Tuesday, September 8, 2009

7 Tips for a Healthy School Year

Information provided by BCBSM.com

1) Organize the night before. A mad morning rush gives every one's day a stressful start. Skip the drama by taking a few unhurried minutes in the evening to load backpacks and lay out school clothes. Are there forms to be signed? Do snacks or lunches need packing?

2) Set a bedtime and stick to it. School children need nine to 11 hours of sleep. Kids who don't wake easily, often seem irritable or lack daytime energy need more sleep. Sleep is important for many things, from overall growth to learning and concentration at school. Help kids wind down quietly before lights-out.

3) Make breakfast. If your child hasn't eaten since dinner the night before, there's no energy to draw from - the gas tank is empty. Kids learn better with food in their stomachs. Kids who eat breakfast are leaner because they're not as likely to snack on high-calorie, low-nutrient foods later in the day.

4) Learn what's up. Ask open-ended questions, such as: "What were the best and the hardest parts about today?" or "What things stress you out?" Kids are more apt to open up about problems if you show interest.

5) Teach safety. Think through your child's day from the moment he or she leaves for school to the time he or she gets home. How can he or she stay safe - from wearing a bike helmet to avoiding strangers to keeping doors locked at home.

6) Spell out expectations. Discuss appropriate classroom behavior, a homework policy, balancing social time and schoolwork, and grade goals. Set the path for them and they'll know when they're on track.

7) Practice relaxation. It's important for everybody to have some downtime, even children. As you sign kids up for sports and other activities, ask yourself: "Whose needs are being met - mine or my child's?"

Always remember to say, "I love you" everyday ~






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Thursday, September 3, 2009



While flipping through a special issue of Better Homes and Gardens I found this cool website www.hotcakesdesign.com!! The website is full of necklaces, bracelets,brooches,rings, earrings and cufflinks in a variety of designs. I love the raven ring and necklace...so Halloweenish!!

This is the way I like to dress ~ Visit Shopstyle.com

Aldo at ShopStyle
Old Navy at ShopStyle
Anthropologie at ShopStyle
Old Navy at ShopStyle
Old Navy at ShopStyle

Places I like to shop ~

ShopStyle search:


I love these yellow dishes & pitcher

Books I read over and over again

  • I love Country Living Magazine!!!
  • Pretty Little Things ~ Sally Jean Alexander
  • Carolyn Westbrook ~ Home
  • Home Comforts The Art & Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson
  • How Not To Look Old by Charla Krupp
  • Style by Kate Spade
  • Manners by Kate Spade
  • Nell Hill's Style at Home
  • Nell Hill's Decorating Secrets
  • Nell Hill's Christmas at Home
  • Country Living Cottage Style
  • Country Living Small Spaces & Cozy Corners
  • Shabby Chic by Rachel Ashwell
  • The Shabby Chic Home by Rachel Ashwell
  • Celebrating Home by Season's of Cannon Falls
  • Tracy Porter's Home Style

My Top Ten Movie Choices

  • 1.) The Notebook
  • 2.) How To Make An American Quilt
  • 3.) A Beautiful Mind
  • 4.) Bridge to Taribithia
  • 5.) The Pursuit of Happyness
  • 6.) Chocolat
  • 7.) Pay It Forward
  • 8.) Memiors of a Geisha
  • 9.) My Big Fat Greek Wedding
  • 10.) 13 Going on 30

This is my kitchen. I wanted the cabinets to have more of a furniture look to them. I will take more pictures of this room later. :)

An end table in my living room. I love all my little trinkets!!!!

This is actually a birdbath with a garden angel positioned inside. I added the greenery for a halo and around the base of the angel. :)