The Student Body - Politically-Charged Film on Childhood Obesity

The 411:

I watched this award winning documentary late year featuring high schooler Bailey Webber. Bailey after hearing  Maddy a 6th grade student speak up at a School Board meeting how she felt after receiving a letter from her school stating she wasn't in a healthy weight range. The school apologized and all seemed well but it got Bailey thinking.  

The documentary is interesting, thought provoking and even funny. I loved how Bailey professionally interviewed all these adults on how this "fat letter" could go out and and affect children's lives then pull out a scale and ask each adult to get on the scale like the kids in scale were asked. It was interesting to see some of them decline and hear her say "to be given a choice, would you like that?"

Bailey spoke to health professionals, educators, other students and spent a long time trying to get the Senator in her state.  She is definitely fearless!!!  When she finally got her Senator meeting I cheered. While he handled the interview well I was just as annoyed as Bailey during the interview. When she hands the Senator the letter and he is almost surprised that Maddy "wasn't happy to get the letter at all" I wanted to scream.  The senator was sorry Maddy reacted the way she did. He feels doctors are incompetent and parents are clueless so he is standing by the need for BMI testing in schools. URGH! Then when Bailey pulls out the scale and the Senator is visibly nervous and confused and says I will do it but I think it is only fair that you warned me you were going to do this" I literally wanted to punch him. Really?! Would my son and daughter be given notice prior to being told to get on the scale at school? I think not!  

BMI is not a perfect, accurate measure of health so why are lawmakers putting so much emphasis on this number?

The last thing I would want my children to think about is a number that "the state" has decided is the "healthy range". Kids especially have enough to worry about at this awkward, uncomfortable time of their life. It killed me to hear these beautiful, healthy, thin kids talk about the letter they received telling them they are outside the "healthy range. How some went into their rooms and cried asking their mother if they were fat.

This is wonderfully done and if you take nothing away from this look at the tenacity of this young journalist. My tears flowed when at the end when Maddy and Bailey were going to hand out the "fat letters" the those who got on the scale during the interviews Maddy couldn't do it. She couldn't shame them!

Young Adult Book Conductoid by M.B. Lehane

The 411:

I am always looking for books I can read with my kids and this is one of them We read often as a family and I need it to be something for Spring break they will both be into but also one I won't  hate reading again.  

M.B. Lehane combines every category I look for when selecting a family read; fantasy, adventure, humor, friendship, and great characters.  I enjoy reading a book before my kids so I can build on it as we read. I am excited to see what my kids think about Conductoid.

Conductoid is about a brother and sister much like my kids and while my kids are not twins like Jack and Phoebe they are completely different.

From the first page you are thrust into the daydream world with Jack. He can't help himself.  Jack is amazing in his dreams. Always the super hero and always saves the day. He even has a ceiling that rolls back so he can jet pack out of his bedroom anytime he is needed to save the world. Staying in reality isn't easy for Jack and why would he want to. He is constantly bullied, his mom doesn't seem to understand him. He and his sister don't get along and he is constantly in detention but what if Jack really is all he imagines. What if he is magical in other dimensions? What if he actually has powers.

The story isn't just about Jack and his specialty it is about family, trust, loyalty, perseverance and the secondary characters are just as important to the story too! I love Phoebe and Skye.

Like all the books this is being compared to; Harry Potter, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Percy Jackson, even Lemony Snicket (not a bad book in the bunch) Conductoid is also a great read for a boy or girl.  

Cooks 6-in-1 Digital Wonder Pot

Do you guys know what a Wonder Pot is? I had never heard of one until Phoenix Trading Company asked if I was interested in checking out the Cook's Companion Digital Wonder Pot.

Why is it called a Wonder Pot? Well my friends you can cook rice, steam, make soup, bake, stir fry, stew and keep everything warm with just the touch of a button.

