Imagination-Cafe Blog

Wednesdays with Gammy - The Anticipation

2012-02-11T08:11:00.000-08:00

Childhood memories can be wonderful, so when Karen sits each night on her children's bed, the stories she tells of her Gammy fills their ears with excitement and their hearts with love.

Wednesdays With Gammy; The Anticipation by Karen Joy Palmerini is a wonderful tale of the author's own memories of time spent with her Grandmother. She also shares the interactions she had with her siblings and holds nothing back about how she felt having to share Gammy's attention with her younger sister and brother.

This book is a heart-felt and wonderful adventure exploring a simple example of quality time. The author also shares an actual photo of the apartment building she grew up in and where her memories take place - so fun!

About the Author:

Karen Joy Palmerini is a literacy coach and a reading specialist for a school district on Long Island. As a career educator with more than twenty-five years of teaching experience, Palmerini’s on-going dream is to be able to share her books with many different cultures to show how sharing stories is essential for both children’s literacy growth and developing lasting relationships and memories with loved ones. Karen Joy Palmerini currently lives in Mount Sinai, New York with her husband Nazz, and two daughters, Alexa and Alana. Wednesdays with Gammy: The Anticipation (published by CreateSpace, RRP $7.99) is available from Amazon and can be ordered from all good bookstores.

Talking With Trees - Be Proud

2012-02-08T10:45:00.000-08:00

When a little boy takes his toy and plays behind the wise ole tree - away from his mom's sight - the tree reminds the little boy that being proud of yourself is better than anything else in the world - even a "double scoop ice cream cone every day for the rest of your life!"

Talking With Trees - learning lessons from creatures who've been around for generations, Book 1 by Colleen Doyle Bryant is a well thought out and great read for youngsters. Bryant uses the wisdom of an old tree to illustrate the difference between right and wrong in a gentle and fun manner.

The illustrations done by Manuela Soriani are bright and fun. The expressions on the old tree are so real-to-life you'll think trees really can give advice.

Talking With Trees; Be Proud is a delightful read and would make a wonderful addition to any child's library.

For more information, please visit; http://www.talkingtreebooks.com/

Uncle Al Capone - a Review

2012-02-06T10:54:00.000-08:00

Al Capone...

...public enemy #1
...one of the most notorious criminals of all time
...humanitarian?

Al Capone has been portrayed throughout history as a bad man, however, there's good in all people. Deirdre Marie Capone is the grand niece of this infamous man and has shared a different and detailed back story in, Uncle Al Capone.

From Al Capone's efforts to integrate baseball, to what really happened to him while he served time on Alcatraz, Uncle Al Capone is a detailed and poignant look at Al's background. In this book Deirdre also shares memories of Uncle Al and what it was like growing with the stigma of the Capone name - it wasn't easy!

In addition, Deirdre also shares her grandmother's recipes for some of Al's favorite and traditional dishes.

Uncle Al Capone is an interesting and page-turning read. I enjoyed the details and true story of Capone from someone who was there and the never seen before pics from her own family album.

Check out Uncle Al Capone at Deirdre's web site at; http://www.unclealcapone.com/

Snapshots A Story of Love, Loss, and Life

2012-02-01T06:55:00.000-08:00

Most parents can't imagine what it would be like to lose one of their children - the grief and pain would be unthinkable.

Cathy Sosnowsky not only experienced the loss of her son, Alex, at the young age of 17, but also her two adopted children, Michael and Tanya. However, these two younger children weren't to a freak accident, but to the allure of drugs, alcohol and the mean streets. Find out how Cathy deals with her pain and suffering through her poignant and, sometimes humorous, memoir; Snapshots A Story of Love, Loss, and Life.

This book takes the reader on a mother's journey. Cathy's love for her children is strong and will break your heart as she holds nothing back in telling her tale - to take in two older children in need of love and a home is to be commended - only to have these children shun her and turn to the drug addled streets.

I have personally never felt the lose of a child, but my heart goes out to Cathy in her struggle to make sense of the life she was given. Snapshots is truly a book to be read, especially if you're dealing with the loss of a child.

Check out Snapshots, A Story of Love, Loss, and Life by Cathy Sosnowsky at; http://cathysosnowsky.com/

Real Love the Drawings for Sean

2012-01-30T07:28:00.000-08:00

Real Love is a collection of some of John Lennon's most humourous and heart-felt drawings he did with and for his son Sean. The pictures are simple, yet show a creative spark most fans never knew existed. I particularly like, "Crabs Crabbing and Fish Winking!"

John Lennon's music lives on in the hearts of his fans and now this wonderful picture book is sure to become the next fan-favorite - whether you have kids to share it with or not.

Check out; True Love The Drawings for Sean on Insight Editions

See the World in a Jelly Bean

2012-01-27T08:21:00.000-08:00

by Alicia Z. Klepeis

Around the World in a Jelly Bean

People from Tokyo to Santiago can savor a bag of jelly beans, though the flavors they choose may be different from one location to another. Some flavors, in fact, are offered in other countries to target the flavor preferences abroad. Want to try a Mooncake-flavored jelly bean? Head to Asia. Chili Mango? Try South America. Green Tea and Barbeque Banana? Asian and European jelly bean eaters enjoy these choices. According to Tomi Holt, Director of Communications at Jelly Belly, here are the favorites, around the world and back here at home:

Australia - Smoothie Blend flavors, Bubble Gum, Buttered Popcorn and Strawberry Cheesecake
England - Beanaturals, Very Cherry, Green Apple, and Bubble Gum
Germany - Very Cherry, Tutti Fruitti, Green Apple, Red Apple
Hong Kong - Lemon Lime, Candy Floss (aka Cotton Candy), Bubble Gum, Coconut
Korea - Berry Blue, Candy Floss, Lemon, and Lemon Lime

Insect Idioms by Kathleen Bookbinder

2012-01-24T08:28:00.000-08:00

Here is a fact that will leave you “bug-eyed”- There are over 1 million different insects living on earth!

“Bug-eyed” is an insect idiom that means “surprised”. So what’s an idiom, you ask? Idioms are groups of words that say one thing but mean something else. Insect idioms use insects or insect behaviors to explain how people feel or behave. Read the insect idioms below and see if you can guess what they mean. (The explanation and an interesting insect fact are right below the idiom in case you get stuck.)

"You have ants in your pants!"

Imagine having tiny ants crawling all over your legs…can you feel the tickle? The tickle would make you wiggle and squirm. That's why people use this idiom to describe a person who can’t sit still. READ MORE...

About the Author

Kathleen Bookbinder is a former teacher turned children’s writer whose fascination with “creepy crawlies” has led to articles on snakes, lizards, ants and assorted insects. Focused on stories that entice and excite reluctant readers with fun, engaging prose on gross and unusual topics, Kathleen’s work has been published or slated for publication in local, national and international magazines and newspapers. Currently, Kathleen is finishing up a book on “zombie ants”, which she hopes will make its way to publication in the near future.

On a good day, when Kathleen is not researching or writing about strange, odd and curious members of the animal kingdom, she can be found reading (anything she can get her hands on) or cheering with her husband for one of their four children at various baseball, horseback riding or academic events. On a bad day, you’ll find Kathleen scrubbing algae from the cages of the family’s African Water Frogs-ugh!"

Spitting on the Field

2012-01-21T06:37:00.000-08:00

By Susie Yakowicz

Hock-ptui!

Recognize that sound? It’s hard to miss on the baseball field. Although many of us think spitting is downright gross, baseball players have been doing it since the early days of the game.

Back then, players often chewed tobacco (called “chaw”) during innings and spit out the juice. Chaw kept their mouths from getting too dry in the dusty ballparks, and they used the spit to soften their gloves. But chaw had a downside. Like other tobacco products, it caused all kinds of health problems. Once the dangers became public, many players quit chewing. The minor and college leagues even banned chaw’s use. Not all players spit because of tobacco chewing, though. Some pitchers did it for a different reason. They applied spit to the ball before throwing it to try and trick the batter. These spitballs or “spitters” would curve unpredictably, making them nearly impossible to hit. read more...

About the Author;

Susie Yakowicz is a freelance writer and editor living in Minnesota. Her work has appeared in numerous magazines for children and adults. She has also written and published four historical books. For more information about Susie, please visit her website at; www.susieyakowicz.com.

Job-a-palooza - Animal Trainer and Behaviorist

2012-01-18T06:32:00.000-08:00

by Joanne Dekker

Did you ever wonder how they get animals to do all those amazing tricks in the movies? Not like the "talking" pig or sheep in "Babe," but real animals doing real things? Think about how much fun it is when your dog sits or "shakes hands" on command. Wouldn’t it be fun to teach him to ring a bell or hide his head under his paws? Or maybe it would just be nice if "Oliver" didn’t jump on your grandmother or steal food off the table. Thinking even bigger, how cool would it be to train a sea lion to toss you a ball or teach an elephant to take a bow?

There’s more to working with animals than teaching dogs to walk nicely on a leash and animal behaviorists work with all types of animals for lots of different reasons, read more...

Check out this fun and educational article by Joanne Dekker on Job-a-Palooza at Imagination-Cafe Magazine for Kids (It's FREE)

WANTED - Feline Fact Thieves

2012-01-16T10:50:00.000-08:00

Hey Parents, want to keep your kids amused and learning at the same time? Check out Krumbs Pet Detective at; http://krumbsdogdetective.wordpress.com/

Krumbs is on a mission to track down 5 feline-fact-thieves. How does he do this? By your kids leaving a question in the comment section of Krumbs blog. With every question, Krumbs will sniff out and post the answer, drawing each kitty-criminal closer to capture.

Check out Loco Lou, Fritz "Fink" Jones, Fatty Calico, Boo Boo, and Tony the Toothpick; each of these cats has their own story. Plus, we offer a FREE ebook for all these cat-criminals for your kids to enjoy and play along.

To get your kids involved, CLICK HERE. You can also download the pdf ebook here

Interview Tips by Roshini Rajkumar, Executive Career Coach

2012-01-12T05:50:00.000-08:00

2012 is the year of new beginnings! Check out these tips from Roshini Rajkumar, Communication and Executive Career Coach, on strategies for interviewing and getting your dream job!

How are you presenting yourself?

Before The Interview:
Get to know yourself before entering the interview. You will perform your best if you can easily answer two questions:

1. Do I know who I am?
2. Do I know what I know?

By using these two questions as your guideline, you will stay authentic and natural. Bring up topics that are interesting to you and relevant to the interview.

For example, I started a sales phone meeting recently with an enthusiastic response to the question on the other end: “How are you today, Roshini?” I said: “I’m great. There should be snow on the ground where I am, and there isn’t. I’m running a marathon in a few weeks, and this really helps with my training. I couldn’t be in a better mood so I anticipate this conversation with you both to go outstandingly well!” The two people on the other end were so pleased for me that we talked about my upcoming race for the first few minutes of my call.

Running is my passion so I was authentic and positive—there was no better way I could have scripted to launch this sales call. Getting down to business flowed naturally and didn’t seem like a pitch.” I received a terrific follow-up e-mail within minutes of the call ending.

The introduction of an interview is the perfect time to stage yourself and your hobbies. When your interviewer asks how your day is going, bring up an activity you’ve been working on. Are you training for a marathon? Demonstrating your passion towards hobbies can be a great icebreaker, and relaxes the atmosphere. Once you feel more relaxed, you are ready to sell yourself!

Roshini Offers Her Top Tips for Interviewing:

1. Find your power outfit. When you’re confident in what you’re wearing, your best self will shine through. Always overdress, even if the place your interviewing is “business casual.” It’s better to look sharp!

2. Clean up your look. Men should be clean shaven. Women should have their hair bound back or controlled, and wear minimal makeup.

3. Be yourself, be genuine. Let your interviewer get to know the real, authentic you. If you are trying to act like a jokester just to make them laugh, it might seem funny for a while, but as the interview goes on, they will see it as fake and even dishonest. Not to mention, it's exhausting to act and be something that you're not.

4. Have current affairs knowledge. Throw out hot topics in the news or interesting local stories to strike up conversation. If you can tie it to the company’s industry that’s even better! Just being aware is helpful in case your interviewer asks you about the weather, stocks or sports. It’s embarrassing to be caught off guard.

5. Do an analysis on who’s interviewing as well as the company, if possible. Knowing a little bit about your interviewers at can certainly help in conversation! If you can ask questions about their past work experience and why they chose their university you win brownie points. It shows you’re interested.

6. Think less is more. If you just have that mantra in your head you will be more effective.

The Follow Up:

Of course thank you notes are an absolute must after an interview! A handwritten thank you is the best way to demonstrate you want the job, as it’s a much more personal connection than email. The key is to include details from the interview in the letter. For example, if you found out your interviewer loves dogs and serves on the Humane Society Board, is there a way to incorporate that into your follow-up? If one of your interviewers won an award in his area of expertise, perhaps you mention something about that in your follow-up communication.

You never want to fake anything or seem like you’re reaching out in your thank you notes. However, these personalized touches will showcase to prospective employers that you were fully engaged and listening during the interviews. After all, it doesn’t really matter what you know if you don’t know how to communicate it. This is especially important in leaving that last impression with your interviewers in order to get the yes. Secure a positive impression with a winning thank you note!

About the Author

Roshini is a speaker, communication coach, and author of Communicate That! She is a sought-after keynote speaker and commentator to local and national media on topics related to powerful communication for executives and politicians, business strategies for climbing the corporate ladder, and rehabbing celebrity images. Her background includes more than twenty-five years of public speaking and a career in television news. Roshini is also a licensed attorney.

As President of Roshini Performance Group, Roshini speaks and coaches high-profile executives and celebrities around the country on communicating powerfully within their industries and for the media. Roshini is an instructor at St. Catherine University where she teaches businesspeople at both the Leadership Institute and the Center for Sales Innovation about how to powerfully negotiate and influence. Roshini has become the go-to person for business executives, authors, athletes and politicos who want to make an impression — clients include Bridgestone Americas, Great Clips, Minnesota Vikings, Wells Fargo. Roshini also advises television news anchors and reporters as they move forward in their broadcast careers. For fun and to keep challenged, she runs with the Minnesota REDs. Visit her website at http://wwww.communicatethatbook.com/ for additional information. Follow Roshini on Twitter: @RoshiniR.

10 Tips from the Podium – Speaker Resolutions for 2012

2012-01-09T07:06:00.000-08:00

If you want to add polish at the podium, enjoy your speaking experience and influence your listeners’ attention, then set the presentation bar high with these resolutions!

1. Begin your speech without words. Experience three seconds of silence! (Look before you leap/speak!) Like a conductor of an orchestra, you are in charge and set the tone. Allow yourself a few breaths to connect inwardly as you look out at the crowd.

2. Know how you will start. Learn, (not necessarily memorize) your opening “lines.” Commit to practicing this opening at least once, aloud, sometime before your presentation. This minimizes “start-up” anxiety!

3. Stand still for your opening sentence (or two). You will look in control and maximize your image and presence. This also helps your audience to listen with focus, (by the way, standing still does not mean standing stiff).

4. Try on a new way of opening, i.e., a rhetorical question, striking fact, or personal story, rather than the usual, bland, “I’m So and So and I’m going to talk about “X.”

5. Embrace less is more, when it comes to visual aids. Reduce text, read less and be less slide-dependent. Be able to overview your presentation highlights without a single slide!

6. Hear yourself as you speak! You will become more conscious of what you say and how you say it. As a result, your self-awareness, presence and connection will grow.

7. Stop worrying about your hands! Let them be! Focus on your passion and your hands will gesture in a way that is natural for you.

8. Control-Alt-Delete negative self-talk. Eliminate any judgmental inner chatter to create space for something neutral or positive.

9. Refrain from running "off-stage," if you ask for questions and you don’t get any (a very awkward moment indeed!) Start the question-ball rolling yourself by saying something like, “Sometimes people ask me…….” Then answer that question and ask the audience again if they have any questions (usually they do!).

10. Have the final word. After the Q & A, close your presentation by reiterating your key message, what you want the audience to most remember. These will be the last words they hear, so make them clear and concise and deliver them with confidence!

About The Author:

Eileen N. Sinett, author of "Speaking that Connects" is a presentation coach-consultant, facilitator and keynote speaker whose knowledge spans several cross-functional disciplines including the speech arts and communication sciences, career management, training and development, diversity, psycholinguistics and spiritual psychology. She provides individual coaching and customized group programs for leaders, executives and entrepreneurs. Her clients include large corporations, non-profit organizations and individual professionals. Ms.Sinett earned a Bachelors of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts where she graduated summa com laude, and a Master of Arts in Speech Correction from Kean University in New Jersey. Eileen is currently the Program Chair of the Mercer Regional Chapter of the American Conference on Diversity and an active member of the Plainsboro Business Partnership/Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Eileen N. Sinett Communications

http://www.speakingthatconnects.com/

New Year's Resolution: Gain RESPECT in 2012

2012-01-06T10:29:00.000-08:00

There are really only 4 tips that you need to know!

