Decorations for nightlight

These night lights out now are in such an aray. Some sing to your child others just sit there and do nothing except give light. So what would be in your child best interest to put them to sleep and don't forget waking up. My choice was a simple but, timeless black light I put baby hand prints and feet prints in matching colors for his comfortor. This light well for him and well as myself. As he has grow over the years the night light has been put to use for his consolation of plantes. This is also a highlight for a castle with knights, princes, prince etc... I still belive in putting a little one to sleep with some music but, something with some inspriation. Mozart ect...
As he's grown so has his music now he sings, very happy.

Basic Tips for Adults Who Want to Make New Friends

Finding myself in a new area I found myself using Basic tips for making new friends. While figuring that going to a near by friends house was the easiest, I also learned that I was still alone and vulnerable. Being tested for how many insults about my cooking, parenting skills, decorating were very painful. Getting introduced to many new people at her house was great, but when the boyfriend thing arose...there was an conflict of interests, me being the new kid on the block didn't hold much weight. After, leaving a church that we attended for ten years we were with without family. So, after backing up and looking at my situation I've done some reasearch so, that I may get back into a positve position again. Here's Basic Tips for Adults who want to make new friends:

Making friends is something that we have been doing since we were little kids. Unfortunately, the older we get, the harder it can be to make new friends. This seems counter intuitive since most other things in life get easier with time. However, it makes sense because of the way that our lives change as we get older. When we are young, we have a lot more opportunity to meet new people than we do when we are older. And we also tend to be less judgmental and less set in our ways about what friendship means when we are young than when we grow up. These things combine to make it more difficult to make friends as we age. As a result, the real key to making new friends is to regain some of that openness, adventurousness and exposure to new people that we had when we were kids. The best ways of going about doing this as adults tend to depend on the reason that we are seeking new friends.
Let's take a look at some common reasons that adults are on the lookout for new friends and some great ways to make friends in those situations:

Moved to a new area:
Many people make a move to a new area as adults and leave their social circle behind. Although this can be difficult, it also presents the easiest opportunities for making new friends in the new environment. That's because you're going to be introduced to new sets of people just by virtue of living in a new place, shopping in new stores and working in a new location.
Here are some basic ideas for making new friends when you've moved to a new area:
•Chat up the people at your new job.
•Spend time in the neighborhood at local coffee shops or bars and open yourself to conversations there. •Introduce yourself to your neighbors.
•Meet the parents of the kids that your kids quickly become friends with.

The key to making new friends in this situation is really just to put yourself out there. As long as you are open to meeting new people and you are outgoing in your approach, you'll be able to meet new people fairly easy throughout the course of your daily activities.

Shrunken social circle
There are many reasons that our social circles shrink as adults. We drift apart from high school and college friends. People get busy with their spouses and new families. Friends move away. And soon we find ourselves with a few great friends but not enough of them.
Here are some basic ideas for meeting new people to add to your existing social circle:
•Start hosting Sunday dinners at your place. Invite the friends you do have. Also invite acquaintances that you'd like to know better. Encourage each of them to bring others. A group will develop.
•Take a class or join a local group that engages in an activity you enjoy. Even if you don't become friends with people outside of the group, you'll have a set weekly activity where those friends are based.
•Meet people online who live in your neighborhood. Use the "strictly platonic" section of Craigslist, the forums of a local website or sites that get people together for events in order to start meeting new people.

The key to making new friends when your social circle shrinks is to remember that you have a foundation of friends already and just need to add people here and there. This reduces the pressure of finding a "best friend" and lets you just focus on finding people to do things with now and then.

Major life change
Life changes can unfortunately cause us to lose friends. Your relationship ends and the couples you were friends with don't spend much time with you anymore. You get married have a baby and your single friends are doing things that don't interest you much anymore. You go through therapy and make some serious adjustments to your life who cause you to leave behind people who were dragging you down.
Ideas for finding new friends after a major life change include:
•Join a support group for people in your situation.
•Start a weekly social event in your area around an event you enjoy. A weekly theater performance group or a weekly wine tasting will bring new people around you have similar interests to you.
•Look to your acquaintances.

We often already know people who would've made great friends if things had been a little different. Maybe they're different enough now. For example, perhaps there was a great gal in your office that always wanted to hang out but you were too busy doing things with your boyfriend and the couples you knew. Now that you've split, give her a ring and see if she still wants to hang out.

Other general thoughts on making new friends: No matter what your situation, there are some basic things that you can do that will help you to make new friends.
These include:
•Get to know yourself better. When you know what you want from a friendship, it's likely that it will materialize.
•Say "yes" to invitations and activities more often than you say "no".
•Actively tell the people in your life that you're on the lookout for new friends. They'll start setting you up with others before you know it.
•Be a joiner. It doesn't matter what it is as long as you join something that interests you. That's where people you'll like will be.
•Let go of your ideas about friendship. Let things develop without a lot of expectations about them.
•Identify people in your life who interest you but who aren't yet friends.

The lady at the post office who always has a kind word, the friend of your mother's that you haven't seen in years, the guy at the office who always talks about his weekend hiking trips ... these are people who have the potential to be your friend if you start getting more proactive in talking to them.

Ultimately, making new friends boils down to a few basic things. You need to be willing to put yourself out there. If you aren't comfortable introducing yourself to people in person then you might want to do it online. You also need to be open to meeting all kinds of different people and not putting a lot of pressure on the relationship to be anything specific; just let it be. Try to get back some of the feelings that you had about friendship as a kid and you'll start to find yourself rapidly developing new friends as an adult.