Included In The Box

Cook's Companion 500W 3.2 QT Ceramic Nonstick 6-in-1 Digital Wonder Pot
Spatula
Plug
Measuring Cup

It feels kind of like a crock pot where you throw everything in the pot BUT without the LONG wait. It took me 23 minutes to make rice, wheat berry and soup and I didn't have to tend to it. I just press the button and walk away until I hear the timer sound.

I love the size because my counter space is big and we need our kitchen appliances to be kept to a minimum. If it is on the counter, it is something we will be using often. The Cook's Companion is on the counter.

Opposing Teams Sibling Rivalry

The kids had a half day today. I picked them up and headed to my friend's house for a little while. The kids were playing with her dog and I noticed they were wearing Football Jersey's today. My son is a diehard FOOTBALL fan. He loves the sport but when asked over four years ago who his favorite team was he stated Dallas Cowboys. My husband is a life long NY Giant's fan. He hates the cowboys so it was only to be expected that his son would have an opposing team favorite. My husband and his dad didn't like the same team either. My daughter is NOT a football fan but her Daddy likes the Giants so she likes the Giants. Maybe one day she will find a love the sport. I have been trying for over 35 years and still can't get into it.

Death Passage A Review - COMING OUT MARCH 2017

The 411:

My husband and I are huge horror fans. We watch everything and anything. The horrible to the amazing. This for me was close to being horrible although my husband loved it.   Originally released in 2015 in Australia as Lemon Tree Passage it is now called Death Passage in the US release.

Based on an Australian Legend about the Lemon Tree Passage Road in New South Wales where speeding cars experience a paranormal phenomenon while driving at high speeds.

In this movie we have your average road trip tourists. In this case a brother and sister and a girl - friend (you know friend of the sister, interested in the brother) who meet up with two locals Gordie and Oscar at the beach. Of course it's the beach where Oscar is building a big penis in the sand. It is through these two that our road trip innocents learn of the legend. While all this is going on their is another story with some other dude who is dealing with some malevolent unseen force who is attacking him.

The legend story ends with their view of the paranormal light they see while driving but what takes over is a bad ass set on killing everyone spirit? I guess. I have no idea but people are dying.

I give it a 6 out of 10 and that is mostly because I love Urban Legend movies. My husband insists it was an 8 because he watched it and didn't get on his tablet to read Drudge.

Photo Friday - The Salt Caves

I have wanted to check out Salt Caves or salt therapy ever since I heard of it. Recently Groupon ran a special for Salt Breeze in Fairlawn New Jersey and I thought, why not?  It was only $14 for 45 minutes. When my friend said she and her mom wanted to go I was so excited.  Her mom's birthday was coming up so this was her birthday gift along with lunch.

Look at her mom. I should look this good to have three daughters and four grandchildren! Isn't she cute?

My friend's Mom.

The place was nice looking. Spa like with salt lamps everywhere that you could purchase. The receptionist/clerk or whatever title she holds gave us bags for our pocketbooks. Handed us booties as we were told to leave our shows upstairs. On our way to the cave she told us to grab a towel and brought us down to the Salt Cave.  We were instructed to not eat or drink and if others were to join us we were to put our phones away and refrain from speaking because many like to close their eyes and relax.  Fortunately we were alone because we spoke most of the time.

The floor of the room was covered in course salt and contained 6 gravity chairs. It was comfortable although I often wished that the heat lamps would come on just once. I ended up having to put my socks back on. It was cold. Thankfully we had a blanket. I found myself wishing it was comforter size. The lighting changed often. I loved when it was this pink as we all looked like Voldemort

No Nose or Voldemort

There are my toes all wrapped up because I was cold. There was a mist of powdery salty dust in the air and on our clothes. Our lips taste like dust and I am sure every part of my skin had a salty taste. Basically you are inhaling dry salt. It has been known to help detoxifying your respiratory system as well as assist in better breathing. Not only that it helps with skin conditions, allergies, hay fever, sinusitis infections and colds and other ailments. It is a holistic approach that has been used for over 100 years.

