Halloween Safety
We live in a very rural neighborhood, there is absolutely no trick or treating around here. Still, we’ve never really been big on trick or treating anyway and have been quite happy attending our church’s fall festivals. Now we have “Trunk or Treat” each year and that’s a blast.
However, if your children go trick or treating, here’s some important steps to follow to help keep them safe!
* Make sure your child’s costume is designed with safety in mind. It should be flame resistant and short enough to prevent tripping, and shoes should be sturdy and comfortable. Masks should have eye holes large enough to allow the child to see well, and should be properly ventilated. If possible, use make-up instead of a mask.
* Costumes and bags should be light in color or trimmed with reflective tape so that drivers of oncoming cars can see your child.
* Accessories should be soft and flexible. There should be no sharp edges on them.
* Provide a working flashlight for each child. Put fresh batteries in each one before sending them off.
* Carry a cell phone if accompanying your child. If not, give him one to carry with him and make sure he knows how to use it to call home or dial 911.
* Young children should be accompanied by an adult or a child who is old enough and responsible enough to watch over them. All children should be reminded to walk, not run, from house to house, and to look both ways before crossing the street. They should walk on the sidewalk if possible, otherwise they should walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic.
* Children should only go to homes of people that they know. They should never go inside unless accompanied by an adult.
* Advise your children not to pet unfamiliar animals.
* Inspect all candy before your child eats it. Throw out anything that is not individually wrapped or appears to have been tampered with.
* Small children should not eat candy that presents a choking hazard. This includes most hard candy, as well as some bite-sized chewable candies.
* If possible, have dinner before sending the kids out for trick-or-treating. This will make it less likely that they will eat candy before you’ve had a chance to inspect it.
Roasted Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
Growing up, there is one October-only memory that I will NEVER forget…mom roasting the pumpkin seeds in the oven. When we were done decorating our fall pumpkin, the seeds that had been removed would then be sprinkled with seasonings and roasted for us to eat later. Here’s a yummy twist on that tradition.
Ingredients:
1 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds, cleaned and rinsed
1 tsp salt
1 tsp crushed red pepper
½ tsp black pepper
2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a bowl, combine the pumpkin seeds with the spices. Place the pumpkin seeds on a baking tray, sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, and bake for approximately 15 minutes. The seeds should be slightly golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
This makes a delicious and healthy snack.
Eight Fall Beauty Tips
Another moment for mom! Taking time out for yourself every once in a while is healthy and a great way to feel refreshed in a short amount of time. Looking nice every day, even for no reason, can sometimes even provide you with a much needed pick-me-up during the dark fall and winter months.
With fall come changes in temperature, color, and clothing. The air begins to get drier and the days get shorter. Here’s some great fall-specific tips to keep you looking and feeling beautiful!
Get a haircut
This is an excellent time of year to trim away summer damage caused by the sun and swimming in salt or chlorinated water. A trim will keep your hair from looking dull and tired.
Condition your hair
The summer humidity we all love to complain about will give way to dry, cool air in autumn, and hair really responds to changes in humidity. Give your hair a deep conditioning treatment to nourish and maintain your hair’s vibrancy.
Exfoliate your skin
Skin gets damaged by summer sun and swimming, and by the application of insect repellents and sunscreens. Use a commercial scrub or, if you like to do things more naturally, try scrubbing your face with sugar to bring out its natural glow.
Moisturize your skin
This is a good time to use a facial mask that you leave on for a while, because that will get the moisture deep into your skin. It’s also a good idea to use a moisturizing cream at night.
The eyes have it
As the weather gets cooler, more and more of your body gets covered with heavy, warm clothing and the only exposed area is your face. When things are buttoned up, animated, healthy eyes are what people see first. Use under-eye creams to reduce circles and puffiness, or lay cool tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes several times a day.
Care for your hands
Moisturize your hands during the day and before you go to bed, using a thick, penetrating moisturizer or lotion. If your skin is very dry, consider getting thin, cotton gloves to cover your hands at night to hold the moisturizer on.
