My mother’s busy in the kitchen right now and asked me to answer the phone and take a message.” Put them to the test by having someone they don’t know, one of your friends or co-workers, call.

• Make approved lists of people who will deliver any important news to them. If Mom or Dad is in trouble or hurt, only these people will know and will tell the child. Even if Uncle Bob tells them Mom is in the hospital and the child needs to go with Uncle Bob, if he’s not on the approved list, the child should not go. This is a common ploy.

• Teach them, train them and give them permission to defend themselves. This is very important and it saves lives. Most children are taught to be polite and respect adults; it’s far safer to risk offending an adult – even if it turns out the adult meant no harm. Screaming, kicking and running away are perfectly acceptable if a stranger grabs your arm – even if the stranger is smiling sweetly.

About George Molho

George Molho worked as a health-care consultant for 15 years before becoming a writer and public speaker, addressing domestic abuse, child abduction, and recovering from trauma through self-reflection. He lives in Houston, where he has volunteered as a board member for several Texas charities and agencies that assist children and the elderly.

December Issue is Now Available!

2011-12-04T09:08:00.000-05:00

Bumples Magazine's December Issue is now making it's debut. Check out the party!

Bumples has all things Christmas with 60 pages filled with awesome stories, fun games and cool animation on each page. In addition, Bumples is interactive so, solve a Puzzle or two, Find the Bubbles, do a Word Search, "Clean Up" Rusty's Mess, and play the Sunflower Lotto (addiction guaranteed =)

But wait there's more. Bumples also has a special featured called, "Bumplepedia" where kids can learn facts about the stories theme. Why? Cause it's just plain fun!

Bumples Magazine would make a great stocking stuffer or an ideal present for the tyke on your holiday list. And specially priced at only $12.00 for 10 issues (that's just over a $1.00 an issue), Bumples is the gift that keeps on giving all year long - they'll definitely remember you for giving them fun, fun, fun!

Subscribe today for only $12.00 (regular $19.95) at; http://www.bumples.com

Flicka, Ricka, Dicka and Their New Skates

2011-12-01T08:57:00.000-05:00

It's Christmas morning and the triplets, Flicka, Ricka and Dicka, are very excited to see what's beneath the tree. They run down the stairs in anticipation to find three identical pairs of skates, but little do they know the day is about to have even more surprises. Find out how Flicka, Ricka and Dicka save the day on the pond in; Flicka, Ricka, Dicka and Their New Skates

After more than 30 years the beloved Flicka, Ricka and Dicka books are revived, holding all the charm of the original series - this book even comes with the classic paper dolls that I so loved growing up!

MAJ LINDMAN CLASSICS

Originally published in the '40s and '50s, these wholesome adventures of three little Swedish girls, Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka, and three little boys, Snipp, Snapp, and Snurr, are timeless tales of childhood. Author Maj Lindman's delightful illustrations complement her warm, gentle tales of kindness and courage.

Check out Flicka, Ricka, Dicka and Their New Skates and all of Albert Whitman & Company on the web at; http://www.albertwhitman.com/

Bumples December Issue Sneak Peek

2011-11-28T11:54:00.000-05:00

Have a Happy (and Healthier) Holiday!

2011-11-23T10:41:00.000-05:00

As you are prepping for the holiday season there may be unwanted visitors coming into the home (and we don’t mean the in-laws). A sneeze on the doorknob, dropped pie on the floor and dirty cutting boards sitting in the sink could all spread germs among friends and family.

A recent Clorox survey found that amid the chaos of entertaining guests for the holidays, only 42% of women always spend time disinfecting. No one wants to be knocked down with a cold or flu during the holidays, so it’s important to use the right tools to help prevent the spread of these germs. Below is a holiday guide to help you know when to clean, sanitize and disinfect.

The Holiday Guide to Cleaning vs. Sanitizing vs. Disinfecting

Cleaning

Scenario: Soap and water remove dirt and debris—If Grandma drops her famous sweet potato soufflé coming up the stairs, this is where you might use soap and water to clean it up. While this is a sticky mess, it isn’t likely to contain bacteria and viruses.

Sanitizing

Scenario: Sanitizers reduce bacteria—You just finished stuffing the turkey and are turning your attention to the mashed potatoes. Before you start peeling and chopping, you’ll want to use a sanitizer to help kill any bacteria that could be lurking on the countertop and cutting board from the raw meat.

Disinfecting

Scenario: EPA-registered disinfectants kill viruses, bacteria and fungi—You had a great time with your favorite Uncle Jim who flew cross-country to stay with you for the holidays. That is, until he got sick and was coughing and sneezing all over the house. To help reduce the spread of viruses that can cause cold and flu and help keep your home healthier, you can disinfect hard surfaces in the bathroom and around the house that he may have touched.

This infographic also highlights some of the ways you can be sure you are spreading cheer, not viruses, this holiday season!

This information in this post and coupons were provided to me by The Clorox Company.

GIVEAWAY - To help make disinfecting a snap, we are giving away coupons for a free canister of Clorox Disinfecting Wipes to the first 10 people who share their holiday cleaning tips in the comments!

Holiday Super SALE - It's HUGE!!

2011-11-21T10:40:00.007-05:00

Are you looking for the perfect gift for a great kid? Welcome to Bumples where imagination soars and reading is lots of fun. Bumples Magazine is published ten times a year and is written by worldwide and acclaimed authors.

Every issue is filled with;

~ Interaction
~ Exciting and feel good stories
~ Mysteries Puzzles, Word Search
~ Folk Lore Colouring Pages
~ Animal stories
~ Hidden Objects
~ Maze, Hangman
~ Bumplephila facts
~ Plus so much more

Bumples is kid tested, parent approved, teacher endorsed and can now be yours at only $12.00 - (regular price of $19.95).

SALE ENDS DECEMBER 15'th so sign up now! Bumples Magazine is the gift that keeps on giving.
Order today at: http://www.bumples.com/

The perfect gift or stocking stuffer for any child.

Halloween Issue

2011-11-07T16:08:00.003-05:00

The witches are all over the Bumples issue. Turn a page and there is another witch flying.
One story is about animals joining together to scare the witches away forever.
Another story has you involved with saving the animals from Bumpleville. The witches hid the bodies and your job is to help find the bodies.
Have you ever thought about what bees and bugs do during a storm. We have a cute story about bees during a hurricane and who helps them save their home. You would never guess.
Our poem is about brushing your teeth. The writer and illustrator wrote a funny poem about brushing your teeth. Something that children can think about when they are brushing their teeth.
Every story has facts and also a game to play. All in all a fun free issue to explore.

Bumples Magazine

2011-10-13T14:33:00.000-04:00

Dreaming and using your imagination is such an important part of life for a child, and even for an adult. Besides being relaxing, reading allows your mind to think, imagine and dream. Hopefully, the stories that we select for Bumples lets a child do that. After reading the story they can read Bumplepedia facts and then play a game. All the games are designed around the story.

In today’s busy world, when was the last time that your child played alone reading and dreaming. Can they be by themselves and keep themselves happily occupied. The development of every child is so important. Don't get me wrong, playing with their friends and playing sports is also very important. But, I have seen too many children that can’t be alone. They are anxious and afraid. Turn off the television and let them dream and imagine.

I was a lucky child. I lived on a small farm with sheep, dogs and chickens. I had plenty of land to roam around, and watch nature in action. I was a tomboy, played sports and had lots of friends. I also loved reading and using my imaginations to play games. This has certainly helped me in life become comfortable with myself and I wish this for every child.

Bumples is so much fun to do every month. It has allowed my imagination to return as I read wonderful stories and dream up fun games to play. There are so many good writers out there and I wish that I could print them all. I know that the children are enjoying the magazine as I watch their eyes light up, or they write me wonderful letters about stories they have read.

If your child hasn't tried Bumples, show it to them. Let them read the sample magazine.

The magazine is improving and growing each and every day.
Jennifer

Aug-Sept Bumple issue

2011-03-01T16:20:00.006-05:00

More wonderful stories to read and brand new games to play and replay. Don't forget Bumplepedia for facts to learn about. You can listen to the poems, read them or do both. Lots of interaction to watch.

Toothless Joe written by Patricia McMillan. A shark without teeth. That can't be true. What does he do about his problem Learn about sharks and play fish lotto.
Ten Little Bunnies written by Maria Gianferrar. Who doesn't like petting bunnies. A wonderful poem and narrated by my niece Katie. Color the 10 bunnies after reading about bunnies.
Lost in the Maze written by Michele Manning. Have you ever seen a corn field and wanted to walk in it. This story is about boys and the fear of getting lost. How do they get out. The facts about mazes show that mazes have been around for a long time. Yes we have a maze game and it is tough. Don't touch a line.
A Surprise for Robbie written by MaryAnn Diorio. I fell in love with this story because, I have a dog that I saved called Olie. This story is about a child's loss and the joy of getting a new dog. Then read about dogs in shelters and how many need a home. The game is a word search.
Vincent van Dough written by Cheryl Weibye Wilke. A child cleans out the fridge & makes one super sandwich. Yummy and fun. Again listen to the narration by Katie. Next you can make your own sandwich and let your imagination taste it. Wonderful poem.
Dewey Builds a ? written by me. Dewey is a Bumple and also a messy duck with a junk yard. He loves to build things. This month help him build a ? You actually move the parts and finish the object. Then watch him get in and test it with his friends. Facts are about row boats. Just a clue.

Go to Bumples Com and let your child try the magazine. I am sure that they will have a lot of fun and learn something also.

2010-11-27T15:16:00.003-05:00

Lisa Gail Green is one of our writers at Bumples. Her Dog poem was in the 2nd issue and Never Feed a Monster will be in the January issue. It is about a little boy who is scared to get out of bed. As a child I was terrified to get out of bed in the dark. I am sure that lots of kids have this fear or have had this fear and this story will help show them that they are not alone.

Lisa doesn't just write for younger kids but also older kids and adults. I just checked out her website and read Under the Influence. If you have teenagers let them read this story. I plan on showing it to my nieces who are teenagers. If you like Harry Porter, you will like this story and her other stories. Please check her out at lisagailgreen. com or paranomalpointofview.blogspot.

2010-11-11T14:19:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving

About Bumples Magazines

Bumples Magazine is devoted to children learning to love to read. The stories are written by writers, new and accomplished, who love to write fun and interesting stories.

Thanksgiving is a time to thank everyone, not only your family, but your friends and strangers. Our cover is due to all of the wonderful writing that we have gotten this year. I can't thank the writers enough.

Thanksgiving is a time to be with your family and I chose this cover to bring children and animals from past stories to sit down together. They are family now. I just read that animals in zoos get special thanksgiving treats. I hope that everyone gives there animal an extra treat or pat during the holidays.

The Thanksgiving issue is a warm and fun issue. If you or your children have not read it, please check it out.

Try an issue or subscribe for a year which entitles you to all the back issues. There is plenty to read and plenty of games to play. What bettor gift than a magazine that they can read monthly. Instead of just playing games on the computer, let them do both and come away happy and accomplished.

The whole Bumple family wishes everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving

Author of Muskrat Spring

2010-10-28T17:25:00.001-04:00

FINDING YOUR LITERARY POT OF GOLD: Every writer has a rainbow.
Sue Frye’s ‘MUSKRAT SPRING’ published in Bumple Magazine’s 2010’s April issue takes the reader on a frolicking adventure of discovery and fun with a curious muskrat who encounters several wild creatures while searching for spring. Sue is a children’s author, poet & storyteller from North Carolina, Ohio and now West Virginia.
As a West Virginia gal, Sue takes full advantage of her golden opportunity of inspiration amid the exuberant green mountains, deep musky hollows and sometimes muddy rivers that creep along the Guyandot’s smooth, clay banks.

1. How and when did you become a published author?
Finding a publisher and becoming an author took several years of writing and a lot of reading. After many years of disappointments, I met my publisher, Dindy Robinson at a conference. She fell in love with one of my first picture books “Bad Dragonflies” and a few days later, she sent me a contract. I signed with Swimming Kangaroo Books that same week which began a new friendship and the long and very satisfying process of publication.

2. Is it true all of your royalties form “Bad Dragonflies” has been donated by you to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital?
Absolutely. Children are our future. They are the innocent ones -- God love them. It grieves me to see them suffer. St. Jude’s is doing a fabulous job of caring for the children.
I don’t get one penny from my royalties and I’m glad because that means that every time someone buys one of my “Bad Dragonflies” books, the children at St. Jude’s makes the profits. I hope St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital makes a billion dollars. If one child benefits, it will have been worth the effort.

3. What was your most rewarding part of being published?
I feel blessed by all of my friends and acquaintances during my journey to become an author. The whole publishing process was a learning experience. I was thrilled when Swimming Kangaroo Books hired a professional illustrator, Berin Uriegus to do the illustrations and book cover. I consider my publisher, Dindy Robinson a dear friend. She kept me fully informed every step of the way. I was asked for my opinion concerning each and every illustration, I thought that was especially nice of them and very professional.

