UPDATE on Contest to Win a Free Growing Up Green Book!

Update: Well, I still have a book to give away, People! No one has commented, so I don't have a winner today - April 22, 2008. So here's the deal - first person to leave a thoughtful comment about this post will win this book! Be sure to leave or send me your email so I can get your mailing information!

I recently received a copy of the book by Deirdre Imus, Growing Up Green! Volume Two: Baby and Child Care. Deirdre offers numerous ways that parents of young children can "go green" and raise happy, healthy children. She covers everything from greening up during your pregnancy, to healthy eating for babies and kids, to managing your adolescents. I liked the section on Green Pediatrics, which covers all kinds of health issues and how to work with your doctor to manage your child's health. It includes discussions on vaccines, allergies, weight management and more.

Overall, I found it very thought provoking and interesting. It offers lots of practical ideas for going greener with your family. It also provides ideas for how you can advocate for a greener environment in your child's school and other situations.

Now to the good stuff - because I got it as a freebie to review - you can benefit! Just post a comment here and/or link to my post and I'll put you in a drawing to receive this new book absolutely free! I will award the winner and post it here on April 22nd (I have to travel to Alabama, so I'll award it when I get back!) It's only been read once, by me! I think anyone with kids will enjoy it!

Another Reason to Be a Reader - Lead Poisoning Protection

Another positive attribute I can chalk up to myself and to most of my family....Being well-read protects from lead poisoning! Our daughters' principal is always using the slogan, "Readers are Leaders", well how about "Readers are Lead-Free" - just not as catchy, I guess. Another good reason to go back and read all 3000 plus pages of the Harry Potter series....get going!

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows is Perfect!

I did a grand speed-reading record yesterday - I received my Harry Potter in the mail at 11:00a.m. and finished it at 9:00p.m. with just a few bathroom breaks and meal breaks, but usually I was reading at those times. I did not read the end first. I don't think I've ever read a book so fast, and I'm a very, very fast reader....just ask my family....I will ignore them for the time it takes to finish any book I like.....at least I do it quickly.

I have got to agree with the many reviews out there that this is indeed the best of the series. It is a truly masterful completion bring all the story arcs and characters together for a finale that is better than any of the other fantasy stories of all time. I can't wait to see how they make this into a movie! I won't giveaway plot or other tidbits for those who are still reading, but it contains many twists and answers so many unanswered plot questions. If only Lost would do the same! I am very pleased with the entire outcome! So will Stephen King.

Harry Potter Almost Here!

I saw on the morning news that record numbers of the Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows have, of course, been ordered. I have mine coming from Walmart.com, but Amazon.com says the 2nd largest mail order came from the zip code across the river from me in Orange Park, FL! That is in the entire USA! Maybe we'll go to one of the parties there tonight. By the way, the number one city ordering books was Falls Church, VA. So those government types like Harry too!

Quidditch Anyone? Harry Potter is a world of it's own

I loved this article about how college students created a way to play Harry Potter's magical game Quidditch in real life. I think the last line says it all...

"Running around on brooms does appeal to a surprising number of college students."

I think I'll send my kids there ;)

In the meantime Happy Harry Potter Weekend! I have my copy coming in the mail on Saturday!

Readers are Leaders!

Readers are Leaders! Our school principal likes to drive us all crazy with that little phrase, but she is right. We do have to work hard to keep the little buggers from having minds of mush over the summer of TV! I'm doing my part today to take them to our library's summer program kickoff! They do a little show and have an incentive program to get the kids to read each week. So off we'll go...what will you do?

Review: The Gifted Kids' Survival Guide

My 8 year old daughter's review of The Gifted Kids' Survival Guide by Judy Galbraith



1) What did you like about the book the best? 4 great ways to turn on your brain. What did you find helpful? How to be the best you can be.



2) Would you recommend it? Yes. Why? It is helpful with tips you can use to handle problems in school.



Mom's comments: I bought this because she had been somewhat depressed lately with all she had to deal with as being marked "special" as a gifted kid in elementary school. She read it and told me that it was very helpful and that she found a lot to relate to in the comments from kids in the book. I would also recommend it as a parent of a gifted child

Arghhhh! Abandon hope, all ye who enter...

Ok, it's my turn!

Here's something I picked up off of one of my RSS feeds:



Too Cool! I can't wait to check this puppy out!

If you want more info, here's the Pirate Parenting website.