Fingernails need attention, too
If you paint your nails, avoid fast-drying polishes in the fall, as these can dry and crack nails. Regardless of whether you use color or not, include your nails in your daily/night-time hand moisturizing.
Moisturize and nourish from the inside
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and eat seasonal foods in moderation. A healthy glow on the outside begins with health on the inside!
These are fun tips and following even a few of them can even help improve your fall mood! Give it a try!
My Little Pony Twinkle Wish Adventure
October 21, 2009 by Shera
Filed under Product Reviews, Reviews
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Written by Suzanne of Crunchy Green Mom
I remember spending hours sitting on the floor of my room surrounded by pastels and fake hair. Between my dolls, my doll’s furniture and their beautiful steeds, I was set for hours of hair styles and braiding.
I played with My Little Pony horses for hours on weekends. I watched the show and loved all of the horses, though I didn’t have them all, I had silly dreams that I would one day.
Click Here to Read the Full Review
Emmy’s Equal
When you are a stubborn, strong willed woman in early frontier America, life can be very interesting. Meet Emmy, just such a woman and follow her on a journey of discovery and love. This is a great story. Historical fiction lovers are sure to love it!
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
and the book:
Barbour Books (October 9, 2009)
***Special thanks to Angie Brillhart of Barbour Publishing for sending me a review copy.***
Marcia Gruver lives with her husband in Huffman, Texas, and has published various articles, poems, and devotionals. Her novel, Love Never Fails (renamed Chasing Charity), won third place in the 2007 American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Genesis Contest. Marcia is a member of ACFW, Fellowship of Christian Writers (FCW), and The Writers View.
Visit the author’s website.
Product Details:
List Price: $10.97
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books (October 9, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1602602077
ISBN-13: 978-1602602076
AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:
The stagnant well appeared bottomless, as dank and murky as a grave. Emmy rested her arms on the cold, jagged stones and leaned to peer into the abyss. Mama’s embroidered lace hankie, shimmering in the meager light, hung from an outcropping of rock about four feet down. Narrowing her eyes, she peered at the spot of white that stood out from the surrounding darkness and heaved a sigh, stirring the fetid air below and raising a noxious odor that took her breath.
She pushed up her sleeves and blasted a droopy blonde ringlet from her eyes with a frustrated puff of air. There was no help for it—at the risk of certain death, she had to retrieve that handkerchief.
A figure loomed, drawing alongside her with a grunt.
She jumped, and her heart shot past her throat. Chest pounding, she wasted a glare on the dark profile, noticing for the first time a scatter of lines around his eyes and tiny gray curlicues in his sideburns.
“Nash! I nearly leapt over the side.” She swatted his arm. “I’ve asked you to stop sneaking up on me. I’ve a good mind to fit you with a cowbell.”
A chuckle rumbled from his chest, as deep as the chasm. “I didn’t go to scare you, Miss Emmy.” He bent his lanky body so far she feared he’d tumble headfirst into the never-ending shaft. “Say, what we looking for inside this hole?”
“We’re not looking for anything. I’ve already found it.” Emmy clutched his shirtsleeve and pulled him away. “Go fetch me a lantern, and be quick about it.” She tucked her chin in the direction of the palomino pony languishing under a nearby oak, nibbling at the circle of high grass around the trunk. “Take Trouble. He’ll be quicker than walking.”
Nash frowned and rubbed the knuckles of one hand along his temple, as if an ache had sprung up there. “What you need a lantern for, with the sun up and shining the past five hours? There’s plenty of light to see.”
She braced herself and pointed. “Not down there.”
Nash’s sleepy eyes flew open. His startled gaze bounced along her finger to the circular wall of weathered stones. “Down there?” He took a cautious step back. “What’s in this sour old pit that might concern you?”
Emmy swallowed hard. She could trust Nash with anything but dreaded his reaction all the same. “It’s. . .one of mama’s hankies.” She squeezed her eyes shut and ducked her head.
His shoulders eased, and he ambled over to gaze inside. “Is that all?”