4. What was the toughest part of writing, Muskrat Spring?
I enjoy writing about animals but I had a hard time deciding which animal to use as my main character in Muskrat Spring. I thought for a long time before deciding which animal would be the most interesting to a child.
Lots of animals roam the mountains of West Virginia. There are large animals like bears and deer. There are cute, quirky animals too. I love the quirky ones and I felt that children would also like to read about them. A few that I considered were opossums, ferrets, ground hogs and muskrats. I chose the latter because -- the muskrat is less written about and there are more plot options available. And also, Muskrats are strange, funny creatures and . . . I like that in my victims. Grin.
5. Can you tell us a little about the steps you took in writing Muskrat Spring?
In the first draft of Muskrat Spring, the main character was a rabbit. After many hours of research and many rewrites, I decided on a muskrat so I tossed the rabbit and did another rewrite. In adding a different animal, I had to change several details so that my story would flow smoothly and the pacing wouldn’t be off. Pacing and flow work hand in hand with the plot. I wanted my picture book to be adventurous and fast paced so I keep my sentences short.

I wanted my story to be interesting so I visualized what a muskrat might eat, besides the usually weeds and twigs. I invented a few morsels that sounded delicious. By adding my personal touch, my story became unique to me. I revised my story for the last time. I then ran the spell checker and the grammar checker and did some necessary cutting which brought the word count down and is always nice for a picture book or short story.
I could finally breathe. I revise my babies several times before I actually kick them out of the nest. Letting go -- isn’t easy.

6. You wrote Muskrat Spring, what next?
Thanks for asking me this question. My works in progress include:
PICTURE BOOKS: The Adventures of Hare’cules, Parrots of the Carribean, Green Explosion, Clickity-Clackity Shoes, A Great Big Horrible Pumpkin.
KINGDOM OF THE ORBS: City of the Mountains -- MG Fantasy complete at 39k.
Thirteen-year-old Olivia sees monsters. In a struggle to learn why, she finds herself in the dark underworld of Trodor. She can’t return home until she restores light to the kingdom by replacing a stolen orb. She sets out in full armor to replace the Crystal Orb of Light but how can she survive when hungry trolls and man-eating horgs lurk everywhere, and . . .

the entire kingdom is shrouded in darkness.
PATH OF THE GOLDEN STAIRS -- YA Fantasy complete at 62k.
When fifteen-year-old Eli finds himself in Yetasia, he is forced to hid from giant Sasquatch that roam freely and giant moles that devour the flesh of whomever they see. Eli can’t go home until he stops the pupit king and restores the kingdom but first he must rescue his comrades who are prisoners of the worst sasquatch of all, Muskhoofe. How will he find his friends inside the fortress of Mount Kahu . . . when it’s being guarded by Muskhoofe and his army?
THE WEEPING -- is a YA Paranormal.
When the new tenants of a haunted mansion are awakened by sobbing, they assume it’s only a ghost, but when the entity zeros in on their baby, they bolt to rid the house of an ancient curse . . . until they discover the entity is demonic -- now how will anyone escape?
SEASONS OF THE FAERY -- a poetry collection.
LINKS TO CS FRYE’S PUBLISHED BOOKS:
Trailer for BAD DRAGONFLIES Swimming Kangaroo Books: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=144941151&blogId=494777580

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=144941151&blogId=494777580
DRAGON SOUP: Stories for Children Magazine . If you're interested, you can read it for free at:http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vc3Rvcmllc2ZvcmNoaWxkcmVubWFnYXppbmUub3JnL0RyYWdvblNvdXAuYXNweA==
MUSKRAT SPRING: Bumples Magazine April 15th 2010.
http://www.Bumples.com

AN EYEBALL IN MY GARDEN AND OTHER SPIN-TINGLING POEMS is due to be published by Marshall Cavendish on July 15th 2010.
You can find me on Face Book: http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fcalidavidson.blogspot.com%2F%3Fspref%3Dfb&t=CS+%28Sue%29+Frye
You can also find me on Twitter: http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fcalidavidson.blogspot.com%2F%3Fspref%3Dfb&t=CS+%28Sue%29+Frye

Binksy and Bobo - Interview

2010-04-29T10:47:00.000-04:00

I came across this wonderful business on Twitter and thought it deserved a shout out. Here's what Katrina Poole of Binksy and Bobo, (owner/operator/mom/entrepreneur) had to say;

Tell us a bit about yourself:
I am a mother to a 21/2 year old sweetie (a boy) and wife to a crazy-fun husband. I live in Toronto. I love the energy of the city, photography, food (cooking & eating it), the quirky little things my son does that make me laugh (like just the other day, when he decided to lick my arms like a dog)....
I have always been creative, having studied Fine Arts in University and then having worked in an Ad Agency as a Graphic Designer, so deciding to start designing and sewing clothes was just the next thing.

Tell us about Binkys & Bobo:
While pregnant and huge with my son, I spent my days in front of my old sewing machine, making every item for my son’s soon-to-be-nursery. I sewed his curtains, bedding, bumper pads etc.
After the birth of my son, with all the fun I had designing his nursery, I decided to start sewing his clothing and thus Binksy & Bobo was born.

Any significance behind that adorable name?
Binksy is cute and whimsical (like my clothing). Bobo was the name of my little brother’s much beloved stuffed toy, Mr. Bobo, who, unfortunately ended up being shoved down the toilet.....so the name pays homage to Mr. Bobo.

What products do you carry? Tell us what makes them unique:
I carry a line of reversible clothing and stylish accessories for babies and children. Everything is handmade in Toronto, Canada. The nice part about having a reversible piece is, if there ever is a stain spilled down the front (which almost always happens), one can simply turn the item inside out for a fresh clean look.
I also carry accessories such as baby’s blankets and shopping cart covers that can be personalized with a monogram or fun graphic appliqué.

How long have you been in business?
I started the business in August of 2008.

Are you purely web based?
Right now I am an on-line store. I also partake in the Children’s Trunk Show held in Toronto in November and am now starting to branch out into retail stores.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced with Binkys & Bobo?
Building my brand, making people across Canada and the United States aware of Binksy & Bobo. The second challenge would have to be, not always being able to find the fabric I need for a particular item I’m making. I’m working on establishing relationships with more suppliers.

Anything else you'd like to add?
I have a blog; http://www.lipstickandlullabies.com/
where I like to talk about my double life as a mom and business owner. My blog features recipes and day to day ramblings and contests.

*Right now, I’m holding a laugh out loud contest. I’m giving away a personalized t-shirt and reversible short set ($60 value) to the contestant who writes me (in my comments section) of the funniest/most embarrassing moment in their child’s/baby’s life. For Contest entry and info, please click the following link: http://www.lipstickandlullabies.com/2010/04/contest-most-embarrassingfunny-thing.html

I am on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BinksyAndBobo
Fans receive from time to time coupons and special promotions

I am on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/BinksyAndBobo

Check out this fabulous line of products.

Whole Milk Is Not Appropriate For Kids: So Why are Schools Still Serving It?

2010-04-27T09:50:00.000-04:00

By Joanna Dolgoff MD
(www.drweigh.com/blog)

Recently, America’s school lunch menus have been under fire and parents are becoming increasingly concerned about the state of their children’s health and well-being. Federal law, under the School Lunch Act, provides nutritional guidelines and criteria to which schools must adhere. These guidelines include the amount and type of foods the cafeteria must offer, in addition to placing limits on nutrients like saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Specifically, school lunches must provide 1/3 of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, and 1/3 of the Recommended Energy Intake (REI) for calories. In addition, the cafeteria must offer 5 components as part of a school lunch, of which three of the five must make their way onto the child’s lunch tray. These include a starch, meat (or meat substitute), fruit, vegetable and milk. There are similar guidelines for schools that serve breakfast as well. These guidelines are especially important because many children eat the majority of their meals at school.

Milk contributes a good portion of nutrients to school lunches. It is a valuable, nutrient-dense source of protein, calcium and vitamin D, all of which are important for achieving adequate nutrition and optimal growth in school-age children. However, whole milk can significantly contribute to the saturated fat and cholesterol content of a meal.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) whole milk and other full-fat dairy products are only appropriate for children under the age of 1-2 years old. Children under two, who are in a stage of rapid growth and brain development, have high energy and dietary fat requirements. They need the extra fat that whole milk contains.

Everybody else, however, should choosing low fat dairy products, including skim milk. In fact, the AAP states that no child over the age of two should be drinking whole milk. Skim milk is identical to whole milk in terms of nutritional value, but is markedly lower in saturated fat, cholesterol and calories. Diets high in saturated fat are associated with increased risk for obesity, heart disease and certain cancers. Saturated fat intake causes harmful buildup in the arteries and blood vessels of healthy individuals, starting in young children. It is important to begin healthy eating habits as a child and to continue making healthy choices throughout life.

A good portion of a child’s learning happens through modeling. That is, by watching their parents or other caregivers’ actions, they learn how to be an adult. This is especially important when it comes to eating: your food preferences as an adult are closely related to the foods you saw your parents eating. But what happens when your child is eating 2 out of 3 meals a day at school, plus a snack? Because they are eating so many meals outside the home or the care of their parents, kids are increasingly reliant on teachers, caregivers and cafeteria staff to guide them to make healthy choices and model healthy eating behaviors.

The fact is, the people who are responsible for serving food to or eating with your children usually receive no formal nutrition education. In most cases, a position as a preschool classroom aide or a kitchen worker requires a high school level education. Regardless, whatever their educational background, it is a common misconception for people to think that whole milk has a nutritional advantage over skim milk. It is also very common that parents encounter teachers or caregivers who have different beliefs than their own when it comes to feeding their child. Especially when you’re talking about the welfare of a child’s health, when a parent feels one way but their caregiver feels another way, this can create some tension. A well-meaning day care worker just may not be aware of or understand the reasons why full-fat milk can be dangerous, even for young children. Parents often have a difficult time getting this message across but should continue to be an advocate for their child’s health.

In situations like this, as a parent you have the right to decide what your child does and does not eat. You can stress this issue to the teacher in a polite way while still standing firm. If needed, refer them to an appropriate resource, such as http://www.mypyramid.gov/, the American Academy of Pediatrics, your pediatrician, or even a local dietitian for further advice on this matter. Your child’s health comes first!

Joanna Dolgoff, M.D. is a pediatrician and child obesity specialist. She and her child weight loss program (http://www.drweigh.com/) has been featured on The Today Show, GMA Health, Good Day, NY, WABC News, WNBC News, Fox 5 Morning Show, My9 News, and WPIX News.
She is also a contributing blogger to the Huffington Post and her book, Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right, (Rodale, 2010) is available wherever books are sold. Children from 45 different states are losing weight with her online weight loss program. Check it out at; http://www.drdolgoff.com/.

Chewelry - A Must Have

2010-04-21T07:44:00.000-04:00

Check out my interview with 35 year old mother of three and principal owner of Kid Companions, Pierrette d'Entremont. This kid-friendly "Chewelry" has an unique use.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I attended The University of Ottawa in the Health Sciences, Human Kinetics program. Also I am a jewellery designer and Accredited Jewelry Professional.

For the past ten years I had run my own company, Bijoux Pierrette d’Entremont Jewelry Designs. With the birth of my children, another concept started to take shape. Babies like to tug and chew on anything they can touch. In a world full of hazards (keys, metal jewellery, glasses, watches etc.), I wanted something to amuse my baby or distract her, mostly while in Public. I didn't want her to be covered under a nursing cover all the time either.

I needed it to be many things, including safe, effective and socially responsible. The hunt was on. With the support of my husband, my babysitting mom (a retired elementary school teacher) and a few key interested individuals, we developed a two-part pendant and a custom breakaway clasp. This process took a while. We called it the HeartString Companion.

How did you come up with the “chewelry” idea?
One day I noticed how my 3yr old with Tourette’s Syndrome appreciated a clay heart pendant I had made for her teething sister. As I watched, it struck me that my 3 year old could chew and fidget discreetly while my nursing infant could tug and teeth to her hearts’ content. After a few comments from parents, phone calls to child healthcare professionals and fruitless product searches, I realized that other parents were looking for such accessories, especially for their special needs children.

Explain the Chewelry and the benefits of it and why Autistic children need it.

Our journey to design and get Kid Companions on the market began in 2006. It meant creating something that was chewable and tuggable while still being “cool” enough to blend in. Finally, we had a solution….a durable, colorful, non-toxic pendant that was safe to chew on…something that could help any child be him/herself, anytime, anywhere. We called it the HeartString Kid Companion.

Occupational Therapist recommend Kid Companions to Special Need children, often those with ASD, as an oral- motor tool. As a chewable accessory, the tool addresses the issues of inappropiate biting and chewing and helps those with Sensory Processing Disorder.

