What Does Your Handwriting Say About Your Personality?

Guest Post Author: Essay Writing Service UK

As unbelievable as it may sound, your handwriting can reveal up to 5000 different personality traits! Just like a fingerprint, your handwriting is unique and no two people can have the same. Maybe you didn’t realize that graphology, the study of handwriting, was a thing well it really is and around 30% of companies use handwriting analysis as part of their recruitment process.

Graphology has been in practice for many years now and is a major personality assessment tool in many fields. From how you curve your lowercase ‘s’ and how you space your letters, to how you cross your ‘t’s and how big your letters are, your handwriting (even just your signature) will say something different about your personality.

Are you ambitious, optimistic with a good self-esteem? Are you a people pleaser who avoids confrontation? Are you spontaneous? Are you skeptical? Are you a sports lover? Whether you have the neatest writing around, scruffiest writing or perhaps something in between, check out the below infographic by Essay Writing Service UK and see just what your handwriting reveals about your personality...

Original 

Don’t Let the Cold Keep you Away from your Grill

Enjoy the flavours of cooking over open flame all year long 

BARRIE, Ont. — Just because there is a blanket of snow in your backyard doesn’t mean you have to confine yourself to the kitchen when it comes to preparing your meals.

In the midst of winter, your outdoor grill may look like a nondescript white lump, buried under the most recent dumping of snow. But that has not rendered it unusable. Even in the worst cold winter can throw at you, you can crank up the heat in your barbecue and cook some delicious meals — just like you would enjoy in the middle of July on the patio.

“A little bit of snow on the ground is no excuse to stay away from your barbecue,” says Stephen Schroeter, Senior Vice President of Napoleon Gourmet Grills. “Beat back some of that winter cabin fever by clearing a path, bundling up, getting outside and throwing a nice steak on the grill.”

When grilling in the winter, there are some things you should take into consideration. Schroeter offers the following advice for premium backyard winter grilling:

• Clear the snow. No matter how cold it is, do not set up your barbecue in your garage, shed or any enclosed space. This may increase the chances that you will be grilling in the snow, but that is part of the experience. Shovel a safe path to your grill, and make sure you clear all the snow off your grill before heating it up. 

• Get it hot. It may be -10°C outside, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your barbecue fired up to 500°F — it may just take a little longer. A word of advice – constant opening and closing of the lid will cause you to lose heat faster than you would in the summer. Once you have reached an optimal temperature, get your meat on the grill quickly and close the lid. 

• Be patient. Winter grilling is different than throwing some burgers on the barbecue in the middle of summer. Cold air temperatures mean it will take longer for your grill to reach optimum cooking temperature, and every time you open the lid you will lose valuable heat. But that also means it is ideal for trying a dish like smoked ribs cooked over indirect heat. 

• Get the right equipment. Heat resistant gloves will both keep your hands warm and protect you from the heat of the grill. With the early arrival of darkness in winter, chances are you will need additional light. If your BBQ doesn’t come equipped with it’s own light, there are lights you can attach to your grill, or even to your spatula. If you are cooking a big cut of meat like a roast or whole chicken, the Napoleon PRO Wireless Digital Thermometer allows you to monitor the temperature of your meat from the comfort of your warm living room.  

• Try infrared cooking. As close as you can get to charcoal cooking without actually using charcoal. 10,000 ports heat up a ceramic burner until it glows red, searing your cuts of meat without drying them out. The result is a clean, consistent method of cooking that produces juicier, tastier steaks and burgers. An added bonus: it cooks quicker, meaning you don’t have to stand outside as long!

“It is also important to have the right kind of grill for cooking in the middle of a Canadian snowstorm,” says Schroeter. “High quality stainless steel is not only durable and rust resistant, but it can also withstand high temperatures and extreme colds.”

Napoleon has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 Best Managed Companies, an annual distinction sponsored by CIBC World Markets, Deloitte, The National Post, Queen’s School of Business and CEO Forum.

For more information, please visit www.napoleonproducts.com. Follow Napoleon on Twitter @Follow_Napoleon and Like it on Facebook.

