Funology

The study of fun...hmm, what a cool concept.  Well, I stumbled over this site for kids that I think would be really neat to investigate.  It has some magic trick ideas, jokes, yummy recipes, and more!  The age group ranges from kindergarten to grade 9, so kids can enjoy it for a while!

http://www.funology.com/

Classic: Jack and Jill

We can't forget those classic nursery ryhmes. Now-a-days most children haven't even heard of them. Isn't that sad.  Here, share this with your children... Jack and Jill

Jack and Jill went up the hill, To fetch a pail of water; Jack fell down, and broke his crown, And Jill came tumbling after. When up Jack got and off did trot, As fast as he could caper, To old Dame Dob, who patched his nob With vinegar and brown paper.

Drawing the furry, fluffy, and feathered

Everyone struggles with certain techniques when it comes to drawing.  Well if your struggle is with fur, fluf, or feathers...then do I have the link for you!  I would say that you have to have the drawing aspect down pretty well first, but even if you don't you can definately benefit from checking this site out.  Practice makes perfect.  I know, I know...so cliche, right?  Well, even though you have heard it a million or billion times over, it doesn't make it less true.  I find you always should draw when you are in the mood to draw.  If you are having one of those "off days" (similar to the one I had yesterday), then you may want to take a break from drawing so as not to become frusterated with your projects.  I hope you all had a great Wednesday!  Chow!

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/drawing-the-furry-fluffy-and-feathered.html

The Loneliness Cure Sneak Peak

Rabbit packed his favorite toy.  It was a race car that was red.  He made sure to pack all of his blankets, so that he would have a nice, warm bed.  My parents won't miss me, he grumped.  All they do is nag.  I am going to leave with all my stuff put into this big bag.


A young rabbit decides to live on his own.  There seemed to be too many rules at home!  What will Rabbit discover when he doesn't have his parents close by?  Read, The Loneliness Cure, and find out!


http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000510148/The-Loneliness-Cure.aspx

A Natural Approach to More Sleep

If you are a parent (or not, but still lacking rest) and just can't get that good night sleep that you deserve, here are some natural options that you can consider to help you feel less stressed and catch those Z's:

Magnesium:A deficiency of this mineral may actually be the cause of insomnia and anxiety.  If you decide to go this route (doesn't hurt to consult your doctor), then limit your dose to no more  than 250mg a day to avoid loose stools (yeah, I know...I mentioned poop, teehee), a possible side effect.

Melatonin:This hormone is responsible for regulating wake-sleep cycles.  Your body produces less as you age or if you do shift work, so a supplement can help.  I have taken this, and it makes a great deal of difference.  However, word of caution...there is a sense of fogginess that can occur after a few days of use, so you may want to take it every second or third day if you notice this happening to you.

5-HTP:This naturally occurring amino acid is converted into the mood-regulating hormones serotonin and melatonin.  It can decrease anxiety if taken during the day; evening dose may help you relax for bed.

Natural food stores are great places to find these items, and often drugstores can have some of these as well.  Sleep is so important for our mood, health, and so much more.  Try these if you cannot get that rest that you need!  Happy sleeping everyone!

Note: These are options strictly for adults.

All Aboard the Festivity Express, Choo, Choo!

Ok, so I am super, duper excited for my birthday weekend!  Lots of plans with family and friends!  It should be a great time! Getting older doesn't have to stink. Age is a state of mind, and my mind still thinks it's a kid!  Yay, I should be having a blast many, many years to come!  Why act like it's a bad thing.  It happens to the best of us, and y'know I would much rather embrace it and have a good time then be miserable. 
I hope you have a lot of exciting plans this weekend.  Make it exciting if you have nothing planned.  Be goofy, laugh often, and appreciate being alive!  Cheers everyone!



