storybook

LCD TV vs Plasma TV

2010-02-12T16:50:00.000-08:00

Maybe we have bored about conventional TVs since childhood time of our parents. The conventional make us measured space of our rooms to port them. Other matter we feel too heavy for moving them. In our mind they are not simple things to adjusting in our fast activity.

In the history of inventing TV, man want to enjoying watching good life pictures like the same as watching movies in cinemas, but in a live events. But in decades that did not achieve yet. Because the picture were not perfect have many distortions, not persistence colours, partial moving of pictures that made not good enough show to watch.

In the present time we are luck. Scientists have made some better TV technologies. Plasmas are the perfect one that man ever made. We name it Plasma because it has the condition where we can hang it everywhere just like picture frames. The other reason, the benefit of it is it has light in weight. That easy for us to moving them everywhere. That are carracters of things that name Plasma, or in the other side means hovering.

Other plus capability of it are that has wide screen like cinemas. And usually completed with censors eye, that can make adjustment picture sharpness automaticly by distance of the watchers, colour and brightness setting by the dark or bright of the room.

Other means of plasmas in the present, are LCD TV. LCD is the shortened name of liquid crystal display. That means pictures and colours are more clear look like we see panorama trough crystal window. That brightness and colour sharpness can not make our eyes hurts.

That’s are benefits of plasma or LCD TVs. That TV can made to be home cinema by spreading positions off loud speakers. We can separate speaker to be surround sounds like the real situations in the movie pictures. Such by smart censor eye, the TV can make a perfect angle for watching comfortings. And the wide of the screen can make us just like the real view from our eyes.

With these plus meanings of LCDs, we are leaving the era of conventional TVs. Because those TVs are not up to date. The new technology of enjoying watching perfect life picture can put in your private rooms. Not far from your eyes. Near your side, and it is real in your dreams. And you go far to the future.

Children's Books- Enlighten and Entertain Your Kids

2009-03-29T23:13:00.000-07:00

Every child loves to spend some time reading the exciting books that tell them about the various things related to life and fantasy. The books for kids are specially written to entertain and educate them. If certain lessons have to be taught to children then they need to be presented in an exciting and interactive manner. Children love to read stories that have interesting characters and wonderful plots. A child would not respond very excitingly about the serious and complex subjects in the books. In order to imbibe in children a better understanding of various things and teaching them different lessons it is important to offer them text with great illustrations and fun filled stories.

To serve this purpose children's books are written for kids keeping in consideration their interest and liking. These books cover various topics and subjects. The exciting stories and fables of fantasy characters really attract the kids. The little ones find it lovely to read books with vivid pictures and graphics. They learn the basic things like alphabets, numerals etc with the help of pictures and patterns. The books for kids can be classified into various categories like Early age books, traditional story books, fiction story books, informational and books based on specific subjects like science, environment etc.

The books for young children are primarily intended to teach them simple nursery rhymes etc. The story books that reveal the interesting and fantasy tales like fairy tales, adventure stories etc are very popular amongst the kids. They love to read the stories of Ugly Duckling, Snow White and Red Riding hood etc.

various authors like Rudyard Kipling, Lewis Carol and Mark Twain etc have written some of the best fictional stories for kids. Huckleberry Finn, Alice in Wonderland and The Jungle Book are the few story books that have appealed to the children since ages.

One of the best selling children's books for the kids in the recent times is Harry Potter series by J K Rowling. It is highly popular series with super successful stories like Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Princess of Azkaban etc. It has been translated in 63 languages and has made record sales of 300 billion copies.

About the Author:

Alden Jerry is an expert writer. Visit to know more about cheap books at price comparison shop

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/childrens-books-enlighten-and-entertain-your-kids-412182.html

Author: Alden Jerry

Fiction Books - Fun Filled Stories

2009-03-29T23:12:00.000-07:00

Fiction books showcase unreal characters from the imaginary lands that have magical super power and bedazzle you with their incredible grandeur. The larger than life depiction of marvel, luxury and splendour can be experienced by reading the awesome story books. These books may be inspired by real life but they are result of the imagination and the thought process of the writer.

It is one of the most popular genre of books in which there is a lot of excitement and thrill served through interesting depiction of stories with strange characters and plots. Fiction Books are based on imaginary situations and lives of unreal characters. These books are really invigorating and entertaining. Many writers have written exceptionally wonderful stories that are work of their imagination and creativity.

These books are available for readers from different age groups. Many characters have made special place for themselves in the hearts and memories of the readers. The characters like Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew etc have ruled the hearts of the teenagers and ardent book lovers. These books can be based upon science or suspense.

Apart from suspense and thrill, these books can also be full of tragedy and melodrama. Since the creativity depends solely on the imagination of the writer, one can find a wide variety of emotions and expressions in these books. The readers get to experience the magic of mysterious situations and wonderful transcendence of the characters as the story proceeds. The fictional stories showcase myriad expressions and deep emotions that arise through various situations in life. The suspense thrillers serve great adventure with the spine chilling mysteries. The suspicious characters have different shades and intentions.

There have been few highly exciting science fiction novels that have ruled the charts. The bestselling books like Time Machine and Invisible Man. Romantic fiction is also very famous. These books have stories that depict love and compassion. The romantic stories have beautiful moments of great splendour and bliss.

These books are extremely interesting and keep the readers totally engrossed from beginning to the end. The influencing stories leave you awestruck with their intense emotions and dramatic situations. The fiction books are a great time pass and give you awesome entertainment. You can search for the best selling books on the internet and avail them at low prices.

About the Author:

Know more about books price comparison at rupiz compare and get discount shop from online Book Stores on latest Audio Cassettes Books. here.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fiction-articles/fiction-books-fun-filled-stories-415150.html

Author: Adam Jaylin

Reading Story Books for Infants

2009-03-29T23:11:00.000-07:00

You might wonder what will be the benefits of reading books to babies. Many studies have shown that reading book to infants again and again lowers their heart rate and helps the baby to relax. It is very much sure that the infant will not be able to understand the content of the story but definitely he or she would definitely listen to it. At birth an infant’s brain can work a lot. The senses of the child will be more stimulated and more quickly the infant’s rest of the brain will develop, this is why it is considered to be a vital form of stimulation.

So do read aloud to your little one, it will definitely help and it is a wonderful activity to be continued for years as the baby grows. So what are the other benefits does the baby gets when we reading aloud. This teaches the infant about better communication, it also introduces important concepts such as letters, numbers, shapes and colors in an enjoyable way. Reading also gives the infant information about the new world surrounding them. It is a fact that at the age of one year the baby will have learnt all the sounds that he or she needs to speak, so more stories you read aloud the more the infant gets exposed. These words pronounced will slowly get imprinted into the infant’s brain, therefore read the book or stories loudly and clearly.

When reading the baby hears you using many different kinds of expressive sounds and emotions that fosters’ emotional and communication development. In addition to this, reading invites the infant to point out things, look, touch, feel and answer questions that will encourage social development. And the little one gradually develops thinking skills by repetitive words and imitating certain sounds and also recognizing images in the book. But perhaps the most main reason to read aloud is that you are serving as a connection between the stuffs the infant loves the most; your closeness, voice and books. Spending more quality time reading shows that reading is a skill worth learning. Here are some tips that will help you to bond with the infant. Cuddle the young one while you read, this will make the baby feel comfortable, secure and safe. Read with lots of expressions and give your voice high and low pitch where ever necessary. Singing rhymes and making funny animal sounds will be amusing for the infant.

About the Author:

Shalini is a Copywriter of Nannies in New York. She had written various articles in different topics on Nannies in New York. For more information visit: www.noblenanny.com. Contact her at noblenanny1@gmail.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/reading-story-books-for-infants-340198.html

Author: Ramesh

There are Millions of Stories, Books, Articles, Epics and Poems Written About Love

2009-03-29T23:09:00.000-07:00

It Is it possible to measure your love that you are feeling. You probably feel that it is endless and immeasurable in quantity or quality. You are probably right. It is love that drives our world and its effects can be felt everywhere. Love can start wars or end wars. There are millions of stories, books, articles, epics and poems written about love. is the single most powerful force in the universe. It is probably what led you into your marriage in the first place. So you may not be able to measure your love; but we are sure that you want your wedding guests to know about your love and perhaps feel it and cherish it in some way. The best way to do this is by ordering 'Love Beyond Measure' Measuring Cup in Embroidered Velvet Pouch as a unique wedding favor.

'Love Beyond Measure' Measuring Cup in Embroidered Velvet Pouch may not be able to measure your love but it is guaranteed that ever time your guests use it; it will scoop up love. Maybe every time they use 'Love Beyond Measure' Measuring Cup in Embroidered Velvet Pouch they will scoop up some part of your love that you felt in your wedding ceremony. It will give your guests a feeling of love, joy and romance. 'Love Beyond Measure' Measuring Cup in Embroidered Velvet Pouch is not something simple but rather elegant and complex, full of possibilities. 'Love Beyond Measure' Measuring Cup in Embroidered Velvet Pouch has one third of a cup measuring scoop. It may not be much but it is guaranteed to represent much more than it is. It is so adorable that your guests will want to preserve it forever. 'Love Beyond Measure' Measuring Cup in Embroidered Velvet Pouch comes in a 5 “ size. 'Love Beyond Measure' Measuring Cup in Embroidered Velvet Pouch is also enclosed in a 3.25” X 7.5” black pouch that is upscale and elegant looking.

If you really want to take the work out of looking for that right Theme idea or Wedding Favors

go to My Bridal Favor now and find ideas for Wedding Gifts and Candle Wedding Favors

like Glass photo Coaster Wedding Favors. I think Ever Bride deserves that one great wedding don't you if so go now and look.

Also the black pouch in the 'Love Beyond Measure' Measuring Cup in Embroidered Velvet Pouch, comes with the word 'Love Beyond Measure' stitched out in its side. So don’t wait any longer if you are looking for a Unique Wedding Favor and order 'Love Beyond Measure' Measuring Cup in Embroidered Velvet Pouch today. It may not be able to measure your love but you can be sure that it will definitely show your Love Beyond measure.

About the Author:

If you really want to take the work out of looking for that right Theme idea or Wedding Favors

go to My Bridal Favor now and find ideas for Wedding Gifts and Candle Wedding Favors

like Glass photo Coaster Wedding Favors. I think Ever Bride deserves that one great wedding don't you if so go now and look.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/marriage-articles/there-are-millions-of-stories-books-articles-epics-and-poems-written-about-love-345148.html

Author: Jesse Miller

The Value of Shared Story Book Reading

2009-03-29T23:07:00.000-07:00

The benefits of learning in the home

Research has consistently demonstrated the benefits of parents and their children reading together at home. The home is a safe and trusted place in which children are naturally eager to participate in activities with their parents. Children are also particularly responsive to encouragement made by their parents. Furthermore, the emotional closeness that arises as books are enjoyed together, adds an additional quality to the learning experience. A child’s imagination is unleashed as a parent conveys the excitement and magic of an unfolding story.

Shared storybook reading between parent and child therefore often makes for a natural and productive learning experience. A home environment in which parents actively introduce their children to books has been shown to nurture the type of literacy skills and understanding that leads to the later acquisition of literacy.

This kind of shared experience with a trusted parent is believed to further support the acquisition of literacy by encouraging interest and motivation towards books and reading. Studies demonstrate that children who are read to from a very young age tend to display greater interest in reading when they are older.

Shared reading and engagement with the child

Studies suggest that it is the quality of the shared reading experience that determines its effectiveness in nurturing literacy skills. More crucial than whether the parents read to the child every day or less often, is allowing the child to actively participate in the telling of the story.

This occurs when a parent ensures that the child actually participates in the unfolding story. A parent can ask questions to focus their children’s attention, to check comprehension, and to elicit labels for objects and descriptive attributes, such as colour, size and number. Children can also be asked for explanations of behaviour, predictions, and connections between events or objects in the story and those in the child’s own life.

For example, a parent can ask their child to draw inferences about characters and situations in a story; “How would you feel if mummy left at you at a birthday party like Alfie’s mummy is doing with Alfie?” or “Why does Billy have a strange feeling in his tummy thinking about going to his new school?” followed by, “Do you think you will feel the same when you go to your new school?” The value of this type of conversation is that it takes children away from the here and now and helps them to use language to reflect upon themselves.

About the Author:

Ellie Dixon lives in deepest rural Devon, England with her husband and two very large Newfoundland dogs. She is passionate about vintage illustrated children's books and loves to restore and edit them for today's kids to rediscover.

Visit Kids" target="_blank">www.scruffysbookshop.com/ClickBank_PPP.html">Kids of Character", a unique range of beautiful illustrated books and fun activities all designed to help parents grow responsible, trustworthy kids of good character, or for even more great books visit Scruffy's" target="_blank">www.scruffysbookshop.com">Scruffy's Bookshop, Ellie's main website.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/the-value-of-shared-story-book-reading-224739.html

Author: Ellie Dixon

Mark Knopfler Screenplaying Rock Music CD Review

2009-03-24T22:35:00.001-07:00

Screenplaying is the latest release from Rock Artist Mark Knopfler, and I can only think of one word to describe this CD… AWESOME!

Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

Rock music fans will recognize some of the well known contributors on the project including Tony Levin and Guy Fletcher plus a few other notables as well.

Overall Screenplaying is excellent from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Rock fan. Really spectacular from beginning to end.

While this entire album is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 3 - Father And Son, track 12 - Guide My Sword, and track 18 - Going Home / Theme Of The Local Hero.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - Irish Boy. Great track!

Screenplaying Release Notes:

Mark Knopfler originally released Screenplaying on November 9, 1993 on the Warner Bros. Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Irish Boy

2. Irish Love

3. Father And Son

4. Potato Picking

5. Long Road, The

6. Love Idea, A

7. Victims

8. Finale / Last Exit To Brooklyn

9. Once Upon A Time...Storybook Love

10. Morning Ride

11. Friends' Song, The

12. Guide My Sword

13. Happy Ending, A

14. Wild Theme

15. Boomtown (variation Louis' Favorite)

16. Mist Covered Mountains, The

17. Smooching

18. Going Home / Theme Of The Local Hero

SCREENPLAYING is a collection of music Mark Knopfler has written and performed for motion picture soundtracks.

Personnel: Mark Knopfler (guitar, synthesizer, drums, percussion); David Nolan, Irvine Arditti (violin); Paul Brady (mandolin, whistle); Liam O'Flynn (Uilleann pipes); Michael Brecker (saxophone); Alan Clark (piano, Hammond organ, synthesizer); Guy Fletcher (keyboards); Mike Mainieri (vibraphone); Eddie Gomez, Neil Jason, Tony Levin (bass); Terry Williams (drums); John Illsley, Steve Jordan.

Engineers include: Neil Dorfsman, Marc De Sista, Steve Jackson.

text links

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clyde_Lee_Dennis

By Clyde Lee Dennis

Barbie and the Twelve Princesses

2009-03-24T22:33:00.002-07:00

Dolls are one of the most common toys that little girls play with. Perhaps, the pioneer that started all this was Barbie, which has been in the business for more than 30 years.

The reason why this company has lasted so long is perhaps the different clothes and other accessories that have been introduced. From clothes, Barbie now has a dollhouse, a car and furniture allowing the child to think of different scenarios and have fun.

Lately, the company has ventured into something new. Barbie now has a movie and can be read in books with one of the most popular entitled “ 12 Barbie Dancing Princess.” The story is not like Snow White or Cinderella but it still has family values especially with the King and the siblings.

Everything from the story of Barbie and the 12 Princesses can now be brought home for the child’s enjoyment.

The person can get a copy on DVD format from the video store for less than $15 so the child can watch this over and over again at home. There are also coloring books available as well which is a great exercise for the kid to do that is under $5.

Avid fans of Barbie can also get the hard copy from the bookstore for just $8. This will surely be one book that mom or dad will read time and time again when putting the little girl to bed.

The success of the movie and the storybook can also be brought home, as the toy is also available for purchase for under $15. The child can reenact the story with friends as the other characters in the story are also out in the market.

What happens next for Barbie? That is something that people will just have to wait for in the future. Those who loved the campaign for this story will surely love the next one when it comes out.

Christmas is right around the corner so the child does not know yet about Barbie’s adventure in saving the kingdom and the family from the evil aunt, perhaps this is the best time to get a copy to celebrate the holidays.

The book, the DVD or the toy can also be ordered online. The person will just have to pay for this using a credit card and wait for a few days so this can be delivered into one’s home.

Low Jeremy maintains http://barbie.articlesforreprint.com This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Low_Jeremy

By Low Jeremy

TAOS - Land of Entrapment

2009-03-24T22:33:00.001-07:00

For years, I have heard about Taos. Having skied a variety of resorts both within and outside the United States, I couldn't wait to get there and I was more than pleased to see for myself that Taos lived up to its reputation of being one of the world's most unique and picturesque ski resorts. Taos Ski Valley is one of the gems of North American skiing, with a stunning mountain setting in Northern New Mexico. Taos Ski Valley blends the warm ambiance of a small European-style village with the traditions and customs of the local Hispanic and Pueblo Indian cultures.
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Although it has a reputation as an experts-only destination, Taos is an ideal choice for any skier, having loads of beginner and intermediate runs, and the nation's best ski school with the worlds' best ski instructors: I whished I would have known this before, just one day skiing with Doug DeCoursey brought me more than years of skiing. I couldn't believe that just after one hour of instruction I skied down the moguls like an expert! One thing it does not offer is snowboards -- Taos remains one of the few skiing-only resorts in North America. While many resorts have traded in their personality for large-scale development, Taos has preserved its soul. What sets this lovely resort apart from all other resorts is that it is still and will continue to be family-owned. Ernie and Rhoda Blake founded Taos Ski Valley in 1955. Ernie Blake had a dream of building an Alpine Ski resort and was looking for the right spot to do so and found it in New Mexico. They lived in an eleven-foot camper as there were no buildings in the area except an almost-completed Hondo Lodge (now the Inn at Snakedance). Out from this camper the Blakes began to build what is now a world-class ski resort. To this day the Blake family are committed to maintaining the character of Taos. So are the employees, Ski Instructors, Hotel-Owners, who ever I talked to has been working or living in Taos for at least more than 10 years. Almost everyone told me the same story; they came to Taos and didn't want to leave.

Taos Ski Valley hosts some superb lodges, The Snakedance Inn is Taos History in itself, being the first building that was in Taos Ski Valley when Ernie Blake was looking for his spot to build his own Alpine Ski paradise. This former Hondo Lodge has been turned into a luxurious Ski-in Ski-out Skiers Dream. It owns the best spot being right next to the Ski area. The Snakedance Inn offers 21 luxurious suites; each suite is individually decorated with designer Furniture, Fire Places, huge kitchen, Satellite Television, CD Player, high-speed Internet Access and lots of other additional amenities.

Another Lodge that truly sets itself apart is the "Bavarian Lodge & Restaurant". Thomas and Jamie Schulze created a storybook European Style Mansion right in the Taos Ski area. I forgot I was still in New Mexico when I arrived at The Bavarian. The Lodge is designed to look like a typical, cozy, romantic and luxurious Bavarian residence. The "oohs" and "aaahs" begin at entering the vast Restaurant where no details have been missed, the Bavarian style log dining room features 17th century Bavarian antique paneling. It's clear no historical detail is overlooked as you enter the warmth of the restaurant which features a genuine Bavarian tile oven, wooden chairs, original antique wall paneling and ceilings, nothing has been left out to recreate the true Old European atmosphere. The rooms are like mini-residences and own such names as the King Ludwig Suite, Neuschwanstein Lodge. Every room has been styled according its name. The King Ludwig Suite is named after King Ludwig I and King Ludwig II of Bavaria who were both passionate builders and lovers of romance, art and luxury. Named for kings, this luxurious suite has a palatial canopied king bed in the master bedroom, two single beds in the large loft bedroom and a spacious living room with a vaulted ceiling, a kitchen/den and an enormous marble bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub. The large sunny balcony stunning views of the Katchina Bowl.

I could easily make this place my permanent address and now you can! You can own your own 2 - 3 bedroom chalet. The Bavarian Chalets have been designed by the acclaimed international hospitality design firm, Alexandra Champalimaud in conjunction with respected Albuquerque architects, featured in Ski Magazine, House and Garden and Architectural Digest Germany.

There are various options on how to get to Taos Ski Valley, there are many direct flights from Los Angeles to Albuquerque from there you have a 2 1/2 hour scenic ride up to the mountain, other options are flying into Taos Airport which is just 18 miles outside historic Taos and only 20 miles from Taos Ski Village.

http://www.thebavarian.com
http://www.thebavarianinnandchalets.com For more information on Taos please visit SkiTaos.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maja_Gartmann

By Maja Gartmann

Shopping For a Cake Topper

2009-03-24T22:30:00.000-07:00

Many aren't hip to the cake topper market... but there are so many ways to go with bride and groom cake toppers. There is such a variety of toppers to pick from, there's ethnic, seasoned themed and the humourous wedding topper. These days a bride can make her wedding and reception to be any way she wants it to be With all the different styles and kinds of weddings in this new age of ceremonies and receptions, couples need a variety of choices. Things are more flexible when it comes to locations of wedding and reception now too. You can rent a castle for a storybook wedding, or maybe you know someone that would let you use their country home or barn for an old fashioned down home country western wedding. Couples have many options for weddings today.

Recently a friend of ours had a fabulous wedding and reception right on the beach. It was unbelievable. The ceremony was so lovely by the ocean with the warm sand and sunshine. The wedding reception was unforgettable. There is nothing like a beach party with all your friends and family around. Great foods, a beautiful ocean and great friends to be with really made it even more special. That's one wedding I'm glad I was able to attend.

When we got married I decided on a country western theme. You'll never know how much fun that is until you've attended one. There were lanterns and little white Christmas lights everywhere, and all the picnic tables had tablecloths with little red and white checks, with wildflower arrangements placed on each one. There were bales of hay stacked everywhere for that extra country affect. I had no problem finding everything I needed for our country western themed wedding and reception, from our wedding favors to our cake topper.

The adults were having a great time dancing and enjoying the food, while the kids raved about the hayrides we had for them. That was a real treat for them. We had tons of food, there were steaks, chicken and ribs for barbecuing, all kinds of salads, vegetables and desserts galore. It was like an huge family cookout. We had so many guests at our wedding it looked like we had invited the whole county. The partying went on for hours, I really hated to leave. The party carried on long after we left on our trip to our mountain get away. If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't have changed a thing, it was such a perfect wedding and reception, and I have all the pictures to prove it. These are memories that will last for a lifetime.

It's easy to pull off the perfect wedding if you can find the accessories and supplies you need to do so. All I had to do was go online and I found every wedding accessory and reception supply I needed for my perfect country western wedding. It's so much easier than checking out all of the bridal shops and stores for everything. I know they have a lot of accessories and supplies on the internet, but bales of hay and buckets of wildflowers, they don't. But if you're looking for the perfect supplies, invitations and cake toppers than shopping online can really be helpful.

There are supplies and wedding accessories for winter wonderland themes, garden themes and fall themed ceremonies and receptions. You should see all there is for a winter wedding and reception. There is everything you need to turn your dream wedding into a beautiful winter wonderland. Now a days you can have any dream wedding you choose. Although there is a lot to be said for tradition, there is a lot to be said fantasy too. You do have the option of choosing what's best for you.

http://www.icestandard.org/categories/view/1040/wedding-cake-toppers.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edgar_Hernandez

By Edgar Hernandez

Beach Wedding Decorations

2009-03-24T22:28:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you and your fiancé met on a beach, and will always share a beautiful memory of the waves crashing in as you stared out into the sunset. It's a storybook kind of memory that you will cherish for as long as you live, and one that you will share with all those who listen. Or maybe you're just the type of person that dreams of a moment like this, and the relaxing environment that comes along with it. Wouldn't it be nice to add some sort of that element to your upcoming wedding day? Perhaps something that would be both fun and romantic for the guests to share with you on your special day? Why not bring the beach to your guests in the form of some very enjoyable beach themed wedding decorations.

There are many different ways to incorporate beach wedding decorations into both your wedding and your reception. Obviously, a beach themed wedding could make good use of various décor including sand, beach balls, beach chairs, umbrellas, and so forth. Also, the food could always be chosen from something of the beach barbecue variety. If this seems to be taking it just a little bit overboard for your tastes though, you may consider taking a look into the world of beach wedding favors. These precious little gems can have the same sort of effect on a much smaller scale. They are fun and lighthearted, but also a nice souvenir for a special day. Let's take a look at a few of these types of wedding day thank you gifts.

Various sea shell based items are a great way to start. Perhaps a sea shell bottle opener or stopper would be a favorite of those that are all set to celebrate with a nice bottle of wine. Sea shell themed bookmarks and place card holders are also nice to add to the mix. If sea shells aren't your thing, maybe a sailboat tea light candle holder would be. Still not your thing? How about beach blankets or beach themed coasters? If you're looking for something on the humorous side, there are plenty of cute flip flop sandal related items that may just fit the bill.

Whatever you may decide upon, beach wedding favors and decorations are sure to be a crowd pleaser. Especially for all of those guests that want to just kick back and relax while celebrating your very special day. Show them your appreciation with something that is fun and memorable, even if they never had that storybook moment on the beach.

http://www.firstavenueweddingfavors.com/
http://www.firstavenueweddingfavors.com/site/1432674/page/629793

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lindy_Smart

By Lindy Smart

Enjoy an Alpine Style Vacation in Helen Georgia

2009-03-23T20:40:00.001-07:00

The town of Helen, Georgia was modeled after a quaint alpine village and provides a relaxing and invigorating retreat for anyone who visits. The Convention & Visitor's Bureau denotes the town as having "Mountain beauty with a touch of Bavaria", ensuring that you'll enjoy an interesting and fun-filled vacation in this Northern Georgia mountain town.

Helen is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains right on the Chattahoochee River, offering many different features and tourist attractions for all. From the history of the area to the shopping, restaurants, beauty of the Bavarian style architecture and nightlife, you'll find a little bit of everything in this destination.

The Cherokee Indians have history here in this mountainous Northern Georgia area, including Indian burial mounds and other historic locations and sites in and around the town. There is also history in the form of settlers who came to mine for gold and log the timber of the area in the early 1900's. The town itself has been completely modeled after an alpine village, including Bavarian Towers and cobblestone alleys that are reminiscent of a Swedish village right out of a story book.

The best feature about this vacation destination, however, is the plethora of Georgia cabins rentals and resorts that exist for vacationers who want to get away to an alpine retreat without traveling overseas. There are rustic cabins in the woods, luxury cabins and chalets for romantic getaways and all the creature comforts of home, and many other inns and bed & breakfast accommodations to choose from.

Helen Georgia also has many festivals and special events throughout the year, including a hot air balloon race, Winefest, Christmas parades, Fourth of July festivities and fireworks, Volksmarch, and Bavarian Nights of Summer. The town also holds the longest Oktoberfest celebration in the South, with the festivities lasting from mid-September through the month of October. For winter fun, the Alpenfest provides endless entertainment and enjoyment from Thanksgiving through December.

Helen, Georgia has something for everyone in its quaint Bavarian setup, including romantic getaways, fun nightlife, shopping excursions, hiking and scenic journeys through the wilderness, and so much more. Although it isn't known as well as many other destination towns across the country, this hidden gem provides a little bit of everything for every different type of visitor that comes. Helen was once a logging and gold mining town, that has now become a whole new town based on the tourist industry and celebrating its heritage everyday. The small mountain community has come a long way throughout many decades, and now hosts millions of visitors every year.

Alan LeStourgeon runs a vacation cabin rentals website where he writes about great vacation destinations and accommodations, including Helen Georgia cabin rentals

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_LeStourgeon

By Alan LeStourgeon

Entrepreneurialism – A Duck by Any Different Color

2009-03-23T20:39:00.001-07:00

There once was an ugly duckling with feathers all stubby and brown. He didn’t realize he would one day be a swan so any face-to-face marketing technique he ever used ultimately resulted in widespread ridicule. This of course led the duck/swan to venture away from his family (who also considered him a bit of an odd duck).

Everywhere the duck went he was ridiculed and chased away from other better established (and finely groomed) business fowl.

Then one day while staying at the Blind Pigeon’s Inn he discovered the Internet (free with the weekly rate). The Ugly Duckling had a wealth of work experience in his first few weeks of life so he started a business catering to the camouflage needs of waterfowl during hunting season.

Much to his surprise and delight, orders began arriving and he became very busy. The Ugly Duckling was a regular at the Waterfowl Post Office and his profits grew to the point where the Ugly Duckling bought the Blind Pigeon’s Inn and made it his corporate offices and product warehouse.

He was nervous when Bird Entrepreneur magazine called to see if he would agree to a beak-to-beak interview. He had previously put them off because he was certain they would find his appearance distasteful. When they arrived, Spanky Duckmeister continued to snap photos. The interview went very well and Ugly Duckling was happy to receive his complimentary copy of Bird Entrepreneurs although the publisher must have replaced his photo with a creature far more beautiful than he.

In time the Ugly Duckling (now a glorious swan) would come to understand that time had changed his appearance and his entrepreneurial spirit found ultimate freedom online. He always wondered if it was the entrepreneurialism that changed his appearance or simply gave him the confidence he needed for others to see him differently.

The truth is entrepreneurialism won’t change your appearance, but an online business does not discriminate either. Individuals of all ethnicities and ages have discovered the entrepreneurial spirit may be less difficult than starting a business in a brick and mortar store.

Most online stores begin because the entrepreneur has a passion for the product or service being offered. Like our fictional storybook hero it was something that he had a personal use for that resulted in a successful business and with his growing success came a confidence, with that confidence came respect from others who had taken notice of his success.

In the end it really didn’t matter what he looked like, where he lived or how old he was. All that really mattered was that the Ugly Duckling understood the needs of his fowl-feathered friends.

There’s a lesson to be learned from this story – and it’s not about ducks. Where can your personal passion take you in online business?

Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of HighPowerSites and many other web projects

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By Scott Lindsay

Tips For Adding Garden Water Features to Your Outdoor Living Space

2009-03-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

There is nothing a soothing as the sound of trickling water when you are sitting outdoors enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. Including garden water features like wall fountains into your landscaping plans does not require a great effort depending on the effect you want to create.

It can be a simple matter of having a small tub in the garden with moving through it by means of a small pump. A few water plants will give you a small water garden that you can enjoy during the summer months.

Larger garden water features include garden pools, if you have lots of space in your garden and want to take on a bigger project. Before you excavate the area where you want the pool to be, you have to decide whether you are going to use a molded or flexible liner.

Although the molded type of liner is a better choice, it is also more difficult to install because you have to have the hole the exact size of the liner - not the other way around. Flexible liners are easier to install and they can be adapted to meet the needs of different sizes of garden pools. When installing garden water features it is best to sit back and take a really good look at your garden to decide on the right locations.

You may want to simply have a pond around which you can place stones and flowers giving it the ambiance of an oasis in the middle of a lawn. Or consider outdoor wall fountains along the fence or patio to make your backyard that much more beautiful. You may have an image in your mind of a waterfall trickling down into this pool, which means you can make use of any sloped land for building the waterfall. If so, you need to choose boulders that match the scale of the waterfall and that will suit the surroundings you create. Boulders that are too big will mar the look you want to create and those that are too small will mean you have more work than normal in building the waterfall.

Fountains are very delicate looking garden water features. They are also available in such a wide variety of styles and sizes that you could have several of them in your garden to create a theme. Choose fountains that are replicas of statues from ancient Greece or Rome or ones of storybook characters or animals. If you don't have a lot of space in your garden you can still enjoy the beauty of fountains because you can get ones that attach to the wall or fence around your garden.

It is easy to create garden water features with used wine barrels. You can bury one of the barrels in an existing flower bed so that you have a small pond with flowers all around it. Use another wine barrel to form the pool that spills into the barrel you have in the ground.

The bottom of the upper barrel will rest on the rim of the lower one so that it will overhand about 8 inches. A notch cut in the side of the upper barrel will provide the spillway for the water. Attach a pump and a source of water before you line the barrels with rubber material.

There are many exciting ideas to help you add garden water features to your lawn or garden, such as wall mounted fountains. These will enhance the appeal of your property so that you will love to entertain outdoors as well as spend many quite hours basking in its beauty.

Allison Ryan is a freelance marketing writer from San Diego, CA. She specializes in landscaping, home improvement, and gardening. For a beautiful selection of outdoor wall fountains or wall mounted fountains for your patio, please visit http://www.garden-fountains.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allison_Ryan

By Allison Ryan

Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar

2009-03-23T20:37:00.001-07:00

It is an excellent book which addresses the life cycle of a butterfly. From a egg , it hatches into a tiny caterpillar and starts eating till it becomes a very fat and big caterpillar. After it has ate it's full it weaves a cocoon around it and hibernates before emerging as a colourful butterfly.

Besides teaching the Science concept of a insect's life cycle it also address the concept of counting and healthy/unhealthy foods.

The caterpillar feasts on unhealthy snacks such as chocolate cake, ice-cream, pickle, Swiss cheese, salami, a lollipop, some cherry pie,a sausage, a cupcake and one slice of watermelon. As result of his feasting he had a stomach. Parents can focus on the need to eat healthily and in moderation to kids as a subtopic from reading this book.

Courting and days of the weeks is also addressed in this book through in the section

" On Monday, he ate through one apple. But he was still hungry.

On Tuesday, he at through two pears . But he was still hungry.'

Kids can stick their fingers through the holes in the fruits on each page while the caterpillar devours the different fruits each day and count along. By encouraging the kids to count they will slowly be able to associate the spoken number with the quantity.

The storybook that I purchased came with a caterpillar soft toy. I found it really useful as it was an additional resource which I could use to explain the story and to make the story more interactive.

Do check out other stories by Eric Carle at his website- http://www.eric-carle.com/home.html

Rachel Dominique Goh is a elementary school teacher and a mother to two hyperactive toddlers. You can read more about her experience as a mother and educator at http://www.dominiquegoh.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Dominique_Goh

By Rachel Dominique Goh

What Stresses You? Part 2

2009-03-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

One thing that you can't do anything about is the relationship you have with your parents and family, but you can try to keep the stress as little as possible. Don't try to have a storybook or television family because they were invented for entertainment and are not blueprints for real families. Trying to be like those families is probably one of the biggest stressors that face people today. Everyone has problems with their family, so you are probably not alone. Friends are another part of relationships, except that you can do something different there. You choose your friends but you can't choose your family. My girlfriend (an only child) gave me a magnet that says "Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves". So if you don't feel that way about your friends, then you should probably choose new ones so you can lessen your stress.

Romantic relationships need to be considered with family and friends. Sometimes we try to stick out a relationship that we are romantically involved in rather than look for a person where you don't have so many problems. When people are dating, problems that will arise after marriage are already starting to develop. That is when it is smart to determine if the relationship should be continued or dropped if there are too many stressors. I am not saying that once you are in a long term relationship, such as marriage, that you should just quit on the relationship because there is stress. There is always some stress in marriages and you should try to figure out better solutions than running away.

While you are trying to figure out what your greatest stressors are, you need to consider many other sources such as money, physical health, body image and fitness. We have considered the main two stressors, work and relationships.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CD_Mohatta

By CD Mohatta

Happily Ever After Carriage Candle

2009-03-20T02:22:00.000-07:00

Happily ever after carriage candle is a marvelous wedding favor that stand alone amongst many wedding fares on the Internet today. I find that this wedding favor is so well detailed and so affordable. That is number one in the fairytale wedding favors themes area and comes in number five in all other categories. I find the happily ever after carriage candle to be a great gift as well as a wonderful wedding favor to add to each wedding reception table. It glows with the shimmering light as you light each candle on each wedding reception table and puts off a glamorous look to your wedding favorite theme.

Another wonderful wedding favor in the fairytale wedding favors theme area, I think would be the happily ever after bottle stoppers, which comes in a set of four and is so delicately handcrafted to make each bottle stopper. Look identical to the wonderful items it represents. Like a fairy tale come true, this set of four storybook bottle stoppers will charm your guest. For years to come each stopper is designed and has its own display box that is a clear showcase box with a beautiful white ribbon of gossamer design and comes in a peek and so are container.

All for bottle stoppers are designed differently. One is a sober castle and the other is a Cinderella shoe on pillow. One is a silver tiara, and finally, but not last the least a pumpkin shaped carriage. Just like in the fairytale Cinderella so if this were the others happily ever after carriage candle interest you and you would like to find out more information on Nice. I have made a wonderful list of information below to allow you to quickly find them and see for yourself how beautiful these really are.

If you really want to take the work out of looking for that right Theme idea or Wedding Favors go to My Bridal Favor now and find ideas for Unique Wedding Favors and Elegant Wedding Favors like Glass photo Coaster Wedding Favors. I think Ever Bride deserves that one great wedding don't you if so go now and look

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jesse_Miller

By Jesse Miller

Kids' Wallpaper Borders Ideas

2009-03-20T02:21:00.000-07:00

Deciding what kind of Wallpaper Borders to put up for your kid’s room can be time-consuming. It’s important that you choose a theme that your child will appreciate. A great Wallpaper Border decoration for kids does not need to have multiple designs. A simple, yet interesting design can really enhance your kid’s room decoration. Here are a few simple, yet great ideas.

Kids, especially boys, love Movie-themed Wallpaper Borders. For example, if your kid is a Star Wars fan, you might want to buy Border patterns decorated with the movie characters, spaceships and other gadgets used in the movie.

Wallpaper borders with Story Book or cartoon characters can really add color and light to your kid’s room. Choose from a variety of fairytale or comic book characters like the little mermaid, Peter Pan, Puss in Boots, Garfield, Asterix etc.

Transportation themed Wallpaper Borders can also be fun. You can get Borders that feature your kid’s favorite automobiles. For example, if your child likes trains, it’d be a great idea to put up train track borders on his wall.

If your kid has a favorite animal, he’d love to have pictures of it on his wall. There are hundreds of animal Wallpaper Borders to choose from such as horses, lions, dogs, tigers, cats, etc. Go for the colorful ones because some Animal Borders may not be specifically designed for kids.

You can do a lot with colors too. Camouflage Borders can give a very nice army-themed room decoration while blue, tan and ivory combined with a blend of various wild animals can produce the perfect Safari look. Little girls also love colors. So if you have one in the family, get Borders dotted with pink hearts, colorful little elves, butterflies and fairies.

Wallpaper Borders provides detailed information about wallpaper borders, discount wallpaper borders, kids' wallpaper borders, and more. Wallpaper Borders is affiliated with Discount Kitchen Cabinets

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Emerson

By Peter Emerson

Celebrities and Our Fascination with Them

2009-03-20T02:20:00.000-07:00

We watch them nightly on our televisions, not only in their sitcoms but also in the dozens of tabloid news shows that were solely created for us to live vicariously through the celebrities of the world. These celebrities live such glamorous lives filled with decadence and spontaneity which makes for a great getaway from the normal world known as everyday life. The fact that their lives are what story book fairy tales and movies are made of makes it more then normal that the rest of society would take notice. The question that is constantly asked is whether it's the astonishing lives they live that truly is the allure or if it is the lack of contentment and enjoyment in our own lives that gravitate us towards these celebrities.

Celebrity obsession is certainly nothing new. If anything you would have figured we as a society would have become more accustomed to and quite bored with celebrities by now. As far back as you can go in history you will see that we have made celebrities almost royalty in the sense that not only does our society need to hear and see their every move and action of these celebrities but large corporations are aware of the fact that we trust the opinions and endorsement of these celebrities more then we trust our own. Turn on your television and you will be bombarded with celebrities selling you everything from fast food to weight loss pills. Can you believe the irony of all of this? We as a society support these celebrities to such and extent that they are now millionaires yet we now put them in a position to make even more money by us purchasing the products they promote.

Do we all really want to be celebrities? Well, the answer is yes and no. The fact of the matter is not many of us are talented enough to excel in sports or the entertainment world and a lot of us would not care to be bothered with the burdens that come with the lives of celebrities. However, each and every one of us, whether it is at work or in our homes, do contribute and would love to feel appreciated for what it is we do on a daily basis. When is the last time a parent was thanked for doing a great job? When was the last time a camera crew showed up at your house and told you what a wonderful job you had done in decorating it? The point I am trying to make here is that for the most part when we watch these celebrities with such admiration it is not the fact that they are rich and famous that peaks our attention, it's simply the fact that others care about what they do!

What a perfect world it would be if we could all at least be celebrities in our own lives. Cooking, cleaning and working hard everyday may not be glamorous but it certainly should be commended. Next time you feel the need the need to watch and adore a celebrity on the television pick up the phone and give a friend or family member a call and give them the attention that may make them feel like these celebrities do.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Celebrities

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

By Michael Russell

Stylish Nursery Furniture

2009-03-20T02:18:00.001-07:00

These days it is not that trendy anymore to decorate nursery rooms with storybook characters. Modern themes use Swedish modern décor or even with summer movie blockbuster characters. Professional nursery designers sell us unexpected trends for nursery themes and decorating, however this does not mean we should always listen to them. We could still use themes that we want. Most adults may choose unusual themes for their nursery since they are really not experts in nursery design. It is also common that adults would give more importance to the design of other rooms in the house than nursery rooms. However, it is starting to become a trend that the nursery room is being designed to fit with the different rooms in the house.

The furnishings of the baby's room are extensions of the furniture used in the other parts of the house. A lot of high-end living and dining room furniture collections feature pieces that could be used in nursery rooms.

These days, if we enter a nursery room the theme would no longer give us the impression that we have entered a place that is solely created for babies. Many of the decorations used are similar to what we would find in other parts of the house.

Most nursery furniture are made so that once the baby grows older their function may change but the child could still continue to use them. The crib padding could be removed and be transformed into a dresser; the armoire still works as an armoire and organizes clothes. Your infant could still use the furniture even if he grows older.

If you are finding more information about Children`s Nursery Furniture then feel free to visit Baby Nursery Furniture

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jitesh_Arora

By Jitesh Arora

Stylish Nursery Furniture

2009-03-20T02:18:00.000-07:00

If you are finding more information about Children`s Nursery Furniture then feel free to visit Baby Nursery Furniture

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jitesh_Arora

By Jitesh Arora

Palm Springs Follies

2009-03-20T02:15:00.000-07:00

With a history steeped in Hollywood traditions you would expect Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Valley to be overflowing with great performances. You won't be disappointed as talented pianists in lounge bars, the singing servers at Cafe Italia plus numerous professional bands and singers, are on hand to delight one and all. In addition the movie theatre at Westfield Palm Desert Mall screens independent, alternative, documentary and foreign films.

But the most unique performers on stage are the world renowned Fabulous Palm Springs Follies. Celebrating the music of the 30s, 40s and 50s in Vaudeville style with a cast ranging in age from 55 to 85 years this show will amaze audiences of all ages.

Whatever you might think, don't be misled by the age of these cast members because you will be dazzled by their agility, their strong voices and their stamina. And if that's not enough the spectacular costumes, creative sets and guest performers will all leave you mesmerized by the end of the three hour spectacular.

The Fabulous Plam Springs Follies has become a local institution since it was founded and now in its second decade of continuous performances it shows no signs of slowing down---like its cast members! Another Palm Springs institution---The historic Plaza Theatre opened in 1936 and located on Palm Canyon Drive---is home to the Follies and it is fitting that this history-making show takes place in a charming, neon encrusted, storybook renovated old movie house. Performances are five days per week from late October to mid-May and this season's theme is a salute to the legendary road Route 66 in song and dance routines.

Each year the show increases in popularity and one of the reasons for this growth is the sheer extravagance of the production's costumes, lighting and sets which have to be seen to be believed. Costume creation begins about eighteen months prior to each season's opening night and they cost up to $35,000 each. Amazing as this sounds you have to see them to believe it.

Producers Mary Jardin and Riff Markowitz---who is also the evening's host and comedian---have discovered a winning combination of amazing talent and unique entertainment from times gone by which they turn into eye-popping spectaculars each season. All of the performers have enjoyed a previous career on stage, in television, in commercials or other live performances and the talented Follies' producers have found a way to keep them busy in their years which might normally be set aside for retirement. And you can see that all the cast members enthusiastically love their career revivals.

Even the Guinness Book of World Records has recognized the Palm Springs Follies' performer Dorothy Kloss at 85 years old as the "Oldest 'Still Performing' Showgirl in the World." As a precocious Chicago teenager Dorothy taught a young Bob Fosse how to tap dance and she is still tap dancing today!

So make a date with the legendary long-legged chorus line and their Fred Aistaire style gentlemen partners that will entertain you, make you laugh and leave you stunned by their charismatic extravaganza. Be sure to reserve your tickets well in advance as most performances play to sold out houses. But miss this great performance at your own folly.

See more travel stories by Roy Heale at http://www.royheale.blogspot.com

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By Roy Heale

Where to Find the Best Family Car Hire

2009-03-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

With all the vast array of car hire companies available on the internet family car hire you will have hundreds of thousands of option available for you to choose from so surf the net with plenty of time to ensure you make the right choice for your family car hire.

When you are choosing your family car hire in Spain different priorities will decide which company or vehicle you eventually choose. Some families will be looking for the convenience of where to collect the car from, some will deliberate in respect of the type of vehicle available to them and probably most of all price will dictate the eventual choice of many.

There are many thousands of locations for your selection of car hire in Spain. If you are flying into a large city for example and you know that the airport is a busy location the fact that the family car hire company is off site maybe be an important factor in your choice of company. If you have a young family then after a long journey the thought of trekking through a busy airport to find your family car hire company off site may be not ideal.

The larger family car hire companies that are well know to everyone can usually be found in the airport terminal and although they will probably be busy when you arrive the convenience sometimes out weighs the cost involved. It doesn't mean that those family car hire companies that are in the major airport terminals are always more expensive. They have varying rates to suit everyone's requirements too.

The selection of vehicles available in the family car hire section may also influence your choice. A good size saloon with a large boot maybe the ideal choice but if you have a large family then a people carrier or estate car maybe a good choice. If you see station wagon appearing on the list of available vehicles then please note that terms refers to an estate car. Try and determine the amount of luggage you will need to accommodate your family before finalising your selection. You do not want to arrive having pre-booked a certain vehicle which simply is not large enough for your needs.

You may also wish to consider the extras that may only be available in certain models with the family car hire section such as air conditioning and or possibly a sun roof. When you have children in the car and CD player or luxurious TV monitors might also be an option worth taking up if they are available. Children need to be amused on long journeys and to be able to play music or an audio story book with keep them amused during the long journey. A DVD player with screen is all the better but might not be readily available within most categories of car.

The biggest factor when choosing family car hire in Spain is probably price driven and can range quite dramatically. Research carefully the various cars on offer which suit your family's needs and then make the necessary comparisons to ensure you are getting good value for money. Remember you can usually pay by credit card and that you will need to have your licence with you all times.

Family Car Hire. One search to compare the best car hire companies online. La Manga Club is one of the worlds great holiday resorts

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_J_Lee

By Michael J Lee

Is Creative Memories Bankrupt? Learn About Creative Memories Scrapbooking

2009-03-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

Creative Memories is a home based business company in Minnesota. Creative Memories deals in exquisite scrapbooks, albums, digital photo books and related supplies as also services, which help you preserve memories alive in an organized manner.

Keeping memories is a feeling which is difficult to describe and can be full of emotions. People want to have that connection with the past. When one is still alive, to reminisce the past and when one is gone memories preserved for the generations to come! Scrapbooking and albums are a good way to connect with family members, friends and business associates.

Making quality and attractive scrap books can be fun but requires some training and tools for cutting, pasting and items for decoration.

Most people are familiar with conventional scrapbooks. With the proliferation of computers and digital photography, cyber space has become the new store house for memories. Creative Memories provides new and easy solutions for this. Their Digital artwork and StoryBook Creator software are easy to use and produce excellent results.

Very often people fail to print pictures taken with digital cameras. Creative Memories offers Photo Center, an on line Pot finishing service.

It is possible to earn money by associating with Creative Memories. You can host get together of your families and friends with the help of a Company consultant. He/she will explain ways and means to create and store memories. Depending on the sales affected, you will earn a portion and also be able to purchase some products at discounted prices.

You can become a Creative Memories Company Consultant by paying just $70. You will receive training and then arrange hosting of get togethers and help sell companies products. This will entitle you for certain percentages and purchases at discounted prices. In these times of recession, this is a good way of augmenting your income.

In conclusion, Creative Memories is a legitimate business that has been on the scene for sometime now. That being said, it is still a MLM or multi level marketing opportunity. With a MLM you are typically encouraged to start prospecting within your family and friends and often asked to attend hotel meetings. You may also be encouraged to have meetings in your home to promote the opportunity or the products. It is up to you to determine if you see yourself working within this type of system."

As always, Good Luck out There!

Godspeed, Mathew S. Robar

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By Mathew Robar

Empowering Children With Low Self Esteem

2009-03-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

Self esteem is a key ingredient in maximizing children's potential in academic achievement, social success, and personal happiness. This statement alone, was the inspiration behind the motivation for Children's Story Book ' The Magic Sunglasses' written by Auriel Blanche.(also known as Angela Buck)

We all want to protect our children, keep them from harms way and safeguard them from danger. Fundamentally it is the child's own inner beliefs and self esteem that is the only thing that can act like armor and create a shield to protect them from the challenges the world has to throw at them. For a child to reach their full potential: self esteem is the primary and most crucial tool. This is the devise that Angela Buck has focused on throughout her child literacy program. She prides herself on actively infusing inspiration to children across the world. By sparking imaginations through her literature, Angela gives the children the freedom to learn and the ability to overcome the negatives life may throw at them. Angela encourages the use of attributes a child has within to enable them to live with independence and self worth.

Angela Buck successfully taps into many children's spirits on a global scale, making them visualize desirable outcomes and make positive connections with their inner purpose. She does this through her skill of creative and innovative writing which engages children of all ages. Along with her interactive workshops and programs, The Magic Sunglasses, her acclaimed children's fun fantasy book is a must read for all children in todays society. Especially for those who are saddened with a low self esteem. Samantha is a character a child with a lack of confidence can relate to. She too hasn't fully discovered that she has a special value all her own. Throughout the story she finds a power that the reader will be inspired to find in themselves. The books motivation is to show we all have that special value, which we can use to help us live the lives we really want and to be happy. The magic sunglasses in their physical form mysteriously find their way to Samantha. They have wonderful powers which support her and show her what you can do if you really try! The important notion behind the story is that these possibilities are still achievable when she no longer has them. The results this book entails is seen in the readers improvement of personal motivation, their positivity for their own capabilities, their respect for their own special values and the optimisms for their own self worth.

Children with low self-esteem may not want to try new things, and may frequently speak negatively about themselves; they may be over critical, lack confidence and miss out on the fun and learning that other children benefit from. It is known that the use of a child's imagination helps children to develop their unique personality, beliefs, and strengths. Children work through their problems and explore their feelings while reading this book. Through their new limitless view they are now able to set meaningful and purposeful goals or intentions. Samantha hasn't any limitations to her dreams; she tries new things and can reach goals without an aid. This can then be relayed in the life of the reader.

Patterns of self-esteem start very early in life. This is why Angela Bucks book is aimed at 7-12 year olds, this age is crucial for developments; emotionally, physically and intellectually. Learning new skills and gaining belief in their potentials are great ways to improve self esteem in children. This is exactly what the themes throughout The Magic Sunglasses inspires to do. They teach the reader to praise themselves and use their imaginations to motivate all welcomed possibilities.

Angela Buck understands that Children with low self esteem need a positive role model. For this reason she created the amazing Samantha. She is always polite and friendly. She is playful and imaginative. She enjoys making her dreams come true and strives to reach her potential. She is a happy child, enthusiastic and charismatic. She is respectful of others and through self discovery learns how to cope with the challenges she faces with optimism and self worth. All of which are attributes that a role model should inspire.

To overcome self esteem issues and lack of confidence we need to Identify and redirect the child's inaccurate beliefs. Self-esteem is all about the way you judge yourself. Angela strives to promote the ethos of creating a worldwide community of children who have learnt how to value themselves and to use their potential, to live personally successful lives and contribute to the success of others. These aspects are explored through the characters in the book as well as through her interactive workshops, and her new ventures and material. Inaccurate beliefs are created by other inflicting methods surrounding children, i.e. other adults, other children, television, magazines or many other reflective methods. The Magic Sunglasses compromises these inaccurate beliefs and offers a more positive and preferable aspect to life. Samantha the main character doesn't embellish in perfection, attractiveness or being the best at everything but instead appreciates her own abilities, enjoys her own imagination and strives to promote her own specialties. Along with promoting children's individual self-discovery and self-esteem Angela has the aim of teaching the importance of discovering others self worth's and becoming respectfully aware of others. To not only understand their own specialties but to seek and understanding the positives and strengths in everyone. Angela hopes a generation of individuals who grow up with a natural respect for others regardless of race, religion or cultural will one day exist. The practice of imagining themselves in Samantha's situation is very important for developing compassion, empathy and understanding others fully, by discouraging flawed beliefs and offering inspiration for positive healthy ways of thinking, the child's self-esteem and confidence will inevitably improve. This will benefit the academic, social and personal development needed at this age.

It is known that a child needs affection and love. Without this it is inevitable that a low self esteem will occur. For this reason The Magic Sunglasses would be a great read to improve the esteem. It is a warming and touching storyline that will be extremely heartfelt by the reader, making them feel happy inside. The transparent messages throughout the book are to teach the children to love themselves. This book will surely strengthen the child's heart. Positive feedback is always craved by children and important in their learning, for this reason the book encourages own thought and personal creativity. It also encourages using imaginations for possibilities and the motivation for achieving those opportunities. The Magic Sunglasses provides imaginary situations which allow them to practice creative solutions and transcend challenges. Both of which are tools that will set them for life.

A happy living environment is essential in areas of personal confidence and personal valuation. If a child has been constantly criticized, bullied or ignored during early childhood they will have much less child self-esteem than children who are praised, encouraged, listened to and valued. Often it is the case that a child hasn't had or cannot respond to the praise or encouragement from a parent or teacher alone. This means that it is important that every child has the confidence within themselves to appreciate their own self worth and specialties. All of which are creatively demonstrated with fantastic illustrations in Angela Bucks book. Another aspect to think of is that if a child is experiencing a troubled time they may need an embracive distraction. By reading The Magic Sunglasses an escapism is created for them. An inspirational and imaginative place of positivity and hedonism. A place of fun, friendship and endless possibility. Worry, fear, panic and anxiety are all counteracted with positive images by reading the magic sunglasses, all fantastically created by the amazing author Angela Buck.

Children with unhealthy self-esteem tend to fear interacting with others. They're uncomfortable in social settings and hate group activities as well as independent pursuits. When challenges arise, they feel negative toward finding solutions and belittle themselves. Children with low self esteem are afraid to say "I don't understand this." And therefore do not learn and develop as the others do. They don't know their strengths and focus on their weaknesses. The Magic Sunglasses give a sense of optimism throughout the story line. An interactive workshop is available just by contacting the author. This is where children can benefit from the participational activities and make friends through the interaction. They are encouraged to have fun, be creative and play imaginatively in order to explore the themes. In small groups the children can concentrate on the issues and communicate openly in discussions. This will enable the individuals within the groups to challenge and understand their own and others fear and problems. They will learn to inspire themselves and others to explore passions and dreams. All children in the previous workshops, enjoyed, learnt and benefitted from them. Many parents noticed differences in their children. Many children improved their self-esteem. Teachers were impressed and as a result were inspired to re-book again and again.

When these stories actually transform a child's life, bringing joy and happiness to it, you know the story is a winner. This touching, inspirational and heart-warming plot has repeatedly been transformed into optimistic true life stories for many children who have read it. From some of which, Angela has been inundated with positive testimonials, rewarding reviews and written letters of compliments.

"I was told by a friend of mine to get the magic sunglasses for my daughter who is 7, she loved it and I did too. I try to make her realize how special she is and this book was great in explaining this, the pictures were great and Katie loved to read it. In fact shes read it again and again, I will definitely recommend this to children with lack of confidence and parents who think their children may need help in self esteem. " Barbara Deaglee

"I used to hear my 8-year-old daughter putting herself down, saying things like "I'm so ugly" or "I can't do anything right." I tried to assure her that none of these things were true, but nothing I said seemed to make any difference. I gave her The Magic Sunglasses and she loved it. Shes read it a few times now. She is now so much happier, she comes home from school and tells us what shes been good at and she has even joined a dance club. I'd recommend this book to every mum who is worried about their child being down." Julie Jacobs - Melton Mowbray

"Dear Angela, Thank you very much for your workshop at my childs school last month. She came home excitable telling me about her day, playing games and learning about the magic sunglasses. I thought nothing more of it until I went to a parent teacher meeting. I was told my daughter who is 7 had come out of herself. I know she was a little shy, would be afraid to talk out in class and would shy from asking the teacher for help sometimes, but I was told that she is now much chattier and participates in the classroom discussions more. Im amazed she has even auditioned for the school play. This I have been told has resulted in her grades improving. I have also seen a happier child, she is a lot chattier, has had many new friends round for tea and is very keen on keeping up to date with the website..." David Harper - Oldham

As you can see from these views, Angela Buck is a very inspirational lady, not only to children but to adults and parents over the globe. She shines beacons of light, inspires lasting change and empowers emotionally happy children to reach endless possibilities!!! How refreshing and delightful to benefit from The Magic Sunglasses and see it empower our children's minds and free their spirits to become flourishing children and ultimately successful adults! To get involved in her quest or to introduce your child to Samantha, Angela or The Magic Sunglasses purely click on the link - http://themagicsunglasses.com.

http://themagicsunglasses.com
Contact me on kaley@samap.co.uk

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By Kaley Herrick

Vacation Extravaganza in Disney World

2009-03-18T20:11:00.000-07:00

Feel great experiences with the attractions of Disney World where you can have a memorable holiday with your family and friends. As and when you reach Disney your inner child will come out of you to experience the fantasy world where you can find your favourite characters. In the world of Magic Kingdom you can see Cinderella's castle and suddenly you feel like you have been transported into the storybook world. During your visit to Disney World your troubles will automatically you. The major theme parks of Disney are namely the Magic Kingdom, the Epcot, the Animal Kingdom and the MGM studios.

The theme parks offer various entertaining activities that include Haunted Mansion, Dumbo and the Swiss Family Tree House, Space Mountain, etc. Disney World Vacations will make the comic book characters come to life. The must see show "It's tough to be a Bug" offers 3-D experiences exclusively for kids and adults. The two water parks include Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon which has fantastic water slides, games and ways to cool down in the hot Florida sun. The Downtown Disney is also another interesting place to visit where you can come across many thrilling experiences.

Arabian Nights is a dinner show that takes place in the world's largest indoor equestrian center for a live magical show that centers round the story of the tale of the Princess Scheherazade and her search for her true love, Prince Khalid. The show offers outstanding horsemanship and stunning costumes that offers the latest technology in sound, lighting and special effects. Arabian Nights Dinner Show offers an unforgettable experience. So to see this great show what you need to do is you have to buy Arabian Nights Tickets. There are various types of horses that includes Arabian horses, Andalusian horses, Black Stallion, Belgians and Percherons horses. Arabian Nights dinner show is well known for its delicious and gastronomic dinner menus. This dinner show can accommodate more than 1200 audiences at a time. During dinner the guests are served with the gastronomic elements like salads, seasonal vegetables, and finally the guests are served with desserts and sweets or cakes.

Cypress Gardens is another great attraction that offers enthralling 40 rides, 13 shows, etc. Buy the Cypress Gardens tickets to explore that wonders of the garden that includes fabulous food and unique shopping venues.