If only it were. Emmy risked a peek at him. “You don’t understand.”
He winced as if she’d spoken a bad omen. “Uh, uh. Not from her good batch? Them she’s always cackling about?”
Emmy cringed and nodded.
The delicate, lacy linens held an uncommon depth of meaning for Emmy’s mama. Hand embroidered in Germany by her grandmother then brought to the Americas and placed in Mama’s hope chest, they represented heart, hearth, and homeland to Magdalena Dane. In equal measure, they represented distress, discontent, and discord to her only daughter, because the bothersome bits of cloth seemed determined to cause Emmy grief.
Nash’s stunned expression hardened into an accusing glare. “Why, Miss Emmy? Why you done brought about such misery? You ain’t s’posed to touch ’em, and you know it.” His graying brows fluttered up and down, like two moths bent on escape. “There’s scarce few left, and your mama blames you for them what’s missing.”
She moaned and flapped her hands. “I didn’t mean to take the silly thing. It was warm when I rode out this morning. I knew I’d likely sweat, so I snagged a hankie from the clothesline. I never looked at it until a few minutes ago. That’s how this terrible mishap came about. I held it up as I rode, staring in disbelief. Trouble was galloping across the yard when the wind caught it and. . .” She motioned behind her. “The willful rag drifted down the well before I could stop the horse and chase after it.”
Emmy lowered her eyes then peered up at him through her lashes. “None of this is my fault, Nash. Papa should’ve covered this smelly cistern months ago, and those wretched handkerchiefs have a mind of their own.”
The hint of a smile played around Nash’s lips. “If so, they harbor a mighty poor opinion of you.”
She wrinkled her nose at him.
Wagging his head, he rested the back of his hand on his side. “In all my years of working for your family, of all the fits I’ve seen your mama pitch, the worst have been over the loss of them fancy scraps of cloth.” He shuddered. “Miss Emmy, I’d be mighty grateful if you’d wait and break the news to her after I leave for the day. She gon’ be powerful upset.”
Emmy held up and wiggled a finger. “On the contrary. I won’t be upsetting Mama.”
“How you figure that?”
“Because there’s no need to tell her.”
Nash propped his elbow in one hand and rubbed his chin with the other. “Missy, I thought you was done telling lies and scheming. Don’t forget you’re a saint of God now.”
A saint of God. Yes, she was, through no fault of her own. Like Elijah’s fiery chariot, God had swirled into Emmy’s life in a weak moment and delivered her from herself. Not that she minded His day-to-day presence. In fact, she rather enjoyed the peace He brought. It was during times of temptation when she found the constant stirring in her heart to do the right thing a bit of a bother. Yet no wonder, really. In the past, she’d had precious little practice in doing the right thing.
She blinked up at Nash. “I have no plans to lie, and I won’t need to scheme. We’re simply going to return great-grandmother’s hankie to Mama’s clothesline, washed, rinsed, and fresh as a newborn calf.”
Nash stared then shook his head. “No ma’am. You jus’ forget about what we gon’ do. Question is how are you gon’ pull it off?”
“I’ll show you.” She shooed him with her hands. “Run fetch that lantern like I asked and leave the rest to me.”
Still shaking his head, Nash mounted Trouble and laid in his heels. The horse bolted the short distance across the yard to the well-kept shed tucked behind Emmy’s two-story house. With a furtive glance toward the porch, Nash eased the door open and slipped inside.
While she waited, Emmy watched a rowdy band of crows swarm Nash’s cornfield. The black bandits bickered and pecked for position before settling in for a meal, oblivious to the mop-headed stick Nash had dressed in a ragged shirt and floppy hat and then shoved in the ground. She dared not call his attention to the culprits or he’d bluster after them, shouting and waving his arms like a demented windmill, leaving her to cope alone with her pressing dilemma.
She jerked her gaze from the birds when Nash rode up and slid off Trouble to the ground, a lighted lantern in his hand.
Handing over the light with a flourish, he lowered one brow and pinned her with a squinty look. “Here’s what you asked for. Jus’ be sure to leave me plumb out of the story when you go explaining yourself to your mama.”