 Artice writen By Kathryn Vercillo

Share a classic recipe or Coke-inspired family mealtime memory

Warmer weather is here and I have my picnic basket cleaned and ready for our next adventure. Is yours? Well, get ready for some inspiration and memories that were very fond of my family and friends. With Twittermoms SocialMoms and Coca-Cola® I have the opportunity to remiss about some of my memories.

With Coke a cola being our favorite we usually use this to make floats in the summer after a long day at the pool. This makes for a great snack after the barbecue and the kids just take a little time out for some ice cream. Coke recipes; click here

My family loves going to festivals for the warmer months, from the strawberry festivals, to the end of the season pumpkin festivals. We pack up our picnic basket with cold sandwiches, pickles, beans, seeds and fruit we have a selection for all day at the beach, camping, or just the annual holiday event. Walking around we can always stop by some where and pick up a Coke.

I never knew how many different things were made by Coke, I meet one man who just collected all kinds of archives from; pop machines, cars, signs, metal pedal trucks, and the list is endless. Many of these items are in new or slightly used condition and worth money. It's quite amazing what some people will spend their money on and call it an investment. We have one neighbor who owns an old pop machine and while walking we can stop by put our money in and open it just like a refrigator and pull out a glass bottle of pop. You can't do that every where, it's so nice we have a good neighborhood to enjoy.

Are you ready to BBQ;

In the South-East Coca-Cola has been a popular (somewhat) way to sweeten & tenderize meat. It may sound strange, and it is, but the results taste better than they sound.

In Baja California Coca-Cola is also used often in the making of carnitas owing to the fact that sugar can be hard to find in some remote villages. The ubiquitous Coca-Cola however can be found in places you wouldn't imagine!


Amount Ingredient Preparation Method
2 cups Coca-Cola classic
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup cooking oil
2 cloves garlic smashed
1 tsp Hungarian paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper


Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cool. Marinate pork or beef roast overnight. Reserve marinate for basting.

AT A GLANCE:
The product that has given the world its best-known taste was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 8, 1886. Dr. John Stith Pemberton, a local pharmacist, produced the syrup for Coca-Cola®, and carried a jug of the new product down the street to Jacobs' Pharmacy, where it was sampled, pronounced "excellent" and placed on sale for five cents a glass as a soda fountain drink.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Coca-Cola® blogging program. If I am one of the first 100 blogs received by SocialsMoms, I will receive a $25 gift card. For more information on the program, click here."

Where to Meet Your Furture Boyfriend

How many times have you tried to come up with new places to meet a guy. Many places such as: grocery store, bar, weddings and the such have been seriously lacking. Some of the more popular sites for match making are just about as lame. Here's some GPS-suggestions that will direct you straight for a eligible cutie.


Volunteer with an animal rescue organization, and sign up to work one of the tables.

Craft beer are getting really popular, which means tons of local breweries have been popping up. Go for a tour-most are free, and the majority of visitors are men.

Stop by the iPad displays in the Apple store; guys love playing with them.

Groupon is an awesome way to find bargain...and men. Here's how; The site sends people different deals based on their profiles. So if you create a Groupon account for a 28-year-old male, you'll get daily e-mails with the lowdown on all the fun, cheap and (most important) guy-friendly events happening in your area.

Lots of new books have been coming out lately by off beat celebs with sult(and mostly male) following, like Living Loaded, by Playboy columnist Dan Dunn, Check the events calendars of nearyby book stores to find out when a signing for one of these is happening and go. HINT; Wait for a cute guy to pick a seat then sit next to him.



Online dating sites based on a silly shared interests such as; alikewise.com, which looks at your favorite reads, and saladmatch.com, which gives you your Salad Soul Mates based on you go-to-toppings. Since they don't take dating as seriously as the big matchmaking Web-sites do, your likely to meet someone more laid back and has a sense of humor.

Work out at the gym ask your trainers if there's an eligible guy she could introduce you too.

Go to a coffee tasting. They've been big lately and the guys who attend them are pretty often chill. (read; totally approachable).

Men with fun date ideas do exist, and howaboutwe.com is the fastest way to find them. Instead of posting a profile, users explain their ideal date. (e.g., "how about we take a sushi-making class together?" or "How about we kick ass at trivia night?") When you see a date idea you like just message the guy and make it happen.

Ideas collected from Cosmopolitan.com

Christmas Vacation & Kids

Christmas vacation is here or quickly approaching and the kids are tired of school work. Well for that matter getting up and running to school 5 days a week. So, while in mind of getting some much needed rest and fun. I want to share with you some tips that I use.

This years school schedule is letting kids go a week before Christmas. OK, so were going to visit as many of our family and friends before the big day. Then we can just loaf around for a few. Taking a few days to go out and just get them out of their routine. Bring sleds, extra mittens, and whatever else that might get wet.

Set up a couple of days where kids can just go out and play. Taking mine out to a park with a big hill should do the trick. Bring hot coco, cookies, and blankets for the ride home. This day will be closer to the 24th so, they go to bed at a reasonable hour.


On the road make sure to sing a few songs together it's actually fun. Even for the scrooge in the family to get into the spirit. Bring in some music everyone will enjoy for longer trips; Something special for each one in the truck makes it nice.