Children with ADHD are unable to inhibit the impulse to move around; it is not because they do not want to it is because they cannot. Therefore, Kid Companions allows discreet fidgeting to help these hyperactive children to focus better. Also the strong jaw muscles are a great way to use pent-up energy by chewing to stay on task.

Are Kid Companions fashionable?
With time, needing to belong to a peer group becomes more and more important. That meant creating something that was chewable and tuggable while still being “cool” enough to blend in. The heart and circle shapes and lanyards in their choices of colors worn as a necklace or clipped to clothing is discreet but yet fashionable.

What ages do you make Kid Companions Chewelry for?
These chewy fidgets are appropriate for all ages, especially now that we have three color choices of our circled shaped Kid Companions that appeal to tweens and teens.

What are they made of?
The Kid’s Companions give parents peace of mind. Since our products are developed for infant use, we wanted FDA approved, North American sourced/made and socially responsible materials. THAT was a tall order, but we did it! We have followed ASTM standards and have passed the new (and future) CPSIA 3rd party testing. We have our 3rd Party Certificate documenting the safety standards met. We even keep a record of all MSDS certificates from our suppliers. These are the unique features of Kid Companions and its’ safety features:

A custom breakaway clasp will release and can be re-attached with ease - a feature that guards against strangulation, even at play.
18” or 20″ necklaces (lanyards) are made with washable rayon/cotton that is dyed with safe non-toxic dyes. Soon we will offer a more durable non-dyed organic cotton lanyard.
Pendants all pass small parts test and are actually around 2” to eliminate any possibility of choking
Pendant and clasp materials are medical grade, BPA/phthalates free, Lead free, Latex free and Cadmium free.
Everything can be washed!! (Pendants are even dishwasher safe).
How has the response been so far?

We are focusing our efforts on selling online from www.chewelry.ca Five days a week we ship Kid Companions to many parts of the world via the postal system. Also Kid Companions are sold in Special Needs stores and web sites in Canada, the US and Australia. For example they are sold at Got-Autism, Pediatric Safety and Special Needs Toys Australia.

Anything else you would like to add?
Let’s chew and fidget safely and fashionably!

You can find us and read about by following these links:

http://www.chewelry.ca/

blog: http://kidcompanions.blogspot.com/

pierrette@chewelry.ca

lorna@chewelry.ca

twitter: Chewelry4SN

twitter: PAdEntremont

twitter: lornadEnt

Facebookpage: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Kid-Companions-Chewelry/282403565744?ref=ts

The Coffee Klatch: A virtual cup of coffee with parents of special needs children. Monday - Friday 9-11am EST Wednesday 9 pm EST Marianne ~ Elise ~ Pierrette ~ Jane

Bumples New Issue is Ready!

2010-04-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

Check out a brand new issue of Bumples Magazine. It's packed full of fun-tastic things for your kids to do and learn about, like, "Zoo Facts, Jack Rabbits and Inch Worms."

Bumples also a super story entitled; "Kimu and the Kelp Forest." What's that all about? Plus, there's games, puzzles and so much more.

Bumples has extended their super sale for my readers until April 30th - That's a full year’s subscription for only $15.00 - ONLY .62 cents an issue!

Use reader code b15 to get this special rate.

Check out Frittabello

2010-04-14T10:21:00.000-04:00

Looking for a unique gift with a special meaning? Visit 'Frittabello.' The name may be unusual but the gifts are extraordinary. Here's what Jennifer Covello, owner/operator of Frittabello had to say:

You've probably been asked this a million times but...what is the significance behind "Frittabello"?

The name "frittabello" was inspired by son, Christopher. Christopher was learning how to say his first and last name together - Christopher Covello. At age 2, he could not fully pronounce it yet, so he called himself "fritta bello". To this day (to his dismay), I still sometimes call him "Fritta".

How did you start out doing baby products?

Initially, I was inspired to create the My Life baby journal. I had kept journals for both of my children since birth and loved re-reading my entries both to myself and to them. I wanted to bring this special "story" time to other parents. So I started writing the content for the journal. Not long after I started the business, I began to think of complementary products to the journal and so the "From the Heart" product line was launched in 2009. This line includes 100% organic baby layette apparel (bibs, hats, onesies), stationery and gift sets.

How long as Frittabello been established?

Frittabello was formed in January 2008.

What types of products do you carry?

My From the Heart Line, launched in 2009 includes 100% organic baby layette apparel (onesies, bibs and hats) that are custom embroidered with the Fritabello signature triple entwined hearts. There is also custom coordinated notecards, 100% recycled cotton mini totebag gift sets that includes a color coordinated onesie set and notecards, and a From the Heart memory box gift set that includes the entire line of From the Heart gifts and the My Life baby journal. All products are lovingly packaged and ready to give.

Are your products eco-friendly?

Yes. The From the Heart clothing is 100% organic, the mini totebag is made from 100% recycled cotton. All products are made in the USA.

Are you sold through retailers as well as online?

Yes. A number of retailers in Fairfield County, CT sell the My Life baby journal in their stores.

What is your biggest seller?

The My Life baby journal is the biggest seller. Customers who have purchased this see it as a unique gift and something the expectant parent will always treasure and be able to one day share with their child. The fact that aspects of the design and the content were inspired by angelic messages and visions I received while developing it make it all the more unique. It also won a Bronze publishing award from Living Now in 2009.

Do you have a mailing list?

I do. People can go to my website and join my mailing list to receive my newsletter, information about upcoming events, and my blog.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Frittabello was created and inspired by my angels - both here on earth and in heaven. Each product has a story behind it and a special meaning. Our products are designed to bring angels into people's lives and to inspire.

Check out Frittabello at; http://www.frittabello.com/

Pictures by: Nicole Taylor Photography

Pets for Patriots - Interview

2010-04-12T10:06:00.000-04:00

In honour of Animal Cruelity Awareness Month we have an interview with an awesome organization that enables military folks to adopt adult pets at a reduced cost. Check it out below;

Tell us about Pets for Patriots...how would you describe it to someone whose never heard of you before?
Pets for Patriots is a 501(c)(3) charity that supports the permanent adoption of adult shelter pets by U.S. service members and veterans. Service men and women are eligible at any stage of their military careers - active, reserve, retired, veteran - and from all branches of military service. Once we're fully operational, we'll provide access to reduced cost care for the life of the adopted pet, which will include veterinary care, as well as special discounts on essential pet care products, food and supplies.

What started the whole concept?
I have an irrepressible love for animals and even started a dog walking service when I was 12 - long before it was a fashionable thing to do. My family always adopted shelter pets and it broke my heart - and still does - to see how many viable pets will never know the joys of a loving home. At the same time I was raised with a strong sense of patriotism and respect for those who safeguard our freedoms. I had the idea that our not-for-profit could make a positive impact for both of these populations.

Where are you located?
We are located in Long Beach, New York, but plan to operate nationally.

How can people help?
Right now the greatest help is donations. People can make secure, tax deductible contributions by credit card through our website or, if they prefer, fill out our mail-in donation form and send us a check. We're trying to raise funds in support of our inaugural adoption event, which will be announced once we have funding in order. And in the interim we're working hard to facilitate a few local adoptions, for which we need funds as well.

What kind of animals do you deal with? Are they only adult animals?
Our focus is on adult animals. Eligible adoptions include large dogs, those over 40 pounds, and special needs dogs or cats. These populations are typically the hardest for shelters to rehome, yet make wonderful pets and have years of love and life to give.

What is the criteria for someone wanting to adopt through your organization?
Becoming a member Patriot is very simple and folks can apply online. We do require proof of military service via either a military ID card or DD214, proof of discharge.

Anything else you'd like to add?
I'd like to point out that we are one of the only organizations nationally to focus on both adult shelter pets and military personnel. There are many wonderful charities that pair service animals with wounded veterans and we applaud their work. We exist for the ordinary homeless dog or cat that would make an extraordinary friend for a military member or family.

Visit their web site at;

http://www.petsforpatriots.org/

Rescue Ink - Review

2010-04-10T11:04:00.000-04:00

More than 1700 pounds of muscle and over 80 tattoos, equals a group of formable guys all working for the same cause – to rescue helpless, abandoned and abused animals. They’re Rescue Ink and you better not mess with them.

“Abusers are Losers” is their motto. From herding chickens, to finding stolen pets to bringing awareness to the ugliest of animal abuse, these guys are a rag-tagged team of machismo and huge hearts.

Rescue Ink’s approach is a simple one – they act on tips from concerned neighbours and strangers, often times helping when no other organization would bother. They’re rescued pit bulls from fighting rings, helped a woman vaccinate and relocate over 180 cats she had living in her house and saved horses from slaughter.

Read about these unsung heroes in Rescue Ink (the book), where you’ll learn more of the back grounds on; Joe, Johnny, O, Batso, Big Ant, G, Angel, Eric, Des, Bruce, and Robert. Their stories may surprise you, but their love, gentleness and caring for all creatures will make you fall in love with them. I know I did.

Check out Rescue Ink at; http://www.rescueink.org/

Myths and Truths of Microchipping

2010-04-06T07:15:00.000-04:00

FACT: Between six and eight million pets enter shelters every year. Of those, three to four million are euthanized (http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/overpopulation_estimates.html).
FACT: Nearly three out of four pets that are microchipped are reunited with their owners (http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/shelterchip.htm ).

MYTHS/TRUTHS ABOUT PET MICROCHIPS

• MYTH: Microchips work like global positioning devices telling me my pet’s location
o TRUTH: Pet microchips are not tracking devices; rather, they provide permanent identification. Unlike a collar with tags, microchips cannot fall off, be removed, or become impossible to read. Microchips are radio-frequency identification (RFID). Each chip carries a unique number than can be read by a microchip scanner. The unique microchip number must be registered in a database along with the contact information of the pet owner. Registration is critical: if the pet gets lost and is taken to an animal shelter or veterinarian where it is scanned for a microchip, the unique microchip ID number will be used to retrieve the contact information of the pet’s owner.

Because they use RFID technology, microchips do not require a power source like a GPS. When the microchip scanner is passed over the pet, the microchip gets enough power from the scanner to transmit the chip's ID number. Since there's no battery and no moving parts, there's nothing to keep charged, wear out, or replace. The microchip will last your pet's lifetime.

• MYTH: My pet wears a collar and tag so there isn’t a need for a microchip.
o TRUTH: All pets should wear collar tags imprinted with their name and the phone number of their owner or veterinarian. Tags, though, may become worn and impossible to read, or they may slip off or be removed. A microchip is the only form of pet identification that is permanent, with a unique number that cannot be altered or removed. (http://public.homeagain.com/faq.html)

• MYTH: Having a microchip implanted will hurt my pet.
o TRUTH: Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice. Your veterinarian will implant the microchip in your pet. The procedure is simple and similar to administering a vaccine or a routine shot. The microchip comes preloaded in a sterile applicator and is injected under the loose skin between the shoulder blades. The process takes only a few seconds, and your pet will not react any more than he would to a vaccination. No anesthetic is required. (http://public.homeagain.com/faq.html)

• MYTH: Microchips are expensive.
o TRUTH: Prices vary among veterinary clinics, but the average cost to have a microchip implanted by a veterinarian is around $45, which is a one-time fee and often includes registration in a pet recovery database. If your pet was adopted from a shelter or purchased from a breeder, your pet may already have a microchip. Consult your pet adoption paperwork, or have your pet scanned for a microchip at your next vet visit to reveal the unique microchip ID number and register it. (http://public.homeagain.com/download/HomeAgain-FactSheet.pdf )

• MYTH: Only dogs need to be microchipped; my cat doesn’t need one.
o TRUTH: Cats often do not wear collars. Their owners would be surprised to hear how often microchip companies recover “indoor only cats.” There are many ways a cat can escape to the outdoors: a delivery man could accidentally leave a door open, or storms could scare your cat to run away through a loose window screen. A recent study showed that less than 2% of cats without microchips were returned home. However, if a cat is microchipped, the return to owner rate is 20 times higher than if the cat was not microchipped. (http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/shelterchip.htm)

• MYTH: My contact information is contained in the chip and I’m worried about privacy issues.
o TRUTH: Microchips carry only a unique identification number. The pet owner’s information is not contained in the chip. However, owners need to register their contact information with the microchip ID number in a pet recovery database, which can easily be done online. If your pet gets lost, a veterinarian or shelter will scan the chip, contact the pet recovery company to look up the unique number in the database, and contact you. It is vital to register your contact information and keep it updated or the clinic/shelter will not be able to get in touch with you. (http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/shelterchip.htm & http://public.homeagain.com/faq.html)

• MYTH: I need to microchip my pet more than once.
o TRUTH: A microchip does not contain a battery so it will not wear out; the microchip will normally last the lifetime of your pet. Chips are composed of biocompatible materials that will not degenerate over the pet’s lifetime. Some microchips are equipped with anti-migration features that bond to the skin, ensuring the chip will not move once implanted. Owners can also check to make sure their pet’s chip is working by having a vet scan it during a regular checkup (http://public.homeagain.com/faq.html)

• MYTH: Having a microchip implanted gives my pet the best protection in the event he gets lost.
o TRUTH: If your pet is microchipped but the chip is not registered, your pet is not protected. Register your pet’s microchip in a national pet recovery database such as HomeAgain with your contact information so that you can be contacted when your lost pet is found. Only 58% of microchipped pets are ever registered in a database, leaving many other microchipped pets whose owners cannot be identified (http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/shelterchip.htm). Make sure your pet’s microchip is registered with a national pet recovery service like HomeAgain, and keep your contact information up-to-date to give your pet the best chance of coming home if he gets lost.

