Give the valuable gift of reading

Hello to all you happy holiday shoppers and those reading blogs to avoid shopping!

I want to take a moment to tell you about the amazing company I work for that has been in business for over 25 years, Reading with TLC.  Reading with TLC is a wonderful company dedicated to teaching children the indispensable skills of phonics and reading.  We have an amazing program called ‘Lively Letters’ and if you are a teacher, speech language pathologist or a concerned parent with a child and/or children struggling to read, you will want to click HERE.  This program is vital for anyone with the need to teach a struggling reader of any age!

I have read all the testimonials that we receive and I have witnessed firsthand how fun and successful the program is.  It is fantabulous!  Now sound that out phonetically!  Lol.  Yes, I know it is not a word! I make up words all the time, but that is a story for another day.  I am now a proud affiliate of Lively Letters so if you want to learn all about the program click my affiliate link and let’s get acquainted!  🙂 Happy Shopping!  Happy Holidays!  Happy Reading!

 

The land of neutrality

Ah, Switzerland, the land of neutrality.  The country doesn’t get involved.  Their citizens don’t take sides.  Peaceful place. No conflict.  Image of ski slopes.  No drama.  My diplomatic nature (I hear my daughter laughing or groaning) has, on more than one occasion, been compared to the neutral environment of Switzerland.  I have opinions on lots of things – almost everything but I keep most of them to myself.  Because opinions are like, what is it, oh, that’s right, I don’t use foul language so I can’t say that.  Let’s just say, opinions are like rump roasters, everyone has one!   Here are a few opinions I have that maybe need to be expressed for a change.  See if you agree with any or you can add to the list.

No one should ever wear shorts in the winter in New England.  Even if you are going to the gym, newsflash – that is what gym bags are made for.  Please wear pants and put your shorts in the gym bag.  White, hairy legs are, well……downright scary!

I really dislike Croc sandals, mules, clogs, whatever they are.  They can be cute on very young children but they should be off limits for everyone else.

Bald men should not be allowed to buy convertibles.

The silent treatment is an insidious form of abuse.

All toddlers are, at some level, annoying.

I agree with Eminem, the musician, that you can do anything you set your mind to.

Small talk makes me tired – really tired.  I particularly despise weather chit chat.

I think love is the best thing in the world.  Chanel clothing is next (although I only have a handbag) so what would I know?

I think people with bad attitudes should check them at the door.  No one wants that energy around them.  We all have issues.  Get over it.  Grow up.  It’s not my fault you are miserable.

I think unfriending a friend on Facebook for no reason or no explanation is utterly lame.  This is not junior high, people.  I know it’s not called junior high anymore and I am showing my age, but I don’t care.

In that same arena, I think bashing people and airing your grievances on Facebook is never a good idea.  Call a friend, a counselor, a hotline.  I physically cringe at some of the ranting I read on Facebook.

Do not give unsolicited advice to anyone.  If he/she doesn’t ask for your opinion, then don’t give one.  Clearly, they know what they are doing.

Al Einstein was a genius.  And yes, sometimes the smartest person in the room is overlooked.

And someone once said “Confidence is a consolation prize for those who are less talented.”  Ah, let the truth be spoken!  So think about that the next time you meet someone who is overly confident – is there really anything behind that façade?  Chances are, no.  But let them ramble on anyway; it’s all they have.

And if you are still not convinced that I have an opinion, just ask my son what the word buffoon means?

Oh, and back to footwear for a moment.  I despise flip flops of any kind and yes, despise is a harsh word but it doesn’t even come close to expressing my hatred of the look and sound of these ridiculous foot coverings.   I particularly loathe the cheap plastic ones they sell at drug stores.  I don’t think anyone should wear these except in public showers to prevent a fungal infection which is another thing that totally grosses me out but that is perhaps another blog?  Anyway, I hate the sound, I don’t like seeing so much foot and I don’t like the look of being flat footed.  I actually make audible groans when I see or hear a flip flopper coming my way.  And remember if you are a flip flopper, you might not have a solid opinion on anything?  Get it?  Perhaps all the flip floppers should move to Switzerland!!  Peace, love and opinions…..Ciao for now…

crazy photo

Yes, this is the metamorphosis I make when I see or hear things I must give an opinion on. Trust me, I try to control it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book review: ‘How to raise great kids’

I am blessed to receive so many emails from readers, companies and generally cool people.  So many, in fact, that I simply don’t have time to review all of the products and requests that come through the pipeline.  Not the Alaska pipeline.  But the blog pipeline. Back on Thanksgiving Day 2016, I got a really nice email from Jim Gromer. And yes, you read that correctly.  It was Thanksgiving Day 2016 and I am just getting to this review.  I am embarrassed to admit this delay but I wanted to do this one and it took me far longer than it should have.  However, I am trying to raise great kids and I guess that is where the majority of my time goes.  To parenting and work, laundry, etc.  Well, you know the drill (total pun intended with the Alaska reference!)  We are all multitasking, right?

Anyway, my point is, sometimes, in a few sentences or so, you can tell someone is a kindred spirit; that you really have to take a longer look at this inquiry. That, if this person had been in your high school or was your neighbor, you would be friends.  I am like that.  I am intuitive about people.  At least, most of the time.

So let me tell you about the book ‘How to Raise Great Kids’ and how you can get it.  You can click that link ahead of time or you can wait and I can tell you what I like about it.  This book has tips for learning, games and general all around fun with your children.  What I loved about the concept was the onus was put on the children to be great…..raise great kids.  I like that.  Then some of the pressure is off…..it becomes a partnership and both parents and children are responsible for their greatness.  And the children are expected to be respectful, have fun, gain self-confidence and more.  Now, I know you are thinking, ‘I know everything about parenting….what could I learn?‘ Trust me, you don’t know everything.  None of us do.  And the minute we realize that, we become better parents instantly.

There is nothing better than a great book....well, a great book signed by the author!

There is nothing better than a great book….well, a great book signed by the author!

This book is filled with tips for communication, hygiene, safety, instilling faith and confidence in little ones and the list goes on.  The chapters are short and filled with great suggestions.  If you are parenting or know a parent or are invited to a baby shower, this is a gem of a book.  Here’s the link: How to Raise Great Kids…..don’t be like me and wait.  Enjoy!  Parent away!  And the author’s advice and my advice:  cherish every minute of it….yes, parenting can be really fun!  It sounds like an oxymoron but it is not!

Oh, and here’s my favorite line – “Life is messy but when you cherish the golden moments and power through the inevitable tough times, you give your family a fighting chance to leave a positive legacy.”  Sage advice from Jim Gromer!.