Taking a day to make cookies, I'm not one who likes to bake for the whole month. One day is all I'm going to spend on making cookies granted it will be morning till evening cooking but, it will be done. This year I'll go to a friends house to make cookies with the girls. Kids will play outside in the snow and have a wonderful time just being kids.

This will be a much needed day for me just talking with other girls. About what ever happens to be the subject. I found this on a blog and thought it might be fun so, here it is.....


If your interested in sharing your blog or you don't have one no big deal. If you want to join us in listing your favorites link up so we can easily find your list!

What are some of your tips for Christmas vacation. I would like to know and share these with others is what makes blogging worth while. I would really enjoy them.

10 tips for making this the ultimate holiday season

This is the season of making the holiday season special under all circumstances to be the ultimate holiday for every one. So with Twittermoms and Hasbro I have the opportunity in sharing some of my tips

1. Decorating trees this has a lot of meaning in our house to the holiday season as we try to go all out with decorations each year without breaking the bank. Each tree has a theme and it’s never in the same place or the same theme. This keeps it special for each year.
2. Cards using fotobabble to make talking photos come to life. With this free and fun way of sending a card to each and everyone without the stamps, paper cuts and stuffing all the envelopes. I love this site for making it easy to give everyone the very best and a great shoot of us.
3. Decorating cookies has been a tradition for many years and this year it will be even bigger. We have been invited to join in efforts in making cookies with friends. One day only and making enough for everyone will be a blast this year.
4. Outings taking time to enjoy the season and entertainment is a great way to go out and be without the kids. Going out with friends for a night out was such a great breather. Try going to see Bryan Adams and make it an elegant night what a fun it was to let my hair down.
5. Slowing down spending time with family before the big day is essential for everyone. This makes little visits just as fun while serving up some holiday cake. Try making some chocolate cake with candy cains crushed and sprinkle on top.
6. Shopping online is great way to buy things. What to give someone can be difficult so, plan on taking them to the store and watching what catches their eye. This is a sure way of getting them something they’ll like. Buying games; TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY Hasbro has a great selection and saved me time and money.
7. Pot luck is a nice way to have dinner on Christmas this way no one gets the big meal all on their lap and can enjoy some of the holiday too. Many times this is a way to bring in a new recipe and have everyone sample it. We usually just bring in a bunch of fun foods and have the basic dinner later on Christmas Eve.


CHECK OUT DEAL OF THE DAY

8. Kid’s entertainment has to be on a budget for me, while presents are just for Christmas there’s still the rest of their vacation. So, I like to plan a few trips to local ski lodges and spend the day out of the house. Some even have pools where the kids can swim all day while parents rest and observe. Indoor games are the best to spend while kids are at home. Hasbro has a great line to pick from.
9. Volunteer is a great way of giving back to others. This year my son and I are story readers and elves for our local town. This will be a great experience for not only him but me as well.
10. Turn off all technology for a few days and spend time with the ones you love. Taking time to sing some of our favorite songs while driving down snow covered county roads is my favorite. I love the snow and singing is just a nice expression under the moonlight mountains.

I hope I have inspired you in some small way or giving you and idea or two on making this holiday the ultimate gift giving this holiday.


I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Hasbro Ultimate Gifts blogging sweepstakes, making me eligible to get a $50 Gift card to use at www.HasbroToyShop.com! For more information on how you can participate, click here.” (make sure you link to: )

10 Holiday Survival Tips

The season is changing and we have had our first snow of the season. Waiting for Santa and his helpers we’ve decided to simplify our holiday traditions. With twittermoms and Tiny Prints I’ll share my tips for surving this holiday season.

1. Gathering your list of people who sent cards to you last year and using a great system by Tiny Prints christmas cards share a photo with family, friends and others. If there are many photo’s you would like to share then choose their web site.


2. Buy gifts in bulk is one way of getting a little something for that unexpected gift that may be presented to you. It’s always nice to have a back up plan just in case. These gifts never go to waste.
3. If traveling make sure you send the gift to the nearest store for pick up. Then there’s less packing and carrying on board with you. This is great for all those gifts that would be to costly to send UPS or mail.
4. For someone who has everything instead of sending the gift cards go spend some time with them. This will give you time out enjoying yourself as well as providing some memorable time with someone.
5. Having a cookie day party is one of the best ways to enjoy time with friends and make an array of cookies. Have everyone bring ingredients and hostess for the day will have the least to give as the electric bill will be their contribution.
6. Need help keeping the kids busy? This will be my first year at this but, my hopes are high. Having scavenger hunts throughout the month. Some activities such as reading, singing, making gifts, building snowmen. A prize for each day will help build the anticipation for the big day.
7. Trying new ideas from last year making each year count by doing something a little different. Changes happen with us and our family so making everyone’s needs get accommodated might be challenging but, oh so worth it when you find plans that everyone’s looking forward too.
8. Use your to-do-list on your phone it’s a time saver and maybe a life saver. Sometimes with all the hustle and bustle we either loss track of time & / or things that need to get done. Relax there’s time still, and pace your self so you can breath.
9. Make sure there’s time for YOU so you’re up to par then anything you do is going to be. Most of us do things to perfection so, take time to give your self some of that energy and effort too. Spend the day at the salon or make a sign that says spa day hang it on the door of the bathroom.
10. Take time to enjoy all the little things, the smell of fresh cookies, the look on someone’s face, and some old stories from past years. You’ll never past this way again.

