...and more. Informative and inspiring, entertaining and enlightening, The Baby Name Bible is the only book that offers such far-reaching advice on the full range of classic, multicultural, and creative choices—helping you figure out what's hot, what's cool, and what's right for your baby.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
You know you grew up in the 80's if:
1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word SIKE.
2. You can sing the rap to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and can do the Carlton
3. You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey on Blossom
4. If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock"
5. It was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.
6. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.
7. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.
8. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.
9. You played the game "MASH"(Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House)
10. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it.
11. You know the profound meaning of " WAX ON , WAX OFF"
12. You wanted to be a Goonie.
13. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us...head-to-toe)
14. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted.
15. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.
16. You took lunch boxes to school...and traded Garbage Pailkids in the schoolyard.
17. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets.
18. You still get the urge to say "NOT" after every sentence.
19. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets.
21. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes.
22. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I?"
23. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up"
24. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates.
25. You have ever played with a Skip-It.
26. You remember boom boxes and walking around with one on your shoulder like you were all that.
27. You remember watching both Gremlins movies.
28. You thought Doogie Howser/Samantha Micelli was hot.
29. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac.
30. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool...and don't even flinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB"
31. You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By The Bell," The ORIGINAL class.
32. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART.
33. You just sang those words to yourself.
34. You still sing "We are the World"
35. You tight rolled your jeans.
36. You owned a bannana clip.
37. You remember "Where's the Beef?"
38. You used to (and probably still do)
say "What you talkin' 'bout Willis?"
39. You're still singing shot through the heart in your head, aren't you!
National Adoption Day
ABOUT NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY
National Adoption Day is a collective national effort to raise awareness of the 114,000 children in foster care waiting to find permanent, loving families. For the last eight years, National Adoption Day has made the dreams of thousands of children come true by working with courts, judges, attorneys, adoption professionals, child welfare agencies and advocates to finalize adoptions and find permanent, loving homes for children in foster care.
National Adoption Day is celebrated every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. For the first time in 2006, National Adoption Day was celebrated in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In total, more than 250 events were held throughout the country to finalize the adoptions of more than 3,300 children in foster care, and to celebrate all families who adopt.
Monster Cupcake
| RECIPE INGREDIENTS: | |
| 1 mini cupcake | |
| Blue frosting | |
| 2 candy eyes | |
| Red whip licorice | |
| 1 Circus Peanut, halved | |
2. Add the eyes, the licorice antennae and peanut halves for sneakers.
Halloween safty tips for trick or treating
| HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR TRICK OR TREATING | |||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Are homework Expectations realistic for our children?
by Sally Sacks, www.sallysacks.com
I become increasingly concerned when I see the expectations being forced upon kids nowadays. It seems that so many kids are cutting themselves, a newer form of stress reduction, and engaging in other escapist, avoidant behaviors to dodge the pressure cooker they live in every day called school. Teachers are pressured by state requirements; they, in turn, pressure the kids, and the parents become pressured by the teacher and the school�s expectations.
Sometimes the expectations are over the top, and your job as a parent is to realize when that is happening and when the expectations are reasonable.
So many kids tell me that if they miss a day or two of school, they are so far behind, that they say, �Why bother,� and subsequently get a poor grade. Kids get sick, and they should feel that they can take the time they need to get well.
Many parents are worried, even at the fourth grade level when homework isn�t done and grades are not A�s and B�s. If the child isn�t motivated to come home after school and begin two hours of homework, they are worried they have a slacker, a lazy kid. I work eight plus hours a day and I don�t usually come home looking for more work to do.
Let�s put things into perspective. Children need to know that they have to do homework to make it through school, and most kids, unless they have serious academic limitations or other learning issues, will attempt to do it. If they downright refuse to do any homework, even a reasonable amount, then you have another problem that needs addressing. Maybe they really don�t understand the work, and aren�t telling you. Maybe they need a different school. Maybe there are emotional issues to be examined. Let them pick a time that�s best for them, and you help them structure that time. If they get restless, and need a break, let them take a break. As long as they return to it, that isn�t a problem.
It is important for parents to admit that most young kids don�t love homework and think of creative ideas to help them through it. Here is what not to do in helping your child with homework:
-
Don’t ask them to do homework as soon as they get off the bus.
-
Don’t assume that they aren’t overwhelmed by the amount, and are just lazy.
-
Understand that most kids don’t love homework
-
Don’t compare them to others and push them with your own anxiety
-
Many successful people in life didn’t love homework
-
Keep in mind your child’s age and motivation to get homework done
-
Don’t overlook the strengths of a kid who doesn’t think certain things are necessary to learn.
-
That may be true. That kid may have many independent strengths!
-
Don’t forget to help them when you can. They need support. Some of the work is very difficult
-
Don’t forget what being young was like for you.
