Book Review: The Growth Mindset Coach

Disclaimer: I received a book to review. All opinions are my own,

I homeschool my children, but I have long been studying education and teaching methods. I have always been interested in different teaching theories and in what teachers can do to really help their students. I remember in college being amazed at the difference in teachers and how their students react to them and the lessons. I pay even more attention now because I am teaching my own children, and this is the most important thing I have ever done and ever will do. I love finding new ways to teach them. For me, teaching them to love learning, work hard, and be compassionate are at the top of the list.

When I was offered a copy of The Growth Mindset Coach: A Teacher's Month-by-Month Handbook for Empowering Students to Achieve, by Annie Brock, I knew I had to read it.  I have slowly started implementing some of their tactics. As they get older, I will be implementing more and more of these tactics, but right now, they are 3-years-old and kindergarten.

A COMPLETE AND EASY-TO-FOLLOW GUIDE FOR INSPIRING EVERY STUDENT WITH THE POWER OF GROWTH MINDSET

Created by teachers for teachers, this is the ultimate guide for unleashing students’
potential through creative lessons, empowering messages and innovative teaching.
The Growth Mindset Coach provides all you need to foster a growth mindset
classroom, including:

• A Month-by-Month Program
• Research-Based Activities
• Hands-On Lesson Plans
• Real-Life Educator Stories
• Constructive Feedback
• Sample Parent Letters

Studies show that growth mindsets result in higher test scores, improved grades and
more in-class involvement. When your students understand that their intelligence
is not limited, they succeed like never before. With the tools in this book, you can
motivate your students to believe in themselves and achieve anything.

Book Review: Superstitions

Disclaimer: I received a book to review. However, all opinions are my own.

In my "spare" time, I am a paranormal investigator, bigfoot researcher, unexplained phenomena researcher, and even write about these things (working on my second book now). I have always found things like this interesting. Two of the things I find the most interesting that are in my area of research are superstitions and urban legends. I love finding out how they start, so I just had to get my hands on a copy of Superstitions, by Max Cryer.

Some people casually say 'touch wood' when they speak of something they hope will happen. Others won't allow peacock feathers into the house. And almost anyone who finds a four-leafed clover will treasure it and keep it. Why? Some superstitions are so ancient and have been practised for so long that they have come to be regarded as just harmless and widely observed 'customs', without people realising they are basically superstitions. For instance, many people wouldn't bother tossing spilled salt over their left shoulder or avoid walking under a ladder. But they happily continue to wear a wedding ring and blow out candles on a birthday cake.

They don't know why - 'it's just a custom'. But both are actually superstitions. In a book full of surprises and revelations, Max Cryer explains the origins of many of the things we commonly say and observe and why we continue to include them in our lives: kissing under the mistletoe, the unlucky number thirteen, the significance of the bridal bouquet, saying 'bless you' after sneezing, the hanging of a horseshoe, 'the Scottish play', the danger in opals, the Leap Year proposal ... so many aspects of our lives are coloured by superstition. Now you can discover the reasons for them in a book that is both witty and informative. Superstitions will provide many 'Eureka' moments and settle many family disputes.

Book Review: Brand Bible

Disclaimer: I received a book to review. All opinions are my own. 

As you all know, in addition to homeschooling my kids, blogging, and various other projects, I also own my own business. My business specializes in getting offline businesses online. That includes creating online friendly branding. Creating a brand is one of my absolute favorite things and I've always liked studying brands, so when Quarto Knows offered me the Brand Bible to review, I knew I had to have it. I love the way this book takes you through different major brands and their history, teaching you how it works so well.

I like to reference this book when I am starting a new project. It allows me to see new things, as well as wipe my last project so that I can start fresh. When I do eventually finish my course, this will definitely be a recommended book.

Brand Bible, by Debbie Millman, is a comprehensive resource on brand design fundamentals. It looks at the influences of modern design going back through time, delivering a short anatomical overview and examines brand treatments and movements in design. You'll learn the steps necessary to develop a successful brand system from defining the brand attributes and assessing the competition, to working with materials and vendors, and all the steps in between. The author, who is the president of the design group at Sterling Brands, has overseen the design/redesign of major brands including Pepsi, Burger King, Tropicana, Kleenex, and many more.