Respect = Power

Mother Theresa, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King, Jr., changed the world because of their ability to enroll others to act in ways that furthered their mission and vision. Their power to influence others existed only because they were respected by their followers. When leaders gain respect, they gain both a greater number of followers, as well as, more entrenched followers. When leaders lose respect, they lose followers and, hence, their power and ability to further their goals.

How do you increase your level of respect and your ability to influence others in 2012? Here are the only 4 surefire tips for 2012 that will lead to immediate results:

1. If you have made mistakes, take responsibility for them. We all blow it at times - from minor infractions such as forgetting to return a phone call to more damaging behaviors such as "throwing someone under the bus". All too often we ignore or rationalize such behaviors which leaves others feeling disrespected and, in turn, leads them to disrespect you. When we acknowledge and take responsibility for our mistakes people respect us more. You also serve as a role model and let others know that it is better to expose mistakes than try to hide them. Do you have any “messes” that you need to clean up?

2. Keep your word and commitments. My grandfather taught me that all you have in this world is your word. If you don’t respect your word, who’s going to respect you? Whether it is getting to a meeting on time, accomplishing a task on time, or holding someone accountable, you will be judged on keeping your word. It is also called having integrity.

3. Be straight. One of the most uncomfortable things we can do is to give someone sensitive personal feedback, e.g., poor personal hygiene. When we do, people are naturally embarrassed but they are also grateful and thankful. They know that they can trust you because you have been willing to share such information and they respect you for it.

4. Focus on improving dysfunctional relationships. One of the best places to start to gain respect is with those whom you have a less than ideal relationship. Why? Because that is where you have the greatest opportunity to gain respect and, hence, influence. Lose the attitude that you are not going to show respect until someone does. Control what you can control. Begin 2012 by identifying opportunities to promote respectful relationships and watch how your ability to influence others skyrockets!

Be respected and be powerful in 2012!

About the author:

Dr. Paul Marciano, Employee Engagement - Internationally Acclaimed Author:

Dr. Paul Marciano is an internationally acclaimed author and leading authority on employee engagement and behavior change. He earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Yale University and has served on the faculties of Davidson College and Princeton University, and has worked in the field of Organizational Development for 25 years. In addition to public speaking, writing, teaching, and consulting, Dr. Marciano serves as a regular contributing editor for AOL.com/Huffington Post and SmartBrief, as well as other prominent business media sites and columns. Dr. Marciano also serves on the board of the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

12 Tips to Love Yourself in 2012

2012-01-04T06:11:00.000-08:00

1. When getting out of bed in the morning, give yourself a big hug and say out loud, “I am a beautiful person.”

2. Take time each day to relax and enjoy doing nothing.

3. Smile to the first person you see when walking into a store. Notice their reaction.

4. Call a friend and have a good laugh.

5. Listen to music with your partner and delight in each other’s company.

6. Light a candle, music playing in the background and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.

7. Take a hot bubble bath and soak to your heart’s content.

8. Write a love letter to yourself and mail it.

9. Reach out to someone who is having a hard time. Praise them for who they are, offer support and give them a big hug.

10. Wrap yourself in a blanket and read a good book or watch a movie.

11. Spend time with family members. A little exercise: Go around the room and everyone acknowledges the person to their right.

12. Before going to sleep each night, remember one or two experiences that put a smile on your face.

Happy New Year!

Helen J. Burton, CEC, ACC
Coach and Author
Love Yourself Coaching

http://www.loveyourselfcoaching.com/

New Year's Resolution - Success!

2012-01-02T07:11:00.000-08:00

7 Tips to Help Your Career and Business Flourish in 2012

1. Learn from colleagues. Informally meet with each individual effected by your job and ask them what parts of your performance could help them a little better - what would improve things on their end. (Always speak as equals.) Visibly take notes. Make it a habit with each new project. Will it work? Worked for Ken Parker who rose from lawn cutter to President of Atlantic City Electric.

2. Sharpen your image. Dressed in your typical business attire, make a brief presentation to a very good friend in your usual business tone and words. Listen to their honest assessment of what they are actually hearing and seeing. Thank them for their advice, then work to forge the image you need to convey. (P.S. Remain Yourself - Always.) Works for & recommended by Janet Cargill, author of “Look Damn Good”.

3. Get closer to customers. If your job in accounting doesn’t ever involve customer contact, reach out and get to know a few. If you deliver product to the front door, carry it inside and take a moment to talk. If you sell, take time from the pitch and learn about their after hours interests. Owners, pick up the phone and chat. After all, these folks make your business. Has worked for more than a quarter century for Richard K. Rein, founding publisher of U.S. 1 Newspaper.

4. Send a handwritten, snail-mailed thank you note to a colleague. If words are beyond you, make it a sticky note posted on their computer. Make it a periodic habit. Watch others spread the word and work to earn one of your notes. Works for Bart Jackson, CEO of Prometheus Publishing, LLC; also worked for Mr. J.P. Morgan.

5. Get active in your professional organization. While carefully allotting your time, volunteer to help the membership committee (best way to meet folks.) Also attend organization meetings of those to whose positions you aspire. Works for Genevia Fulbright, President of Fulbright & Fulbright CPA, PA.

6. Plan for success. The one common factor of all successful companies is that they plan to be successful from the start. It governs their every decision. Let this be the year you pause, dream a bit, raise your aim to those loftier heights, and begin engineering the ramp up to them. Works for Michael Griffith, CEO, of Laureate Biopharmaceutical Services, Inc.

7. Parting Thought: Time is your most precious resource. Guard it well. No one else will. Works for everyone.

Want More Tips? Visit BartsBooks.com and check out “Business Basics” & other Ultimate Business Guides.

Got Your Own Business Tips to Share? While at BartsBooks.com, click “Contribute” and put your business insights into one of our business guides under construction.

Peace, Hope and Prosperity!

2011-12-31T07:50:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from all of us

at Imagination-Cafe

How to Switch Bad Habits into Good Habits.

2011-12-27T16:12:00.000-08:00

6 Quick Tips to Trick and Train your Brain to Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions

Only less than 10% of us will keep our New Year’s resolutions, so how can we break bad habits and replace them with new ones? And stick to them? “Train your Brain,” says psychologist Dr. Renee Clauselle.

TV personality, Dr. Renee Clauselle, of Child and Family Psychology, has 6 very engaging tips to share so "The Resolute" among us can confidently make their lists, go for their goals and positively impact their lives.

Habits are just behavior performed so routinely that it becomes almost automatic and rewarding for us in some way. Our brains develop neural pathways to lead us to a reward, triggered a dopamine release, also known as the pleasure hormone and the more times this pathway is traveled to and rewarded, the stronger the habit will become. The good news is that objects or sensations that are pleasing or necessary for us can also be employed to motivate us to establishing good habits.

The key is attach new pleasurable associations as cues to new routines. To make it easier to stick with your New Year’s resolution, think of the things you find pleasure in, these increase your dopamine release, therefore, attach those things to your new routine or new plan.

Specific tips for Creating New Habits 

Step 1: First, use Creative Awareness and “un-charge” old habits and all of their effects of pleasure to shift the associated remorse or guilt in fun ways. For example, imagine you are on a reality show coached by a team of experts or imagine that old reward, such as ice-cream, melting instead into a huge pair of old pants to be discarded from the "past" or the "before" picture of the heavier you.

Step 2: ID your new habits and practice experiencing their associate rewards. What habits would you like to create? Find images of the habits, put your face on that fit body in the ad, and envision or visualize a pleasure response to attach to that habit. For example, visualize and practice actually experiencing the endorphin rush you will get from running five miles or sticking to your exercise routine.

Step 3: Score the Music. Put your favorite up-tempo song on your iPod and link that song with the process of going to the gym or the health food store, or even thinking about it, or when the excuses begin to creep in. Thus, the pleasure received from hearing your favorite song will be attached to the process and new habit.

Step 4: Laughter is the Best Medicine and it’s own reward. Use your humor to spur you on. Invent fun things like calendar reminder calling you to “Wake up Gorgeous” timed to the alarm to get up to go to the gym or put an image of an unattractive and overweight person inside the cookie jar. The laughter and the reminder of your own support of yourself is a strong reward.

Step 5: Linked in: Associations Habits are more easily broken when surrounding associations are changed as well. Think of triggers for your old habit and change what they mean to you, for example, don’t equate coffee with cigarettes; begin to equate it with something else, like a crossword puzzle or calling a friend. Repeat the linking process several times until it becomes automatic.

Step 6: Set your brain up for success. Perhaps your goal is to lose 10 pounds. Link and create a visual "reward" tied to the success of that goal to something familiar and easily seen in your environment, like a red car. Every time you see a red car, you’ll be reminded that you will lose 10 pounds, are on your way to losing 10 pounds and therefore “success” is all around and already happening.

Step 7: It Takes A Village. Line and link up your family and friends as buddies for a no-fail system of mutual support. If you want to see your teenager save some money, maybe they put $10. into a bank each time you go to the gym or you cooking a healthy meal at home equates to your husband taking you on a movie date.

Try to change only one habit at a time. Break your goal down into more specific, smaller, trackable parts, if possible. Instead of making a resolution to be healthier, create a goal of walking 30 minutes a day, three times a week. This way you can celebrate your success incrementally instead of playing that old song of not keeping your New Year's Resolutions, because this year you have " trained your brain."

***
Dr. Clauselle is a practicing psychologist and Director of School Mental Health Services at St. John's University. Her website is http://psychologists4kids.com/.

You can watch Dr. Clauselle on GMA Healthy Living and other TV shows by clicking here, and her popular blog on many subjects can be found by clicking here. Dr. Clauselle is also very active in social media and is happy to link to your article and site to help drive traffic and mutually build audience.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T09:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from Everyone at Imagination-Cafe

Thanks for being a part of our blog!

10 Signs You Are Raising a Lazy Child

2011-12-23T06:57:00.000-08:00

by Roxanne Porter

Do you suspect your child of being lazy? Are there hints that maybe he or she suffers from what some doctors refer to as “output failure”? Clues like those cobwebs between your son’s head and his video console? Or your daughter tying the dog to the treadmill for its morning walk? Perhaps we can help. We’ve identified 10 sure signs that you are raising a lazy kid. If any of these red flag indicators describes your child, it may be time for a motivational intervention.

1. Glacial Speed – Convinced that they’ve seen more signs of life on Mars than you have from your son, you petition NASA to point Landsat 7 away from Antarctica and toward your house, in order to detect his movements.

2. Illegal Substitution – His gym teacher informs you that, during a track meet, your son attempted to send in a pinch runner for his leg of a relay race. After being advised that this was against athletic commission rules, he promptly hailed a cab.

3. Fuzzy Math – While teaching your toddler to count to ten, you discover that the sequence she keeps repeating is the phone number for pizza delivery. On the bright side, you’re relieved to now know why she calls Dad “Papa John”.

4. Help Wanted – After mistakenly believing that you’ve caught a neighborhood kid rummaging through your trash, you learn that your son was in fact sub-contracting out his chores to schoolmates.

5. Still Life – While on a class field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, the curator mistook your daughter for a painting. If that weren’t bad enough, her first job out of high school was as a mannequin at Macy’s.

6. Cereal Offender – Whenever your boy sits down to breakfast, you could swear you hear the Rice Krispies go, “Snap, Crackle, and Plop”.

7. Save the Guppies – Your daughter’s fish have written the message “Wash Me” in the algae on the aquarium glass.

8. Labor Shortage – It takes more labor from you to get her out of the house these days than it took to get her out of you on the day she was born.

9. Home Room Service – Her principal calls to tell you that your daughter is passing around a petition for the school cafeteria to provide room service. And, of course, by passing it around we mean via email.

10. Toys For Lazy Tots – On her third birthday, she asked for a Tickle Yourself-I’m Tired-Elmo Doll.

by Roxanne Porter
http://www.nannyjobs.org/

The Christmas Pups - a Review

2011-12-21T07:35:00.000-08:00

Ruff, Tuff and Penny, three delightful puppies are abandoned on the side of the road and later picked up and brought to a shelter. The pups are scared and tired, but soon meet an older dog named Brownie. Brownie explains to them about Christmas...

"Christmas is ginger cookies under the table,

red glittery balls you're not suppose to play with,

and a stocking with your name on it..."

Ruff and Tuff want a family all of their own, but more so, they want Penny to be chosen. Will Ruff and Tuff's plan work? Will Penny be in a home for Christmas? Find out in The Christmas Pups by Teresa Bateman.

This book is an endearing and a wonderful read, sending a subtle message about the indifference of mankind. The ending is a happy one and will soon become a Christmas favorite.

The illustrations by John Kanzler are absolutely gorgeous. The pups almost jump off the page!

For more information on, The Christmas Pups check out Albert Whitman & Company at; http://www.albertwhitman.com/

What Am I? Christmas

2011-12-19T10:20:00.000-08:00

"What am I? What could I be?"

With Christmas right around the corner, what could be a better pre-big-day delight than, My Look and See Holiday Book?

What am I? Christmas by Anne Margaret Lewis is delightful and simply wonderful. The short paragraphs give clues to what's hidden under the flap of the next page..."What am I? What could I be? I am a... Christmas Tree, Christmas Angel, Gingerbread Man, Christmas Wreath, Santa's Reindeer, Christmas Stocking, Snowman, Christmas Present, Christmas Elf, Candy Cane, Santa Claus...That's Me!

The illustrations by Tom Mills are bright, bold and big, immediately drawing your child into this Christmas adventure.

What am I? Christmas is available at; http://www.albertwhitman.com/ and on Amazon

Targets of Opportunity - A Review

2011-12-17T06:50:00.000-08:00

Jordan Sandor is back with another fast-paced, action packed thriller, this time it's to fight an impending terrorist attack on the "Heart of America" the oil rigs and refineries.

Ahmad Jaber has offered vital information concerning these attacks in exchange for sanctuary in the USA. However, the details are sketchy and vague at best, so Sandor sets out on the adventure of his career to stop the terrorists and save the country.

Targets of Opportunity by Jeffrey S. Stephens is a great read for any guy on your Christmas list. It's plot will keep him turning the pages. In addition, Stephens has taken the reader on a world-wide adventure. With all the threats of terrorism that seem to loom, this book is one that could be plausible - I see big screen thriller written all over it!

Check out Jeffrey Stephens web site for more information at; http://www.jeffreystephens.com/

The Big Bang Theory Cool Gifts

2011-12-15T14:39:00.000-08:00

I have recently become a huge fan of the Big Bang Theory sitcom with the brilliant and quirky cast of scientific nerds and their girl-next-door (literally) Penny.

If you have watched the show then you know that Sheldon's Soft Kitty song has become one of the fan favorites. Want to have a Soft Kitty all of your own? You can! Stylin Online now has a cute, plush kitty that sings the Soft Kitty song when you press it's toe - my real feline loves this toy and snuggles and purrs every time he hears it's sweet voice.

Want more "Bang"? Add the Soft Kitty t-shirt made from 100 percent cotton and screen printed with the words to the Soft Kitty song and you have an awesome Christmas gift for all those Big Bang Theory fans on your holiday list. These are sold together or separately for both men and women.

Check out The Big Bang Theory items on Stylin Online

Interview with Author Stephen Schochet

2011-12-12T06:07:00.000-08:00

Author Stephen Schochet is a professional tour guide in Hollywood who years ago began collecting little-known, humorous anecdotes to tell to his customers. His new book is called Hollywood Stories: Short, Entertaining Anecdotes About the Stars and Legends of the Movies! The book contains a timeless treasure trove of colorful vignettes featuring an amazing all-star cast of icons including John Wayne, Charlie Chaplin, Walt Disney, Jack Nicholson, Johnny Depp, Shirley Temple, Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando, Errol Flynn, and many others both past and contemporary. Tim Sika, host of the radio show Celluloid Dreams on KSJS in San Jose has called Stephen, “The best storyteller about Hollywood we have ever heard."

Tell us a bit about yourself and your interest in Hollywood.

I'm a tour guide in Hollywood and years ago I started collecting little stories to tell the customers and had the idea that the tales could be told anywhere. I had always been interested in the movies and history so it was kind of a natural fit for me. When I first started I had a study buddy named Ivan. During our breaks we would research information about old Hollywood and share it with each other. I remember one time we met on Hollywood Boulevard and said to me in a low, conspiratorial tone," Steve, man, you know what I found out today? That Thomas Edison owned the rights to the movie camera and the early moguls like Mayer, Warner, and Zukor they had to pay him tributes. That's why they left the East Coast and came west -- they were outlaws, baby!"

The more information we found out, the more fun it was to give the tour. And I've got a good memory for stories so having different material kept it fresh, I think for the customers as well. Anyway, eventually I had the idea that these very short anecdotes could be told anywhere and that's what led, after a few other projects, to the idea for the book.

Have you met any of the famous people that you talk about in your book?

