Cooking Light First Foods -Review/Giveaway-

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Most people think of October as “Pinktober”, but did you know it’s also National Bullying Prevention Month? Bullying is a huge issue in the United States today. October is dedicated to uniting communities and bringing awareness to this problem & now is the perfect time to talk to your children about bullying. Gone are the days when bullying solely consisted of having your lunch money swiped, having a “kick me” sign taped to your back, and being tripped in the hallway. Bullying now goes beyond just school and now extends into the cyber world and even kids so brave as to attack others at their own home..their safe place.
Kathryn Hast has a Master’s of Fine Arts degree in writing and a Master’s degree in Education. She is from York, Pennsylvania, and currently lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband and two children. She has one dog named after a Beatles song, and one that barks at the television. Batty Betty is her second published children’s book, following her previous title Otis Grows.
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Let’s face it – feeling “different” can be scary. It’s true as a kid, and it can even be true as an adult. In a world that seems to encourage us all to look, talk, think, and act the same and is in a constant state of comparison, how can we teach children from a young age that their differences are actually their strengths, not their weaknesses?
It all begins with what we show them and tell them, and a wonderful starting point for this important conversation is the engaging, beautifully illustrated new book Batty Betty by children’s author Kathryn Hast (LuJu Books). What sets this book apart from others in the stack is its storyline – which is purposeful, delightfully whimsical while also tackling tough subjects – as well as its lyrical style. Hast wanted to be sure it was just as fun for both parents and
children to read while illuminating ways to approach and tackle real and often difficult scenarios.
Enter: Abel, the tuba; Eve, the sad banana; and Betty, a giant who dances unapologetically to her own drum. When Abel goes out marching by himself, he finds a sad banana named Eve who has been bullied by local beavers. As it turns out, she’s not alone. The beavers are also out for Betty, who stands out with her towering height and “batty” behavior. Abel sets out to defeat these beavers, but soon discovers it’s not about winning – it’s about finding your own music amidst the ruckus and noise.
“I’m really committed to the notion that kids can read, think, and discuss ideas that might initially seem difficult,” Hast says. “My hope is that Batty Betty offers both entertainment and depth and can serve as a springboard for conversations between parents and children.”
Playful yet touching, Batty Betty explores:
Why it’s not only okay – it’s GREAT – to be different
The best way to stand up to bullies (tune out their noise, find your music!)
Opportunities for parents and kids to begin discussions about tough topics
A unique and surprising style of writing everyone will enjoy reading
And much more!
Bullying stems from the all-too-human need to feel included, approved of, loved. And inasmuch as the last three decades have cultivated awareness, resources, and training, it’s difficult to stomp out why it is that people bully others. We will never eradicate the fact that various children need an extra dose of support, that bullying makes them feel confident. However, we can try to minimize the cues they receive from us, the adults around them.
Bullying is a learned behavior. There are adult bullies of every size and stature, even now in 2017. Perhaps especially now, the rest of us must stretch ourselves, to appear bigger, wiser, and kinder. What follows is a brief list of Dos and Don’ts, coupled with some anecdotal lessons I’ve learned, as I try—like so many others—to shape my own children’s growth.
It’s easy to swoon over how well your own kid writes her name or completes a pirouette. But how often do we reflect on the talents of the other kids in their classroom or neighborhood?
“Boy, Darrian collected a lot of acorns today. He’s a pretty good finder, isn’t he?”
Similar to the previous point, this suggestion leans more toward acknowledging other people’s suffering. And remember: suffering for kids can be bee sting, a tantrum, a fight. Putting your son or daughter in the shoes of someone who had a bad day will help him or her do the same later, reflexively.
“Why do you think Francisco hit Grayson today? It’s hard to handle angry feelings, isn’t it?”
I’m a near-forty, white, frizzy-haired, state employee who dances exactly like what you would expect. And although my moves invariably cause my husband to chuckle (knee-slap, whatever), I still get down something fierce to James Brown or De La Soul.
“Why did you say I’m sorry to that driver, Mommy?”
“Because it was my fault for pulling out in front of him. I wasn’t paying attention. I need to work on that.”
Perhaps most importantly, we need to acknowledge the sin for what it is when we see it. But consider the four points prior to this. We should never avoid discussing an example of bullying. We should name it, but we should also frame it. Because more love, albeit amorphous, is the only true solution to bullies in the first place. Contextualize the situation, as best as you can guess, and help your son or daughter recognize it for what it is: namely, unwelcome.

Teachers, who are they? They are the people who take care and educate the next generation. Their devotion to the job and all that hard work, even after hours, helps them to better mold and inspire our children. I had many teacher that inspired me to be the person I am today, and we’ve been blessed enough to have the majority of the boys teacher be just as inspirational. I myself taught pre-k for a year and a half before I decided to be a SAHM. I admire those that teach, because I know they don’t do it for the paycheck, they do it because they love children and love being able to make a difference in a child’s life. This is why The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf® are having a special promotion just for teachers!
In celebration of National Teacher Appreciation Day (Tuesday, May 5,2015), The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Southern California’s iconic specialty coffee and tea retailer, invites teachers and faculty members to present their school ID to receive any regular (16 oz.) beverage for only $2, to honor the work they do for their communities. Available all day at participating Arizona, California, New York, Connecticut and Austin area store locations, teachers can order their favorite signature drink, or opt for the new seasonal Thai Tea and Vanilla Rooibos beverages.
The promotion will take place at all participating The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® locations*. To locate the store closest to your area please visit: http://www.coffeebean.com.
*Valid only at participating The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® retail locations. Offer valid on May 5, 2015. Offer for one (1) Regular size beverage for two dollars ($2.00). Limit one (1) per customer per visit. Valid teacher identification must be presented at time of purchase. Valid on bar beverages only. No cash value. Not redeemable with other offers. Not valid on previous purchases. No substitutions. No rain checks. While supplies last. ©2015 International Coffee & Tea, LLC. All rights reserved.
Thank you to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® for sponsoring this important conversation.
Share your teacher appreciation stories using the hastags #CBTL4Teachers #thecoffeebean or #purplestraw
Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Does that bring back childhood memories? Tales of hunting for Snipe have enticed children for generations…No not the birds…but that elusive little imaginary creature we were sent on hunting adventures for. Education Outdoors has brought this fun to a whole new level for the next generation!
Imagine getting a small crate with “Live Animals” stamped on the box and some strange sounds being made…the anticipation builds..what is a snipe, what does it look like? Will it bite? How do we do a snipe hunt?
Well no they don’t bite they are quite nice and behave very well. They do like to play hide and seek though! Meet Smartin & Biella…
Play in teams or player vs player
Team 1 hides their snipe
Team 2 hides theirs
All players start at nest to be fair
Once team or player finds the other teams snipe they bring it back to the nest and wins!
The boys love playing this game anytime, and there are sooo many places in the house to hide so there is always a new hiding spot.
I love the little sounds they make, it really helps my little ones when hunting…it’s a fun game for them all!
Buy It
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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