Buy Arabian Nights Tickets from Online store and save big amount. Don't miss out the attractive deals on Cypress Gardens Tickets and Disney World Vacations

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By San Thomas

The First "Press and Play" Children's Talking Bible Storybook

2009-03-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

For decades parents have searched for tools to involve their children in the learning process at the earliest possible stage of development. Finding books that capture the interest of the child has been the goal of most publishers and the method used was usually brightly colored illustrations, odd shaped books and oversized type. These books achieve their goal of attracting attention but usually not over a long period of time.

Suddenly 21st century technology has stepped in. Many parents have already discovered the interest their children have in "Press & Play" books that provide sounds or music, so my discovery of THE FIRST "Press & Play" talking bible storybook is well timed. This technology will obviously lead to more talking books for the preschool aged child market.

This first talking bible storybook was created by Pamela Fischer, a California house wife who said the idea came to her in a dream. She shared that dream with her teenage daughter Jenny, an art student and the idea became a reality.

Pamela is so dedicated to her dream that the majority of proceeds from the sale of her book will go to Christian charities.

The talking book concept helps young children grasp key concepts by being exposed to pictures and listening to the stories at the same time. When the child selects the story they wish to hear and presses the corresponding icon button the story is read to them in a gentle voice. Such a book can be a great asset on those long car trips and perfect for the usual bedtime ritual.

This first talking storybook has been praised by Methodist, Greek Orthodox and the Roman Catholic clergy in California. To experience this unique concept in learning visit: http://www.thisbibletalks.com

William Dorich has 25 years in commercial printing and book publishing experience. After authoring five of his own books on Balkan history and music he established his own publishing firm, GMBooks.com in 1985. Since then he has designed, produced, and published over 125 titles including Witness to War: Images of the Persian Gulf War for the Los Angeles Times which won a Pulitzer. His client list includes the Who's Who in American business

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By William Dorich

Fun Indoor Activities For Kids

2009-03-17T01:14:00.000-07:00

Give these activities a try the next time you need to keep your kids indoors. They'll keep the kids happy and keep you from tearing your hair out.

Freeze Dance. This activity is fun for all ages and really gets kids moving. Pick a favorite song or CD and then instruct your children to dance around. Fast music usually works best for this game because of the contrast between their movements and the freezing. Stop the music at intermittent times. You can either play with an elimination portion (where people who don't freeze are "out") or you can keep everyone involved for the length of the game.

Collages. This is a great way to use up old magazines and newspaper ads. Give each child a large piece of construction paper and then let them go through old ads and magazines. They can cut out shapes (little ones may need assistance) and group them together in a variety of ways. You can have them create a rainbow with the different colors that they find. They can create a food pyramid with different pictures of foods. You can also have them create a collage of their favorite things. Use glue sticks or rubber cement for quick dry times.

Obstacle Course. This is another activity that really gets the kids moving. Build a course inside the largest room in your house. It can even go down the hall if you want it to. Your obstacle course items will depend on the age of your children. You can have them crawl under chairs and tables, hop over stacks of folded towels and toss bean bags into a bucket. You can time each child and have them try to beat their own record.

Build a Fort Together. The fine tradition of fort making is perfect for those days when everyone needs to stay inside. You can use a card table and a few sheets or use packing boxes to help your child create the pirate ship, fairy castle or medieval fortress of his or her dreams. Let their imagination run wild with this one and they'll be occupied for hours.

Family story time. Days inside are perfect for reading together. Pull out one of your favorite chapter books from childhood and read it to your child. If your children are old enough, have each of them read their favorite story book out loud.

Put on a play. Take story time to the next level by putting on a play. You can make your own costumes and write out a short script. At the end of the afternoon, the kids can perform before their Dad before dinner.

Guess the Item. Put lots of different shaped items in a basket and cover it with a towel. The kids have to hold the item under the towel and guess what it is without looking at it.

Jamie Jefferson writes for Susies-Coupons, where you can find everything from coupons for the BodyBugg calorie management device, when available, to great deals on Amazon's wireless reading device

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By Jamie Jefferson

African-American Hero

2009-03-17T01:12:00.000-07:00

We will use the symbols of Kwanzaa, an African-American celebration, to commemorate the life of Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr., a great African-American who taught people of all races about freedom and equality. Dr. King's birthday is observed on the third Monday of January.

We honor Dr. King annually so that we will remember the important things he taught us through his life.
Kwanzaa is observed from December 26 to January 1 each year. In celebrating Kwanzaa, African-Americans and others are reminded of their history and struggle. Kwanzaa is a time to keep African-American families strong, to encourage people to work together for the good of all African-American people, and to picture a prosperous future for African-American children. All of these things were also important to Dr. King.

Read a storybook or a part of a biography of Dr. King. As you read about some of his experiences, tell how you may have felt or what you might have wanted to do in his place. Also read Matthew 5:9-12, 14-16. Talk about how these verses relate to the to the life of Dr. King. In what ways did he bring his world? How did he let his light of God shine? What happened to him as a peacemaker?

Dr. King shone as a light, helping us to see the way. Dr. King helped many people to see that everyone should be treated equally and fairly, regardless of the color of his or her skin. Dr. King felt the people of the world should be able to live together in harmony.

http://www.setaicossayks.com

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By Henry Harris

Demi Moore Is Doing Divorce Right! And Her Children Are Reaping The Benefits

2009-03-17T01:10:00.000-07:00

Today's Hollywood is rarely a place to find role models for our culture, especially when it comes to divorce and family issues. Year after year we've been exposed to dramatic, painful, explosive relationship breakups resulting in tabloid headlines that feed upon scandal and exploitation.

In a society that worships the rich and famous, this type of circus behavior only serves to reinforce the impression that divorce has to be dirty, destructive and demoralizing for all concerned. Throw an antiquated group of hungry divorce attorneys into the mix - the ones who live for litigation and thrive on aggravating acrimony - and you have a volatile brew destined for disaster.

Fortunately there are exceptions. Not every celebrity is modeling insanity in their relationships. Not every celebrity family is suffering from the emotional and psychological scars that inevitably result when both parents are fighting like pit-bulls, trying to tear each other apart while their children look on helplessly.

One of my favorite examples of divorce done right is Demi Moore and Bruce Willis. These parents take co-parenting seriously and have created a harmonious long-term example of what I call, Child-Centered Divorce. It takes two mature, sane and civilized adults to create a child-centered divorce, but when you consider how insane the alternative is, the peaceful route is the only direction to take. You benefit in many positive ways. Your former spouse benefits, as well. And, most important of all, your children are the real winners! They enjoy a healthy relationship with both of the parents they love and want to continue to love without pressure or guilt.

When recently interviewed about how she manages to maintain a friendship and healthy co-parenting relationship with Bruce Willis, Demi said: "Look, I'm the product of divorced parents, and my brother and I were the pawns in my parent's game. I never wanted that for my kids. At that time, I could not have seen what a gift that situation was, but without that experience, I would not have known there was a different choice to make in my own divorce."

Bravo, Demi! The key word here is CHOICE. Every parent in a divorce situation has a choice in how they will behave in relation to their ex, their children and the entire family unit. It's your choice whether you play mind games, foster resentment, express your anger, vent in front of your children, turn sons and daughters into confidents, alienate your children against their other parent and a host of other behaviors destined to create emotional havoc in your children's lives.

Demi got it right. She learned through her own painful life experience as a child of divorce - and as a pawn of her parents - how it feels to be caught up in the hostilities festering between Mom and Dad. She knew she didn't want to subject her children to a hurt that lasts a lifetime - and vowed to take a different course. I love that she recognizes this wisdom as a gift. She used her own personal pain as a catalyst for making better choices for her own children. How fortunate they are! And what a wonderful gift her model is for us all.

Hats off to Demi Moore and Bruce Willis! It may not always be easy, or simple, but it's always worth it. Just ask your children!

Rosalind Sedacca, CCT, is the author of the new internationally acclaimed ebook, How Do I Tell the Kids about the Divorce? A Create-a-Storybook Guide to Preparing Your Children -- with Love! For more information about the book, her free articles, ezine and other valuable resources for parents, go to: http://www.childcentereddivorce.com

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By Rosalind P. Sedacca

Divorce Your Spouse - Not Your Children's Grandparents

2009-03-17T01:08:00.000-07:00

When parents divorce, each member of the family is affected in very unique and personal ways. The age of the child, their gender, their relationship with their siblings, how close they were to each parent and a myriad of other factors all influence the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual repercussions in the months and years ahead.

There re many others whose lives are forever changed by the complexities of divorce. Frequently overlooked and often tragically scarred are the grandparents. Custody issues are hard enough for parents to battle out. Few take into account the consequences for grandparents whose unconditional love for their grandchildren is such a healthy and rewarding part of normal family life.

Once again this is a time for clear thinking on behalf of your children. Should they be deprived of the warmth, intimacy and loving support of grandparents just because you are angry at your former spouse? When you take out your marital frustrations on your in-laws -- your children's grandparents -- it's your children who will suffer.

Grandparents have a special place in the lives and hearts of their grandchildren. Usually they are the ones to spoil the kids, indulge them, take them off your hands when no one else can come to the rescue. Of course, not all grandparents fit the idyllic stereotype, nor are all grandparents emotionally close to their grandchildren. But if your in-laws have a healthy relationship with your children, think long and hard before severing that chord.

A child-centered divorce honors and respects all the adults and children that play a part in your children's lives. One of the primary factors in easing your children through the challenges of separation or divorce is maintaining their lives as closely as possible to their pre-divorce routines. The less disruption in their schedules, day-to-day and month-to-month activities, the easier will be their transition through divorce and beyond.

Spending time with grandma and grandpa, whether every Sunday, once a month or once a year over Christmas or summer vacation, is a routine that means life is going on with some semblance of safety, security and ease. Consider the consequences before interrupting or sabotaging that relationship. Don't deny your children the support system they have come to love and depend upon out of spite, resentment or any other motive not of relevance to your children.

Divorce is tough all around. It behooves you to do the right thing every step of the way. Seek out professional guidance if you need help regarding decisions affecting your children. Let those decisions be motivated by your love for your children - not by your resentment against those who love your children, as well.

Rosalind Sedacca, CCT is a relationship seminar facilitator and author of the new ebook, How Do I Tell the Kids ... about the Divorce? A Create-a-Storybook Guide™ to Preparing Your Children -- with Love! For free articles, her blog, valuable resources on child-centered divorce or to subscribe to her free ezine, go to: http://www.childcentereddivorce.com

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By Rosalind P. Sedacca

When Children of Divorce Act Out - Caring Parents Step Up

2009-03-17T01:03:00.000-07:00

Divorce, like life, is rarely neat and packaged. This is especially true for divorcing parents. The reality of divorce comes with unexpected twists, constant frustrations and times of utter helplessness when children act up or pull away.

Here are three tips for coping with times when your children are venting, lashing out or expressing their own frustrations about being caught up in a family adjusting to separation or divorce.

Diffusing blame. Some children, especially pre-teens and teens, may blame one parent or the other for the divorce. Sometimes they may be correct in this interpretation given circumstances they have been aware of for years (alcoholism, absent parent, domestic violence, etc.). Other times they side with one parent as a result of their prior relationship dynamics with that parent. Regardless of why you or your spouse is being blamed, keep your cool. In many cases blaming is a defense against feeling overwhelmed by the circumstances in your child’s life. Suddenly there are so many changes in such a short period of time. Often this behavior is not meant against you personally. It is merely a child’s way of coping. When you keep this in mind it is easier to not personalize the outbursts and accusations. Patiently remind your child that you understand their frustrations. Acknowledge they have a sincere right to feel that way. Tell them how much you love them and how much you regret their hurt and pain. Let them know this was a difficult decision for both parents yet one you feel is the best alternative for your family’s future happiness and well-being. Be patient and consistent. And don’t internalize a child’s expressions of frustration as a lack of love for you as a parent.

Countering distress. Often, negative comments from your children are expressions of distress and not criticism. Children want and need encouragement, support, and security during times of stress and change. If their needs are not being met because one or both parents are too caught up in their own hurt and drama, it is not surprising to hear negative comments and outbursts. When you realize that this is a call for attention, recognition and the emotional healing that you can provide, you can move into action. This is the time to reinforce your comments about the key messages every child needs to hear. They include: You are safe. You are loved by Mom and Dad. You will not lose Mom or Dad. You are not to blame for the divorce. Although change can be challenging, everything will work out okay.

Patient acceptance. In many ways divorce is like death. Sometimes the best thing you can do is fully be there for your children and understand what they are going through from their perspective. Talk if they want to talk. Hug and cuddle if they respond to affection. Continue as many family routine activities as possible on a day-to-day basis. Be honest and sincere when you are upset or frustrated by changes in your family life – and let them express their frustrations, as well. Most importantly, accept and acknowledge whatever they share with you as okay for them to feel. Try to put yourself into the mind-set of your six, ten or fifteen year old and experience the world from their viewpoint. It will help you be more empathic, less judgmental and more open to really “hearing” what they have to say.

This is what creating a “child-centered” divorce is all about. Let your children’s emotional and physical needs be at the forefront of your mind when making life-altering decisions related to separation or divorce. Parents who consciously create a “child-centered” divorce have their radar constantly on. They’re attuned to subtle changes in their children’s behavior before that evolves into overwhelming challenges. Their children know and feel that they count and are a vital part of the family dynamic – even if it is evolving into a different form. These children are less fearful and more likely to move on with their lives into the future with confidence and high self-esteem. Isn’t that what you want for your children?

Rosalind Sedacca, CCT, is the author of the upcoming ebook, How Do I Tell the Kids … about the Divorce? A Create-a-Storybook™ Guide to Preparing Your Children -- with Love! The ebook provides expert advice which helps you to create a unique personal family storybook that guides you through this difficult transition with optimum results. For free articles on child-centered divorce and Rosalind's free ezine, go to: http://www.childcentereddivorce.com

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By Rosalind P. Sedacca

Are You Ready Now For a Relationship?

2009-03-15T19:37:00.000-07:00

Spring: Everything seems alive and vibrant-- flowers are definitely more colourful, the air has a heady smell, the weather is story-book perfect and there is an unmistakable increase in libido in the singles crowd. Everyone seems to want to date more in the spring, and this is often the time when people find new love. Whether it's the warm weather or the new smells, a lot of people can't help but dance through puddles and sing in the rain in utter bliss. Some would even start to contemplate whether they are ready for a relationship or not. In matters of dating and relationships, there are a lot of different levels that a single person may be on.

This would often affect a single's readiness for a relationship. For instance, some people who have been serial daters for years may refuse to enter a real relationship because they fear rejection, or maybe because they just love being single and avoid the drama and pain. On the other hand, those who have been searching for a partner a little too hard end up driving away prospective mates because of the instant cling action that can be a major turn off. Some singles have recently survived a breakup and are on a rebound. Others still are just plain contented in singlehood but will happily test new waters if only their dream partner would show up one day soon.

And then of course there are those who've had their fill of parties, clubbing and flings for the past few years. they realize that their skin is getting more wrinkly and the youthful looks are starting to fade, so they might as well start a next chapter of their life, try to get married and have kids before their biological clock stops ticking. A person who is ready for a relationship must without doubt be in the right frame of mind and in the right part of life. Although there are no strict rules about age, one must at least be old enough and mature enough for a relationship.

One should also have a high self-esteem, and should not make the relationship as a reason to feel better about one's self. The ability to take care of oneself emotionally and financially is also vital-an individual must at least be able to take care of his/her needs instead of depending on the partner to take care of it. One must likewise let go of past traumas and hurt first, and should only commit if truly in love. Did you meet all of the requirements mentioned? If not, do a little work in enhancing yourself before paying attention to someone else and trying to be ready for a relationship.

And if you already have what it takes for a committed relationship, don't get too excited because there are even more things that you must think about. For example, is it worth entering one right now?Does he feel the same way as you do? Are you willing to work on nurturing the relationship? These are all very important factors to consider and take a while to get used to. If neither of you are willing to sacrifice nor compromise for the sake of the relationship, then it will never work out no matter how perfectly ready you both are.

The author of this article Ruth Purple is a Relationship Coach who has been successfully coaching and guiding clients for many years. Ruth recently decided to go public and share her knowledge and experience through her website http://www.relazine.com. You can sign up for her free newsletter and join her coaching program.

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By Ruth Purple

3 Reasons Moms Should Scrapbook Their Child's Adoption

2009-03-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

I swore that I would never scrapbook. I saw some amazing scrapbooks that friends had put together, but the thought of cutting into my photographs and then spending tons of money on little stickers called "embellishments?" To put it bluntly, I wasn't a cutesie, sticker kind of gal and didn't intend to change.

Then we adopted a baby. I couldn't find a baby book or adoption book that had my son's story and I kept hearing the phrase "life books." Every child's story is unique.

So I made my way to the craft store and tried to find some "embellishments" that didn't include pregnancy quotations or storks. I held my breath as I cut into my photographs. Eventually, not finding any adoption items, I put my graphic design skills to use and created my own transparency overlays about adoption, so I could record those memories from "the wait" to Adoption Day. Now I cannot conceive of having let the idea of a scrapbook of my son's life pass by me. I would have missed great joy.

Why did I decide to scrapbook about my child's adoption?

1. We all know how unique our own story is about deciding to adopt and waiting. Our kid's stories or no less special. Don't be tempted to use a book where you just fill in the blanks, because it's nearly impossible to since you don't have all of the answers, nor do they all apply. And what child wants to see blanks in his book? For example, even adoption books may or may not have a place for information about the birth father or if the adoption was international or domestic.

An additional benefit to scrapbooking is that you can design is so that it is timed perfectly for your child's age and understanding of his or her adoption story, based on what you have shared. It's inevitable that your child will being to ask more questions. It's easy to add that page with the answers right into the book. For example, my son recently has been asking, "Why did God choose me for your and Daddy? If God had sent another little boy, would you have loved him?" This is an idyllic occasion for me to create a new page for his adoption album, explaining how we prayed for a little boy just like him.

2. Photographs are nice but the memories that go along with them fade more quickly than I had imagined. I can look back at photographs from just six months ago that I didn't journal about and realize that I've forgotten the cute things my son said at that moment. What funny joke did we laugh about for fifteen minutes? I remember the giggles, but it's those stories specifics behind the photos that keep the memories alive. And what kids don't like to hear about the funny things they did or said when they were little?

3. Adoption is a special gift and I want my son to know that we acknowledge it as such. Just him seeing me spend the time to putting together an album, lets him know it's important to me. Whatever I share about his birth family, how he came to be a part of our family, visits we may have with the birth family (or if you adopted internationally, then special trips to your child's country of origin) lets him know just how special his story is. It's important that our kids know that we are never threatened by their story. We need to make sure they know that their whole life is precious to us, and not just the time that they have been a part of our family.

Now that I am an adoptive mom, I have expanded by appreciation for scrap booking. I no longer see it as a leisurely craft, but a noteworthy method to record this miracle that God gave us--the honor of being parents to our little guy.

Whether you call your adoption scrapbook album an international adoption lifebook or just an adoption book, it's much more than just a photo album or a "brag book." It's a chronicle of memories and photos, a personalized story book of your child's life, and a reminder to him that he is treasured. Though as parents, we may always have some concerns about how adoption affects a child, an adoption scrapbook is a way to remind him that we embrace and rejoice about the way he helped us become a family--through the gift of adoption.

Make a amazing adoption lifebook quickly with tools from Scrapbook My Adoption. Complete books using transparency overlays, digital scrapbooking adoption files and embellishments, make it simple to have an personalized lifebook your child will treasure.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Copen

By Lisa Copen

God Has a Purpose For Me by LaRonda Koffi, Illustrated by Victor Guiza

2009-03-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

Aya Responds to God's Purpose for Her Life

"God Has a Purpose for Me" is a uplifting story with a captivating message for children ages four through seven. LaRonda Koffi's creative narrative and Victor Guiza's beautiful colorful illustrations draw the young reader to respond to this enchanting story.

Victor's pictures reflect joy and excitement that endear the Aya and her friends to the reader. While attending the worship service in her church Aya became enthralled with the thought of fulfilling God's purpose for her life.

As she considers what it might mean she tries to put into action her understanding of fulfilling God's purpose, by making Him happy. She puts on her Mom's Sunday worship clothes thinking this might make God happy. Later she discovered a drum and some bells. As she marched with the drum and belles she sang and danced to make a joyful noise in an attempt to make God happy. She soon became tired from her efforts. Later in the evening she found the best way to make God happy as she listened to her father. She began to understand the secret of God's purpose for her life.

She learned how to please God in school, at home, with friends and in church in youth choir and in everything she did to glorify Him.

This is an excellent read aloud story book for younger children and a challenging and exciting primer for the early reader. "God Has a Purpose for Me" is a delightful book which encourages family relationships and spiritual development in the young child.

Children's Books LLC, 978-0981715001

As Reviewed for Midwest Book Review.

Richard R. Blake, Christian Education Consultant, Book Store Owner

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_R_Blake

By Richard R Blake

Reconciliation - Islam, Democracy, and the West

2009-03-15T19:32:00.000-07:00

Leaders are always the focused personalities for the people. People follow and learn many things through their intellectual decisions. They are the voices of thousands and millions of people. People bond the rope of expectations from them. Thousands of leaders' were born and died; but only few leaves their mark of identity forever. Leaders like Quaid-e-Azam, Liaquat Ali Khan, Sir Aga Khan, Allama Iqbal, Sir Syed, etc., who is still alive today, believed in a better Pakistan and against all the odds and hardships stood their ground and helped pave the way for us. Out of these great leaders, one of the most daring and confident lady, who laid down her life for the better future of our country, was Muhatarmma Benazir Bhutto.

Ms. Bhutto was brutally assassinated on December 27, just weeks after she returned from eight years in émigré. She was not only the ray of hope for the people of Pakistan as a leader, but was also an intellect writer, whose writing was greatly inspired by most of the diplomats and International people. The much-anticipated and the most awaited new book by Late Benazir Bhutto - Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy, and the West - is released last week. She wrote this book to present the real effective image of Islam to the people with positive gesture. It is also believed that she made the last few edits to her book the day she died. Her long-time friend and adviser, Washington political consultant and lobbyist Mark A. Siegel, indicates that he collaborated on the manuscript.

In a new book released Tuesday, in New York, London and Islamabad, former Pakistani Prime Minister and slain opposition leader, Benazir Bhutto says she was optimistic about her return to Pakistan, but knew about the risks to her life. Ms. Bhutto says that she had been warned that four separate suicide bomber groups had been sent to kill her. But she was the most powerful lady, who, despite of having many threats, returned back, just for the people of Pakistan and for their rights.

After the death of Indra Gandhi, and Lady Diana, she was the person, people admired the most throughout the world. She was the queen of Pakistan. She wanted liberal democratic society, and in the result, our country has given her nothing. She was an intelligent politician. Although she was exiled for many years, but her heart and soul was attached to the people of pakistan which attracted her to come back, in order to be the voices of many innocents unheard.

Bhutto was the eldest child of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, a Pakistani of Sindhi descent and Shia Muslim by faith, and Begum Nusrat Bhutto. She was the first woman elected to lead a Muslim state, having twice been Prime Minister of Pakistan (1988-1990; 1993-1996).

Bhutto was sworn in for the first time in 1988 at the age of 35, In 1993 Bhutto was re-elected but was again removed in 1996 on similar charges, this time by President Farooq Leghari. Bhutto went into self-imposed exile in Dubai in 1998. Bhutto returned to Pakistan on October 18, 2007, after reaching an understanding with President Pervez Musharraf.

In her book 'Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy and the West', Benazir Bhutto has revealed that dialogue between the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and President Pervez Musharraf's regime went on by fits and starts from the very outset of his rule but "these negotiations failed every time because I insisted on a road map to democracy."

"For the PPP it was essential that General Musharraf retire as the army chief of staff," she explains. Benazir's great regret appears to have been Musharraf's aversion to act on any of his promises.

"If Musharraf had fulfilled his promises, Pakistan could have had an orderly democratic transition, closing the chapter on military rule once and for all," she writes.

Benazir also reveals that she was in New York in August 2006 when Musharraf called her for the first time. "He asked for my support for a bill related to women's rights. I agreed, subject to a parliamentary committee's working out the details . . . The passage of the women's bill gave momentum to the process of negotiations, although deep suspicions existed." She writes that her first face-to-face meeting with Musharraf in the United Arab Emirates was "both long and cordial", and Musharraf's response to her political demands was positive. She writes that she told Musharraf to shed his uniform, ensure free, fair and transparent elections, lift ban on twice-elected prime ministers, drop charges against politicians and declare it publicly.

"Gen Musharraf's regime knew of the specific threats against me, including the names and numbers of those who planned to kill me. It also knew the names of others, including those in his own inner circle and in his party, who we believed were conspiring," Ms Bhutto wrote in the book.

She was assassinated on December 27, 2007, after departing a PPP rally in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi, two weeks before the scheduled Pakistani general election of 2008 where she was a leading opposition candidate. She symbolized the unity of federation. Her charismatic appeal across the country was at its peak and she succeeded in inspiring millions of people in her public rallies during her election campaign. Her father was snoozed up by the brutal leader of Pakistan. The death and killing of her brothers Shahnawaz and Murtaza shows, that they were much popular, due to which government was not satisfied. Benazir intelligence transformed the PPP into a more liberal and social democratic party. She professed democratic values, abandoned anti social values and adopted the way of humanism. She always practiced pluralism. On her death, regardless of ethnic or political dividism, the whole nation is beating its chest in grief. Her magnetic appeal depsote of many rivals in politics made it clear, that there was an element of leadership in her, which no one have. In her last rally at Liaquat Bagh, much in her father's mode she said: "Your country and my country is at risk. This government cannot handle this. We will defend it."

The most interesting part of Ms Bhutto's book is her issue with Samuel Huntington who wrote in his book "Clash of Civilizations" that a disagreement between the "West and militant Islam" was predictable after the Cold War was resolved.

Ms Bhutto asserts in the book that the West cannot treat conflict with the Islamic world as inevitable.

The former prime minister writes that she hoped to be a catalyst for change in bringing democracy to Pakistan. She also calls for a reconciliation of Islam with democratic principles, despite opposition from extremists.

Her assassination has left a great void that cannot be filled since it takes decades to build an international icon of her, but the PPP people are showing great unity and trying to move ahead as it was the mission of bibi to move for the democratic country. For us, she has become immortal. I pay my tribute to the great lady and icon of democratic society.

She was an International icon and role models for many womens. Her courage, bravery, talent, leadership qualities can not be revived without her.

This book is an indispensable bounty for all the people.

Munir Moosa Sewani is one of the notorious, prominent and creative names in the field of Education since 8 years. He is a Master Trainer In Special Education, Post Graduate, Teacher Educator and a Teacher. He is a Freelance Writer and Photographer too. He is an author of the famous self-published storybook for children named as "The MORAL STORIES FOR CHILDREN" and has also written Biology course book for Secondary Classes. He has written almost more than 30 articles on social, health, educational and cultural issues, which are internationally recognized and published on most of the famous world wide websites, magazines and newspapers. He is also a Social worker, private tutor, career counselor, musician, lyrics writer and have multi- dimensional talents. His future plan is to write dozens of informative books and articles and to work for education and media too.

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By Munir Moosa

Toddler Favorite Parties

2009-03-15T19:31:00.000-07:00

When toddlers have a birthday, their favorite television shows often become the theme that their parties are centered around. It gives us the greatest pleasure in life to be able to give our children their every hearts' desire.

If our child gets excited to see Blues Clues bouncing around the television, wouldn't they be just as excited with a Blues Clues room and Blues Clues clothes and Blues Clues toys? To see the excitement in our toddlers faces as they point at their Blues Clues decorations fills us with the same excitement.

There are quite a few choices for your toddlers birthday party. Winnie the Pooh is probably the most popular and diverse theme. You can choose to have a Disney Winnie the Pooh party with the modern characters, or you can choose the classic Pooh theme with the story book characters. If you choose to go with the classic Pooh party, think about combining it with a story book theme. Ask guests to add to the childs book collection by bringing a book instead of a card. The centerpieces can be old books arranged neatly in a pile, or the favors themselves can be a small book for each guest.

You can also combine a music theme with The Wiggles theme. Use large letters and numbers as decorations for a Sesame Street theme. To find different items to match your toddlers birthday theme, visit www.character-party-supplies.com. To be realistic, it's not the decorations that most excite the child at his or her party; it's the freedom to finally be able to run wild and not get in trouble for it. If they want to dive head first into their cake and smear it all over their hair, what are the consequences besides a few messy pictures taken and the laughter of the adults who have come to share in the memory?

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Free Party Games to help complete your birthday celebration.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino

By Gail Leino

Twelve Days of Piano Christmas Gifts for Kids

2009-03-12T02:32:00.000-07:00

Christmas is a great time of year to give your child taking piano lessons musical gifts and encourage them to reach their musical goals. Below are Twelve Days of Christmas Gifts for Piano Students.

1. Books - Stories about the piano journey are a great way for your child to explore important concepts children need to achieve success such as how to set goals, how to overcome worries and fears about performing, how to be persistent in their learning, and how to take responsibility for their success.

2. CD's - Listening to music is important for developing a musical ear. A Piano CD would make a great gift for students. Then leave it in your car so you can play it on the way to school, or on your way to piano lessons.

3. A Piano Bag - A piano bag makes a nice gift that will make your piano student feel special and also keep them organized and ready on piano lesson day. This way they can keep all their books in their piano bag and always have the music they will need at their lessons.

4. Games - Musical games make a terrific Christmas gift for children. Find games that the whole family can play together. This is a great way to support your child in piano lessons.

5. Piano Practice Pals - These are cute little stuffed animals students can put on their piano at home to keep them company while they are practicing. Give your child a new practice pal each time they achieve a new musical goal.

