Who dropped the Bombshell?: Aunt Sophia's Lessons for Bombshells by Lisa Cach Book Review

Grace Cavanaugh is off to visit her eccentric Aunt Sophia for the summer in this rollicking romp of chick lit proportions. Aunt Sophia is a former B-Movie star, whose sensuality and diva drive may send Grace ready to high-tail it to the nearest funny farm, but Sophia sees a spark of herself in the lackluster Grace and sets aside her personal time to transform this average girl into a ravishing beauty.

Grace is game for this challenge which gives her plenty of research for her upcoming Women's Studies thesis surrounding beauty. Sophia does offer Grace a little added incentive that gives her the romantic challenge of her life.

Mix in two handsome and charming men, a friend still simmering over Grace's lack of affection to her wiles and the pacific paradise of California for a lesson in "bombshell-tude".

I am still reading this book. I enjoy Aunt Sophia's feisty fire, but feel that the storyline and characters are too cliched and played out to hold my attention (which can happen with many chick lit writer's storylines). While I intend to finish this book, I am beginning to become irritated by Grace's clinical research notes and Declan's male chauvinistic bravado.

Update: I've finished reading this novel and I have to say I enjoyed the twist and turns of the final chapters of the book. I was actually surprised by demure Dr. Andrew's plan, Sophia's shocking secret and the sincerity of ever brash Declan. All in all, it was a decent book with a good ending. I feel they could have left out some of the gratuitous happenings, but all in all it turned out okay.

Searching For Her Son: Review of Philomena Staring Judy Dench and Steve Coogan

Philomena 

Released: 2013 

Starring: Judy Dench and Steve Coogan 

Philomena chronicles the search and depth of a mother’s love for a child she lost to adoption years ago. 

Philomena Lee was a young woman whose brief romantic encounter ended in an unplanned pregnancy which was shunned by both her religion and society in the mid-twentieth century. Desperate and in need of help, she entered a convent for “girls in trouble” run by local nuns. 

Suddenly, her world is ripped apart before her eyes, as a sedan pulls up to the steps of the convent. Out walked sweet, cherubic Anthony and a friend’s daughter. Helplessly, her heart skips a beat as she ran frantically after the sedan with the newly adopted children. That day her determined spirit is shadowed by the sadness of the profound loss of a child she barely knew. 

Fifty years later, on Anthony’s birthday, Philomena stares at a time-worn photo of her son given to her by one of the kind nuns in the convent. Her daughter, comments on the picture and find out the hidden secret. 

As a cocktail waitress for exclusive parties, her daughter meets former BBC journalist Martin Sixsmith. She asks Martin to help her mother locate the son she had lost to adoption. 

Begrudgingly, Martin takes the assignment. Through his tireless research, he finds out the “fluff” human interest journalism he despises can impact not only the life of an elderly woman, but his own. With much trial, tribulation, and travel, Martin and Philomena investigate her son’s journey and times. 

Judy Dench is superb. Her unnervingly raw and heartfelt portrayal of Philomena breathed life into this captivating film. Steve Coogan gave a remarkable, guarded and hard-edged appeal to Martin Sixsmith’s steely demeanor. 

More About the Film 

Official Website: 

http://philomenamovie.com/index.html

Awards: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2431286/awards?ref_=tt_awd

(Awards page source: Internet Movie Database) 

Let's Rock and Roll: Review of Lick by Kylie Scott (Stage Dive Book 1)

Wanna marry a rock star? Well that’s what non-glamorous, ordinary Evelyn Thomas did. 

Waking up in a drunken stupor on the bathroom floor may be a somewhat, ahem, typical college quandary, but not for this straight-as-an arrow girl celebrating her 21st birthday in Vegas.

Bleary-eyed and bewildered, Evelyn is blown away by the drop-dead handsome face of heartthrob rocker David Ferris and the dazzling ring which graces her finger as she awakens. Is it a dream, a nightmare, a hallucinogenic episode? No, it's her new reality, as wife to the dreamy musician of the band, Stage Dive. 