About Napoleon

It all began in 1976 when a small steel fabrication business launched by Wolfgang Schroeter started manufacturing steel railings in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. At that time, no one could imagine the incredible future that lay ahead for Wolf Steel Ltd. and eventually Napoleon® Fireplaces and Napoleon® Gourmet Grills. Since the first wood stove rolled off the production line more than 35 years ago, WolfSteel’s commitment was to be distinctive and successful in everything they do. Napoleon’s commitment to producing quality products combined with honest, reliable service has proven to be successful framework to ensuring the continued rapid growth of the company. Napoleon® is an ISO9001 - 2008 registered company and now operates with 1.4 million square feet of manufacturing space and employs more than 1,000associates. Napoleon® is North America’s largest privately owned manufacturer of quality wood and gas fireplaces (inserts and stoves), gourmet gas and charcoal grills, outdoor living products and a complete line of Heating & Cooling equipment. Napoleon has been named one of Canada’s Top 50 Best Managed Companies, an annual distinction sponsored by CIBC World Markets, Deloitte, The National Post, Queen’s School of Business and CEO Forum.

Brooklyn Owl: Make Every Day Magical

I'm sure by now that you know that mythical beings play a big role in our house. Between researching bigfoot, ghosts, chupacabra, and more, and encouraging our kids to think and imagine, magical and mythical creatures are brought up almost on a daily basis. When I got an email about Brooklyn Owl, I was immediately intrigued, as it encourages dress up, imagination, thinking, entrepreneurship, and so much more.

In case you’re looking for last-minute gift ideas, I want to introduce you to Brooklyn Owl. This company has made the world more colorful and imaginative. From unicorn horns, party garlands and cake toppers, Brooklyn Owl allows you and your little one to use your creative minds and go on special adventures.  

Give the Gift of Imagination with Brooklyn Owl

Whether it’s for your niece, little sister or granddaughter, give the special girl in your life the gift of imagination this holiday season. She’ll love to relish in the magic of Brooklyn Owl’s handmade unicorn horn headbands.

Show your little lady that the sky is the limit when it comes to using your imagination. Brooklyn Owl specializes in creating beautiful, handmade unicorn horn headbands that come in an assortment of fairy-tale like hues and designs. These unique creations make the ultimate play experience for your little princess to play make-believe in an enchanted world of adventure!

This holidays season watch your child gallop around like a majestic unicorn with Brooklyn Owl and its cool features:

• Unique: Dedicated to creating quality, each unicorn headband is handmade in NYC and is completely authentic to ensure your little girl feels special.
• Festive: Perfect for a last minute Halloween costume or birthday parties. Brooklyn Owl even offers dazzling party decorations.
• Lightweight and comfortable: Made with a thin elastic headband that you can easily slip over your head. The base of the horn is sewn onto the headband delivering maximum security for even the highly active unicorn.
• Available in 3 different sizes: Original, tween, and mini.
• Original gifts: Ready for the squeals of happiness? Brooklyn Owl makes a fun holiday gift for all ages and is unisex
• Great for pets too: Transforms your beloved pet into the unicorn you’ve always dreamed of!
• Affordable: Starting at $14

Brooklyn Owl makes the world more whimsical by inspiring people of all ages to follow their magic! Get her this perfect, inspiring gift to put a smile on her face and watch her imagination go above and beyond.

To learn more go to http://www.brooklynowl.com

Follow Us:

#BrooklynOwl

Web: www.BrooklynOwl.com  

FB:  http://www.facebook.com/BrooklynOwl

Etsy: www.BrooklynOwl.etsy.com

Twitter: @brooklynowlnyc

Instagram: @BrooklynOwl

How to Know When to Test Your Kid for Colorblindness and Tips for Families and Educators

There are several early warning signs when a child is suffering from colorblindness. One tell-tell sign is that they smell their food before they eat it. Colorblind kids have a great nose for the food they are eating because they identify the food by smell as opposed to a distinguishing color. Another sign is that they often suffer in school.  By identifying warning signs before first grade, parents can work with educators on helping kids overcome the difficulty of experiencing color deficiencies.

