Culture
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Parenting :: Safe from the Summer Slide
You have definitely heard these two warm weather catch phrases: summer reading and summer slide. Nationwide, in both educational and literacy circles, parents, teachers, librarians and elected officials discuss ways in which to keep children actively learning throughout the summer months, especially as it relates to reading and math. There is definitely something to be said for the idea of keeping the brain active and not wanting kids to “forget” all of the skills they learned during their 180 days spent in school (as a stay-at-home mom for many years, I can relate…insert “mommy brain”). The amazing part to me…study after study reveals the same thing. And the…
- Creativity, Culture, Decor, DIY, Dwell, Garden, Get Organized, Kids, Laugh, Parenting, Play, Slideshow
Ideas to Throw a Great 4th of July Party!
When we were kids, a few days before the 4th of July, my dad would drive into a nearby city that sold fireworks. My brother and I would spend a considerable amount of time looking over the different packages they offered and always made sure we had some sparklers, the spinning flowers, and of course a couple grand-finale bottle rockets. Back in the day, people were allowed to purchase fireworks and use them on the 4th. This part was usually the highlight of the day for us kids and we loved opening up the large box of fireworks! Now-n-days, our city is the only place you can view fireworks at the local…
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Reflections :: Family Reunion Week
It was my 78th family reunion this past weekend. My father’s dad, one of eleven children, and my Grammy the saint, would pack my dad and his six brothers and sisters up and haul them into the mountains in Pennsylvania to be with their aunts and uncles. I’ve never been there, but grew up on fed stories of Lonely Acres much as I did on food. The dirty swimming hole, the cabin for all the kids, games that included a supposed rolling pin toss between couples, that left the men running towards the pond and the women falling over one another with a body laughter so specific only women know it’s true. When I…
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5 Top Adventure Stories For Kids
Long hot summer days are the perfect time to relax with a good book. And what better way to unwind than with a great adventure story? Keep your kids entertained these holidays with these adventurous and exciting tales. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe C.S. Lewis Four young English children discover an enchanted glacial world of talking animals and mythical creatures when they step through the back of their wardrobe. Widely hailed as one of the greatest children’s novels of the 20th century. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone J.K Rowling Go back to where it all began with this phenomenal series about a boy wizard and his friends,…
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Warner Brothers Jack the Giant Slayer Review and Giveaway
This week Warner Brox. released Jack the Giant Slayer on DVD & Blu-ray. Starring some of my favorite actors; Nicholas Hoult (About a Boy), Ewan McGregor (Star Wars, Moulin Rouge!), and Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones), the story is about Jack (Nicholas Hoult) fighting for his life and rescuing the princess from the giants who strive to reclaim the land they once lost after being unleased onto Earth for the first time in centuries. This movie looks like the type that has you are on the edge of your seat throughout the film. The special effects are amazing and the giant is pretty fierce. And if you are a fan…
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Garden :: The Beauty of the Sunflower
The sunflower has special meaning in my life and my relationship with my husband. When I give flowers to my husband for Father’s Day or for his birthday, I always give sunflowers. Back when we were dating, we were walking along a beach path in Laguna Beach, and I saw a gorgeous sunflower growing in front of a restaurant. He saw that I was admiring it and literally jumped over the fence, plucked it, and handed it to me. I remember thinking to myself “this is a guy who will do just about anything for me.” Fast forward 15 years later and we are still together! I do love how…