This sends the two into a multitude of hijinks including ducking from reporters, lascivious lawyers and avoiding their own feelings of mutual lust and inevitable compatibility. 

Scott’s catchy, tongue-in-cheek voice of her spunky and snarky heroine, Evelyn, perfectly complements David Ferris’ brooding, sentimental and gentle demeanor. 

Readers will enjoy devouring this quick-paced, rock-and roll novel that will leave them breathless and clamoring for a taste of the spotlight.

On the Beaches of Normandy: Picture Books to Commemorate the 70th Anniversary of D-Day

Today is the 70th Anniversary of D-Day. To commemorate the bravery of the Allied Forces in their fight against the Nazi occupation, I've created a list of picture books pertaining to the 1940's and wartime events. 

Please click the following link to be brought to my early childhood education blog, glitterandgluesticksforever.blogspot.com to view the book list. 

http://glitterandgluesticksforever.blogspot.com/2014/06/on-beaches-of-normandy-picture-books.html

Golden Opportunity: Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow

What do you think of when you open up a Little Golden Book? Chances are you think of home cuddled up next to a favorite relative giddy to hear another story.

 Little Golden Books reflect hope, instill cheerfulness and  create a moral compass through charismatic and innately good characters which give this cold, cruel and sometimes downright rotten world a glimmer of safety and warmth.

Everything I Need to Know I Learned From A Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow  makes even the least sentimental and rigid personalities long for a hug from their mothers or reminds them of heartfelt past remembrances.

Each page contains a lovingly rendered illustration from some of Little Golden Books most cherished tales. A chubby little elephant from The Saggy Baggy Elephant greets you with an impish smile and children swirl across the pages in bright shades of blue, red and yellow in a gleeful parade.

The words inked and message spoken through a gentle and direct voice, speak of the importance of savoring life to its fullest, worrying less, and truly living.

One of my favorite sections of the book bears an image of two children strolling on a beach with the simple statement "look up". This alerts us to the fact that we live in a big world whose actions are beyond our control, but can be contained and enjoyed by just being present.

If you are looking for bibliophile's valium, you've found it. Leafing through this story gives readers a "golden" opportunity to be wowed by the little things in life.

Source: Amazon.com Image 

IL-luminating Illinois: Books About Illinois

Illinois is a big state with more than corn, cows and of course, Chicago! Take a look at these books  whose plots take place in the “Prairie State” or are about the “Land of Lincoln”. They would surely make even Mr. Lincoln (himself) smile.

Young Adult 

Love, Amalia by Alma Flor Ada (2012) 

Pointe by Brandy Colbert (2014) 

Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles (2013) 

A Midsummer’s Nightmare: A Novel by Kody Keplinger 

Coal Town Jesus by Ronald Koertge (2013) 

Claim to Fame by Margaret Haddix Peterson (2010)

The Shadow Beside Me by Marie Rutkoski (2012) 

Just Your Average Princess by Kristina Springer (2011) 

Time Between Us by Tamera Ireland Stone (2012) 1st in series 

Roller Girls Falling Hard by Megan Sparks (1st in Roller Girl Series) (2013) 

Juvenile Fiction 

Let’s Go, White Sox by Aimee Aryal (2007) 

The Secret of the Painted House by Marion Dane Bauer (2007) 

Secrets of the Cicada Summer by Andrea Beaty (2010) Extra Credit by Andrew Clements Clues in the Shadows: A Molly Mystery by Kathleen Ernst (American Girl Mysteries Series) (2009)

The Summer I Saved the World...in 65 Days by Michele Weber Hurwitz (2014) 

Deliver Us From Normal by Kate Klise (2005)

Project Mulberry: A Novel by Linda Sue Park (2005) 

A Long Way From Chicago: A Novel in Stories by Richard Peck (2004)

On the Wings of Heroes by Richard Peck (2005)

Younger Children 

Bears ABC (2012) and Chicago Cubs ABC (2013) by Brad M. Epstein 

Good Night Chicago by Adam Gamble (2006)

Little Illinois: Lot of Fun with Rhyming Riddles by Esther Hershenhorn (2011) 