6. Piano Journal & Memory Books - These are a wonderful way to help your child in piano lessons celebrate their musical journey. They can include photographs of holiday recitals and other events as well as a place for students to keep a record of their goals and progress.

7. Metronome - a Metronome is a great little gadget that goes tic-toc, tic-toc, kind of like a clock, but it can be set to different tempos. Students use these to learn to follow a stead beat. They are also great for helping student develop sight-reading skills. Using a metronome helps them learn how to look ahead in the music and anticipate playing the next note.

8. Piano Sheet Music - Piano sheet music is a great gift for new piano students. Be sure you get music that is appropriate for your child's age and experience.

9. Mp3s - Download mp3s and save them to a CD for your young child in piano lessons to listen. You can even find them for free.

10. Piano Club for Kids Membership - Enroll your child in a piano club for kids. This a great way for your child taking piano lessons to feel supported and have more fun with music. Enrollment comes with special gifts including many that I have already mentioned including books, games, stories, piano lessons, piano bag gift sets, free sheet music you can download, and free mp3s.

11. Give your child a subscription to a Piano Magazine, or E-zine that will automatically come to them every month - Monthly Internet E-zines come with articles about piano lessons written for kids, plus come complete with midi files of classical music, and sheet music that is safe to download. Today's kids are part of the computer age and need to know how to use technology to advance their education. This is a great way to give kids a head start with technology as well as supporting their music education.

12. Award Certificates - Music award certificates don't always need to come from their piano teacher. Parents can also give their children family music certificates. Give your child a personalized Music Award Certificate from you for practice points you award them each week for example. Let them turn in their certificates for a special treat such as a new Practice Pal, or Musical Story Book.

To learn the best way to share the gift of music with children visit Amazon.com for my Piano Bears Musical Stories for Children The exciting Piano Bears Musical Stories for children ages 5 to 11 feature the loveable characters, Mrs. Treble Beary and her new piano student, Albeart Littlebud. Children love following along with Albeart to Mrs. Treble Beary's piano studio in Musical Acres Forest. Here they learn what piano lessons are all about in a fun way that kids readily understand and appreciate! Piano students laugh and giggle while reading "Little Bear's Musical Garden" and "Little Bear's Piano Goals."

For a wealth of f'ree information and piano music online visit Piano Bears Music Education Resources Don't Wait to Share the Gift of Music!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cynthia_VanLandingham

By Cynthia VanLandingham

College and the Autistic Student

2009-03-12T02:31:00.000-07:00

Autism, a neurological-based developmental disability, affects an estimated one in 166 people, according to a 2004 study by the Centers for Disease Control Prevention. Both children and adults with Autism typically show difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interactions and leisure or play activities, according to the Autism Society of America. Autism affects individuals differently and to varying degrees.

Experts agree on the following advice upon detection of Autism:

1. Seek immediate treatment for your child.

2. If possible, find someone to work with the child at least 20 hours a week, i.e. a therapist, teacher, parent, grandparent or someone from your church or group. Look for progress after one month.

3. Do not allow the child to sit and watch TV all day. Get them engaged and play as many games as possible that require taking turns.

4. New parents learning they have an autistic child must recognize immediately that they cannot do it all by themselves. They should immediately contact Autism societies or chapters to find resources, join support groups and talk with other families about their experiences.

5. Help the child to develop their areas of strength, particularly among high-functioning students with Asperger’s Syndrome (a neurobiological condition characterized by normal intelligence and language development with deficiencies in social and communication skills), and get them job experiences during high school.

Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia is one of the few colleges in the US that has a special program in their Autism Training Center, which works with Autism spectrum disorders like Aspergers. Although many colleges have counselors and staff familiar with Autism, only Marshall has a program tailored specifically for autistic students. The program serves three of the university's 16,360 students and may eventually accommodate 10; it will remain small by choice.

“The goal is not for all students with Autism to attend Marshall, but for the program to become a model for other colleges,” says Barbara Becker-Cottrill, the Center's director. "The true goal is for students to have the ability to attend the university of their choice. Our work will be working with other universities on how to establish a program such as this on their own campuses."

Kim Ramsey, the Marshall program's director, had this to say, "The problem is, social and daily living issues are interfering."

This is not to be confused with a special education program. Like all students, they must meet and maintain the university's academic standards. The Center offers tutoring, counseling, a quiet space to take exams, and help in the navigation of the bureaucracy and social world of college, i.e. how to schedule classes, join clubs, buy books and replace ATM cards that don't work.

In a recent issue of the bimonthly, Asperger’s Digest, Lars Perner, an assistant professor of marketing at San Diego State University who has Asperger’s Syndrome, said, “How many college students have forms of Autism is impossible to determine as many go undiagnosed or are simply perceived as a little bit strange. The exact cause is unknown, although both genetics and environmental factors are suspected of playing a role. Some of these students might be able to get into college because of fairly strong academic credentials and a reasonable academic showing. That may not mean they will be able to stay in college." Perner is also the author of a college selection guide.

Sadly, most autistic students either drop out or don’t even apply to college because they have difficulty with such tasks as doing all the paperwork, time management, taking notes and sitting for exams. Stephen Shore, who is finishing his doctoral degree in special education at Boston University and has been diagnosed with atypical development with strong autistic tendencies, said, “More programs like Marshall's were needed. I think they would do much better and there would be a much higher rate of success if this type of program were available elsewhere.” However, as researchers learn more about Autism and public school services for Autism improve, more autistic students will graduate from high school and be academically, socially and emotionally prepared for college.

College Selection - Your Number One Priority

The following must be considered, but only after the family has visited the campus and is convinced their student will be able to “survive” at that school:

1. Accommodations: If proper accommodations are not made available to the student, then it would be futile to attend that particular college.

2. Curriculum: Ideally, there will be enough areas of interest for the student.

3. Setting: Urban or rural, close to home or far away, and a large or small student body are all issues that must be factored in.

4. Cost: Last but not least; like the 5th C when searching for that perfect diamond – is the cost. Paying for college is actually the easy part, because no matter what, you can borrow the money! And never lose sight of the fact that all the financial aid in the world is useless without that coveted admission ticket!

Some other criteria that should be particularly important for autistic students include:

1. A highly structured academic program

2. A second-to-none disabilities services program (or its equivalent)

3. A willingness to be flexible

4. Support for individual needs and a centralized counseling center

Experience with Autism is helpful, but the most important characteristics of the disabilities services program and counseling center are the commitment to providing individualized support and a willingness to learn about each student’s disability and needs. Because of the learning differences of students with high functioning Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome, they often benefit from tutoring, organizational and personal support services.

Sometimes, a smaller school is easier for students who learn better in a smaller and quieter environment. For students who will find the degree of independence and organization required for living at college to be intimidating, it can be helpful to live at home for the first year or two of college, and gradually make the transition to more independent living. Some colleges offer cooperative education programs, in which students alternate between taking academic courses and working in related jobs. Such programs have the ability to help students explore potential careers and develop essential work skills.

Academic Assistance and Accommodations

In college, students are given the responsibility of advocating for themselves. They can receive support from the disabilities services program or not, but they will have to be able to make many decisions for themselves.

In many colleges, the disabilities services program will write a letter to relevant professors indicating that a student has a disability and may need special accommodations. This letter might be the student’s responsibility to give to the professor, or it might be sent out to each professor. In either case, it is then likely to be the student’s responsibility to follow up with the professor and request specific help.

Many students will need coaching and support in order to do this. Some counselors may be willing and able to help, others will not. In many instances, it will be necessary and helpful to have a tutor. The disabilities service center will usually be able to assist with the required services.

Academic accommodations have been helpful as well as necessary for some students with Asperger’s High Functioning Autism because they need a little longer to process information and organize responses. This can mean that they will take a little longer in responding to questions in class and should receive the required extra time on quizzes, tests and exams. Due to difficulties in processing and screening sensory information, a distraction-free environment may be important for ongoing studying and for taking exams.

Seating is often important in lecture halls. Sitting at or close to the front and sometimes in the center of the row, can make it easier to hear and understand. Some students find it easier to sit near the front but in an aisle seat, so that they have a bit more room to spread out and are less likely to be bumped.

Seating is sometimes on a first-come, first served basis daily, or for the entire semester. If this is the case, students should get to their first class early, or try to make preparations in advance. Some professors prefer assigned seating for the entire semester. In that case, students may need to talk to the professor in order to arrange for their special seating needs.

Some professors include class participation as a component of the grade and require recitals in front of the class and/or working together as part of a group. Such class requirements can be challenging for students with difficulties in oral communication or working together with others. In anticipation of this, students should be advised to talk to the professor about their disability early in the semester in order to attain special accommodations, if necessary, and the support and understanding of the professor which is always necessary.

Getting Organized

Most students with Autism spectrum disorders need clear, systematic organizational strategies for academic work and most likely for all other aspects of daily living. Calendars, checklists and other visual strategies for organizing activities should be developed with the student.

Course Selection

Many students with Asperger’s/High Functioning Autism will excel in courses that draw on factual memory and/or visual perceptual skills. An intuitive counselor or advisor can help guide the student to a curriculum that will capitalize on his or her strengths and interests.

The most difficult and challenging courses are those that require abstract verbal reasoning, flexible problem solving, extensive writing, or social reasoning. Such courses may be valuable to take, but could require extra time and support.

In her book, Pretending to be Normal, Liane Willey, an adult with Asperger’s Syndrome, recommends taking courses in communication and psychology in order to improve social understanding and skills. “It is often wise,” she advises, “to audit a course if it would take a long time to master the material.”

A somewhat relaxed class load is often the best course of action, especially during the freshman year when everything is new. For some students, a reduced course load can help keep the stress levels more manageable.

A related issue is that many students with Autism need extra time for thinking about problems and for completing work. This means they will need more time than most students for reading and doing assignments. This should be taken into account in planning a student’s course load so they will not be overwhelmed, which could have adverse consequences.

Social Groups and Activities

For some students, living on their own may be overwhelming as they often need more support than most freshmen for making social connections. All campuses have organized social groups and activities. Most students with high functioning Autism/Asperger’s will enjoy participating in some of these, but will need guidance with finding the right groups and introductions.

Always consider the student’s strengths and interests when looking for groups and activities. It might be beneficial to have someone, perhaps an older student, a mentor or advisor point out groups that would be of interest and help with the initial steps of becoming a participant. It may also be possible to mobilize other resources through Student Services, residence advisors and service organizations on campus.

Dorm Life

For many students with high functioning Autism, it is preferable to have a single room. This will provide a sanctuary where they can control their environment, focus on their work and daily activities without distraction, and not be forced to engage in social interaction all the time. Having a roommate can be highly stressful, and most experts agree that to be without one initially is the best choice. However, it is strongly recommended to have a mentor nearby.

When the student is in agreement, it can be helpful to inform the residence staff of their disability and the areas in which support may be needed. It is best if the student can discuss their disability with peers. It can also be helpful to meet with other students in adjacent rooms to discuss why their behavior may appear to be odd at times.

The Daily 9-5

It will prove most helpful to identify the likely pitfalls and provide the student with written guidelines and checklists in addition to advance preparation and training. The following are various aspects of daily life on the average college campus.

1. Meal plans and their rules; where to eat at non-meal times

2. Laundry

3. Spending money; budgeting

4. Using a campus ID and/or charge card

5. Dorm rules

6. Handling fire drills at any hour, especially in the middle of the night

7. Using communal bathrooms

8. Transportation

9. Campus maps

10. Locating security personnel

11. Finding rest rooms

12. Using an alarm clock

13. Campus mail, e-mail and instant messaging usage

14. Library hours and how to get help from a librarian, and for that matter, anyone else

15. Lecture hall procedures

16. Learning about and participating in dorm activities

17. Student health services

18. Medical, non-medical emergencies and non-emergency procedures

19. First aid and how to take care of oneself during a minor illness (including how to get liquids and food when they’re under the weather)

20. Finding time for physical exercise is important for many, not only for health reasons but also to help with stress management.

Plan Far In Advance

Thinking about these issues years in advance is necessary; doing something about it is mandatory! As part of the Individualized Education Plan process, each student should have a transition plan to learn the skills necessary for college. Many important skills that will facilitate success in college can be taught and practiced at home and while the student is still in high school. It is important that the student understand what his or her learning needs are, and the types of accommodations that will be helpful.

In college, students will probably find it helpful to talk to advisors and professors about these issues. This will be easier to do when it has been practiced in the more supportive environment of the home and the high school. At home, high school students should be learning and practicing daily living and independence skills so they will be able to be successful in college...

For further information about Autism and to view country artist Mark Leland's emotionally charged video, "Missing Pieces," a song for Autism, please visit Frinkfest.com, and the following:

The PARIS database contains details of all colleges known to The National Autistic Society that cater for students with autistic spectrum disorders. It is available at www.info.Autism.org.uk and is updated regularly. If you require further information please contact the NAS Information Centre.
Tel: + 44 (0)20 7903 3599 or 0845 070 4004.
www.about-disability.com/disability-aids/college-financial-aid-disabled-student-99.html College financial aid for disabled students.

A Few Resources

There are brief discussions of college-related topics in Liane Willey’s book, Pretending to be Normal, and in A Parent’s Guide to Asperger Syndrome & High-Functioning Autism, by Sally Ozonoff, Geraldine Dawson, and James McPartland.

Aquamarine Blue 5: Personal Stories of College Students with Autism, edited by Dawn Prince-Hughes, has 12 essays and an appendix of tips. A recent addition is Succeeding in College with Asperger Syndrome: A Student Guide, by John Harpur, Maria Lawlor, and Michael Fitzgerald.

Eric Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education, One of their many useful articles, ERIC EC Digest #E620, is "Selecting a College for Students with Learning Disabilities or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)."

A web site from the United Kingdom, University Students with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome, has many helpful links and some interesting articles by university students with Autism spectrum disorders.

North Carolina State University has a useful guide on transitioning from high school to college on their web site. Edmonds Community College and the University of Washington Autism Center.

Experts On The Subject

Dr. Ami Klin, www.info.med.yale.edu/chldstdy/Autism/staff.html

Dr. Klin is the Harris Associate Professor of Child Psychology and Psychiatry at the Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, and Yale – New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of London, and completed post-doctoral fellowships in developmental psychopathology at the Yale Child Study Center. He coordinates psychological evaluations at the Yale Child Study Center Developmental Disabilities Clinic, and the diagnostic, neuropsychological, and social cognitive assessments of three large, federally-funded program projects focused on behavioral and neurobiological aspects of Autism and related conditions. Dr. Klin is also Chief of Psychology at the Child Study Center.

His research activities focus on psychological and biological mechanisms impacting on socialization, particularly as these mechanisms are expressed in individuals with Autism and related severe social disabilities. These studies include novel techniques such as the new eye-tracking laboratory that allows researchers to see the world through the eyes of individuals with Autism, as well as to measure their patterns of viewing of naturalistic social situations. He is the author of over 80 publications in the field of Autism and related conditions. He is also the co-editor (with Drs. Fred Volkmar and Sara Sparrow) of a textbook on Asperger Syndrome, published by Guilford Press, and the third edition of the Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Disorders.

Carol Gray, www.thegraycenter.org

President of the Gray Center, Gray initiated and developed the use of Social Stories with students with autistic spectrum disorders, and has written several articles, resources and chapters on the subject. Gray co-authored the first article describing Social Stories, entitled Social Stories: Improving Responses of Students with Autism with Accurate Social Information, published in Focus on Autistic Behavior in April of 1993. Shortly thereafter, Gray edited the first book of Social Stories, The Original Social Story Book (1993), followed by New Social Stories (1994), which is now under the title, The New Illustrated Social Story Book (revised 2000).

Gray has written several chapters on the topic of Social Stories, including: Teaching Children with Autism to "Read" Social Situations, in Teaching Students with Autism, Methods to Enhance Learning, Communication, and Socialization, a text edited by Dr. Kathy Quill (1995, Delmar Publishers Inc.); Social Assistance, in Higher Functioning Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism, edited by Dr. Ann Fullerton (1996, Pro Ed Inc.); and Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations, in Asperger Syndrome or High Functioning Autism? a text in the Current Issues in Autism series, edited by Dr. Eric Schopler, Dr. Gary Mesibov, and Dr. Linda Kunce (1998, Plenum Press).

Most recently, Gray has edited My Social Stories Book, a collection of Social Stories specifically written for young children. In addition, Gray has extensively researched the topic of bullying. Gray’s Guide to Bullying looks at bullying as it relates to people with ASD (The Morning News, winter 2000, spring 2001 & summer 2001). She has also worked on a curriculum to teach students how to avoid violence.

Gray has developed a variety of other resources addressing additional topics related to the education of children and adults with autistic spectrum disorders. She is the author of What’s Next? Educating Students for Success in the Community (1992), Taming the Recess Jungle (1993), and Comic Strip Conversations: Colorful, Illustrated Interactions with Students with Autism and Related Disorders (1994). She is also the editor of The Jenison Autism Journal (formerly The Morning News), an international newsletter that shares information among those working on behalf of individuals with autistic spectrum disorders. Gray is the recipient of the 1995 Barbara Lipinski Award for her international contribution to the education of children with autistic spectrum disorders.

Stephen Shore, www.Autismasperger.net

Diagnosed with “Atypical Development with strong autistic tendencies” Stephen Shore was viewed as “too sick” to be treated on an outpatient basis and recommended for institutionalization. Nonverbal until four, and with much help from his parents, teachers and others, Stephen Shore completed his doctoral degree in special education at Boston University with a focus on helping people on the Autism spectrum develop their capacities to the fullest extent possible.

In addition to working with children and talking about life of the Autism spectrum, Stephen presents and consults internationally on adult issues pertinent to education, relationships, employment, advocacy, and disclosure as discussed in his book Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome and numerous articles. He also serves on the board of the Autism Society of America, as board president of the Asperger’s Association of New England and is on the Board of Directors for Unlocking Autism, the Autism Services Association of MA and the Asperger Syndrome Coalition of the US.

Reecy Aresty has been a financial advisor since 1977, and is founder and president of College Assistance, Inc., located in Boca Raton, Florida. He is the author of "How To Pay For College Without Going Broke," an invaluable, critically acclaimed, parent/student manual, (updated from its previous edition, "Getting Into College And Paying for It!"). Arguably the most revealing book ever written on college admissions and financial aid, it is also the only book of its kind available in Spanish. For the past 28 years, Reecy has helped thousands of families send their kids to the college of their choice for less than they ever dreamed possible. For more information on admissions & financial aid, and to checkout the best college book on the market today, please visit: Paylessforcollege.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Reecy_Aresty

By Reecy Aresty

Themes For Baby Rooms

2009-03-12T02:30:00.000-07:00

In designing and choosing a theme for your baby's room, there are aspects that you need to consider. The baby's gender, personality and your own budget are basic things to consider.

Below are some examples of the themes you may use for the room of your babies. It includes tips, information and some ideas that will help you to create the perfect room suitable for your baby.

Constructions Theme
This baby room theme is suitable for your baby boy. It includes big trucks, tractors and many other equipment designs. These can be featured in wall murals, baby beddings and nursery rugs.

It also includes little dirt moving machine toys like little trucks and machines. The ideal wall color or wallpaper color would be a neutral dirt color. You can also paint and draw some landscapes on the walls with grass, buildings, trees and houses.

On the ceiling, you can put a cloud mural to complete the ambience. You can get wallpaper borders matching the color of the toys, cribs and overall theme of the room.

Penguin Theme
To create a penguin theme room, of course the lamps, lights, toys, crib, bed sheets and walls must bear penguin designs. You can buy penguin stuffed toys and other related animals also. You can also find penguin wallpaper borders that will serve as accents to the room.

Police Theme
This theme is suitable for both genders. You can start by having a police car toy in the room. Colors to be used are red, black, white and blue which most police officials use for their vehicles and uniforms. The walls can be painted with street murals. Wallpaper borders could be a police yellow line. Lamps or lightings can resemble lamp posts seen in the streets.

Butterfly Theme
This theme is best suitable for your baby girl but it can also be used in your baby boy's room. It will show butterfly and garden prints or murals on the walls. Bed sheets, rags and some clothing should also possess butterfly prints on them.

You can also find butterfly toys that you can hang onto the ceiling. There are also butterfly storybooks that you can buy and stack them inside a bookshelf to create a mini butterfly storybook library.

Medieval Theme
This theme is a good idea to make a baby feel like a princess. Many princess stories are set in medieval times. The room should have castle wall murals. You can also put a dragon mural on the ceiling.

Display toy swords, shields and dragons in the room. Display dragon or knight story books on a mini bookshelf on the corner of the room. The floor can be adorned with a carpet resembling a grass field or a dirt path common during the medieval times. The doors should be the wooden type to add an ancient or medieval appeal.

There are other suitable themes you can have for your baby's room. With creativity and the right materials, you can make it very colorful, warm and safe for your baby. It makes it more exciting to wait for the arrival of the baby. It is also good bonding time with your partner and loved ones.

For more information on Baby Rooms and Baby Room Paint Ideas please visit our website.

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By David Urmann

Las Vegas, Nevada Home Builders

2009-03-12T02:29:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas, Nevada is the home for various national and local home builders. Given below is information of some of these builders added upon by a brief introduction and information on their new housing communities and homes.

Pardee Homes - Is a local Las Vegas new home builder building premium houses in Las Vegas since 1921. Pardee has over six new home communities in Las Vegas with pricing starting from $200,000. They are also known for their donations and fundraisers for social causes through their new home communities. Visit them online for more information about their Las Vegas new homes for sale and new home communities.

Astoria Homes - Astoria is another local home builder providing designer homes at unbeatable prices. Their new home communities offer creative ornamental work. This builder, has over eleven new home communities across Las Vegas start with a pricing of $200,000. To know more about the location, pricing and availability of houses in these communities, visit them online.

Burke & Associates Inc - Burke & Associates Inc is a general contracting and home building service with headquarters locates at Las Vegas, Nevada. They have been building quality homes across US for more than two decades. Burke & Associates Inc has three housing communities in Las Vegas. Visit Burke & Associates Inc online for more information about their floor plans, home pricing, new home designs and new home subdivisions.

StoryBook Homes - StoryBook Homes is a local Las Vegas new home builder which has build over 21,000 homes in Vegas since its opening 23 years back. StoryBook currently has two new home communities in Las Vegas. To know more about the pricing, availability and location visit StoryBook online.

William Lyon Homes- William Lyon Homes is a national home builder which has build over 100,000 homes across the nation. There headquarters in situated in California. William Lyon has been providing new housing communities in Las Vegas from 21 years. To know more about William Lyon visit them online.

Pageantry Homes- Pageantry is a national home builder building new communities across the states of Nevada, California and Arizona. Pageantry Homes has four new home communities in Las Vegas with a pricing over $260,000

Paul is a principal of NewHomesSection.com. Search Las Vegas home builders and Las Vegas new homes today!

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By Paul Escobedo

Miss Potter Movie Review

2009-03-12T02:26:00.000-07:00

"Miss Potter" is nice and enjoyable but not altogether special. The film chooses to not focus a great deal on the works of Beatrix Potter (Renee Zellweger), probably because they're so well known, but instead focuses on her life which is an interesting tale but the way it's presented in this film is nothing particularly dramatic or moving, yet so many of the components would be just that if they were executed in that manner. The film has a storybook quality to it to match the nature of Potter's work and is perhaps the most successful part of the film, but it's a shame that the lack of dramatic execution and the way over-the-top Victorian acting detracts from an otherwise fascinating story.

The film opens by intercutting between Potter's childhood and current life where we are reminded constantly of her strength of character and desire to indulge in her creative pursuits of drawing. Here she meets her publisher, Mr Warne (Ewan McGregor), the youngest of three brothers who run a publishing firm, and is assigned Potter's book as 'something to do' by his brothers who don't believe it will sell any copies. Ultimately, Mr Warne is enchanted by Potter's work and manages to get it in to the bookstores, turning them in to a publishing phenomenon. This part of the story is only really brisked over as the film clearly starts to focus on Potter's growing relationship with Warne. What seems odd however is that Warne seems in to her from the get go and there really isn't a chance in the story for anything to develop beyond a "that's just how it is" mentality. This is especially evident when Warne's life takes a turn for the worse and what would have been a tragic sequence of love lost by Potter, we get the feeling of a footnote. This is the best way to describe this film as a lot of the major events are tragic/joyous/moving etc. but they don't really resonate much at all.

The acting in this film is a over the top. Probably at the request of the director, the finely assembled, and otherwise fabulous cast does its best to accentuate every nuance and word to make it blatantly obvious that we're looking at upper-class Victorian people but it just doesn't ring true. Renee Zellweger does the best she can as Beatrix Potter, as does Ewan McGregor as her publisher but there's something not quite real about any of it. Potter's father, played by Bill Paterson, comes off best as the only person in her family who actually understands what she's doing with her life.

The cinematography is the major highlight of the film. As "Miss Potter" is concerned with the telling of her life and her successes as a children's storybook author, the images contain a storybook beauty themselves. Right from the start, the images are rich and colourful, composed with an other-worldly quality that fits right at home with Potter's life. A wonderful addition is the animation sequences where we see her characters jump off the page as Potter imagines them, although it makes her character look a bit odd when she starts conversing with them.

Overall, a nice film but doesn't really take you any where special.

For the complete, original DVD review, click this link: http://www.allaboutmovies.net/dvdreviewmisspotter.htm

Alex DeMattia is the lead DVD reviewer at the film/DVD review web site All About Movies.net. He also contributes reviews and articles for the Digicosm Film Blog: http://www.filmannex.com/Digicosm

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By Alex Demattia

So You Want To Write A Novel?

2009-03-10T03:04:00.000-07:00

The idea of writing a novel can be quite daunting. Yet, many people feel they have a novel inside them. The percentage of people, who talk about it as opposed to do anything about it, is very high. So why is it then, people fail at the first hurdle?

1. Lack of time

2. Lack of ideas

3. They run out of steam

4. Lack of confidence

5. Procrastination

6. Overly sensitive to criticism

7. They don't want it enough

For someone who has written six novels to date, four of them published, I'll tell you that you can make the time. We all have the same twenty four hours in a day and it's what we do with them that count. I know an author who writes ten books a year for Harlequin and still has time to look after her young family.

On the other hand, I had an online friend who claimed it was her dream to write books for children. I helped her get enrolled on an online writing course I was taking at the time. Did she ever write that book? No. She didn't even complete a writing assignment for the course because she claimed she didn't have the time. Yet, the same woman spent hours chatting online, so she could easily have eked out the time. She just didn't want it enough.

So, how do you go about writing a novel?

I'm not pretending that it's going to be plain sailing for you. In fact, the whole process is hard work. Getting the first draft down, in my opinion, is the easiest part. It's the editing and revision I dread, both what I have to do before I submit it to a publisher, and then afterwards working on line edits and copy edits with editors prior to publication. This can take as long, if not longer, than getting the first draft down in the first place.

I can't tell you much about other authors' writing processes, only my own, which might help you should you decide to give novel writing a go.

I start off with an idea. This might come from a magazine or something I've seen on the television, or even a snippet of conversation. I'll use an example here of my new book, A Taste of Honey, to show you how I work:

I was reading the newspaper one day when I came across a feature article about honey trappers - women who set up men for their wives and girlfriends to see if they will remain faithful or cheat. This led me to the question, "What would happen if one of those honey trappers accidentally set up the wrong guy?" What would transpire then? This formed the basis for my book.

Many novels and movies can be summed up this way, in just a sentence or log line. In fact, editors often ask authors at writing conferences to pitch their novel to them in just one sentence.

For fun, can you work our which movies or novels these are from just their log lines alone?

1. "Transported to a surreal landscape, a young girl kills the first woman she meets, then teams up with three complete strangers to kill again."

2. "A young, independent woman keeps a daily journal of her thoughts and feelings whilst living in the big city."

3. "A nun leaves the convent to work for a rich man and his children."

4. "A married, family man, decides to kill himself on Christmas Eve, but is saved by an angel who shows him what his life would have been like had he not been born."

5. "A young orphan boy runs off to London where he encounters a gang of thieves."

** Now try writing your own log line for a novel you have in mind. **

**** Answers to loglines:

1. The Wizard of Oz

2. Bridget Jones's Diary

3. The Sound of Music

4. It's a Wonderful Life

5. Oliver Twist

Character charts

From the general idea, I construct character charts for the main characters, answering such questions as "What do you keep in your fridge?", "What's your favourite saying/song/colour?" Etc. This is a great way to develop your characters and subconsciously find out more about them.

Then I construct a picture board. I cut out photographs from magazines of what I think my characters look like and also of the settings. This really helps me when I'm stuck for ideas. I pin the picture board up by the side of my computer and I look at it for inspiration. I imagine what the characters are saying and what they might do.

I'm a very character led writer. My characters are allowed to do whatever they wish and they drive the plot. Some authors are more plot driven. I write by the seat-of-my-pants in that I don't do a lot of outlining. I usually have a beginning in mind before I start to write and more often than not an ending as well. Then I work from A to B.

You might prefer to outline. This can take the form of plot points. Some authors write out around 20 plot points and work with those, others write pages of outline. I don't. I like to surprise myself. Sometimes even I don't know who the stalker is until towards the end of the book!

Something that new authors are prone to do is the info dump. Instead of hooking the reader into the story, they give away too much back story and consequently, tell rather than show the reader.

If you think you are liable to do this, you could write a chapter of back story and then put it to one side before starting your novel.

The important thing to remember is that the story needs to start when something life changing is about to happen to the main character.

Ways to hook the reader:

Dialogue

"Have you heard? He's trying to buy her a husband." Feminine laughter trilled mockingly.

[An extract from the first line of 'The Sicilian's Marriage Arrangement' - Lucy Monroe, Harlequin Mills & Boon]

The above example is a good way of hooking the reader into the story. Immediately they are drawn into the story. Which character is speaking? Who is she talking to? Who is the person trying to buy the woman a husband? And more importantly, who is the prospective bride? This is a very clever way to begin the book. Four questions immediately come to mind for the reader!

