My Funny Valentine: The Benefits of Chocolate

Hello Readers!

Since February is heading in our way, I thought I would talk with you about my constant chocolate cravings I've had. Surprisingly, I'm not a big chocoholic. I never have been. I think the reasons for these so called constant cravings is because it's been so cold outside! Chocolate is sweet and comforting in times of uncertainty and, it  being frigid weather so far. Chocolate has been my partner in action at times when I need it most. Yes, I'm getting married in a few months, so I need to curb this little desirable sweet treat. The best advice I can give people is to live in moderation. Too much of something is a bad thing! Here are some benefits of chocolate that I can give you:

1. Chocolate is made from cacao. This superfood eaten alone is quite bitter tasting, the milk and sugar contained in chocolate is what is bad for you. Make sure the chocolate your eating is 70% cacao. This is usually dark chocolate.

2. Research has been done that eating a small dark piece of chocolate each day cut chances of heart attack or stroke percentages significantly.

3. Studies suggest chocolate can help curb cravings of other foods and help aid in weight  loss. I'm not saying eating a whole 1lb. bag of M&M's will help you. Remember dark chocolate and moderation, please!

4. In another study done in Italy, researchers found that patients who ate a dark chocolate bar a day,
saw their potential for insulin drop by a half.

5. Next time you feel stressed and anxious, reach for a piece of dark chocolate. Studies show people who ate chocolate when anxious or nervous felt more comfortable in uncertain situations.

Thank goodness Valentine's Day will be here soon. I can't wait for some  delicious chocolate!

January Children's Book: This is New York

Good Day!

Today I wanted to review a book that I absolutely love! This book is called: This is New York by M. Sasek. This book introduces students about the city of New York. I love how stylish and how beautifully illustrated this book is! This book was originally published in 1960, and has been updated! This book talks about the history of New York and all the great things to do in this big city.

Did you know that in 1626 a Dutchman named Peter Minuit purchased the island of Manhattan for a measly $24.00? I know I can't believe it either! This book also shows students the many historic buildings around the city including The Statue of Liberty, The United Nations, and The Empire State Building. I really enjoy this author's work. Not only does he do New York, some of his other books include Paris, San Francisco, and London. Just to name a few. Enjoy his great books!

7 Heavenly Essentials to Keep You Warm This Winter

Hello There!

I hope everyone is keeping warm wherever you are! Since I survived through Polar Vortex numero dos, I thought I would share with you some things that I can't live without walking around the city. I'm warming myself  in a New York City coffee shop as we speak! I decided I'm going to give you a peak inside my closet essentials for winter.

1. I cannot live without my Welly Hunter Boots! These things get me through treaturous snow piles and  uninhibited fresh fallen snow. My sister bought me these awhile back, and I cannot thank her enough!

2. The Welly Sock is also an essential part of the boot structure. These wooly socks makes these boots warm and cozy, letting nothing inside!

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/buy/hunter-boots


3. My Marc New York parka I bought from Bloomingdales a couple years back. I worked there so I got a great discount and it was the end of winter! Mid-winter or end of season is the best time to snag a great jacket. When winter winds down and it's springtime! Good deals now!

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/womens-apparel/coats?id=1001520

4. Thick, ultra soft cable sweaters that keep you warm and cozy. I don't have many from living in Nashville, I need to keep a lookout on great deals and steals.

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/womens-apparel/sweaters?id=12374

5. I have found a new hobby! When I'm not busy, I like to make the cutest head wraps and turbans!
They keep my ears super warm in the cold air! I use a soft stretchy jersey material from Mood Fabrics in NYC. Love this store!

http://www.moodfabrics.com

6. My North Face Tech Gloves. I can't go anywhere in the brisk cold without these! I don't have to take off my gloves to answer phone calls. Love them! They are on sale as we speak!