I love this time of season maybe because I’m a snow baby. To keep the holidays going even with tighter finances I keep the holiday sprit going through decorating and spending time with loved ones doing what makes us happy. This year I’m adding volunteering as an Elf with my son for a reward he’ll learn what it is for making others happy. And isn’t that what Christmas is all about?


Tiny Prints provides stylish, modern and unique stationery from photo cards to personalized greeting cards to thank you cards and business cards. Offering exclusive designs from the nation’s top designers, easy card personalization, a powerful preview engine and top-notch customer service and paper quality, their designs have been lauded by numerous television networks, publications and celebrities. With Tiny Prints by your side the Holidays will be a cinch! They offer adorable Thanksgiving Cards, Christmas Cards, Hanukkah Cards, and even New Years Cards. All fully customizable and personalizable

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Tiny Prints blogging program, making me eligible to get a $75 Tiny Prints gift certificate! For more information on how you can participate, click here

ten tips for new moms who are bringing a baby home

While it has been some years since I came home with my new baby. I have learned some easy but, necessary ways to make this transition as smooth as possible. With Twittermoms and Lysol I can give these tips to help ensure an easy but, informative way to make your trip home from the hospital.
1. Sending home all flowers, gifts and cards the night before you leave will make the trip home easier with less to take home. While packing have someone write out thank you cards as well and send them signed then they will be received in a timely manner.
2. Have the home in which you will be returning to up to 72 degrees. The home will be the same temperature as the hospital and after you get home you can turn it down a little bit each day back to the home regular temperature. This will ensure that you will be comfortable and so, will your baby.
3. Having the baby's room disinfected before arrival will ensure healthy and safety. Soaps with no perfumes for washing all babies items. Remember some cleaners will be unsafe with the fumes so, please read labels. Remind all who want to handle new born to wash hands every time they want to hold baby. Keeping pet away from baby and room is an absolute for health safety of germs and possible other hazards.
4. Having a nice outfit for you and your new baby you will want something that fits loosely and that you can get your babies first photo in. So if you don’t know what your having just have someone pick one up the day after delivery. With today’s mobile phones this is easy to find something and then check it by phone.
5. If you’re unfamiliar with car seats you or someone will need to read the installation of the car seat and proper way of buckling the infant into the seat. No one leaves the hospital without one so, if getting a seat is a problem just ask. There are many programs out there that will assist it getting a proper seat.

6. Having formula, bottles, bags or breast pump home and ready for you will help keep your new baby comfortable. Having been a breast feeder this was great for going back to work or when I just had a sitter. If you’re an Eco friendly person such as am I. I used a home made cloth for laying down my baby for changing. Using baby wash cloths are so much easier and clean bottoms better with baby soap. For going out the occasional wipes are just fine for such tips as the mall. I usually pack a small can of Lysol to spray area then lay cloth down for warmth.
7. Getting out of the house. A definite thing this must be done either in the winter or summer. Going for a walk with a stroller is really very enjoyable and good for you and your new baby. Winters just go to the mall get a stroller most places have them for free or a small fee with drivers licenses. Also, check when mom’s movie day is playing that's when new moms get out for a super savings day out.
8. A must have is a good monitor. There is just no other way of knowing what’s going on in that little room. Baby can nap while you visit on the porch or next door. Just check the reception first when they wake you’ll want to be close by.
9. Having a body hugger is a genital way to keep baby in the same position as they were in your womb. Also, this is a great way to carry your baby. As your baby grows there's halters that put your baby in front of you while shopping, mopping or just going for a walk. As baby grows other models that the baby sits on your back very cool for hiking. I used to take mine hiking lots of times we love the outdoors.
10. Get the education going this is a critical for brain development as many mothers know relearning your nursery rhymes, getting some soft music to play for bed time. Having a boppie and a short video of learning language, arts, shapes, numbers and etc. Make sure you’re very expressive in facial features and tones in your voice to show expressiveness to your little one. You’re their role model and their first teacher.

While these are many of the tips I used with my little one there’s only two things I wished I had done in addition and those are teach my little on baby sign language. The other is giving him muzzy for multiple language development. One other important consideration is Co-Sleeping the advantages and disadvantages. Two truly great gifts to a child for development in communications and understanding.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Lysol® Wee Wisdom blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here

Tell a Gal Pal about domestic violence. Let’s face it together.

Domestic violence touches millions – more than seven out of 10 Americans know someone who is or has been a victim – but somehow it still remains a taboo subject.

The Allstate Foundation is asking everyone to Tell a Gal Pal about domestic violence so we can face the issue together during October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month – and beyond.

Just the other day I was subjected to more abuse from my ex-husband. While we constantly are healing our; thoughts, emotions and breaking patterns so, we may get to being at peace with ourselves and to a better place in our lives.

While dating if I only knew all the warring signs that I now posses my decision would have been stronger, different and walking away sooner. What I learned on my own was that God gave divorce to women so, we don't have to be abused. Then I got my divorce. I have looked back at such a terrible man he was and ask myself how could I have brought such a person into my home? I ask my child to forgive me.

The impact on children is harsh because they are just so impressionable. With the knowledge I received I can know help us in getting the negative thoughts or poor opinions out of our life,Thank you for not letting the cycle happen again.

Having support from others is the utmost important, because most friends, family leave the victim not out of hatred but, suffering. Giving your friend, or family member time, education, and money is a gift. It not only helps saves life's but, the future of those around who also have the impact of the violence.

