Here I am after coming back from dinner with my little family in town. We went to a "new for us" place. It was just Ok. Nice view, OK food but the atmosphere was a bit old and pathetic.
Join me this week and show your smiling face.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Self Portrait Sunday - July 31, 2010
Here I am after coming back from dinner with my little family in town. We went to a "new for us" place. It was just Ok. Nice view, OK food but the atmosphere was a bit old and pathetic.
Join me this week and show your smiling face.
Weekend Winner Announcement
Dear Readers, Sorry it took me so long to run the numbers!
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
49 - Justine PiersonTimestamp: 2010-07-31 22:14:39 UTC
Ahhhh....took me forever to make sure Justine had "liked" National Geo Kids on Facebook. I will have to change this to asking you guys to grabbing a link of a comment or something.
Anywhoooooo, congrats Justine. I will be emailing you, please contact me with if you do not receive one.
Thanks to everyone who entered.
Camera Critters - The Mutant Fly
For the past 3 years, Goddess has had a fascination with insects. It could be all the bug catches I got them from the age of 1 because I wanted to show them their world but whatever it is, Handsome does not have the same fascination.
We catch everything we spot outside in a bug catcher so Goddess could get a better glance at it.
Teach and Goddess came rushing in last weekend while I was on the phone with my girlfriend Teresa (funny, she actually tossed a drink one day while here to capture a bee for Goddess to see. It was strictly instinct because she runs from bees usually). The fly was huge. It was bigger than a horse fly and just ugly.
The bug catcher had been outside and was full of moisture so it was hard to get a good photo.
Here is one I took of it in the catcher.
Teach is a bit braver (hell he is the one who caught it) and opened the lid and snapped these.
So, I did a bit of researching and I believe what we have here a March fly, horse fly, deer fly.
BTW...I had no idea!
Saturday 9: Bad Day
1. Is there anything that you tend to do to cheer up when you are having a bad day? I just hang around my kids. My kids never really see me in anything other than a good mood but if it happens, getting hugs from them or just listening to them talk changes everything. However, if they are the ones who put me in a temporary bad mood, like my daughter and her little while lies lately, all bets are off. Reading a trash mag usually does the trick.
2.What’s the last card game you played, and with whom did you play? It was Go Fish with Goddess. She can't hold the cards so I see all of them and have to ask for things I she doesn't have because that would be cheating to always win.
3.What’s the last board game you played, and with whom did you play? Lauri and her son brought over the Twilight board game last week.
4.What’s the last computer game you played, and with whom did you play? It was Webkinz and I played all by my little lonesome. It has been over 4 months. I really need to check those animals.
5.Is there somewhere you’d like to visit but have not, and where is it? I would love to visit so many places. Not a good flyer but I would love to see Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Canada but only for the opportunity I want to take pictures.
6.Think of your favorite movie (or a movie you really like, if you can’t think of a favorite). Some people say that the reasons you love your favorite movie are related to what you value in romantic relationships. How is this true or untrue in your case? I don't know about any of that mumbo jumbo. I like The Notebook because even after his wife couldn't remember who he was, he remained devoted to her and he felt finding the memory for her was his duty. He loved and adored her enough to remain with her even after she couldn't remember him, even as a "friend" until the moment she knew him.
7.What physical attributes do you find the most attractive? Body height, eyes, jawbone, lips, teeth, flat, muscular stomachs, and strong arms and shoulders.
8.How many people live in your house? Tell us about them. There are 4 of us here. My husband/friend. My son and daughter.
9. Ever punch someone in the face? Never!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Dracula, My Love The Secret Journals of Mina Harker by Syrie James
Picture this, 1992, Jersey City, NJ I headed out to see a movie entitled Dracula, starring, Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Keanu Reeves and Anthony Hopkins. I loved it and saw it 2 times before finally buying it on VHS.
The story of Mina and her betrothed Jonathan, the costumes, the score, the castle, Dracula! What was not to love? The movie won 3 Oscars and with another 8 wins & 12 nominations was a fantastic movie. If you have not seen it, see it!
Now, here I am almost 18 years later reading Dracula, My Love which is based on Bram Stroker's Dracula.
Book Description
Acclaimed author Syrie James approaches Bram Stoker's classic Dracula with a breathtaking new perspective—as, for the first time, Mina Harker records the shocking story of her scandalous seduction and sexual rebirth.
Who is this magnetic, fascinating man? And how could one woman fall so completely under his spell?