The Fabulous Sugar Doll Blogger Award

2010-04-05T11:18:00.000-04:00

Wow! I'm thrilled that I was thought of my Elizabeth Varadan to receive the "Fabulous Sugar Doll Blogger Award" Check out Elizabeth's Blog at;
http://elizabethvaradansfourthwish.blogspot.com/. It's a great site with much to offer.

Now as per the rules of receiver, I must pass this on to 5 other Bloggers and also tell 10 things about myself. So first my five top picks (and this was tough, believe me) are;

Crystal's Bookmark- http://crystalroget.blogspot.com/ she's an aspiring children's writer and I've been/still am there.

Juliana at A Blonde Walks into a Blog; http://blondeinablog.blogspot.com/ - Love her sense of humour and style.

Miss Mouse at; http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/tiny-furballs just a unique and fun Blog.

Omar at Random Nothingness; http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/random-nothingness - Cool guy

Holly Reisem Hanna at; http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/ - Excellent Blog Content

Now 10 little know things about me; hmmmm...

1) I consider myself a 'Professional Blogger' perhaps because there really is no such thing (at least I think not)

2) I love making people laugh

3) I make cards for all occassions

4) I'd rather shop at the dollar store then Maceys

5) So I guess I'm cheap (see number 4)

6) I love a challenge and will embrace the effort

7) I'm critter-crazy -all animals all the time

8) The guys from Rescue Ink are my heroes (see number 7)

9) I LOVE Blogging and wish I could make a living at it

10) I spend way too much time on the computer (see number 9)

So that's it. Thanks Elizabeth and to all my 'Pay-it-forwards" enjoy :)

PetStuff Resale - Interview

2010-04-03T03:00:00.000-04:00

With the economy the way it is, families may have to do some down-sizing and cutting back; this includes our beloved and loyal pets as well. However, there’s a web site dedicated to gentled used pet items at considerably lower costs.

Janet Huey owner/operator of Pet Stuff Resale (http://petstuffresale.com) has dedicated her time and life to finding good quality pet items, that may just end up sitting in someone’s garage or storage unit, and selling them a considerably lower prices.

Here’s what Janet had to say;

Tell us about your business, what it entails. How long have you been doing this?
Pet Stuff Resale was started in 1997 after I floundered a bit post corporate down sizing, then came up with this idea while working at a pet store. I became so grateful for that downsizing.
I absolutely love my job - buying, selling and trading new and used pet supplies. I try to offer above expectations service by delivering to peoples jobs to save them time when possible, offer solutions to unusual requests and not sell an item just to make a sale.
One extra service offered at Pet Stuff Resale is if someone sends me a picture of their pet in what they purchased, it will get posted on my blog, where there are only happy rescue stories and a little soft selling.

Where do you get you products? Are they all used?
Thanks to rescue contacts made since 1986, much of both my business as well as inventory come by way of referral from vets, groomers, rescue groups, repeat customers and dog adopters. One of my sources is a former greyhound adopter who shops in the resale world and finds "goodies" for me. She has gotten quite adept at getting not only traditional items but also items whose initial use was not pet-related. She emails
me when something is in her garage and I leave money on her freezer!
In 2005, I found a supplier of new wire dog crates and in 2009 began selling custom cat furniture from a local artisan. I really like supporting another small business, particularly as he is very "recycle" conscious and finds end run new carpet for his trees, further lessening landfill impact. All of the used items at Pet Stuff Resale are sanitized.

You work with homeless animals - tell us about that? How did you start doing this?
1986 found me in love with retired racing greyhounds after reading a newspaper article and they remain my first love. I did that for 12 years and then branched off into a variety of pet needs, primarily small dogs. My areas of focus are now heartworms, orthopedics and hospice. If I had more time I would work with feral cat spay/neuter.
I also dabble a tad with parrots :)

My volunteer work is separate from my business financially but connected education wise. I actually spend quite a bit of time trying to talk people out of certain, usually impulse, adoption choices. I try to offer better choices for their lifestyle and the animal needs.
Fostering animals thru medical conditions, almost all due to human neglect or ignorance is extremely time consuming. Those of us connected to rescue feel it is important, not just saving lives but educating people with whom we interact, about our fosters and what it takes to keep a pet healthy. Many of my fosters end up on Facebook or Twitter!

Where do the animals stay while they are waiting for their "forever homes."
The dogs I foster stay with me until someone passes my adoption interrogation. They are posted on a website, my blog, FB or thru referral.

Are you ever tempted to keep one of your rescues?
I have never been attracted to a "normal" animal in foster. It has to be snappy, a geriatric or special needs somehow. I have a deaf dog, a 13 year old perfect Pekinese that was dumped at age 12 and a Green Wing macaw with a contagious avian virus.

Vet bills can be costly, how do you manage these bills?
Vets in Houston are incredibly generous to me and adopters sometimes tuck bags of dog food or cat food in the back of my truck or pet store gift cards into notes. I do spend quite a bit of personal income on small breed kibbles, flea meds and gas for vet visits as well as vet bills.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Cruelty to animals is not just the horrors we see on the news. When an owner doesn't alter their pet, or won't pay for heartworm prevention or turns in a 10 year old dog who has never had their teeth cleaned and it has to be euthanized, those are all examples of cruelty. If you don't have a fence, you don't get a dog and chain it just so your 4 year old can experience a pet. If you work 12 hour days and get a puppy, that is cruelty.
In the era of the Internet, ignorance is no excuse for your dog having heartworms. 'My vet didn't tell me" doesn't cut it with me either.

In addition, my latest commingling of business and rescue is an effort to receive a 5,000.00 grant from Pepsi to help heartworm positive dogs in Houston. They fund the top 10 projects in this national promotion by people voting, so all I need is for readers to agree to vote once a day for the month of March. Pepsi has added a widget to make it easy to contact other voters. We are currently in 7th place. Helping Pet Stuff Resale stay in contention would save many dogs in Houston. Here is the website: http://www.refresheverything.com/Houstonheartwormdogs

Please visit Pet Stuff Resale at; http://www.petstuffresale.com/

HUGE Sale Just for YOU!!

2010-04-02T07:55:00.001-04:00

Code; b15
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.” Remember, this deal ends April 15th so hurry.

Code for this promo is; b15

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

The Laceyville Monkeys - Say the Right Words

2010-03-31T09:35:00.000-04:00

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?

2010-03-30T03:00:00.000-04:00

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?

2010-03-29T03:00:00.000-04:00

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

2010-03-27T03:00:00.000-04:00

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

2010-03-24T03:00:00.000-04:00

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

2010-03-23T09:50:00.000-04:00

This is too cute. Enjoy :)

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

2010-03-22T03:00:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-03-21T13:43:00.000-04:00

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

2010-03-20T03:00:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-03-17T03:00:00.000-04:00

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

2010-03-15T03:00:00.000-04:00

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

2010-03-13T09:59:00.000-05:00

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

2010-03-11T03:00:00.000-05:00

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

2010-03-09T03:00:00.000-05:00

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

2010-03-07T03:00:00.000-05:00

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?

2010-03-05T03:00:00.000-05:00

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

2010-03-03T03:00:00.000-05:00

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

2010-03-01T03:00:00.000-05:00

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.

The SAHM Project - Sunshine Award!

2010-02-27T12:49:00.000-05:00

I want to thank Angela for giving me this award. I've never won an award for anything before, so this is AWESOME!!

Here are my twelve picks for the next lucky recipients:

1. A Blond Walks into a Blog (http://blondeinablog.blogspot.com/)

2. A Contest Queens World (http://www.acontestqueensworld.com/)

3. Simply Stacie (http://stacievaughansblog.blogspot.com/)

4. Mommy to Two Boys (http://mommytotwoboys.blogspot.com/)

5. What the Blog is Going on Around Here (http://choosingtogrow-whattheblog.blogspot.com/)

6. Olah Momma (http://olahmomma.com/)

7. Cake Mom (http://jamielz.blogspot.com/)

8. Beauty and Health Tips Blog (http://thatgirlsbathandbody.blogspot.com/)

9. Woven With Pixie Dust (http://wwwpamcalvert.blogspot.com/)

10. Bloggin 2 Noggin (http://bloggin2noggin.blogspot.com/)

11. Pet Stuff Resale (http://petstuffresale.blogspot.com/)

12. Choosing to Grow - Through Marriage (http://choosingtogrow.blogspot.com/)

The order listed is by no means an order of preference, you're all awesome. Now go and spread the joy :)

Childhood Obesity - By Dr. Lewin

2010-02-26T03:00:00.000-05:00

Childhood Obesity and Its Effect on Self-Esteem
By Margaret Lewin, MD,FACP – Medical Director, Cinergy Health http://cinergyhealth.com

More than 30% of American children are overweight (50% in African American and Latino communities), and more than two-thirds of obese children over the age of 9 will become obese adults. The resulting medical problems of diabetes, premature heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, degenerative arthritis, breathing problems and sleep apnea, as well as cancer of the uterine lining, breast, prostate and colon are well-known, but the psychological problems surprisingly less so. Society in general responds negatively to obese individuals. Obese children in particular are often socially stigmatized and face discrimination from their peers, teachers, and even physicians and nurses – often leading to poor self-esteem.

Self-esteem refers to an individual’s sense of his or her value or worth – a favorable or unfavorable attitude toward one’s self. Formal studies show that parents’ and peers’ acceptance weigh most heavily on many children’s sense of self-esteem.

In a country with very thin celebrity role models and where it is common to say, “you can never be too thin,” being obese can be devastating to self-esteem, especially during childhood and adolescence.

Children can be cruel, especially to overweight peers who are often teased about their weight. Although any child whose physical appearance or intellectual capacity differs from the norm often is subjected to merciless teasing, it can be worse for obese children – who are blamed for their “different-ness” and closely watched (and criticized) in their eating and exercise habits. Studies have shown that obese children tend to have a smaller circle of close friends, leading to isolation and loneliness. Parents often join in the torment even if they are overweight. It can be difficult to escape from the self-image of unattractiveness and body dissatisfaction.

LJ Griffiths’ study of children at age 7 ½ showed that obesity predicts a higher likelihood of bullying (boys – presumable because of their physical dominance in their peer group) or being bullied (both sexes) than normal weight (or even moderately overweight) children.

Overweight girls are especially stigmatized when it comes to dating. In a study of adolescents, only 12% of the students had dated someone who was overweight, with only 8% of boys dating overweight peers.

Formal studies suggest a relationship between self-esteem and health. Whether obese or not, adolescents with poor self-esteem are more likely to engage in early sex, less likely to use birth control, have higher rates of teen pregnancies, are more likely to use tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs, and to attempt suicide. Obesity can also lead teenagers into binge-eating, sometimes purging as well. In 2007, a study reported a 20 year research of obese adolescents in upstate New York. They found that obese girls were nearly four times more likely than normal weight girls to suffer major depression and anxiety disorders as adults.

Another study on overweight adolescents found that they were less likely to be married, had lower household incomes and higher rates of household poverty. The study concluded: “Overweight during adolescence has important social and economic consequences, which are greater than those of many other chronic physical conditions.”

Obese children can have a brighter future. This year, Sacher published the results of a randomized, controlled British trial of the MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, DO it) program, a family-based community intervention for childhood obesity. Parents and their obese children attended eighteen 2-hour group educational and physical activity sessions held twice weekly in sports centers and schools, followed up by a 12-week free family swimming pass. Compared to the controls, the study children not only reduced their weight and waistlines and increased their cardiovascular fitness and physical activity levels, they also had significant improvement in their self-esteem.

Doing something about childhood obesity and related issues of self-esteem is a kindness, but we also need to do so in our own self-interest. The economic consequences of childhood (and subsequent adult) obesity are staggering and threaten to overtake our healthcare system and national budget. For these reasons, Michelle Obama, Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Federal Trade Commission, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Agriculture, and the nations’ mayors and other local leaders are placing a high priority on combating this growing problem. It will require enormous investing in education, availability of food in schools, making healthy affordable food more accessible in low-income neighborhoods, building schools within walking distance of residential areas, and building playgrounds and walking and biking paths. It will involve setting standards for marketing food to children and reconsidering the nutritional value of foods available on supermarket shelves. These investments are worth it – both to us and our nation’s children.

