Bullying and harassment in the schools have been all over the news for the past few years. Tragedies have occurred that were later found related to teen bullying. What do you do if you think that your teen or pre-teen is being harassed? I have found a great resource that talks about the signs of bullying and how to deal with bullying. Included resources, tips and assignments that can help you and your child deal with school bullying issues.

Hey, Back Off!: Tips for Stopping Teen Harassment uses real life examples that relate well to teens and also includes strategies to help teen deal and cope with bullying and harassment. According to recent studies, bullying affects 60-80% of school children!

The authors Jennie Withers and Phyllis Hendrickson have compiled a great resource for teens, pre-teens and parents. This book would also be a great tool for school administrators, teachers and counselors.  If you would like a copy of this book, you can purchase it here.

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Book Bonanza 

Review & Giveaway EVENT!

I LOVE this book! It is fabulous!!! Being a former teacher I could see many ways to use this book in the classroom. I really hope there are teachers (especially Middle and High School teachers) out there reading this review. Please pass it along to any you know!


This book reminds me of a Classic you would read in school. It’s a timeless book with so many themes to be discussed. There are so many assignments and wonderful book discussions that come out of reading this book. 


It is the story of Aesop. Yes, the same man that wrote all those wonderful fables you know of from growing up. It’s such an interesting read about how his life might have been, and how he might have created these fables long ago. It’s a very hard book to put down.

Mentally Strong vs. Physically Strong
Freedom vs. Slavery
Make Your Destiny vs. Allow External Events to Dictate Your Path
Optimism vs. Pessimism
War of Ideas vs. War of Swords (classic Greek paradigm diplomacy vs. war)

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THE BOOK:
1. It is easy to read, understand, and follow.
2. It takes place during Ancient Greek times.
3. It is a nice read of only 180 pages (another great reason to choose this for students).
4. Helps you to understand the times and how fables may have come to be.
5. Has a romantic aspect to the book as well.
6. Really makes you connect and care about the characters.

8. Lastly, it also has received all positive reviews, so it helps to know
others enjoyed it as much as I did!About the Author (From Amazon.com):

THOMAS BÄHLER has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the entertainment industry. He composed music for Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, directors Steven Spielberg and Barry Levinson, magicians Siegfried and Roy, Superbowl Halftime Shows and a number of other high profile stage productions. As a songwriter he’s written many hits including “She’s Out of My Life” “Living In A House Divided” and “Julie Do You Love Me.” Thomas created vocal arrangements for the landmark charity event “We Are the World,” as well as for Barbara Streisand, Billy Joel, and the motion picture version of “The Wiz.” He served as Music Director for a number of events sponsored by the White House, including “America’s Millennium”, “Points of Light” and President Clinton’s Inaugural Concert. Mr. Bähler has also served as Music Director and arranger for “The Kennedy Center Honors.”

Check out MORE about the Author on his “Official” Site:  http://www.thomasbahler.com/about-bahler/

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$15 Amazon Gift Card & Digital Mom Book: 

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I started blogging in March 2011 for a friend on mine, Allison Alexander, on her blog aMomKnowsBest.com. I wasn’t ready to start my own blog at that point, but I liked the idea of writing posts and contributing as a writer on her blog. Finally in August 2011 I decided to try out a blog of my own, MamaLuvsBooks. I finally felt more comfortable trying it out for myself, but I knew I had a lot to learn. I decided to go on Amazon and find books that would help me in the blogging world. I found a few that I ordered and they were so helpful. One of these books was, “The Digital Mom Handbook: How to Blog, Vlog, Tweet, and Facebook Your Way to a Dream Career at Home,” by Audrey McClelland and Colleen Padilla. I still use it as a reference ALL THE TIME even though I am 6 months into my own blog.

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THE BOOK:
1.  It is easy to read, understand, and follow.
2.  There are personal stories to relate to with starting out as a blogger.
3.  There are many tips about what to do and what NOT to do as a new blogger.
4.  Helps guide you to get started in blogging and find your path/your “passion” as they call it.
5.  Helps you learn how and where to find other bloggers and communities to help you grow your blog.
6. Shows you what other social media networks you need to get involved with to promote your blog and how to use them.