Jimmy Stewart, George Burns, and Lucille Ball were always friendly and waved. Fred Hayman's boutique on Rodeo Drive was a great store (now defunct) where I used to be able get my customers cappuccinos spiked with Kailua and brandy -- I'll tell you the more people drank the more they enjoyed the tour. A bunch of stars came in there, like Cybil Shepard, Suzanne Pleshette, Vanna White, the one who I really enjoyed meeting was Zsa Zsa Gabor who took pictures with all my customers. The bartender was a beautiful girl named Laura, she looked like Cindy Crawford. Zsa Zsa walked to the bar, complimented Laura and asked how she kept her skin so nice. Before Laura could answer Zsa Zsa suggested that Laura stay away from booze -- then asked her to put some extra brandy in the cappuccino. Then she laughed so she had a good sense of humor.

Tell us about Jack Nicholson and Marlon Brando being next-door neighbors and working together.

They were next-door neighbors and sometimes Jack would be puttering around in his garden and he would hear this disembodied voice coming over the fence and they would conversations like Tim Allen and his neighbor in Home Improvement.

Previously they worked together in the movie The Missouri Breaks. Jack had been looking forward to it, I think at that time Brando and Lawrence Olivier were the two actors everybody wanted to work with, but Marlon by that time was really lazy and never bothered to learn his lines. He'd always be reading cue cards and wouldn't look Jack in the eye in their scenes together. Finally Jack got frustrated and asked Marlon to stop doing it so Brando then placed an assistant in his trailer with a radio transmitter who would read the script, which Brando would hear through an earpiece. Unfortunately, the radio transmitter inadvertently picked up police broadcasts. One day Marlon was doing a scene, suddenly looked startled, came out of character and said," Oh my God! There's been a robbery at Woolworths!"

What famous star scared tourists at Universal Studios?

It's the first story in my book: The Universal Maniac In 1999, an Australian gentleman told me about an interesting experience he and his family had at Universal Studios. They were on the backlot tour passing one of the theme park’s main attractions, the Bates Motel used in the 1960 horror classic Psycho, about a murderous young man named Norman Bates who loved his mother a little too much. As the guide gave out information about how director Alfred Hitchcock shot the picture, a tall man, dressed in drag and carrying a large knife, emerged from behind the old set and charged toward the tram. The narrator seemed to know nothing about the Norman Bates look-alike and clammed up completely. The make-believe killer wore such a convincing maniacal expression that some of the paying customers were frightened and screamed when he raised his weapon. Then the “fiend” pulled off his wig and he turned out to be comic Jim Carrey; the thirty-seven-year-old star was clowning around during a work break. After his laughing “victims” calmed down, Jim was happy to pose for pictures and sign autographs.

Why did a close family member ask Walt Disney for his autograph?

I have a whole chapter about Walt, he was such a fascinating character: Walt Disney’s two daughters, Sharon and Diane, grew up sheltered from the limelight. The children had no images of Mickey Mouse around their home. Their father didn’t go to many parties, preferring to stay in after a long day of work. Sometimes he would playfully chase the youngsters upstairs, cackling like the evil peddler woman in Snow White. When they behaved badly, Walt would admonish them with a raised eyebrow; his stern demeanor inspired the character of the wise old owl, in the 1942 animated feature Bambi. As toddlers, the brainy Diane and beautiful Sharon stayed blissfully unaware that their parents worried about them being kidnapped and allowed no pictures of the sisters to be publicly circulated. Once in 1939, a curious classmate questioned six-year-old Diane about her family. She went home and said, “Daddy, you never told me you were that Walt Disney,” and asked him for an autograph.

What did a former LA police chief have to do with Star Trek?

That was Chief William Parker who took over the force in 1950. If people saw the movie Changeling with Angelina Jolie, they know that the LAPD had a corrupt reputation and Parker instituted a lot of reforms, which earned the public's respect. Parker was hard to get know; his personality, was considered to be both logical and taciturn. Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry was a former police Sergeant who served under Chief Parker, he wrote speeches for him, really respected him and largely modeled the character of Mr. Spock after him.

Why did Steven Spielberg think Jaws would ruin his career and when did he know it was a winner?

Jaws was a really fun movie to write about it! It really changed Hollywood; it brought in the blockbuster mentality to the studios. Executives now refer to them as tent pole movies, a film that is a big event and pays for everything else they do. But the mechanical shark didn't work in the water off Martha's Vineyard and every time a Universal executive would fly out to check Spielberg's progress, he assumed, because it was his idea to film the picture in the middle of the ocean he would be fired. But Steven soldiered on, finished the film, and then there was the preview in Dallas. By that time, Steven was so tired of watching and hearing the same material over and over he had no idea if the film was good. Eighteen minutes into the screening, the shark killed a boy in a bloody attack. Suddenly, a man in the front row got up from his seat and ran past Spielberg into the lobby. The startled director followed him and watched in amazement as the invited patron threw up on the carpet, went to the bathroom, cleaned himself up and then returned to his seat. For the first time in months, Spielberg relaxed, figuring correctly that if the movie made people sick and they still wanted to watch, it would be a hit.

How did James Cameron try to end the working relationship with Arnold Schwarzenegger before The Terminator?

In the book that story is called "Let's Do Lunch": A lunch with Arnold Schwarzenegger caused James Cameron to change his opinion about casting for the 1984 sci-fi thriller, The Terminator. The thirty-year –old director disagreed with his bosses that Arnold was the right man to play the film’s hero, who goes up against a homicidal robot. Cameron planned to insult the Austrian bodybuilder and end the work relationship before it started. But the thirty-seven-year-old Schwarzenegger was charming, suggested some great ideas for the movie and had muscles rippling beneath his shirt; might as well be nice or the famed weight lifter could break him like a twig. It was bad enough that James had no money on him and Arnold had to pick up the tab. Maybe Schwarzenegger could play the Terminator; it made more sense than the producers’ other suggestion. The filmmaker wondered how anyone in their right mind could see former football star O.J. Simpson as a killer.

Tell us about the Peter O'Toole funeral story.

One Late Night in Ireland One very late night in Ireland, Peter O’Toole and Peter Finch shocked a pub owner who wanted to close up. The two inebriated actors offered to buy his establishment for twice as much as it was worth, as long as the alcohol kept coming. A contract was written and signed on a napkin. The next afternoon, the hung-over stars woke up and after some blurry discussions, they recalled what they did the night before. Fearing their business managers would kill them, they raced back to the saloonkeeper and begged for mercy. The man gave them a stern look, then smiled and tore up the agreement. They were so grateful they drank there over the next twenty years, whenever their schedules allowed, till the pub owner died. After downing a few pints, the devastated twosome headed off to the memorial service. Finch and O’Toole delivered long moving eulogies, which drove the mourners to tears, until they realized they were at the wrong funeral.

Why didn't Marilyn Monroe want to leave her handprints and footprints at Grauman's Chinese Theater?

She was a bit mischievous: Marilyn Monroe was thrilled to be immortalized alongside Jane Russell in front of a large crowd at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in 1953. As a little girl, raised in Los Angeles’ foster homes, Marilyn had visited the famed cinema often and dreamed of becoming a movie star. And now at the Hollywood premiere of Gentleman Prefer Blondes, it was coming true. Like othermovie legends, Monroe’s hands and feet would be enshrined in wet cement. Hey, wait a minute — she had a great idea. The proceedings were held up as the blonde conferred with one of the Twentieth Century Fox executives. What if the two women left imprints of the body parts that people associated them with? How about if Jane leaned over the wet cement and Marilyn sat in it? Her suggestion was rejected, much to the disappointment of some photographers in attendance.

Do you have any new stories that aren't in the book?

I'm always looking for new stories. When I was writing Hollywood Stories I had to pick a stop date, Oct. 31, 2009 otherwise I never would have finished it! Recently I was listening to an interview with Adam West and he told a story I really enjoyed. On the old Batman TV show Bruce Wayne (Adam West) and Dick Grayson (Burt Ward) would slide down the bat poles about 15 feet and land on mattresses. Later they would be filmed coming down into the Batcave in their full costumes and the two shots were put together. One time West yelled," To the bat poles" and did his famous slide only to be startled when he landed on a sleeping wino.

Are you working on another book, if so tell us about it?

I have some ideas but nothing concrete yet. Before I wrote Hollywood Stories, I wrote and narrated two audiobooks, which are now available on iTunes, Tales of Hollywood and Fascinating Walt Disney. For me creativity almost seems out of my control, the projects come out when they are ready to.

Where can people go to get more information about you and your book?

Hollywood Stories: Short, Entertaining Anecdotes About the Stars and Legends of the Movies! (isbn 9780963897275) Available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon or wherever books are sold.                                 http://www.hollywoodstories.com/

Planet Dog's New, All-Natural Treats Hit the Spot

2011-12-10T07:40:00.000-08:00

Planet Dog, the socially responsible pet industry leader, is barking about the launch of two new flavors of Planet Dog EATS, a line of premium and healthy dog treats made by their new local baking partner, Polka Dog Bakery in Boston, MA. Designed with form, function and versatility in mind, the 100% natural dog treats aid in tartar control and offer super nutrients in every bite for optimal health and wellness.

“We are honored to be working with an organization like Polka Dog,” says Stephie Volo, Planet Dog’s Top Dog. “They have been baking award-winning treats for over seven years and have been an excellent resource and partner to us. It is exciting to work with an organization that shares the same values,” adds Volo.

Planet Dog EATS compliment Planet Dog's lifestyle brand and are a perfect companion for their award-winning Orbee-Tuff®toys. Made in the USA with all-natural ingredients, Planet Dog EATS were designed to fit the Treat-Spot® in Orbee-Tuff toys and provide hours of interactive play and wholesome goodness. The playful bone-shaped treats easily break into smaller pieces for portion control and for placing inside all sizes of Orbee-Tuff toys.

"Consumers are looking for pet products with multiple health benefits and applications," says Kristen Smith, Planet Dog's Brand Ambassador.

“By inserting Planet Dog EATS into the Treat-Spot of our Orbee-Tuff toys, dog lovers can create an interactive play session and treat dispensing activity that also enhances their pet's well-being," adds Smith.

There are three distinct ways for dog lovers to use Planet Dog EATS to celebrate and enhance the lifestyle they share with their canine companions. They can praise good behavior by treating their 4-legged best friends with the nutritious biscuit-like treats. They are perfect for dogs who love daily play with interactive toys of all sizes. These versatile dog treats are easy to snap into bite size and non-filling training treats for dogs that perform. They can also be used with Planet Dog's new On the Go Snack Sack® for "ready-to-reward" ease.

The rough, crunchy surface and composition of the new treats supports daily tartar control and contributes to healthy teeth and gums. Planet Dog EATS are wheat, corn and soy-free and contain no wheat gluten. The new line features two flavors: Chicken & Pumpkin Pot Pie and PB & J.

The Chicken & Pumpkin Pot Pie Flavor treats naturally support digestion thanks to the high fiber content found in Pumpkin. It is also a natural remedy for stomach ailments, including constipation and mild diarrhea. It is packed with beta carotein, high in vitamins C, K and E and an excellent source of potassium, magnesium and iron. Feeding pumpkin to a dog can help lower their risk of cancer, cataracts and heart disease. And because it is low in both fat and calories, it is an excellent food substitute for dogs with weight restrictions.

The Chicken & Pumpkin Pot Pie treats also feature Ginger, a perennial herb that has potent anti-inflammatory properties, stimulates digestion and enhances the immune system. Research has shown that ginger lowers blood cholesterol by reducing cholesterol absorption in the blood and liver.

The PB & J Flavor treats offer powerful antioxidants thanks to real Maine blueberries and peanut butter. Blueberries can help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and digestive problems and they are also a great source of fiber. The presence of brain stimulating vitamins in blueberries can help keep senior dogs sharper, while copper, zinc and iron help boost and maintain a healthy immune system. Peanut butter is also loaded with antioxidants as well as protein and basic carbohydrates. The peanut oil in peanut butter contains omega fatty-acids which help reduce bad cholesterol that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Planet Dog EATS are sold in a recyclable, 12-ounce virgin craft cardboard box and like all of Planet Dog's products, they are covered by the company's 100% satisfaction guarantee. Consumers can buy them online at http://www.planetdog.com/, by calling Planet Dog toll-free at 800-381-1516 or at retailers nationwide.

Sit. Speak. Act.®

Planet Dog is proud to donate 2% of every purchase of every Planet Dog product to the Planet Dog Foundation (PDF) to support canine service programs nationwide. PDF provides cash grants to programs throughout the country that train, place and support dogs who help people in need. Since January 2006, PDF has given away more than $800,000 in cash grants and in-kind product donations. For more information and a full list of programs and grantees, please visit http://www.planetdogfoundation.org/

Eat, Drink and Be Married

2011-12-07T12:50:00.000-08:00

What better way to get four old collage room mates and best friends together then with a wedding? Hannah is about to say I do, with Nina, Kate and Zoe flying in to support their friend's nuptials. However, the past wasn't always a tidy place to be as memories flood back in all the friends. Will these women be able to walk down the aisle in support of Hannah or will the old times be too much to bare? Find out in, Eat, Drink and Be Married by Rebecca Bloom.

This book was an excellent chic-lit read. I found the characters realistically written, with just enough humour thrown in. I also found myself rooting for Hannah with a tear in my eye. Eat, drink and Be Married is a must-have for any home library - a book you will want to read over and over again.

Check out Rebecca Bloom's Eat, Drink and Be Married along with her other books at; http://www.rebeccabloom.com/

Mary's Son; A Tale of Christmas

2011-12-05T06:45:00.000-08:00

The journey begins for one lonely, rich girl from the hills and a frustrated, angry boy from the ghetto when they both meet the mysterious and magical man claiming to be Santa Claus.

Sarah lost her mother at a young age and her father continues to pull away, busying himself in his work, leaving Sarah lonely and obnoxious. Jared's father disappeared without a trace, leaving Jared the "man of the house" and determined to get even with the world. How will Nicholas (aka Santa Claus) begin to heal these youngsters and set them on the right path? Find out in Mary's Son A Tale of Christmas.

This book is a delightful and wonderful read that the whole family will enjoy. It reminded me of a modern Miracle on 42'nd Street but with a couple of twists and turns thrown in. The characters are true-to-life and carry the story to the very end. I loved Mary's Son A Tale of Christmas and could see it being made into a movie; heartwarming and brilliant!

Check out Mary's Son a Tale of Christmas by Darryl Nyznyk at; http://www.marysson.com/

MARY'S SON has been awarded the MOM'S CHOICE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE in three categories: Juvenile 2 Books (ages 9-12), Young Adult Books (ages 13 and up) and it was awarded GOLD in the Motivation/Inspirational subcategory. In the Adult Books category, it was awarded GOLD in the Fiction and Literature subcategory.

Georgia Justice "Journey to Faith"

2011-12-02T04:40:00.000-08:00

This week I've reviewed books on Faith. Books that took their authors into different situations (some good, some harrowing) and how they excelled through with their never wavering faith in God.

Georgia Justice "Journey to Faith" by Jackie Carpenter is a look at how one woman (and dedicated mom) held onto her faith and specifically Psalm 91 to help her cope and believe her wrongfully convicted son would be cleared of murder charges. It's a book that Jackie wrote in sequel to; The Bridge; Between Cell Block A and a Miracle is: Psalm 91.

"Journey to Faith" is compelling and one that needs to added to your collection. This faith driven story is filled with hope and faith - something we could all use in our lives. Jackie's courage in the face of disaster is to be admired.

Grab a copy of Georgia Justice "Journey to Faith" and The Bridge: Between Cell Block A and a Miracle is: Psalm 91 at; http://www.bridgetoamiracle.com/

Romans to Jude - A Review

2011-11-30T06:10:00.000-08:00

Being a Christian can be difficult and reading through the scriptures may be confusing at times. We depend on Spiritual Leaders to help guide us through, but with so many varying opinions and interpretations of the Bible, it's easy to get lost and confused in the midst of it all.

Romans to Jude Precise Christian Scripture Revealed; A How To Guide Unveiling Authentic Gospel Truth by Chandel L. White is a book that will challenge you to take on the Old King James version of the Bible, break it down and reveal to yourself what the Gospels are really saying.

White has laid out a step-by-step guide to do this by giving key words to look out for and by implementing the "WHAT" strategy - a method using the question to break down each verse, line by line.

If you're serious about really digging into the word of God and want the scriptures to speak to you on a whole new level of understanding, then Romans to Jude is the book for you.

For more information, please visit Romans to Jude on the web at; http://www.romanstojude.com/

Heaven, Iron and I; The Ron Martinelli Story

2011-11-28T07:54:00.000-08:00

You may know Ron Zuccaro as "Ron Martinelli" the Pro wrestling star. But before he embarked on a career in the ring with some of the biggest names in early wrestling, he played High School football and baseball. At the young age of 17, Ron enlisted in the Marines, then into the U.S. Army. Ron was soon accepted into the Officer Candidate School, but seeking action rather than accolades he volunteered to go to Vietnam.

Ron endured the worst kind of living conditions and saw the most gruesome acts of mankind. However, it was a trip to the cleaners back home where his life took the most tragic and life changing turn when an out-of-control truck rammed him into a brick wall leaving him with the prognosis of never walking again.

How did Ron cope with all these situations in his life? His faith and love in the Almighty God. He saw him through the worst and the best times of his life.