Pizza Pie in the Sky: A Story About Illinois by Karen Latchana Kenney (2009)

What Am I? : Illinois by Anne Margaret Lewis (2011) 

Larry Gets Lost in Chicago by Michael Mullin (2010)

Chicago Baby by Jerome Pohlen (2013)

1 2 3 Chicago: A Cool Counting Book by Puck (2009)

L is for Lincoln: An Illinois Alphabet by Kathy-Jo Wargin (2000)

Prairie Number: An Illinois Number Book by Kathy-Jo Wargin (2006)

One of the Best Non-fiction Social Studies Series for Preschoolers: Welcome Books by Lloyd G. Douglas

Social studies in preschool is a particularly sticky topic. Too much info, your little cutie-pies eyes glaze over, too little and an attack of ants in the pants settles in. Thankfully, during this patriotic Fourth of July week I was able to find an awesome series for preschoolers.

Welcome Books authored by Lloyd G. Douglas gives straightforward, simple facts which need little explanation for even the youngest of students. The photographs are large and stunning. Each volume offers an index and definitions of the bold words in the book. My favorites in the series include those on the American flag, Liberty Bell and the Statue of Liberty. Check out these small wonders at your local library for an extra special touch to your next civic-minded lesson plan.

In Need of Preschooler Friendly Books?: Check out Tiger Tales Books

Head on over to my Early Childhood Education blog Glitter and Glue sticks Forever to view a post devoted to the perfectly preschooler publisher: Tiger Tales Books whose stories are easily identifiable by their wholesome messages and cute-as-a-button illustration.

http://glitterandgluesticksforever.blogspot.com/2013/05/perfectly-preschool-book-publishers-eye.html

It's A Smallman World After All: Review of The Monkey with a Bright Blue Bottom by Steve Smallman

The Monkey With a Bright Blue Bottom by Steve Smallman
Publication Date: 2009

Smallman "paints" a splendiferous and zany picture of a primate with a passion for the arts in the outrageously bananas tale: The Monkey with a Bright Blue Bottom.

In this bubbly yarn, a monkey yearns for the rainbow colors of the birds aflight in the crystal clear blue sky. As he peruses a bevy of his ho-hum, so-so and decidedly blah-hued jungle counterparts he stumbles across a palette full of brightly colored hues and goes ape in no time flat.

With the flick of the wrist of this monkey Monet, zebras are dressed divine with black lines, a giraffe becomes quite "square" as his yellow skin is given a checkerboard air, but this little artiste is sure to find that some animals may not find their new coats as sublime.

Be sure to read on to learn that there's no if ands or "butts" about it:  this cheeky little monkey will surely pay his dues.

 Children will enjoy reading this lively and dramatic story that will lead to much laughter and a good dose of monkeying around.

Check Out My Newest Blog: Glitter and Gluesticks Forever!

I love getting crafty with glitter and glue sticks (and so do my preschool students)!

If you enjoy learning about early childhood education, are a preschool teacher or ece student, mom or just about anyone, why don't you click on the following link to see a blog developed to profile my teaching techniques, lesson plans and much more relating to Early Childhood Education?

Recent blog posts you may enjoy include:

Sea stars and Seahorses: Ideas for an Under the Sea or Below the Sea Unit (Circletime Ideas)

What's New? New Preschool Teaching Tips From a Newbie

Spring To It: Check Out This Springtime Jam and Other Creative Learning Activities


Check out this link to view Glitter and Gluesticks Forever (Go ahead click on it, you know you'll like it!)

http://glitterandgluesticksforever.blogspot.com/

Totally Tiaras: Princess Stories for Preschoolers

Being a child of the 80's, the whole pretty princess obsession is quite beyond me. I was raised in a time where She-Ra was the princess every girl wanted to be. She was strong-willed, vivacious and always ruled every show. The most girly of cartoons included the adorable Strawberry Shortcake and the lovely ponies of My Little Pony who frolicked in magical meadows.

Princesses were not really on our radar. Disney created the massive phenomenon with their princess-themed movies including favorites such as The Little Mermaid, Tangled, and The Princess and the Frog and their countless toys, straight-to-video DVDs, books, puzzles, and clothing lines.

