Category Archives: Education

February 29, 2016 · 12:23 pm

Confidence Not Self-Esteem #Giveaway

Raising good kids who are happy, confident, and successful in life is every good parent’s intent. Without formal training or guidance, most parents raise their children in the hope that they will grow up to be more successful than them. To aid themselves in their most important job, parents seek out all kinds of advice from one end of the spectrum to the other.

One study that has failed parents most is The Psychology of Self-Esteem by Dr. Nathaniel Branden published in 1969. He concluded that “self-esteem” is the single most important part of one’s persona. Between 1970-2000, 15,000 scholarly articles were written that support this notion! This ushered in a cultural change that included the rise of the self-help publishing industry as well as manifold programs designed to help everyone build their self-esteem and instill the same in their children. Fostering self-esteem in every possible way was touted as the epitome of “good parenting.”

The Self-Esteem Revolution

The “self-esteem revolution” was responsible for soccer coaches who didn’t count goals but handed trophies out to everyone. Constructive criticism was replaced with broad, indiscriminate praise while honest competition was frowned upon, and a plethora of other changes based upon building self-esteem were implemented even though most didn’t make intuitive sense to many parents. Yet, logically, who could argue with all the data to support this?

It is no surprise that in 2003 the Association of Psychological Science asked Dr. Roy Baumeister, proponent and great believer in positive self-esteem, to review the literature. His conclusion: high self-esteem didn’t improve grades, career advancement, or achievement. It didn’t affect the usage of alcohol and didn’t reduce violence. He later stated that this was the biggest disappointment of his career!

Competence and Confidence

It is competence and confidence that help people from the youngest to the oldest become their best selves. It is empowering and encouraging positive behavior and accomplishment through trial and error that teaches children how to go through the process that makes success possible in their lives. They have to attempt a task, fail, and then try again and again to realize that this is part of life. Parents need to empower their children to do things for themselves. ThinkVirtues is here to help you do just that!

ThinkVirtues provides a comprehensive program for you and your family to help transfer your parental wisdom, knowledge, and life experiences to your children. With over 300 years of combined experience, the ThinkVirtues’ ThinkTank is comprised of dedicated educators, counselors, and doctors who have the recipe for raising and educating resilient, happy, confident children who become successful now and later in life. This work is based on the timeless virtues responsible for developing strong character. Through ThinkVirtues’ carefully crafted exercises and conversation starters, parents can have meaningful conversations and create a lasting bond with their children. ThinkVirtues helps parents help their children grow up to become productive adults who will make the right decisions, develop healthy relationships, and become their best selves.

After all, no one else cares for your children more than you and with the guidance provided by ThinkVirtues, you can be sure that your children have all of the tools they need to navigate through life. The practice of ThinkVirtues’ exercises becomes a confidence-building surrogate for your maturing children when you are no longer there every minute of every day. Additionally, because of the lasting bond you will have created, your children will feel comfortable coming to you for help when unsure in a particular situation.

No class, camp, or person can provide the love and care that you have for your own children – we at ThinkVirtues know that. At times you may need help regarding the teaching of morality, resilience, and life experiences but don’t always feel comfortable asking for it. ThinkVirtues’ guided lesson plans provide assistance that is easy to follow and understand.

As a society, it is no longer possible to shelter children from the many bad examples they see outside of their homes, but with ThinkVirtues’ help, together we can ensure that they will learn to make the right decisions even when we are not there.

think virtues photo
About ThinkVirtues—
ThinkVirtues empowers children to be happy, confident and resilient! ThinkVirtues provides a complete set of tools, endorsed by experienced educators and child development specialists, so you can establish the right foundation in your child. Created for ages 4 to forever, children who’ve used ThinkVirtues are happier, more confident and resilient individuals who excel in the classroom, family, friendships and beyond! Just a few minutes a day prepares your child for the journey ahead. Learn more at www.ThinkVirtues.com

Giveaway

ThinkVirtues is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win a ThinkVirtues Gold Annual Subscription (Retail Value $179.99). Thank you to ThinkVirtues for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

ThinkVirtues Gold Annual Subscription Includes:

-(365) daily lessons emailed directly to winner

-Exclusive access to the member’s portal complete with courses and videos

-A copy of the fantasy-fiction book, Eutopia: The Discovery

-52-card deck of the Virtues Questions Cards

-Children’s workbook (printable PDF)

-15% discount on all ThinkVirtues merchandise

ThinkVirtues Gold Annual Subscription Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Education, Giveaway, Life, Life Stages, parenting

Tagged as Confidence, giveaway, Mommy Ramblings, mommyramblings, Self-Esteem, ThinkVirtues

February 25, 2016 · 2:02 pm

Share The Inspiring NatGeo TV Movie With Your Family of a Voice The Would Not Be Silenced! #withMalala #HeNamedMeMalala

I want to tell you about a very important television event premiering commercial free on Monday, February 29th at 8 pm est. National Geographic is bringing the story of Malala to the NatGeo channel.

Growing up in Swat Valley, Pakistan 10-year-old Malala started to campaign for the rights of girls to receive an education. Using a pen name Malala wrote a blog for the BBC detailing her life under Taliban rule and her feelings on promoting education for girls. Her voice was almost silenced when she was shot by the Taliban at the age of 15 on her way home from school on her school bus.

However her spirit was not ready to be silenced and she did not die and she did not just survive, she thrived! She went on to win the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize which was jointly awarded to her and Kailash Satyarthi for their work in the field of children’s rights. Malala is the Co-Founder of The Malala Fund, a non-profit organization whose work around the world focuses on the rights of girls to receive a quality education.

Watch the official movie trailer below:

I hope you tune in on Monday evening with your family to see her story. It is such an inspirational story of what one voice can do to help better the lives of millions. Let me know what you think if you do watch. I would love to hear what you and your family thought.

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Filed under Attractions, Education, Entertainment, Exclusive, Family, Movies

Tagged as #HeNamedMeMalala, #withMalala, education, Inspiring, Malala, Mommy Ramblings, Movie, National Geographic, Nobel Peace Prize, Pakistan, Premier, Taliban, True Story, Voice

February 19, 2016 · 11:01 pm

The Legend of the Easter Robin #Giveaway #EasterRobin #FlyBy

Surprisingly up until last week the weather in Upstate New York has been mild. January 31st was like a spring day and we missed the snowstorms that dumped a few feet of the white stuff to areas less than 60 minutes from us. In fact, we have no snow on the ground at all. We did experience bone chilling cold temperatures of -6 degrees Fahrenheit last weekend. It has warmed up, but nowhere near the early spring like temperatures we were having a few weeks ago.

Christmas day was so warm we had dandelions blooming but ironically, Mother Nature wants to give us a taste of winter before spring rolls in. It looks like the next 10 days will only bring us highs in the 30’s and 40’s along with some snow showers. Oh well, it can’t last that long, at least I hope it won’t. I am eager to see the first Robin Red Breast of spring. Speaking of spring, I have a great book to share with you. The Legend of the Easter Robin is a great book that is perfect to share with your own child or any special child in your life to captivate and teach them about compassion and faith.

In the center of the nest lay one perfect egg, the color of a spring sky. The father robin sat on a branch nearby, guarding his family. Tressa spotted raccoon tracks below and a blue jay eyeing the nest. “Gran, how are we going to keep the egg safe?” “We’ll have to leave that one to the Creator,” Gran said. Robins have built a nest on the window ledge at Grandmother’s house! Tressa is thrilled―and concerned. What will happen to the sky-blue egg laid by the mother robin? As more eggs appear, Tressa witnesses the daily drama of the robins’ nest and learns how God cares for all creatures. Besides watching the birds, there are Easter eggs to color. And there is a very special story to hear―a tale of long ago about one small bird with a very big heart. How did the robin get its red breast? Tressa is about to find out as Gran tells her the story of the Easter robin. Brought to life with colorful, tender illustrations, The Legend of the Easter Robin makes a perfect Easter Gift!

Giveaway

Would you like to enter our giveaway to win a copy? I thought you would, just enter below using the Rafflecopter widget. Please read our rules below. Good Luck!!!