Visit Cinergy Health ay http://cinergyhealth.com

Wordless Wednesday Winner

2010-02-24T03:00:00.000-05:00

Picture courtesy of Meagan Frank.

Check out her Blog at; http://choosingtogrow.blogspot.com/

What's LoobaLee?

2010-02-21T03:00:00.000-05:00

LoobaLee is the Premier Venue for Buying and Selling Kids Clothing; Check out my interview with Suzanne from LoobaLee.com (http://loobalee.com)

Could you tell us about LoobaLee.com? How does it work?
I’d love to! LoobaLee.com is a new site for buying and selling quality children’s clothing -- both resale (e.g. Mom to Mom) and overstocks (from designers and boutiques). The site is fully customized for kids’ clothing, accessories, and footwear. For example, we have over 1,000 designer names on our search and listing menus, and we’re adding more all the time.
At this time, the site is open to the USA Market, but we are planning to expand to other countries, like Canada and Australia/New Zealand.

Shopping for kids apparel on the site is similar to retail. All listings look the same and contain the same details. We even offer a common return policy (defined by a focus group of Mom buyers & sellers). No membership is required to make purchases, and most sellers accept credit cards.

Selling kids clothes on the site is based on a simple, low, flat rate monthly fee for unlimited listings. It’s only $2.50 - $3.99/mo., depending on your subscription plan. This is about the cost of a latte! You will easily give away this much if you sold just 1-3 items at a brick and mortar consignment store or on eBay. You can buy a full year subscription on LoobaLee for just $29.99, which is about the same as an entry fee for a seasonal Consignment sale.

Moms love our site for its simplicity. We work hard to take the time, risk, and complexity out of buying and selling for busy Moms. We want Moms to experience the rewards of shopping for and selling one-of-a-kind items, and enjoy the process at the same time.

Designers & boutiques love our site because we hold children’s clothing in high regard, and we have an easy to manage back-end. Through our listing menus, we manage the quality of listings on the site overall, which is appealing for these businesses. You won’t find inauthentic, spam, or junk listings on the site – period.

How/when did you get started?
It all started 10 years ago when I had my first daughter and became an avid eBay shopper of kids’ clothes, and then a seller. As eBay got larger and more complex, it seemed that both shopping and selling on the site got more difficult. As a full-time working mother, my interest lulled because I didn’t have time to watch auctions, fuss over my listings to make them competitive, or even shop among a sea of inauthentic, uninteresting, or complicated listings.

I could envision a much easier approach that minimized risk, simplified both buying & selling, and made things fun again. When we embarked on the journey, at the time there was simple auction-site application software available, but it didn’t do the trick. All you could do with it was claim a niche and put a new ‘look’ on the same old problems.

So we set out to create a new model that solved problems people were having on the auction and classified sites. I like to say LoobaLee is “the best of all worlds”. We took our favorite aspects auction, retail, consignment, and classifieds to define LoobaLee. You’ll find a lot of welcome surprises.

Any significance behind the name?
Originally, I wanted to name the site after my eldest daughter’s first doll, “Loobi”. We obtained the domain name, but ran into issues with trademarking and keyword association. Finding a new name that was available, could be trademarked, and had personality was a lengthy, sometimes frustrating process. But, we finally secured “LoobaLee”, and it was worth it.

Do you have any tips for our readers?
We actually have so many tips, that we created a blog for sharing them. It’s called the “Daily Jubilee”, and is always accessible from our home page. The blog focuses on our mantra, “Buy right, care right, and sell right”.

This came to me after I found I could dress my kids for a lot less if I bought (and re-sold) quality & designer clothing, vs. being lured into the shopping the superstores. I was practically dressing them for free! So, I wanted to share approach with our customers too.

Think outfitting your children as a process, vs. a series of purchasing events. By making good buying decisions and selling on a timely basis… your overall costs can be less than shopping at Target, Walmart, Kohls, etc. Quality children’s clothing holds its value and can be passed on several times. Even after it can no longer be sold on resale, quality children’s styles still make welcome charitable donations.

Anything else you'd like to add?
There are so many nice surprises you’ll find on LoobaLee that I’d love for you stop by and give it a try. You won’t be disappointed. It may be a while before we reach a tipping point with our traffic and listings… so we also offer an “unbeatable guarantee” to our Sellers making listing risk-free.
And you can help us grow just by shopping on LoobaLee too. Bookmark our site and make it a regular stop on your on-line shopping travels.

I appreciate the opportunity to do this interview, and I’d like to compliment you and your readers with a trial subscription. Just leave a comment below before February 26th, 2010, and we’ll contact you about setting up your free 2 month trial subscription.

http://loobalee.com/

Note: USA residents only

Nuni of Nunivak Island, A New Friend - Review

2010-02-19T03:00:00.000-05:00

Nuni is a quiet, sensitive child that cares for the company of her beautiful hand-made doll over other children. But when an unfortunate accident takes her doll-friend away, Nuni is desperate to find it. In her sadness a secret of the island is revealed to only her as an unlikely group of new friends come to her aid.

Dr. P.J Nickels book ‘Nuni of Nunivak Island, A New Friend, is sure to be a favourite on your child’s book shelf. This book isn’t only a great adventure it also will introduce your young reader to the Alaskan Nunivak Island, its people, customs and animals. In addition, Nickels also cleverly weaves the Cup’ig language throughout the story, giving it an authentic feel. The soft, muted illustrations by Juliann Kaiser will help fuel your child’s imagination as they enjoy the journey with Nuni and her friends.

To learn more about this fabulous book, please visit Penne Rich Publishing at; http://www.pennierich.com/

Be sure to get your questions in today or leave a comment to be entered into the draw for Dr. P.J. Nickels books :)

Vultures in the Cemetery - Review

2010-02-17T03:00:00.000-05:00

We probably all view the cemetery as a creepy place, but for one group of animals, they just call it home. However, when a young chipmunk finds himself in the midst of the strange, red-headed birds called vultures, he has a hard time keeping his opinions to himself.

“…"They are so mangy and ugly,” Little Chipmunk said, as he watched the vultures soar through the trees…”

Mother chipmunk learns of her sons hurtful words and plans a lesson that may just put the creepy back into the quiet cemetery.

Dr. P.J. Nickels’ clever way of weaving fact and fiction is once again seen in the ‘Vultures in the Cemetery.’ Written for ages 4- 10, this book contains many “teachable moments” where parents can help a child learn and grow in a fun and entertaining way.

Remember…”Teaching Done Right, All Children Can Learn”

To read more about this book, please visit Pennie Rich Publishing, http://www.pennierich.com/

Remember, we're still taking questions for Ms. Nickels. Don't have a question? Leave a comment and you will still be entered into the draw at the end of this week :)

Lewis the Lemur Adventures, The Belly of the Beast - Review

2010-02-15T03:00:00.000-05:00

As Lewis, a mischievous, teenage lemur and his younger cousin, Clessie are out juddlepupping (running, jumping, bouncing, playing) they suddenly lose all track of time and find themselves far from their wabidumps (homes). Lewis isn’t worried. However, the ever-watching, Cirgussie, a 350 year old Galapagos Tortoise and Caretaker of all the animals is.

“…Sitting in front of the Ungellometer, (machine to track animals around the earth), Cirgussie shook his head in despair. “Oh me…oh my…there goes Lewis. Just when I thought I could rest a bit tonight…” [excerpt from Lewis the Lemur, The Belly of the Beast]

After Lewis drops Clessie off at his wabidump, he decides to cut across the open plains. Here is where the real adventure is about to begin. As the moon rises, Lewis realizes he’s in the midst of a strange monster. Is this part of the dreaded Uprite (human)?

“…Lewis always thought he knew better and did not like to listen. So here he was…or better yet, where was he?...”

Lewis the Lemur Adventures, The Belly of the Beast, is the first chapter book in the series and is written for ages 4-12. With the subjects of geography, science and history cleverly woven into it, this story will enhance your child’s ability to learn and grow. Plus, it’s packed full of fun and adventure.

Check out Lewis the Lemur Adventures, The Belly of the Beast at Pennie Rich Publishing; http://www.pennierich.com/ or at http://www.lewisthelemur.com/

Dr. P.J. Nickels Week Begins

2010-02-14T03:00:00.000-05:00

Her motto is; “Teaching Done Right, All Children Can Learn!”

A former Elementary School Principal, author Dr. P.J. Nickels also uses her extensive background in education as the curriculum coordinator for Pennie Rich Publishing (http://pennierich.com/). All of her books in her children’s series have interactive lesson guides, which are aligned to the U.S. National Standards of Learning and the Key Stages of Learning in the UK.

Dr. Nickels holds a double Master’s Degree in Linguistics and English as a Second Language and a Doctorate of Ministry in Education. She was a classroom Spanish/ESL Teacher, a School Administrator, worked for the Colo. Department of Education as a Teacher of Teachers, Curriculum Consultant, Grant Reader and was on the Spanish Bias and State Standardized Testing committees. She is also a member of the Adams State College Presidents Honour Society and has worked as an Adjunct Professor in the ASC Education Department.

Dr. Nickel’s first volumes of her three new series of books, includes;

1) Nuni of Nunivak Island, A New Friend
2) Lewis the Lemur Adventures, The Belly of the Beast
3) Vultures in the Cemetery

These three series each have a methodically created, standards aligned, cross curriculum Lesson Guide and Audio Book available to assist teachers and parents to teach reading, literacy, science, history, geography and math.

I will be reviewing each book this week and as an added bonus, if you have any questions for Dr. Nickels you may leave them in the comment section of any of this weeks Blog Spots. In addition, I will be giving away the set of the first three books in Dr. Nickel’s series as well as the Lesson Guide for Nuni of Nunivak Island, A New Friend. This will be done as a random drawing on Saturday February 20th from the questions or comments left.

Don't miss this opportunity and Good Luck!

True Love - Review/Giveaway

2010-02-12T06:53:00.000-05:00

Ahh Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day quickly approaches. Of course, what would this day be without a Chicken Soup for the Soul book?

True Love is 101 stories by real people who have found that one special person to share their life with. But it’s not just about love. This Chicken Soup for the Soul will make you laugh, cry and best of all, warm you heart.

Here’s a glimpse of what this great book has to offer;

Section 1 - How We Met
Section 2 – Adventures in Dating
Section 3 – Meant to Be
Section 4 – The Proposal
Section 5 – the Wedding
Section 6 – Keeping the Love Alive
Section 7 – Lessons in True Love
Section 8 – Happily Ever After
Section 9 – Gifts from the Heart
Section 10 – Love Everlasting

Chicken Soup’s True Love would make a great Valentine’s Day gift for that special person in your life. You can pick up a copy at your local retailer or visit their official web site at; http://www.chickensoup.com/

In honour of Valentine’s Day and Love, I’m giving away one (1) copy of True Love to a lucky reader. All you have to do is leave a comment in this Blog Spot to be eligible to win. I will draw the winner on Valentine’s Day, Sunday.

Good Luck!

I Love Valentine's Day!

2010-02-11T03:00:00.000-05:00

by Linda Hunt at Creatively Yours Custom

The red and pink add a bright splash of color to the gray landscape of February. Let them warm your heart and your home. I’ve got some easy craft ideas to bring the holiday home for you and your family.
Life is busy, busy, busy! Time is at a premium for all of us. I found the following ideas fit easily into my schedule and did not cost me a lot to create.

“Love in a Bottle” is a fun idea and very different. Write short love notes to your sweetie. Roll them up and secure with a piece of yarn or a small red ribbon and push them down into a glass bottle. Close the bottle with a cork stopper. Write a heartfelt toast to your sweetie and tie it to the bottleneck with a ribbon. Deliver your special creation along with a bottle of their favorite red juice. Enjoy!

“Custom Candy Bar” lets you show what you’ve got to show the love to your sweetie. You are limited only by your imagination. Get one of their favorite candy bars and remove the wrapper carefully to use as the template. Use colored paper or construction paper to make your custom wrapper. I used glossy white paper for mine. Secure the back with tape. Glue on hearts or decorations and add ribbons. I used the hugs and kisses X’s and O’s on mine with red curling ribbon to which I tied a silver heart charm in the middle. You can add tags and notes or anything of your choosing to dress up this special treat. Serve it on a silver tray and watch the smiles come across their faces.

“Valentine Wreath” is really sweet. Glue a variety of candy bars, lollypops and other wrapped treats on to a small grapevine wreath. Add wadded up colored tissue paper between the sweets. Finish with pretty ribbons and bows for a really sweet treat.

It seems fitting to get some knowledge on the meanings tied to the color red. It is the color of passion and its presence gets our mental energies flowing. On the more intense side, red is associated with aggression, anger, and even danger. On the less intense side, red can represent control, valor, and courage.

Red stimulates conversation--people talk more when exposed to warmer colors, especially red. On a physiological level, red triggers the appetite and heightens our sense of smell.