What we all thought:

We didn't feel as puffy.
It was relaxing although 45 minutes seemed long.
We would have loved to have the sound of the ocean playing or warming lamps every once in a while.
Tell us not to wear black next time. There was a white powder of salt all over our pants.
It definitely made us breathe better. I was coming off a cold and laryngitis and felt much better afterward.

A mini tour

SnapChat Makes Me Laugh

Relaxing Evening

I love this time of year for no other reason than we use the fireplace a lot!

What do you think about our nightlights? The one in the foreground is a Tiffany vase that my husband received as a Christmas gift as a client. We had no idea what we would do with it until I pulled a set of battery operated fairy lights out of a closet. Wah-la perfect night light.

The light behind the TV can be changed depending on mood.

Love how soft the lights look.

Monday Mellow Yellow - Crepes

My daughter loves crepes ever since I took her to a French Restaurant where she had Nutella, banana and strawberry crepes.

The other day when I asked her what she wanted for dinner she asked me to please pick up crepes for  because we haven't had them in months.  Weather wise it was impossible to get there so I decided to try my hand at crepes. Finding a recipe was easy and within 20 minutes she had a plate of crepes filled with Nutella, Strawberry, Banana and garnished with drizzled chocolate and whipped cream. She told me they taste just as good as the restaurant. She absolutely made my day! I can't wait to make them again.

Baby Gifts For Valentine's Day

I am fortunate this year to have babies in my life again. At 50 many of my friends are done having babies but since I am in the work force again, there are many of my younger co-workers having babies and I couldn't be happier. Last week one of my daughter's teachers had a baby girl and I can't wait to see her. My daughter is so excited that she wanted to give her something for the baby so we picked up a book. I LOVE giving books, a blanket and a key ring. 

I am so excited for her to see these gifts. The first one we picked up was a Kleynimals  rattle. 

 

You know babies love playing with your key ring even if you have baby toys for them while you are out and about. This is perfect. There are three arctic animals gracing the rattle. Pippi the Polar Bear, Scout the Snowshoe Hare and Otto the Snow Owl.  The rattle is dishwasher safe and 100% Stainless Steel and American made. Babies will love the shiny metal and jingly sound. 

 

And because I love giving books I chose DK's Baby Touch and Feel; I Love You book published by 
Penguin Random House. My kids used to love touch and feel books. This one is perfect for little hands and has the most adorable assortment of teddy bears, sparkly ribbon, kittens, puppies, baskets and more
  
The last item in her gift bag is this cute security blanket with a bunny rattle. I am in love with this and have purchase two of them over the past 3 years.

This is a nice size baby blanket for baby. They come in white, blue and pink and since our new little friend is a girl we got a pink one. The photos can't even get across to you just how soft these are. My daughter begs for one of her own every time she sees one in the house. The bunny rattle has a pocket to keep it in so you don't misplace your kids lovey.

 

Moms For Hire By Deborah Jelin Newmeyer

The 411:

This book came at the perfect time for me. My kids are getting older and at 50 my shelf life for a new career isn't looking that bright but I still have some life left in this skin so I appreciate the steps Deborah talks about that will hopefully help me jump start my career. 

The book is laid out in 8 easy to follow steps such as first getting a handle on your now mommy busy life. 

It was interesting to sit down and fill out the charts to see where my time is being wasted.  I get up about 4:45 or earlier every day except the weekend where I sleep until about 7:00 all I want to do is head to the couch. Usually it isn't for good until 9 when the kids are in bed. Laundry, showers, clothes out for the next day, cleaning the kitchen all happen between 7-8 however I am currently off Tuesdays and Thursdays unless called in so I am planning on making those the days I sit down and hammer out the plan Deborah sets forth in this book. 