I can definitely understand how a preschooler can get swept away by the romantic, simplistic and slightly contrived storylines of princesses whose only worries include looking pretty, going to balls and finding the perfect prince to marry. Everything in those stories end happily and are comforting to young children in a world that is ever changing.

Personally, the only royalty I feel I would enjoy being is a queen. Girls, queens have power. They rule nations, make rules, and build their countries fortunes through exploration and discovery.

 They are strong, independent and free-thinking. Yes, they have worries and many a sleepless night, but in the end they accomplished something during their day.

But enough of my anti-princess rant. Long live the princess and all that she encompasses to little girls everywhere: feminine beauty, innocence, love, and  a carefree spirit.

Below you will find some sparkling titles which don't require kissing a frog or losing a glass slipper.

Sofia the First by Catherine Hapka
Publication Date: 2013

Sofia is feeling rather ill-at-ease over becoming a princess after her stunning mother marries a prince. She tries in every way possible to be as perfect as her true royal step-sister Amber.

She studies up to the last minute learning steps for the latest ball, yet she feels majorly tiara-challenged in everything she tries to accomplish.

Just as she thinks her unpolished princess skills will be her downfall her step-sister Amber lends her a pair of shoes for the ball.

Have Amber and Sofia become royally grand step-sisters or will this courtly friendship fizzle before she steps on the ballroom floor?

Little girls will rejoice when a particular princess rock star waltzes into the picture in this pleasingly palace-perfect tale which will whisk them away into a stupendous fairy tale.

Will Princess Isabel Ever Say Please? by Steve Metzger
Publication Date: 2012

Steve Metzger's quirky and outrageous sense of humor and unique spin on classic fairy tales comes to life with a moral message: In order to be polite and win a prince's heart, you must unequivocally, say the magic word: please!

Princess Isabel is quite the looker with a major league attitude problem. Her looks may enchant the princes but her atrocious manners will repulse them from her wiles on any given day.

The story uniquely tangles a mish-mash of fairy tales such as Cinderella, Snow White and The Frog Prince to weave one flamboyant and hilariously regal gem of a yarn!

Hold on to your tiaras girls and get ready for one massively majestic romp!



Princess Pigtoria and the Pea by Pamela Duncan Edwards
Publication Date: 2010

In this takeoff of Hans Christian Anderson's Princess and the Pea, Pamela Duncan Edwards entices readers to enter the world of porcine Princess Pigtoria: the pleasantly pleasing princess whose castle is a pig-sty. In order to rehab her dilapidated palace, Pigtoria answers a personal ad from a swine-worthy prince.

Will this sow win the heart of this handsome porker or will a pesky pea get in the way of their blossoming romance?  Read this darling fractured fairy tale to find out!

Spring Fling!: Animal Stories that Invite Springtime Wonder

Spring is a time of rebirth and a breath of fresh air from the winter doldrums. Armies of candy-hued blossoms stretch as far as the eye can see, glorious warm sunshine-infused days begin to dot our weather forecasts and dreams of long strolls and perfect picnics are a welcome occurrence.

Spring also means pale pastels and the increase of dazzling electric shades such as the increasingly popular cobalt blue and rich greens which are some of the seasons hottest shades to don.

On the book front seasoned authors and young ingenues celebrate the joys of spring in several tales that will put a spring in your step, a perky bunny hop, and will definitely be something to peep about to your students, parents and juvenile readers from here to Timbuktu.

Chickens

Chicks Run Wild by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
Published: 2011

These chicks embrace the splendor of childhood in this rollicking story about a mother hen whose "feathers get ruffled" by her rambuncious, spirited baby chicks zany bedtime antics. After numerous attempts to get her little fowl to sleep soundly in their beds, Mama hen unexpectedly joins her golden-feathered crew in a bedtime scheme to tire her chirpy brood. Will her plan help her rule the roost or will these chicks clucking antics get the best out of this frustrated fowl?