The Legend of the Easter Robin Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Open to residents of the USA and Canada only.

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Filed under Books, Education, Faith, Family, Gift, Giveaway, Holiday

Tagged as #EasterRobin and #FlyBy, book, Easter Gift, Faith, Family, giveaway, Legend of the Easter Robin, Robin Red Breast, Spring

October 28, 2015 · 12:32 pm

Pick up Some Spook-Tastic Halloween Fun From PBS Kids on DVD!

Halloween is just around the corner and there is still time to pick up some Halloween Thrills you can share with your kids on DVD from PBS Kids!

THREE NEW PBS KIDS DVDS OFFER SPOOK-TASTIC HALLOWEEN FUN

Each of these DVDs features a PBS KIDS series – CAILLOU, PEG + CAT, and WORDWORLD. From carving a jack-o’-lantern with Caillou to going on a trick-or-treating adventure with Peg and Cat, these DVDs include fun-filled laugh-out-loud stories full of Halloween excitement.

“CAILLOU: CAILLOU’S HALLOWEEN”

“CAILLOU’S HALLOWEEN” features 13 stories including “Caillou Loves Halloween,” “Pumpkin Patch Kid,” and “Caillou’s Halloween Costume.” In “Caillou’s Halloween Costume,” Caillou and Rosie are trying to pick out costumes as Halloween quickly approaches – but Caillou can’t decide what he wants to be. With help from Mommy and Daddy, a furry blue monster costume is created for Caillou so he can join Leo, a cowboy, and Clementine, a bumblebee, for trick-or-treating!

“PEG + CAT: A TOTALLY AWESOME HALLOWEEN”

Combine Halloween excitement with mathematical fun and you’ve got “PEG + CAT: A TOTALLY AWESOME HALLOWEEN.” This DVD features four adventures, two of which are Halloween themed – “The Parade Problem” and “The Halloween Problem.” In “The Parade Problem,” kids will learn about sorting and estimating as they watch Peg and Cat clean up a park to ensure the nursery school’s Halloween parade takes place. After watching Peg and Cat solve this problem, kids can join Peg, who dresses up as a mailbox, and Cat, who decides to be a fire hydrant, on a trick-or-treating adventure that features the duo using their math skills to divide up Halloween treats so that everyone gets a fair share.

The PEG + CAT series is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education through the Ready To Learn Initiative, a program that supports the development of innovative educational television and digital media targeted at preschool and early elementary school children and their families, and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

“WORDWORLD: HALLOWEEN FUN”

In the frightfully fun DVD “WORDWORLD: HALLOWEEN FUN,” join the WordFriends on adventures that demonstrate the connections between letters, sounds, words, and meaning. This DVD features five stories including “A Kooky Spooky Halloween” and “Sheep’s Halloween Costume.” In “A Kooky Spooky Halloween,” Pig is so worried about finishing his Halloween bags, because he’s missing the letter B, that he ends up sleepwalking. As he sleepwalks, collecting Bs along the way, everyone thinks he’s a ghost!

About PBS KIDS

PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital platforms and community-based programs. Kidscreen- and Webby-award winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and streaming video. PBS KIDS also offers mobile apps to help support young children’s learning. The PBS KIDS Video App is available on a variety of mobile devices and on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast. For more information on specific PBS KIDS content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.

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Filed under Education, Entertainment, Family, Toddler

Tagged as Caillou, DVD, Educational, Episodes, halloween, kids, PBS Kids, Peg + Cat, Preschool, Toddlers, WordWorld

October 12, 2015 · 1:56 pm

Kids Academy Apps Updated | Free Educational Apps + Printable Worksheets!

This blog has partnered with Mom Buzz Media to announce this exciting information!

Kids Academy Releases Preschool Education Center
for iOS and Android!