Mina Harker is torn between two men. Struggling to hang on to the deep, pure love she's found within her marriage to her husband, Jonathan, she is inexorably drawn into a secret, passionate affair with a charismatic but dangerous lover. This haunted and haunting creature has awakened feelings and desires within her that she has never before known, which remake her as a woman.
Although everyone she knows fears him and is pledged to destroy him, Mina sees a side to him that the others cannot: a tender, romantic side; a man who's taken full advantage of his gift of immortality to expand his mind and talents; a man who is deeply in love, and who may not be evil after all. Yet to surrender is surely madness, for to be with him could end her life. It may cost Mina all she holds dear, but to make her choice she must learn everything she can about the remarkable origins and sensuous powers of this man, this exquisite monster, this . . . Dracula!
What I Can Tell You: This was a fantastic read. Was it because I loved the movie so much? Ummm...hard to say. Usually it is the other way around; you love the book and hate the movie because the movie comes out after the book, usually! It was fun to read because it stayed very close to the movie. The storyline was the same, the secondary characters mostly the same, however we learn so much more about Mina.
While Mina is deeply in love with her "Jonathan", she just can't get Dracula out of her mind. Like the movie, I am also left unsure as to whether Dracula is a good guy or a bad guy. Syrie James has done an incredible job with Mina's turmoil, decisions and thoughts; the information we could not get from the movie.
The book is passionate and powerful! Perfect read for those who love historical fiction, romance, contemporary vampire fiction, or adventure.
Read an excerpt HERE.
Check out the Syrie James website and find out what else she is up to.
Syrie is going to be interviewed on Blog Talk Radio on August 16th at 7:00p.m. Check it out if you have a chance, she is an author with loads of promise.
To Buy:
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from Harper Collins for my honest review.
Public Service Announcement from My In-Box
Phonics Taught To Music Allows Kids To Rock N Learn + A Giveaway
Last week we received a DVD in the mail called Rock N Learn Volume 1. Handsome learned phonics in Kindergarten last year and with Goddess going in this year, I quickly put in the DVD. Both kids were occupied when I started the movie and didn't want to come sit with me. That was until the first 35 seconds of the DVD. They quickly came from two directions to stand right in front of the TV for the next 70 minutes.
Rock N' Learn was started 23 years ago by its founders, Richard and Brad Caudle and began as an idea that would help children learn by putting educational material to music with a current sound—the kind of music that kids enjoy and find motivating.
Working as a school psychologist in 1986, Richard saw the need for multi-sensory learning programs using the styles of music that kids love. He consulted his younger brother Brad, an accomplished musician, to record their first program to help kids learn multiplication facts. Strong sales of this recording in the school specialty and book markets led to other programs and the start of a successful company.
Richard and Brad never varied from their number one goal of providing children with programs that would make learning easier as well as fun. Brad’s wife Melissa, a former second-grade teacher, writes material and coordinates educational research for Rock ’N Learn. Richard’s wife, Kathie, manages sales and marketing.
Rock ’N Learn programs have received numerous awards such as Dr. Toy, Parents’ Choice, iParenting, National Parenting Publications, Learning Magazine Teachers’ Choice, Early Childhood News, National Parenting Center, and Parent's Guide to Children’s Media. Our programs lead in the areas of quality and customer satisfaction based on surveys of school supply stores.
What I Can Tell You:
We have watched the Rock N Learn Volume 1 DVD 5 times since we got it in the mail last Wednesday. My kids are already singing the songs as well as asking for more of these DVD's.
Last Friday while heading out to a friend's house I brought the DVD with me to see if her daughter liked it. She is the same age as Handsome but going into Second Grade so I wondered if she would feel the same as Handsome and Goddess. The house was noisy, the dogs were running, her mom and I were talking, the baby was babbling but Handsome and Goddess and my girlfriend's daughter stood around watching the DVD. Her daughter said she loved it and watched it again before I left.
Ok, so kids like it.....
What the Adults Liked:
My girlfriend (a substitute teacher) and I like it because the colors and animations are eye catching.
The songs are catchy and rhymy (is that a word?) Kids and adults love that.
The animations are high quality.
The answers are delayed giving kids a chance to practice their skills.
The read-a-long stories are slow enough for the earliest of readers and their is a bonus section where the stories are at a normal pace so as not to bore kids who can read.
The one complaint from my girlfriend was the repetition, she felt it lasted too long.