Having discovered the reason why humans see red-green colors, I want to share some signs on identifying colorblindness and offer some tips on how to correct this issue before they have any lasting developmental effects.

1. Does your child exhibit a low attention span when offered the chance to color? Most kids love to color and giving kids a coloring book should create at least a few minutes or even an hour of busy time. If a parent notices disinterest and a low attention span to coloring, this can signal a problem with your child being able to recognize color. One tip to see if the interest in coloring can increase, label color crayons or pencils with the name of the color and a number. Put the corresponding number on the picture and evaluate if your child becomes more engaged in the act of coloring.
2. Does your child have difficulties connecting with other people or reacting to emotion such as blushing or anger in other people’s expressions? Colorblindness actually handicaps children from seeing the blushes or exhaustion and other skin colors that happen for different emotional states, and that, in turn, can limit their ability to sense what others are feeling. This lack of reaction can often be a sign that a child needs testing.
3. Does colorblindness run in your family? Colorblindness is hereditary, thought to be found in eight percent of males and one percent of females, so if an adult family member is colorblind, the offspring should be tested, and at an early age. This is not just a vision test. Test specifically for colorblindness. There are several tests that identify color deficiencies, and some can even be found on the internet such as these tests that are meant to be easy and created for younger children, and can also be performed at a pediatrician’s office. 
4. Is your child exhibiting anxiety about school?  A colorblind child can have anxiety about school and experience indifference or boredom when it comes to learning. When so many lessons are taught using color grouping and color coding, how can you blame them?  To alleviate any anxiety, purchase color correction glasses to be worn while doing homework and ask the teacher to have a pair on hand too to use when color-based educational lessons are being taught. Have the teacher explain how they help students see color as to not alienate anyone in the class. There are also some apps that help correct colorblindness that can be accessed from the classroom.

Colorblindness will come with some developmental difficulties, but if caught early, and with the use of technology and extra effort from parents and educators to help a child along it won’t impede too much on a child’s lifestyle.

About the author:

Dr. Mark Changizi, Mark Changizi is a theoretical neurobiologist, science writer, author and creator of VINO.vi 

TreasureToons: Christian Entertainment For Kids #Giveaway

This post and giveaway are sponsored by Oodles World and the FrontGate Christian Blogger Network. The opinions about how it will serve our home well are my own. 

I hate to admit this, but in my house, cartoons are a babysitter. No, I do not sit my kids in front of the television. I generally get my work done while they are napping or after they go to bed. I even take my laptop in whatever room they are playing in and watch them play while I work. Sometimes, that doesn't work. At times, I have a deadline or a phone call to make when they should be playing and being loud kids. During these times, I pop a cartoon in and let them watch it so mommy can have 30 minutes of quiet. So, yes, cartoons are a babysitter for me.

Cartoons are also a subject of debate for my husband and myself. We agree that they should watch wholesome, educational things, but sometimes disagree on what that may be. Because of this, we have selected a few DVDs that the kids can watch. These were no longer allowing me quiet time, as they are not fans of watching the same thing over and over again. I was ready for something new.

TreasureToons came to the rescue with Christian entertainment that the kids learn from, and my husband and I agree on. TreasureToons puts the scripture to song, so that they stick with our kids longer. I love teaching them the praise songs and nursery songs I grew up with, so adding these to the mix was a definite winner. TreasureToons would be the perfect addition to your home theater collection.

Need a break from the hectic holidays? Enter to win the Mommy Sanity Saver Sweepstakes – a $100 VISA GIFT CARD for you and a treasure trove of fun for your little one. Visit Treasure Toons on Facebook or Instagram to enter. Promotion runs 12/1/16 – 12/15/16.

§  Grand Prize: There will be two (2) grand prizes available to be won, consisting of $100 Visa Gift Card, Treasure Toons DVD, Wonderfully Made CD and frog plush toy. TOTAL ARV of grand prizes is: $240. One winner to be selected from each Facebook and Instagram promotion.

§  First Prize(s): There will be 10 first prize(s) available to be won, each consisting of TreasureToons (ARV: $13 each). TOTAL ARV of first prize(s): $130. 5 winners to be selected from each Facebook and Instagram promotion.