7. Gives you tips on how to start contacting companies to make money from your blog.

I LOVE that it was written by TWO SUCCESSFUL “Digital Moms” who you can see here:

 

http://momgenerations.com/

 http://classymommy.com/

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Fearless Young Adult Book Tour and Kindle Giveaway

Fearless by Tawdra Kandle

Tasmyn Vaughn didn’t expect much when her dad’s job moved them to a small town in Florida; it was just another new school. But there is more to King than meets the eye, and soon Tasmyn’s ability to hear other’s thoughts is the least of her worries. Entangled in a web of first love, quirky and secretive townsfolk, magic and blood rituals, she discovers the town’s secrets aren’t just bizarre, they’re deadly.

Buy it HERE

What People are Saying about Fearless

“Tawdra’s debut novel enthralled me from the start. She captures the struggles and fears of the high school journey perfectly- with a paranormal twist. Tasmyn and Michael will have you adding them to your “favorite couples” list! I was sad to see this book end, and look forward to reading more by Tawdra soon!” Sarah M. Ross Young Adult Writer

“Fearless is a fantastic read. It is appropriate for both young adult and older readers with its charming storyline of a young lady learning to use her supernatural gift for the greater good. The characters are relatable, something that every reader can appreciate. I can’t wait to see where the rest of the series takes Tasmyn, Michael and their friends.” Marcie Bridges, reviewer

“Fearless is a great read for young and old alike. It perfectly
intertwines the magic of first love with the twists and turns of a
thrilling plot that pulls the reader in. When I finished the final
chapter, I could not wait until my next “trip” to King to visit with Tasmyn and Michael!” –Devyn Prado, Reviewer Taking Time for Mommy

Not ONLY is Author Tawdra T. Kandle having a Giveaway for a KINDLE but everyone that signs up for her newsletter will get her 2nd book BREATHLESS as soon as it comes out in March & 25 entries for the Kindle Giveway!

Now for the Kindle Giveaway!! Fill out the Form below

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Review & Giveaway EVENT!

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$15 Toys R Us Gift Card & Parenting Book: Book Bonanza 

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The No-Cry Separation Anxiety Solution

The No-Cry Picky Eater Solution

 

The No-Cry Discipline Solution

The No-Cry Sleep Solution

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Welcome to the New Year, New Reads Giveaway Hop!

Sponsored by HowardComputers.com

Hosted by Formula Mom, Tales From the Nursery, & ShePromotes

Welcome to the New Year, New Reads Giveaway Hop! It will end on January 23rd and there are hundreds of dollars in prizes available across all of the participating blogs! Enter at each blog and don’t forget to the enter the New Year, New Reads Grand Prize Giveaway! Huge thanks for HowardComputers.com and the blogs sponsoring the grand prize giveaway!

There are 3 chances to win in the Grand Prize Giveaway:

• 1 lucky winner will win a Kindle Fire from HowardComputers.com & a $50 Amazon Gift Card
• 2 other winners will each receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card

Click here to enter the Grand Prize Giveaway!

When you enter, be sure to say that The Shopping Duck referred you!

I am giving away two great books for you the read:

Above All Else: A World Champion Skydiver’s Story of Survival and What It Taught Him About Fear, Adversity, and Success by Dan Brodsky-Chenfield. This book tells the story of world famous competitive skydiver Dan Brodsky-Chenfield. Dan tells his story of how he decided to become a competitive skydiver and the event that almost sidelined him for the rest of his life. While preparing for the US Championships, Dan survived a plane crash where sixteen out of the twenty-two people on board were killed. Left critically injured, Dan determined to sky dive again.  Dan also gives great advice on goal settings and getting the things that you want out of life.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Tough Times by Susan M. Heim and Karen C. Talcott.  This book included 101 Daily Devotions to inspire and support you in times of need.  These devotional stories, complete with scripture and prayers, will introduce you to the personal experiences of people who have gone through tough times and found new faith, joy and strength.