What To Do To Help Kids With Homework:
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Do help them find a time that works for them to do it.
-
If they are having trouble with it, troubleshoot as to why. Ask questions.
-
Do help them find solutions, and acknowledge their negative feelings or difficulty.
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Spend time with them when you can, showing enthusiasm toward their subject.
-
Expect rebellion and procrastination. It will happen.
-
Keep calm about their consequences if they can’t get it done. They will eventually learn how to handle this.
-
If you push too hard, you will get your children to lie about doing it.
-
Show calm when they are filled with anxiety.
-
Hire a tutor if they need more support.
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Love them and believe in them, even when they are not doing what you feel they should be to get ahead.
Sally Sacks, M.Ed is a licensed psychotherapist, with 20 years of experience, counseling individuals, children, families and couples. Sally is the author of How to Raise the Next President, a groundbreaking parents' guide to teaching and instilling in their kids the qualities they'll need to be happy, successful and productive, no matter which path they choose in life. Sally offers personal and group coaching and can be reached through her website at www.sallysacks.com.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide
Check out The Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide
2007 Back to School Shopping Guide
While most of our readers have children a good decade or more away from the SATs, this might be more of an "Off to School Guide" than a "Back to School Guide." Even so, by popular request, we've poked around the net to dig up some fabulous goodies for the beginning of daycare, preschool, the first day of kindergarten or those early grades. And some awesome discounts to boot.
The picks here are entirely, as always, totally advertorial free. Just the stuff we love from sites we trust.
(Although as far as our sponsors, we looooove them too and can personally vouch for all of them.)
Remember, when you shop a Cool Mom Picks pick, you're not only getting a fantastic product that you can love for all of eternity (or at least the season), you're most often supporting an independent business or emerging company, many run by hardworking moms. Happy clicking!
Doll Pouch/Sling Give Away from Crunchy Domestic Goddesss
Doll pouch/sling giveaway
Enter to win at Musings of a Crunchy Domestic Goddesshttp://crunchydomesticgoddess.com/2007/08/26/doll-pouchsling-giveaway/#comment-5495
It’s time for another giveaway!
Want to win this cute doll sling for your child? My mom made it for Ava, but it’s a little too snug (and she’s making her a new one), so I’d like to give this one away to another future attachment parenting (AP) daddy or mommy. :) It’s reversible - pink on one side, blue on the other (see below). I think it would fit most 2 and 3 year olds, but Ava is a pretty big girl (38 inches tall, 36 lbs.), so that’s why it’s snug on her. Ava loves the pouch and was so delighted to do some baby wearing of her own with a sling that’s her size! Thanks, mom!
If you’d like to win it, (1) sign Mr. Linky, (2) leave me a comment telling me why you’d like to win, and (3) link back to this post on your blog - you can use the button from my sidebar if you’d like, but it’s not required. (If you don’t have a blog, you can still enter, just be sure and tell a friend about the giveaway.) You must do all three steps to be eligible. The deadline to enter is 10 p.m. Mountain Time Friday, Aug. 31. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on Sept. 1. Thanks!Thursday, July 12, 2007
TheSitterLoop.com has a new look !!

TheSitterLoop.com has a new look . Check us out today.
http://www.thesitterloop.com Linking Parents and Sitters in a Snap !
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
HowManyOfMe.com
http://howmanyofme.com/
There are 301,805,272 people in the United States of America. If everyone in the U.S. lined up single file, the line would stretch around the Earth almost 7 times. That's a lot of people.
The U.S. Census Bureau statistics tell us that there are at least 88,799 different last names and 5,163 different first names in common use in the United States. Some names are more common than others.
There are 49,839 people named John Smith in the United States. There are 1,055 people named James Bond, 114 people named Harry Potter , 506 people named George Bush, and 31 people named Emily Dickinson. However, Johnny Cash (39 people) songs aside there are, statistically speaking, very few boys named Sue.
What about you? How many people share your name? Enter it and find out how many of you there are.
What I Owe My Mother
01. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished
cleaning."
02. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."
03. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of
next week!"
04. My mother taught me LOGIC.
"Because I said so, that's why."
05. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC .
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to
the store with me."
06. My mother taught me FORESIGHT ..
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."
07. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."
08. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."
09. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY .
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"
13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."
14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
"Stop acting like your father!"
15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't
have wonderful parents like you do."
16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."
17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"
18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that
way."
19. My mother taught me ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"
20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."
23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS .
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"
24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."
25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
THESITTERLOOP.COM
http://www.thesitterloop.com
A web based sitter directory.
Helping families find sitters and sitters find jobs
The Baby Name Bible
How can you tell if a name is too popular or not mainstream enough, wonderfully creative or just plain weird? How can you find the name that is perfect for you and your baby?