10 Tips For A FANtastic Football Party

I live in South Carolina. Do you know what that combined with Fall means? Football! C-team, high school, college, and pros. It can mean backyard football around here. We just love football. We had an especially great year last year with Clemson going to the nationals and The Panthers going to the Superbowl. Adding to the excitement, we had a hometown boy come home to the Panthers this year. As you can imagine, we have been super pumped this year!

At my house, football is a celebration. We over-do the food, noise, decor, and snacks. That is just what we do. Over the last few years, I have learned some things that make a great football party even better, especially when the hostess loves the game, too.

10 Tips For The Perfect Football Party

1. Entertain the kids. Seriously, can you enjoy the game if you have bored kids under foot? No, so prepare ahead of time. I keep a box of kid entertainment ready. I include coloring books, puzzles, a movie with headphones, and bubbles to run off energy outside. I also get the kids up cheering along when the time is appropriate.

One of the best ways to keep kids occupied and happy is to grab the Fort Magic kit and let them build their own little getaway right in the den or living room. We know where they are yet everyone gets their own space. Plus, it's fun to help them build a football fort during halftime! 

2. Comfort is key! Pile some extra throws in a basket, throw some decorative pillows on the couch, and slam some oversized cushions on the floor. Encourage everyone to get comfortable, and everyone will enjoy their time more. 

3. Don't ware yourself out. Do you have a room that is an eyesore? Close the door; clean the main bathroom, kitchen, and den; and give yourself a break. I never worry about our bedroom, but the kids' rooms are always cleaned (they have kids in and out). 

4. Easy Meals. I have learned to not try and cook for our football parties. Sometimes for a Superbowl party, I'll cook some chili or something, but other than that, I cheat. If I'm providing dinner, which I usually do, especially for the kids, I'll pick up premade subs at the grocery or a catering tray from a local restaurant. Even spending a little extra, it is well worth it. I do not have to grocery shop, clean up, and everything else- I can enjoy the game. 

5. Make clean up easy! Strategically place waste bins around the guest area so that you end up with little trash piled around. Purchase disposable cups, plates, cutlery, and even serving items. You can just toss it and clean up is done. Add to that, some team table cloths to put over the tables, bars, and counters. This is also great for a kids' area- on the table or floor- then pick up and toss. 

6. Easy snacks. Purchase a variety of dips, chips, cookies, pretzels, and desserts. No one expects Martha Stewart, so just keep them in the original packaging and you are good to go! 

7. Easy Decor. I have always enjoyed having a variety of place settings and centerpieces at my disposal. Mix in a few of you team colors and you are set for a fabulous football party. 

8. Make it great. Looking for a way to add a little oomph to your party? Pick up a bakery cake with your team colors or shaped like a football. You will be the talk of the neighborhood. 

9. Don't stress. Seriously, your guests are not worrying about everything you are. They are there to have fun with the host/ hostess, not judge your food or house. Aim to have fun with your guests, and that is it. 

10. Popcorn (I have been compensated for this review. However, all opinions are my own). Popcorn is a staple of any party. Put it in a team tin and it can be the centerpiece of your game table. Popcorn from The Popcorn Factory is sure to please any guest. Coming in 150 different flavors, there is sure to be a flavor for you. I'm still partial to the 3 flavor tin, which is exactly what came in our Panthers tin that will be used in our house for years to come- cheese, butter, and caramel. You could easily put the tin on the coffee table, along with some paper cups to eat out of, and call that snack done!

You can order from The Popcorn Factory for just abut any occasion, or even have a tin specialized. The quality and freshness will not disappoint. They make an excellent Christmas gift as well. (hint, hint). 

Take A Chomp Out Of Mealtime!

Disclaimer: I received a product in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.

A while back, I was contacted about reviewing a traveling plate called Chomp, The Fun Plate. This is a unique design, in that it is a platainer (plate and container). It is perfect for picnics, leftovers, lunches, and many other uses.  It works especially well for getting kids excited about their meal.

The inventor, Dawn Janowitz, is awesome and kept me up to date with production. What I thought was so cool is that she kept thinking of ways to improve the product. That shows what kind of passion she has for Chomp! I was so very excited to get my hands on them, and I was not disappointed!