Pledge to Tell a Gal Pal and Help Raise Money to Support Domestic Violence Survivors
We also ask that you get involved by joining the Tell a Gal Pal movement on Facebook and encouraging your readers and followers to do the same to help raise money to support domestic violence survivors. Tell a Gal Pal and share this information with your blog readers and Twitter followers!
For each person who “likes” the Click To Empower! Facebook page, The Allstate Foundation will donate $1 to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (up to $20,000). Click here to go to the Facebook page.
The Allstate Foundation will donate another $1 if you take the pledge to Tell a Gal Pal about domestic violence. As part of the pledge, your photo will be added to the “Faces of Support” gallery to show survivors that they aren’t facing domestic violence alone.
Help us reach our goal of raising $20,000. Tell a Gal Pal to join the movement on Facebook.

Let’s face domestic violence together – Tell a Gal Pal to:
Talk openly about domestic violence. Tell your Gal Pals – whether it’s your best friend, sister, mother, daughter, niece, cousin or neighbor – to face domestic violence, share their opinions and experiences and show support for survivors.
Speak out against domestic violence when you see it. Call the police or National Domestic Violence Hotline to report domestic violence in your community – you could help save a life.
Visit Click ToEmpower.org for easy ways start the conversation, check out resources for survivors or read inspirational survivor stories.
You can also show your support for domestic violence survivors by volunteering at or donating items to your local domestic violence shelter. Contact your state domestic violence coalition for more information. Click here for a complete list of state coalitions.



Financial Independence for Survivors
Domestic violence impacts the lives of women and their families. The Allstate Foundation supports survivors through resources targeted to build financial independence and educates the public on how hard it is for people to leave an abusive relationship without economic resources.


I wrote this blog post while participating in The Allstate Foundation’s Tell a Gal Pal blogging program with TwitterMoms, making me eligible to get an interview with Cheryl Burke. For more information on how you can participate, click here

Little builder...future planing

Building is a great past time when developing coordination skills and 3D pictures from images. Kite flying at the beach is every kids flair for fun. Flying model air planes and rockets also has it's place in growth of exploration of science.

While attending the Coshoten air show 9/18/10 my son found the thrill of air planes and watching the stunts were amazing. Jets were just so, fast he got upset that he had difficult time photographing a great shot for his portfolio. He' kept at it and finally got his shot.

While sitting inside the cockpit a pilot explained how things work. The smile on my sons face told me all. We meet a pilot of a A-10 West from the air-force and asked what can we do to prepair for flight school.

Here's what we found out;

1. get good grades in school.
2. join in activities such as boy scouts of America
3. sports is a great program
4. AFJROTC starts off as early as 9th grade
5. learn how to serve God

I did hear of a program for as young as 6th grade but, as of yet to find it.
Here's the links
1. http://www.surfnetkids.com/study_skills.htm
2. http://scouting.org/
3. Join sports at school or local YMCA
4. http://www.au.af.mil/au/holmcenter/AFJROTC/Curriculum.asp
Fourth Brigade JROTC-http://ajrotc.us/
5. look up local Church's and get involved

National School Success Month

Celebrate by brushing up for;
National School Success Month-Effective Study skills are about more than understanding.

Effective study skills must be practiced in order for you to improve. It is not enough to simply "think about" studying; you have to actually do it, and in the process use information from what you do to get better. This is the central idea of this page. All that follows depends on this single concept. There is a saying that goes like this: "Practice doesn't make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect." If you want to be an achiever, take this saying to heart. For more tips click hereLast year I was asked to seek a doctor for my son to aid him in school studies. My response was "do you teach the children how to study" I will not put my son on prescription drugs so, I started my research and found books to enlighten me in changing some things around home. Such as spending one on one time with him more so, he gains the valuable time on focus. With criteria higher that a few decades ago kids need to solve problems correctly eg- stress, denial etc...Another, was to incorporate alkaline water into his diet to aid with memory and concentration. As a parent I feel that it my job to find the answers or the root of the problem. That's guidance.

10 Tips for Planning a Unique Baby Shower

Baby showers are great way to celebrate the with the mommy to be. My shower was a surprise and after my baby was born this way I was able to get the things we still needed. I have been thinking of what to do for a baby shower for a friend and her mother and now time is an essence because the baby was born three months early. So, with Twittermoms and Tiny Prints I will share my idea's for a baby shower I’d want.

1. Plan out two months before baby shower check list
2. Getting with her mother and planning a list of who to invite; send out invitations and thank you cards

3. Pink and green making a diaper cake with glue dots (will add photo)
4. Since she’s in the hospital getting a DVD of her so, that others may see the baby while at the baby shower (with no sound).
5. Theme is a Surprise for the mommy to be this is a non custom but use for those who have had their baby and still have some needed items and a way for every one to visit and see the new baby.
6. Game to play Never say "Baby": (Materials- baby safety pins or another type of baby object you can place on a string for each woman at the party as well as string or yarn, enough for each woman to wear as a necklace). Have each woman place the necklace with the baby safety pins around her neck when she gets to the party. The rules for this baby shower game are given out at the beginning of the baby shower that whenever someone says the word "baby" during the shower, any woman who calls it out gets a pin from the other woman who stated the word. At the end of the baby shower, the woman with the most pins wins a prize. For the Father- just getting together and writing down tips to use and then read them aloud. This can be fun for the tips are a chance to bring some laughter and memories.
7. Use cookies cutters for summer time ice cream, umbrellas, fish etc… and buy some candy like pacifiers for when guest arrive. For the food while games are played finger sandwiches and tea. While presents are opened serve cake.