Setting the scene

Some authors are very good at setting the scene before the action begins. JoAnn Ross is very good at this:

It was dusk - too late for sunset, too early for stars. Ian MacKenzie had expected at least another hour of daylight, but night was coming fast to the Smoky Mountains. Making matters worse was the storm blowing in from the west. Slate-gray clouds rolled across the rounded mountaintops; thunder rumbled ominously in the distance.

[An extract from the first paragraph of 'Out of the Mist' - JoAnn Ross]

Not only has Ms. Ross been clever enough to set the scene, she has also introduced her hero in the first paragraph! Liz Fielding who writes for Mills and Boon [Harlequin], recommends introducing the hero and heroine on the first page if at all possible.

Prologue

Inserting a prologue at the beginning of a novel is very much a personal choice. Some writers do this for almost every book they write, whereas, others would never dream of writing one in the first place. When all is said and done, the important thing to ask yourself is this: "Will the inclusion of a prologue enhance my book?" If the answer is no, then don't put it in!

Some points to remember at the beginning of your story/book:

• Start with something happening to hook the reader into the story.

• Introduce the main character as soon as possible.

• The defining moment of a story is a point of crisis.

• The beginning of a story/book is a moment of change.

In the Middle

The middle of a book or story is quite often where things start to go wrong.

Why?

Frequently this is because the writer hasn't thought things through properly. The reasons may be:

• Poor planning. The writer hasn't prepared well enough.

• The pacing is wrong. The writer runs out of steam.

• The middle sags. There is not enough suspense to keep it going.

How do I rectify this?

By thorough plotting [if you outline], planning and research. Get to know your characters beforehand. Know where you are going with the story. Any research should be done before you start the story if possible.

The Ending

The ending needs to leave the reader with a feeling of satisfaction. It's no good leaving any loose ends, or forgetting about certain characters and their predicaments. The ending should draw together all the loose ends, answer any questions the reader might have, and have a satisfactory resolution for the happy couple.

Where do I end the story?

You need to end it at a point that brings the story to a natural conclusion. Some writers like to leave the reader wanting more, so that they think about things long after they have put the book or magazine down. Others write an epilogue, which like the prologue is a short chapter. The epilogue is sometimes set a year or so after the ending happens in the book and may in the case of a romance novel, include a scene where the happy couple are either getting married, or more commonly are nursing a new born baby, sometimes it involves a family reunion. It's all a question of taste whether you need to include an epilogue in your book or not. It's not unusual to see an epilogue in a Harlequin or Silhouette book.

So, what are you waiting for? Start that novel today!

Lynette Rees lives in Wales. Last year, 2007, she had two novels published at the Wild Rose Press: IT HAPPENED ONE SUMMER and RETURN TO WINTER. Her third novel, a romantic comedy, A TASTE OF HONEY, will be available from Borders bookstores at the end of February 2008. Visit Lynette's blog and website here:

http://nettiesramblings.blogspot.com

http://silverlady00.tripod.com

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By Lynette Rees

Innovative Ways to Integrate Technology in Your Classroom

2009-03-10T03:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 21st Century! Are you ready to create websites, blogs, podcasts, or movies? Kids are all about wires and visuals, and it's time for teachers to catch up and keep up. Teachers across the nation are using technology in innovative ways to enhance the learning experience across the curriculum. Here are five exciting ways you can go high-tech on a budget:

Create an Interactive Classroom Website

Today websites are easier than ever to create. There are a ton of free hosting and website creators specifically designed for teacher created websites. Here are just a few -Teacher Website, School and Teacher, School Rack, Class Notes Online, Educator Pages, Class Jump, Teacher Web, EZ Class Sites, Bloust. These websites offer everything you need to get started, but if you are like me, and you want to maintain control of your site in case your host disappears, I highly recommend using Microsoft Office FrontPage 2003. You will want the 2003 version. They are no longer making updates to Microsoft Office FrontPage 2003, but it is still a great starter program.

If you are technically savvy you might want to check out Microsoft Expression Media 2 Mac/Win, the new web master program from Microsoft or Adobe Dreamweaver CS4.A classroom website is a great way to communicate with parents, display student created work, provide downloadable copies of assignments and projects, and share your resources with other teachers. You can get your kids involved in designing pages and adding content. You can open your site up to the public or make it password protected. Students love to visit their teacher's sites to get updates and instructions for assignments and links to sites for research or just playing educational games. Check out these classroom websites, and when you finish your site, stop by and add your link.

Blog for Literacy

The blogosphere has reinvented the Internet and revolutionized how the ordinary person communicates with the world. News and information moves online at warp speed, and bloggers are the engine on the keyboard. Your students will most likely read and write blogs by the time they are adults (probably sooner). You can jump on the blogging bandwagon and add new dimensions to your instruction. In the old days (old days being just recently in this case) students wrote written responses to literature in journals. We had every kind of journal imaginable. Now we have the opportunity to take our journaling online. Blogs are the perfect way for students to write their entries. The advantage of using blogs is the opportunity to interact.

Blogs allow comments. Students can comment (journaling back) on other student's blogs. The teacher can leave comments, or open it up so that parents can get in on the blogging fun as well. There are lots of possibilities for blogs. You can create class journals on a novel study, a themed blog on a social studies or science topic, literature circle blogs, individualized reading and journaling blogs, poetry blogs, fiction blogs, and more. You can take your blogs as far as your imagination can go. The only thing standing in your way is filters. In order to use Blogger or Wordpress, you will most likely need special permission to have the filters turned off. Another option is to use a blogging site designed specifically for teachers and students. Here are a few places to check out for creating blogs: Class Blogmeister (free), Class Press (charges $24.95 a year), 21 Classes (free and paid subscriptions), Gaggle (free), and Edublogs (free).

Podcast Performances

Podcasts are similar to radio shows. You can feature one or multiple speakers, add music, give lectures, do interviews, or create a "radio show" type of performance. Once you create your podcast you post it to a website (a classroom, school, or district website is perfect). In order to create your podcast you need a quality microphone that connects to the computer like the Alesis USB Mic Podcast Kit and podcasting software. You can download free podcasting software at Audacity. Once you are set up and ready to go, it is time to decide what kind of podcast you want your students to create. Perhaps they are working in a literature circle. Could the create a podcast of their discussions around the book? You might want your students to plan an old fashioned storytelling podcast similar to radio shows in the olden days. A student could create a podcast to share information they have researched, or maybe they could interview an expert on a subject they are studying. Students could read their writing out loud, or create a poetry reading podcast. There are many options and opportunities in podcasting for the creative and reflective teacher. Podcasts allow students to make their voices heard, to practice public speaking, and to apply their knowledge orally.

Movie Making

Movie Making combines reading, writing, theatre arts, and technology into one dynamic and exciting project. Students create a script based on their imaginations or a known story. A first time script might revolve around a classic story or fairy tale. They will plan, write, practice, perform, and film their movie. The end result is exciting! Here a few steps to follow:1. Brainstorm the movie topic. Students (or the teacher) decide what their movie is going to be about. They might create something from scratch or use a storybook as a guide.2. Plan the scenes. Each scene requires detailed planning. Begin by deciding what scenes you will need in your movie, and putting them in an order. Don't forget your introduction and credits!3. Partners or small groups of students can plan each scene in detail.

They will need to write the script and plan the actions. They will also need to decide where the scene will take place, what the set will look like, and what props they will need. It doesn't have to be elaborate, but it does need to be well thought out.4. Plan, practice, and film each scene. Once the scenes are written and designed you will need to assign "actors" for each scene, put the props and set together, rehearse, and film. You will want to use a good digital movie camera like the SANYO DIGITAL MOVIE CAMERA and a tripod like the Sunpak 620-092 9002DX Tripod with 3-Way Quick-Release Pan Head.5. Next you will need to load your movie into a movie making software. If you have Microsoft Office, you most likely have Microsoft Movie Maker. If you want to upgrade, I recommend Pinnacle Studio Version 12.Once your movie is made you can hold a "movie premiere" complete with popcorn and drinks. You can also post your movie onto your class website. Don't forget to get parent's permission for their children to appear in the movie and to place it online. Check out Beth Newingham's website to see great examples of class movies.

Interactive Ebooks

An ebook is an electronic book made available online for readers to download. Today ebooks are more exciting than ever to create. You can combine text, audio, images, and video to make your ebook stand out.You can choose to create a class ebook, small group ebooks, or individual ebooks. Select a topic, research it, write it, and put it together in a Microsoft Word Document. Add pictures, audio, or video clips to make it even more exciting. Upload your document to Lulu, mark it private, set it up as a free download, and give parents the password to access it. Your ebook can be as long or as short as you want. You can also save a copy to your computer (save it after you upload it and preview it on Lulu where it is turned into a pdf file) and burn it onto a cd to give to each student.Students can create poetry books, a magazine, a book of stories, and more. Ebooks are another way to combine writing and technology into an interactive and dynamic product. Digital storytelling is possible at any grade level.

All you need is a camera like the Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 60-Minutes (Black), a simple microphone and Microsoft Movie Maker. Another option is to place your pictures into Microsoft PowerPoint and set it as a slide show. Once you have your technology set and ready to go, you will need to get your students to write and illustrate. Take them through the entire writing process. Students create their stories and lay them out on a storyboard. The easiest way to do this is to either give them a sheet of paper for each scene, or to place each scene into a PowerPoint slide. Combine words and illustrations on the same page (like a picture book). Videotape or snap picture of each page and place them into your movie making software or PowerPoint. Add audio of your student reading their story aloud and music for the background. The end result is a digital storybook.Integrating technology into the curriculum is a worthy investment of your time. The opportunity to engage your students shouldn't be missed. They will have a blast using technical tools to create a product based on their learning.

Lisa Frase is a National Board Certified Teacher in Literacy. During her 14 year tenure she has earned a Masters in Reading, presented at state and national conferences, and earned the 2006 Texas Council for the Teachers of English Language Arts Elementary Teacher of the Year Award. She continues to teach, write, and maintain a website for teachers packed with free resources at http://www.effectiveteachingsolutions.com.

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By Lisa Frase

Your Baby Room Decor - What Babies and Toddlers Want

2009-03-10T03:02:00.000-07:00

Consistent Timeless Storybook Nursery Themes

There are a lot of opinion floating around about a baby's early years and what affect a baby's surroundings have on a child's mind and development. The formative years of up to 5 years are highly influential on character development. The mind is extremely receptive to the images, sounds and sensations it picks up and that imagery is integrated and becomes the foundation of the child's intelligence and personality. That's why your nursery or baby room décor can have positive or negative effects on your growing child and you yourself.

Give your baby room décor themes rich with meaning for the child and to make you feel better too. If your current baby room / nursery is empty or filled with pop culture items and images, then fill it up with imagery the child can relate to and stimulate their imagination. Children play with an infinite number of new products which often lack character. The goal of the product after all is to promote their brand. They want to get the logo firmly entrenched in your child's mind and your mind as well. The rich cultural meaning is absent, often because it detracts from the power of the logo and the branding effort.

Your wall decor can compensate for that lack of mental stimulation and deeper association with nature, storybook themes, and happy pleasant themes. From ballerina picture themes to zoo animals for boys, vintage storybook themes have much to offer for child's development. Simple themes to us, but rich in meaning for toddlers.

Baby Shower Gifts

If you've already been shopping for a baby shower gift for a friend, or for an item for your own toddler's room, you're probably worn out at the commercialized, brand heavy décor products at the mall or strip plaza. The big box stores make shopping a depersonalization event leaving you drained in spirit, especially after you get home and look at what you've purchased.

What's sometimes awful about the latest craze in baby clothing, décor, furniture, and accessories is the lack of consistency for the child. To the child's mind, the items are disconnected and babies and young toddlers are very sensitive to change. They crave things that are similar and help them to understand and manage their environment.

New baby room decor items lack a connection to the real world and timeless values. The storybook themes you grew up with were used for that very reason. They made a child's imagination relevant to real life, not to a fantasy video character who may or may not have a good attitude. Attitude is so important, because it's your child and you'll have to live with them for many decades ahead.

Vintage storybook type themes are perfect for making a child feel their thoughts and actions are relevant. Children have self esteem needs very early in life. Cowboys, ballerinas, firemen, fairies, zoo animals and cars and trucks are excellent themes for toddlers. The sooner you start to utilize these child friendly themes, the more confident your child will be. Mastery of life starts with a solid foundation.

Try shopping online for baby shower gifts and baby nursery décor items such as clocks, picture frames, baby memory books and wall art. It's a lot easier to find what you want and the shipping costs are negligible. Why settle for a product that's not really going to improve a baby's development or a child's imagination?

Discover more about vintage Baby Gifts and nursery room decor

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gord_Collins

By Gord Collins

Unique Easter Basket Ideas

2009-03-10T03:01:00.000-07:00

Although jelly beans and chocolate eggs are always popular with the kids, parents may want to include some not so sugary alternatives. Think of their Easter basket as sort of an “Easter stocking” instead.

TOYS

Toys are always a hit with kids. From Yo-Yo’s and “Slinkies” to popular action figures like Barbie dolls and Power Rangers, including toys make a unique Easter basket idea that is sure to delight your child. You can also go with plush toys like fuzzy Easter chicks or soft and cuddly Easter bunnies. Keep your child’s age and gender in mind as you consider what to include, as every toy is not suitable for every child.

BOOKS

It has been said that reading to your child brings many benefits to your child’s development. An Easter themed story book is not only a more healthy Easter basket idea, but you now have a great chance to spend some quality time with your child as you both settle down and enjoy a good story book.

DVD’s and CD’s

Imagine your child’s surprise when they see that the Easter bunny even gives out movies! They don’t necessarily have to be Easter themed. How excited your child will be when they see a DVD of their favorite character in their Easter basket. Including a favorite CD for them to enjoy is equally pleasing. They can sing along to their favorite songs as they enjoy their new toy or hunt for Easter eggs.

CRAYONS AND COLORING BOOKS

A timeless but ever so popular choice, a brand new box of crayons with a fresh Easter coloring book is always a hit.

HEALTHIER SWEET TREATS

There are other sweet snacks that make great Easter basket treats. Most kids love fruit roll ups which, depending on the brand, are much healthier than candy. How about raisins? Even if you choose chocolate covered raisins, there is still a health benefit to your child snacking on a handful of fruit instead of a handful of sugar loaded candy.

Make some Easter cookies. Mom always says homemade is best! Yes, cookies contain sugar, but if you’ve made them yourself they won’t be loaded with preservatives and dyes like store bought cookies are. Of course, since they’re homemade they’ll taste better too!

MONEY

Depending on your child’s age, money is a great Easter basket idea. Get some of the new dollar coins that are now being circulated. Their shiny appeal will bring a wide smile to your child’s face. Giving them a few dollars to spend is a great opportunity to start teaching them how to manage money wisely; life long habits start early!

Give your child healthy alternatives to conventional Easter basket candy and keep them just as happy without the worry of too much sugar. A great book, movie or CD gives you a wonderful chance to spend quality time with your child. Some bright and shiny dollar coins are your opportunity to teach your child all about managing money wisely. Toys, crayons and coloring books are a great choice for unique Easter basket ideas. Your child will have long lasting Easter basket goodies and you won’t have to worry about all that sugar they’re eating.

Brenda Prevost is owner and founder of http://www.allholidaytreasures.com which sells decorations, lights and costumes for Christmas, Halloween, Easter, St. Patrick's Day and other special occasions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_Prevost

By Brenda Prevost

Creative Writing and the Hero's Journey: Once were Warriors (1994)

2009-03-10T02:59:00.000-07:00

From our deconstruction of hundreds of Hollywood blockbusters and sitcoms....

The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, ALL of the Hollywood movies we have deconstructed are based on this template.

Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters.

The Hero's Journey:

a) Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told.

b) Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on.

c) Interpreted metaphorically, laterally and symbolically, allows an infinite number of varied stories to be created.

and more...

EXAMPLE: Once were Warriors, 1994 - Hero's Journey [basic deconstruction]

FADE IN: idyllic New Zealand; camera crosses over into the urban jungle.

Meeting the Hero / on a Journey: Beth comes out of an "alley" with a shopping trolley.

Meeting the Sacrificial Lamb: Grace reads to her little brother and sister.

Ordinary World: the Maori rappers etc.

Meeting the Antagonism: Jake stares down a gang member.

Meeting the Loyal Ally: Nig working out.

Developing the Sacrificial Lamb: Grace reads to the kids from her story book.

Ordinary World: Beth arrives home, drinks a beer; Nig walks in.

Inciting Incident: Boogie is arrested.

Elixir: Jake arrives home with the seafood; the way it should be; happy families for a nanosecond.

Call to Adventure: Jake wants to make love to Beth in the kitchen.

Refusal: Jake's gotten fired again.

Antagonists True Nature: you've got to f*ck up everything don't you.

Developing the Romantic Challenge / Sacrificial Lamb: Grace goes to see Dooley; tell me a story.

Foreshadow of the Physical Separation: the police bring Boogie home.

Antagonist's Ordinary World: Jake turns up in the bar.

Meeting the Shape Shifter: Bully hanging around.

Push to the Physical Separation: Boogie asks Beth to be there tomorrow; I'll be there.

Meeting a Loyal Ally: Mavis starts to sing.

Developing the Antagonism: Jake beats up the guy with muscles in the bar.

New Self / New Name: Jake the Muss. Push to the First Threshold: party at my place tonight.

Foreshadow: Grace is dressed in the white t-shirt.

Conscious Decision: you won't forget will you Mum; how can I forget with you reminding me every five minutes.

First Threshold / Outer Cave: the girls talk amongst themselves.

First Threshold / Middle Cave: Jake and Beth sing together.

Developing Characters and Relationships: Beth and Mavis talk / Mavis sees her man try to get off with another girl/ Jake throws someone out.

Push to the Inner Cave: Beth slaps Nig; Nig refuses to cook.

First Threshold / Inner Cave: Jake beats up Beth.

Belly of the Whale: Grace comes down to find the place trashed and begins to clean up with Nig.

Pushed to the Physical Separation: Nig walks out.

Pushed to the Physical Separation: Boogie waiting for Beth to come with him.

Meeting the Mentor: Boogie meets Bennett.

Resisting the Physical Separation: Nig in the car; he wants a patch; you'll have to get past me first.

Physical Separation: the judge orders Boogie into welfare; Bennett says it is a choice between learning something and going to jail.

Encourage to the Transformation: Grace encourages Boogie; at least he'll be doing something different.

Rules of the World of the Transformation: you know the rules girl, keep your mouth shut and your legs open.

Physical Separation: Nig gets beaten up and becomes part of the gang.

Trial and Transformation 1:

Grace walks in to see Beth's face.

Beth visits Grace in her bedroom.

Grace tells Beth that Boogie has been taken away.

Jake wants to know what all the fuss is about; thinks it'll toughen him up.

Push to Trial 2: Beth and Grace decide to visit Boogie.

Trial and Transformation 2:

Developing the Romantic Challenge / Sacrificial Lamb: Grace visits Dooley again.

Jake wins some money.

New Self: Nig has a patch.

Jake gives Beth the money.

Beth says that "that's the trouble, I do love you."

Boogie smashes up the walls and Bennett shows him how to use the Maori weapon.; when I've taught you your mind will be your most fearsome weapon.

Trial and Transformation 3:

Jake et al have hired a car and they stop to ask Nig if he wants to come.

Singing in the car; what's the time Mr Wolf.

Polarisation / Backstory: Beth descended from royalty and Jake from slaves.

Jake goes in for a beer.

Beth tries to get Jake out of the bar; feed the kids.

It's just a woman's lot that's all, one day you'll understand.

Boogie learning the Haka.

Jake tells Beth and the kids to get a cab.

Divergence: Grace says she hates both of them.

Beth phones Boogie and makes up the story about the accident.

Transformation: Boogie does the Haka form the heart.

Transformation: Jake invites Beth downstairs; no more Jake.

Foreshadow of the Oracle: Grace comes down for a glass of water.

Meeting the Oracle: Bully rapes Grace.

Divergence: Grace in the bath; cleaning up. Beth comes in and told to get out.

Resisting the Change: Beth says she doesn't want any more of these drunken parties; Jake tells her to f*ck off.

Grace visits Dooley and starts smoking.

Beth wonders what's up with her pup.

Grace walks away from Dooley.

Creatures of the World of the Sword: the tattoo artists; the people of the streets.

Journey to the Sword: Beth and Mavis looking for Grace.

Seizing the Sword: Grace comes home.

Pushed to the Night Sea Journey: Jake beats up Grace and tears up her story book.

Night Sea Journey: in the back yard.

Near Death Experience: Grace kills herself.

Rebirth: Beth finds Grace and takes her off the tree.

Resolve: no point crying, it doesn't help.

Reward: Aunty comes to pick them up.

Atonement with the Father: Beth wants Grace buried at home; this was never her home; you're still a slave to the drink, to your fist and to yourself.

Apotheosis: Grace buried in the Maori village; Grace tells the story about herself [see I can keep a promise]; Dooley kisses Grace; Boogie sings the Maori song.

Denial / Disgust / Isolation: Jake smashes the juke box; comes home to an empty house; cuts the tree down.

Magic Flight: at home with the family; come home but sort things out here first.

Rescue from Without: Beth reads what Grace has written in her book.

Crossing the Return Threshold: Beth and Nig walk into the bar and confront Bully.

Final Antagonism: Jake reads Grace's story.

Final Conflict: Jake beats up Bully.

Master of Two Worlds: Beth's "Once were Warriors" speech; we were people with Mana, with Pride.

Freedom to Live: we're going home.

FADE OUT: the police come for Jake.

Learn more…

The Complete 188 stage Hero’s Journey and other story structure templates can be found at http://www.clickok.co.uk/

You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.

Kal Bishop, MBA

**********************************

You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made, the author's name is retained and the link to our site URL remains active.

Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. His specialities include Knowledge Management and Creativity and Innovation Management. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached at http://www.clickok.co.uk/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kal_Bishop

By Kal Bishop

Book Review of "Hui Gui - A Chinese Story"

2009-03-06T00:15:00.000-08:00

Father and daughter weave a story of war with Japan and the subsequent occupation together with the consequences this invasion has upon their life story. One is a recollection; the other a documentation of personal experiences. Together the voices blend to tell one seamless story.

The meaning of Hui Gui is returning home and this ideal is the very theme of the story as each character journeys towards home throughout the course of the narrative. The real question then becomes, “What is the personification of home for each of us?” The very ideal that one journeys, and often struggles towards, in order to resolve inner conflict and find true peace and contentment.

For the characters of Hui Gui: A Chinese Story, by Elsie Sze, this definition of home is different for each of them. This yearning for home takes each on their own path and leads them on a journey of self-discovery.

Tak Sing, a young boy when we are first introduced to his character, is thrust into the middle of wartime China, disrupting life as he knows it. This comes first at the hand of external enemies during the Japanese invasion; then China faces a war within as communism takes over as the governing body. This radically affects and changes the social structure as it had hitherto been known.

Having reduced his opulent family to peasant farmers, Tak Sing is forced to seek refuge in Hong Kong so that his future progress may not be hindered by the ideals of the Communistic regime. Leaving his family and friends, he is thrust into a foreign culture and community with only his virtue and integrity for companions.

It is in this land of opportunity that he meets and marries Lily, who is ironically the one character in the novel unable to forgive the past, preventing her from embracing the future. This message seems to work at odds with the theme of the book.

Serena, their daughter, is the result of merging these two worlds together. Her responsibility is to document the story of her mother while at the same time uncovering the role she plays in her own future. Where one voice ends in the story, the next begins. Yet the story is one; a continuation of past, present and future. It is Serena’s voice that brings these components together. The book ends with Serena’s conviction that it is her duty to finish writing Papa’s book. While the reader is left questioning what she means by such a sentiment, there is the understanding that through Serena will live the continuation of familial ideals; that she will seek to find a balance and live life to the fullest, thus discovering peace, happiness and fulfillment along the way.

Ultimately, we are all writing our own stories. The question is if we will ever finish. Indeed, we’re all a book in progress.

Shawn is a collector of book reviews and lists them at books to read before you die. He also collects famous inspirational quotes and spiritual thoughts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shawn_B

By Shawn B

Fairy Tale Wedding Theme Makes The Perfect Romantic Wedding

2009-03-06T00:14:00.000-08:00

You surely must have heard of that saying on how you have to kiss a few frogs before you get to kiss your very own Prince Charming. But in real life, a lot of women are really in for disappointment when they realize that the men they have been kissing are not their Prince Charming at all. If you are one of the rare few who have seen their storybook romance unfold in the very flesh, then you are one very lucky woman. Still, these storybook romances remain on top of the line when it comes to wedding themes. There are just so many couples out there who want to have a fairy tale wedding theme of their own because there is just something very enchanting about all the fantasy that comes with such wedding themes. What's more, you can even refer to your wedding planner as your sort of fairy god planner! And this makes the whole process more enchanting!

Still, when you are considering having a fairy tale for your wedding theme, there are many aspects to keep in mind. The very first thing to do is to choose your theme and take the next steps from there. Bear in mind that your theme will be the underlying concept for your wedding from start to finish. From wedding invitations, to wedding decorations, and even your wedding favors, everything should be centralized towards the theme you choose. You may choose to stick with the traditional wedding gown and tuxedo, and not go with your fairy tale setting for this aspect. However, for the setting of your wedding itself, do not feel bad if you cannot capture that exact atmosphere that you want from your theme. This would require lots of visits to the studios of Disney, which is quite hard to do. But, hey! If you can do just that, and if you prefer to have that particular atmosphere, then by all means, go!

What about your wedding decorations and wedding favors? You can go for the Disney characters that come with the theme you have chosen. The main characters in the fairy tale would make great choices here. But we all know that there are just so many fairy tales to choose from. So, what's important here is that your decorations and favors should exude fantasy and enchantment. Pumpkin carriages, magic wands, candles, and confetti are just some of the decorations you can have.

A fairy tale wedding theme is indeed one of the ideal wedding theme ideas that you can consider. Imagine yourself being the princess in the fairy tale, and your husband-to-be your very own prince. Now, that is a very romantic sight right there.

Are you looking for unique Wedding Theme Ideas? You may read more about different wedding themes here: http://EzineArticles.com/?id=770289

Kelly Rhodes is a lifestyle writer with special interest in fashion, weddings, food and interior decor. Be sure to check out a complete list of wedding theme ideas and resources at http://weddingthemeideas.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_Rhodes

By Kelly Rhodes

How to Develop Children's Creativity

2009-03-06T00:13:00.000-08:00

Today's toys offer fun, activity, and educational value to a child, and this can prove invaluable in giving the child a head start in life on an educational level. The toys and recreational products of today can help a child to learn basic numeracy, literacy, development and creativity.

Creative activity can:
Improve the child's imagination. Provide a foundation for the basic skills that the child will need throughout life. Enable the child and parent to bond While it is very important to have a range of creative resources and methods to teach our kids to be imaginative, there are a few issues that particularly relate to your kids and their ability to show positive qualities of imagination.Provide the child with activity that is both educational and fun

While it is very important to have a range of creative resources and methods to teach our kids to be imaginative, there are a few issues that particularly relate to your kids and their ability to show positive qualities of imagination Some of the tools and products that can help to stimulate the child's mind and creativity include:

Plain and painted wooden blocks with smooth outer edges in a number of shapes and sizes can form a powerful set of tools to develop a number of skills including imagination and creativity.

Advantages of providing block game sets to your kid are recognizing colors at an early age,developing very fine motor skills,developing cognitive skills,enhancing hand-muscle coordination,fine tune thinking and imagination skills,develop creativity by forming various shapes and formats.

Books have always been a superb way to develop imagination, creativity, and literacy skills in your developing child.For babies and toddlers,story book is best for them to imagination especially choose the big pic and colourfull story book,they will very love it.

Puzzles can prove very useful in stimulating the child's mind as well as his creativity. Depending on the type of puzzle, your child will have to use basic skills such as numeracy skills to work through the puzzle

Board games have been around for generations, and even today they can prove invaluable as a tool for interaction and creative development.

Musical instruments like keyboards, whistles, a basic xylophone and drum. Ask them to play anything they want. Sit down with your children and play to the tune of music. Play to popular kid tunes and ask your kid to dance to them. You can also make music with your kids by playing on an instrument.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Seok_Yang_Tan

By Seok Yang Tan

So You Are Going To A New School

2009-03-06T00:11:00.000-08:00

The sun is continuing to shine, and the warmer air is upon us here in Michigan. For many families, the school year is quickly coming to a close; which means that summer will arrive before we know it. Transitioning to a summer routine can be challenging for many students; but for those children faced with going to a new school in the fall, the summer time can be even more stressful.

Children with disabilities tend to struggle when changes to their routines occur. Anxiety levels can be high as children move from elementary to secondary schools, change special education programs, or move to a new area. Here are a few simple strategies to use when assisting a child with a school building change:

Visit the new school frequently. For many children, moving from an elementary building to a secondary building can be intimidating. By visiting the school frequently, you can help the child reduce his or her anxiety level. You do not need to enter the building each time that you visit. You can do explorations around the building perimeter, try out the playground equipment, and look in windows and doors.

Visit with the new teacher(s). When you are used to working with a particular staff, changing teachers can become challenging. By visiting the child's new teacher in his or her classroom, the child can begin to adjust to the new environment before school begins. This also allows him or her to develop an initial bond with the new teacher, and allows the teacher to familiarize his/herself with the child.

Create a book together about the new school. For many children with disabilities, reading stories about an upcoming event or change can be helpful. You can create a storybook by taking pictures of the child's new school and teacher(s). You can include:

The door he/she will enter/exit
The bus he/she will ride
The locker/coat rack he/she will use
The desk he/she will use
Snapshots of the child's new classroom including pictures of items in the classroom that he/she may find interesting
Snapshots of the cafeteria or specials rooms including art, gym, and music

Once you have had your pictures printed, you can create a storybook with the child about his or her new school. You can paste the pictures on sheets of paper, and include a few sentences about what the child can expect. Once the storybook is complete, read it with the child several times a week.