§  Second Prize(s): There will be 20 second prize(s) available to be won, each consisting of Wonderfully Made CD (ARV: $12 each). TOTAL ARV of second prize(s): $240. 10 winners to be selected from each Facebook and Instagram promotion.

Visit www.treasuretoons.com/sweepstakes for more information.

Looking For A Pen Pal For Your Child? Check Out Ben The Rooster #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I have partnered with the company to bring you this post and giveaway. All opinions are my own.

For a while now, I have been looking into pen pal options for Tbomb and Snapper. I have seen some interesting options, but nothing I was really happy about. I put that idea on the backburner, knowing that eventually, the right one for our family would pop up. I was definitely right. I got an email from the folks at Ben The Rooster, and was immediately on board.

Not only is this an adorable barnyard pen pal, but it teaches so much to the little ones. They get to practice reading the postcard that Ben sends, they get to complete an activity (like drawing a picture) and send it back. Your little's postcard might just make it on their Instagram feed!

From Ben: I'm a readin', writin' rooster!
Put down the tablet and open the mailbox! My postcards are waiting! I write two postcards each month about life on the farm, and I love sending them to little readers just like yours. They're bright, fun, and a great way to practice reading and writing. Best of all, they cost less than your pumpkin spice latte - just $4.00 per month!

I love that they are barnyard themed as well. We live out in the country and love teaching the kids about farming, animals, gardening, the woods, and everything else that relates to country life. These postcards will give us another outlet to discuss these things.

When you get the postcard, your child will be so excited. What child doesn't love getting mail. Then, read it with your little and focus on the theme words provided. There is an excellent option for discussion, and Ben will send those early to mom and dad. Then, your little gets to complete the activity on the stamped postcard and stick it in the mailbox. How much fun is that?! We might even take a field trip to the post office the learn even more about how we get mail!

Holiday Package Giveaway

Are you interesting in receiving this special holiday package for your little one? It includes a 2017 coloring calendar (each month contains a coloring page- showcase your child's skills and stay organized) and a 6-month subscription to Ben's postcards. You can learn more here. 

This would make an excellent Christmas gift that will keep giving all year. Better yet, it isn't adding the chaos of toys (if your house is anything like mine, we are overflowing with toys!) Why not give an educational gift the child can look forward to each month? 

This is a $36 value, but you can win one here. Just comment and let me know why your child needs a pen pal! Don't forget to include your email address. I will choose a winner Friday, December 16th. Good luck!!!

From Ben: On December 16, I'll ship the calendar and a holiday card to your little reader, and then, the six-month subscription will begin on January 1. Your little reader is going to love it!

Make His Room Shine With 3DLIGHTFX

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

I'm sure you have figured out from my instagram feed and from everywhere else that my little guy is totally OBSESSED with Spider-Man. I am not exaggerating at all. He has binoculars, a camera, a backpack, hat, table ware, toys, action figures, walkie talkies, school supplies, web-shooters, and so much more. It is actually to the point that we are running out of things to buy for him, besides the really large ticket items (like the car he could drive with web-shooters attached).

3DLIGHTFX came to the rescue with their totally awesome night lights, available at Target ($23.99). This 3D night light is in two seperate sections. There is a crack sticker that goes on the wall, under the actual night light. It is designed so that it looks like spiderman's head is coming through the wall. Then, the Light itself is a 3D battery opperated mask. When it is lit up, you can still see the cracks. My son flipped when he saw it on the wall. It was light spiderman was coming in his room, watching over him while he slept.

He is easily scared by shadows, so not he knows that Spider-Man is watching out for him.

Book Review: No Snow For Christmas

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

This year, both kids are finally able to really get into the excitement of Christmas. However, they both want snow. Why? Because apparently it is supposed to snow on Christmas. Well, we live in South Carolina and that just doesn't happen here. They still believe in magic, so getting them to understand that things happen in their own time isn't always easy. Well, Capstone sent me the perfect book to explain this to my children. After we read No Snow For Christmas, they decided to let snow come in its own time and understood that it will be magical whenever it comes.