Heaven, Iron and I; The Ron Martinelli Story is truly one of the most inspiring and uplifting books I've read. Ron holds nothing back in telling his life story. It will leave you shaking your head at some of the things Ron as been through, yet you can see where God's hand was leading and directing his life. Ron's unwavering faith is something we should all strive to get and hold onto. And even through Ron admits he isn't perfect, he knows that God is loving and forgiving in all situations.

Check out Heaven, Iron and I on the web and also on Amazon Please visit Tribute House Publishing for all their titles at; http://tributehousepublishing.com/

Planet Dog Eats

2011-11-25T06:02:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Planet Dog! They have the best line of dog care products in the world. They even have all natural treats that are corn and soy free with no wheat gluten - perfect for the sensitive to additives pooch.

In addition Planet Dog Eats come in;

Chicken & Pumpkin Pot Pie Flavor ~ Ingredients; Barley Flour, Rye Flour, Chicken, Pumpkin, Canola Oil, ginger
PB&J Flavor ~ Ingredients; Barley Flour, Rye Flour, Peanut Butter, Blueberries, Cinnamon

These treats are not only wholesome they can be used three different ways;

Praise – Celebrate your best-friend by giving him one of our treats packed with wholesome goodness. Yum!

Play – Our treats fit the Treat-Spot® in our Orbee-Tuff® toys, providing hours of interactive play! Use as is for the larger Treat-Spots® or break them in half for our smaller Treat-Spots®. It’s a snap!
Perform – Snap our treats in half and use them as a non-filling, bite-size training treat. Use them with our Snack Sack® for ready-to-reward ease. Good dog!

Nosh. Nurture. Nourish. Yum! Planet Dog is the one to turn to for all your canine needs. Check them out at; http://www.planetdog.com/

Sit. Speak. Act

Planet Dog is proud to donate 2% of every purchase of every Planet Dog product to the Planet Dog Foundation (PDF) to support canine service programs nationwide. PDF provides cash grants to programs throughout the country that train, place and support dogs who help people in need. Since January 2006, PDF has given away more than $750,000 in cash grants and in-kind product donations. For more information and a full list of programs and grantees, please visit; http://www.planetdogfoundation.org/

It's a Planet Dog Christmas!

2011-11-23T06:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas is right around the corner, don't forget your furry, canine companion when your writing out that list.

Even though dogs may be the least picky and easiest one in the family to buy for, Planet Dog has made it even simpler with their Christmas line of dog products.

Squeaky Snowman Buddy is 9" of plush, squeaker fun for any dog. It's made from durable yet soft fabric with no choking hazards. He's even machine washable and tumble dry'able. Check him out at Planet Dog

Do you have a slobbery dog on your Christmas list? Check out Planet Dog's newest addition, the Slobber-Wick Wishbone. This cool toy "has a 2" gusset for extra chompability and durability that wicks away even the drooliest holiday drool."

For more added fun a cute squeaker is buried inside. Slobber-Wick Wishbone is also machine washable and easy to clean. Check out Slobber-Wick Wishbone. It's only $9.95!

Okay now that you have the toys, why not stuff them into a Planet Dog Stocking made just for poochie? It's beautiful traditional holiday tartan will add a wonderful, ole-time-Christmas feel to the season. It has soft fleece cuff (perfect for personalizing) and is completely lined. Plus, it's large enough to stuff all those Planet Dog goodies into. Check out this wonderful stocking!

For more information and to view Planet Dog's full line of products, please visit their web site at; http://www.planetdog.com/

Sit. Speak. Act.

Planet Dog is proud to donate 2% of every purchase to the Planet Dog Foundation (PDF) to support canine service programs nationwide. Since January 2006, PDF has given away more than $750,000 in cash grants and in-kind product donations to help more dogs help more people in need. In addition, PDF receives 100% of the profits from its best-selling Orbee-Tuff® Glow for Good Ball. http://www.planetdogfoundation.org/

Two Foals, A Dash of Sprinkles and a Cherry on Top!

2011-11-17T05:54:00.000-08:00

Madison loves to spend every summer with her grandparents on their farm. In the morning Madison would look out upon the horse pasture and count all the horses - just as Grandpa had taught her - but wait, instead of ten horses, she counts twelve! Mama horse had two foals during the night, but Madison is shocked to see one is covered in spots. Is he sick? Madison charges outside and soon learns the mystery behind the spotted foal.

Two Foals, A Dash of Sprinkles and a Cherry on Top! by Brittany Bevis is a delightful and charming story. Grandpa's answer to the spotted foal will leave you feeling wonderfully satisfied - just like a big bowl of ice cream with sprinkles and a cherry on top - but you'll have to read the book to find out Grandpa's meaningful explanation.

The illustrations by Pam Talley incorporate soft hues and playful action with some humour thrown in to boot. I love her picture with the horses on the table with a big bowl of delicious ice cream. So clever!

Two Foals, A Dash of Sprinkles and a Cherry on Top! is due to be officially released on November 30, but you can pre-order here.

Check out all of Caballo Press books by visiting their web site at; http://www.caballopress.com/

Don't miss out on this very special book, order today to be on in time for Christmas.

Toy Safety: Purchasing Safe Toys for the Correct Age

2011-11-14T07:19:00.000-08:00

By: Paul Stab

There are thousands of toys on store shelves to choose from, but making sure a toy is safe and age appropriate for a child is well worth the search to prevent injury or even death.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2010, there were an estimated 140,700 emergency room treated injuries related to toys among children. Strict safety standards are regulated through the CPSC requiring toy manufacturers to label certain toys that could be hazardous to young children, and provide a recommended age of child to be using the toy. But it is up to the purchaser to ensure the toy is safe and the correct age level for the child.

There are some guidelines that shoppers should follow to keep children safe during their playtime. Remember though; use your own judgment as you know the child’s maturity level and can best decide if the toy is suitable or not.

Top toys to take into consideration

Non-motorized scooters and riding toys – Riding toys, skateboards, and even shoes with wheels go fast and falls could easily cause injury at any age. Helmets and safety gear, including elbow and knee pads, should be worn properly at all times and be sized to fit the child.

Small balls, coins and toys with small parts – Government regulations specify that toys for children under the age of three cannot have parts less than 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/4 inches long as these small objects can pose a choking risk. Any ball with a diameter of 1 1/4 inches or less should not be given to a young child.

Balloons – Deflated or broken balloons are another choking risk. Deflated balloons should be kept away from children younger than eight years old and broken balloons and the balloon string should be immediately discarded.

Art materials – Crayons, paint and other art items should not be given to children under the age of three. Make sure art supplies are non-toxic and marked ASTM D-4236 to indicate the product has been reviewed by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Products that conform to D-4236 have been tested for toxicity. However, this does not mean they are non-toxic, but rather any toxins contained within the product are listed on the packaging.

Chargers, batteries and adapters – These items can pose electrical and burn dangers to children of all ages. Special attention should be given to instructions and warnings for these items. Some chargers also lack mechanisms to prevent overcharging so do not leave the home when charging.

Play swords, guns and other weapons – These toys should be given only to mature, grade school age children. They should be bright colors so they are easily differentiated from real weapons and should not be sharp or come to a point.

Flying toys – Toys that are meant to be airborne can result in serious eye or head injury if not used properly. It is recommended that children under eight not play with projectile toys.

Shopping Tips:

~ Be aware of the store where you are purchasing toys. Second hand stores and yard sales can be spend-savvy places, but second hand toys may be broken or defective, becoming dangerous. Also, without original packaging, age guidelines and warning are not available. Examine each toy carefully looking for cracks, paint chippings or even leaking battery fluid.

~ Be aware of what toys are made of as some products have dangerous substances that can be harmful when ingested.

~ For toys that produce sound, look for toys that have a volume level to protect children’s hearing. A noise rating may also be listed on the product. If there is not a rating listed, you can contact the toy manufacturer and request this information. An extremely loud toy for children is 90 decibel.

Remind children to properly put away their toys because if they are left out, they can become a tripping hazard for everyone. Proper supervision of children at play will also result in a safer playtime.

Consumers can find up-to-date toy recalls and report dangerous toys and injuries caused by a toy on the CSPC website, http://www.cpsc.gov/.

# # #

About the author: Paul Stab is the Vice President of Business Development at AlliedBarton Security Services. AlliedBarton is the industry’s premier provider of highly trained security personnel to many industries including higher education, commercial real estate, healthcare, residential communities, chemical/petrochemical, government, manufacturing and distribution, financial institutions and shopping centers. For more security and safety tips, visit AlliedBarton’s security resource center at http://alliedbarton.com/securityresourcecenter.aspx

Modern Art Memory Game - A Review

2011-11-12T05:56:00.000-08:00

The game "Memory" has been around for ages. Cards of all sorts have been designed to help children learn and recount. These cards are "childish" and can tend to get a bit boring for the parent involved. However, there's now an alternative that's fun for both children and adults.

Ammo Books Modern Art Memory Game will not only help children with their recalling, but it also teaches about 36 of the world's most famous artists and their beloved paintings. From Albers to Warhol this memory game is sure to make a lasting impression (pun intended).

In addition, this game can be played by all ages. To mix it up try using a point system for not only matching the cards, but for naming the artist and the year the work was published (booklet is included to help with this information) - it's fun and so educational!

Check out Ammo Modern Art Memory Game and all of their products at; http://www.ammobooks.com/

Pinata - A Review

2011-11-10T06:57:00.000-08:00

Jorge the Pinata maker is a fabulous artist - "Twelve circles to the left and three to the right. A dash of hope and a sprinkle of light..."

His newest creation is about to be brought to life. Set high upon the shelf with Miguel the Monkey and Cynthia the dog, Pancho the pig is finally finished. He's still a bit shy and not quite understanding what has happened, but soon the duo explain to him what being a Pinata is all about - being lifted up high at the fiesta and admired by all. However, when Duck comes back torn in two the trio soon learn the real horror behind the Pinata.

Pinata by Ken Locsmandi and Sebastian A. Jones is a fun, humorous and endearing tale. It's filled with surprises that not only have you cheering for the "doomed" pig, but also have you wanting him to fulfill his intended purpose.

The illustrations by Tomo are second to none - pay attention to the little mice on each page as they are funny and so entertaining - Tomo has also captured each character's facial expressions which really sets the tone for all the adventure.

In addition to one of the best children's books to hit the market, Pinata also includes instructions to make your own pig Pinata and also a bio on each "helpful" candy thieving mouse - my favourite is Yosh the charmer, dreamer and wishful thinker - so clever!

If you haven't experienced Pinata for yourself you need to grab a copy today - this would make a great Christmas present - Pinata needs to be in your library and is sure to become a nightly read. If this isn't enough to convince you, 10 percent of all proceeds from Pinata goes to Kids Need to Read.

I LOVED this book and am definitely going to make my own pig Pinata. Thanks Stranger Kids!

Check out Pinata at; http://www.strangerkids.com/pinata/ and all of Stranger Kids books at; http://www.strangerkids.com/

Count Down to Christmas - Advent Calendar

2011-11-08T15:33:00.000-08:00

The tradition of the advent calendar is a wonderful way to help your little ones "get through" all those long days and weeks leading up to the BIG day - Christmas.

You can buy these calendars anywhere and some are as simple as opening a small window to see a picture to ones offering a chocolate or treat. However, the best ones I have ever seen are definitely from Time Enough for Love.

These calendars are made from sturdy cardboard and provide small boxes (each marked with the day and a printed design) stacked in a tower-like form. The calendar itself is decorated like a brick chimney and is a fun and personal way to give your kids a treat every day in December. The little boxes are big enough to fill with small toys and other goodies, but not too big as to make it clumsy and difficult to display. Also, as the boxes are opened, the chimney has printed pictures on the inside back so you're not just looking at cardboard.

Not creative? Time Enough for Love will custom fill you calendar according to the age and gender you request. And of course you may purchase the advent calendar empty. But HURRY you'll need to order your advent calendar BEFORE November 22'nd to insure it will be delivered on time in North America.

Time Enough for Love has thought of everything! Now all you have to do is order one. Check them out at; http://www.timeenoughforlovecalendars.com/children.shtml or all of their cool items at; http://www.timeenoughforlovecalendars.com/

Misunderstood A Scar for Life - A Review

2011-11-07T07:03:00.000-08:00

We may think we have other cultures "all figured out" but until we've lived it, we can only begin to imagine.

Hanane Habib grew up in a toxic environment (by most peoples standards) but for her it was a way of life. From a controlling aunt and grandfather to being forced to work and give up her dreams at a young age, Hanane's story will leave you angry and astounded.

Misunderstood A Scar for Life is a compelling and can't-put-down read. Her independence and bravery in the face of an entire cultural expectance, will leave you singing her praises and rooting her on.
This book is one of the best I've read! Awesome!

Check out, Misunderstood: A Scar for Life, a true story by Hanae Habib at; http://hananehabib.com/books/

Vermont Soap Toothbrush Sanitizer

2011-11-05T06:37:00.000-07:00

Did you know over 1 TRILLION germs are living on your toothbrush right now?! GROSS!

Stand back! Vermont Soap's Certified Organic Toothbrush Sanitizer to the rescue!

This product is pure, natural and so easy to use, just spray your toothbrush after every use and ZAP those germs into oblivion. Vermont Soap's Toothbrush Sanitizer can also be used on bridgework, dentures and pet toothbrushes.

Don't brush all those germs into your system, order a bottle today - 5oz bottle is only $4.99 (limited time offer).

Check out this and all of Vermont Soap's products at; http://vermontsoap.com/

Don't Panic. They're Organic

Thousands to Campbell’s: Remove Dangerous Chemical From Soup

2011-11-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

3,000 people join campaign on Change.org urging Campbell Soup Company to remove hormone-disrupting chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) from soup can linings.

Thousands of people have joined a campaign on Change.org demanding that Campbell Soup Company remove bisphenol-A (BPA), a hormone-disrupting chemical linked to cancer and diabetes, from its soup cans.

Healthy Child Healthy World, a Los Angeles-based non-profit that helps parents protect kids from toxins, launched the online campaign on Change.org and has recruited more than 3,000 people to join, many over the last 24 hours.

"With studies linking BPA to many serious illnesses that can be heartbreaking to families, it only makes sense that we start eliminating it from our daily lives,” said Rachel Sarnoff, executive director of Healthy Child Healthy World. “We supported the ban on BPA in baby bottles that’s been adopted by many states, but older children also need protection from BPA's potential health risks. It's time to help companies like Campbell's understand how important it is for us as parents to get BPA out of our cans – and our kids."

A growing number of studies link BPA exposure to health problems like cancers, diabetes, early-onset puberty, behavioral issues, and obesity, and suggest that children are especially vulnerable to the health risks posed by BPA. A recent report from the Breast Cancer Fund found high levels of BPA in canned foods geared specifically towards children, like Campbell’s “SpaghettiOs with Meatballs” and “Disney Princess Cool Shapes” soup.

The campaign on Change.org is likely to increase pressure on Campbell Soup Company, with more than 3,000 supporters and more joining every hour.

“Healthy Child Healthy World’s campaign to Campbell’s has become extremely popular very quickly,” said Sarah Parsons, senior organizer at Change.org, the world’s fastest-growing platform for social change. “Every minute, the number of campaign supporters rises. The folks at Healthy Child Healthy World have clearly touched a nerve and launched a campaign that resonates with people across the country.”

Canned food producers like Hain Celestial, H.J. Heinz, and ConAgra--owner of brands like Chef Boyardee and Hunt’s--have announced plans to remove BPA from food packaging and have started using BPA-free can linings for some of their products. Campbell’s has not announced any plans to eliminate BPA from its can linings.

Join the fight at; Live signature totals from Healthy Child Healthy World’s campaign

For more information on Healthy Child Healthy World, please visit: http://healthychild.org/

Healthy Child Healthy World, a Los Angeles-based non-profit, works to empower parents to protect children from harmful chemicals. The non-profit was founded by James and Nancy Chuda in 1991 after their daughter Colette died from Wilm's tumor — a rare form of non-hereditary cancer.

For more information on Change.org, please visit: http://www.change.org/about

Change.org is the world’s fastest-growing platform for social change — growing by more than 400,000 new members a month, and empowering millions of people to start, join, and win campaigns for social change in their community, city and country.

Nutrition What Every Parent Needs to Know

2011-10-31T06:16:00.000-07:00

It may be Halloween but that doesn't mean your nutritional radar has to go kaput. Nutrition (2nd edition) offers "Expert Guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics" and is one of the most comprehensive guides to good health - you can't go wrong with this one!

It Includes:

What's Best for My Newborn
Expanding Your Baby's Diet
The Toddler Years
Nutrition During the School Years
The Adolescent Years
Is My Child Overweight?
Is My Child Too Thin? Too Small? Too Tall?
Nutrition Basics
Spitting Up, Gagging, Vomiting, Diarrhea and Constipation
Eating Disorders
What Do I Do About Outside Influences
Can I Cut My Child's Risk Of...?
Food Safety
Food Additives
Alternative Diets and Supplements
Is My Child Allergic?