Supportive of the child, and do not allow him or her to see or hear your concerns about the move. Children with disabilities tend to have a higher level of receptive language than expressive language, which means that they are better able to understand spoken words than they are able to express them. It is very important not to discuss any of your concerns or frustrations about the move to a new school building in front of the child. Your child will be looking to you for support during this time of change, and it is important for him/her to know that you will be there.

By following these simple guidelines, you can help reduce the anxiety and frustration that children sometimes feel when they are transitioning to a new school. As parents and educators alike, it is important for us to work together and support our children in the every way possible. Being supportive and understanding, taking an active role in helping the child with the transition, can make this time of uncertainty easier for everyone involved.

Autism specialist Courtney Wiersum, of the Horizons Developmental Remediation Center, provides practical information and advice for families living with autism and other developmental disabilities. If you are ready to reduce your stress level, enrich your child's development, and improve your family's quality of life, get your FREE reports now at ==> http://www.horizonsdrc.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Courtney_Kowalczyk

By Courtney Kowalczyk

Marriage, Divorce and the Economy - No Excuses For Irresponsible ParentingMarriage, Divorce and the Economy - No Excuses For Irresponsible Parenting

2009-03-06T00:10:00.000-08:00

Is our down-turned economy having an effect on divorce in the United States and other nations around the world? While it's too early for statistical evidence, reports from marriage counselors and divorce attorneys around the globe are in agreement. They're finding many couples who were ready to call it quits are post-posting the divorce decision due to financial reasons. In the U.S., with housing values at near-record lows, wide-ranging cuts in salaries and a dramatic rise in unemployment rates, many couples are just not divorcing because they are afraid they can't afford it.

Does this mean couples are finding new ways to get along and reconsider their marriages? In some cases, yes, but for many it just means adapting to continued states of unhappiness and coping with disappointment and frustration. This, of course, does not bear well for the children of these unions. They experience the negative consequences of a distressed marriage whether the couple splits up or chooses to stay together because of economic factors.

While many couples are too financially dependent on one another to make a break, at the same time they have lost their emotional interdependence which helps a couple thrive during outside challenges. Without the affection and emotional connection, these couples are basically roommates sharing a home and living expenses.

The problem is that they are also parents of children who may be even more confused than ever about life at home. Mom and Dad are still married and together - but are they? This is a big concern for therapists, school guidance counselors, clergy and others who understand children's emotional and psychological needs during times of high stress.

In the past it was common for divorce rates to spike during times of financial insecurity. Back in the recession of 1997 the divorce rate rose close to 20%. However, economists note that during real tough times, such as the Great Depression in the early 1930s, divorce rates do decline because people can't afford the luxury of splitting into two separate homes.

There are no clear resolutions for today's economic crisis or for parents caught up in the whirlwind around the divorce decision. However, staying together in a marriage that continues in "form" only can be a damaging situation for the children. That's because those marriages often fail to focus on the emotional safety and security factors that children need in order to thrive, feel self- confident and express themselves.

Parents -- whatever you do, stop and ask yourself some fundamental questions before moving ahead whether in - or out - of the marriage:

· Despite economic stress are we taking the time to give our children the loving attention they deserve?
· Are we as parents providing a loving environment for our children - whether we share the same residence or two separate abodes?
· Are we providing the nurturing, values and personal time we want to instill in our children despite our own challenges as adults?
· Are we creating family time rituals with one or both parents so our children feel that we still are a "family" regardless of the form it takes?
· Should we be seeking outside professional help to make sure our children are feeling safe, secure, loved and peaceful in their home environment(s)?
· Are we being honest with our children about our circumstances without confiding adult details to them that would be confusing and burdensome for them at their age?
· Are we restraining from arguing, badmouthing each other, creating tension, bitterness, sarcasm or other negativity when the children are present?
· Are we reminding our children how much we love them and will continue to love them regardless of changes in where and how we live?

How you answer these questions will determine the quality of life your children experience - whether they are residing in one residence or two. Always remember, you are parents first - and a couple struggling with marital or divorce issues second. Isn't that the way it should be?

Rosalind Sedacca's Child-Centered Divorce Network provides numerous free articles, an ezine and other valuable resources for parents at http://www.childcentereddivorce.com

Her new ebook, How Do I Tell the Kids ... about the Divorce? A Create-a-Storybook Guide to Preparing Your Children -- with Love! is also available at http://www.howdoitellthekids.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rosalind_P._Sedacca

By Rosalind P. Sedacca

Azada - Ancient Magic

2009-03-03T22:40:00.000-08:00

Azada: Ancient Magic is the highly anticipated sequel in the bestselling Azada series. Another masterpiece containing dozens of puzzles, this game takes place right after you rescue the mysterious Titus from the magical book in the original Azada game.

After Titus is freed from the curse of becoming wallpaper, he reveals to you that Azada is just one of many mysterious books that contain wondrous puzzles and knowledge. There are in fact over 20 other books waiting to be explored! However, Titus has learnt his lesson and is afraid to tackle the mysteries of the books. Instead, he has asked you to venture into these fantastic realms and solve the mysteries within.

It appears that an evil magical force has transformed the books in the library. This has brought to life literary classics such as Rapunzel, Dracula, Robinson Crusoe and many more storybook staples.

Each book features a main character from these stories, and your task is to solve the many puzzles in that book in order to release that character from confinement.

You solve the puzzles by flipping back and forth through the pages of each book, combing hidden objects and puzzles from each page on your quest to solve the mystery of each book. And each page is a fantastic picture of a scene from the related storybook, and include such classic scenes including Dracula lounging by his fireplace and the Big Bad Wolf trying to climbg down the chimney of the little piggy's brick house.

The puzzles in this game are finely crafted as well. Dozens of unique puzzles have been seamlessly interwoven into each storybook, and each of them more challenging than the last.

Solve puzzles such as pattern matching, jigsaws, 3D visualization puzzles and even dynamic arcade games!

Rekindle your love of the hidden object genre as well as the storybooks you used to read. Azada: Ancient Magic will take you on an adventure that will keep you entertained for hours!

And if you have not had the chance to play it, check out Azada, the mystical book that started it all!

Steven maintains the Hidden Puzzles website at http://www.hidden-puzzles.com/

Read reviews and hints on the best and latest Hidden Object games online, including the award-winning Azada, Mystery Case Files, Hidden Object Show and Big City Adventure series.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_H._Ng

By Steven H. Ng

5 Must-Tell Messages to Prepare the Kids for Your Divorce

2009-03-03T22:39:00.000-08:00

One of the most difficult conversations any parent will ever have is telling their children about their pending divorce. I know first-hand because many years ago I went through the experience. I fought and faced the overwhelming emotions. The deep gut-wrenching fear. The continuous anxiety. The incredible guilt. And the oppressive weight of shame.

My son, after all, was innocent. A sweet, gentle soul who loved his father and mother dearly. He certainly did not deserve this.

I struggled with the anxiety for weeks in advance. When should I tell him? How should I tell him? Should we tell him together? And most frightening of all, WHAT SHOULD WE SAY?

How do you explain to a child that the life he has known, the comfort he has felt in his family setting, is about to be disrupted – changed – forever?

How do you explain to a child that none of this is his fault?

How do you reassure him that life will go on, that he will be safe, cared for and loved, even after his parents divorce?

And, even more intimidating, how do you prepare him for all the unknowns looming ahead when you’re not sure yourself how it will all turn out?

I needed a plan. A strategy. A way of conveying all that I wanted to say to him at a level of understanding that he could grasp.

Thankfully I found that plan. I came up with a storybook that told my son, in words and pictures, the story of how his father and I met, married and started a family. It explained problems we encountered that we could not readily fix, and the decision we ultimately made to get a divorce.

In my upcoming book, How Do I Tell the Kids about the Divorce?, I provide a fill-in-the-blanks template that other parents can use to prepare their children for the many changes ahead. The interactive format allows parents to customize the story to fit their family dynamics. It also focuses on five key messages that are essential for every child to hear, understand and absorb. By sharing and repeating these five points to your children in the weeks and months following the initial conversation, you will enable them to better handle, accept and even embrace the challenges and changes they will soon be facing. Here are the five must-tell messages for your children:

1) This is not your fault.

Mom and Dad have been having problems. We don’t agree about certain key issues and that creates conflict. Even when some of the issues are about you, that does not mean you are to blame. You are an innocent child who we both love and cherish. It is not your fault that Mom and Dad disagree about your bedtime, where to go on vacation, how to help you with your homework or whether you should play soccer. We are not fighting about YOU. We are disagreeing with each other about issues that concern you and our family. But you are not in any way at fault.

2) Mom and Dad will always be your parents.

No matter what changes occur over the weeks, months and years ahead, one thing is for certain. Mon and Dad will still always be your parents. No one else will ever be your real Mom. No one else will ever be your real Dad. We will both always love you and be there for you, no matter where we live or how things should change.

3) This is about change, not about blame.

Divorce is a scary word. But all it really means is that our family will be experiencing some changes. Change is okay. Everything in life keeps changing. You grow bigger, taller, stronger and smarter every year. The seasons change every year. Clothing styles and hair styles keep changing. You change grades and schools as you grow older. Change means things will be different in some ways. It doesn’t mean things will be bad. Change can be fun, exciting and new. Sometimes it takes a while to get used to changes, like beginning a new grade with a new teacher. Other times change gives us a chance to do things in a new and better way, like trying a new sport or a hobby you grow to love.

The change in our family is not about who’s right or wrong or who’s good or bad. Mom and Dad both tried their best to resolve our problems. The old way didn’t work for us and now we will be trying a new way for our family to live so there’s more peace, calmness and happiness for us all. Instead of worrying about who’s to blame, let’s think about how we can see the changes ahead as a new adventure -- a brand new chapter in our lives. Who knows what lies ahead?

4) Things will work out okay.

We’re often frightened when we begin new things and face new challenges. Like the first time you learned to ride a bicycle, the first day of school or day camp, your first trip to the dentist. Things always have a way of working out, even when we’re scared that they won’t. Divorce will be the same way. Things will be new and different for a while.
We’ll have new ways of doing some things … some new responsibilities ... some differences in our schedules. But life will go on. We will get used to the differences. Some of them we may even prefer. And after a while, we’ll look back and say, life is different than it used to be, but it’s all okay. I’m okay, our family is okay and, most important of all, we still love each other. That is a lot better than okay. It’s great!

5) Mom and Dad will always love you.

No matter what happens, no matter what changes occur, one thing is for certain. Mom and Dad will always love you. That will never change. Regardless of where we live, what we do and how old you get. You can count on that. And don’t ever forget it.

These core messages are the foundation your children will depend on when they are feeling frightened, sad or insecure. Repeat them often in your own words and your own style. You’ll be rewarded in countless ways as you and your children encounter and overcome the challenges of life after divorce.

Rosalind Sedacca, Certified Corporate Trainer and relationship seminar facilitator, is the author of the upcoming book, How Do I Tell the Kids … about the Divorce? A fill-in-the-blanks storybook that prepares your children -- with love. Available in a customizable DVD format, the book provides expert advice which helps you to create a unique personal family storybook that guides you through this difficult transition with optimum results. Rosalind can be reached at rosalind@rosalindsedacca.com. For a free article on Before You Divorce -- Be Prepared to Tell the Kids go to: http://www.HowDoITelltheKidsabouttheDivorce.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rosalind_P._Sedacca

By Rosalind P. Sedacca

Baldwin-Basinger Would Have Benefited From Child-Centered Divorce

2009-03-03T22:38:00.001-08:00

In his long career, award-winning author and divorce attorney, Ed Sherman, has experienced it all -- the acrimony, bitter custody battles and prolonged legal dramas played out in courtrooms day after day. According to Sherman, “in our adversarial system, courts are a forum where people are expected to fight – it’s designed that way!”

Little wonder so many couples facing divorce have been led into an ordeal that ultimately benefits only the divorce attorneys. With the Alec Baldwin-Kim Basinger case just the latest in a never-ending progression of high-profile examples of our legal system at its worst, it’s time to step back and take the sound advice of attorney Sherman.

“In a sane universe,” notes Sherman,” people who are breaking up would be guided through a non-adversarial process of conciliation.” He explains that people would be encouraged to think about what’s best – and most fair -- for the kids first. Then couples would be encouraged to work with trained mediators and negotiators, rather than litigators.

The result would be a win-win solution for all involved. Well, maybe except for the litigators who thrive in the depths of an adversarial legal system. Today’s dysfunctional divorce system, Sherman notes, encourages battle. “The more trouble you have, the more money your attorney makes,” he reminds us. The rules of professional conduct promote your attorney to be aggressive and we’ve been conditioned to believe that is a good thing. “But it isn’t,” says Sherman. “It produces rich attorneys and tragedies like the Baldwin-Basinger family, every day by the hundreds.”

Thankfully, more and more attorneys are embracing what is being referred to as Complementary Divorce. These attorneys, along with mediators, focus their attention on creating as harmonious a resolution as possible, especially for couples with children. I call this process Child-Centered Divorce and am encouraging all professionals to educate their divorcing clients about the life-supporting and lasting advantages this concept provides for the entire family.

The Child-Centered Divorce philosophy should begin before you ever break the news to your children. In my new ebook, How Do I Tell the Kids About the Divorce? I provide a fill-in-the-blanks template that parents can use to prepare a storybook, in advance of that dreaded conversation. The text provides six essential messages every child needs to hear – and accept – at this difficult time. The storybook, including photos and personal information about their family history, is a resource children can read over and over again, to help prepare them – with love and compassion – for the many changes ahead. The book includes commentary and advice from six professional therapists to help parents get through the weeks and months ahead in the most positive way possible.

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By Rosalind P. Sedacca

A Fairy Tale Wedding

2009-03-03T22:37:00.001-08:00

How many princesses down through history have been disappointed from kissing frogs that didn't turn out to be Prince Charmings? And how many more may have found their storybook romance in the flesh? It is perhaps hard to say, for wishes on stars render few statistics, but one thing is certain. Storybook romance still rocks among those who dare to embrace it and exchange vows in fairy tale wedding ceremonies before the likes of Tinkerbelle, Peter Pan, Jiminy Cricket, Cinderella, Mickey Mouse and perhaps even the master of storybook romance himself, Mr. Walt Disney. Fantasy and fairy tales work just as well as anything else when it comes to wedding themes, but sustaining the illusion takes much wedding planning; in fact, it takes a "fairy god planner".

The first thing to do to make your fairy tale wedding successful is decide on a theme and work from there. You will need to reinforce your choice all the way through with fairy tale wedding favors, wedding decorations and wedding invitations, even if you decide to keep your wedding dress and the groom's attire more along traditional lines. You may not be able to visit the Disney Studios to wed amid the real trappings of a fairy tale setting, but you can create a storybook atmosphere if you really wish to make it so and couple that with working very hard (but not necessarily in that order).

Wedding decorations for fairy tale weddings can include Disney characters or more generic fairies; the choice is yours. There are so many fairy tales to choose from that selection can be a daunting task. The idea is to evoke enchantment and fantasy and that can seep from an endless stream of variations. Fairy tale wedding decorations can appear as subtly as a princess and her prince on top of the wedding cake to more obvious castles holding up place cards on each wedding reception table. Pumpkin carriages and stagecoaches can hold assorted wedding favors and consider magic wands to sprinkle your fairy tale wedding guests as they arrive at the reception. (Renting a renting a sprinkler isn't always easy. (They are quite specialized and very busy, you know).

Wedding favors for fairy tale weddings can run the gamut from glass slippers holding sachet to frog "kiss me" chocolates, pumpkin carriages holding candles or confetti or even small magic wands (These must be bought directly from magic dust sprinklers as wands are a monopoly throughout the free fairy tale wedding world).

Invitations for fairy tale weddings can also run the gamut of enchantment and fantasy. From a casual Jiminy Cricket and friends urging all to "come on down" to a formal request invoking your most cordial presence for glorious repast and libation to honor the nuptials of the royal couple, anything like Cole Porter used to say, goes.

The world is your wishing star and your fairy tale wedding will make it shine.

We at Truly Wedding are committed to offering a wide selection of wedding favors, bridal shower favors, and unique wedding favors. Articles by yours Truly.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melissa_Ingram

By Melissa Ingram

Choosing the Best Baby Nursery Themes

2009-03-03T22:34:00.000-08:00

Choosing the best nursery themes from the large number of themes in stores can be a confusing task. There are so many decisions to make regarding the baby’s room. Along with purely decorative decisions, you must choose your style of baby furniture, wall decorations and the kind of carpet that will protect baby when he or she is taking those first steps. One of the easiest ways to start decorating is to go ahead, bite the bullet and decide on a decorating theme. Once you decide on your theme you will have direction for all aspects of the room.

UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF NURSERY THEMES ?

Think of your nursery as a storybook and the available styles of decor as the subject of that storybook. The similarities are that a book without a topic would be uninteresting and rooms with no obvious theme or decorating style would be just as unappealing. If you are still in the dark about themes, here are some examples. For a baby girl, some popular themes would be a western cowgirl theme or any of the Disney princesses like Ariel the Mermaid or Cinderella. Nursery themes for boys might be centered on popular sports like soccer, football or motocross. Then, of course there are decorating styles that would appeal to either sex like jungle or animal themes.

TRADITIONAL BABY THEMES

If baby kittens and rubber duckies don’t tickle you, don’t sweat it. A few years ago you might have been facing some difficulties with that attitude, but that day has passed. Modern nursery decorating trends have become so diverse that there are ideas available for every taste. Decorative motifs that might once have been considered inappropriate for nurseries are now acceptable.

FINDING the BEST NURSERY THEMES

Most parents have hobbies, occupations or passions that can be adapted for use as nursery themes. Agricultural minded parents can select themes taken from inspired by their favorite brand of farm implements. Bikers might select decorations sharing the logos taken from the gas tanks of their Harleys.

THEMES or NO THEMES

If the idea of decorating in themes is not appealing to you, that’s not a problem. The gratifying thing about decorating for the modern baby is that anything goes. The important thing is to have a plan of action for the design of a room that will be warm and welcoming. The ultimate goal would be a comfortable space where you can enjoy your baby.

Jan Bay's love of interior design and childcare inspired the building of her site, Unique Baby Gear Ideas which features numerous articles on nursery design, reviews of modern baby gear and the creation of modern nurseries for babies.

Use of this article requires an active link to Unique Baby Gear Ideas, Nursery Themes and Decorating Ideas

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By Jan Bay

Christmas Insights - Origin & Inspirational Meaning & Lesson from Rudolph The Red-Nose Reindeer!

2009-03-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

A story book for Christmas was created in 1939 during the time of the great depression. The story was created for the Chicargo based Montgomery Wards Department Stores featuring a new character called Rudolph. One of the highlights for the Christmas season was for parents to take their children for a visit to large department stores such as Montgomery Wards to visit Santa, sit on his knee and receive a gift. For many years the Montgomery Wards Santa gave away from his Christmas sack a specially printed Christmas color-in book. The store wanted to save money and do something different so it gave one of its stores copywriters, 34 year old Rudolph L May the job of coming up with a story. May was said to be taunted as a child because he was shy and small in statue. It is believed that the idea of being ostracized came from his own personal experiences. May created Rudolph with similar problems who in the end rises above his problems and is transformed.

Originally May wrote the story as a rhyming verse which his young 4 years old daughter Barbara loved. Originally store owners thought a red nose may be inappropriate as generally a red nose was associated with drinking. However after illustrations surfaced this suggestion was dismissed and the story was approved. The story book of Rudolph soon filled Santa’s sack as a give-away; a new gimmick for promotions which took on immediate success in the Montgomery Wards stores.

Upon release in 1939 2.4 million copies of the story was distributed. Due to war time paper shortages, minimal copies were printed over the coming years. However by 1946 it was estimated that a total of 6 million copies had been given away. The story later went on to be translated into 25 languages.

Rudolph was created during a difficult time for May as his wife had a terminal illness (cancer) and died. Writing Rudolph was a distraction that brought him and his young daughter Barbara together in a magical way. May changed the story as he wrote it depending on Barbara’s reaction. May received no royalties for Rudolph because copyright was held by Montgomery Wards for whom he was an employee only. May was snowed under with medical and other bills. He went to Montgomery Wards to seek release of the rights to Rudolph. It was in 1947 that his request succeeded. May was able to transform is financial circumstances as he had the story printed commercially in the same year. The following year a nine minute cartoon was shown in theatres. This soon followed by May’s brother in law Johnny Marks, a songwriter, developing a song to go with the story. His song ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ was recorded and made famous by Gene Autry in 1949. It sold two million copies in the first year. It become a Christmas classic and one of the best selling songs of all time. In 1964 Burl Ives narrated a TV special about Rudolph which is still popular today. May secured a good life from Rudolph. He quit his copywriting job in 1951 to concentrate on Rudolph yet returned a number of years later and stayed until his retirement in 1971. He died in 1976.

Rudolph came along more than 100 years after the flying reindeer made their debut. Although loved and cherished by his family, Rudolph was a misfit, teased and later ostracized by the reindeer community because of his unusual glowing red nose. The story unfolds with Santa discovering Rudolph by accident when he noticed a glow emanating from Rudolph’s room while delivering presents to his home one Christmas eve. As the thickening fog was already the cause of several accidents and delays Santa was worried he may not be able to complete his rounds. Rudolph was recruited as the light of the way leading Santa’s reindeer team to successfully fulfill all deliveries. The message of Rudolph proved popular, that is, a perceived liability is often an asset waiting to be discovered!

Visit Visit http://www.TheFamilyYak.com to listen to ‘Conversations with Mrs Claus’ podcast show with Mrs Claus (aka Christmas author Bernadette Dimitrov) - a family show that provides a weekly stream of inspiration, insight and connection to fascinating guests world-wide. Listeners can share in the inspirational insights from experts and coaches about life, Christmas and transformational secrets for living a happy and fulfilled life. It's a fun show with something for both young and old with prizes to be won! Also come visit http://www.HoHoHoChristmas.com and join their free Christmas newsletter & receive free gifts!

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By Bernadette Dimitrov

How to Decorate a Little Princess's Bedroom to Make Her Feel Like a Queen

2009-03-02T20:42:00.000-08:00

All little girls are the stars of their own storybook fairy tale. That's why the perfect custom theme bedroom for little girls is one where she can live out those adventures. Making that vision a reality, you may surprised to find, is actually much easier and more affordable than it seems.

The easiest and most affordable way to decorate a little princess's custom fantasy bedroom is with the use of a singular furniture item that unifies all the rest of your design elements. Ideally, this would be the primary piece of furniture, both the largest one and the one that gets the most use, namely: the bed.

A custom theme bed like a princess castle bed is a superb way to accomplish just that. A princess castle bed (or other custom theme bed) can serve as more than a place to sleep, but as one where she can play, study, socialize, and store all her precious belongings. You can add to the fairy tale mystique by turning the princess castle bed into a combination loft bed and/or canopy bed as well.

Pick colors for the custom theme bed that you can easily complement with the colors of the other furniture, accessories, and design elements you plan to include in the room. Choosing your color scheme early on will help you inordinately in picking out all the other elements you use in rounding out the fantasy image of the custom theme bedroom. Other details that round out the medieval castle image are battlements, turrets, castle gates, and a drawbridge that actually opens and closes.

Pink is a popular favorite with girls, and one with which you just can't go wrong. Highlights of red, yellow, and white do well in combination. But a blue or purple princess castle bed can do just as well, as can a gold or silver one. It really just depends on your young princess's personal preferences.

Multi-functional furniture like a princess castle bed subverts the need to fill the room with very much more in terms of supplementary furniture, saving you a bundle in money and effort. All you may need, really, are a chair or settee, wardrobe, dressing table, and desk, all of which you can have built directly into the princess castle bed.

Adding flowing, billowy fabrics as borders, bed skirts, window dressings, and custom bedding help infuse a grand sense of dreaminess to this flight of fairy tale fancy made flesh. Soft floor coverings can help protect her precious ladylike frame. And ample lighting can help shine light on all your little princess's many multifold virtues.

Interior designer, Joanna Means brings her love of children to every custom theme bed she designs. For years, she and her husband, master carpenter Johnny Means, have been designing and building fantasy princess castle beds for little princesses far and wide. Their princess castle beds have brought such delight to so many little girls, in fact, that they created Sweet Dream Theme Beds and Children's Interiors, http://www.sweetdreambed.com to spread that delight even further.

All of the fantasy princess theme beds at http://www.sweetdreambed.com can be custom designed to suit your specific needs as a parent and your little girl's unique tastes. Together with Joanna's designs and Johnny's craftsmanship, you can set the stage for a wonderful fantasy-adventure storybook fairy tale world all your little girl's very own.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joann_Means

By Joann Means and Johnny Means

Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds Movie Review

2009-03-02T20:40:00.000-08:00

For any of you who were waiting for an updated, big budget, serious Hollywood alien invasion flick to come along, especially after being immensely disappointed with the sludge that was "Independence Day", you'll be gratified with "War of the Worlds", the retelling of the HG Wells classic. Director Steven Spielberg, notable for giving us more warm and fuzzy aliens in his films decides to go in the opposite direction, not just for himself, but with the aforementioned "Independence Day" by doing almost the exact opposite of what that film accomplished (or destroyed, depending on your point of view). The aliens are menacing, the scenes of destruction are actually terrifying, the characters are more deeply grounded in reality, and despite the storybook quality to the opening and closing scenes, this film delivers a solid story with compelling, realistic sequences that will amaze and terrify you.

The opening sequence where the tripods literally explode out of the ground and then start zapping everyone is one of the most terrifying sequences put to screen. Perhaps the idea that they were in the ground for a million years and none of us noticed stretches credibility a little but it doesn't really matter as it's so magnificently staged that you'll forget that point. Spielberg deliberately draws on the post 9/11 experience, showing a scene of destruction not too dissimiliar from the scenes of people fleeing from the rubble of the twin towers collapsing in New York after the terrorist attack. Another sequence later in the film where an alien tripod comes up out of the water destroying a ferry is quite thrilling and pounds home the constant threat that humans are out to be exterminated and there's no escape. And in perhaps one of the darkest scenes in a Spielberg film, we see someone get pinned to the ground by one of the tripods and have the blood sucked out of him.

One of the interesting themes running through this film is the idea that humans will actually turn on themselves in order to survive. It's decidedly pessimistic for a film like this, but also very realistic. A sequence where people are fighting over a car, with Tom Cruise and his family almost getting shot to keep the car, is disturbing. After they escape, we see the man who took the car get shot himself by the mob swamping the car. It's this kind of selfish craziness that can define the worst characteristics in humans.

The film is also concerned with the idea of a refugee situation occurring in a big Western society like America. There is definite attempt by Spielberg to showcase this, specifically in many scenes where we see homeless and disparate people walking across the landscape to flee the terror brought upon them.

It was a bold move of Spielberg to set a third of the film inside a man's basement but it actually provides a study in human reactions to a crisis of survival. Enter Tim Robbins who gives a harrowing performance as a man who is biding his time before he fights back against the invaders. There is an insane implausibility behind his thinking which comes to a head in a scene where Cruise has to deal with him in a morally questionable manner, but which leads to the survival of him and his family.

Tom Cruise and co. do an amicable job as the film's leads but overall, this isn't really a film where you're concentrating on the actors. They just have to convey fear and their reactions to the extraordinary things that are happening to them.

The only negative on this film is the opening and closing scenes. Although they are meant to tie in with the earlier George Pal film and are amply narrated by Morgan Freeman, they give the impression of a storybook which seems completely out of whack with the rest of the film. It also adds that Spielberg-touch of sentimentality which despite its very small dose just seems inappropriate.

Some may be put off by the anti-climactic ending but it's an ending it shares with the original novel and the original George Pal version of the film. It actually makes a whole lot of sense that nature would end up killing the aliens because we really wouldn't have the resources to do it ourselves.

This is a great film that finally delivers a serious alien invasion story.

For the original DVD review, click this link: http://www.allaboutmovies.net/dvdreviewwaroftheworlds.htm

Alex DeMattia is the lead DVD reviewer at the film/DVD review web site All About Movies.net - He is also an administrator of the web site http://www.approachingsexywomen.com

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By Alex Demattia

Fairy Tale Castle Bedrooms For Your Knight Or Princess

2009-03-02T20:38:00.000-08:00

Tales of adventure and romance, danger and reward, enchanted forests and royal kingdoms delight every child, boys and girls alike. It's no wonder, then, that so many children delight in custom theme bedrooms that conjure dreams of daring young princes and valiant knights slaying vicious dragons and rescuing beautiful princesses.

At the heart of any fairy tale bedroom is a custom castle bed. Many a storybook fantasy can come to life in a bedroom that has a custom castle bed as its centerpiece. And thanks to creative carpenters and interior designers, it's not difficult or expensive to make that fantasy a reality.

By having your child's fantasy bed custom built, you can include many enchanting features that complete the picture, not least of which is making the custom castle bed a loft bed and a canopy bed too. You can also build in all sorts of playful elements like slides, climbing walls, multiple levels, moving drawbridges, and turrets that your little knight or princess can crawl around in and through. The more elements you add to your child's custom castle bed, the more settings your child will have to invent fairy tale scenes that let her imagination soar.

What's more, a custom castle bed can fill many roles in your child's storybook fantasy by having it designed as a multi-purpose furniture piece that performs as a play space and storage space as well as a place for your weary young knights and princesses to rest their precious heads at night.

Make sure to include custom drapery, bedding, throw pillows and other accessories that further heighten the fantasy. The designs you conjure up can be anything from familiar fairy tale characters he or she loves to fabulous landscapes to colorful splashes of detail that flesh out the magical realm your child will inhabit.