I am completely confident that after finishing all the steps I will reclaim my life and either manage my time better, look for another career or at least know the path I am going to take. 

My favorite section was the Expert List Circling Exercise. I had no idea I was so proficient in so many things. 

Hello Mr. Dodo by Nicholas John Frith

The 411:

Hello Mr. Dodo is about a girl named Martha and her love all of birds. She knows the name of each bird until she comes upon a bird she has never seen before. After researching she discovers this is the extinct Dodo bird. Worried for his safety she keeps him a secret until one day she accidentally slips and tells the mailman about her friend Mr. Dodo. Thinking fast she comes up with a way to protect her friend. Toward the end of the story we learn she was not the only one keeping a secret. WINK!

This is a fun book that kids and adult readers will love with colorful 60s style illustrations.

 

Princess Josephine and The Rainbow Dragon by Kate Bodsworth and Stunning Illustrations by Brigid Marlin

The 411:

We start with the story of a little princess who lives in a technicolor world. The book goes into detail about color.

"The bedspread was red and gold like the setting sun". 

One day Princess Josephine wakes to find herself in a monochrome world. Apparently a dragon decided o eat all the colors in the land.

Josephine heads out on her own magical horse to get her kingdom's color back from the color sucking dragon.

While talking to the dragon she learns that if the dragon doesn't suck all the colors up he will turn grey and eventually become stone.

Josephine is no mere princess, she went to princess school and knows how to think through any situation and come up with a solution. Thankfully Josephine's solution benefits everyone and they all live of course, happily ever after.

Adorable story and the illustrations are some of the best. I wish I could rip them out of the book and frame them especially this one.

Game Day Snacks With The Help Of Farm Rich

I am not a football fan. I have tried for years but my boys make up for my lack of interest. My husband got almost the perfect son for his football love. I say almost because my son's favorite team is my husband's least favorite team. Although they don't share a favorite team, they do share a passion. This year the guys have been planning the menu. They like pizza, chips, and finger food. Easy enough! However I will not be here so they need things that are easy and quick which is why I stocked up on Farm Rich Appy's. They need things that they can toss on a cookie sheet or tin pan and run back to the game.

Farm Rich has some great snacks and over the past two weeks I tried some of them to see if we should purchase them for their game day.

We also tried their Pizza Wrap. It is like an egg roll but with pizza inside. It even comes with the marinara sauce that you dunk in hot water.

My favorite is the onion ring. They are probably my favorite frozen onions rings ever. I make onion rings a few times a year but it takes so long and then their is the clean up. These were just as good with whole onions instead of pieces of onion and too much breading. LOVE THEM.

They also come with a dipping sauce that you sit in hot water until it is ready for using.

The past two weeks Farm Rich has been a staple in my freezer and the kids and husband love them!

I am making these very soon!

Personalized Books AND More For Kids

Valentine's Day is coming and thinking of something special for my kids has always been as important to me as celebrating their birthday. I don't do anything big not a ton of wrapped presents but something special and unique to them and their likes on Valentine's Day and Easter. This is why I love I See Me. I See Me specializes in creating unique, personalized, customized books that kids and parents will love. Like the new It's My Birthday Book. Great for 0-6.


A favorite of mine is their interactive sing-along book and CD featuring your child's name: http://www.iseeme.com/en-us/my-sing-a-long-book-and-cd.html

There are also an array of books for welcoming a new baby, the big brother/sister, and more. All titles come with personalization options allowing your kids to star in their storybooks.

The colors are vibrant and the characters and animals are whimsical with sweet, friendly faces.

The CD is really cute too. Each song is personalized with your child's name. It flows beautifully. Unlike most other personalized CDs this sounds as if it was completely recorded with your child's name in place. Your child's name isn't just an add on with a weird voice or odd insert. It is truly amazing to hear. Your child is spoken to at the onset of the song and the song mentions their name numerous times throughout the song. They will love it. It is something they will  hold onto forever.