Looking for some great educational kids apps that your kids will like to play? If so, I am excited to share with you this great Kids Academy App that makes it fun for kids to play and learn essential preschool skills.
Kids Academy – the team behind some of the top educational apps for kids with over 10 million downloads worldwide just released the long-awaited version of their flagship app – Preschool Education Center.
As the name suggests, Preschool Education Center is an all-in-one educational app for kids and toddlers. The app covers all aspects of early childhood education from the alphabet and reading to writing, building vocabulary and developing math skills. Based on the proven Montessori method the app offers a number of fun games that help master essential learning skills through play.

I have reviewed this app and it is perfect for preschool and kindergarten age kids. There is a lot of great free material and in app purchases. Your kids can have fun with the free content alone. The learning games are Montessori based and kids will play games and activities that will help them learn to spell, write and form letters correctly and read! The music and fun let kids really enjoy themselves while learning. The learning level will go up as your child becomes more proficient at skills. Helpful hints are given if your child gets stuck on something. The curriculum was developed and reviews by a preschool education expert which makes this mom of 5 feel good.

Until now, Preschool Education Center has only been available on iTunes but today’s release makes it finally available for Android device on Google Play! This fun and free app is currently being featured in the Family section of the Android store in the USA, Australia and Canada.

Get the app free on Google Play!

For iOS devices:

Kids Academy have also updated the iOS version of the app: Preschool & Kindergarten Early Learning Games adding new games, books and educational cartoons and shows as well as printable worksheets.
– The update boasts a bunch of cute little monsters that will teach your kids about money and how to count it.
– Kids Academy TV now has a 24/7 Live Zoo channel offering web-cam views on real-life animals.

Grab your free copy of the update on the iTunes App Store!

………………………………………………………………………………

BONUS!
Free Preschool & Kindergarten Worksheets for Kids

Kids Academy is also finding a way to expand beyond the screen and help master pen and pencil with free printable worksheets. You can get free preschool worksheets on a variety of subjects from alphabet to math (the library is being constantly updated).
Download, print out and get start practicing with good old pen and paper in seconds!

Head over to to the Kids Academy to get your FREE PRINTABLE WORKSHEETS and get your kids busy!

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Filed under Education, Tech, Toddler

Tagged as #FREEKidsApp, #KidsApp, #MomBuzz, #MontessoriApp, Free Apps, Free Worksheets, Games, Kids Academy, learning, mommyramblings, Montessori, Preschool

September 23, 2015 · 12:12 am

Safari Tales-Kids Learn Reading, Vocabulary & Reasoning Skills Through Games!

Earlier this month we went on a family safari. My kids loved it and so did my husband and I. It was all our younger kids talked about in the following days. They are still bringing it up and asking all kinds of questions about the animals. They are so curious about the lions, tigers, bears, rhinos and more! In keeping with the safari theme, I want to introduce you to a great learning game. One that parents won’t mind their kids playing, because they are learning reading, vocabulary and reasoning skills through highly engaging games.

SAFARI TALES™, is an enchanting animal adventure game which encourages exploration in reading and vocabulary skills by casting the player as both adventurer and storyteller. Following in the fossilized footsteps of award-winning DINO TALES™, children join five baby animal friends as they explore a vast African Savannah bursting at the seams with wildlife, mini games to master and artifacts and relics to discover and collect. Throughout their in-game adventures, kids learn countless facts and figures about the various environments, their inhabitants and items they encounter on their way, building knowledge and enhancing reading skills.

I downloaded this app on iTunes to try it out. My husband and I were both amazed at how much there was to do and how interactive and fun it was. You start out with an adorable baby elephant named Eshe. You can change Eshe’s appearance with fun textures and colors, teach her tricks and walk with her to find other animals and go on quests together. The graphics are so much fun and there are lots of surprises to discover at every turn.

You also learn about what your animal can eat and what is not an appropriate food or drink for them. All along the way you can stop and ask questions to your adorable Meerkat host, Darwin. The game has great music and realistic sounds that make it even more fun. I have only just started discovering all there is to do and I can see why Kuato Studios, is the world-leading developer in learning-through-games.

SAFARI TALES further feeds inquisitive minds through an adaptive gaming engine built around Apple’s SIRI technology. Curious kids are encouraged to construct over a thousand different questions to ask their in-game guide, Darwin, who will supply intelligent and fact-filled answers, aiding literacy skills in sentence structure, reading and creative thought.