Both of these books contain great inspirational stories!

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Hop along and enter to win some great prizes from the participating blogs!

I recently received of copy of a new book by Sara Avant Stover entitled: The Way of the Happy Woman – Living the Best Years of your Life. The first couple of pages made a little skeptical, could you really reduce stress by getting back in sync with our own cycles and those of nature? I was pleasantly surprised when Ms. Stover offered practical ideas of how to reduce stress. For instance, Sara suggests that you take three deep breaths before getting our of bed, that you find things everyday to be thankful for, and that you keep a journal. In the first part of the book she offers steps that you can easily take to help you define a schedule that will reduce stress. Incorporating these steps a few at a time will help you maintain a daily routine.

The second part of the book discusses the four seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. Each season has its own yoga exercises and seasonal recipes. Incorporating these recipes can lead to a diet change that can help you feel better both physically and mentally.

While, it may be difficult to incorporate all of Stover’s changes, the ideas and suggestions in the book can help you find the right balance in your life. I have started some of the simplest ideas that are presented. They are easy to do and I find that I am less stressed about things during the day. There is something for every woman in this book.

Sara Avant is the founder and director of The Way of the Happy Woman® and the author of The Way of the Happy Woman: Living the Best Year of Your Life (New World Library). A Phi Beta Kapha and Summa Cum Laude graduate of Columbia University’s all women’s Barnard College, Sara took her first yoga class at age 18, sat her first meditation retreat a few years later, and knew immediately that she would devote her life to teaching. After a health scare in her early 20′s, Sara moved to Chiang Mai, Thailand where she lived for 9 years, embarked on a healing odyssey throughout Asia, and, as a multi-certified yoga teacher, served as one of the pioneer yoga teachers in that part of the world. Since that time she has studied with the leading spiritual masters of our time and has taught 3,000 students in over a dozen different countries. Her work has been featured in The Huffington Post, Yoga Journal, Fit Yoga, Pilates Style, and Yogi Times. Sara continues to travel the world leading women’s workshops, retreats, and teacher trainings and is now based in Boulder, CO. Visit her website www.SaraAvant.com

One of the things that I am working on this year is getting in better shape.  Even though, as moms, we may run after our kids, it doesn’t me that we are in the physical shape that we need to be.  Enter Dustin Maher, America’s Trainer to Moms.  Dustin has just published the book: Fit Moms for Life: How to Have Endless Energy to Outplay your Kids.  This book outlines five pillars of fitness: Mindset, Nutrition, Strength Training, Burst Training and Environment.  Plus, there are success stories included throughout the book on how this program worked for other moms just like us!  Dustin’s ultimate goal is to get moms to get fit for life and he offers numerous tips to help do just that.

I love that the book is well organized and that Dustin points out some of the myths of weight loss and fitness such as “Traditional Cardio Doesn’t Lose Fat” and, “You Can’t Work Out to Compensate for Poor Eating”.  He also tells you some of the things that do work such as burst training and exercises that will shrink your waistline.  His tips for eating and exercising are simple and doable.  Plus, they can fit almost any schedule.

Would you like a copy of Fit Moms for Life?  I am giving away one copy of one lucky reader!  Simply fill out the Rafflecopter Entry Form below!

I have always loved the Chicken Soup books. The great stories included in the books warm your heart and are great conversation starters! One of the newest books – Inspiration for the Young at Heart – includes 101 different stories that are inspirational and are all focused on life after 60! These collection of stories are from those who are enjoying being a senior. You won’t find complaints about getting older, but stories about celebrating these golden years.

My favorite story was about 60 new things. The author decided that she needed to try 60 new things in the year she turned 60. What inspiration! I decided that I am going to make a list of 60 new things that I want to try before I turn 60. There is so much that I have yet to experience and making a list is a great way to get started.

Chicken Soup for the Soul books can be found at book stores and online.