The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

The Outsiders is definately one of my fave reads when I was a teen.  It was engaging and fun, everything a book should be.  It's hard to believe that some may have not read it, but if you haven't, I suggest it.  Take a look at the synopsis for more information:


Synopsis:
According to Ponyboy, there are two kinds of people in the world: greasers and socs. A soc (short for "social") has money, can get away with just about anything, and has an attitude longer than a limousine. A greaser, on the other hand, always lives on the outside and needs to watch his back. Ponyboy is a greaser, and he's always been proud of it, even willing to rumble against a gang of socs for the sake of his fellow greasers--until one terrible night when his friend Johnny kills a soc. The murder gets under Ponyboy's skin, causing his world to crumble and teaching him that pain feels the same whether a soc or a greaser.

S.E. Hinton on the book:
The Outsiders is definitely my best selling book; but what I like most about it is how it has taught a lot of kids to enjoy reading.



Warmth to the hands and Warmth to the Soul

There is nothing better, then cozying up with a good book and a cup of tea in your hand when the day is as cold as it is outside.  It seems that Winter decided to come a little late for our little town.  I am lucky to be able to stay indoors and not have to brave the elements.  A book to warm the hands and a tea to warm the soul.  For those that don't have that luxury, my thoughts are with you and I hope you will find warmth in your own way.  For now, here is a poem.  It could make a great love letter for a special person in your life:

What it Means to Love

As far as the ocean is wide
through miles and miles of sea;
You will be someone special
a true miracle to me.

As high upon the mountain tops
as high as one can climb;
You will be so dear to me
the best friend I can find.

As many stars that twinkle
throughout the heavens above;
You will be a a bright reminder
of what it means to love.

-author unknown-



Spilt Apple Sauce And No Soiled Water

I have to admit that I enjoy eating while in the tub.  Some find it weird, but baths are relaxing and eating is too!  Today I decided to have a nice relaxing soak.  I hadn't had breakfast yet, so I grabbed a granola bar and some pomegranate apple sauce.  Multi-tasking is not always a good thing.  We women like to think it's a strong point of ours, but it can be to our folly as well.  This morning it was!  I opened the lid, ate a spoon full of it, grabbed some Archie comics, a towel, and as I was laying everything exactly where I wanted it...SPLOOT!  I didn't realize that I was holding my apple sauce sideways, and well, it spilt everywhere....wait for it....except in the tub!  Hazaa!  I was soooo looking forward to the bath, and it would have been oh so sad, had I had to empty it and start over.  Plus it was piping hot, and I may have used all or most of the hot water.  I had a white towel too, but I think it's part ninja because it too did not get soiled by the pomegranate mush! Just some of my daughters bath toys and the floor.  Easy clean. 
There happened to be half of the apple sauce left for me to eat while in the tub, and of course I had my trusty granola bar. 
Sometimes we can cry over spilt milk, or in this case, apple sauce, but I decided to laugh no matter the outcome and the day is looking rather splendid!  Take care all!  I hope you are having a lovely Sunday thus far. We will catch up again tomorrow!

Peanut Butter & Banana Coins Recipe (age 6yrs and under)

Ingredients:

Tortillas (as much as you think your munchkin will eat)
Peanut Butter
Bananas
Honey (optional)

Directions for you and your little one to do together:

Open the tortilla till it's flat on a cutting board.  Spread desired amount of peanut butter on tortilla.  Place banana on one end, and roll the tortilla around it.  Cut into slices about 2 inches thick.  Drizzle with honey (if desired).  Repeat if they want more!

you can find this recipe and other useful recipes on kraftcanada

Giggle Poetry

This is a really cute site about poetry.  It's all sorts of fun activities for your kids all the way to grade 9!  You can learn to write limericks or nursery rhymes. There is even a fill in the blank poetry that your children can try.  Check it out!


http://www.gigglepoetry.com/

My New Book!

Check out my new book available now at authorhouse! 

http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000510148/The-Loneliness-Cure.aspx

A young rabbit decides to live on his own. There seemed to be too many rules at home! What will Rabbit discover when he doesn't have his parents close by?     

Kids Know It!

I was stumbling upon educational sites for kids, and this one seemed really fun.  There is a bunch of games they can play to enhance their learning (perfect for summers away from school), and a historical quote on the homepage as well as a historical fact and featured animal.  If your child loves to challenge themselves then this is the site for them and you! Have a great time learning and exploring with your child! 

http://www.kidsknowit.com/