At the end of each play session, SAFARI TALES uses patented technology to convert children’s adventures, discoveries and achievements into an incredible interactive storybook. Each new tale can be saved and stored to be read over and again with parents and loved ones, strengthening literacy, reasoning and inquiry skills.

I was happy to see this game encourages parents to participate in their child’s SAFARI TALES playtime through ‘Parent Corner’, selected from the home screen. From here, access to the game can be PIN-restricted, parents can set their child’s reading age and can control game length from a variety of session times, ensuring playtime fits the family routine. Additionally, notifications can be received each time a new creative artwork is produced in the game, allowing parents to monitor their child’s learning and share in their creativity.

Aimed at children aged between four and ten, SAFARI TALES has been developed in conjunction with pupils and teachers, to ensure that content is age-appropriate and game play fun. “Feedback from both kids and adults is invaluable for us as a studio,” said David Miller, award-winning teacher and now Director of Learning at Kuato Studios. “This participation in the development allows us to pinpoint particular opportunities where the child’s engagement with the game play, their creativity and performance peak, producing the perfect learning experience.”

Safari Tales is avail able now on iOS and Android platforms on iTunes, Google Play and Amazon. Just click the links and check it out yourself. You can join the adventure at Safari Tales and follow Kuato Studios on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. Get a Safari Tales Coloring Book HERE!

About Kuato Studios

Kuato Studios is a learning company building fun and interactive products that inspire kids to learn the new skills of the future. Kuato Studios was founded in 2012 by the creators and investors behind Siri, to disrupt, innovate and lead the education market, and is working on integrating the latest cutting edge technology, like next generation conversation AI from SRI International, into a smart tutoring platform. Beginning in March 2013 with the release of Hakitzu, a game that teaches coding skills and problem solving, Kuato Studios has pioneered the next generation of educational video games. Through the recent release of Dino Tales and Safari Tales, Kuato Studios continues to be at the forefront of educational technology.

I was provided with a code to download this app for free and while compensated my words and views are always 100% my own.

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Filed under Education, Entertainment, kids, Review

Tagged as amazon, Animals, Apps, fun, Google Play, iTunes, kids, Learning Games, Mommy Ramblings, Safari Tales

August 31, 2015 · 12:47 am

The Best Way To Pay For College Textbooks & Supplies! #BNschoolsavings

This past weekend we went up to Binghamton, NY. My little guys wanted to see daddy’s college. We took a drive through the University of Binghamton where my husband graduated with his Bachelors and Masters. I couldn’t help but notice all the kids who were new to the college campus transitioning into a new lifestyle. That transition is hard on parents too! We know just how hard with our older kids! I imagine many parents are worried about if their kids have everything they need and if they are okay.

After taking a peek around the campus we went to Barnes & Noble. Predictably it was filled with UOB students. I recently learned that Barnes & Noble offers the Barnes & Noble MasterCard®. This is the best credit card for parents and college students who are purchasing textbooks, books and school supplies during the busy back-to-school season and beyond. Card holders earn 5% back when they use the card to purchase school supplies and textbooks at any Barnes & Noble store or at BN.com. This offer even applies to campus Barnes & Noble bookstores.

Given the average price of books and supplies at public colleges last year was $1,225 and private colleges coming in at $1,244, that 5% back adds up fast! There is even an immediate savings of $60 available when you use your Barnes & Noble MasterCard for those purchases at campus Barnes & Noble bookstores or at BN.com. Cardholders receive a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card after their first purchase using the card. Every time cardholders reach 2500 points they receive a $25 gift card. The Barnes & Noble MasterCard has no annual fee.

If you are ready to take advantage of all the great perks being a Barnes & Noble MasterCard holder can bring you, just apply HERE. You can also visit the same link for more information. To find your local Barnes & Noble store or to shop online visit BN.com.

We had a great time looking around at everything. After a stop at the in store Starbucks we set off to explore. The kids were amazed looking at all the great books, toys, games, kits and more! We saw coloring books for adults which were really cute.

I liked this book of wisdom from Mr. Rogers!