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/search?keyword=Gloves&x=-956&y=-70

7. Long Johns. You can slip these on under your pants for work. They keep you so toasty!

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/40-winks-top-pants?ID=805996


I wrote this list kind of late, but hey, lots of department stores have reduced prices because they are
getting rid of their winter stock.  Bloomingdales has some great sales right now, hence the links:) Stay warm now, and in the future! Be sure to check out these links while they are still on sale.
Happy Shopping!

Stay warm out there! We can do it!

January Children's Book: Snow Sounds

Hello Everyone!

I recently visited and became a member of The New York Public Library branch near where I live. I'm so excited to share with you the many books that I found! Since it's till January, I wanted to keep  on the subject of snow and ice.  I know,  you're probably very sick of it at this point. I do love snuggling up in sweaters and blankets on the weekends! Cooking is fun too, it keeps me warm! I guess you just have to find the good things about this cold weather!

One book in particular that I found of interest was a book titled Snow Sounds, by David A. Johnson. I would recommend this book from babies to students learning about the term onomatopoeia. This story gives students the ability to understand that words that imitate sounds, objects or actions they refer to are called onomatopoeia. I think this term looks scary to some who fear the six syllable word. Snow is a great example for this lesson! Words in the book like Crinkle, Hush, Swoosh, Slush, Crash, and Clank are all associated with this term.

The illustrations are very calming and pleasing to the eye. Here is also a small clips you could show children about this funny word. So just enjoy these last couple months of snow. Before you know it it will be 100 degrees. I guess we always want what we don't have! Here's the slushy streets of New York City. Beep! Beep!


Onomatopoeia Song:

http://youtu.be/f1b5kCvVBo8

   

January Children's Book: Olivia...and the Missing Toy

Good Day My Readers!

I hope you all started the day off on the right foot. Even if your not, I wanted to share with you this book I read called Olivia....and the Missing Toy, by Ian Falconer. I was thinking about my niece Olivia this weekend, she turned 4. Happy Birthday, Liv! Why not review my favorite Olivia books? One morning, Olivia wakes to get ready for soccer practice. She was insistent telling her mother that she wanted a different color uniform. So, her mother decides to help her change it. Meanwhile, Olivia can't find her most prized toy. She looks everywhere, until finally she finds it in her dogs mouth! She is upset and distraught, but Olivia tries to fix the problem and sew her toy back up.

I really like this book because it shows children that some circumstances may be upsetting at times. Children are bright enough to come up with solutions to some of their problems on their own.  It gives them a sense of accomplishment and self worth. As parents and even teachers, we want to give the moon to our children. But, what then happens if they don't know how to solve life's future challenges? Great book and illustrations!  I love Olivia the pig!


Olivia....and the Missing Toy Mini-Lesson Plan:

http://planet.coppin.edu/webstudent/tcarrington00/Lesson%20plan.doc

Fashion Friday: The Fitted Little Leather Jacket

Hello Friday!

I hope your not freezing your tails off! New York got cold for a bit, now it's slowly moving back up into the mid 40-50s. Yay! Now I don't have to be bundled up like an Eskimo. But, who knows, you never know what's around the corner! Since it's Friday, I wanted to keep up with my favorite pieces for the upcoming weekend. I always had a thing for a nice fitted leather jacket. I love black and brown! I'm not super comfortable about wearing a trendy one, just a jacket that fits right and is made from quality leather material. These leather jackets look great with jeans, black fitted pants, dresses, and leggings. It's definitely weekend wear! Save your money and invest in a real leather jacket that will last a lifetime! So this upcoming weekend, give your look a bit of an edge with a fitted leather jacket. You won't regret it!

Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.: January Children's Book

Hello There!

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., I wanted to review a book I thought would be helpful for students ages 6-9. For most children, it is hard to bring up death and disaster to them. That is why a teacher needs to celebrate the lives of the people who were part of our history in a prominent and honorable way. It is a book called; The Cart that Carried Martin: by Eve Bunting. This book gives teachers and parents a positive and honorable angle on the man that changed America forever. Students need to learn these  very important figures in history, not the horrible way ones life abruptly ended. It's sad to see these things happen to such courageous people. Let's celebrate the great things he did for the future of America! This book is set on the day he was laid to rest in Atlanta, Georgia. This is a great book that pays homage to such an inspirational American Figure. Here's a link to MLK's Biography and History. Thank You, Dr. King!