In addition, Nutrition also provides Appendixes. It includes:

What Caregivers Need to Know: A Checklist
Food-Medication Interactions
Standard Growth Chart
Body Mass Index Charts
Food Substitutions
Choking/CPR
Dietary References Intake
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet)
Health and Nutrition Resources

Nutrition is sure to be every parents (new and seasoned) go-to book. It should be in every household with children.

Check out Nutrition: What Every Parent Needs to Know at; Amazon, and on HealthyChildren

13 to Life - Destiny and Deception

2011-10-30T07:44:00.000-07:00

Coming this February the exciting fourth installment of the 13 to Life Series: Destiny and Deception by Shannon Delany.

Werewolves have always been the source of a good horror novel, however Delany has made her werewolves more human, in fact after the thrilling and sometimes nail-biting adventures of the Rusakova pack (Russian-American) in the 13 to Life series, the cure has been found - or has it?

Destiny and Deception is filled with more twists and more adventure. Delany has not only woven a can't-put-it-down tale, she has added in more mystery and more shocking surprises. You've got to check this one out!

If you've never read any of the 13 to Life, you're in for a rare treat. And since Destiny and Deception isn't available until February, you have plenty of time to catch up on all the action - these books would make a great Christmas present for the teen on your list!

Check out Shannon Delany's web site for more information on the 13 to Life series, Amazon or St. Martins Press/Macmillan

*Note ~ cover shown is not upcoming book*

Halloween Candy's Sweet Deception: Sugar Lurks in Unexpected

2011-10-28T06:09:00.000-07:00

Most parents take great care to monitor their children’s sugar intake, but Halloween is the one time of year when the rules of dental care are often broken. The endless candy from trick-or-treating can wreak havoc on teeth, so when a dentist tells parents their children’s teeth show signs of decay it obviously comes as an unpleasant surprise.

Tooth decay is caused by frequent exposure to foods containing carbohydrates (starches and sugars), which mixes with the mouth’s natural bacteria to form a mild acid that erodes tooth enamel. Common culprits are soda pop, candy, ice cream, milk, and cakes. Therefore, Halloween candy is public enemy #1 when it comes to teeth.

ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner, Dr. Raymond Hatland, DDS, provides some tips to help prevent teeth from the harmful effects of sugar this Halloween:

Be a label snob. Read food labels carefully to identify sugars, which also come in the form of corn syrup, molasses, dextrose, fructose, glucose, sucrose and honey. Even an innocent breath mint can be made of pure sugar that can cause cavities.
Wash it down. When eating Halloween candy, make sure to finish it off with a big glass of water, which will clean sugar residue off the teeth.
Avoid sticky situations. When satisfying your candy cravings keep in mind that sticky sweets like toffee or hard candy that linger in your mouth compound the effects of sugar by offering a sustained food source for bacteria. Remember that it’s not necessarily the amount of sugar that can cause decay, but how long the candy stays in the mouth, which is why hard candies like suckers or sticky treats such as caramels and jujubes are poor choices from a dental perspective.
Chocolate lovers rejoice. If trying to rationalize a chocolate craving, remember that popping a piece of solid chocolate in your mouth is better than choosing one filled with a gooey center, as the candy filling may stick to the teeth and provide a longer lasting food source for the natural bacteria to feed from in the mouth.
Mind your whole body. Halloween comes but once a year, but even several days of excess sugar can wreak havoc not just on your teeth, but elsewhere in the body too. Too much sweet stuff can cause blood sugar to spike and cause an energy crash later on. Look after your dental and general health by regularly reading all the ingredients in all packaged foods before you buy them and seeking out low-sugar alternatives.

If possible, rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth thoroughly after exposure to sugars. If you can’t do that right away, keep a supply of sugar free gum with xylitol on hand to help cleanse your mouth. This way you can enjoy Halloween without the scary cavities.

About ChicagoHealers.com Chicago Healers (http://www.chicagohealers.com/) is the nation’s pioneer prescreened integrative health care network, offering a comprehensive understanding of each practitioner’s services, approach, and philosophy. Our holistic health experts teach and advocate natural and empowered health and life choices through their practices, the media, educational events, and our website. With close to 200 practitioners and over 300 treatment services, Chicago Healers has provided nearly 400 free educational events for Chicagoans and has been featured in 300+ TV news programs and print publications. For more information, visit http://www.chicagohealers.com/.

Think Safety First During 'Spooktacular' Halloween Family Festivities

2011-10-26T06:13:00.000-07:00

By: Paul van Gorkom

Halloween is the second largest commercial holiday in the United States. There are fun and frightening activities to partake in this fall season, but keep in mind the following safety tips so festivities remain a treat for all.

Have a Safe Scare at a Haunted House

Haunted houses may be required to abide by fire and safety codes and may be subject to inspections before the general public is allowed to attend. Some may also be required to have a sprinkler system, early warning smoke or heat detectors, emergency lights, easy access doors, and other safety features. But regulations may not be the same in all areas and you are responsible for your own safety. To stay safe while visiting a haunted house:

Take a flashlight with you. Even though the safety lighting might be fine for others, it may not be great for you.
If you are going with small children, attach a glow stick to their clothing so they can be easily found in the dark.
If there are stairs in the haunted house, be sure to use handrails and walk, do not run, up or down the stairs.
If visiting a haunted house in a group, have a meeting place in case you get split up.
Know where the exits are before entering the haunted house. Some attractions will provide you a map of the house so you are aware of where you are going when inside.
Keep an adult in the front and rear of your group going through the haunted house to help monitor young children so they do not stray.

Don’t Get Lost in the Corn Maze

Corn mazes are large fields of corn stalks, anywhere from a small field to more than 20 acres in size. They can be great fun if they are completed safely.

Equip your group with flashlights and cell phones and try to stick together.
Some mazes provide young children and groups with colored flags to wave in the air if they get lost. There are also mazes that have call boxes that will turn on a light to alert an attendant that you are lost or need assistance.
Teach young children to not go outside of the maze’s path. There may be a busy road or another unknown property beyond the corn stalks.
Wear appropriate clothing and shoes as you will be outside. If the path is not wide, corn stalks may scratch your arms. Remember that rain can create muddy, slippery surfaces. Fallen corn stalks may also be a tripping hazard, so watch your step.
Avoid smoking while in the maze as dry corn stalk could easily catch fire.

Hold on During the Hayride

Hayrides, whether haunted or not, can be a very enjoyable experience for any age. Sitting atop a truck, wagon or sleigh decorated with hay or straw is a great family tradition. Be sure to follow all signage at the hayride along with these tips:

Be cautious when loading and unloading from the hayride. Make sure the hayride is at a complete stop before getting onboard or off. If there are steps, they could be slippery because of the hay or straw.
Be careful when finding a place to sit. Your foot could easily slip between bales if you walk on them.
Make sure everyone in your group is sitting at all times during the hayride and all arms and legs are kept inside the wagon.
Hold on to small children and railings as bumps in the path could easily bounce you and them off of your seat.
If the hayride is horse-drawn, be careful around the horse and do not approach it if the hayride operator states not to. If it is a tractor pulling the wagon, do not touch it as there are many handles and buttons that could accidently be pushed. The tractor could also be hot from running for a long period.
Do not walk in the hayride path. Stay in a safe, well-lit area when you are not riding.

Always remember to wear proper attire and footwear and plan for weather restrictions . Enjoy fall festivities by planning in advance and being safety-conscious.

# # #

About the author: Paul van Gorkom is the Vice President of Operations at AlliedBarton Security Services. AlliedBarton is the industry’s premier provider of highly trained security personnel to many industries including higher education, commercial real estate, healthcare, residential communities, chemical/petrochemical, government, manufacturing and distribution, financial institutions, and shopping centers.

Nickelodeon's Danny Phantom - Season 1

2011-10-25T06:59:00.000-07:00

High school is tough for even the most confident of kids, but imagine having to go through these years with ghost-hunting-scientific parents and your own special ability to change into a ghost! Thanks to a freak accident in his parent's lab, Danny is left with an alter ego and a tonne of adventures.

Danny Fenton aka Danny Phantom is set to keep your cartoon loving kids glued to the television with 20 spooky, action-packed episodes. Danny isn't alone in his quest for ghosts either, his best friends Tucker and Sam join him for all the hilarity.

Danny Phantom hit the cartoon scene in 2004 and has only gained in popularity. Kids haven't experienced this cool dude yet? Check out Nickelodeon's Danny Phantom and other DVD's at; Shout Kids Factory

Nickelodeon's CatDog Season 1

2011-10-24T06:57:00.000-07:00

What could be funnier than exact opposites stuck together - literally? Nickelodeon's CatDog is a fun, hilarious and fast paced animation of Cat - proper and somewhat sophisticated and Dog - typical car chasing, bumbling pooch - joined together for life. Their adventures include dealing with Winslow their devious neighbour and the Greaser dogs that are too funny for words.

CatDog was made famous in the late 90's but will still capture the attention of your kids and entertain them for hours. CatDog doesn't need the 3D effects to be awesome - the writing is superb! Show your kids that cartoons can still be great even without out all the mega-digital production, grab a copy of CatDog Season 1 Part 1 today.

CatDog and other cool DVD's are available through Shout Kids Factory at; http://www.shoutfactory.com/

Nickelodeon's Real Monsters Season One

2011-10-23T07:21:00.000-07:00

Everyone thinks monsters just know how to be scary - they're monsters! However, there's actually a school these young wanna-be-creepy's have to attend. But when Ickis, Oblina, and Krumm have to face off against Simon, a monster-hunter, will the lessons and secret that The Gromble (headmaster at scary school) taught them pay off? Find out in AAAHH!!! Real Monsters Season 1.

This classic 90's animated adventure is sure to be a hit with your kids. The monsters are fun and funny and are still learning like real-life kids are. The adventure, thrills and laughs are sure to be hours of entertainment even after Halloween is long gone.

Check out AAAHH!! Real Monsters Season 1 and other titles at; http://www.shoutfactory.com/

Shout Factory - Halloween Spook-tacular

2011-10-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of all the gory, real-imaging DVD's that are put out around Halloween? Bring your little ones back to a time when cartoons weren't in 3D and the ghosts were actually cute, not scary.

Shout Factory brings you Casper The Friendly Ghost the complete collection from 1945-1963. This set has over seven hours of "spooky" cartooning fun. Plus, it includes a never seen before Casper adventure, commentaries, interviews, a 20-page book and comic book cover gallery.

Delight you children this Halloween with Casper, Wendy the friendly witch, his cousin Spooky and the antagonizing trio of ghosts. This collection is sure to bring hours and hours of fun, not nightmares.

Check out Casper the Friendly Ghost and other DVD's at Shout Factory

When We Walked Above the Clouds

2011-10-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

When we picture a Green Beret our vision most likely includes a fit soldier in uniform wearing his signature beret at the precise tilt. As much as this vision is true, we lack the insight to really know what goes on in the hearts and minds of these brave individuals. When we Walked Above the Clouds by H. Lee Barnes is one soldier's memoir of the sometimes terrifying and always grueling tale of serving in the Vietnam war.

Coming from a broken and abusive home life, young Barnes does the unthinkable and voluntarily enlists for duty in the escalating and unpredictable Vietnam war in the mid-sixties. Barnes takes to his duties like a duck to water and in doing so learns some tough lessons. From egos and stupidity of the higher-ups, to watching friends die in battle, Barnes pulls no punches in his memoir of those stressful days.

I wasn't even born yet when Barnes goes through this life altering experience, so I know little of that war and the men who served in it. However, When We Walked Above the Clouds is a fascinating and eye-opening read. I was compelled to find out what happens next and how it will all turn out for Barnes. I was never much interested in "war tales" but I'm glad I found this memoir. Barnes wasn't only a great soldier, he's a fantastic writer - you don't need to like war stories to find When We Walked Above the Clouds a must read!

Check out, When We Walked Above the Clouds and other H. Lee Barnes books at; http://www.hleebarnes.net/ or on University of Nebraska Press Amazon'ers click here

The Bridge: Between "Cell Block A..."

2011-10-18T06:03:00.000-07:00

Your child has been arrested and put in prison falsely accused of murder, where do you turn for help?

Most of us would answer a good lawyer, but when Jackie Carpenter's worst nightmare became a reality she turned to the hand of Christ and Psalm 91.

The Bridge: Between "Cell Block A" and a Miracle is: Psalm 91 by Jackie Carpenter is based on the true story of Jason Veitch, a man who was given terrible advice from a law enforcement officer then suffered the consequences. However, Jackie's faith in God and His words in Psalm 91 kept her going, not only holding up herself, but her son as well.

Jackie proclaims not to be a writer, but her eloquent and heart felt story of her and her family's trials and tribulations throughout Jason's 3 month incarceration dictates otherwise. I found myself living Jackie's fears and was uplifted by her strong and never waivering faith - this book is a must read!

For more information on Jackie Carpenter and both her books, check out her web site at; http://bridgetoamiracle.com/

The Medium Next Door - A Review

2011-10-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

"I see dead people..."

This famous line from the very popular movie, The Sixth Sense, has been quoted over and over, but for Maureen Hancock communing with the dead isn't a joke, it's a way of life.

In The Medium Next Door, Maureen shares her life story which includes some of her own tragedies as well as her ability to hear and respond to the dead. This unique talent of Maureen's has helped many grieving people obtain peace, she has solved mysteries, assisted the dying and has landed her her very own television show.

What makes Maureen different from all the other "ghostbusters"? "I enjoy making people smile," Maureen says. "I think what differentiates me from other spirit mediums is that I believe our loved ones in spirit enjoy coming through with a celebration and not reliving another wake." In addition Maureen likes to "jump in with humour and help the person left behind know that it's okay to continue living, laughing and celebrating these great memories."

Even if you're skeptical about "ghosts" and an afterlife, Maureen's candor and readings are chillingly accurate - I found myself wishing she had a message from beyond for me! She also looks like an ordinary mom (no layers of flowing scarves and dangling jewelry). Her humor throughout the book is a wonderful change for a subject that could otherwise be morose.

I will admit I had my doubts about Maureen's authenticity when I first picked up her book, however, the more I read the more I believed she truly does have a wonderful gift and the fact that she uses it for good (lots of time for free) is just more convincing.

For more information on The Medium Next Door, please visit; http://maureenhancock.com/, HCI Books or Amazon

Local ghost whisperer: The medium next door: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Dragonella - A Review

2011-10-14T06:19:00.000-07:00

When Claire travels with the flying Sky Dragons she is magically transformed into an older version of herself. Her mission? To give Wisdom Pearls to all the children in different lands - with this pearl they will understand their words and actions have an effect.

Dragonella by Janai Lowenstein is a magical journey that entertains little ones and throws a subtle lesson in as well. As Dragonella visits exotic, make-believe lands (I really liked the ice cream children) she spreads her love and kindness, helping all the different children realize being happy and sharing is so much better than being rude.

The illustrations by Du Ling brings Dragonella and her dragon friends to life. The magical lands are inviting and playful, drawing your child into the story.

For more information on this book and other helpful suggestions, please visit Janai Lowenstein's web site at; http://www.childstress.org/

Superkid Saves the Day - a Review

2011-10-12T15:05:00.000-07:00

Superkid Saves the Day in more ways than one. Superkid helps children sort out their emotions in eleven different stories. From feelings of anger, jealousy, eating healthy and listening to others, Superkid will guide your youngster and educate them in a fun and loving way.

In addition, Superkid teaches how to breathe deeply to gain more control of your emotions and also to calm tense moments - a lesson that is sure to last a lifetime!

Author Janai Lowenstein has written about common situations that children may have already experienced and can relate to. Superkid Saves the Day is also an interactive read (asking pointed questions throughout) so parents and/or teachers can open up a path to deep, meaningful discussions.

The illustrations by Yan Jiang are bright and simply adorable - you're kids will love them!

Check out Superkid Saves the Day at; http://www.childstress.org/

Superkid Camp - A Review

2011-10-11T05:05:00.000-07:00

I remember spending my childhood carefree, having fun and just being a kid. However, times have changed and so has the world. Kids these days are faced with so many troubles it hardly seems fair.

So what's a parent to do to help combat feelings of grief and unhappiness in our children? Superkid Camp by Janai Lowenstein is a great place to start.

Superkid wears a cape and teaches children to love themselves and to make good choices. At Superkid Camp children from all walks of life and cultures learn about each other through the use of the camp "Talking Stick."

Lowenstein cleverly weaves fun and heart lessons through her diverse characters which are not only interesting, their educational - I particularly enjoyed learning about Saada from Africa!

In addition, Lowenstein has added in questions to engage your child and help them (and yourself) understand their feelings and where they're at emotional. This is also a great way to open up a dialogue for those quiet souls or in a small classroom setting.

The illustrations by Yan Jiang are the perfect accompaniment to the story. Her cute little characters bring each page alive and will draw your youngster into the story.

Check out Superkid Camp and other Lowenstein titles at; http://www.childstress.org/

Chippy Chipmunk Babies in the Garden - A Review

2011-10-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

They are one of the cutest and friendliest of all wild rodents - the chipmunk. If your child has never had the pleasure of observing one of these playful and curious animals then, Chippy Chipmunk Babies in the Garden, by Kathy M. Miller is a must have.