Just in case you were wondering-It is not a good idea to bring an Alligator to school!!!

Classics for Kids!!!

Who had this as a child? I Did!

The boys finally made their selections, they chose a Magic Set and a Planetarium. We tried out the magic set today and are mastering a few of the tricks! It is so much fun! The Planetarium will be opened and set up tomorrow. We really can’t wait for that. We will be sure and give you an update!

I will leave you with a littler more information on the Barnes & Noble MasterCard I told you about earlier in the post.

Card benefits exclusive to the Barnes & Noble MasterCard

Get 5% back at Barnes & Noble when you use your card at any Barnes & Noble store or online at BN.com
Earn a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card after your first purchase
Automatically receive a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card every time you reach 2,500 points
Earn 1 reward point for every $1 spent on all other purchases (excluding Barnes and & Noble purchases), even for everyday purchases like gas and groceries
No annual fee
Complimentary FICO® Credit Score

Use your Barnes & Noble MasterCard to purchase any of the following

Books
NOOK & NOOK Books
Toys & Games
Home & Gifts
Movies & TV
Textbooks
Gift Cards
Newspapers & Magazines

This post is sponsored by the Barnes & Noble MasterCard, powered by Barclaycard. All opinions are my own.

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Filed under College, Education, Family, Home, Life, Life Stages, Mommy Ramblings, Special Offers

Tagged as #BNschoolsaving, Back To School, Barnes & Noble, Barnes & Noble MasterCard, Book Store, college, Earn 5% Back, Expenses, Supplies, textbooks

July 31, 2015 · 4:20 pm

#BeeBold For Bees & Join Friends Of The Earth BeeAction Campaign! We Did!

I love being outside this time of year because there’s so much beauty to be seen. I have my perennials exploding with color, gold and rose finches by the dozens, cardinals, doves, robins, wrens, chickadees, woodpeckers, swallowtail butterflies and even a pair of majestic bald eagles that nest on our lake all around. Of course along with the birds we have our helpers the bees who keep our flowers, vegetables and fruits pollinated.

I am very opposed to any type of pesticide use that is not natural or organic. Did you know that bees are dying at alarming rates due to the use of pesticides that are toxic to bees called neonic pesticides. Did you know that many bee friendly plants you can buy have neonic pesticides in them? Neonic pesticides are one of the most widely used class of insecticides in the world and are manufactured by Bayer and Syngenta.

Bees are crucial for our food system. Are you aware that bees and other pollinators are essential for two-thirds of the food crops we eat everyday such as almonds, squash, cucumbers, apples, oranges, blueberries, and peaches.

One out of every three bites of food we eat is pollinated by honeybees. The land around our home is a pesticide free zone and we garden organically and the many sunflowers, perennials and vegetables and fruits we have growing all over are flourishing thanks to bees.

Neonics are also harming other helpful insects and animals critical to sustainable food production and healthy ecosystems, like wild bees, butterflies, dragonflies, lacewings, and ladybugs,birds,earthworms,mammals and aquatic insects. There is an urgent need to restrict neonics in the United States and Canada.

Bees contribute over $20 billion to the U.S. economy and $217 billion to the global economy. Neonics are widely used in the U.S. on 140 crops and for cosmetic use in gardens. Neonics can last in soil, water and the environment for months to years to come. Neonics can kill bees outright and make them more vulnerable to pests, pathogens and other stressors while impair their foraging and feeding abilities, reproduction and memory.

Beekeepers have lost an average of 30% of their hives in recent years, with some beekeepers losing all of their hives and many leaving the industry. This is too high to be sustainable. Recent losses are staggering making it difficult for beekeepers to stay in business and for farmers to meet their pollination needs for important crops like almonds and berries.

Friends of the Earth is helping to do something about the declining bee populations and the use of neonic pesticides. Bringing awareness of the dangers of using neonic pesticides and with their “bee’n’bee” kits that allow people to create a bee oasis in their backyards.