Red is a highly visible color. If you have a red chair in a space, it would likely be the first thing the eye goes to. It makes sense then, that you should avoid using the color in an interior space designed for rest and relaxation.

Pink is in the red family. It is red with white added to it. Pink is most often associated with fun and celebration, with the lighter pinks representing and being associated with sweetness and femininity. Embrace red, it is your color to love!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This guest post was written by Linda Hunt, an interior decorator and owner of her own design firm: Creatively Yours Custom. Linda has 25 years experience in the interior design and home fashion industries specializing in window treatments and senior downsize decorating.

E-mail Linda@CreativelyYours Custom.com to subscribe to Design Online, a free monthly newsletter chock full of decorating tips and sales. Also visit Linda’s website http://www.creativelyyourscustom.com/ and blog Creatively Yours Custom Interior Design.

Wordless Wednesday Winner

2010-02-10T03:00:00.000-05:00

Is it Love?

Picture courtesy of Adam Bean;
http://adambeanphotography.adamthebean.com/

Interview with Emily Geizer - Parenting Coach

2010-02-07T03:00:00.000-05:00

Parenting is probably the hardest job you’ll ever have and, unfortunately, your little ones don’t come with an instruction manual. So where do you turn for help? Mom is a wealth of knowledge, but we’re living in a different time when her age-old advice may not work so well with our modern, techno-savvy kids.

Well don’t despair, I have great news. Emily Geizer, Mom, Writer and Parenting Coach of Child Perspective is here to help. Check out my interview with Emily below. In addition to this great interview, Emily will also be taking questions from you. Starting today through the 9th Emily will answer any/all your parenting questions and concerns. Just leave your question in the comments section of her Blog Spot or email them to me at; sandieleem@gmail.com and I’ll be sure to forward them.

Don’t miss out. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

Now on to the interview...

1) Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

Sure. I'm a mother of two adorable and precocious children. Prior to having my second child, I was a Montessori preschool teacher. I taught in the classroom for nearly a decade. I've drawn on this combination of teaching and parenting to create the parent education business, Child Perspective. For the past year I have been writing parent education articles for Child Perspective, and just recently released this new course.

2) Tell us about your Parenting Course.

I'm so excited to have this course off the ground. A Crash Course in Mindful Parenting is just that. It's a crash course. It's a free, 12-lesson e-course chock full of really useful information for parents who want to truly understand their children and become better parents. It does not cover every parenting issue, but it does dive into many of the important aspects of mindful parenting - parenting from the heart. Basically, it’s for parents who care about the quality of family life and well-being of children.

3) How has the response been so far?

It's been excellent. I'm so grateful to the many supporters who have helped to spread the word.

4) Do you feel there's a greater need for parenting courses now than in the past? Why?

That's an interesting question. There are certainly more solutions being thrown at parents now than in the past. I think parents need support more than solutions. Rather than offering cookie cutter solutions, this course strives to help parents truly understand their own unique child. Once parents can grasp their child's perspective, parents will feel much more confident and effective as parents.
Parenting is not just instinctive or intuitive. Parenting is not one-size-fits-all either. Sometimes the on-the-job training is too little too late. Sometimes parents want to parent differently than how they were parented. All of this takes thought, reflection, and some training. This course (and my site, Child Perspective) addresses this need.

5) What are your course ideas based on?

My ideas are based on a very important and too often overlooked aspect of parenting, which is understanding your child's perspective. In fact, study after study has shown that understanding your child’s perspective has a bigger positive impact on children than most other things parents do. When you understand your child, you can parent from the heart.

6) Could you give our readers a sample of what your course offers?

In short, the course will spell out what mindful parenting is, help parents navigate common parenting struggles with ease and insight, teach how to set appropriate limits, introduce the classic 9 temperament traits for understanding children, discuss responsibility and respect, and give additional tips on how to adjust parenting to the changing times.

7) Do you do individual "counselling?"

I do a small amount of coaching right now. As my time frees up later this year, I will provide this service more.

8) Any plans for the future you can let us in on?

I'm really excited about some upcoming projects. I will continue creating courses for parents. The next course will spring off the very popular potty training series at Child Perspective. I will be offering an elaborate course on potty training. Potty training is one of those things that doesn't really feel necessary until you are staring the milestone in the face. Parents have been begging for a step-by-step class with some coaching along the way. I'll be offering that this spring.

9) Anything else you'd like to add?

I feel so grateful to be working with all of these fabulous parents. They are so inspiring!

Check out Emily's web site, Child Perspective at;
http://www.childperspective.com/crash-course-in-mindful-parenting/

Cinnamon Heart Cookies

2010-02-06T07:38:00.000-05:00

This Valentine’s Day, show everyone just how much you care with a giant heart-shaped cookie. The perfect small gift for a co-worker or a scrumptious alternative to paper valentines for your children’s classmates.

DIRECTIONS;

All-purpose flour 3 cups /750 mL
Ground cinnamon 1 tbsp. /15 mL
Salt 1/2 tsp. /2 mL
Butter (or hard margarine), 1 cup /250 mL
softened
Brown sugar, packed 1 cup/ 250 mL
Large eggs, fork-beaten 2
Vanilla extract 1 tsp. /5 mL

ROYAL ICING
Icing (confectioner’s) sugar 7 1/3 cups /1.8 L
Water 1 cup/ 250 mL
Meringue (egg white) powder 1/4 cup/ 60 mL
(see Note)
Red paste food colouring 1/8 tsp./ 0.5 mL
(see Tip, this page)
Red paste food colouring 1/8 tsp./ 0.5 mL
(see Tip, this page)

Cinnamon Cookies: Combine first 3 ingredients in medium bowl. Set aside.
Beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add flour mixture in 3 additions, beating well after each addition until no dry flour remains. Shape into flattened disc. Wrap with plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour.

Remove dough from refrigerator. Let stand for 10 minutes. Discard plastic wrap.

Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut out shapes with lightly floured 5 inch (12.5 cm) heart-shaped cookie cutter. Roll out scraps to cut more heart shapes.

Arrange cookies, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart, on greased cookie sheets. Bake, 1 sheet at a time, in 350°F (175°C) oven for about 12 minutes until golden.

Let stand on cookie sheets for 5 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool. Cool cookie sheets between batches.

Royal Icing: Combine first 3 ingredients in large bowl. Add first amount of food colouring. Beat for about 8 minutes until soft peaks form. Spoon icing into piping bag fitted with small plain tip or small resealable freezer bag with tiny piece snipped off 1 corner. Pipe border around each cookie. Pipe icing to fill (see photo). Let stand overnight until set. Cover remaining icing with plastic wrap. Let stand at room temperature.

Add second amount of food colouring to remaining icing. Stir well. Spoon icing into same piping or freezer bag. Pipe decorative patterns on cookies. Makes about 12 cookies.

1 cookie: 622 Calories; 16.0 g Total Fat (4.0 g Mono, 0.6 g Poly, 9.9 g Sat); 76 mg Cholesterol; 114 g Carbohydrate; 1 g Fibre; 8 g Protein; 223 mg Sodium

Note: Meringue powder is available at kitchen stores or cake decorating suppliers.

Tip: The advantage to using paste food colouring is that it allows for more vibrant colours than does liquid food colouring. If you try to substitute liquid food colouring for paste food colouring, the addition of the additional liquid may affect the success of the recipe.

How to Have a Frugal Valentine's Day

2010-02-04T09:12:00.000-05:00

By Ellen Christian

Ah Valentine’s Day, the day to declare our undying devotion and love to the special someone in our lives. The media would have us believe that the only way we can show our love is by emptying our pocket books as we purchase diamond rings, dozens of roses and expensive Belgian chocolates. What’s a frugal Romeo or Juliet to do? Here are some ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank.

Wow your sweetheart with a special dinner – their favorite meal prepared by you. Cover the table with a table cloth (a solid colored sheet will work in an emergency). Add a few candles to the table and a single rose or carnation as a centerpiece. Put on some soft, romantic music in the background and you’ll feel as though you are being serenaded in a fancy restaurant for a fraction of the cost. You can go all out with your Valentine dinner or keep it simple. Only you know what your true love really appreciates. For those of you in the warmer areas, pack a picnic lunch instead of a special dinner. Spread a blanket on the ground and share a romantic picnic lunch in your backyard or a public park. Pack some romantic finger foods like grapes, cheese & crackers, strawberries dipped in chocolate, etc. and declare your undying love while feeding her these delicacies.

Speaking of delicacies, what Valentine’s Day would be complete without some sinfully rich chocolate treats? Don’t give your money to your local chocolate shop when you can whip up some fancy treats in your own kitchen.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries
1 or 2 dark chocolate or milk chocolate candy bars
(enough strawberries to satisfy that sweet tooth)

Bring a pan of water to boil on the stove. Break up the candy bar into small pieces and put them in a glass bowl. Set the glass bowl into the pan of water being careful that it does not tip and gently stir the chocolate until it is melted. Dip each strawberry into the chocolate and put on wax paper. Refrigerate until the chocolate sets and then enjoy!

Make your sweetheart a coupon book good for a special service you can provide. Some coupon ideas include home baked cookies, I’ll do your chores for a week, a special massage, etc. Let your imagination be your guide and he’ll remember this Valentine’s Day each time he redeems one of your coupons.

Create your own special Valentine’s Day card. Using a few sheets of red paper and a doily you can find at your local craft or dollar store, you can give a Valentine’s Day card that is all you. Why not write a special poem or a heartfelt sentiment on the inside of the card.

If your Valentine’s Day includes some quiet alone time with your special someone, don’t forget to schedule a massage and a sensuous bubble bath. Add some soft romantic music and some scented candles, dim the lights and set the mood.

Make this a Valentine’s Day your love will never forget.

Tips by Ellen Christian (VT) http://confessionsofanover-workedmom.blogspot.com/

An Affair of the "Heart"

2010-02-02T07:47:00.000-05:00

By Margaret Lewin, MD, FACP – Medical Director, Cinergy Health (http://www.cinergyhealth.com/)

February is National Heart Month and not just because of Valentine’s Day. According to the American Heart Association, one in 2.4 American women will lose their lives to heart disease and stroke – the first and third biggest killers of women. In comparison, breast cancer kills one in 29. So let’s look at V.A.L.E.N.T.I.N.E.S. Day from another vantage point: reducing our risk of heart disease.

Vitamin D plays a significant role in the cellular structure of the heart and its pumping ability, and deficiency can lead to heart disease and stroke. Although Vitamin D is created after direct exposure to sunlight, our appropriate efforts to protect our skin from cancer can block this path. It’s difficult to get enough Vitamin D from food, short of drinking four glasses of milk daily. Ask your doctor to check your blood level of Vitamin D and ask whether supplements are appropriate.

Avoid “bad fats” like hydrogenated and saturated, and eliminate trans-fats altogether. Replace them with vegetable oils such as olive, canola, corn and soy, and those supplemented with omega-3’s. Do recognize that all fats have the same number of calories, so use even “good” fats sparingly.

Lose that belly fat as it increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer. Belly fat is usually the first area to shrink with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and strength training with weights.

Exercise has other heart-healthy benefits: it can help control blood lipid abnormalities, blood pressure and diabetes, as well as make the heart work more efficiently during exercise and rest. Even after suffering a heart attack, people who embark on a graduated exercise program have better rates of survival, as well as a better quality of life.

Note package labeling in prepared foods and look for the types and amounts of fats and sugars. Choose foods absent in trans-fats and low in other ‘bad fats’; and look for “no added sugar” or “unsweetened” products.

Take time each day for relaxation. Stress contributes to heart disease by turning on hormones that cause a rapid heartbeat, rise in blood pressure, increased turbulence in the bloodstream, and – some scientists believe – speed up the process of fatty material collecting in the coronary arteries. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation and t’ai chi can break the cycle.

Be Informed about your blood pressure, blood sugar and lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides). If you’re not in optimum ranges, discuss with your doctor how to get there.

Nix sugars. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar daily for women (9 for men). This isn’t much – for example a bottle of cola with 44 grams of sugar contains 10 teaspoons! (Be aware that “naturally sweetened” products often contain added fruit juice or lactose from milk, which are added sugars.) These recommendations do not include natural sugars, like in fruit.

Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables and grains.

Stop smoking – the major preventable risk factor for heart disease. It increases blood pressure, decreases exercise tolerance and increases the risk of abnormal blood clots leading directly to heart attacks and strokes.

Don’t just limit healthy heart habits to National Heart Month – extend them to every day of the year. But, on Valentine’s Day, you’re allowed to have that one piece of chocolate!

Xtreme Chase: Getting a Great Workout Playing With Your Kids

2010-01-31T07:07:00.000-05:00

By: Guest Blogger, Luann Abrams

I am a nature fanatic and I make sure my son and I get outside every day to breathe some fresh air. But somedays it just doesn’t work to stay out very long. Today is a gloomy, rainy, cold winter day, and even my little guy, who is more like a mailman in that neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail will stop him, wants to stay in. And so we were off for a great game of Xtreme Chase.