Dawn sent me one for each kid- the pink dog and the green alligator and my kids are in love. The features make me happy. The handle is an amazing addition- making it an all-contained lunch box. My favorite feature, besides that they are so fun, is the divider plate. My kids will not eat food if it has touched another food (they get that from me), so many leftover containers leave us out. Chomp keeps us covered though. I can save leftovers for a quick lunch, take food for a picnic, and even food for them to eat in the car when we have to drive for a while. I just love them! To get your own, visit ChompFun.com

Winner! #Chomp platainers get the job done at home or on the go. The divider and handles are wonderful additions @chompfunplates

A photo posted by Cari G | Chief This Handler💡 (@cari_on) on Oct 21, 2016 at 3:28pm PDT

This Halloween, Trick The Kids With Treats That Are Healthy

Crispy Fruit is So Delicious They’ll Never Have to Know!

FAIRFIELD, N.J. – October 4, 2016 – It’s that time of year again – stores are pushing those famous Halloween treats filled with shocking amounts of sugar, ghoulishly gummy goop and a whole lot of inessential ingredients you can’t even pronounce. Yep, they’re wrapped in devilishly attractive orange-and-black wrappers, but don’t be tricked into buying a ginormous bagful and handing them out to the neighbor kids. (You know you’re secretly hoping you don’t get many trick-or-treaters so you’ll have your own secret stash that your kids don’t have to know about!)

Instead, hand out Crispy Fruit freeze-dried fruit snacks from Crispy Green. There’s just one nutritious ingredient in every bag – fruit. That’s right, Crispy Fruit from Crispy Green® is 100% pure fruit, nothing else. So how is it like a treat? It’s all in the freeze-drying process that produces delicate slices that snack like a chip, but contain the perfect balance of flavor and nutrients provided by mother nature – making it both delicious AND healthy.

Lightweight and long-lasting (no refrigeration necessary), the tasty 100% natural, Non-GMO Project-verified snack is ideal for Halloween, but also perfect for school lunches and extracurricular activities for kids (and parents) constantly on the go. There are NO skeletons in the closet here – Crispy Fruit has no cholesterol or fat, no added sugar, is free of additives and preservatives, is nut-free, Kosher certified and has a long shelf life.

Crispy Fruit comes in several varieties to satisfy even the pickiest little ninja warrior or galaxy princess. Choose from seven flavors including tangerine, apple, Asian pear, banana, cantaloupe, mango and pineapple. All Crispy Fruit flavors are also available in a convenient "Grab & Go" 6-pack – six single-serving bags (MSRP: $7.99) – or individual, single-serving bags (MSRP: $1.49 each) that provide approximately one serving of fruit and 55 calories or less per bag.

Crispy Fruit is available online and in retailers such as The Fresh Market, Harris Teeter, ShopRite, Giant Eagle Market District, Earth Fare, Giant Food Stores, King Kullen, Safeway, Weis Markets, Shaw’s Markets and selected Whole Foods Markets. For more information, please visit www.crispygreen.com. To find a retailer in your area that carries Crispy Fruit, go to www.crispygreen.com/where-to-buy.html.

For news updates, information and special offers, follow Crispy Green on Twitter and Instagram. Become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Snapchat!

About Crispy Green

Crispy Green Inc. (crispygreen.com) is the maker of Crispy Green® Crispy Fruit (freeze-dried fruit) snacks. Crispy Fruit snacks are a delicious, convenient way to add more fruit to your daily diet. Founded in August 2004, their vision was to be the leading provider of high quality, natural food products desired by anyone who wants to live a healthier lifestyle. Crispy Green strives to be a trusted business partner and category leader, keeping the trade informed of industry issues, trends, new product introductions and innovative programs that provide multi-level growth opportunities. The company’s commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices such as truth of labeling provides transparency and traceability of their product’s origin. Crispy Green consistently provides high quality freeze-dried fruit snacks, adding new flavors to its Crispy Fruit line to meet market demands.

3 Ways To Organize With Tape

I will warn you. I am a little obsessed with tape. Seriously- all kinds! Magnet, glow in the dark tape, washi, it really doesn't matter. If it sticks, I want it. I use tape a good bit when I am organizing. Today, I'm going to share a few ways that tape helps keep me sane!

1. Stay Put! I use velcro tape for anything that needs to stay in its place. This may be remotes, pens, charts, and anything else that I want to stay in a particular place and do not want it to be easy for the kids to pick up. I even use velcro tape in school!