BeeAction-Create A Bee Friendly Yard:

Friends of the Earth U.S. had “bee kits” and “bee’n’bee” houses. The kits contain organic sunflower seeds and resources, a bee-safe and pesticide-free zone aluminum yard sign and other informational materials. The “bee’n’bee”kits will include a mason bee house and resources to maintain the house and create pollinator friendly habitat.

Both kits will include resources that will allow people to get more involved with Friends of the Earth and its #BeeAction Campaign. The goal is that after taking action in their own backyards through the “bee map” and kits, individuals and families will use it to connect and stay engaged with Friends of the Earth and the campaign on marketplace and local, state and federal organizing around protecting bees and other essential pollinators.

We recently received a “bee’n’bee” kit with a mason bee house and resources to create a pollinator friendly habitat. It is advised to hang the mason house on a tree, fence or your house about 3-6 feet above the ground in an area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. It is also advisable to have a wide range of annuals and perennials for the pollinators we are attracting.

Some Good News:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it will phase out neonics by 2016
More than a twenty nurseries, landscaping companies and retailers across the U.S. are taking steps to eliminate bee harming pesticides from their garden plants and their store
BJ’s Wholesale Club , announced they will require vendors to remove neonics from plants by the end of 2014 or else they will carry warning labels.
Home Depot, has decided to label plants with neonicotinoids and is working with its suppliers to “find alternative insecticides for protecting live goods and bees.
Lowe’s, made a public commitment to eliminate neonicotinoid pesticides from its stores including products and plants treated with them, redouble existing integrated pest management practices for suppliers and provide additional material educating customers about pollinator health.
Whole Foods issued a new product rating system, which identifies pollinator protection as a priority by restricting neonicotinoid pesticides.
Cities, states and universities across the U.S. have taken steps to restrict neonicotinoids.

We Need To Do More!

We need to change the law to restrict neonics in the U.S. as Europe and Ontario, Canada have done.

Our own survival is tied closely to the survival of bees and other pollinators. Find out more how you can help the bees and other pollinators at BeeAction Campaign. Follow Friends Of The Earth on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

This post is sponsored by Friends of the Earth. As always my words and views are 100% my own.

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Filed under Education, Family, Family Fun, Life, Life Stages, Main Page Post, Natural, Nature

Tagged as #BeeBold, bee'n'bee kits, BeeAction Campaign, Bees, Friends of the Earth, Help, Mason Bee House, Neonic, Pesticides, Pollinators, Save

June 22, 2015 · 12:01 pm

Great Ways To Get That Energy Out This Summer #HealthyHabits

I am part of the Mom It Forward Blogger Network and this post is sponsored by the Together Counts/Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital. As always my words and views are 100% my own.

Some of my greatest memories growing up are from great times had as a Girl Scout. The activities, crafts, learning experiences and outdoor adventures have remained with me all my life. Those experiences inspired me to lead my daughter’s Girl Scout troop. Seeing the Girl Scouts as both a scout and a leader showed me what awesome resources there were for girls and their leaders. I remember going to many leader trainings and the sense of camaraderie was so heartwarming.

I learned some great life lessons and values in my time as a scout and as a leader I tried to do that for the girls I was leading. I am excited to share the collaboration of the Girl Scouts Nations’s Capital and the Together Counts program. Together Counts is a program by the “Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation” to reduce obesity through active and healthy living. Inspiring physical activity and good nutrition are the fundamentals of this program.

Balancing Act:

The principle behind the Together Counts is called Energy Balance, which just means balancing the calories we consume with the calories we expend.

Energy In: the calories you get from eating and drinking.

Energy Out: the calories you burn from physical activities.

Now that Summer is officially here, some great ways to get Energy Out are camping, hiking, swimming, biking, planting gardens, mowing lawns, running, community service and so much more. Just getting out and being active makes such a difference. See our list below for inspiration and ideas how to get that Energy Out!

Great Resources:

Girl Scouts in partnership with the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation developed three “Healthy Habits” booklets. These free booklets are an excellent resource to use with Daises, Brownies, Juniors, Girl Scout leaders, volunteers and their families to guide them in fun, easy ways to achieve “energy balance.” They provide inspiration and ideas to help girls learn the habits and lead healthy, active lifestyles. The Healthy Habits booklets are helpful for volunteers to use in conjunction with their Journey Adult Guides.