No Snow for Christmas

by Jill Kalz

Illustrated by Sahin Erkocak

($8.99 Here)

Fawn Braun is worried. There is no snow, and Christmas Eve is tomorrow. Without snow, Christmas may be ruined. With a little help and imagination, Fawn and her friends are ready to save Christmas.

Its A Doll's World: Springfield 18" Dolls + #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I was offered a sample to review and host a giveaway. I have not been compensated in any other way and all opinions are my own.


Dolls Dolls Dolls... No, I'm not writing a song. I'm looking around my house. Snapper loves dolls. She has a ton and tons of things to go with them. However, since she is 3, her doll collection consists of mostly baby dolls and a few small doll house size dolls. She has decided that should change. Every time we are in a toy store or toy section, Snapper's eye is caught by one of the many dress up 18" dolls and their accessories. This is the first time that she has really paid attention to a type of toy like that. I knew she had to have one. Have you shopped for one of those things? Lets not even talk about the accessories.

Well, I was browsing one day and stumbled across a very interesting site. Springfield dolls. They offer a collection of 5 dolls (Abby, Emma, Madison, Maria, and Olivia) and a wide range of accessories, including clothing, shoes, and furniture. The dolls and accessories are very reasonably and competitively priced. In fact, the dolls are just $21.99. The dolls are very basic, coming only with a dress. I think this is best though because you can choose the outfit you want and you don't have to worry about the outfit being on the right hair color. That was a big problem with me when shopping the other dolls. They also offer another line: B*Utiful Dolls (Gabriella, Hailey, and Maya) that have a little more sass in their step.

Let me tell you- I have been having so much fun with Abby. I've  been crafting away and honestly can't wait until Snapper is a little bigger and we can doll craft together. I have been out of the "doll world" for a couple of decades now and I'm amazed at how much it has changed. My biggest surprise is how Abby has help miss Snapper though. She is finally starting to talk a little, but we are still working on her anxiety and on her imagination. I can tell a huge difference with her while she is playing with Abby. She seems so different. For lack of a better way to put it, she is like a normal girl.



I'm looking forward to planning some dolly sleepovers, tea parties, and play dates in the spring!

I honestly cannot wait to expand on her Springfield collection and make things for her doll. This is a perfect doll for any little girl out there who is looking for a dolly best friend. Guess what?!?!

One little girl out there is going to be very lucky! Do you want to win an Abby for your little girl? Just comment below for your entry. I will select a winner December 9, 2016. She will be at your house just in time to be put under the Christmas Tree!

Enjoy These Healthy Stocking Stuffer Ideas This Holiday

Holidays bring a special challenge to my family. My children are not only sensitive to red dye, but they are also extremely limited in their sugar. I have to make sure that I send Santa a special note to please remember this when filling their stockings. I thought I would send suggestions along with that note this year. Here are several options to fill stockings with instead of sugary treats.

*Vitamins: They have to have vitamins every day, so why not pop a bottle in the stocking?!

*Fresh Fruit: This is a tradition, but so many people seem to be forgetting it lately

*Bath Products: Put in some fun soap and bubble bath

*School Supplies: These were always my favorite growing up. Santa always found the cutest ones too!

*Crispy Green Crispy Fruit: My kids love these and cannot get enough of these. I like to divide a case between them.

Crispy Fruit are 100% freeze-dried fruit slices that are made of real fruit and nothing else. The taste in Crispy Fruit comes from the fresh fruit itself. There is no sugar, sweeteners or other additives used to enhance the tastes or appearance. Crispy Fruit does not contain preservatives.

Crispy Green is committed to bringing you the most wholesome, delicious snacks using only the best natural ingredients. Our Crispy Fruit freeze-dried snacks are a smart and satisfying choice for healthy snacking!

 

*Travel Games

*Tiny Toys

*Coupon Books

*Craft Supplies

*Calendar

*Hand Sanitizer

*Chap Stick

*There are so many options that viable for a stocking. These do not have to be sugary sweet things. I love the challenge of filling a stocking with non-candy items!

Support small business while keeping kids safe with brainskinz™ interchangeable-shell helmets

St. Louis (December 1, 2016) - Launched earlier this year by two St. Louis dads, brainskinz™ interchangeable-shell helmets make the perfect holiday gift this season. Combining safety and style, brainskinz™ helmets were five years in the making, and have been thoughtfully designed with kids in mind.