To save man from the morass of propaganda, in my opinion, is one of the chief aims of education. Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction. 

-Martin Luther King, Jr., The Purpose of Education

MLK's Biography Link:

http://www.history.com/topics/martin-luther-king-jr

Words of Advice: Life as I Know It Right Now

Hello Everyone!

I hope everyone is having a great start to the New Year! I have still been transitioning from my move career wise. As I look back in my life, I see major triumphs and challenges. One of these challenges I am facing as we speak. Being in a big city sounds glamorous and well played, and it is at times. But, sometimes it not all roses and daisies. I mean, the sweet isn't as sweet without the bitter. Ever heard that one? Finding that perfect job is challenging and demanding. Technology has its pros and cons when you are scouting for one. Sometimes I just want to yell at my computer saying " You're not a human being!" I need a face to face connection! I recently spoke with someone who was in my exact position. She was really helpful and told me it's hard right now, but will only get better in due time. I'm not impatient, I just want to fast forward thru life once in awhile.

But, I know I don't have the magical ability to time travel.

We can't learn from our mistakes if we do. Life is full of choices and decisions. We just have to roll with it and make sure we pick what's best for ourselves at the time. I know I will become a success. I know what I end up doing will better the world in some way. No one can stop me and I have the ability, and my good health right at my feet.

So Kristen, calm down and understand that your time to shine and show my talents will come again. I have faith in myself!  Your time to shine will happen too, just be patient! Speaking of patience, here is a picture of Patience the NYPL statue. Hmmm, I wonder what makes her so patient?

January Children's Book: The Snowy Day

Happy January!

If you are a Midwestern or Northeastern State, I hope you are enjoying your streets full of glowing white snow! Wow, this weekend was a whitewash! As I trudged around Central Park, I noticed tons of kids sledding! I thought: " Why not blog about SNOW ". Since it's January, I wanted to continue on with my children's book reviews as well. This one in particular is an oldie but goodie! It's called  The Snowy Day: by Ezra Jack Keats. Every time I see this book, it makes me all fuzzy inside. I love the pictures of the urban setting that this story takes place. This book is pretty simple: it's all about a boy in a red snowsuit that wakes up one morning to the sight of fresh gleaming snow. He discovers this snow and what it feels like and how you could play in it. It's a great book for ages 3-6 that are using their senses in the snow. If your a teacher like me and need some ideas, here's a great website to tie this book into your lessons. Here's also a website dedicated to the author.

About The Author:

http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/the-snowy-day/

Teaching Ideas:

http://www.teachingheart.net/snowyday.html

Have a Snowy Day!

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

Good Day!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day! Since the holidays are done, and the new year is here, I thought I would give a bit of an uplifting spirit to those that face January and February with an unwelcoming attitude. Researchers says that the month of January is the least favored and hard on people. Yes, it's cold, there's no celebrations, and it's either back to work or school for most. But, I think that if we truly try and make it a celebrating month of new beginning, and focus, we can appreciate this month. November and December are time for families to come together and show love and support for one another. You know what they say about company after three days. Company is like fish, you can deal with it in your fridge for a couple days, but after the third day it starts to smell. I enjoy my family get togethers tremendously, but I like getting back on my own schedule of fitness, finding that perfect career, and moving on with day to day things is refreshing! When we tend to doubt, think negatively, and complain, we won't reach our desired goals and place ourselves in a box. Thinking positively leads to more happiness. Happiness leads to:

-Better work performance and more success.
-Connections with communities and better friendships
-Better Health
-Higher income and financial success
-Better outlook on life
-Stronger family bonds in marriages and children
-Healthier body
-Goals become attainable
-Higher Self-Esteem

Remember you have the ability to create your best life, in doing so, you create the majority of your own happiness. Sounds pretty awesome, right? So enjoy the new year in your new positive outlook for 2014! Live your best life!