He turned to go, but Emmy caught hold of his shirttail. “Not so fast. I’m not done with you.”
Nash covered his ears and reeled away. “Don’t tell me no mo’. I ain’t seen nothing, and I ain’t heard nothing. If anybody needs me, I’ll be feeding the chickens.”
Emmy aimed a haughty laugh at his back. “It’s too late for that. You’re in up to your hat, and it’s no less punishment than you deserve for sneaking about all the time.”
Nash dug in his heels and stood facing the grove of loblolly pine at the edge of the yard, his body stiff as a post.
Repentant, she softened her voice to a plea. “I’m sorry, Nash. I had no call to utter such a thing. It’s just. . .I can’t do this without you.”
Arms dangling at his sides, he tipped his head toward the sky and whispered something, a prayer no doubt, before turning to face her. “What you want me to do?”
She peppered him with grateful kisses then grabbed his hand. “Come over here.” Hauling him to the gaping cavity, she lowered the lamp. “See? There it is.”
They gazed at the only bright spot in the oppressive gloom, their ability to see inside the shaft made no better by the frail circle of yellow light.
Nash shrugged and drew back from the side. “Too far down. May as well wave it goodbye then go fess up to what you done.”
Emmy gripped his arm. “Nonsense. We can get it out of there.”
“How, short of fishing it out with a cane pole? And I got no hooks.” He scratched his head. “I reckon I could take my hammer and pound a bend in a nail.”
She shook her head. “Too risky. If the hankie slips off it’ll settle to the bottom, and that’ll be the end of it.” She drew a determined breath. “I have a better idea.”
Nash’s eyebrows rose on his forehead, reaching new heights, even for him. “What sort of idea? Harebrained or foolhardy? Them’s the only two kinds you have.”
She swallowed hard and fingered the wooden bucket sitting on the wall. “I’m going to straddle this, and you’ll lower me down to fetch it.”
The shaggy brows bested their last mark. “You cain’t mean it, Miss Emmy.”
“I do so.”
“Then your idea is both harebrained and foolhardy. You must be plain tetched up under them pretty white locks. S’pose that rope snaps in two?”
“Oh, pooh.” She patted the heavy hemp coiled around the crank. “This rope is thick and sound.” She pointed over her shoulder at the horse. “You could lower Trouble down that well.”
He nodded. “Yes’m. That’s exactly what I’d be doing.” He jerked off his weathered hat and dashed it against his leg. “Don’t ask me to put you in that kind of danger. No, missy. I won’t do it. Not for nothing in this wide world.”
Touched, Emmy smiled at the man who’d been like a father to her over the years, far more of a parent than her own papa, who didn’t stay home often enough to have much practice at the role. She took Nash’s hand and squeezed it. “I won’t be in any danger. As long as you’re holding the handle, I know I’ll be safe.” She peered up into his sulky brown eyes. “You know if you don’t help me I’ll just find a way to do it myself. I have to get that hankie.”
He gaped at her. “The silly thing ain’t worth dying for, is it? Your mama has fussed at you before, and you lived to tell the tale. Why is this time so all-fired special?”
She squared around to face him. “I can’t have her angry about anything just now. I’m planning to ask permission to go to St. Louis when Mama travels with Aunt Bertha to South Texas. It’ll be hard enough to convince her as it is. If she gets in a snit, my plan is doomed.”
“Why they going off so far?”
“It’s Aunt Bertha’s idea. Now that she has money, she’s determined to go into the cattle business. She’s bent on learning all she can. Papa knows a very successful rancher down south who’s willing to teach her everything he knows.”
“Cain’t you jus’ stay home?”
“They’ll be gone for a month or better. Mama refuses to leave me here alone for that long, and I’d much prefer going to see Charity.”
Nash smiled and nodded. “ ’Specially with her jus’ done birthing the little one.”
Emmy beamed. “Exactly. I can help Charity bring him home.”