Xtreme Chase, named because everything sounds more exciting with Xtreme at the beginning, is a fun way to get moving and playing with your kids. We just run back and forth down the hall or through the house chasing each other. If you are one of those fuddy-duddies who doesn't allow running in the house, well, put away the breakables and loosen up! Sound effects are highly encouraged and pretending to be various extinct animals adds a bit of flair for the younger kids; Playing some of your favorite tunes a little louder than normal can add some energy. But you can really turn it into a workout by adding a few sports conditioning moves as you race down the hall:

High Knees–Lift your knees up to hip-level as you bound after your little one

Butt Kicks–Hit your butt with your heels as you run. This is great hamstring (back of your thigh) strengthening.

Jumps–Just jump! But remember to land softly, which means you have to use your muscles to slow the momentum of your lowering body. Add some pillows that you have to jump over - a great way to tone your lower body.

Skip–I have no idea how to explain how to do it! If your child is younger, this is a great opportunity to work on this coordination skill.

Walking Lunges–Step forward with your first leg landing heel first. Lower body by bending both knees until back knee nearly touches the floor. Lift yourself up using both legs and step forward and repeat with the opposite leg.

Stairs–If you have stairs in your house, you have a built-in workout machine. Running up and down the stairs two-at-a-time, sideways, backwards, is great for firming the glutes. You may want to skip this with the younger kids until they are sure-footed.

Drop and Give Me...–Stopping throughout the chase to punch-out 10 push-ups or 10 crunches will ensure you get a full-body workout.

That should get you started on your first Xtreme Chase competition. When your child has completely worn you out, end your game with a few snuggles and some stretches. Be well and have fun!

Luann Abrams is a personal trainer who focuses on family fitness. She maintains her own blog, http://trainingforfun.com/, to encourage family-fitness.

Devotional Stories for Women - Review

2010-01-29T07:27:00.000-05:00

As women we lead busy lives – family, careers, kids, home, hobbies. With all this going on we sometimes forget we have to take time for ourselves to unwind and rejuvenate our minds and soul.

Chicken Soup for the Soul – Devotional Stories for Women is 101 short, “cups of comfort, encouragement and inspiration” written by and for women. In addition, this book is broken up into eleven sections that each deal with a specific area of life;

Section 1 – Faith
Section 2 – Motherhood
Section 3 - Life Lessons
Section 4 – Illness
Section 5 – God’s Helpers Section 6 – Parenting
Section 7 – Relationships
Section 8 - Loss
Section 9 - Service to Others
Section 10 – Marriage
Section 11 – Self-Esteem

Plus, after each though-provoking story there’s a small prayer to further your devotions. This book is a wonderful, daily reminder that God is with us and cares for us.

Pick up your copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul’s Devotional Stories for Women at your local retail book store, online at Amazon.com or visit Chicken Soup for the Soul’s official web site at; http://chickensoup.com

The Story Behind the Song - Review

2010-01-28T07:51:00.000-05:00

Get the truth behind…

…Freddie Mercury’s, “Bohemian Rhapsody” p.g 30

…How an angry girlfriend fuelled the fire in - ”Stop! In the Name of Love” by Lamont Dozier p.g 89

…Why “Eye of the Tiger” by Jim Peterik was destined to be great, p.g 261

Chicken Soup for the Soul has done it again with “The Story Behind the Song.” This book has 101 of your favourite and well-known songs along with the artists who created them. From serious to fun to just plain silly, each song comes with the exclusive, personal background story along with the full words to each.

I found myself singing the songs I haven’t heard in ages and saying, "Oh! That’s what the words are to…” more than one of my favourites.

Authors, Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Jo-Ann Geffen have worked hard to bring you the most comprehensive guide to “The Story Behind the Music.” Plus, the forward is written by singer/song-writer and award-winning creator of the Motown sound, Lamont Dozier. “The Story Behind the Song” is a must have for any music lover and would make a great Valentine’s Day gift.

Look for all Chicken Soup for the Soul books at your local bookstore, online at Amazon.com, or visit their web site at http://www.chickensoup.com/

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-27T06:59:00.001-05:00

How cute is this?!

Picture courtesy of Trace at http://newscoma.com

Chicken Soup For the Soul - Count Your Blessings

2010-01-26T06:59:00.001-05:00

As life seems to speed past, sometimes leaving us in a tailspin, it’s nice to know there’s always a source to turn to – Chicken Soup for the Soul. These books are like an old friend you can count on when you need a pick-me-up.

One of Chicken Soup for the Souls newest additions is Count Your Blessings. This book has 101 stories of Gratitude, Fortitude and Silver Linings that may just help you see past your own troubles.

As with all Chicken Soup books, Count Your Blessings is broken up into sections for easy reference. Here is what you have to look forward to:

1 – Expressing Gratitude – stories of folks that were able to see past the tragedy.

2 – Back to Basics – out of work doesn’t have to be a “death sentence.”

3 – Recovering from Adversity – stories of strong wills and perseverance

4 – Silver Linings – things aren’t always has bad has they seem

5 – The Joy of Giving – often, that’s all it takes

6 – Attitude is Everything - laughing in the face of adversity

7 – I’ve Got What I Need – giving thanks for what we already have

8 – Thank My Lucky Stars – survivors tell their stories

9 – A New Perspective – how we look at things can make a difference

10 – Having Faith – we all could use more of this

Count Your Blessings is so full of optimism you can’t help but feel better and feel good about the wonderful things in your own life.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Books are available through your local retailers, Amazon.com or their official web site at; http://www.chickensoup.com

It's Chicken Soup Week!

2010-01-24T07:03:00.000-05:00

Oh the weather outside may be fightful, but we have Chicken Soup all week to help warm you on the inside.

We kick off Chicken Soup Week with Company's Coming - Grandma's Chicken Soup Recipe - it's yummy and good for you. One taste of this and you'll never go back to that canned stuff.

Enjoy :)

Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup

Grandma always could cure whatever ailed you. Whether she used a hug or some of her long-simmered, made-from-scratch chicken soup, you always left her place feeling better about the world.

CHICKEN STOCK

* Bone-in chicken parts (see Note) 4 lbs. 1.8 kg

* Water 10 cups or 2.5 L

* 2 Celery ribs, with leaves, halved

* 1 Large onion, quartered

* 1 Large carrot, halved

* 3 Sprigs of fresh thyme

* 1 Sprig of fresh parsley

* 2 Bay leaves

* 1 Garlic clove

* 12 Whole black peppercorns

SOUP

* Cooking oil 2 tsp. - 10 mL

* Chopped onion 1/2 cup -125 mL

* Chopped carrot 1/2 cup - 125 mL

* Chopped celery 1/2 cup - 125 mL

* Spaghetti, broken into about 3 inch/3 oz. - 85 g (7.5 cm) pieces

* Chopped fresh parsley 1/4 cup - 60 mL

* Salt 3/4 tsp. - 4 mL

* Pepper 1/4 tsp. - 1 mL

Chicken Stock: Put chicken and water into Dutch oven or large pot. Bring to a boil. Boil, uncovered, for 5 minutes without stirring. Skim and discard foam from side of pot.

Add next 8 ingredients. Stir. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, uncovered, for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and starts to fall off bones.

Remove from heat. Remove chicken and bones to cutting board using slotted spoon. Remove chicken from bones. Discard bones. Chop enough chicken to make 2 cups (500 mL). Reserve remaining chicken for another use. Strain stock through sieve into large bowl. Discard solids. Skim fat from stock. Makes about 6 1/2 cups (1.6 L) stock.

Soup: Heat cooking oil in large saucepan on medium. Add next 3 ingredients. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until onion is softened. Add stock. Bring to a boil.

Add spaghetti. Cook, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until spaghetti and vegetables are tender.

Add chicken and remaining 3 ingredients. Heat and stir until chicken is heated through. Makes about 7 1/2 cups (1.9 L).

1 cup (250 mL): 137 Calories; 4.3 g Total Fat (1.8 g Mono, 1.1 g Poly, 0.9 g Sat); 34 mg Cholesterol; 11 g Carbohydrate; 1 g Fibre; 13 g Protein; 287 mg Sodium

Note: Use whichever cuts of chicken you prefer as long as the weight used is equal to that listed.
Reprinted from Soups © Company's Coming Publishing Limited

http://www.companyscoming.com

Cervical Cancer Prevention

2010-01-23T07:35:00.000-05:00

By Margaret Lewin, MD, FACP – Medical Director of Cinergy Health (http://www.cinergyhealth.com/)

Last year, 11,270 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed and another 1.2 million women will develop dysplasia, a condition which left untreated will turn into cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is a malignancy that develops in tissues of the cervix: the organ which connects the uterus to the vagina. It is preventable, slow-growing (so that it can be detected and cured early in its course), and is nearly always caused by infection from the human papilloma virus (HPV).

Cause: Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV – a highly contagious virus which can be transmitted easily by skin to skin and sexual contact.
• At least half of all sexually active Americans contract HPV during their lifetimes
• About 20 million Americans between the ages of 15 and 50 carry the virus.
• There are more than 100 types of HPV – of which more than a dozen (termed “high risk types”) can cause cervical cancer.
• Most often, a person’s immune system kills off the virus without intervention
• Exposure to high risk types of HPV is more likely to lead to cancerous changes of the cervix in women who smoke or whose immune system is impaired.

Prevention: Cervical cancer can be prevented by
• Having no intimate contact with either men or other women
• Obtaining the HPV vaccine – which can immunize against two high risk types of HPV (types 16 and 18), which cause about 70% of cervical cancers. It is given as a series of three injections over a period of six months. The vaccine is now FDA-approved for females and males between the ages of 9 and 26, although many physicians recommend the vaccine up to age 50 for sexually active women and men who have sex with men.
• Screening and treatment for early evidence of pre-malignant changes to the cervix

Screening: The “pap smear” (Papanicolaou test) is used to screen for cervical cancer as part of the gynecological examination. It can reveal early, pre-malignant changes to the cervix. It is done by gently scraping the cervix with a wooden or plastic spatula and then by inserting a very small brush into the opening of the cervix. The cells thus obtained are then evaluated by a commercial laboratory. For maximum accuracy, your provider should be submitting a liquid-based preparation (not the old-fashioned smear submitted on glass slides). The same cells can be evaluated for the presence of HPV.

Lately, when and how often to screen has become controversial. Consensus among the various guideline commissions is still pending, but it is likely that recommendations will be as follows:
• The first Pap test should be done at Age 21, then repeated every two years.
• At Age 30, the Pap test and HPV screen (done using the same cells collected for the Pap) should be done; if both are negative and you’ve had at least three consecutive normal Pap smears, screening can be reduced to every three years.

If the Pap is normal but high risk HPV is present, Paps should be repeated at least yearly.
If the Pap is abnormal, further testing is necessary – starting with ‘colposcopy’. This procedure starts like a regular gynecologic examination, with the speculum inserted into the vagina. The doctor then brushes a material on the cervix to highlight any abnormal areas. The ‘colposcope’ – a large microscope positioned about a foot away – shines light into the vagina so the abnormal areas can be seen through the microscope. These areas are then biopsied and evaluated by a special laboratory.

Note: You should continue to see your doctor at least yearly for general gynecologic check-ups, even though the Pap test might be done less frequently.
Of all cancers, cervical cancer is almost unique in that it is preventable. Ask your healthcare provider whether you should consider the HPV vaccine. Cervical cancer can be detected early, treated, and cured. Ask your provider how frequently you should be screened.

Your Memoirs - Review

2010-01-21T09:05:00.000-05:00

Your Memoirs by Hawley Roddick

“You acquire many treasures in a lifetime, but none is more valuable – or important to people you care about – than your experience…”{ excerpt from ‘Your Memoirs.}

Have you ever thought about writing down your life? The experiences you had, the insight you gained throughout the years can serve as a valuable tool to future generations.

But where do you begin? This task may seem daunting, especially if you don’t consider yourself a “writer.” However, that shouldn’t stop you from leaving a written legacy of your life.

Your Memoirs - Saving the Stories of Your Life and Work by Hawley Roddick may just be what you’re looking for to help get you started. Ms. Roddick’s experience as a personal and corporate biographer lends itself to this wonderful book.

“…if you write your past, you write your future: while you create a map of where you have been, you also sharpen your focus on where you are and where you still want to go. As a bonus, you influence how you are seen now and will be remembered…” {excerpt from Your Memoirs}

Part one of Your Memoirs delves into ‘Strategy and Technique’ of writing your memoirs.
From - Secrets, Expressing Yourself, Engaging Readers and Recalling Your Past to how to write a Business Biography, this comprehensive, yet easy to read and follow section will more than set you on your way. Roddick even guides you through the publishing of your memoirs so you have a lasting, quality book.