8. Have a liaison to help her with favorite drink and being comfortable. Also, writing down who bought what and start filling out the Thank you note this will be greatly appreciated by the mommy to be.
9. Getting someone designated to take photo’s during the party (remember to be in as many of the photos as you can so, your not forgotten that would be sad).
10. A sign in book with comments from guests as memories for the mommy to be. This will be an added from scraps of wrapping paper, photo’s, card cut outs, and cloths that were a treasure.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Tiny Prints blogging program, making me eligible to get a Tiny Prints gift code worth $50, plus 25 FREE Tiny Prints greeting cards—a total gift value of $149.75! For more information on how you can participate, click here

Ten tips for saving money during the back-to-school season

My son said the other day mom I'll be going back to school soon. I love spending all day with you. I replied so, do I. We really enjoy each others company but, I love the criteria and the education he's getting from school. I usually do my shopping at Staples for great savings especially, when items are sold for pennies on the dollar I buy for the entire school year not just the beginning.
Did you know that Staples is helping those disadvantaged and without an opportunity for school supplies? The 3rd Annual Staples Do Something 101 School Supply Drive is underway. The first two Annuals raised nearly one million for charities and Staples is prepared to help again! I think that's great community responsibility!





Not only that, Staples is offering a special discount to us TwitterMoms by printing out the coupon here to get 25% off select merchandise.

TwitterMoms and Staples provided another opportunity to spread how we save money for the back-to-school season and you can take part here.


1. Check what you have from last year and shop all year long for items on sale pencils, paper, folders, zipper pouches, glue etc..I've found items for on the penny to the dollar from Staples.

2. Cut out coupons from your newspaper ads some specials are listed just in the papers.

3. Use your reward cards or bonus points and look for great buy one get one free bargains or freebie items when you purchase something with your card.

4. Many communities have back to school days join the fun and get a helping hand with cloths, book bags and supplies.

5. Join your favorite stores (Staples) on you facebook OR (Staples) on your twitter account for great sales

6. Make as many different outfits with fewer cloths. Mix and match.

7. Buy cloths from other hand me down stores with less where on good cloths/new look.

8. Go online to order shop eBay's my favorite.

9. Swapping cloths party draw the name of who to swap with.

10. Yard sales are every frugal woman's paradise.

More info: http://www.staples.com
Join Staples on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/staples
Follow Staples on Twitter: http://twitter.com/staplestweets

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Staples blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here

Glue Dots-Summer Bonding Project

TwitterMoms and Glue Dots® Adhesives have teamed up to bring you a fun and creative Summer Bonding Project! If you use and love Glue Dots or are trying them for the first time, we ask that you share your favorite uses or projects by blogging about your experiences. School is out, and now's the time to get creative and work on some fun DIY projects, entertaining, decorating, crafting and arts...on your own or with the kids!

Making pop books is a breeze with Glue Dots there's no mess and if you want you can add lots of ribbon, buttons, pip cleaner, and cool stuff just peel and paste it some where else. My kid just loves making things and has the imagination to go along with it.
Hanging posters is really nice now I don't have to watch out for the thumb tacks that got drop ed on the floor from the last poster. Glue Dots makes it safe for a tack less home (pun intended)
So far the uses I've found for this are making a wreath, decoration my jars, making a chalk board. Glue Dots is far easier, faster and less mess than the glue gun. This way my kid can help more with the project and not get burned.


One project I would love to do is scrap book for all my photos cards etc...I have saved this stuff in hopes of getting a chance to put this all together and cut cards up to add to a wonderful collection of memories. Glue Dots will make this project allot easier than with traditional glues. I'll post this when it is finished.


What Are Glue Dots®?

Glue Dots Adhesives are a safer, easier, mess-free alternative to typical tapes and glue guns. Glue Dots provide the strength you need in an adhesive without the mess and dry time required of liquid glues. Glue Dots bond instantly to a wide variety of surfaces including: Paper/photos, Metal, Wood, Plastic, Textiles/Fibers, Plastic, Foam, and more! Find Glue Dots at a retailer near you or online today!


**Note: Glue Dots are Acid Free and Non-Toxic.
Learn more about Glue Dots Products and Uses Here

Join Glue Dots on Facebook and Twitter @gluedots!

Do you have a great Glue Dots Summer Bonding Project Idea? Head over to the Discussion Boards at TwitterMoms and see how you can participate - and maybe win a prize for your idea!!!


Disclaimer
I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Glue Dots blogging contest to be eligible to receive a $30 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Hidden Treasures

These days it pays to be a bargain hunter. what's even more rewarding is finding those hidden treasure that other people consider trash-for free! This is a great way to find those things that will give you some unique charter finds that is a one of a kind. Home made items such as jewelry, clay pottery, models, statues, windows, frames, etc...

Make a day of this with a friend, family or kids just go out into the rural roads (take a map) GPS doesn't always have all the directions and phones (mobile) don't always get service. Pack some fruit that's in season as well as some sun tea and lemonade. Wraps are a quick and light lunch for hot day or a meat loaf sandwich for cooler days.

Here's some ideas;

Mail box If your mail box can hardly hold the letters anymore, turn it on its side and transform it into a planter for flowers. Remember to include drainage holes, and plant it with your favorite spring bulbs or another colorful container combination.