Bring your child on a wonderful adventure with Chippy and Mama Lily's babies (Rachel, Rosalie, Roosevelt and Benjamin) as they emerge from their burrow to discover the big world in their garden home.

Miller's not only spun a delightful story that will please child and adult alike, but her photographs of Chippy's family are fabulous - she has caught action shots of chipmunks playing and exploring that would rival any National Geographic!

In addition, Miller also weaves facts about all of Chippy's garden friends and foes throughout and at the back of the book.

Babies in the Garden is pure delight!

Chippy Chipmunk Babies in the Garden is the second in the series with Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden being the first.

Check out both books and other neat stuff at; http://www.chippychipmunk.com/.
Books are also available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author;

Kathy Miller is a teacher, professional cellist, award-winning nature photographer, and writer. Her first book, Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden has won 15 national awards, including Learning® Magazine's 2011 Teacher's Choice Award for Children's Books and the 2010 Benjamin Franklin / Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book.

Positivity Practices

2011-10-06T06:53:00.000-07:00

We all get down at times. Here are 5 expert tips on how to stay optimistic and calm when the going gets tough - even during times of career/financial strife and family/relationship turmoil - from work/life balance expert Sheri Riley, founder of GLUE, Inc. and creator of the Exponential Living program.

1. Reflect on Positive Past Events

Cultivating and maintaining a peaceful, calm and optimistic life must be a goal of paramount importance. Distractions and life’s distresses both small and large, most definitely including those work, financial and relationship-related, will pull you away from this goal each and every time you allow it. Your thoughts are the training ground and spring board for your overall disposition and perspective on life. Many accomplished people never pause to revel in or acknowledge their past successes. They are constantly striving for what’s next. While not entirely a bad thing, when your desire to achieve and earn becomes bigger than your desire to BE, your existence will be likened to a hamster running in an endless circle, never at peace and never at a point of rest.

2. Have a Giving Heart and Spirit

Most know that giving back to society and those in need is one of the most meaningful activities we can engage in - making us feel happy and optimistic about life. In fact, many very successful people also believe that giving is directly tied to their luck and success up ahead. Having a giving heart and spirit not only creates more opportunities for you to provide for others, but doing so allows more opportunities for your continued success to manifest in your life, and others: what impacts one impacts us all. Achievement, earnings and accomplishments come from the work of our hands and minds, but true success and fulfillment comes from giving of the heart. Not just donating your time through charitable work or financial donations, but also allocating precious time to family and friends. Being present and accessible to loved ones is the ultimate gift for others…and yourself.

3. Happy is a Choice; Contentment and Joy are Lifestyles

One of the definitions of the word overwhelmed is “to give too much of a thing.” When you truly desire to live a life that is fulfilled in all areas, you are destined to have more to do than you have the time, energy, and ability or help to accomplish or complete. The feeling of being overwhelmed is when you have what you need and are overflowing with what you want. When you have so much success, opportunity, potential, clients, projects, options, prosperity that you can’t “handle” or manage everything, your reaction is that you are overwhelmed. So what about those times when you’re overwhelmed with challenges, struggles, health issues, and other life concerns? Know the plan for your life is perfect and the struggles are never to defeat you but to make you stronger and uncover your true power. Surrender and find peace living in the overflow, joy and abundance of being overwhelmed.

4. Tap Your Inner Courage

Stepping out of your fears and into your greatness requires great courage. Sometimes we are so busy with the work of life that we don’t sit still and take the time to listen to our heart. Being courageous means not allowing life to steal, kill, or destroy your dreams, hopes, aspirations, and plans but living in the now, the moment, the presence of your power to receive life, and the fullness of all life has to offer and even more abundantly. It takes courage to be honest with yourself, acknowledge your personal truth, and be present in your quest to live that truth. Living in the fullness and joy of who you are - and want to be – takes true grit.

5. Live Exponentially

Exponential Living is achieved through excellence in your Personal, Spiritual, and Emotional health, and balance in all aspects of your life – with yourself and others. It is achieved by building and maintaining spirituality; loving and caring for yourself (hobbies, exercise, “me” time); spending quality time with and appreciating yourself and your family; recognizing your success; and living in your own truth. When living exponentially you are comfortable with who you are, separate from what you do. It’s when you live in a state of true contentment, being present with yourself and others while also pursuing and maintaining excellence in all aspects of your life.

About the Expert:

Sheri Riley is the founder and Chief Partnership Strategist of GLUE, Inc. and creator of the Exponential Living program (http://www.exponentialliving.com/) - a ground-breaking initiative that helps individuals create balance among life's key areas in ways that promote a higher standard of excellence.

The Problem Was Me

2011-10-05T06:05:00.000-07:00

How To End Negative Self-Talk And Take Life To A Whole New Level

Are you being bombarded with your own negativity and self doubt? I think we all have times when the "voice" in our head tries to sabotage every thing we attempt to do, whether it be stopping addictive behaviour or embarking on a new career, this voice can be a shouting presence that convinces us we are a failure.

If this is you don't give up, The Problem Was Me by Thomas Gagliano, is a wonderful self-help book that will squash that irritating inner voice once and for all. Gagliano writes this book in an easy to follow, yet effective manner. From the beginning of discussing "Damaged Goods" to "Forgiveness and Spirituality" this book dives into the core problems and offers sound solutions for the release of negative self-talk.

Another one of the great things about, The Proble Was Me, is Gagliano writes from the heart and from his own personal experience - he can relate and help you too!

Check out Thomas Gagliano's web site at; http://thomasgagliano.com/ or pop on over to Amazon and Barnes & Noble to purchase a copy today.

Don't waste another second listening to your inner voice telling you you're a failure, grab a copy of The Problem Was Me and begin the journey to a happier life.

You Never Know - A Review

2011-10-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

What would it be like to be a mega-million? It's one thing if it comes from hard work, but what if you became rich in the blink of an eye? I'm sure we've all fantasized about winning the lottery, but when it happens to Tobias Hillyer the unexpected drastically changes his life.

Tobias has worked hard all his life, but when his parents are killed in a car accident duty calls and Tobias puts aside his dreams of being an anthropologist to step into the role of parent with his mentally handicapped brother. He feels the strain as he watches his best friend, Martin, climb the success ladder. Will Tobias ever know what true success feels like? Find out in, You Never Know by Lilian Duval, the story of an Accidental Lottery Winner.

This book is a powerful and memorable look at how money may change everything financially, but it shouldn't change who you truly are deep inside. Duvals's characters are true-to-life, as she puts them through their paces. I loved the underlying message of You Never Know and hope that if I suddenly came into money I'd handle it half as well as Tobias does.

Check out Lilian Duval's web site at; http://www.lilianduval.com/

You Never Know is also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and through special order at your local bookstores.

The Lost Fountain - A Review

2011-10-01T06:51:00.000-07:00

When a child is born with a serious condition it not only affects his parents, but his siblings as well.

When Noah's mother was giving birth to his baby brother he is overcome by jealousy and wishes his brother dead. However, when his little brother is diagnosed with Progeria (a disease that rapidly ages its victims) Noah is struck with guilt and an overwhelming drive to help his brother. But where can a twelve year old turn to find a cure for an incurable disease? Find out in, The Lost Fountain by Peter Andrew Sacco.

This book takes a unlikely trio of boys on the adventure of a lifetime; to find the mythical Fountain of Youth. Sacco's characters are real-to-life and draws the reader into their world of mystery, suspense and adventure - think "Indiana Jones meets Harry Potter."

I loved this book (and I'm not just saying that because Sacco is a fellow Canadian). The Fountain of Youth is engaging and will have your tween reading under the covers with a flashlight late into the night.

Move over Indiana and Harry Potter there's a new hero in town!

Check out, The Lost Fountain on Peter Sacco's web site and on Amazon

Is the Economy Killing Fatherhood?

2011-09-30T05:11:00.000-07:00

Advocate Reveals Ways to Be A Better Father in Trying Times

Tom Watson knows what it’s like not to have time to spend with your kids. "It used to sting me when I was working hard at building my business and I’d hear my kids talking about me," he said. "One would ask the other to see if I had time to play with them, and the other would tell him not to bother, because he knew I’d be too busy. It was like a knife in my heart. With the economy as tight as it is, I know that I’m not the only father with the same issue. These days, many fathers are either unemployed and working hard to find work or they are working two jobs or more just to make ends meet. Either they don’t have much time for family, or they just aren’t in the mood for family because they are despondent or feeling helpless as a provider."

But, it doesn’t have to be that way, according to Watson, author of the autobiographical Man Shoes: The Journey to Becoming a Better Man, Husband & Father (http://www.manshoes.net/).

Watson’s tips for dads in a tough economy include:

Share Time

– Don’t spend time with your kids, because that term makes it sound like you are giving away time that you could be using for other things. Share time with them, because sharing indicates that you both get something out of that time. It’s important for your kids to know that you aren’t paying attention to them out of obligation, but rather, because you need to be with them as much as they need to be with you.

Make a Schedule

– Stability and security are important to kids, so set up a time every week that is just for them, and do your best to make that time on your calendar immovable. Give them something they can look forward to on a regular schedule and it will show them how important they are to you and help you build a trusting relationship with them.

A Little Time is Better Than None

– If you’re working two jobs or work out of town and commute home on the weekends, they will understand if you don’t have a lot of time to spend. Even if you can only block out a couple of hours every week, that can be enough. As long as you keep to the schedule and don’t let them down, that time will be as valuable as if you spent the entire weekend with them.

Don’t Plan Big

– Parents who work a lot sometimes feel guilty about neglecting their kids, and they cater to that guilt by making big plans with their kids on a regular basis. They feel that doing something lavish and expensive will somehow be seen as a payback to their kids for not seeing them often. The pitfall is that the bigger the plan, the bigger the expectation. The truth is, kids don’t care. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or make big plans all the time. It could be as simple as going to the park to fly kites and eating a brown bag lunch together, and most kids would be happy with that.

"Life is a choice and the person you choose to be is in your control. No matter the hand you may have been dealt, there are no excuses," Watson added. "I grew up as an orphan and I acted out a lot, because I lacked the guidance of a family until I was finally adopted," he said.

"And even when I found stability with my adoptive parents, the Watsons, it took some time for me to settle down. Having shoes on my feet, clothes on my back and food on the table were all good things, but it wasn’t those things that soothed me as a child. It was the time, love and attention I received from the Watsons that put me back on course and that’s what every child needs. While it may seem to some that working hard to provide for their families is their primary responsibility as a father, that’s just not so. Children are adaptable and can do without material things more easily than they can do without the love and attention of their parents. If my experience meant anything to me, it showed me that it takes more to be a dad than to just bring home the bacon. It’s not enough to just do for your children – you have to be with them, too."

About Tom Watson

Tom Watson is a survivor of child abuse, upheaval and 13 foster homes, so he learned how to overcome adversity at an early age. Later in life, Tom was faced with heartbreaking tragedies which threatened to destroy him. He drew from previous life lessons to persevere and show that new beginnings are possible at any age or stage of life - no matter what obstacles get in the way. These principles and their applications are chronicled in his new book Man Shoes: The Journey to Becoming a Better Man, Husband & Father (http://www.manshoes.net/).

Making Babies the Old-Fashioned Way

2011-09-27T04:26:00.000-07:00

OB/GYN Reveals Steps to Avoid Using Fertility Drugs To Become Pregnant

According to the World Health Organization, roughly one in six couples will struggle with infertility and about 70 percent of them will turn to fertility drugs or in vitro-fertilization. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

"Many couples struggling to achieve pregnancy can conceive naturally by following some simple guidelines before resorting to expensive and potentially hazardous fertility medications," said Dr. Amos Grunebaum, a double board certified OB/GYN based in New York City. "Infertility can increase stress among couples and, unfortunately, often times leads them to prematurely opt for fertility drugs or IVF. In many cases, fertility can be improved and pregnancy can be achieved naturally by following some simple steps."

Dr. Grunebaum’s tips include:

Pinpoint Your Fertile Window

As you might already know, in order for conception to take place, you must ovulate and at least one vital sperm needs to fertilize the egg within 12-24 hours of the egg being released from the ovary. Because sperm can only live for 5-6 days in the female reproductive tract and only a small number of sperm will even survive the long journey, it is recommended that couples plan to have intercourse several times in the days leading up to ovulation as well as on the day of ovulation. To do this optimally requires that you have a good idea of when you will ovulate each cycle. Ovulation Predictor Kits (http://www.early-pregnancy-tests.com/) are a popular method for predicting ovulation. OPKs detect the presence of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine. Approximately 12-36 hours before ovulation occurs, the amount of LH in your body "surges". By testing with OPKs, you can identify this LH surge, which allows you to know that ovulation is just around the corner and that you are in your fertile window.

Restore Your Hormonal Balance

If you have irregular periods, your path to parenthood might end up being a long, tiresome journey. For women with chronic irregularity, it is likely that there is an underlying hormonal imbalance that is impacting the frequency of ovulation and/or menstruation. The herb commonly known as Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus), included in the fertility-enhancing supplement FertilAid for Women, is frequently used to help women restore hormonal balance and cycle regularity. The active compounds found in Chasteberry help to promote fertility by decreasing prolactin levels in the body.

Check His Swimmers

Did you know that up to 40 percent of males suffer from low sperm count? Now, if the idea of heading to the urologist for a sperm count test is a bit intimidating to your partner, you might suggest that he get an at-home sperm test, like SpermCheck Fertility (www.fairhavenhealth.com). SpermCheck, is a fast, accurate, affordable and simple method for determining if his sperm count is within "normal" range (above 20 million sperm per milliliter of semen is the accepted standard for "normal" sperm count) in the privacy of your own home.

Transform Your Diet

Leave those junk foods on the shelf, and try to incorporate more whole grains, vegetables, colorful fruits (for the antioxidant compounds found in these foods) and lean sources of protein in your diet.

Shed Those Extra Pounds

Your optimal BMI (body mass index) is between 18.5 and 25. A BMI above 25 decreases your chances getting pregnant and increases pregnancy complications. It is best to lose the unwanted pounds before actively trying to conceive, as weight loss causes toxins (that had been stored in your fat cells) to be released into your body. To ensure the healthiest pregnancy possible, you will want to achieve your optimal weight before becoming pregnant.

Quit it

Quit using tobacco and drink alcohol only in moderation.

Exercise But Don’t Overdo It

A healthy lifestyle definitely includes regular exercise, so if you are more couch potato than marathon runner, stepping up your exercise habits will go a long way in improving your overall health and enhancing your fertility.

Chill out

According to many fertility experts, chronic stress can certainly be a fertility buster, as it causes the body to be in "fight or flight" mode constantly, which suppresses reproductive hormones. Again, yoga is your friend here, as is acupressure or acupuncture.

About Dr. Amos Grunebaum

Dr. Amos Grunebaum is double board certified in obstetrics/gynecology and maternal-fetal medicine (high-risk pregnancy). He is recognized as one of New York's foremost Ob/GYNs as evidenced by his regular inclusion in Castle Connolly's "Top Doctors: New York." Dr. Grunebaum is the former director of WebMD's Fertility Center and is one of the Internet's leading authorities on fertility and pregnancy.

How Self Esteem Can Be More Powerful Than Bullies

2011-09-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

Dr. Bill Page would rather teach than do just about anything else any day of the week.

“During my career I was an educator and administrator in elementary, middle and high schools, as well as college, for 33 years,” Page said. “During that time I enjoyed serving as a Boy and Cub Scout master, and a Sunday school teacher. Through all that time, I have seen just about everything children can experience, both positive and negative, and helped these kids solve what many today see as practically unsolvable problems. For the most part, I didn’t have any special technology or divine wisdom. All I had was the head on my shoulders and the heart beating in my chest, and for 33 years those were the only tools I needed.”

Page, a PhD who in retirement became a children’s book author known as Billy D, said that he has dealt with the absolute worst kids in his school and the best ones, too. In most cases, he said that they were one and the same, just on different days.

“It doesn’t take a PhD to figure out why a kid bullies another kid, or why that kid lets the other one bully him,” said Page, author of the children’s book series The Marion Series (http://www.billydbooks.com/).

“Both kids are scared of something. The kid who is being bullied is afraid of getting beat up, and the bully is afraid of most everything. The secret is being able to connect with them and figure out what both kids are afraid of and helping them face and defeat those fears. The heart of the matter is really one of the most basic truths I know: every child is special. If you want to prevent problems, then parents and teachers simply need to remind kids of this fact on a regular basis. If you tell them often enough, they’ll begin to believe it and feel it, too.”

But as much as Page is an idealist, he also knows he has to channel that idealism to kids through some harsh realism.

“I put the characters in my books through some paces,” he said. “They encounter the challenges of responsibility, honesty, self-pride, peer pressure, sibling rivalry, and race relations. They experience the consequences of drug use, over-confidence and facing ridicule. On the other hand, my characters also see the benefits from loving people, befriending them and cooperating with others. My characters are grounded by events that are true-to-life, so that the kids who read them, who are also dealing with the realism in their lives, can relate, understand and learn.”