As well as being used at home and in the classroom, I believe these DVD's would be great for adults who want to learn the English language.
Description from Website:
Rock ‘N Learn DVD titles are categorized by subject as well as age group. Programs begin at the preschool level 2–5 and continue for children 4 and up. Subjects covered include reading and writing, math, science, test preparation, other languages and social studies. Recently, Rock ‘N Learn introduced phonics to its educational offerings with the launch of Rock ‘N Learn Phonics, a multi-DVD program. This program features new animation, oral segmenting, oral blending, word families, rhyming phrases, sentence practice, and short stories. It provides kids with an easy and fun way to learn the phonics skills that lead to reading and spelling success.
Rock ‘N Learn programs are designed to enable parents to be as involved as they choose with their kids. Easy to use and follow, each program is crafted especially to allow for self-instruction, especially appreciated by busy parents and teachers. Completely kid-friendly, Rock ‘N Learn is expressly developed to empower kids to learn on their own—or parents can help further apply the material that kids have learned. Because Rock ‘N Learn is all about effectiveness—and simplicity—the programs are designed to provide an alternative to the complicated kits and workbooks that demand a lot of adult supervision.
Phonics Volume 1 covers:
Introduction • Vowels • Short Vowel Sounds • Beginning Consonants With Vowels • Practice • c, g, qu, x • Find the Sounds (phonemic segmentation) • Sound It Out (oral blending) • Putting It All Together • Simple Phrases/ Rhyming Words • Double Consonants (words ending in ll, ss, ff) • Plural s and Ending s • Story: “Pip Gets a Pat” • Song: “Pip Gets a Pat” • Ending Blends • Practice • Beginning Blends • Three-Letter Blends • Sentence Practice • Consonant Digraphs and Trigraphs • Sentence Practice • Introduction to Silent e • Silent e Makes the Long Vowel Sound • Silent e Practice • Sentence Practice • Fun Quiz and Review • Story: “Hiss and Run” • Song: “Hiss and Run”
Bonus Sections—Reading for Fluency
Story: “Pip Gets a Pat” (Faster Pace)
Story: “Hiss and Run” (Faster Pace)
The site is broken down by these categories.
The one I am going to order this week is called Getting Ready for Kindergarten. I think Goddess will love it.
Getting Ready for Kindergarten covers these skills: buttoning • zipping • colors • counting • tying shoes with "bunny ear method" • following directions • sequencing • sorting • neatness and organizing • asking permission • walking in a line • size comparisons • drawing a person • sharing • listening comprehension • letter recognition • number recognition • holding a pencil • printing letters and numbers • shapes • patterns • left/right directions
Maria's Space stands 100% beyond this company and will be buying these DVD's in the future.
The Giveaway: One Winner will receive a copy of the Phonics Volume 1 from Rock N Learn
The Sponsor: Rock N Learn
To Win: Head over to Rock N Learn and let me know another DVD that catches your eye by Midnight, August 13, 2010
For Extra Entries:
*Blog about this, and leave me the link for (3 extra entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Subscribe to my newsletter/email (3 entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Follow my blog (2 entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Subscribe to Chotskies
*Follow me on Twitter, leave your Twitter name
*Like Rock N Learn on Facebook
*Enter another giveaway on my blog and let me know which one.
*Comment on a non-giveaway post and tell me which one.
*Follow me on Twitter, leave your Twitter name
*Like Rock N Learn on Facebook
*Enter another giveaway on my blog and let me know which one.
*Comment on a non-giveaway post and tell me which one.
*Tweet this giveaway and leave your link
*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook
*Add me to your blog roll and leave the link
*Follow me under networked blogs (on my left side bar)
*Add my main button to your side bar
*Add me to your blog roll and leave the link
*Follow me under networked blogs (on my left side bar)
*Add my main button to your side bar
Do not leave entries in the comment section,
those are for comments about the post only!!!!!Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary Rock N Learn DVD for my honest opinion.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Memory Rewind - 2008 Goddess
Here is Goddess and me enjoying a quick moment at the park while Handsome was at preschool. Can't remember if she was cold or if this is strictly Goddesstude because she had to leave the park.
Judging by this one, it may have been right after she told me how much she didn't want to leave. Finger pointing, Umm....I'll have to ask her when she wakes.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
The Happiness Project - What Makes You Happy
A good sale
Amazing weather with a slight breeze
A good hair day
A good book
My husband in a good mood
My kids asking me to lie down with them
My girlfriends phone calls
Ahhhhh the list goes on and on
This is one of my favorite pictures of all time. I call it scene stealer and it is from 2008. I was taking the picture of Handsome but after downloading the photo, it was Goddess that caught my attention.