Bunnies

Scuba Bunnies by Christine Loomis
Published: 2004

Never underestimate the power of scuba goggles and fins to entrance some bodacious bunnies winsome  fantasies. Their imaginations hop off the page as they pretend to  scuba dive into the depths of the azure oceans to view enormous whales, schools of florescent fish and reams of other majestic marine life that will leave preschoolers ready to create their own seaworthy adventure. Stunning ocean-tastic images depicting the beasts of the deep invite inquiry and countless conversations for parent and child interaction.

Ducks

Lucky Ducklings by Eva Moore
Published: 2013

Being a Long Island native, this story drew me in faster than a Coney Island hot dog or a piece of New York-style cheesecake. Mix in some darling ducklings, heroic firefighters (sigh....) and a loving mother duck and you had me hooked from page one of this quackingly refreshing true story of a 2000 Long Island duck rescue. By adding Nancy Carpenter's, glossy, old school illustrations, the story was given a tender touch which engages knee-high readers to adults with its vintage charm. This story is definitely one good egg that will crack those with even the hardest shells.

National Chocolate Day is Today!

Break out the chocolate and whip up a cake, make chocolate chip cookies or brownies that will leave you and your family smiling because it's National Chocolate Day!

Get in the "bittersweet" spirit by getting in a chocolaty mood by reading one of these chocolate inspired stories, coloring a coloring sheet or learning more about this creamy and oh-so-delicious holiday!


Fiction 
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Ronald Dahl

The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling

Non-Fiction 
Chocolate by Hershey: A Story About Milton S. Hershey by Betty Burford
The Story of Chocolate by Caryn J. Polin

Color a super-sweet coloring page dedicated to this day at Lil-Fingers.com (Scroll down page to view July 7th National Chocolate Day) 
http://www.lil-fingers.com/coloring/specialdays.php

Learn a little more about National Chocolate Day at this HolidayInsights.com page 
http://holidayinsights.com/other/chocolateday.htm

Get a deeper insight into everything chocolate by stopping by the National Confectioner's Association Chocolate Council site: http://www.thestoryofchocolate.com/ to learn what ingredients make this yummy treat, the many types of chocolate, and even where it comes from! A marvelously fact-filled site for the chocolate connoisseur in you!

Go on a chocolate factory tour! See the following website for some of the top chocolate factory tours in the U.S.: http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/28/5-best-chocolate-factory-tours-around-the-u-s/

How Puzzling?: Puzzles and Reading are the Perfect Fit! African Dream by Alan Hicks Produced by Suns Out Puzzle Company

Some may find it rather puzzling that I am quite the puzzle aficionado. There is something special about opening up a puzzle knowing that the thousands of uneven, oddly-shaped pieces create a marvelous work of art which uses both the process of elimination and creativity to assemble.

The puzzle I recently completed happens to be quite appropriate for this book-based blog. It is titled African Dream and exhibits the ingenious artwork of Alan Hicks. I feel there is nothing more beautiful than the scene depicted within this puzzle.

The tenderness of a mother and child reading never fails to pull at my heart strings. The beautiful backdrop of an African fairytale theme absolutely took my breath away with its resilience and fantastical aura.

African fairytales will excite children of all ages with their use of imagery and wordplay. Below you will find some wonderful African fairytales that your children may enjoy.

Anansai Does the Impossible! : An Ashanti Tale by Verna Aardema
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears : A West African Tale by Verna Aardema
Pretty Salma : A Little Red Riding Hood Story from Africa by Niki Daly
Mabela the Clever Retold by Margaret Read MacDonald

The Bathroom Chronicles: Potty Training Resources for Busy Parents

June is National Potty Training Awareness Month. In order to signify the importance of potty training for both toddlers and preschooler I have written the post below. 


Potty training is a major milestone in a child's life. It is associated with greater self-care independence and acknowledgement of ones physical needs. While many parents find potty training more challenging then other developmental milestones, please understand that children are not being difficult if they do not wish to use the toilet at a particular time.