A thrill coursed through her at the thought of seeing Charity and Buddy’s new baby boy. Emmy and Charity were as close as twin sisters, best friends like their mamas had always been. Emmy’s mama and Aunt Bertha had grown up together in Jefferson before moving to Humble.
Last year, a handsome young oilman came to town and found oil on Aunt Bertha’s land. Charity wound up married to him and soon left for St. Louis to meet his parents. When Buddy found out she was expecting, he kept her in the city so she’d be close to good medical care.
Not a day had passed that Emmy didn’t think of Charity and long to see her. She was coming home next month, bringing little Thad to meet the family.
Nash narrowed his eyes. “You ain’t jus’ trying to sneak off to St. Louis to see that oilman friend of Mistah Buddy’s, are you? Don’t think I didn’t see you making eyes at him the whole time that preacher was trying to marry off Miss Charity.”
Emmy whirled. “Who? Mr. Ritter?” She dismissed the thought with a wave of her hand. “Jerry Ritter was just a passing fancy.”
Nash raised a cynical brow.
“Oh, pooh, Nash! You stop that!” She fiddled the row of tiny buttons on her sleeve. “Besides. . .Aunt Bertha claims Mr. Ritter was recently betrothed to a childhood sweetheart.” She flicked off an insect from the cuff of her blouse and dashed away her humiliation with the same resolve. “Therefore, my desire to be in St. Louis has nothing to do with him. I just need to see Charity. If I get into any more trouble, Mama’s bound to haul me with them to that dreadful desert town instead. If she does, I’ll just dry up along with it and perish. I mean it!”
Grinding the toe of his oversized boot in the dirt, Nash sighed and shifted his weight. “I don’t know, Miss Emmy. . .”
Emmy stifled a grin. She had him. “I’ll be just fine. I promise. Now help me climb up.”
Still mumbling his objections, he offered an elbow to Emmy so she could pull up and sit on the uneven stones. Unfastening the buttoned flap on her split skirt, she swung her legs over and settled on the side, trying hard not to look past her boots. “Turn your head while I sit astride the pail. It won’t look so dainty in this outfit.”
Nash gazed toward the field, obviously too distracted to notice the raiding crows.
Still clinging to his arm, Emmy held her breath and pulled the dangling rope closer, guiding it between her legs. “All right, I’m ready. Lean your weight into the handle. I’m about to push off.”
Nash shifted his gaze to the sky. “Oh, sweet Jesus. Please protect this chil’.”
Holding her breath, she scooted from the edge, squealing when her body spun and dipped about a foot. “Nash! Have you got it?”
“I’ve got it. Stop squirming now. You heavier than you look.”
Emmy forced herself to still, more afraid than she’d expected to be. She felt more than saw the yawning gulf, a great gaping mouth poised to swallow her whole. “Hand me the lantern and then you can lower me. But go slowly, for heaven’s sake.”
She breathed a prayer as she spiraled past the opening and descended. Glancing up, she bit her lip and watched the rope unwind from the wobbly reel, outlined by a circle of light. Misguided but determined white roots that had pushed through cracks in the mortar groped at her, snagging her hem and sleeves. Crisscrossed nets of taught, silky threads offered whispers of resistance before giving way and sticking to the exposed parts of her legs. Emmy held the soft glow of the lamp closer to the side, shuddering when eight-legged bodies skittered in every direction. She gritted her teeth, suppressing a shriek and the urge to order Nash to haul her out of the wide-awake nightmare.
You can do this. Just a little more and you’ll be there. Three more turns and you’ll have Mama’s hankie in your hands. This will all be worth it then.
Exhaling her relief, she drew even with the jutting rock that had caught the precious heirloom. Holding the lantern out of the way, she swayed her body until the motion brought her closer to the wall.
She snatched at the white spot. Instead of soft linen, she felt thick, sticky padding. In place of the crush of a napkin gathered in her palm, there was the unmistakable writhing of something alive.
Halloween Chili
October 20, 2009 by Shera
Filed under Featured, Recipes, Soups and Stews
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This quick and easy recipe is a great fall favorite!