Garden goddesses Think your garden deserves a trophy? Even if your garden hasn't won any awards, adorn it with some rescued trophy tops displayed in a flower bed. Attach rusted metal ashes, a garden hose nozzle or other odds and ends, and your trophies become quirky garden statues.

Barn-wood bench. Looking for a unique gar en bench to use as a focal point? Look no further that an old set of metal furniture. Weathered piece of wood placed on three chairs makes a statement against a fence, shed or house.

5 Activities to Do in July

Celebrate your local postal worker and all postal workers on July 1st. Make cards and give them to your postal carrier when he or she delivers the mail today! Visit the post office and see if you can take a tour.
Give your mail carrier a special treat or glass of lemonade!
Write letters to your friends.

How about an old-fashioned family 4th of July Picnic? This meal will definitely bring back childhood memories of hot 4th of July holidays waiting for the fireworks to begin. Old fashion lemonade, sun tea, barbecue beans, potato salad, avocado salad-guacamole salad, great American hamburger, fried chicken, apple pie, strawberry short cake.

National Cherry Festival (7/6) Find a local parade and enjoy some of the rides, music, and foods.

Ice cream cone day (7/15) Summer is in full swing. Its hot and sizzling. You need something to help cool off. What a perfect time for Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day. (7/1).

Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day gives you the chance to create a new flavor of ice cream. Maybe, your new creation will be a hit, and become wildly popular.

Just how many flavors of ice cream is there? Those of you old enough to remember, will recall the "28 Flavors" of Howard Johnson's restaurant. Howard Johnson's actually had far more than 28 flavors. They always had 28 flavors in stock (hopefully) at a time. Those 28 flavors is just the tip of the iceberg. The combinations are seemingly endless.

Make today a fun day. Hold a formal or impromptu creative ice cream party. Make sure you have lots of flavors, toppers, and additives, so people at the party can get real crazy.

Cheer Up the Lonely Day is an opportunity to make a lonely person happy. Any time you can make someone happy, you've done a good thing, and should be proud of yourself. (7/11)

Lonely people have few friends and loved ones. They may have lost loved ones over the years. They may be elderly. They see people on an infrequent basis.

Spend some time today cheering up lonely people. It's easy to do.....just spend some time with them. When you visit, bring happy things to talk about. Keep the conversation upbeat, and lively. When you leave, give a big hug and let them know you enjoyed the stay. Sending cards or making a phone call is okay, only if they live too far away to visit. What a lonely person really needs, is face to face time with other people.

Maintaining Relationships

Maintain Relationships After Grown Up Siblings
Maybe you fought like cats and dogs when you were little and now you still don’t see eye to eye on some things. If the fighting becomes more serious you need to think of a way to maintain your relationship with your siblings.

When you were little you and your siblings always fought. You played for a little while and then you fought. The good thing about fighting when you were little is that the anger didn’t last long and you would be playing together in no time. As you got older you may have noticed that it took longer to make up but you always seemed to work it out. Now that you are adults, it is totally different. Now you fight and you don’t make up sometimes for months. So how can you build a better relationship with your siblings as adults?

First of all, you are not fighting over toys anymore. You are fighting over real life problems. Maybe you disagree about your parents, raising children, work, or maybe your spouses do not get along and that causes tension in your family. But no matter what causes the problem you need to work it out. Siblings are your family and family fights but they always find a way to settle their differences. You want and need your family for support through the bad times and to share in the good times.

When you fight with your sibling you can settle the argument in several different ways:

change the subject
state the fact that you just agree that you disagree
Be the better person and say “Because of the difference of opinion let’s just drop the subject”.
Always through in there “I love you” This will make them smile, no matter how angry they may be.
It’s not always easy to end an argument on a good note when you are an adult. So it may be wise to avoid talking about things that you know they disagree on. This is one sure way to prevent an argument from starting. But if an argument can not be avoided you will need to find a way that you can settle your differences.

Remember that family is always there when you need them. You don’t want to be alone during the worst or best time of your life. You share the same parents so it is just natural that your paths through life should be shared as well. You are not going to be able to settle every argument between you. That is why it’s important to take the first step in making peace between you.

Siblings are like anyone else, you don’t need to get along all the time. Arguing is normal, as long as it doesn’t get out of hand. Keep in mind that punches hurt worse when you are older and they don’t settle anything. So live, laugh and love no matter what.

Five Fun Family Vacation Activities Your Kids Will Love

I love family vacations but we don't get enough until now! We are heading out to hopefully North Carolina soon and we cannot wait. When TwitterMoms challenged us mommy bloggers to write about five fun family vacation activities your kids will love, I wanted to be a part of it and you can to by clicking here to join in.

1. As you already know we're planning to travel to North Carolina to the beach. I've already started saving money and checking on local actives in the area such as Fair's, circus and bands to see while staying there. Also, we'll travel to see some of Britain’s largest colony in the New World fought off shores by Charlotta. Teaching my family more of how our great country came to be. When traveling check out twittermoms travel site for tips.

2. Camping is a cheap and laid back way of getting away from home and the rush, rush of things. We usually find new camp sites to go to in advance and check with the local chamber of commerce to find out other actives going on in the area. Other wise; we go horse back riding, boating, fishing, swimming, play tennis, golfing, picnicking.

3. Day trips are a nice short vacation we try to experience things from a visitors perspective and go to the major sites of our area such as; History there's many land marks and people who were famous in our local area, Monuments that were built in the honor of our WWII soldiers, Our canal system and learn how produce was delivered to the north. These are affordable and yet educational. Find out more at a local chamber office or travel agency. If traveling abroad, map out your vacation and price check with businesses. Every moment counts but, don't forget to relax and enjoy.