Part Two of Your Memoirs, is forty pages of specifically targeted questions to help you review your life and trigger memories that may be buried deep in your subconscious.
This section is sure to be a huge help when laying out a plan for your memoir.

Your Memoirs by Hawley Roddick is a one-stop guide to memoir writing. For more information on Hawley Roddick visit her web site at; http://www.HawleyRoddick.com

This book is also available on Amazon.com; http://www.amazon.com/saving-stories-your-life-work/dp/1430312815/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262549514&sr=1-1

The Adventures of Footenbarn - Hot Seat

2010-01-19T07:12:00.000-05:00

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

Look who else is reading Footenbarn...
That's right, it's former President Bush and his lovely wife with co-author, Jeff Gibson.

Interview With GumDrop Lane's - Erin Ruane

2010-01-17T03:00:00.000-05:00

Tell us about Gum Drop Lane;
Gumdrop Lane is a mommy-owned and operated online boutique featuring new and used apparel, accessories and gifts for girls up to size 6 and boys up to size 4T. We have been in business for two-and-a-half years. We carry new merchandise from names such as Tralala, Knuckleheads, Baby Nay, Kissy Kissy and Punkster and used merchandise from upscale brands as well as mall brands. You can find terrific deals on items starting at $1! We are based in Virginia Beach, Va.

What made you start this unique web site?
I knew there were other parents and grandparents who, like me, enjoyed shopping for both new and used items for the kids in their lives. I had always shopped consignment stores yet I had no problem paying retail for a really unique piece that I knew would be a standout on my daughter. So, I thought the offerings on the web at the time offering either new OR used weren’t offering the kind of one-stop convenience shoppers like me would appreciate. I launched GumdropLane.com as the first online boutique offering both new AND used in one store to better serve this customer base.

Love the name; any significance behind it?
Candy Land was always my favorite game as a kid so I thought it would sort of invoke fun images of childhood and be a natural fit from a marketing standpoint. It’s given me lots of inspiration in terms of the look and feel of both the logo and the site itself.

How do you find the items you sell on the site?
I travel to market several times a year and buy directly from the manufacturers in order to stock the new department. For the used department, I buy directly from parents who are interested in selling their little ones’ clothing and accessories to me. We all have those things that were the wrong size or the wrong season or are still in great condition even though they were worn a few times. Many of the used items on Gumdrop Lane still have the tags on them.

Is it just clothes?
GumdropLane.com sells clothes, accessories such as hair bows and gift items such as blankets and bibs.

Do you ship all over the world?
GumdropLane.com currently ships to the U.S. and Canada.

Any plans for the future of Gum Drop Lane that you can share with us?
Lots of fun things in store, but you’ll have to stay tuned for all the great details.

I noticed you won an award...tell us about that.
We were thrilled when one of our customers nominated us for a “Best Baby Website” and we won!

Anything else you would like to add?

We offer free shipping for orders over $99. We have two BIG sales each year with a minimum of 60% off every item in the store. Our Winter Sale begins this week! We are active on Facebook and Twitter, which are two great places to go for special announcements and coupon codes from GumdropLane.com and you can follow all the latest at our blog; http://GumdropLane.com/blog. Check out GumDrop Lane at; http://www.gumdroplane.com/

Be a Bumple

2010-01-16T07:34:00.000-05:00

Want to become an official Bumple? Why not join Bumples Interactive Magazine today?

This month Bumples is going to the Olympics with fun, interactive sports, games, fiction and fact. Plus, Bumples has made it even easier to join the club. For only $2.25 an issue, your kids can have the fun of a paper magazine, with the interactivity of a computer game. Plus, Bumples even has fun facts that relate back to the fiction story so they'll be learning along the way....Shhhh, don't tell them that part.

For the low price of $2.25 an issue, that's less than you'd pay for one of those fast-food kids' meals and, let's face it, a lot healthier - Bumples nourishes the mind and fuels the imagination.

In addition to all this fabulous fun, the first 10 people who sign up for a yearly subscription ($19.95) will receive a FREE Miss Bumples book. Hurry this offer won't last long! Check out Bumples Interactive Magazine at; http://www.bumples.com/

Now on to the winner of our book giveaway, Miss Bumples Moves to Bumplesville...
.....drum roll please...

The winner is Katherine. WOOHOOO CONGRATS!!!!
(Katherine if you could email me your address we'll get your prize right out to you)

Thanks to all who entered and be sure to check back as we have more giveaways planned :)

Bumples Goes to the Olympics

2010-01-14T07:32:00.000-05:00

Griffy Giraffe takes off down the hill. His skis slice through the snow as he races towards the jump…

Will Griffy Giraffe win the Bumples Olympic Gold? Find out in Bumples Interactive Magazine (http://www.bumples.com/) where it’s animated animals from around the world vs the animals of Bumpleville.

With the winter Olympics looming, the Bumples gang didn’t want to be left out. So on February 1’st Bumples Interactive Magazine goes to the Olympics. Watch and see if Griffy can take the gold or Bunny can make that winning goal. From figure skating, skiing, snowboarding and hockey, Bumples Olympics is sure to be exciting.

Kids, want to be a part of the Bumples Olympics? No need to grab your winter gear, just get your subscription, log into the magazine and vote for who you think should be the winner. Competitors with the most votes cast will be announced on February 15th.

In addition, Bumples Interactive Magazine will also have some fun and fantastic facts about the Olympic games. What could be more fun then that? Plus, you never have to leave the comfort of your own computer chair.

Don’t miss a minute of these great games, sign up today at; http://www.bumples.com/Subscribe.aspx

Interview with Bumples Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Sheehan

2010-01-13T07:29:00.000-05:00

Ms Sheehan was nice enough to stop by and give us an interview. Here are her answers Q/A style so I won't leave anything out...

Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

For my first job I was a physical education and team sports instructor.
I was a top athlete in school myself and over the years have helped many girls to achieve their individual goals in their sports. I still coach softball and field hockey today. Most of my life I have worked as an accountant and retired a year ago.

Where did Bumples Interactive Magazine spring from?

Ten years ago I wrote four books based on the Bumple characters. I have always enjoyed telling funny stories to children. Looking at childrens’ magazines a year ago I saw good children’s magazines but not that much fiction. Coverage on the internet involved mostly games. Consequently I identified a niche and decided to show fiction stories with corresponding relevant references supported by games. The most important part was to have interaction. We are the only magazine on the Internet with these three components. Therefore, we feel that we are a ground breaker. Children have wild imaginations and finicky hands so let's do something that will make children happy, keep their attention and get them involved.

Where did your character 'Miss Bumples' originate?

Years ago I created surprise craft ball kits with a stories hidden inside for children. They were mailed all over the country. My main character, Miss Bumples, was developed at that time. The craft balls with funny faces were “bumpy.”

What is Bumples?

Bumples is an interactive magazine for children to enjoy reading - even the ones that don’t like to read. We feel that through making it interactive we can hold the child’s attention and at the same time improve their reading and comprehension. We want to tickle their imagination and creativity. I want them to want to read and learn more. A good teacher, like a good coach, can bring out the best in a child. We hope that this magazine does the same.

Is Bumples a themed Magazine?

Yes we are a theme magazine. Fiction supported by facts and a game relating to the story. No nonfiction.

Are you open to submissions?

Yes we take submissions and expect to be showing literature contributed 80% by outside writers. The illustrators and game designers will be in house.

Are you a Paying Market?

Yes we pay for stories, poems and illustrators. Go to the website for details -
http://www.bumples.com/WritersGuidelines.aspx/

Any plans for the future that you can share?

Yes, moving forward the magazine will be evolving. Animations and sound will be in the future magazines along with stories written by children. This magazine is for children, and we are always open to suggestions to improve it.

Check out Bumples Interactive Magazine online now at http://www.bumples.com/

Remember, the first issue online is FREE, but a new issue will be available this Friday January 15th and you will need a subscription to view it, so sign up today. It makes a great gift or even just an "I Love You" to your wonderful child :)

Book Giveaway

2010-01-12T16:34:00.000-05:00

“Miss Bumples Moves to Bumpleville" is a delightful children's book (ages 4 to 8). With well defined animals that exhibit traits children can relate to, the characters work together to overcome all obstacles as they try to solve a mysterious problem in their forest.

The story points out that different animals (or people) have different abilities but by working together they can achieve their goals. With simplistic illustrations, children are immediately drawn into the world of Miss Bumple. It's a delightful book where the text is written at a level that youthful readers can follow, yet the story's paragraphs are involved and detailed enough to help children practice and improve their reading skills.

This heart-warming story of cooperation features friendly animals that help Miss Bumples move and find a new town. Plus, Griffy Giraffe also makes a return appearance.
Miss Bumples Moves To Bumpleville is a positive, uplifting, highly recommended picture book for young children.

In honour of Bumple Week, we’re giving away one Miss Bumples Moves to Bumpleville. What do you have to do? It’s easy. Just leave a comment in any of the Bumples Week Blog Spots and you’re eligible for our random draw on Saturday January 16th.

Good Luck :)

Message from Bumples Editor-in-Chief

2010-01-11T09:21:00.001-05:00

Dear Bumple friends,

We at Bumples want to wish everybody a Happy New Years and also thank everybody that has e-mailed us. We have only been on line for one month but the positive response has been overwhelming.

When we decided to write and publish a new interactive children’s magazine, we were not sure how it would go over. The response has shown us that the children and parents like what they see. Going forward the magazine is going to be much better than the sample. We couldn’t do that without all the wonderful stories that we have received. We will be using new illustrators and a lot more animation. Also sounds will be introduced in future issues.

Our first real issue with new writers and illustrators will be out January 15th... Please check it out and tell your friends. Also we are open to any ideas or suggestions.

Happy New Year and we hope that everyone has a wonderful new year.

It's Bumples week!

2010-01-10T10:37:00.000-05:00

What's a Bumples?

Bumples is a new interactive magazine for kids ages 4 to 10. It's pages are filled with fantastic fiction, games, puzzles and fun facts. Even if your kids don't enjoy reading, Bumples will have them quickly getting involved in the interactive stories and related games.

Bumples goal is to be a place where a child's imagination can open up and soar. Right now the first issue is FREE. You can check it out at; http://www.bumples.com.

In addition, unlike normal online or print magazines, Bumples will introduce new stories, games and fun two weeks after the new issue - it's like getting a whole new magazine to look forward to. Plus, Bumples has a newsletter for new release information and updates - no more wondering what's going on, it'll come right to your inbox. Don't see something you like or have a great idea? Bumples wants to know about that too. Just use their online contact form and let them know.

So what are you waiting for? Become an official Bumple today. It's fast and easy, plus, be one of the first 10 people to sign up for a subscription and you will receive as a bonus, a free Bumples book. and that's not all, you also have a chance to win a FREE 1 year membership in our monthly drawing.

Check out Bumples Interactive Magazine at http://www.bumples.com. And remember this Friday (January 15th) is the launch of a brand new Bumples interactive issue. Be sure to sign up today and don't miss out.

We Have a Winner!!

2010-01-09T08:12:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Karin who won our random book draw - Parenting by Strengths.

Woohooo way to go!!!!

Thank you to all who entered and be sure to check back as we are getting a Blog Makeover and have tonnes of things planned for the future.

Tomorrow kicks off Bumples Week - Everyday we'll have new pictures, information, interviews and so much more for Bumples Interactive Magazine. Don't miss it :)

Tips on Alleviating Pain and Inflammation - Naturally

2010-01-07T03:00:00.000-05:00

Each year, the use of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), account for an estimated 7,600 deaths and 76,000 hospitalizations in the United States. NSAIDs include: aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, ketoprofen, and tiaprofenic acid. Researchers are now linking inflammation to an ever-wider array of chronic illnesses such as hay fever, heart disease, depression, diabetes and colon cancer.

ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner, Dr. Steven Arculeo, DC, suggests cleaning up your kitchen cabinets to help alleviate pain and inflammation without the risky use of NSAIDS.

Foods often found in kitchens that cause inflammation in the body and should be avoided include:

· Hydrogenated or Trans Fats
· Processed foods
· Caffeine
· Red Meat
· Sugar
· Soda
· Alcohol

Instead, fill your kitchen with fruits, vegetables, lean meats and cooking ingredients which can decrease inflammation and rid yourself of sickness and pain:

· Apples & Blueberries: these fruits are packed full of nutrients and are natural anti-inflammatories
· Kale: contains over 80 nutrients per serving
· Fish: one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory foods, fish contains heart healthy and anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acids. Choose cod, salmon or tilapia instead of the fatty deep water bottom dweller fish such as shrimp or catfish
· Ginger: aids in digestion
· Garlic: lowers hypertension and cholesterol
· Basil, Parsley, Rosemary, Turmeric, Thyme, Chili Peppers & Cinnamon: all are proven to have anti-inflammatory properties
· Oil: use cold pressed extra virgin olive oil to aid in decreasing inflammation

For more information visit http://chicagohealers.com/