Many times children fear the unknown (even) when it comes down to something we perceive as simple as using the toilet on ones own. Other times, children diets can cause constipation and they associate pain with using the potty. In this case, a change in your child's diet may resolve this issue. Another cause of bathroom issues may be that your child is too preoccupied with a fascinating activity, such as playing with a favorite toy, and may ignore the urge to use the restroom. 


Some of the steps you can use to make potty training easier are simple songs which help children realize the necessities of using the restroom, potty training DVDs with cuddly cartoon characters or children that help establish the normalcy of going potty, creating potty training sticker charts as a form of positive reinforcement each time they successfully complete their potty training, and simple books that can be read numerous times to establish the routine. 


The following are wonderful resources that make potty training easier for both parents and children: 


Websites
http://www.pull-ups.com/na/activities.aspx?phase=0
Items in this section include an iGo Potty App for your iPhone, a wet or dry game, and a personality quiz which cues you in on you child’s potty training style. 

http://www.pull-ups.com/na/article_viewall.aspx?phase=4

These pertinent and informative articles with topics such as overnight toilet training, make potty training a breeze. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsHultPr-wA

Parents TV host Juli Auclair and guests discuss innovative bathroom tips and gadgets which help your child achieve potty training success. 

Parent's Resources
Stress-free Potty Training : A Common Sense Guide to Finding the Right Approach For Your Child by Sara Au 
The Playskool Guide to Potty Training : the Best Strategies, Essential Information, and Practical Advice For Your Toddler's Potty Success by Karen Deerwester 
Potty Training Girls the Easy Way: A Stress-free Guide to Helping Your Daughter Learn Quickly by Caroline Fertlemann 
Potty Training Boys the Easy Way : Helping Your Son Learn Quickly -- Even If He's a Late Starter by Caroline Fertlemann 

DVDs

Go Potty Go! Potty Training for Tiny Toddlers. Produced by Mazzarella Media 

Potty Adventures Potty Training in Easy to Follow Steps for Boys and Girls Produced by Soaring Star Productions  
Sesame Street Elmo’s Potty Time 

Books

My Potty and I: A friend in Need by The Bernstains

Your New Potty by Joanna Cole 

P.J. and the Puppy by Cathryn Falwell 

No More Diapers for Ducky by Bernadette G. Ford 

Once Upon a Potty by Alona Frankel (Boys and Girls editions available)

Potty by Mylo Freeman 

The Princess and the Potty by Wendy Cheyette Lewison 

Sam’s Potty by Barbo Lindgren 

Uh Oh! Gotta Go: Potty Tales From Toddlers by Bob McGrath 

On Your Potty by Virginia Miller 

Going to the Potty by Fred Rogers 

Dinosaur vs. the Potty by Bob Shea 

Potty Time by Guido Van Genechten

Happy Birthday Helen Oxenbury!

Helen Oxenbury was born on June 2, 1938. She is considered by many to be the essential baby storytime author and illustrator! 


The books which she has lovingly illustrated and authored are portraits of sentimentality and the quiet simplicity of infancy. The inspiration for her board books lay in the sleepless nights spent with her daughter who was suffering from infantile eczema. 


Below you will find an interview with the consummate illustrator/author who has made the beauty of pictures speak to even the youngest children. 

Book Review: I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

Physiotherapist Poppy Wyatt is walking on air! She has a comfortable job and is all abuzz over her upcoming nuptials to the brilliant and dashing college professor, Magnus Tavish. To Poppy life can get no better... that is until a dastardly fire drill during an elegant champagne tea changes everything. 


Her stunning family heirloom engagement ring which Magnus had given her is lost during the dizzying mayhem of the fire drill. Frantic Poppy grabs her cell and starts contacting all of her friends who had been trying on the ring during the tea. After searching the hotel premises with no luck and questioning cleaning crews and staff she feels absolutely hopeless. When she doesn't think things could get any worse, trouble comes a knocking! Her cell phone is burgled by a passer-by. 


As a catastrophic feeling of dread begins to settle in Poppy's heart, she spots a cell phone in a trash can at the hotel. The only problem is that the cell belongs to Sam Roxton of White Globe Consulting's  PA (personal assistant), Violet, who hurriedly quit her job and dashed off to a modeling gig. Poppy then proceeds to use her "borrowed" phone's number as a main contact number for the hotel and police in case they find her engagement ring. 