In that way, Page believes kids who read his stories can unconsciously see the parallels in their own lives, and learn the same lessons his characters learn in his stories.

“Is the bully somehow less special than the bullied?” he asked. “Or are both simply good kids in a bad situation who need to see that their lives can be better if they only see how special they are and the difference they can make in other lives? We all need to know where we keep our strength, the parts of ourselves that help us overcome adversities. If our children don’t learn where those places are when they’re kids, they won’t know where to find those places as adults.”

About Bill “BillyD” Page

Bill D. Page, PhD, a.k.a. BillyD, is a graduate of Marion High School, Northern Iowa, Michigan State and St. Louis Universities. He has published two books for children ages nine to twelve, and has others for children two to six near completion. Dr. Page has been a teacher at all levels of public education from elementary through graduate school in Manson and Marion, Iowa, Lincoln Park, Michigan and adjunct professor for Western Michigan University. He lives with his wife of sixty-three years in Muskegon, Michigan. They have three children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He and his wife are proud to state that there have been no divorces in their immediate family, which has accumulated 181 years of marriage. (http://www.billydbooks.com/)

The Cave Monster - A Review

2011-09-21T08:28:00.000-07:00

When Lima Bear's cousin, L.Joe Bean, is captured by the cave monster the gang jumps into action. Whistle-Toe the rabbit brings his canteen, Lima Bear brings two swords (his own and L.Joe Bean's), Maskamal the raccoon brings his bow and arrow and a red flag to wave at the monster.

The plan is formed and soon the gang sets out to rescue their friend, but will it work? Find out in, The Cave Monster by Thomas Weck and Peter Weck.

Once again the Weck father/son team brings a humorous tale of friendship, courage and just plain fun. Your kids will love the kooky plan the critters come up with to capture the cave monster. The illustrations by Len DiSalvo are beautiful and so full of details you want to just spend time looking around the pages. In addition, there's extended learning and extra activities at the end of the story to fully engage your children.

This is a delightful, wonderful book. The Wecks and DiSalvo have done it again. They're the perfect combo - like PB&J!

To learn more about The Cave Monster please visit Lima Bear Press or stop by Barnes & Noble and Amazon online.

How Back-Back Got His Name - A Review

2011-09-19T06:38:00.000-07:00

It's a real "EEE-mergency"! Plumpton the opossum has lost his back! Well...it's still there, it's just invisible. Come join the adventure as the forest friends, Lima Bear (tiny green lima bean-shaped bear), Maskamal the raccoon and Whistle-Toe the rabbit, all try to help solve this strange mystery.

How Back-Back Got His Name by Thomas Weck and Peter Weck is a delightful and humorous book that will engage your children for hours. The team of crusaders go from one EEE-mergency to another as they search for Plumpton's disappearing back.

The illustrations by Len DiSalvo are a perfect accompaniment to this story. The pictures are rich in detail and really draws your attention around the page. I love the expressions on the animals faces - so fun! In addition at the back of the book there is an extended learning page with before, during and after learning prompts as well activites you can do with your children.

How Back-Back Got His Name is available in hardcover. For more information on this book and other Lima Bear stories check out Lima Bear Press. Book is also available at Barnes & Noble, and Amazon

Dance, Y'all, Dance - A Review

2011-09-17T07:24:00.000-07:00

When the folks of a small town meet at the dance hall, fun is sure to ensue.

Dance, Y'all Dance by Kelly Bennett is a wonderfully fun and funny picture book. Come spend a Saturday night at the Horseshoe where young, old, great dancers and not all take a twirl on the shiny dance floor. This tale is written in rhyme and flows along as perfectly as the...four turns and fast hands of Pistachio.

The illustrations by Terri Murphy are a perfect accompaniment to this delightful story - they're bright, bold and tell a whole story themselves!

Check out, Dance, Y'all, Dance on Kelly Bennett's web site, Amazon or Barnes & Noble

This is a must have for any youngster's bookshelf =)

101 Offline Activities You Can Do With Your Child

2011-09-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

It seems parents are always complaining their children spend too much time in front of the computer and/or television. However, unless you want to listen to a barage of "I'm bored," what's a parent to do?

101 Offline Activities You Can Do With Your Child by Steve and Ruth Bennett is a fabulous book that contains many, many hours of fun and entertainment for the whole family - No Batteries Required!

This book has games for in the house, on the road or when you're just out and about. It will spark you and your child's imagination and is great for a rainy day or if your child is hosting a birthday or slumber party.

101 Offline Activites You Can Do With Your Child should be on every parents coffee table. Grab a copy today and get your child active and having fun without the use of modern technology.

Available on Amazon and http://offlineactivities.com/

Counting in the Garden - A Review

2011-09-14T06:53:00.000-07:00

A little boy peeks out his window to see his garden in bloom. What does he find? Everything from "1 onion, with many, many peels, to "12 tall tulips, in a long yellow row..."

Counting in the Garden by Emily Hruby is an adorable board book that will not only teach your little one counting, but will also entertain them. The simple, yet bold and beautiful illustrations by Patrick Hruby will delight your toddler. I also liked that each time a new garden object was added to the list, the garden expanded to show it along side the others.

Counting in the Garden is available at Ammo Books and Amazon

Colors - A Review

2011-09-11T05:56:00.000-07:00

Colors by Charley Harper is a wonderful little board book. It has bold and vivid illustrations that is sure to keep your toddler amused. The simple words are also color coded to help your little one identify them with the picture on the opposite page.

"Featuring some of Harper’s classic birds and including other rare images, this book is a visual treat..." Ammo Books

Colors can be purchased through Amazon or for more information check out Ammo Books at; http://www.ammobooks.com/

Guantanamo Boy - A Review

2011-09-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

There is a lot more violence on the television and video games than when I was growing up. In my opinion all of this desensitizes kids (and adults) to some of the very real and harsh realities of true life.

Guantanamo Boy by Anna Perera is a wake up call to all youngsters who believe they could survive a life in prison.

Khalid Ahmed was living a pretty normal life with his family in England - high school, girls, homework and his cousins new computer game - kept him busy and happy. But when his family takes a trip to Karachi to visit his relatives, things change drastically - Khalid's father suddenly goes missing and Khalid in his determination to find him, gets caught up in a raucous demonstration and has his picture taken. That night men break into his families home and kidnap him, insisting he is part of a terrorist collation.

Khalid finds himself in a nightmare as the torture begins and a long journey of pain, suffering and self doubt take it's toll on him mentally, physically and emotionally.

Guantanamo Boy is a gripping and terrifying fictional novel. Perera paints such a vivid tale it's hard to imagine that stuff like what Khalid experiences in the book has really taken place in these facilities. I would recommend this book to any parent with teenage children and it should be on every school's must read list.

For more information please visit Anna Perera's web site or look on Amazon

Author Tour: September 20-27, 2011: Detroit, Minneapolis/ St. Paul, Chicago, St. Louis

The Veil - A Review

2011-09-04T05:47:00.000-07:00

Addy is a normal high school teen, that is until she starts to see strange, disturbing images - like the silver frog hopping around on the coffee shop manager's neck. Addy passes this off, but when the hottest guy, Lucas, starts to notice her she begins to question herself and the growing "hallucinations" she's experiencing. Stick around as Addy is about to learn she is a part of a special breed of people called the Annorasi and her very existence is viewed as a threat.

Will she survive her tests and the oncoming trial? Find on on November 1'st when The Veil by Cory Putman Oakes will be revealed.

I was given the privilege of reading an advance copy of The Veil and let me tell you, it was awesome! It may be written for the teen crowd, but it kept me turning the pages until the very end. It has all the makings of a big screen movie. It's adventurous, mysterious and down right thrilling - I LOVED it!!

You can pre-order The Veil at Amazon or Barnes & Noble or for more information check out the author's site at; http://www.corypoakes.com/

About the Author:

Cory Putman Oakes was born in Basel, Switzerland, but grew up in Novato, California and attended Marin Catholic High School. She then spent three years at the University of California at Los Angeles before graduating in 2001 with a B.A. in Psychology. In 2004, Cory graduated from Cornell Law School with a Juris Doctorate Degree. Since then, she has been an associate at a law firm, taught business law to undergraduates at Texas State University and written several books for young people.

Cory now lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and their daughter, Sophia. In addition to writing, Cory enjoys reading, cooking, running, and hanging out with her family and pets.

Planet Dog - Feedbag

2011-09-03T06:59:00.000-07:00

Planet Dog is so clever coming up with the On the Go Feedbag. It's made from heavy duty water resistant poly-canvas (in 4 colors), with a snap tight closure and holds up to 30 cups! This isn't only perfect for traveling, but it's a nice way to store dog food at home.

Check out Planet Dog's Feedbag and other great pet products at; http://www.planetdog.com/

Want to win this and other On-the-Go products? Just leave me a comment in this (or the other Planet Dog posts) and you will automatically be entered into the draw. Please leave me some contact info as well. Giveaway ends Sunday September 4'th

Good Luck WOOF!

Planet Dog - On the Go Food/Water Bowls

2011-09-01T05:44:00.000-07:00

Talk about innovative! Planet Dog's On the Go food and/or water bowls are brilliant!

These heavy duty, collapsible, rollable, packable "bowls" can be used for either food or water. The heavy duty water resistant canvas is perfect for all your on the go needs, whether it be camping, traveling or just out for a nice long walk, these bowls are the perfect accessory to take along - they pop open!

Check out these and all of Planet Dog's products at; http://www.planetdog.com/

Want a chance to win these and all of the On the Go products? Leave me a comment in this (or the other Planet Dog posts) and you will automatically be entered into our draw. Contest ends Sunday Sept. 4'th

Good Luck! WOOF

Planet Dog - On the Go Snack Pack

2011-08-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

Planet Dog has taken dog products to a whole new level; finally a company that thinks of what pet owners truly want/need and fulfills it.

Take the On the Go Snack Pack; forget about plastic baggies that are a pain to pocket and hard to reclose. This product is made from heavy duty, water resistant canvas, with a belt clip, Velcro loop and drawstring closure. It's perfect for puppy training, rewards or just to have some treats handy. Plus, it's not only serviceable, it's fashionable!

~ 4 fashion colours; sunset pink, harvest orange, forest green, seaside blue

Check out all of Planet Dog's products and their Eco-friendly products.

Want to win the On the Go products shown in the video below? Just leave me a comment in this (or any of the Planet Dog posts) and you will be automatically entered for the random draw on Sunday Sept. 4'th (please leave me some contact info as well).

Good Luck - WOOF!

Planet Dog GIVEAWAY - Starts Today

2011-08-28T05:44:00.000-07:00

Want to win awesome "On the Go" gifts from Planet Dog? Leave me a comment in any of the Planet Dog posts this week and you will automatically be entered into the random draw on Sept 4'th (please leave me some contact info as well).

Visit Planet Dog on the web at; http://www.planetdog.com/

Are New Parents a Danger to Pets?

2011-08-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

New Parents Most Prone to Having Pets With Obesity Problems -
New Parents Lack Focus on Pet Nutrition; People Food Buffet for Dogs

Pet obesity may be growing at the most alarming rate in households where a new baby is present, according to data released by Flexcin International, makers of the FlexPet joint supplement for pets. Customer advisor specialists at the company say new parents represent the fastest-growing demographic inquiring about dog-joint health issues relating to pet obesity.

Flexcin analyzed demographic data from its team of customer advisor specialists to determine the largest percentage of pet obesity-related inquiries. In a six-month analysis from June through December in 2010, new parents represented roughly a third (32.3 percent) of all dog-joint health inquiries tied to overweight pets (up from 25.7% in 2008). Elderly pet owners came in second at 28.5 percent.

Other data findings:

--78.4% of new parents said their dog was able to freely eat food that dropped from the baby’s high-chair.

--67.7% said they paid less attention to their dog’s food portions.

--64.6% said they had less time for dog walks or didn’t feel comfortable bringing the dog during baby stroller walks.

“Through the research and our discussions with veterinarian experts, new parents tend to let down their guard when watching their dog’s diet because their focus is clearly on addressing their new baby,” said Tamer Elsafy, CEO and founder of Flexcin.

Veterinarian Patrick Mahaney says it’s important to monitor a pet’s body condition to observe possible obesity signs. “Make sure you can feel your dog’s ribs and the spaces in between each rib. Also, check to see if the dog’s abdomen bulges out or swings down towards the ground,” said Mahaney.

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention recently said 1/5 of the country’s 170 million-plus dogs and cats are considered obese.

Pet experts repeatedly warn that overfeeding can be extremely dangerous for dogs and pets, especially when people food is involved. A pet gaining just a few pounds can add significant stress to their body’s frame, which ultimately leads to joint pain and arthritis. The right mix of diet and exercise is the best way to prevent any pet from gaining weight.

About Flexcin International, Inc.

Flexcin International, Inc. is proceeds sponsor of the Arthritis Foundation, and a manufacturer and marketer of leading natural supplements that promote optimal joint health. Along with its FlexPet line of pet joint supplements, Flexcin products are the only degenerative joint relief supplements with the CM8 ingredient, clinically proven to stimulate joint fluid lubrication, strengthen cartilage and increase mobility. For more information visit http://www.flexcin.com/, http://www.flexpet.com/

American Suite by Diana Sheets

2011-08-25T05:57:00.000-07:00

Sophie, Arisa’s sister, has her own set of challenges. Her husband loses his job; she’s attracted to her youngest son’s tutor, and her boys begin embracing conflicting religions. The family turns to sailing in an attempt to find common ground; however, the boat is damaged during a race. Then there’s Rosalyn, the widowed, seventy-something mother who lives in New York. Rosalyn is a Christian but turns to Judaism (and Yiddish obscenities) when she falls in love with Saul only to be devastated when the love of her life later dies of cancer. Three women, all in therapy, all in conflict though deeply connected, all struggling to make their way in this multicultural morass we call America today, and all engaged in writing their memoirs.

This adventure comedy celebrates the strength and resilience of these three strong women. It gives readers a first-hand glimpse of today’s real American family – dysfunctional but thriving, nonetheless! American Suite has received rave reviews and has all the makings of a box-office smash hit.

Please visit; http://www.literarygulag.com/ for more information on Dr. Diana Sheets.

American Suite is available on Amazon

Surviving Preschool Sign-Up Season

2011-08-23T02:16:00.000-07:00

How to Select the Right Program for Your Child - by Kiddie Academy

Early childhood is a crucial time for children’s cognitive development. Many parents enroll their child in preschool, with expectations of a curriculum that will prepare their child for future academic and life success. Often, the process of selecting the appropriate pre-school program can be stressful and many parents aren’t sure where to begin.

An important first step for parents is to know what they want for their child in a preschool experience. Whether the goal is socialization with their peers or a learning environment with a high-quality educational curriculum, establishing this from the beginning makes the process of searching for and choosing a preschool much easier.

“When looking for the right preschool for their child, parents should take into consideration where their child is developmentally,” said Claire Haas vice president of education for Kiddie Academy, a national child care and education franchisor. “All programs have a different makeup of teachers, classes and facilities, so it is also important to visit as many as possible to find one that is the right fit for your family.”

Haas recommends the following tips for parents enrolling their child in preschool:

1. Start early. Begin researching programs in September the year before your child would begin preschool. This will give you time to assess different options so that you are able to make an informed decision on where to send your child without feeling rushed. Keep in mind that most programs have open houses and enrollment periods from January to March.

2.      Establish your “must-have” list. Determine the needs of you and your child and what criteria each preschool must meet to fulfill those needs. For example, do you want a full or part-time program? Does the school offer a hot meal, or will you need to pack lunch every day?

3.      Visit as many different programs as possible. It is important to do your legwork and know all of the pros and cons for each program you are considering. Don’t forget to look beyond your traditional preschool options and also consider programs with educational child care centers. Give yourself ample time to visit different programs, being sure to focus on items from your “must-have” list.

4.      Request referrals. Ask other parents and friends about their preschool experience to get an idea of what other people are saying. When you visit a school, talk to other parents and teachers to get their opinions of the program. If you are able to visit during drop-off time, pay attention to children and parents. Do they seem happy?

5.      Consider accreditation. Accreditation from organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA) program verifies that a third party has evaluated the program and it meets national standards.

For more education and parenting tips, sign up for the Parenting Essentials newsletter at; www.kiddieacademy.com/newsletter.

About Kiddie Academy®

For more than 29 years, Kiddie Academy® has been a leader in education-based child care. The company serves families and their children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old, offering full time care, before- and after-school care and summer camp programs. Kiddie Academy’s proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum, supporting programs, methods, activities and techniques help prepare children for life. Kiddie Academy is accredited by AdvancEd, signifying its commitment to quality education and the highest standards

What to Do the First Two Weeks of School to Get Off to a Good Start

2011-08-21T03:35:00.000-07:00

Think of beginning a new school year the way a good athlete faces a game. The athlete understands the challenges of the other team, carefully prepares, knows what strategies to use, and is ready when the whistle is blown. Similarly, well-prepared students succeed now and in college.