The 3 Healthy Habits booklets available for download include:

Between Earth and Sky with Healthy Habits – girls learn about the many plants, trees,and animals that flourish in nature, and also build important leadership skills.
WOW! Wonders of Water with Healthy Habits – girls discover the many forms and paths that water takes and how to protect it. They also learn how to engage in teamwork,speak effectively to convey a message, and inspire others.
Get Moving! with Healthy Habits – girls learn how to use their energy to protect Earth’s energy and build important leadership skills.

Girl Scouts

My involvement with the Girl Scouts has been such a treasured time of my life as well as my daughter’s life. I love that Health and fitness have been part of Girl Scouting since girls ran foot races in 1912! Camping is essential to Girl Scouts mission. It is about the outdoors, and developing a deep appreciation for nature. I can recall many enjoyable, active outdoor activities and camping trips. Girls enjoy camping with their troop or attending a Girl Scout day, evening or resident sleep-away camp. From high adventure with kayaking, archery and rock climbing to traditional camps with crafts, singing, hiking and cooking over an open fire, Girl Scout camps give girls an opportunity to grow, explore, and have fun under the guidance of caring, trained adults. Find your local council to enroll girls in camp programs.

Girl Scouts’ leadership program is girl-led. And Girl Scouts sure do a lot with guidance from caring adult mentors! From national badge programs to council-wide events, each council offers a variety of exciting program opportunities for girls of all ages. Volunteers are supported with program level and subject training courses online and in classroom settings. There is a lot of peer-to-peer support and mentoring, and quality publications to support the delivery of high quality programs. To locate the council nearest you, see the Girl Scout Council Finder.

Follow Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital on Twitter and Facebook for council information including awards, photos, resources, highlights from council events and volunteering as well as partner content for Together Counts!

Helpful Links:

Together Counts Website –The website is consumer friendly—aimed at parents and educators and provides resources, tips, recipes and more.
Together Counts Blog – The Together Counts blog is the main source of all consumer-friendly news including HWCF campaigns, announcements and content from HWCF partners around the topic of healthy eating habits and incorporating more physical activity.
Together Counts Twitter – On Twitter, Together Counts shares everything from digital assets(video, infographics) to industry or conference news related to food in addition to campaign and partner news.
Together Counts Pinterest – Together Counts’ resource for sharing recipe inspiration from across the network, family activity ideas and pins from partners that relate to family eating and activity including Girl Scouts, Healthy Dining Finders, etc.

Would love to have your thoughts on this great collaboration as well as any of your experiences as a scout or leader you would like to share in the comments.

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Filed under Education, Family, Family Fun, Main Page Post

Tagged as “No Girl Left Inside”, Active, Activity, Energy Balance, Energy Out, Family, Free Booklets, Girl Scouts, Healthy Habits, Obesity, Outdoors, Together Counts, Volunteers

May 29, 2015 · 11:39 pm

Best Graduation Gift Ever #EarnItFrameIt #ProudGrad

Graduation season is in full swing. Did you have any college graduations in your family? My daughter’s graduation with her masters degree was a very proud day for our family. It is hard to believe that she could be graduating when it seems like yesterday she was born. Life passes in the blink of an eye, so it is nice to have photographs and keepsakes from special events. With a graduation, all the years of hard work and dedication are represented in the diploma.

What better gift than a custom diploma frame that recognizes the graduate’s university and has styling options even medallions that can be added. Further customization can be made in the way of upgraded glass, finishes, frames and matting. I was so happy to present my daughter with a gorgeous presidential gold diploma frame that featured the university that she earned her graduate degree at. She was so thrilled to receive it, she was so surprised that the frame had her University on it and the medallion. She said it was the most impressive and meaningful diploma frame she had ever seen. Her diploma looks great in it and we know that it is protected and preserved.

If you are looking for a special gift to present to a recent graduate or to showcase any diploma, check out Church Hill Classics. Right now through June 3rd, in honor of Dads and Grads, they are offering free shipping when you use the code DF15B