Back To School 2010 Deals
I am always so surprised how quickly back to school supplies from out every year. Hell, I am already seeing Halloween decorations and candy at some stores. Talk about getting a leg up on things.
One of my favorite stores Tiger Direct, has started their Back To School sales with some great deals.
They also have some great tips to get you started as you prepare for a new year of school or maybe you are off to college this year.
1 - Create a wish list
2 - Tell everyone you want gift cards. They fund the card and you shop for what you need.
3 - Have a Facebook account. Like a bunch of items and who knows, maybe Aunt Milly will send you a big box from your wish list.
4 - TigerDirect.com has great products at incredible prices that can save your parents hundreds of dollars! Show them your financial IQ by sending them how much $$$ they’ll save!
5 - Get added to the mailing list at Tiger Direct, so you know just when the best deals will be hitting.
6 - Get lucky and win a Super Back to School PC featuring Microsoft Office 2010!
(Must be 18 or older) Ends September 14th. A new winner every week. ENTER HERE
7 - College Students - Apply for a Tiger Preferred Card during checkout to help establish credit. (Must be 18 or older)
New Month Has Started For the Top Commenter Prize
Clary, please head over to the Best of 2010 section here and select a prize. Thank you for being my friend and my top commentor.
To all my readers, the floor is open for someone else to take the top seat. I have been remiss in picking top commentors because we never knew when the tally rolled over. Now we know for sure because yesterday the top commentor was Clary and she had 41 when I shut down at 9:30 last night.
BTW..entering comments on giveaways do not count unless they are strictly a comment about the giveaway not entries. Giveaway entries should be in the form not in the comment section.
Bring Story Time To Life And Your Child Will Love Reading
Thankfully I have children who love reading, we read all the time, Handsome reads on his own and Goddess has loved books read to her since she was under a year old. It might have something or nothing to do with the fact that mommy and daddy forever have a book under their nose or arm. However it wasn't always like that. Handsome preferred to flip all day through picture books but if I ever tried to get him to sit down so I could read one line he was out of there!
What worked for him were books that included characters he could hold while we read them.
I recently was able to review a book called Benjamin and Bumper to the Rescue by bestselling author Molly Coxe, BraveMouse Books. It's funny because Handsome's love of reading started with another mouse book; If You Give A Mouse A Cookie by Laura Numeroff.
Benjamin and Bumper to the Rescue is about friendship and bravery, ingenious plans, humorous situations and surprising twists make this endearing tale of Benjamin, a fuzzy mouse and Bumper, his true-blue elephant friend, an instant bedtime classic.
Here is the amazing book trailer teaser(excuse my silly video at the end, it was totally unnecessary after seeing this).
When Benjamin and Bumper embark on a harrowing mission to rescue Benjamin’s mother, their travels take them from the floor of a wooden wardrobe, to the heights of a lofty kitchen table, through a dangerous garden path and up-up-up a castle tower to the lair of Sir Pouncelot, the book’s foppish villain. Skillfully photographed by Olivier Toppin, Coxe’s uncommonly endearing felted wool characters are wonderfully alive, and her carefully gathered props of buttons, antique toys and cracked dishes are perfect for kids who delight in searching the illustrations for all of the tiny details that reveal themselves at the turn of every page.
What I Can Tell You:
The photographs are colorful, fun and incredibly detailed. We loved each picture. The first time you read, I suggest not reading the book and just going through the pages. Goddess wanted to talk about each page and what she was seeing in the middle of my reading. I had to stop every two words. Best to let them look at the book and then bring on the story. Benjamin Middlemouse, Bumper and Sir Pouncelot (tee hee) will make you smile.
This will undoubtedly be a classic, order your signed copy today.
This will undoubtedly be a classic, order your signed copy today.
Now for the best part, you and your child can make their very own Benjamin just by using a sock and some supplies. This is such a great way to use their little baby socks that you have kept (ok, maybe that is just me). Creating a child's very own Benjamin helps the story take on a whole new life and it is super easy.
Here is a video of the author Molly showing us how to DIY a Benjamin of our very own.
Since the story is to inspire young artists to create their own imaginary world I have a surprise. One of my readers will win copy of Benjamin and Bumper to the Rescue, we’ve put together a Make-a-Mouse kit that contains everything needed to create two mice – including fabric for clothes and a few props for these hand-made mouse characters to use when performing risky rescues. Isn't that fun?