2. Planning! I use a variety of tape rollers (to glue down sticky notes), washi tape, paper tape, and even post-it tape while planning months and weeks. It is especially great for blocking off days for vacation, special projects, and anything else that will change your schedule drastically. I use it on the weeks for dividing up my days and more.

3. Labels! I like using masking tape to write labels on things. I also use chalkboard tape for this. I use washi tape to color code everything!!! Seriously, my, my husbands, and both kids electronics accessories are color coded with washi tape- even our rechargeable batteries are.

This is how I use tape to organize on a daily basis. However, I'm always finding new ways to use a variety of tape. For instance, I keep a roll of painters tape in my paranormal equipment bag for taping down cords and marking the placement of items that move. I also keep it in our school supplies for  impromptu hands-on lessons. I have recently discovered anti slip tape that is truly amazing. My husband's elderly grandparents live next door and we are always worrying about them slipping and falling. We put anti-slip tape down at steps and other places that may be slippery to help prevent falls.

See why I love tape?!

Thirty-One Gifts Offers $1 Enrollment for New Consultants

(COLUMBUS, OH) – October 3, 2016 – Thirty-One Gifts, one of the world’s largest direct-selling organizations, announces it is offering a limited-time $1 enrollment for potential sales consultants.

From now through October 14, potential sales consultants may now choose between the $1 enrollment or the traditional $99 enrollment in the U.S., which includes a starter kit of products and marketing materials for new consultants.

The new $1 enrollment does not include the starter kit, but does include a personal Thirty-One website with a monthly fee of $14.95. It also includes access to online versions of learning and business materials, plus access to marketing materials.

Consultants enrolling in the new program will sell products via online parties. As new consultants earn products through sales incentives, they may expand their businesses with home parties and catalog parties – where a hostess shares the Thirty-One catalog and collects orders for a period of time.

Through direct selling, sales consultants run their own businesses, working as much or as little as they want. Many women join in order to supplement their own or a spouse’s income or to earn money for something special.

To learn more, visit the Thirty-One Gifts website at http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/join/.

About Thirty-One Gifts

Thirty-One Gifts is the 38th largest direct-selling company in the world, offering purses and wallets, totes, home organization solutions and décor, jewelry and more. The company, however, is about much more than its products. Thirty-One is a family of individuals who share a passion for empowering women, and who are committed to celebrating, encouraging and rewarding others for who they are.

The name Thirty-One Gifts comes from Proverbs 31, of the Bible, which describes the attributes and the importance of a “virtuous woman.”

With a mission to help women by giving them the opportunity to own their own businesses, Thirty-One provides all the tools and support necessary to find success and possibly build a new career.

Cindy Monroe started Thirty-One in her basement in 2003. From those humble beginnings they’ve grown to include 82,000 independent sales Consultants across the U.S. and Canada – many of whom are reaching their dreams through this opportunity.

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Mom Problems: Wellness, Who Has Time For That?

As moms, we take care of everyone around us. Our husbands, children, parents, and even the community come first. At times, we neglect ourselves. In fact, just last month, I had this conversation with my doctor. It's great to take care of others, but part of that is actually taking care of ourselves as well. If we are not healthy, or if we are no longer here, we cannot care for those we love most.

A few of the areas that tend to be neglected the most are our skin, diet, weight, sleep, and overall health. We run around and worry about everyone else and what they are eating, which may not be the best for us. We have so many sleepless nights worrying about our children and their health, fears, and futures. When I was pregnant with TBomb, I was told that once he was born, I would never have a restful night sleep again and they were right. Somnapure Sleep Aid is a great help with this problem!

Never fear, though, hope is not lost. There is help out there. No matter your lifestyle, there is a routine, product, or plan that someone else has come up with that will help you get your life and health on track again!

Are you looking for a quick product that will help ease the look of wrinkles? Novuderm Skin Care is a collagen product that promises a dramatic decrease in the look of your wrinkles. I know I could use this help!

And to be honest, nothing feels better than sitting down for awhile to get a pedicure. After pampering everyone else, it's great to get pampered myself. A medispa is a good choice because you know you are in a sanitary place and everyone is trained so treat your feet right!

Listen moms: to be able to take care of those around you, you must also take care of yourself!