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups onions, chopped
3 tbsp olive oil
8 large garlic cloves, chopped
2 19oz cans red kidney beans
2 19 oz cans black beans
1 red pepper, cut in chunks
1 green pepper, cut in chunks
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
1 6oz can tomato paste
¼ cup taco seasoning
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
3 cups vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add garlic and onions and sauté until onions are translucent. Add peppers and beans, taco seasoning and spices. Sauté for a further few minutes, then add tomato sauce, tomato paste and vegetable broth. Mix well.
Simmer until the chili mixture thickens, approximately 45 minutes. Season with pepper and salt and serve with grated cheese and tortilla chips.
Transformation Study Bible
The Transformation Study Bible is amazing. You can read all the technical details and where to buy below. If you are looking to take your personal Bible Study to a new level, this is a great tool for you to do so. Incorporating the easy to read NLT translation with great notes and in depth “Catalyst” studies throughout the Bible, you’ll love studying the Word with this Bible.
Here’s the Details:
As pastors seek to make the Word of God more understandable in an age that is unfamiliar with the Bible, and as growing disciples seek to discover the truth of Scripture in a skeptical culture, there is a great need for guidance in both the preaching and study of God’s Word. Whether you’re a pastor, a seminary student, or a truth-seeking disciple, an understanding of the Bible can be made clear to you with the help of one of the most influential, in-depth, and practical Bible scholars in modern history.
For over thirty years, millions have come to rely on the timeless wisdom of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe’s “Be” Commentary series. Dr. Wiersbe’s commentary and insights on Scripture have helped readers understand and apply God’s Word with the goal of life transformation. According to Dr. Wiersbe, “It isn’t enough for us simply to read assigned portions of the Bible each day, as helpful as that is. A truly transforming experience involves meditating on what we read (Ps. 1:2), studying it carefully in the light of other verses, and then obeying what God tells us to do (Josh. 1:8).” Now available for the first time, The Transformation Study Bible offers the full text of the highly readable New Living Translation with accompanying notes and commentary from the 50 books in Dr. Wiersbe’s “Be” series.
“The Transformation Study Bible will better enable readers to appreciate, appropriate, and apply the Word of God, which will result in ‘purity, joy, right values, hope, comfort, freedom, new life, peace, guidance, wisdom, integrity, encouragement, and effective prayer,’” states Wiersbe. In other words, if you want to be a new person, knowing and obeying the will of God and becoming more like Jesus Christ, there is perhaps no finer tool to encourage that process than The Transformation Study Bible.
One of the most anticipated and comprehensive study Bibles of the year, The Transformation Study Bible has been a lifetime in the making by a man who is widely known as a prolific and trusted writer and theologian. The former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago, an internationally known Bible teacher, and someone who has given his life to a deep examination of the Word of God, Dr. Wiersbe lends his vast experience and scholarly insight to the most beloved and revered book of all time. This effort is to encourage believers of all levels to know and love the Bible and to experience the same transformation that has radically changed his life. The result is a Bible that is clear, understandable, and applicable to the lives of its readers.
Dr. Wiersbe writes, “The remedy for discouragement is the Word of God. When you feed your heart and mind with its truth, you regain your perspective and find renewed strength.” By providing a new set of tools for Bible students of all levels, David C Cook and Warren Wiersbe have partnered to provide an essential tool to help bring the “perspective” and “renewed strength” that comes from a life transforming study of God’s Word. This fantastic and long awaited resource will bring more clarity than ever before to the study of God’s Word.
The Transformation Study Bible with General Editor Warren Wiersbe
David C Cook September 1, 2009
ISBN-13: 978-1434765307/2100 pages/$24.99
www.davidccook.com
The Writing Course
October 19, 2009 by Shera
Filed under Books, Homeschooling, Product Reviews
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I recently had a chance to briefly look through The Writing Course – Educators Edition and was thrilled with all it had to offer. We each have our very own teaching style, but this is definitely worth checking out.