Before the first two weeks of school, talk to your student about doing these things:

1. Carefully preview text books and class calendars for each new course. Get a good idea of what classes will cover and what teachers expect. Mark important dates on a calendar so tests and major assignments don't catch your teen unawares.

2. Have at least one private conversation with your teacher. Talking with your teacher early on gives a student a higher comfort level and starting a dialog early helps when you need to talk with them about problems later. Conversation starters: Tell a teacher what about the course interests you; ask for tips on how to study for the course; ask how the subject relates to 'real life' and how you'll use the information later.

3. Plan a study schedule for the semester. Because education is a climb and not a walk, your student should study more at home than last year. Help your teen control time and the number of activities to make room for study.

4. Think about the previous semester. Any problems with a certain subject? Has your teen talked to his/her former teacher or guidance counselor about these difficulties? A new teacher should also know about past struggles. Get a jump-start on getting help and heading off problems and discouragement before they begin. Explain that "tough" subjects take more study time. Make time for it.

5. Chart Grades: Yes the teacher does this, but students should also keep track of every grade so that they always know where they stand in a class.

WHY ARE THESE THINGS IMPORTANT?

How younger students use the first two weeks of each semester is essential to their success. What's more, ultimately, your student is getting ready for college, which requires many hours of independent study, time-management, and planning.

Students as early as middle school must begin to learn how to control themselves, their courses, and the learning process. They need to begin "training" now.

For more information check out, Dr. Robert Neuman, former Associate Dean for Student Academic Development at Marquette University and author of ARE YOU REALLY READY FOR COLLEGE: 12 SECRETS FOR SUCCESS.

Talk Money with Kids Early On to Properly Prepare Them for the Future

2011-08-19T07:12:00.000-07:00

by: Certified Financial Planner Julie Murphy Casserly

“Money doesn’t grow on trees.” This saying may seem obvious, although today’s youth seem to think the opposite. Who can blame them though – unlike the baby boomers the new generation of youth have grown up in a time of economic prosperity and are used to being coddled by their parents. In 2011 alone, over 85 percent of college graduates will be moving back home (Huffington Post).

Recently, the recent economic situation has shown us that anything can happen at any given moment and we (and our children) need to be prepared. Though it may not be possible to teach a pre-schooler the complexities behind 401Ks and credit cards, it is possible to start teaching children the importance of money at an early age. Chicago Healers Practitioner Julie Murphy Casserly (CLU, ChFC, CFP) stresses the importance of instilling good money habits in children as early as possible and offers easy conversation topics to address the issue at every age.

· Pre-School

Yes, money patterns begin to formulate during the pre-school years. You can start talking to your child about money when they are 2 or 3 by explaining that everything costs money – from the food they eat, the clothes they wear, to the house they live in. These talks need to go beyond the necessities too. Explain that new toys, accessories or video games are things your family can live without. Introduce new toys to them a few at a time, rather than showering them with an over-abundance of playthings. This will help them get used to the fact that they don’t need a heap of toys to be happy.

· School-Aged

By the time your child is 6 or 7 years old you can start teaching them about prioritizing their money. For example, when you are at the toy store, instead of letting them pick anything off the shelf, try giving your child five dollars and letting them choose something that fits within this price tag. For parents who buy their children anything and everything, the child will expect this treatment later on in life, giving them a sense of entitlement. Ask yourself, is this the reality I want for my child 15 years from now?

This is also the point in time to show your child that money is the result of hard work. Work out a plan with a family friend or neighbor where your child will do housework or yard work for $5-$10 cash. Then give them the power to choose how they want to spend or save their hard-earned money.

· High School

At this time, it is critical to create a financial collaboration with your son or daughter. Encourage them to get a part-time job to help pay for their car insurance, their gas or portions of the monthly car payment. Children should be held accountable for sharing some of these costs with their parents. Once they get that paycheck, establish guidelines on how it should be dispersed — 1/3 goes towards that car payment, 1/3 goes towards their future college fund and 1/3 can be spent on whatever they choose.

During this age, it’s also important to highlight the importance of living a quality of life, rather than the quality of things that you own. Help your children understand that material things like a brand new car when they turn 16, are often a source of immediate happiness, but sooner or later, this happiness fades and they will be left searching for deeper self-fulfillment.

· College

Your child is an adult now. Have an adult conversation with them about their finances and make sure they understand how credit works. Tell them about your experiences with credit card use – the good, bad and the ugly. Once kids are on their own, temptations will always arise and children in this age bracket will more than likely consider opening a credit card to fund some of these temptations. Explain how credit cards can bring a false sense of financial reality. They make us less conscious of where our money is flowing and how much we are spending. Talk about how the constant struggle to earn cash to pay off debt can take a physical and emotional toll.

About ChicagoHealers.com

Chicago Healers (http://www.chicagohealers.com/) is the nation’s pioneer prescreened integrative health care network, offering a comprehensive understanding of each practitioner’s services, approach, and philosophy. Our holistic health experts teach and advocate natural and empowered health and life choices through their practices, the media, educational events, and our website. With close to 200 practitioners and over 300 treatment services, Chicago Healers has provided nearly 400 free educational events for Chicagoans and has been featured in 300+ TV news programs and print publications.

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

Dark Territory - A Review

2011-08-16T07:20:00.000-07:00

Rivals between the "rich kids" and the "disadvantaged kids" is nothing new, but when the opposing gang leaders must work together against a force darker than anything they've ever seen, it suddenly becomes very terrifying.

Raphael and his family moved to the small, desolate town of Middleburg to help keep Raphael from falling in with the wrong people. However, living on the poor side of town automatically makes Raph a "Flatliner" and instant enemies with the strong opposing rich "Topper" kids. To make matters worse, Raphael has an instant connection with Amiee (a Topper newly back from a stint in a house for troubled teen girls). She feels it too, but her brother (Topper gang) is determined to keep them apart at all costs.

As the gang wars escalate a strange darkness falls over the town and the now abandoned railroad tunnels are being haunted by a deadly force. Can Raphael and his enemies fight this force? Find out in Dark Territory written by J. Gabriel Gates and Charlene Keel.

This young adult fiction is sure to be a hit - it has block buster movie written all over it!

For more information visit, please visit the author’s website at: http://www.jgabrielgates.com/ or the media site at: http://www.m.hcibooks.com/ for downloads of posters, wallpaper, ringtones or information on the book.

How Parents Can Help Their Kids Overcome Obestiy

2011-08-14T05:34:00.000-07:00

by Dr. Dolgoff

The U.S. National Library of Medicine estimates that at least one out of five children in the U.S. is overweight. There are several reasons why parents need be concerned over an overweight or obese child. Obese children and adolescents have shown an alarming increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes. Many obese children have high cholesterol and blood pressure levels, which are risk factors for heart disease. One of the most severe problems for obese children is sleep apnea (interrupted breathing while sleeping). In some cases this can lead to problems with learning and memory. In addition, obese children have a high incidence of orthopedic problems, liver disease, and asthma.

How to determine if your child is overweight or obese:

A doctor is the best person to determine whether your child has a weight problem. Doctors will measure your child’s weight, height, age and growth patterns to determine if his or her weight is within a healthy range. Based on your child’s height and weight, they will calculate a body mass index (BMI). If your child’s BMI is greater than 95 percent of children their age and gender, they are considered to be overweight.

Why children become overweight:

Genetic factors: Children become overweight for a variety of reasons. The most common causes are genetic factors, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of these factors. In rare cases, a medical problem, such as an endocrine disorder, may cause a child to become overweight. A careful physical exam and some blood tests will determine if your child is overweight due to this type of problem.

Children whose parents or brothers or sisters are overweight may be at an increased risk of becoming overweight themselves. However, not all children with a family history of obesity will be overweight. Genetic factors play a role in increasing the likelihood that a child will be overweight, but shared family behaviors such as eating and activity habits also greatly influence body weight.

Lifestyle: A child’s total diet and his or her activity level both play an important role in determining a child’s weight. The average American child spends approximately 24 hours each week watching television - time that could be spent in some sort of physical activity.

What parents can do to help:

Be supportive: Overweight children need support, acceptance, and encouragement from their parents. Children’s feelings about themselves often are based on their parents’ feelings about them. It is also important to talk to your children about weight, allowing them to share their concerns with you.

Don't use food as a punishment or reward: Withholding food as a punishment may lead children to worry that they will not get enough food which may result in overeating. When foods, such as sweets, are used as a reward, children may assume that these foods are better or more valuable than other foods. For example, telling children that they will get dessert if they eat all of their vegetables sends the wrong message about vegetables.

Set a good example: Children are good learners, and they learn best by example. Set a good example for your kids by eating a variety of foods and being physically active. Involve children in food shopping and preparing. Children may be more willing to eat or try foods that they help prepare.

Teach healthy habits: Teaching healthy eating practices early will help children approach eating with the right attitude: Food should be enjoyed and is necessary for growth, development, and for energy to keep the body running. Guide their choices rather than dictate foods. This will help your children learn how to make healthy food choices. Encourage your child to eat slowly. A child can detect hunger and fullness better when eating slowly.

Cut down on fat: Reducing fat is a good way to cut calories without depriving your child of nutrients. Simple ways to cut the fat in your family’s diet include eating lowfat or nonfat dairy products, poultry without skin and lean meats, and low-fat or fat-free breads and cereals. By the time the child is about 5 years old, you should gradually adopt a diet that contains no more than 30 percent of calories from fat.

Healthy snacking: You should make snacks as nutritious as possible, without depriving your child of occasional chips or cookies, especially at parties or other social events. Healthy snacks include: applesauce, carrot sticks with hummus, peanut butter on apples, yogurt, dried fruit, fruit juice popsicles, low fat cheese, etc.

Increase your physical activity: Regular physical activity, combined with healthy eating habits, is the most efficient and healthful way to control your weight. Some simple ways to increase your family’s physical activity include the following: Plan family activities like walking, dancing, biking, or swimming. For example, schedule a walk with your family after dinner instead of watching TV or playing video games. Overweight children may feel uncomfortable about participating in certain activities so it is important to help your child find physical activities that they enjoy and that aren’t embarrassing or too difficult.

About the Author:

Dr. Dolgoff’s Weigh: Child and Adolescent Weight Management practice boasts a 96% weight loss success rate. There are offices in Manhattan, N.Y. and Roslyn Heights, N.Y. There is also a national online component (http://www.drweigh.com/) to the program which children all over the country have been using to lose weight.

My Quest to be a Single Dad - A Review

2011-08-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

They say the love of a mother is one of the most powerful things, but what if you're a single man? Should that love be considered any less powerful?

Meet Garry White, a single, never-been-married man that desperately wants to make a home for a disadvantaged boy (or boys). His qualifications are impeccable except for one small blemish - his brief stint with anxiety that left him seeking professional assistant.

Garry's 30 plus years struggling against an unfair system will not only touch your heart, it will leave you wondering what's wrong with the bureaucratic, higher-ups of these adoption agencies.

In addition, Garry also offers advice and help for anyone trying to wade through the adoption process - It's a must read!

My Quest to be a Single Dad - Thirty Plus Years Trying to Adopt is available on Amazon and Tate Publishing

The Poisoned House - A Review

2011-08-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

Fifteen-year-old, servant girl, Abi has a tough life working as a scullery maid at Greave Hall. Between the long grueling hours and the hateful, mean head house-keeper, Mrs Cotton, Abi's life is anything but wonderful.

However, when a ghostly apparition starts to cause havoc around the mansion, Abi sets out to discover a painful truth that will have her questioning everything she thought was true.

The Poisoned House by Michael Ford is a good-ole-fashioned ghost story. The fact that it's set back in the 1850's only adds to the elements that make-up a thrilling story. It was suspenseful and kept me guessing right to the very end. And even though it's written for ages 13 and up, it kept me in gripping suspense.

If you only read one book this year, it's got to be The Poisoned House - totally awesome. I LOVED it!!

Find it on Albert Whitman & Company, and Amazon

A Rainy Week

2011-08-08T12:01:00.000-07:00

Eleven year old Ellen is excited to be visiting her favorite vacation spot, Lake Okoboji. But when the rain starts and continues throughout the entire week, what will Ellen find to fill her time...find out in; A Rainy Week.

Eleven year old Ellen F. Frances has written and illustrated this fun picture book. It shows kids that even though it may be raining outside, that doesn't mean the fun stops.

Check out, A Rainy Week at Ellen's web site; http://ellenkeast.com/ or on Amazon

About the Author:

Ellen Frances Keast is a full-time student with a wide array of talents. In addition to writing and illustrating A Rainy Week, the second book of her published series, Ellen has also participated and excelled in numerous speech and poetry competitions. In her spare time, Ellen enjoys playing the saxophone, gardening, and baking. The first book in the series, A Snowy Week, was written when she was in the first grade. Ellen Frances Keast currently lives in Harlan, Iowa where she is writing the next book for her series, A Sunny Week, which will be set in Hawaii. A Rainy Week by Ellen Frances Keast (published by Strategic Book Group, RPR $10) is available from the publisher’s website http://www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/ and Amazon www.amazon.com. Please visit the author’s website at http://www.ellenkeast.com/.

Poodles, Noodles and Snickerdoodles - A Review

2011-08-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

What happens when two poodle pups are left to their own eating choices? Find out in, Poodles, Noodles and Snickerdoodles by Kathy L. Raunikar.

This delightful book is written in rhyme and provides a valuable lesson in healthy eating. With its fun and gentle reminder to both children and parents, nutritional food choices save the day (and poodle pups waist lines!).

The illustrations done by Ingrid M. Raunikar will both thrill and delight your young reader/listener as the cute poodle pups and their poodle-parents lead them through the story.

Poodles, Noodles and Snickerdoodles is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Published by; Yorkshire Publishing

Movie Theater Snack Tips

2011-08-04T06:32:00.000-07:00

by Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, M.D

When you are at the movies the aroma of popcorn hits you as soon as you walk though the door. For many people, the experience of going to the movies includes popcorn, soda, and candy. These high calorie treats could be scarier than the next blockbuster horror flick! With a little planning, you can still enjoy a yummy snack that doesn’t sabotage your diet.

You may wonder just how bad a tub of popcorn could be. On average, a large popcorn (which contains 20 cups) contains approximately 100 grams of fat- the equivalent of more than six fast food hamburgers. With about 1,300 calories, that large popcorn packs almost a full day’s supply of calories for the average dieter.

If you have more of a sweet tooth chocolate bars and boxes of candy might be your downfall. Although you may think that you are able to eat only half of a candy bar in actuality it is very difficult at the movies. Studies show that while watching television or a movie people tend to consume more calories because they are distracted. If you bring health pre-portioned snacks to the movies you will not have to worry about over eating. The best way to avoid temptation at the theater is to eat a balanced meal beforehand full of lean protein and fiber rich carbohydrates. This will keep you satisfied for several hours.

One way to enjoy a treat at the movies without destroying your waistline is to bring your own snacks from home. Here are some health alternatives you can choose:

· Bottles water, club soda, or crystal lite

· Flavor and Fiber Gnu bar or Chocolite Protein Bar

· Dry cereal: Fiber One, Kashi Go Lean or Puffins

· Low fat mozzarella string cheese

· Orville Redenbacher’s 100 calorie mini bags

· 1oz pistachios

· Baby carrots or Sliced Peppers

· Pretzels

· Fruit such as apples, strawberries, raspberries

· Emerald coco roasted almonds 100 calorie pack

· Shelled, salted edamame

· A mix of almonds, raisins, & mini marshmallows

· Jicama matchsticks, tossed with lime juice & chili powder

· Frozen red or green grapes

Going to the movies is a social experience-and that means eating for many people. But you don’t have to miss out on the fun just because you’re watching your diet. By bringing your own portion-controlled snacks from him the only things you’ll be missing are the inches you’ll lose from your waist!

About the Author:

Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, M.D is a Pediatrician and child obesity specialist. She and her weight loss program (http://www.drweigh.com/) have 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 also is a contributing blogger to the Huffington Post. 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 at; http://www.drdolgoff.com/.

Moon Shot - A Review

2011-08-01T02:39:00.000-07:00

I'm not old enough to remember the first time a man walked on the moon or any of the suspense, excitement and sometimes unfortunate tragedy that came along with it.

Moon Shot by Alan Shepard and Deke Slayton with Jay Barbree is a wonderful book that gives the reader the whole story from start to finish. From the flights themselves, historical moments and tonnes of background information. It includes:

The rigorous selection process in 1959
tense hours and problems that doomed Apollo 1
practical and political reasons behind Apollo 8
a look at the Apollo 11 mission
Armstrong's and Aldrin's historic walk on July 20, 1969
the incredible efforts made to return Apollo 13
Slayton's 16 year wait to finally get to the moon

I found Moon Shot to be absolutely fascinating and an exciting read! It's vivid details of the moon and the earth from space made me feel like I was there with the astronauts. I never knew a lot about the space program and the fellows involved, but after reading Moon Shot I feel like I now have an idea of the bravery, determination and out and out courage it would take to fly to the moon. This book is a must read! Even your kids will find it utterly fascinating!

Moon Shot is available on Amazon