4. Museums are great for rain days and we have many to choose from there are three major cities with museums of Art, History, Science, and Music. Planning ahead can make all the difference when it comes to bringing paper and crayons (check with museums first).




5. Going to the amusement park is a great way to spend a day or a couple of days riding the rides and seeing the sites. Some have camping on site and others have discounted rates for booking in advance. So call ahead and get price rates.

Vacations can be a little cheaper if you plan ahead and they can be more fun if you get the entire family involved in the planning! I'm doing that with mine as we map out what all we will do and it's sure to be a great time as long as the weather cooperates but then we will be making a contingency plan too!

About Williamsburg Tourism
The Williamsburg area – Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown, VA – is one of America’s favorite family destinations, with adventure around every corner. Experience more than 400 years of American history and culture brought vividly to life at hands-on historical sites and world-class museums; share thrills and entertainment at exhilarating theme parks; discover unique finds and bargains, and enjoy outdoor activities in scenic parks, byways, nature trails and waterways. Whether it’s traveling backing to the 17th and 18th centuries, or forward into the 21st, the Williamsburg area offers vacation fun for all ages. http://www.VisitWilliamsburg.com

Disclaimer:
“I wrote this blog post while participating in the Williamsburg Tourism and TwitterMoms blogging program for a chance to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Yellow Magnolias

The earlies know yellow flowering magnolias were found in the wilds of North America in the mid-eighteenth century, but it was not until the 1950's that hardier, completely yellow hybrids were developed. After forty years of breeding and progagation, they are ready to provide a pectacular focal point in you garder.

But when the tree or shrub has soft yellow flowers that burst forth before the new leaves usfurl, it's as it the fun has come right down inth the garden, banishing winter forever.

Easter recipes: Kulich & Paskha (Cake)

The traditional Easter foods are a nut and fruit filled yeast cake called kulich and an accompanying sweet cheese spread called paskha. Often the kulich and paskha were carried to church and set out on long tables to be blessed by the priest. (In the old days, the priest would often make a "house call" to his wealthier parishioners to bless the food at home.)

The recipes for these delicacies are involved and time-consuming. The classic kulich was begun several days before Easter. It contained candied fruit, almonds, and raisins. It was always baked in a special kind of pan-- tall and cylindrical, sort of like a coffee can. When the cake was done, it was decorated with white frosting drizzled down the sides. On the side, spelled out in pieces of candied fruit, were the letters XB, representing the Cyrillic letters for "Christos voskres" -- "Christ is risen."

Next to the cake was the paskha, presented carefully molded in a triangular shape. The letters "XB" were also inscribed on this creation. Creating this delight took hours-- it requires weighing down "pot cheese" with a heavy board to drain the moisture and then pressing it though a sieve before the other ingredients were added. The mixture contained more nuts and fruits, vanilla flavoring and sugar.

During the great Easter fast of the Orthodox church, it is forbidden to eat meat, eggs, butter or other dairy products.

On Easter Sunday, when the fast has ended, it is again allowed to eat these "forbidden" ingredients and this is why many of the Russian Easter dishes contain lots of eggs, butter, cream etc. In old agrarian society, making paskha was a way of using up all the eggs and dairy products that had piled up during the fast.


You need:

- two pounds of flour
- one and a half glasses of milk
- six eggs
- 10 ½ oz of butter or margarine
- 1 ½ or two glasses of sugar (less if you don’t want it very sweet)
- 1 ½ oz of yeast
- ¾ tea spoon of salt
- 5 ½ oz of raisins
- vanilla
For better taste and texture separate yolks from egg-whites.

- Mix one and a half glass of warm milk with yeast and half of the flour;
- Put the mix in a warm place;
- When the mix has risen and doubled in size, add salt, yolks mixed with sugar, vanilla, and butter;
- Mix all this again;
- Add the egg-whites, and the rest of the flour;
- The dough shouldn't’t be very thick, but well-beaten, and it should be coming off the dish easily;
- Put the mix in a warm place;
- When the mix doubled in size, add the raisins;
- Put the mix into a vertically shaped cake form; fill the form one third of the way for fluffier cake, fill it half way for thicker cake;
- Put the form in a warm place;
- When the mix in the form raised and filled ¾ of the form, treat the top with the beaten egg; for a nice white and sugary top treat it with egg-whites mixed with powdered sugar;
- Put in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes at 350 F;
- While baking, check the cake and when the top looks baked, cover it with waxed baking paper;
- The cake is fully baked if the silver wear or a toothpick you are checking it with comes out dry.

"Pretend" Kulich

Mix up a boxed pound cake according to package directions. Throw in some raisins, chopped almonds, candied fruits. Use a little extra vanilla.
Optional: Use a pinch ( ½ teaspoon ) of powered saffron
Bake in a bunt pan according to package directions
Make a thin frosting of confectioner’s sugar, milk, vanilla and Crisco-- drizzle over the top and down the sides when the cake is cool. Decorate with fruit.
"Pretend" Paskha

Mix (to taste) raisins, candied fruits, almonds and a teaspoon of vanilla in a quart of ricotta cheese
Add sugar to taste
I've never quite been able to mold this concoction into a triangle shape, but it is easy to spread in a shallow pan and create the traditional "XB" in candied fruit pieces.


Visit for photo's & more tips; http://www.pravmir.com/article_178.html