This is a great resource for homeschooling families! But, it is also a terrific supplement for children who are in public or private school but not performing as well as they could in their writing.
It is an online course that is downloadable as you progress through, be sure to read through these great details for even more information…
Grammar Made Easy, Writing Made Great
Faulty modern educational approach to writing is REVOLUTIONIZED by
The Writing Course-Educator’s Version created for home schoolers, high schoolers,
parents, and college students,Did you know that you can learn to write with correct grammar and proper punctuation without learning the rules? This summer, author, pastor, and teacher Fred Lybrand introduces a radically different way of thinking—and learning—about grammar in his simple, yet revolutionary, new curriculum, The Writing Course-Educator’s Version. He straightforwardly offers twelve basic writing “secrets” that virtually anyone can master and that will transform “grammar-challenged” students, parents, and even professional adults into excellent writers. “We are losing a generation of writers to email, IM, and instruction that doesn’t show students how English really works,” says Lybrand.
The Writing Course-Educator’s Version is not only designed for those who constantly struggle with the difficulty of writing, but also for those who just want to write better. Lybrand’s proven approach to writing and grammar solves the problems of what to say, how to say it grammatically, and how to make sure the punctuation is correct. And, the course also shows the sure-cure for poor spelling!
“When a student is not worried about grammar or punctuation, he can learn to write in his own uniquely powerful and effective style; which is the current emphasis placed on writing by the recently modified TAKS test (Texas) and on the SAT college exams,” says Lybrand. “Something more is required than just throwing grammar rules at our students. Instead, our goal should be to teach our children ‘to learn how to learn for themselves.’”
While history has clearly demonstrated the value of the principles taught in The Writing Course-Educator’s Version, there is no writing course even remotely similar to what Lybrand teaches. With a methodology that teaches parents or students how to get engaged in the process of learning the elements that go into writing correctly and effectively, The Writing Course-Educator’s Version immerses students in twelve secrets all truly great writers finally discover (and sometimes aren’t aware of themselves).
“For anyone who likes (or even dislikes!) writing, this course can totally release him or her from the constraints of grammar and punctuation rules and regulations,” says Lybrand. “It also allows parents to become more involved in the schooling process of their own children, whether they attend public, private, or home school.”
Working as either a full curriculum or a supplement (kids in public or private schools can use this training after school to improve their own writing), The Writing Course-Educator’s Version comes as a combination of audio lessons, a printable workbook, and a full transcript of Lybrand’s writing seminar. In sessions of about 30 minutes each, over 21 lessons, students will experience the instruction and exercises necessary to learn the strategic principles which are the building blocks of great writing.
For more information or to order The Writing Course-Educator’s Version, please visit http://advanced-writing-resources.com/cmd.php?af=1012599
Disclosure: I received access to The Writing Course in order to review and present it to you. We always provide honest reviews.
Pampering Mom – Your Feet
It’s a Time Out for Mom! Let’s take a look at one of the many ways you can pamper yourself affordably. Your feet really take a beating each day. Aren’t they worth pampering a little?
It’s been said that when your feet hurt, your whole body hurts and I think it’s absolutely true! Let’s take a look at some ways to reduce pain and keep your feet looking good.
Soak your feet
One of the most basic yet effective ways to ease aches and pains in your feet is to soak them in a warm foot bath. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (peppermint and lavender are refreshing choices) to the bath and, if your feet are hot and swollen, about half a cup of Epsom salts in a large pan of water. Soak for 10-15 minutes. These items can easily be found in any craft store and even in many supermarkets.
Not only does a foot bath relieve pain, but it also helps eliminate odor. After the soak, when your feet are still moist, use a pumice stone gently on calluses and thick, rough skin.
Keep them warm in winter
In the winter, relieve cold, dry feet by soaking in warm water to which you’ve added a teaspoon of mustard powder. The mustard powder has a warming effect and helps circulation. Who knew…it isn’t just a condiment LOL.
Keep them cool in summer
Dust your feet with foot powder before putting on your footwear. I even like to soak them in cool water with peppermint products, very refreshing. If my feet are cool, I won’t feel nearly as hot on the warmest summer days.