Bright colors painted on the walls - be they murals of sweeping vistas or majestic solid swaths of color - help animate the room and make the fairy tale theme more vivid. Borders and moldings are two ways to affordably add a bit of extra flair to the design. And don't forget lots of light and free air flow, as all enchanted kingdoms exist in an eternal clear, bright, sunny day.

There's simply no end to the adventures a child can have in a custom fantasy fairy tale bedroom with a custom castle bed as its centerpiece. In such a space, young knights, princes, and princesses can be carried away into other worlds without ever leaving the security of home.

Joann Means, interior designer, and her husband Johnny Means, master craftsman, have spent the last several years bringing fairy tales to life for little girls and boys alike, far and wide. Their creations are both beautiful and functional, stimulating a child's fantastic imagination and never-ending craving for fun and excitement while at the same time serving a parent's need for safety and security. Come see the enchanted realms the Means' have already created for other little girls and boys at Sweet Dream Children's Interiors (http://www.sweetdreambed.com).

Whether she imagines herself a princess or a witch, a fairy or a humble maiden, a flower or a swan, your little girl can have her dreams come true with a custom theme bed and bedroom designed and built by the expert minds at Sweet Dreams Children's Interiors (http://www.sweetdreambed.com).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joann_Means

By Joann Means and Johnny Means

Atlantic City Shows & Entertainment

2009-03-02T20:37:00.000-08:00

Atlantic city is a wonderful place to visit, no matter what type of person you are. Whatever it is that you like to do on your vacations, Atlantic City Shows has something for everyone. Whether you like historical museums or amusement parks with the family, Atlantic City offers that and everything in between. You are sure to be impressed, when you find out how much there really is to do. They offer fun activities for the whole family, such as the Ocean Life Center. At the Ocean Life Center, you will find yourself fascinated with all the different types of ocean life, in their live aquariums.

If you love to shop, you can visit Atlantic City's only shopping mall. It is open all year long, and features over 100 specialty stores, and an international food court. Checking out the ocean, and all of its aspects is one of the biggest attractions in Atlantic City. Visit Tuckerton Seaport, for a truly amazing experience to visit, and check out all the different areas of the ocean. Meet lighthouse keepers, fishermen, whalers, lifesavers, and ship captains. You are able to take a ferry ride year round between Cape May, New Jersey, and Lewes, Delaware. On the ferry ride, you are able to go on foot, or take your car along with you.

If you plan to bring your family to Atlantic City, there couldn't be a better place to relax and see things you couldn't see anywhere else. Atlantic City offers so many family attractions for you and your children, such as taking them to an amusement park that they are sure to love. Steel Pier offers 24 rides and games, a food court, and free admission. Another great place to take the kids, is Storybook Land. It is a 20 acre family fun park, with over 50 storybook adventures from classic children's storybooks. Maybe you are someone who likes to sit and relax on the beach, will then you are in luck. Lenape Park offers a wonderful sandy beach, and clean calm waters from Lake Lenape for water sports. As you can see, there is so much to see and do in Atlantic City, you will find yourself coming back again to finish your first vacation.

M. Dubson is a writter and traveler who enjoys spending time in Atlantic City and seeing great Atlantic City Shows at hotels like Bally's Atlantic City!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M._Dubson

By M. Dubson

Digital Storybooks - Journaling with Style!

2009-03-02T20:34:00.000-08:00

Scrapbooking exploded into mainstream American culture in the mid 1990's. Since then, this popular craft has experienced tremendous growth and is continuing to evolve today. While traditional scrapbooking still exists, many have moved from the mess, time, and expense of traditional scrapbooking to writing digital storybooks and designing digital scrapbooks. As we make the shift from traditional scrapbooking with adhesive and stickers to digital storybooks we'd like to give three suggestions to help you continue to preserve your memories digitally.

1-Journaling is the most important element to a digital storybook.

Because of the old saying 'that a picture is worth a thousand word' we seem to think that the visual record of events is the most important. But unless there is some record that ties the names, faces, and events together, the photos will only be meaningful for a few short years. The photos may jog our memories but others will not know if the adorable birthday boy was Uncle Mike or Uncle George. Was that his sixth birthday or his eighth? The information you write about your photos can be as simple or as detailed as you like. You can simply write the names and dates or you can write the whole story. If writing the whole story is intimidating to you, we'd like to make a second suggestion, inspirational quotes and poems.

2- Inspirational and humorous quotes can share your emotion and be just the right words for your digital story.

It doesn't have to be original for it to be the thoughts you'd like to share. As long as you have included the basics: who, what, when, and where; adding an inspirational quote can share exactly what you were feeling at your daughters high school graduation. Using a beautiful poem about love can add meaning to the storybook you compile for grandma and grandpa. Quotes can add that touch of charm and a lot of style to your journaling.

3- Don't be afraid to keep it short.

As we get excited about the ease of dropping photos into pre-designed templates, it is easy to allow our stories to go on and on. Consider the reason for writing the storybook in the first place. It is to hold on to memories and share them with others. If you keep your storybook short children and guests will pick up the storybooks often and read them. A child may ask you to read him the story of Grandpa Carl every night if it is meaningful and brief. If the storybook is 500 pages long the stories and the photos will be left on the shelf. Tell the story, include a verse that matches your feeling and share your story with those you love.

So whether you are experienced with digital storybooking or are a beginner, start creating meaningful digital storybooks today. Remember to not get overwhelmed with details, keep it short. Journaling is important and can be kept brief with the use of inspirational quotes and stories. Start making memories today!

Carolyn Bennett is the author of many digital scrapbooks and story books. She invites you to take a look at http://www.thelandofquotes.com to help you find the perfect quote or poem for your digital storybook!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Bennett

By Carolyn Bennett

5 Ways to Use Cartooning to Make Your Company A Super Hero

2009-03-01T17:27:00.000-08:00

By Rosemary Rein

Create WOW Factor and increase retention of your message and brand with Corporate Cartooning.
Please don't tell me HRD/Training Managers that you're still hanging those "Employee of the Month" plaques in your lobby that make even the most professional employee look like a felon-- let alone valued and important! Alas, don't admit that your training manuals would even put a die-hard reader of Popular Mechanics to Sleep! Do your Employee Retirement Parties bring tears to everyone in the room, particularly the retiree, because of a lack of imagination or real thought? Well, perhaps it's time to get funny (literally) and create WOW! Training Materials and Recognition Programs that engage us and capture our attention. "Corporate Cartooning"

Cartooning and Animation represents a media that engages both a new generation of Gamers as well as the Traditional Comic Book Enthusiasts. Here are 5 ways to put Cartooning to Work to motivate, educate and reward both customers and employees in Training Programs, Annual Meetings and Corporate Recognition Events.

5 Ways to put Corporate Cartooning to Work in Your Company:

1. Bring the WOW Factor to Customer and Employee Appreciation Gifts. Yeah, sure you can have a thumb drive or specialty gift basket imprinted with your logo to give to valued customers and employees, or you can really show your VIPs how special they are by creating a Personal Cartoon Sketch of them in front of the backdrop of your business. Trust me, with the thought that obviously went into the gift selection and creation they won't throw it away.

2. Create a Comic Book for Compliance, Safety and Customer Service Training. It's non-threatening and pretty darn funny when you have a"Dudley Does it Wrong" Character who does everything to irritate customers or violate safety procedures. The visual imagery and demonstration of what not to do is a powerful training technique for getting employees to do what you want them to do.

3. Host a Memorable Employee Retirement Party with your Own Bart Simpson. Present a Storybook and a multi-media that creates a heart felt retirement celebration. As a Facilitator, I have used multi-media presentations incorporating photos and music as well as animated characters to recognize the Guest of Honor. The animated characters are designed in the honorees image as well as other key team players who humor the audience with their banter of favorite corporate memories and upcoming plans for retirement. Traditional Roasting can be tedious in the hands of people who hate to do it and aren't good at it. Animation combined with a Professional Master of Ceremonies makes it professional, easy and fun and allows for lots of input from the employees in the planning of the Cartoon Sketches. At the end of the retirement party, the honoree is presented with a literal children's story book as a memorable keepsake.

Positive Workplace Campaign. This is one of my favorite cartooning techniques used to develop and promote a positive and inspired workplace. Battle your Negaholics! Remember the rule of Negative Contagion: Negative Energy Spreads faster than Positive in the Workplace. Try using your own Cartoon Character who presents Positive Workplace Messages that are linked to your team's mission and values and clearly outline Rules of Team Behavior.

5. Use Corporate Cartooning in Product Launches, Trade Shows, Customer Events and Training Seminars. Note: Not just for fun, but linked to a specific marketing/educational message that creates impact and retention. Cartoon Characters are powerful advertising messengers (Think the Geiko gecko)

At Now to WOW! Training Services and Business Events, we put Cartooning to Work for our clients to motivate, educate and reward both customers and employees. Note: Our contracted animation and instructional storyboard artists can turn your project around often within 48 hours all via Internet/email correspondence.

Do you want to bring your Annual Meetings, Training Sessions, Employee Celebrations from Now to WOW!tm with audiences through powerful and creative presentations? Contact us at www.gowildgogreat.com or write Rosemary@gowildgogreat.com

Rosemary Rein, Ph.D is an International Author/Speaker and Business Facilitator. Contact Rosemary at http://www.gowildgogreat.com for inspired Now to WOW! Employee Training

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Create A Personalized Child Book Heirloom

2009-03-01T17:26:00.000-08:00

By Mike Dougherty

Children love having stories read to them and even very young children really enjoy having someone read them a favorite story.

And reading stories and books to children is a very rewarding activity.

Kids become fascinated with the story, the characters and the way the story is read to them.

As a parent and a grandparent, I have found that acting out the story by changing my voice and expressions really gets the kids interested, keeps their attention and makes story time lots of fun for them and for me.

Personalized Child Book

A personalized child book makes the experience even more fun by including your child in the story. Your child's name is repeated throughout the book, so every time you read the story they get to hear their name right along with the other characters in the story book.

Of course this gives the reader a wonderful opportunity to emphasize the child's name and have even more fun with it while you're reading the story to them.

Your child's personalized story book becomes precious to them and something they will always remember.

When Your Child Gets Older

They grow up so fast and being able to look back at fond memories means a lot to children (and parents too).

That's why we all keep things like our child's first doll or their first toy car. Then, when your child gets older and even as a teenager or adult, they enjoy looking back at those pleasant memories.

And how many times have we all wondered why we didn't keep something we had as children so we could enjoy those fond memories from time to time.

Personalized Child Book Heirloom

You can easily create a personalized child book heirloom by following these easy steps.

Pick up a personalized child book with your child's name throughout the story

On the book's inside cover, write the date your child's personalized book was first presented to them

Take a photograph of your child reading their book (be sure you can see the book's front cover)then mount the picture inside the front or back cover of the book

Have someone take a picture of you and your child while you're reading the book to your child. Then mount that picture on the inside cover

Now you've created something that is very precious.

When your child grows out of the book, place the book inside a container and store the book in a safe place.

Years From Now

If taken care of properly, your personalized child book is sure to become a family treasure and a precious heirloom that will be enjoyed for years to come and beyond that by generations yet to come.

Creating a personalized child book heirloom is a very easy and fun project and one that will bring you much happiness throughout the years.

You'll enjoy the precious memories and years from now, your child will really love being able to actually hold that very special and precious book again and look at those wonderful pictures from long ago.

And of course your child will love seeing their name in the story once again.

Mike Dougherty is a parent and grandparent and has a wonderful website all about kid birthday parties. For more information and personalized child book ideas, visit http://www.fun-kid-birthday-parties.com/kid-gift-ideas.html

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A Wedding Gift to Your Spouse

2009-03-01T17:25:00.000-08:00

By Jerry Leung

A wedding gift is very important in a sense that you will be showing your love and appreciation to your spouse. As a result, you will probably want to choose a special and unique wedding gift to your spouse.

However, the point here is that it is not easy to choose such a unique gift. You can consider the following scenario. You may want to buy something from a shop but your spouse may have already seen this item before. To this end it is not easy to buy a wedding gift.

In fact, buying a wedding gift is not your only option. You can consider creating the wedding gift yourself. You may probably think that this will make you spend a lot of time. Yes it is very true that it is very time consuming to create your own wedding gift. However, it is your husband / wife and it is always worth spending the time in order to show your love to him / her. If you think that it is too time consuming to create the gift and you would rather purchase an item. My only suggestion will be thinking careful before you get married. There is no reason not to spend the time in order to make your spouse feel happy.

There are a lot of different things you can do when you are creating your wedding gift for your spouse. You can probably write a card and say thank you to your spouse. However, you do not just buy a card outside. You have to create the card yourself. This is the most important part. The card can be indeed a story book. It can be a story book which depicts the story between your spouse and you. This is how you show you really love him / her. At the end of the day this gift will also be special and unique since the gift carries the story of your spouse and you!

You can also consider a photo album as a wedding gift. In this photo album, you will try to put the photos of your childhood. Of course if it is possible, you should also put photos of the childhood of your spouse in the album. Then you will try to put some photos after you two have been together in the album. In fact, this album will never be finished. You will put new photos into it after you have married. This will be an album which records your life with your spouse. Such a photo album will certainly be an extremely touching and special one. Both your spouse and you should treasure the time when you are together.

In fact, there are a lot more ideas you can think of. The key here is that you have to create the gift yourself such that the gift can represent your love to your spouse. If you can really do so, it can be sure that your wedding gift will be a unique and touching one.

Jerry Leung is a wedding invitation designer. He has sites on wedding vendors. They are
HK Wedding Vendor Directory
UK Wedding Vendor Directory

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Disney Fairy Tales - How Timeless and Reassuring Are They?

2009-03-01T17:21:00.000-08:00

By Jamie Quaranta

Ever since I was a child, I have known that Walt Disney was (and continues to be) the consummate cinematic master of the traditional fairy tale. Some critics argue that he does serious injustice to the original source materials. But you must realize that, as cultures and lifestyles change, so do the societal and cultural meanings of "Snow White," "Cinderella," "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," and other fairy tales Disney brought (and continues to bring) to his respective medium (Day 2). All in all, this continuously transforms the universal message of the fairy tale itself, no matter what we perceive Disney or the original authors to be like altogether (Orenstein).

I believe many of the fairy tales Disney adapted (and continues to adapt) have the emotional and psychological capacity to transcend generational, cultural, racial, sexual, etc., lines among "both children and adults" at home and abroad in today's growingly complex world (Day 2). They provide both concrete and abstract knowledge and insight into our own way of life, as well as the ways of life of others (Day 2). They can serve a therapeutic and sometimes cathartic role in early childhood development and the lives of grown-ups; everyone encounters archetypal characters that may enhance his or her own skills and experiences in resolving internal and external conflicts and other problems on a daily basis (Day 2, 11, and 34). On a more specific note, I think Disney's fairy tales continue to help children and more experienced individuals cope with sibling rivalry and other everyday dilemmas because of the ways in which they explore reconcilable moral values in sometimes unforgivable or unmanageable circumstances (Day 2 and 13).

In addition, I think Disney's fairy tales can provide a framework for our own belief systems, which could thus make us draw the lines between reality and fantasy more clearly (Day 2). So, although many of us do not have relationships that result in storybook-like endings, we can still rely on Disney to help us preserve the messages and values we idealize in a world we all try to make better, but is alas imperfect, altogether (Day 3 and 4).

The recent live-action/animated fantasy comedy "Enchanted" is a perfect example of "the modern romantic understanding of the fairy tale," albeit in a slightly more realistic light than what the title suggests (Orenstein). In the magical kingdom of Andalasia, a beautiful princess named Giselle (Amy Adams) is about to marry the dashing Prince Edward (James Marsden). But since this situation upsets the prince's mother, The Evil Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon), she is sent down a magical well and into the extremely disenchanted and gritty world of contemporary New York City. Completely shocked and dismayed by this new alien environment, Giselle now finds herself in a world where there's no guarantee of a "happily ever after." Yet, she befriends a cynical and deeply flawed divorce lawyer named Robert (Patrick Dempsey), who isn't so sure about her true love back home, for the lack of a better word. While she waits for her true love to find her, Giselle begins to "enchant" every real-life person around her with her spontaneous singing and storybook-perfect demeanor. But, eventually, she begins to realize that finding love in Manhattan isn't going to be as easy as it was back in her own cartoonish world. Robert is already engaged to his girlfriend and has a 6-year-old daughter to tend to. But, eventually, he and his daughter come to Giselle's aid when the princess falls off of a city sign. The divorce attorney realizes that the princess needs a temporary home, for he knows that there's really no world out there by the name of Andalasia. At first, he is deeply upset when Giselle cuts his curtains to make herself a new dress. But, later on in the picture, he begins to care for her when he realizes that he's not so disillusioned about Giselle's "real-life" predicaments after all. At the very end of the film, Giselle decides to run her own NYC fashion line with her mystical animals in tow, and both Giselle and Robert live, you guessed it, "happily ever after" in the real world.

Although many critics complain about Disney's use of elaborate musical numbers in his romanticized adaptations of Perrault's, de Beaumont's, Andersen's, and the Grimm Brothers' renowned folktales, I believe Disney still gets it right when he lets "the songs arise naturally out of the action" (Day 21). Using his cinematic, Broadway-style storytelling device as the all-important backdrop, we can identify with the deceptively simple meanings behind the characters and the storyline more effectively (Day 21). Disney films have and continue to influence both children's and adults' knowledge of fairy tales in general (Day 34). So, even if Disney did (and continues to) take liberties with the original source materials, he has always known that entertainment values can, in some way, contribute to our own "evaluative, critical, and inferential levels of thought" in the relationships we have with all kinds of persons in a sometimes unfavorable world (Orenstein; Day 13 and 59).

I believe Disney himself liked to revisit his favorite childhood stories the same way a lot of others like revisiting a house they knew as a child (Willard 13 and 14). Therefore, I guess I should say that his mind was full of things metaphorically similar to what he probably saw in his grandmother's pantry or his grandmother's kitchen when production started on his beloved adaptation of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937) (Willard 16). Therefore, he probably had no choice but to interpret Snow White in a different light because nobody can step into the same tale twice without interpreting a different take on it to begin with (Willard 16).

I believe it's terribly harsh for anyone to view both Disney's fairy tales and the original source materials not "as luminous and layered as an onion" (Willard 23). They are like a house anyone can enter by many doors, even if one has to find those doors by forgetting the stories they remember back from their childhood altogether (Willard 23). Disney himself must have viewed his favorite children's stories, as well as childhood itself, like a shelter and a station (Willard 23). That said, he probably had no choice but to keep himself in the movie business, or no choice but to depart from the movie business, if he decided to reinstate his original source materials' authenticity altogether (Willard 23). Time takes us all in the end, so Disney believed, and I believe, that both storytellers and audience members have the obligation to "pass the tales on to other tellers and other listeners" as long as there's always an aspect of life we call human nature (Willard 23).

Works Cited

Day, Pamela Ann. The Impact of Disney Film Adaptations of Fairy Tales on Children's Knowledge of Traditional Tales. Diss. Illinois State U, 1997. Ann Arbor: UMI, 1998. 1388324. Pages 2-4, 11, 13, 21, 34, 59.

Orenstein, Catherine. "Fairy Tales and a Dose of Reality." Editorial. New York Times 3 Mar. 2003, late ed.: A23.

Willard, Nancy. "A Tale Out of Time." The Horn Book Magazine: Jan./Feb. 2002, Vol. 78, Issue 1. Pages 13-14, 16, 23.

For more "enchanting" information on the film "Enchanted," please visit:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0461770

http://adisney.go.com/disneyvideos/liveaction/enchanted

at your own idealistic risk...

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The First "Press and Play" Children's Talking Bible Storybook

2009-03-01T17:20:00.000-08:00

By William Dorich

Pamela is so dedicated to her dream that the majority of proceeds from the sale of her book will go to Christian charities.

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Winnie the Pooh - The Winnipeg Connection

2009-02-26T01:18:00.000-08:00

By Morris E. Brown

The famous story book bear character "Winnie the Pooh" has a real life connection back to the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

The British author A.A. Milne , who created and wrote the world famous Winnie the Pooh character , named the bear character after a favorite stuffed toy bear owned by the author's young son - Christopher Milne. The interesting question is how, where and why did young Christopher Milne name his favorite toy bear "Pooh".

It seems that Christopher Milne named the toy after a favorite actual real life alive bear that lived and was on display at the London Zoo, in London England. Then as now a major enjoyable jaunt by families on weekend trips was to the Zoo - in this case the London Zoo. Young Christopher Milne was so enamored and enthralled with the zoo bear named "Winnie" that he named his favorite toy after the bear. Thus when his father - the author, wrote his books of poetry and novels and named the central character, this was directly after the bear at the London Zoo - the bear named "Winnie".

The name "Winnie the Pooh" has a direct connection to the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. A black bear cub "Winnipeg ", proper, or the shortened nickname "Winnie" , was the mascot of the "Fort Garry Horse" , a Winnipeg based infantry unit.

Along the way of the transport of the Fort Garry Horse unit across Canada by train the train attended a "whistle stop" at White River Ontario. Among the members of this unit was a young veterinarian, who had enlisted in the army, named Harry Colebourn. Harry had a real appreciation and a real manner with animals - be they domesticated, farm stock or wild animals.

While at the White River Train station, the young Lieutenant Colebourn took the time to notice a hunter carrying a black bear cub. It seemed that the hunter had shot the mother bear. The young cub was a sort of pet and was too young to care for itself or fend for itself in the wild. Harry Colebourn took interest and pity on the poor black bear cub realizing that the hunter would soon lose interest or would be unable to care for the bear to a point that it could be released back into the wild. After a period of haggling the hunter reluctantly sold the young, innocent yet playful bear cub to Mr. Colebourn for the then princely sum of $ 20. After purchasing the bear, and becoming familiar with it during the train journey to the Canadian province of Quebec - name the bear after his and the regiment's home town of Winnipeg. At some point this was shortened to the bear's nickname of "Winnie". Thus the young bear cub was named "Winnipeg" and nicknamed for short "Winnie" "

Winnie the bear cub went along for the train ride, as well as the boat ride and traveled with this Canadian infantry group all the way to England. The bear cub "Winnie" became the famed mascot of the Winnipeg based "Fort Garry Horse Regiment" While stationed in England , at Salisbury Plain , Winnipeg the bear of "Winnie " for short stayed in Lieutenant Colebourne's tent , sleeping under his cot , and becoming a favorite of the Canadian soldiers.

This bear cub "Winnie" stayed with the regiment and continued to be a source of pleasure and enjoyment to the group and indeed became rather famous and well known. However when the regiment itself unfortunately was to be shipped off to the battlefields of France Harry placed Winnie in the safeguard and safekeeping of the London Zoo, in London England. Four years later, Harry Colebourn, now promoted to Captain returned to London to take Winnie home. However seeing what a beloved fixture and hit she was to the British schoolchildren Colebourn decided to let the bear stay put and officially donated Winnie to the London Zoo making the zoo the rightful owner and guardian.

When one realizes the world wide impact that resulted from the story book character of Winnie the Pooh to children throughout the world and in many different languages in culture one can envision the admiration and love that young Christopher Milne had for the black bear cub "Winnipeg" or "Winnie" the Pooh for short.

Morris E. Brown
Winnipeg Zoo Hotels
Winnipeg Hotels Polo Park

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Electricity & Magnetism - Hands-On Experiments For All Ages

2009-02-26T01:17:00.000-08:00

By Rita Webb

Being without power due to a storm gave us the opportunity to explain electricity to our four-year-old daughter who was quite confused and angry when the lights and TV did not work. So I read Switch On, Switch Off by Melvin Berger, a really great book that describes electricity, how it works, how to create it, and how it travels through our neighborhoods and homes.

Reading about electricity and magnetism with my children, I learned a few things about electricity myself. I already knew that breaking a circuit would end the flow of electricity, but what I did not know was how the electricity was created in the first place.

This science story book shows how magnets are used to move the electrons inside the circuit, and this is how electricity is created. A power plant uses large magnets to generate power, and we can do this on a small scale with a small wire and a hand-held magnet.

Here are a few experiments and resources to help get you started learning about electricity and magnetism.

CAUTION: For safety reasons, all electrical experiments should be performed with a battery rather than an electrical outlet. A battery will provide only a small amount of electricity. Also, all experiments should be performed with an adult.

Experiment #1

Materials:
Circuit Wire
Bar Magnet
Compass

Steps:

1. Wrap the cord around your hand a few times.
2. Carefully remove your hand without disturbing the coils.
3. Wrap the cord around the compass.
4. Connect the two ends of the wire.
5. Move the magnet in and out of the coils.

Results: You will see the needle of the compass move in response to the electricity flowing through the wire. The magnet is creating electricity by forcing the electrons in the wire to move from one atom to another.

Experiment #2

Materials:
Battery
Strip of Tin Foil
Circuit wire
Strong, horseshoe magnet

Steps:

1. Connect the wire and the tin foil together.
2. Close the circuit by adding the battery.
3. Put the horseshoe magnet over the tin foil strip.

Results: The tin foil will bend in response to the magnet reacting to the electricity passing through the tin foil.

You can continue to explore magnetism with these books and materials:

Experiment Kits

You can buy magnet or electricity kits at a toy store or teacher store. We found one at an art store, and it made a great Christmas gift for the family. Kids of all ages love to explore with magnets, and even after learning all the lessons on magnets, the children still love to play with them.

What makes a Magnet? by Franklyn M. Branley.

This illustrated science story book not only tells you how magnets work but why. The pictures and descriptions make it easy for even young children to understand.

Janice VanCleave's Magnets: Mind-boggling Experiments You Can Turn Into Science Fair Projects by Janice VanCleave

Janice VanCleave writes easy to follow steps. This book is for older children, but with the help of an adult, these experiments can be done with younger children as well.

Janice VanCleave's Electricity: Mind-boggling Experiments You Can Turn Into Science Fair Projects by Janice VanCleave

This Janice VanCleave book is dedicated to electricity. Again, you will find easy to follow steps and descriptions. Her books are great science resources for all ages.

Rita Webb is a homeschooling mom for three young children, aged two, four, and six. Rita researches many homeschooling resources and writes reviews on these materials in her http://mrkreview.blogspot.com blog.

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Book Review - How Do I Tell the Kids About the Divorce? By Rosalind Sedacca

2009-02-26T01:16:00.000-08:00

By Susan Heim

When I went through a divorce more than 14 years ago, my two children were a baby and a preschooler, and thus weren't old enough to be given too many details. I have often wondered, though, how different it would have been if they had been older. How would I have told them that their father and I were divorcing, and we'd be moving to another home? Would they be scared or cry or begin acting out? Indeed, one of the most difficult conversations a parent will ever have with his or her children is telling them that their parents are separating or divorcing. Children may blame themselves, worry about the future, fear they'll never see one or both of their parents again, or feel that their safety and security are crumbling before their eyes. So, how can parents allay these fears while imparting such a scary message to their children?

Fortunately, a book by Rosalind Sedacca, CCT, provides a great start. How Do I Tell the Kids about the Divorce? A Create-a-Storybook™ Guide to Preparing Your Children - with Love!is a fill-in-the-blank book that guides parents through making a personal family storybook they can share with their children. The text was designed to convey six key messages to children of divorce:

This is not your fault.
Mom and Dad will always love you.
Mom and Dad will always be your Mom and Dad.
You are, and will continue to be, safe.
This is about change, not about blame.
Everything is going to be okay.

Using the templates provided, parents can customize their book to reflect their personal situation. Parents are encouraged to include stories (and photos) from their family's history, guided on ways to explain "the problem" without inflicting blame on the other parent, and coached on how to provide a picture of the future and how it will change. Parents can use materials as simple as a photo album or as elaborate as a scrapbook. Two versions are provided, one for kids aged 5-10 and another for kids aged 10-15. How Do I Tell the Kids About the Divorce? also provides advice and insights from six therapists who specialize in family issues.

Divorce is never going to be an easy adjustment for children, but with the help of this book, parents can provide their children with the information they need to be assured that they're loved and their future holds promise. How Do I Tell the Kids About Divorce? is available as a downloadable eBook at www.howdoitellthekids.com (and also includes some great bonuses!).

Susan M. Heim is a former Senior Editor for the bestselling "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series. Her published books include "It's Twins! Parent-to-Parent Advice from Infancy Through Adolescence"; "Oh, Baby! 7 Ways a Baby Will Change Your Life the First Year"; "Twice the Love: Stories of Inspiration for Families with Twins, Multiples and Singletons"; "Boosting Your Baby's Brain Power"; and, "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Twins and More." Her articles and essays have appeared in many books, magazines and websites. Susan writes a regular online column for Mommies Magazine called "Loving and Living with Twins and Multiples." She is also an expert on twins and multiples for AllExperts.com and ParentsConnect.com, and a parenting expert for SelfGrowth.com.

Susan is the founder of TwinsTalk, a website about twins and raising twins (http://www.twinstalk.com). Susan shares her parenting wisdom on her blog, Susan Heim on Parenting, at http://www.susanheim.blogspot.com She is the mother of 4 sons -- two teens and twin preschoolers.

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Tween Halloween Costume Ideas

2009-02-26T01:15:00.000-08:00

By Janet Wallace

Tween Halloween Costume Ideas

If you are looking for tween Halloween costume ideas, here are some ideas to get you started. From storybook characters to tween celebrities, tween Halloween costumes can be cool.

Celebrity Tween Characters

Tween celebrities, such as the Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana are hot in the tween set. Dressing like them can be a fun tween Halloween costume too. You could be Miley Cyrus, and have the best of both worlds! Groups of girls can also dress up like The Cheetah Girls. Don't forget about High School Musical for more characters like Troy, Gabriella, or Sharpay.

TIP: Watch your favorite shows on TV and DVD with your remote control to copy the tiny details - and you'll stand out!

Classic Storybook Characters

Your favorite storybook characters also make great tween Halloween costumes. You can be Little Miss Muffet with a big spider attached to her dress. Dorothy from Wizard of Oz is also fun with red shoes. If you like Disney World, Minnie Mouse might be your choice.