Looking for inspiration for your very own Benjamin, check out the BraveMouse Book’s Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/BraveMouse-Books/127009043981685 to see Supa Mouse, Mermouse and Vampire Mouse (so cute!!).
The Giveaway: One of my readers will get a copy of Benjamin and Bumper to the Rescue, and a Make-a-Mouse kit
The Sponsor: Brave Mouse Books
To Win: Friend Brave Mouse Books on Facebook , and leave a message on their page linking to this giveaway by Midnight, August 11, 2010.
For Extra Entries:
*Blog about this, and leave me the link for (3 extra entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Subscribe to my newsletter/email (3 entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Follow my blog (2 entries) (each entry must be separate)
Thank you to the sponsor for providing the review and giveaway copy and make a mouse kit.
*Subscribe to Chotskies
*Follow me on Twitter, leave your Twitter name
*Enter another giveaway on my blog and let me know which one.
*Comment on a non-giveaway post and tell me which one.
*Follow me on Twitter, leave your Twitter name
*Enter another giveaway on my blog and let me know which one.
*Comment on a non-giveaway post and tell me which one.
*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook
*Post this giveaway on your Facebook page
*Add me to your blog roll and leave the link
*Follow me under networked blogs (on my left side bar)
*Add my main button to your side bar
*Post this giveaway on your Facebook page
*Add me to your blog roll and leave the link
*Follow me under networked blogs (on my left side bar)
*Add my main button to your side bar
Do not leave entries in the comment section,
those are for comments about the post only!!!!!Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary copy of Benjamin and Bumper. The opinions are my own.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
ABC Wednesday - B
Yeah I know, it's gross but it's different.
B = Bloated
Goddess was very interested in this dead fish. "Mommy, can I poke it with a stick? I want to see what it feels like!"
B = Beach
This is where you will find the kids and I on most days.
B = Blurry
Here is a blurry picture of the fireworks this past July 3rd. I headed down to the beach to take some photos. I was alone and afraid of stepping into someone so I never really took the time to settle the camera before snapping.
B - Bounce House
It's been too hot to have it up lately but we love the bounce house.
Introducing the Pinkest Kittens Ever From Aurora World + A Giveaway
Here we are in July and I am so happy to once again host and review Aurora's newest line called Milly! As part of the Elite Aurora Focus Group, we received two samples of many types of Milly available from the Aurora World Milly line.
Description from Aurora
8" MILLY WANNA BE FAIRY is perfectly pink! The sweetest fairy you will ever find, Milly is adorned with roses and a cute fairy dress. This adorably girly kitten is available in a variety of styles, so collect them all today!
You can purchase her here.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Street Angel Earring Giveaway - Etsy Shop
As some of my readers know, I am Street Angel on Etsy.Com. I really enjoy making jewelry and especially seeing it on someone other than me.
You can see why I started Etsy on my interview with myself (tee hee) here.
is summer and the last giveaway I hosted for Street Angel was in March, I think
it is time to offer my readers a chance to win a pair of earrings of their choice.
Maria's Space followers/subscribers get a 30% discount until August 31, 2010
The Giveaway: A pair of earrings - Winner's choice
To Win: Head over to Street Angel and tell me another item you like by Midnight, August 9, 2010
For Extra Entries:
*Blog about this, and leave me the link for (3 extra entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Subscribe to my newsletter/email (3 entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Follow my blog (2 entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Subscribe to Chotskies
*Heart Street Angel on Etsy
*Follow me on Twitter, leave your Twitter name
*Enter another giveaway on my blog and let me know which one.
*Comment on a non-giveaway post and tell me which one.
*Heart Street Angel on Etsy
*Follow me on Twitter, leave your Twitter name
*Enter another giveaway on my blog and let me know which one.
*Comment on a non-giveaway post and tell me which one.
*Tweet this giveaway (linking to this post and Street Angel) come back and leave your link
*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook
*Post this giveaway on your Facebook page
*Add me to your blog roll and leave the link
*Follow me under networked blogs (on my left side bar)
*Add my main button to your side bar
*Post this giveaway on your Facebook page
*Add me to your blog roll and leave the link
*Follow me under networked blogs (on my left side bar)
*Add my main button to your side bar
Do not leave entries in the comment section,
those are for comments about the post only!!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)