Keep them clean all year round
Washing and thoroughly drying your feet keeps them healthy and fungus-free. Do so before putting on your footwear and when you take your shoes off later in the day. Using cool water in summer for these periodic washings is quite refreshing, and using warm water in winter is very soothing. Just be sure your feet are dried thoroughly after washing to prevent fungal growth.
Moisturize
Paraffin baths are luxurious and extremely effective for relieving pain and dry, cracked foot skin. If you have a paraffin wax hand spa, believe it or not, you can use it for your feet too! Just make sure your feet are clean and dry, apply moisturizer and follow the instructions as you would for your hands!
You can also use warm coconut oil. Rub the moisturizer in with a massaging motion until it is absorbed. This is very soothing for your feet and leaves the skin glowing and soft. Applying a thick, penetrating moisturizer and/or massaging with oil before bed, then covering your feet with thin, cotton socks will give the moisturizer a chance to really get in to your skin.
Trim your toenails
Who doesn’t love to go get a professional pedicure, it is such a treat. But if you cannot afford it or do not know of a great one locally, toenail care is not difficult at home. Keep your toenails trimmed and moisturized, paying careful attention to the application of oil or lotion to the nails and nail beds.
Choose the right footwear
What pain we bring on ourselves by wearing ill-fitting shoes or shoes that are more about looks than comfort! It’s not just high heels that can hurt your feet; shoes that are too small, too narrow, too stiff, or just not the right shape for your foot can cause foot pain, unsightly corns and other painful abnormalities. If it is super uncomfortable in the store, odds are it won’t improve with time so even if they are “just the cutest things”, don’t purchase them.
Give your feet the right support if you have low arches by using inserts or specially-made shoes. In the summer, wear open sandals or strappy shoes so that your feet get plenty of circulation.
Follow these guidelines and your feet will thank you by being pain-free and looking healthy. Plus, it’s a great refreshing moment for you if you do this when the children are sleeping or better yet, with a group of friends!
Eccentric Racing Network – Giveaway
October 14, 2009 by Shera
Filed under Contests, Featured, Gift Guide, Shop Reviews
Earlier this week we introduced you to the Eccentric Racing Network and it’s great resources for families. We also briefly mentioned that they have products to go with their site. Today, we’re going to talk a little more about the fun shop and products that are offered at Eccentric Racing Network.
I particularly like their book which features RV the Aardvark who is an incredible creature who has overcome much in life. Although he was born without feet, he has not only learned how to function well, he has also become an amazing racer despite his adversities.
Children, especially boys, love this story and are definitely drawn in. My 11 year old was fascinated by all the characters, though he did mention that the story started out a little slow, it didn’t take long for him to really get involved in the story.
He loved reading about RV and thought that the villains were great too. Leave it to a boy to judge a book by it’s villains and how well the main character (heroes) overcome them! This is really a great book.
If you want to use it as a lesson in your homeschool, it’s great for that as well. Just purchase the accompanying teacher’s guide!
But there’s more…
They also offer quite a few other great family friendly products that I recommend. Check out their Race Shop here!
In fact, I’m excited to offer one of you the amazing opportunity to win two shirts from their shop! Just visit the shop, pick two items and leave a comment with the name and size of the shirt (retail value $30-$50).
For extra entries, just choose from the following and leave a new comment for each one you qualify for…
- Become a Facebook Fan of Eccentric Racing Network.
- Blog it – Write a blog post on your blog linking to this post. Leave us a link to your post in your comment.
- Tweet it – Send out a tweet with a link to this post and leave a comment here with your Twitter name.
- Stumble it – Submit it to stumble to let others know about it. Be sure to comment here to let us know.
- Subscribe to it – Subscribe to The Moms Review and leave a comment letting us know you do.
- Technorati it – Add this post to your Technorati faves, then leave a comment here telling us who you are on Technorati.
This giveaway will end on October 27th, is void where prohibited and is open to Continental US addresses only.