“Over and over again, I would see kids throughout the neighborhood, riding without helmets,” said founding partner, John Polansky. “More often than not, they would have their helmets with them, but they’d be dangling from their handlebars. When I’d ask them about this, I was continuously told that either they didn’t like the way their helmets looked or they didn’t like the way they felt. This soon became my mission, to figure out a way to make kids want to wear their helmets, every time they went out biking or skateboarding, and I knew it was a matter of combining function and form with a bit of personal expression thrown in for good measure.”

Industrial design engineers at Fred Sparks (www.fredsparks.com), along with Polansky himself, designed both the “Base” helmet which brainskinz calls “function,” as well as the decorative “Shells” which brainskinz calls “form.” “With so many customers looking to support small businesses, products like brainskinz are a sought-after alternative to all the big box merchandise,” said Polansky. “If your kid is getting a bike, skateboard or scooter this holiday season, they’re going to need a helmet for safety that can match their ever-changing style.”

The base helmet is comfortably outfitted with soft, satiny padding, an adjustable clasp-style chinstrap, and a dial-fit that perfectly conforms to a child’s head. The base helmet meets safety testing requirements for bicycling and skateboarding, and can be worn with or without a shell. “The shell, however, is kinda the whole point, it’s where the fun comes in,” said partner Brad Gilmore. “Kids love being able to express themselves, changing out the shell based on whatever mood or style they’re feeling that day.”

Design elements have come from Boxing Clever (www.boxing-clever.com) among others, with new shell designs available now. Customers can currently receive 10% off with discount code BSKZ%.

About brainskinz

brainskinz™ are fun, changeable helmets that your kids will love to wear! brainskinz™ are colorful, playful, and just plain fun. brainskinz™ can be worn pretty much any time your kids are in motion, and when they get tired of a design, they can simply detach the current Shell and choose another from their collection. Keeping it fresh means keeping them on their melons!

Stockings For Youth Groups With #OrientalTrading

Disclaimer: I received products to create the stockings for a type of community service project. All opinions are my own.

Christmas is not about gifts, we all know this. However, we still like to give. Many of us think about what we will give all year, as to make sure it is perfect. I do this for the items I will make. The problem is that some things sneak up on me. There were a couple of groups of kids that I needed to give a gift to this year and for the life of me, I couldn't figure out what to do. A few of the kids I wanted to help the parents out a little and the other kids are always giving to the community, so I wanted to fix them up a thank you gift. Not only can this be expensive, but it can be hard to figure out exactly what to give each kid. Well, I came up with the perfect solution. Stockings!

I was able to give each child the same thing and they would all benefit and love it. Many of the gifts are great for while the kids are out of school, and many will be enjoyed all year. All 12 of these stockings can be assembled with a lot of goodies for right at $50, thanks to Oriental Trading.

To make matters even simpler, clean off the kitchen table and create an assembly line. This can be something kids can help with too. It would be great to throw in a short lesson about giving as well. If any items that go inside need to be assembled, go ahead and do that as well, like with the sleigh pencils.

For these particular stocking, I included the following items from Oriental Trading, afterall, they are the one stop shop for crafts, gifts, and events.

• Color your own stockings
• Markers
• Snowglobe Craft
• Bible Marker Craft
• Bible Marker
• Owl Pencils
• Holiday Sleigh Pencils (with to/ from card)
• Nativity Flashlight with lanyard
• Nativity Sticker Scene
• Christmas Bulb pencil sharpener
• Bubble Gum Tape
• Christmas Stickers

That is a lot for a little bit of money and I am confident that every child will feel appreciated and truly enjoy their loot, especially while they are out of school. I don't know about you, but I always try to include some extra crafts, puzzles, art supplies, and coloring books to keep my kids busy while we take a couple of weeks off after Christmas. This allows me to get some extra work done and even get ahead on school stuff. I thought this would make other parents happy as well.

Looking for a deal at Oriental Trading? Visit their coupon page for the latest in sales.