Long story short: Poppy somehow manages to convince hard-as-nails and blunt businessman Sam Roxton to let her use his former PA's phone and send him all of the texts and messages that she receives that are addressed to him. 


This happy-go-lucky story continues in an upbeat manner which is the cornerstone of all Sophie Kinsella novels. While the novel is improbable and ditsy at times (ex. What businessman would let a total stranger use a company phone? and why is a well-rounded, efficient, reliable and intelligent woman so terrified of her over-educated future in-laws?)


Even though Ms. Kinsella's formulaic writing style has become slightly stale the nuances and fast paced dialogue boost its readability. Suave additions such as a bribery scheme at White Globe Consulting and juicy confessions of Mangus's past dalliances make up for any lackluster qualities. All and all an enjoyable and light story that is a perfect beach read! 

May 25th Is National Missing Children's Day

The thought of not being able to locate your child strikes fear into every parent. A million thoughts swirl through your head as you frantically search for your child and speak to every passerby who meets your eye about your child's whereabouts and physical description. 


Sadly, across America, thousands of parents understand and cope with this chilling predicament on a daily basis. 


On May 25th a somber event occurs called National Missing Children's Day. This yearly event was put into effect in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan. 


This day also happens to be the day that Etan Patz disappeared in 1979. This New York born six-year old's story gripped a nation and left an indelible mark which catapulted childhood abduction into the spotlight. 


In recent years the AMBER Alert system has also revolutionized the rescue of missing kids. Through the use of the media such as t.v. crawls and radio announcements many children have been safely located by the public. Learn about the AMBER Alert system by clicking on the following link:  http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=2813


 Thankfully organizations have committed themselves to locating and comforting families of those who are assumed as missing. 


Below you will find links to some of these tremendous and worthy organizations fighting to keep our kids safe and improve the lives of those searching for their lost children. 


Take 25 (Developed by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) 
http://www.take25.org/page.asp?page=47 
Please also see "Activity Ideas" from Take 25 to help children understand the importance and seriousness of safety precautions: http://www.take25.org/page.asp?page=68


Please also see the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's Homepage where you can search for missing children, find information about how to report a missing child, and learn about ways to protect your children. 
http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PublicHomeServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&


Child Find of America's Facts and Statistics about Missing Children 
http://www.childfindofamerica.org/information.htm


Book and DVD About Child Abduction 
Missing and Exploited Children: How to Protect Your Child by Margaret C. Jasper 
Kidz n' Power: Abduction Prevention Pack (DVD) 

Ain't Comic Books Super? Today is Free Comic Book Day!

Grab your cape and nifty superhero gadgets and race down to your local comic book store to receive a free comic book! 

Today, March 5, 2012 is Free Comic Book Day. This "super" holiday glorifies the awesomeness of comic books and the imaginative genius of their creators by giving away free comic books. 

Check out http://www.freecomicbookday.com/Home/1/1/27/992 for more details and to find a local comic book store near you offering these brilliantly illustrated stories!

Mega Magazine of the Month (May) : All You Magazine

I love reading magazines because they provide up-to-date information and stay current on trends surrounding their particular subject matter. 

Magazines offer condensed articles which perfectly summarize only the pertinent and important information which should be discussed and are easily portable. 

Helpful indexes are provided so that one can easily peruse or quickly access the item that has piqued their interest.

I have decided to honor this periodical marvel by showcasing a favorite magazine each month.

My Mega Magazine of the Month for May is the women's general interest magazine All You Magazine.  

The reasons I love this publication are numerous including easy-as-pie household, fashion, and beauty tips which won't break your budget and are doable for the everyday woman and information and stories developed and told by female readers across America.

A major reason I go bonkers for this periodical is that it is chock full of money-saving coupons for brands which I actually use! 

By buying a single issue, I am able to save myself several dollars each shopping trip to the grocery store. 

This magazine is a virtual lifesaver to both my common sense and my wallet!

All You Magazine: www.allyou.com