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Out of the Ballpark
By Alex Rodriguez and Frank Morrison
Baseball superstar A-Rod draws from his own childhood experiences in the story of a boy determined not to let his mistakes hold him back. A determined Little Alex works hard on his hitting and fielding before school each day, and hits the books when it’s time for challenging math problems. Also available in Spanish. Ages 4-8.
Different Like Coco
By Elizabeth Matthews
This charming story follows the extraordinary life of Coco Chanel, who went from an orphanage in Paris to legendary designer. Coco’s special talent for sewing and her unique creativity come through in this chic picture book chronicling the lively and inspiring lady. Ages 4-8.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Lead in Sidewalk Chalk
Friday, March 16, 2007
Admiral Road
Nothing is ever black and white - except when it comes to our new zebra blanket! This graphically striking blanket is modern and fun. A portion of the proceeds from this blanket will be donated to the African Wildlife Foundation.
| Price | USD 44.00 |
Thursday, March 15, 2007
NY Times Bestselling Children's Books
NY Times Bestselling Children's Books 3/18/07
PICTURE BOOKS
1. FLOTSAM, by David Wiesner. (Clarion, $17.) The things that wash up on the beach: a story in pictures. (Ages 4 to 7)
18 weeks on list
2. DOG, by Matthew Van Fleet. Photography by Brian Stanton. (Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster, $14.99.) An interactive look at 20 breeds. (Ages 3 to 5)
4 weeks on list
3. A GOOD DAY, written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes. (Greenwillow/HarperCollins, $16.99.) A bad day turns around. (Ages 3 to 5)
1 week on list
4. PIRATES DON'T CHANGE DIAPERS, by Melinda Long. Illustrated by David Shannon. (Harcourt, $16.) To recover buried treasure, a crew of pirates first has to baby-sit. (Ages 4 to 8)
1 week on list
5. DUCK, DUCK, GOOSE, written and illustrated by Tad Hills. (Schwartz & Wade, $15.99.) Duck and goose are best friends, until another duck shows up. (Ages 3 to 7)
2 weeks on list
6. FANCY NANCY, by Jane O'Connor. Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. (HarperCollins, $15.99.) A girl takes her family out. (Ages 4 to 7)
60 weeks on list
7. GONE WILD, written and illustrated by David McLimans. (Walker, $16.95.) An A-to-Z of endangered animals. (Ages 4 to 8)
3 weeks on list
8. NOT A BOX, written and illustrated by Antoinette Portis. (HarperCollins, $12.99.) Imagination turns a young rabbit's cardboard box into anything but. (Ages 3 to 6)
5 weeks on list
9. LIBRARY LION, by Michelle Knudsen. Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. (Candlewick, $15.99.) A lion obeys the library rules until there's good reason not to. (Ages 5 to 8)
16 weeks on list
10. DUCK AT THE DOOR, written and illustrated by Jackie Urbanovic. (HarperCollins, $16.99.) Max the duck didn't fly south, so now he needs winter shelter. (Ages 4 to 7)
1 weeks on list
CHAPTER BOOKS
1. NEW MOON, by Stephenie Meyer. (Megan Tingley/ Little, Brown, $17.99.) A human and a vampire continue their love affair; a sequel to ''Twilight.'' (Ages 12 and up)
30 weeks on list
2. THE HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY, by Susan Patron. Illustrated by Matt Phelan. (Richard Jackson/Atheneum, $16.95.) A 10-year-old plans to leave her small town. (Ages 9 to 11)
6 weeks on list
3. ELDEST, by Christopher Paolini. (Knopf, $21.) Eragon in the land of elves; Book 2 in the Inheritance trilogy. (Ages 12 and up)
80 weeks on list
4. THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET, written and illustrated by Brian Selznick. (Scholastic, $22.99.) A novel "in words and pictures"; an orphaned thief must decipher his father's last message. (Ages 9 to 12)
6 weeks on list
5. RULES, by Cynthia Lord. (Scholastic, $15.99.) The challenges and rewards of life with an autistic brother. (Ages 9 to 12)
6 weeks on list
6. THE BOOK THIEF, by Markus Zusak. (Knopf, $16.95.) In Nazi Germany, a girl shares books with a Jewish man. (Ages 14 and up) First Chapter
47 weeks on list
7. IMPULSE, by Ellen Hopkins. (McElderry, $16.99.) Three suicidal teenagers meet at a psychiatric hospital. (Ages 14 and up)
5 weeks on list
8. THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE, by Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. (Candlewick, $18.99.) A china rabbit learns about loss. (Ages 8 to 12)
44 weeks on list
9. THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY, by Trenton Lee Stewart. Illustrated by Carson Ellis. (Little, Brown, $16.99.) Four gifted children on a secret mission. (Ages 9 to 12)
1 weeks on list
10. SWORDBIRD, by Nancy Yi Fan. (HarperCollins, $15.99.) According to legend, only one bird can restore peace between the blue jays and cardinals. (Ages 8 to 12)
4 weeks on list
PAPERBACK BOOKS
1. BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA, by Katherine Paterson. (HarperCollins, $6.99.) Unlikely friends rule an imaginary land. (Ages 9 to 12)
9 weeks on list
2. ITS NOT EASY BEING MEAN, by Lisi Harrison. (Little, Brown, $9.99.) Actually, it's easier than you might think. A "Clique" novel. (Ages 14 and up)
3 weeks on list
3. TWILIGHT, by Stephenie Meyer. (Megan Tingley/Little, Brown, $8.99.) The new girl falls in love with a vampire. (Ages 12 and up)
29 weeks on list
4. ERAGON, by Christopher Paolini. (Knopf, $9.95.) A boy and a dragon must navigate a world of dark powers. (Ages 12 and up)
97 weeks on list
5. MUGGLENET.COM'S WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN HARRY POTTER 7, by Ben Schoen et al. (Ulysses, $13.95.) Predictions from a leading fan Web site. (Ages 8 and up)
4 weeks on list
6. JUMP IN!, adapted by M. C. King. (Disney, $4.99.) An aspiring boxer discovers jump-rope; based on the TV movie
5 weeks on list
7. HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: BATTLE OF THE BANDS, by N. B. Grace. (Disney, $4.99.) Will Troy ask Gabriella to join him for East High's Battle of the Bands? (Ages 9 to 12)
5 weeks on list
8. UGLIES, by Scott Westerfeld. (Simon Pulse, $7.99.) In a dystopian world, beauty is mandatory. (Ages 12 and up)
9 weeks on list
9. SEPTIMUS HEAP: MAGYK, by Angie Sage. (Tegen/HarperCollins, $7.99.) A boy stolen at birth, a girl left for dead and raised by her rescuers, and their quests to uncover their true identities. (Ages 9 and up)
8 weeks on list
10. BLOOD & CHOCOLATE, by Annette Curtis Klause. (Laurel Leaf, $6.50.) A werewolf falls in love with a human. (Ages 12 and up)
5 weeks on list
SERIES BOOKS
1. MAGIC TREE HOUSE, by Mary Pope Osborne. Illustrated by Sal Murdocca. (Stepping Stone/Random House, hardcover and paperback.) Children travel in time. (Ages 6 to 9)
127 weeks on list
2. THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS, by Ann Brashares. (Delacorte, hardcover and paperback.) Four friends share magical pants. (Ages 12 and up)
92 weeks on list
3. JUNIE B., FIRST GRADER, by Barbara Park. Illustrated by Denise Brunkus. (Stepping Stone/Random House, hardcover and paperback.) Adventures in school. (Ages 4 to 8)
127 weeks on list
4. HARRY POTTER, by J. K. Rowling. (Levine/Scholastic, hardcover and paperback.) Trouble at Hogwarts. (Ages 10 and up)
127 weeks on list
5. INTERNET GIRLS, by Lauren Myracle. (Amulet, hardcover and paperback.) Social life, via instant messages. (Ages 14 and up)
1 week on list
6. SKIPPYJON JONES, written and illustrated by Judy Schachner. (Dutton/Puffin, hardcover and paperback.) A Siamese kitten unlooses his imagination. (Ages 3 to 6)
2 weeks on list
7. A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, by Lemony Snicket. (HarperCollins, hardcover only.) The poor Baudelaires. (Ages 10 and up)
126 weeks on list.
8. THE KEYS TO THE KINGDOM, by Garth Nix. (Scholastic, hardcover and paperback.) A boy and his friend visit a parallel world to recover parts of ''the Will'' he inherited. (Ages 9 to 12)
4 weeks on list
9. D'LACEYS DRAGONS, by Chris D'Lacey. (Orchard/Scholastic, hardcover and paperback.) Clay figurines come to life. (Ages 9 to 12)
2 weeks on list
10. OLOGIES,by Dugald A. Steer. Various illustrators. (Candlewick, hardcover only.) Facts about dragons, wizards, etc. (Ages 9 to 12)
76 weeks on list
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Tampontification
Women’s shelters in the U.S. go through thousands of tampons and pads monthly, and, while agencies generally assist with everyday necessities such as toilet paper, diapers, and clothing, this most basic need is often overlooked. You and I may take our monthly trips down the feminine care aisle for granted, but, for women in shelters, a box of tampons is five dollars they can’t spare. Here’s some good news: you can help us contribute to rectifying this situation by making a virtual donation below!
For each virtual donation, Seventh Generation will send a pack of organic cotton tampons or chlorine-free pads to a shelter in your state.
Visit website and make a virtual donation
http://www.tampontification.com/donate.php