TIP: Hair and accessories make the difference. Props win costume contests!

Traditional Characters

Tween Halloween costumes still come in traditional styles, whether you make your own, or buy them. Wearing a scarf and eyepatch makes a quick Pirate. The hat is your finishing touch to become a Witch. Drawing in a black nose and whiskers looks great whether you're a Cat or a Mouse. Find some white go-go boots and be a Disco Doll.

TIP: Don't be afraid to look through closets for long-forgotten stuff!

Would you like to more tween Halloween costume ideas? Visit http://www.tweenpartyblog.com for tween Halloween ideas and more!

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Holiday Season in Estes Park, Colorado

2009-02-26T01:13:00.000-08:00

By Brandice A Thorn

Tradition: Estes Park always has treasured families. Holiday activities here are planned so people of all ages will enjoy the outing.

The Lights: At one time, no holiday lights in Estes Park were turned on until the official lighting at dusk the day after Thanksgiving, a tradition that began in the early '50s. The ceremony featured a small contingent of locals and high school band members who gathered around a spruce tree in Bond Park (the park in the center of downtown) to play and sing Christmas carols.

In 1951, the town's light and power department first created re-bar Christmas trees and attached them to poles throughout the area. The design plans have been shared with communities across the United States and our village now has 120 "trees" in the collection. Along Elkhorn Avenue (the town's main street) trees now wear thousands of white twinkle lights, creating a storybook look after dark. In all, there are 175 decorated trees downtown. Merchants carry out the theme in their storefront windows.

The Murals: Between 1957 and 1966 Buell Porter designed and constructed the billboard murals seen around town. All are individually lit and provide a special addition to the ambience of the holiday season here. Six of them were refurbished between 1988 and 1993 by local artists. Santa Claus (constructed in 1957 and reconstructed in 2005) was the first mural designed by Porter. With Rudolph leading the sleigh, Santa appears to fly over Estes Park from the green space known as "The Knoll" just north of Town Hall. The display stretches 80 feet.

Facts about Estes Park's Holiday Season

The Nativity Scene (resorted in 1989) is at the corner of Virginia Drive and Elkhorn Avenue in Bond Par. It was Porter's second mural and originally was constructed and painted in 1958. The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe is the first display seen when entering town on U.S. Highway 36 (from Boulder and Denver) and was added to the collection in 1965.

The Three Wise Men on the hill above the Riverwalk (south of Elkhorn Avenue) are nearly 20 feet tall. Shepherds, part of the scene above the Riverwalk, features sheep that are six feet tall. Years ago, local high school students protested that the herd wasn't politically correct and made frequent attempts to make certain at least one of them was a black sheep. The town eventually helped the youngsters out by officially painting at least one of the lambs black.

Christmas in Bugville (restored in 1990) now is in Bond Park, at the corner of MacGregor and Elkhorn Avenues.

Santa's Card Shop (restored in 1988) is on Elkhorn Avenue in front of the Public Library.

The Holy Figure overlooking the West end of Elkhorn Avenue provides a special religious message for the holiday season. It was constructed in 1966.

The Parade The lighted, evening parade was started in the late 1980s so the town could share its Christmas magic with others. The first three years, the parade was billed as "Santa's Storybook Parade" and featured walking characters and a few floats depicting storybook themes with Santa Claus. Later, the theme of the parade swelled as the floats became Disney-like: large, lighted floats and units. Floats are constructed by a team of volunteers beginning months before the parade. Some are more than 40 feet long, 12 feet high with more than 6,000 lights.

Community participation is widespread with school children of all ages riding the floats, carrying banners and portraying costumed characters. Parade attendance has grown steadily over the years, with last year's estimate placed at nearly 25,000.

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Divorce Doesn't Scar Children - Selfish Parents Do!

2009-02-24T22:32:00.000-08:00

By Rosalind P. Sedacca

Divorce is a highly emotional topic. When children are involved the consequences are far more dramatic - and, not surprisingly, so are our opinions. I know there are many people who sincerely believe that no divorce is a good divorce. That children are always and inevitably harmed by the physical and emotional separation of their parents. And that parents should - for the sake of the kids - just stick it out and not rock the boat with divorce or separation until the children are grown.

This is a particularly prevalent view for many who are grown children of divorce. These adults have experienced the dramatic life changes that come with divorce and feel permanently scarred as a result.

This response is certainly understandable. But it's not the final word on this subject. I have another perspective based on the experience of being raised in a family that chose to stay together "for the sake of the kids." My parents should have divorced early in their marriage. They were both miserable together, had little respect for each other, and raised two children in a home fraught with anger, tension, frequent loud arguments and discord.

I remember my mother asking me one day when I was in early adolescence whether she should divorce Dad. "No," I cried. I wanted a Mom and a Dad like the other kids. My childhood was miserable and filled with insecurity. Immersed in that insecurity I feared what life would be like if my parents were divorced. Mom didn't have the courage to do it anyway (those were vastly different times, especially for women) and she continued in her unhappy marriage for decades more.

Looking back, I feel that was an unfortunate mistake. Neither of my parents were bad people. They were both just totally mismatched. Their communication skills were miserably lacking and they were wrapped up in winning every battle at all costs. The cost, of course, was the well-being of their family, especially of their children. I believe that each of them would have been happier and more fulfilled had they parted ways and remained single or chosen another mate.

Based on my own personal experience, I've come to firmly believe that it's not divorce that scars our children. It's wounded parents who do not care, understand or see that their behavior is hurting their children. It's vindictive parents who put down the other spouse in front of their kids. It's parents who decide they should have sole custody or primary influence over the children with little regard as to the kid's relationship with the other parent. It's parents who confide their adult dramas to innocent children who just want to love Mommy and Daddy. It's parents who put financial gain and material decisions over the emotional well-being of their children.

In essence, it's selfish parents who scar their children through divorce. They put their own needs ahead of those of their totally dependent children when making life-altering parental decisions. When these parents get a divorce, the consequences are not only sad. Too often they end up wounding innocent psyches. They forget -- or are ignorant about -- how their decisions will affect their children in the months, years and, yes, decades ahead. It is not divorce per se, but the divorce of two parents so enraged by each other that they make decisions based on blind hatred rather than conscious, educated wisdom.

For more information about Child-Centered Divorce visit http://www.childcentereddivorce.com

Rosalind Sedacca, CCT, is the author of the new ebook, How Do I Tell the Kids ... about the Divorce? A Create-a-Storybook™ Guide to Preparing Your Children -- with Love! The ebook provides expert advice which helps parents create a unique personal family storybook that guides them through this difficult transition with optimum results. To learn about the book visit, http://www.howdoitellthekids.com

There is much more that can be said on this subject but space prompts me to stop for now. I value your feedback on this controversial topic and encourage thoughtful dialogue. Please send your comments along to me for more in-depth discussion at rosalind@childcentereddivorce.com

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How to Design a Little Girl's Fairytale Bedroom

2009-02-24T22:31:00.001-08:00

By Joann Means and Johnny Means

Every little girl lives in a fairy tale storybook world all her own, so why not help her bring that passion and creativity into her actual living environment?

A custom theme bed is the perfect way to set the stage for your little girl's fairy tale fantasy. Be it a modest forest hut or a decadent princess castle, it's now possible to make your little girl's bed stand out as the centerpiece of a whole storybook reality.

And with today's developments in creative carpentry there's no reason anymore for a bed to be just a bed. It can now be a full-fledged multi-functional magic kingdom where a little girl can not only get a good night's sleep filled with sweet dreams but where she can also frolic and play. Loft beds and canopy beds help add to the fairy tale mystique, as do multiple levels that allow her to climb, slide, and crawl around and through, allowing her multiple settings for the various scenes of her fairy tale romance adventure.

Custom bedding, drapery, and throw pillows can unify the theme, adding further splashes of magic to her fantastical realm, be they bedecked with images of her favorite fairy tale characters for her to share her dreams with or twinkling, shooting stars for her to make wishes by.

Fairy tale worlds are filled with vibrant colors and both the custom theme bed and the rest of room surrounding it should be filled with the same eye-catching vividness that fills her fantasies. Bright pinks, reds, blues, and yellows make a custom fairy tale bedroom come alive. Touches of glitter or other reflective surfaces will make more than her eyes sparkle - they'll make the whole room sparkle. And fancy borders in lace or floral molding or other such touches of simple elegance add both depth and enchantment to the overall atmosphere.

Painting murals befitting of your little girl's fantasy world help extend the theme beyond the bed to the rest of the bedroom in a relatively easy and affordable manner. Paint the forest creatures that live in her enchanted forest. Paint elves, gnomes, and fairies too. Paint tall trees and vibrant flowers and sinuous vines across her private landscape. You can even paint a river, stream, pond, or waterfall running through the scene if you like. And above it all, paint a sunny blue spring sky where it's always clear and bright.

There's no shortage of storybook stories a little girl can act out when she has her very own custom fairy tale themed bed and bedroom. Let her be carried away into boundless worlds of the imagination without her ever having to leave the safety and comfort of home. Because, after all, there's no place like it.

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Once Upon a Princess Theme - Fairy-Tale Princess Room Decorating Ideas

2009-02-24T22:29:00.000-08:00

By Joann Means and Johnny Means

All little girls reside, at least in part, in a world of their imagination, a world inspired by the fairy tales and storybooks they encounter every day. Fulfilling her fantasy of being one of those princesses that she reads about in books, hears about in stories, and sees in movies, is the best way you can help her bring those wondrous tales to life.

Princess Castle Beds

Every princess in every fairy tale has her own private chambers where she dreams about life in her magic kingdom. To make your little girl feel like a princess, then, all you really need to do is give her such a bed. Providing such royal treatment is as simple as finding a qualified custom children's bed designer and introducing her to the vivid fantasy life of your little princess.

Adding elements of luxury to her princess castle bed will only delight her the more. This can include a canopy bed, a loft bed, big plush pillows and silky, satiny custom bedding.

Evoke the Images of Her Favorite Storybook Princesses

Give her a magic mirror on one wall of her custom castle bed so she can fawn over her pretty face - "the fairest one of all". Give her a settee that's as decadent as Cinderalla's horse-and-buggy and she can always feel like she's on her way to a fancy ball. Line the floors of her custom bed with elaborate carpet and throw rugs and she can imagine she's Princess Jasmine "on a magic carpet ride" with her handsome Aladdin. Bedeck the custom castle bed in colorful shells and coral and starfish and she can imagine herself Princess Arial relishing in life "under the sea".

Make-Believe Worlds, Real Life Play

Pretending that she lives in a storybook fairy-tale world is only half fun; acting it out in her environment is the rest. And you can help make this possible too by making her princess castle bed more than just a place to lay her weary head at night but one in which she frolic and play during the day as well.

Adding slides, climbing walls, swings, tunnels to crawl through, and other design elements that she can enjoy will only heighten that sense that she's living in a world of her own imagining. And all of this can be built straight into any custom princess castle bed.

It's a Colorful Life

Rounding out the fairy tale fantasy will be vivid, vibrant colors that sparkle and shine, like the light of her imagination. Find out her favorite colors and then, with a can of paint and a few yards of fabric, you can complete the image of being the heroine of her very own fairy tale living in her very own custom princess castle bed.

Joann Means has been helping families design fantasy kids rooms that kids and parents alike treasure for years. At the centerpiece of Joann's designs are custom theme beds built by Johnny Means, her husband and business partner in Sweet Dream Children's Interiors (http://www.sweetdreambed.com).

Visit Sweet Dream Children's Interiors (http://www.sweetdreambed.com) now and browse their galleries of photos of actual fantasy kids beds they've built and fantasy kids rooms they helped create. See Joann and Johnny's princess castle beds, cottage beds, treehouse beds, and more. And best of all, learn how a custom theme bed can turn any fantasy kids room into a combination bedroom, play room, study room, and storage space.

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15 Top Christian Books For Children

2009-02-24T22:27:00.000-08:00

By Kristina Seleshanko

One way to instill Godly principles in your children is to read them Christian books from an early age. Even babies and toddlers benefit from hearing God's truth on a daily basis, and colorful picture books are a great way to expose them to biblical principles.

As editor of Christian Children's Book Review, I see a lot of books published for children of Christian families. Some are ho-hum at best, but here are a few gems that no family should be without.

Adeline by Kathryn Rathke. In this delightful tale, a little girl who loves Valentine's Day learns a lesson about the ultimate Valentine: God. For kids 4 and up. (Baker Books, 2004)

Bible Animal Friends by Matt Mitter. With vivid illustrations, googly eyed animals, and rhyming text reminiscent of well-loved nursery rhymes, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers will love this volume. This book is a great way to start introducing Bible stories like Balaam and his donkey, the Egyptian plague, how ravens fed Elijah, and more. (Multnomah, 2007)

Big Thoughts for Little Thinkers by Joey Allen. This is actually a series of four books: The Scripture, The Gospel, The Trinity, and The Mission. Here is intelligent talk about what the Bible and specific Christian tenants are, explained in a way that young children (ages 3 to 7) can understand-and enjoy. (New Leaf Press, 2005)

God's Wisdom for Little Girls by Elizabeth George. If you have a girl, one of the key things you can teach her is what a Proverbs 31 woman is. George does an excellent job of explaining this important passage to 5 to 8 year old girls. (Harvest House Publishers, 2000)

I Can Talk with God by Debby Anderson. When it comes time to teach your children how to pray, this book is an excellent tool. The pictures are bright and colorful, and the truths of how to pray (and how God might answer) are told in an engaging, fun way. For kids 2 to 5. (Crossway Books, 2003)

I'd Be Your Hero and I'd Be Your Princess by Kathryn O'Brien. For children 4 to 8 years old, these books (one designed for boys, the other for girls) explain Godly characteristics and how important they are. I'd Be Your Princess won the Gold Medallion Book Award in recognition of excellence in evangelical Christian literature. (Standard, 2004 and 2005)

Little Girl's Bible Storybook and Little Boy's Bible Storybook by Carolyn Larsen are excellent choices for kids 6 to 9. Each tells Bible stories in an appealing fashion, and there are study sections throughout to help kids understand important biblical concepts. Best of all, there are ideas for parents on how to discuss these concepts with their children. (Baker Books, 1998)

Little One, God Made You by Amy Warren Hilliker. I began reading this book to my daughter when she was an infant. Now she's two, and she still loves it! The text is extremely simple and establishes one important fact: God made you and loves you just the way you are. For children 4 and under. (Zonderkidz, 2004)

Little One's Bible Verses by Stephen Elkins is a superb way to introduce even the youngest babies to God's word. With sweet illustrations of children and babies, plus notable quotes from Psalms, this is an excellent first "Bible." (Broadman & Holman, 2003)

Parables Jesus Told by Ella K. Lindvall. In simple words and colorful images, this book retells five parables, ending each with a brief explanation of how to apply the story to real life. The book is designed for 4 to 8 year olds, but many younger children will enjoy it, too. (Moody Publishers, 2000) Sidney and Norman, the Tale of Two Pigs by Phil Vischer. Pigs Sidney and Norman are opposites. One is messy, the other neat. One seems to always succeed, the other never does. Then they both meet God. One pig learns that God loves him just the way he is, while the other learns that God loves everyone...even messy neighbors. (Tommy Nelson, 2006)

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones is an ideal Bible for kids 4 to 8, detailing 43 stories from Genesis through Revelation. Each story in some way relates to Jesus and who he is, giving children the big picture of what God is all about. The text is engaging, as are the illustrations. (Zonderkidz, 2007)

The Lord is My Shepherd by Hans Wilhem. The greatness of this book is its simplicity. The text of Psalm 23-one of the most beautiful and comforting passages in the Bible-is paraphrased in kid-friendly language that clings closely to a modern translation. This book is another great way to introduce even the youngest children to the Word of God. For babies on up. (Scholastic, 2007)

Wait Until Then by Randy Alcorn. Any parent who wants to explain what happens to us when we die, how to deal with the death of a loved one, and how to cope with serious disappointment will want to read this book with their child. Beautifully written and illustrated, for kids 9 to 12. (Tyndale, 2007)

Will: God's Mighty Warrior by Sheila Walsh. Very few Christian books are targeted specifically to boys, so Will is a welcome addition. For 4 to 8 year olds, this book teaches children about the armor of God in a kid-friendly way. (Thomas Nelson, 2006)

Kristina Seleshanko is the editor of Christian Children's Book Review (http://www.ccbreview.blogspot.com), which won two Litty Awards in 2007 (Best Christian Litblogger and Best KidLit Litblogger). She's also the author of 16 books.

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How Can You Make an Impressive Wedding Gift?

2009-02-24T22:24:00.000-08:00

By Jerry Leung

When you know your friend is going to get married, you start to think about the wedding gift. You may want to give your friend an impressive and creative wedding gift but it is usually quite hard to do that. Eventually you may just follow the gift list from your friend and buy him / her a plasma TV.

In fact it is not really an impossible task for your to make a more creative and impressive wedding gift. First of all, you should of course try to think of it with your sincere. And the followings are some directions you can follow to get your impressive wedding gift for your friend.

Thinking of what they need after wedding

You can think of what the couples may need after the wedding. It will be better if the item is related to the wedding itself. A TV set or air-conditioner should not be the choice since they are not really related to the wedding.

For example, they will certainly have quite a number of wedding photos, and then you can probably think of the idea of a wedding album. In this case, you may find someone to make a hand making album for them. You may even try to make this album yourself so that it will be even more special.

Recalling the old memories

Recalling the old memories here does not mean that to buy some vintage gift for your friend. You may have known your friend for twenty-five years. And both of he / she and you may have lost contacts with some good old friends. You can try your best to gather these friends and help your friend to invite them to the wedding. This can become a really good wedding gift.

If it is too difficult for you to invite these friends or it will make the wedding of your friend out of budget, a simple card with your bless can be an equally good idea. We used to make cards to our friends when we were small. If you can gather the good old friends and have them sign on the card, it will certainly become an invaluable gift. You can imagine how touching it is when your friend see this card on his / her wedding.

Investigating the story of the couple

Besides, you can also try to make your wedding gift by investigating the story of the couple. You should try to find out (or you may already know) how they met, when they started to get together, and how he made the proposal. It will be extremely touching if you can make a wedding gift based on their story. And this gift will also be a unique one indeed!

If you are good at drawing, you can just "draw" the story of the couple and this story book can become a very impressive wedding gift. It will be even better if you can make some child like drawings. The story book will become even more interesting and touching. It will be enjoyable and romantic for the couple to read this story book at home.

The above are just some simple directions for you to make an impressive wedding gift. You can use your imagination and there should be thousands of directions and concepts you can think of. So please do not wait and start thinking of it and preparing for your unique wedding gift to your friend.

Jerry Leung is a wedding invitation designer with great interest in Chinese Style Wedding cards. He designs unique Chinese Wedding Invitations in different styles. Besides, he runs A Wedding Blog to share wedding tips. You can also find lists of wedding vendors from his Wedding Directory Websites.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jerry_Leung

Fun Kids Games To Keep Your Preschooler Busy And Happy

2009-02-23T23:31:00.000-08:00

By Yogi Shinde

When its dull and raining and kids are having a bored and lazy afternoon, fun kids games like these can be just what you need to lighten up the afternoon.

1. Lets begin with the kids favourite toy - their soft and
fluffy toy, the teddy bear.

Pull out an old white shirt and let your preschooler try it on. Tell your little one that he or she is the Doctor and

you can pretend play 'Doctor, Doctor' and her favourite teddy can be the patient. Let them use the kitchen table to examine the patient, and you can even hand them a popsicle stick as a tongue depressor.

2. Create your very own Story book

This one can be as good a fun educational activity as one of a fun kids games. Let your child know that you plan to make a story book.

Let them have some crayons, paper or pictures and you can ask them to do some coloring and drawing. You can then cut and paste the pictures in a book. And once finished with pasting the pictures, ask your
little one what the story behind the pictures is and then you can write the story for them in the book under each picture.

You can even use old magazine cut outs and paste it and make the story book with your little one.

3. Have a Playdough making afternoon -

Make your very own play dough with this simple play dough recipe. All ingredients you will need to make
play dough are household.

1 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

2 teaspoon Cream of tartar

1 cup Water

1 teaspoon cooking oil

Few drops of food coloring

Mix all the above ingredients an cook it or a minute on a medium flame. It will form into a ball. Knead it into a smooth dough and you have your very own playdough ready.

You will find a good collection of fun kids games, whether its kids outdoor games or educational online preschool games you are looking for, you can find them at best-preschool-games.com

Yogi Shinde is a busy Mum and a web master of a kids games website featuring games for preschool kids.

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How to Write a Children's Picture Book

2009-02-23T23:30:00.000-08:00

By Eve Heidi Bine-Stock

If you are a parent or grandparent with young children around, you’ve probably read so many children’s picture books, and they look so simple to write, that you think, “I can do that.”
But what you may not realize is that hidden in the most popular children’s picture books are structures that give shape to the story just like a hanger gives shape to a shirt. If you want to write a successful children’s picture book, you need to know what these structures are and how to incorporate them into your own writing.

Let’s look at the most common structure in picture storybooks, called by the $25 name, “The Symmetrical Picture Storybook Paradigm.” You are probably already familiar with the ideas of “Beginning, Middle and End,” and “Act I, Act II, and Act III.” The Symmetrical Picture Storybook Paradigm has a few important refinements to make on these ideas.

First of all, in most popular children’s picture storybooks, Act I and Act III are roughly the same length. That is the first way in which the stories are symmetrical.

And what about that long block that makes up Act II? It turns out that it is not just one long stretch of story – it has its own structure: there is a Midpoint in Act II, and the First Half of Act II is about the same length as the Second Half of Act II. This is the second way in which the stories are symmetrical.
Another important part of the Paradigm is the Plot Twist. At the end of Act I is a turning point or Plot Twist that leads to Act II, and at the end of Act II is a turning point or Plot Twist that leads to Act III, the resolution.

The big surprise about how to write your own story when incorporating the Paradigm is that you do not write it the same order that the finished story is read. That is, you do not start at the beginning and write straight through to the end. Rather, you start at both ends, and work your way toward the middle!

You can read all about the Paradigm, and follow step-by-step instructions for using it to write your own story, in the book How to Write a Children’s Picture Book by Eve Heidi Bine-Stock. It is available from Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

This book shows you that no matter how carefully you labor over a story's tone, word choice, plot, character, setting, theme and style, you must have a thorough grasp of its structure for it to succeed.

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A Room Divided - Children's Decor for Siblings

2009-02-23T23:29:00.000-08:00

By Joann Means and Johnny Means

One way to try and build consensus among siblings with differing tastes, preferences, and desires is to see if you can get them to agree on a theme. Many times, agreement on a theme for their custom children's bedroom will be all the guidance you need to design a room they both/all will love.

And no matter if one's a boy and the other's a girl, as there are plenty of custom themes that might appeal to both. The following examples - jungle, ocean, and fairy tale/storybook custom theme bedrooms - can serve as a launching pad for you and your children's imaginations.

Jungle

Both Tarzan and Jane alike would feel perfectly at home in a jungle or rainforest setting. Starting with a custom theme bed designed like a tree-house or a forest village hut, you can then extend the theme out to the rest of the room in a number of ways:

by painting the walls in greens, oranges, and/or browns or with an entire tropical rainforest mural,
by furnishing the rest of the room with kid's furniture that incorporates lightweight natural wood, like bamboo,
by using leafy printed fabrics for your window coverings, bedding, and kid's furniture upholstery,
by installing a grassy carpet floor,
and by filling the room with large stuffed animals and animal-shaped accessories.

Ocean

This time you can start out with a custom theme bed in the shape of a giant seafaring vessel, equipped with galley, poop deck, gangplank, and bird's nest. The color selection for the room this time would be the whole spectrum of blues, from deep oceanic blue to light sky blue, along with whites for the clouds and yellow for the sun and stars.

And an ocean theme can include underwater elements too. Just as your kids have diverse and distinct personalities, so can their ocean-themed custom kid's bedroom, with an above the sea and below the sea element. This way, animals bedecking an ocean fantasy children's bedroom might include seagulls and other birds, sea turtles, and breaching whales on the surface and dolphins, starfish, seahorses, octopi, and multi-colored tropical fish below the surface.

You can also throw in little touches like mermaid and seashells for her and sailboats and a sunken pirate ship, buried treasure and all, for him. Other creative elements both siblings will surely adore include sand castles, coral, fish netting, and fields of tall seaweed. And when your kids are old enough, you can even add a real aquarium to the décor.

Fairy Tale/Storybook

Boys and girls alike love stories, many of them the same ones, even if for different reasons. Princesses and Princes, Knights and Fair Maidens, Kings and Queens every child has envisioned themselves with glee as a player in a fabulous medieval fairy tale adventure.

And setting up a custom fantasy children's bedroom that transforms their world into a fairy tale storybook is as easy as ordering them custom castle themed bunk beds. With its tall towers and high walls, even a drawbridge and a moat if they want, the castle custom theme bed sets the stage perfectly for a medieval fairy tale fantasy kid's bedroom that'll keep your children's imaginations sparked for years.

Interior design expert Joanna Means creates shared custom fantasy girl's and boy's beds that supports and expresses each of your child's individualities while providing them a space they can feel comfortable sharing with one another. The beds at Sweet Dream Beds create a single, fantastical world, that meets both of your child's desires and allows each of their unique personalities to flourish.

The fantasy boy's and girl's beds at Sweet Dream Beds, http://www.sweetdreambed.com allow families with more than one child or frequent sleepover guests to accommodate all their needs by merely requesting either a Murphy bed or trundle bed built into the structure, making it at once both a convertible bunk bed and play space, as the need requires.

From Joanna's designs, her husband, master carpenter and craftsman Johnny Means builds custom bunk beds in the form of jungle treehouse, storybook castles, or any other custom fantasy themes you and your children can dream up. To begin generating your own ideas for custom fantasy boy's and girl's beds, browse the galleries at http://www.sweetdreambed.com

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Telling Kids About Divorce? Avoid These Mistakes

2009-02-23T23:27:00.000-08:00

By Rosalind P. Sedacca

Getting psyched up to tell your children about your pending divorce
-- or separation? Not sure what to say? When to say it? How to
say it? What to expect after the conversation? What to do next?
How do deal with your special circumstances? What therapists,
mediators, attorneys, clergy and other professionals suggest you do
and don't do to make things better all around? Well, you're not
alone.

Having the "divorce talk" with a child you love is one of the
toughest conversations you'll ever have. Shouldn't you be prepared?

Professionals all agree on some of the most common mistakes parents
make when bringing up divorce or separation. These include:

* asking children to bear the weight of making decisions or
choosing sides

* failing to remind children that none of this is in any way their
fault

* forgetting to emphasize that Mom and Dad will still always be
their Mom and Dad -- even after divorce!

* confiding adult details to children in order to attract their
allegiance or sympathy

* neglecting to repeatedly remind children that they are safe,
innocent and very much loved

* failing to explain clearly that everything is going to be okay!

These are just some of the most common messages that parents fail
to convey because they're just not prepared -- and most probably
quite scared!

If you're about to tackle this tough conversation -- or you know
someone who is – there's help you can depend on to simplify the
process. Don’t wing it unprepared. You wouldn’t go on vacation
or plan a party without advanced preparation. Why tackle one of
the most important and emotionally charged talks you’ll ever have
with your children without giving it just as much – if not more –
thought and attention?

If you’re not sure what to say and how to say it in age-appropriate
language, there are many resources available to help you. Therapists
and mediators provide excellent personal guidance. Collaborative
divorce attorneys (those who specialize in creating non-adversarial
divorce solutions) can be of great assistance at this time. So can
clergy, school Guidance Counselors and parenting experts. There are
many articles and books written on the subject as well.

One digital guidebook that was just launched on the internet provides
a unique approach through the creation of a personalized family
storybook – prepared in advance – with photos and fill-in-the-blanks
templates. To learn more about How Do I Tell the Kids about the
Divorce? A Create-a-Storybook™ Guide to Preparing Your Children
– with Love! visit http://www.howdoitellthekids.com

However you approach this challenging conversation, be prepared.
Understand the effects – both emotionally and psychologically – this
news can have on your children, and learn how to avoid the common
mistakes parents can make when they haven’t done their homework
in advance. You and your children can survive -- and even thrive after
divorce. Think before you leap and give your family a sound foundation
on which to face the changes ahead with security, compassion and love.

Rosalind Sedacca, CCT, is the author of the new ebook, How Do I Tell the Kids … about the Divorce? A Create-a-Storybook™ Guide to Preparing Your Children -- with Love! To learn more about the guidebook, visit http://www.howdoitellthekids.com Rosalind can be reached at rosalind@childcentereddivorce.com For free articles on child-centered divorce or to subscribe to her ezine, go to: http://www.childcentereddivorce.com

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Azada - Ancient Magic

2009-02-23T23:25:00.000-08:00

By Steven H. Ng

It appears that an evil magical force has transformed the books in the library. This has brought to life literary classics such as Rapunzel, Dracula, Robinson Crusoe and many more storybook staples.

Each book features a main character from these stories, and your task is to solve the many puzzles in that book in order to release that character from confinement.

The puzzles in this game are finely crafted as well. Dozens of unique puzzles have been seamlessly interwoven into each storybook, and each of them more challenging than the last.

Solve puzzles such as pattern matching, jigsaws, 3D visualization puzzles and even dynamic arcade games!

Rekindle your love of the hidden object genre as well as the storybooks you used to read. Azada: Ancient Magic will take you on an adventure that will keep you entertained for hours!

And if you have not had the chance to play it, check out Azada, the mystical book that started it all!

Steven maintains the Hidden Puzzles website at http://www.hidden-puzzles.com/

Read reviews and hints on the best and latest Hidden Object games online, including the award-winning Azada, Mystery Case Files, Hidden Object Show and Big City Adventure series.

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