Keeping your Children Safe for Halloween

Halloween can be a fun exciting time for children, but also a dangerous and scary time. To make sure your children stay safe Lori Lite wrote a great article that she has agreed to let me share.

by Lori Lite

Halloween Tips to Avoid Meltdowns with Kids! Enjoy these TRICKS to make sure your child’s Halloween experience is a TREAT! You and your children will benefit from these tips and most of them can be applied to children with special needs. Children with Aspergers, Autism, SPD, and general anxiety orders can enjoy Halloween with a few adjustments.

1. Be flexible! Do not make your definitions of a fun Halloween define your child’s expectation of fun.  It is not necessary for children to have the full blown experience in order for them to have a good time.  If you child wants to answer the door and hand out candy, then let them do that without guilt. If your child wants to sit on the porch and costume watch, then let them. If they just want to go to bed……  Trust me it will not matter when they go to college!
2. Decide and let children know ahead of time how many pieces of candy they are allowed to eat while trick-or-treating and after. Let them keep the wrapper to keep count. When they ask for more…ask them to count how many wrappers they have and let them answer their own question.
3. Head home before your child becomes tired! Do not wait for the meltdown. Think of similar experience and calculate how long you think your child will last.  Let your child know ahead of time how long you are going out for. Bring a timer if your child responds well to timers. Take breaks and check in with how your child is doing/feeling.
4. Consider your child’s needs. If they do not do well in a noisy group, schedule a friend to trick-or- treat with and stay away from the crowds. Avoid houses with screaming ghosts and flashing lights. You can even hand pick a few supportive neighbors ahead of time to visit.
5. Costumes could be an entire essay. Most kids do not want to put a jacket over their costume. Direct your child to a weather appropriate costume and consider long johns under the costume. The younger the child the bigger the comfort issue. If your child has sensory issues make comfort of costume a priority. Try it on ahead of time for comfort and have moleskin cloth available. Bring comfortable shoes or sweater if your child refuses to leave the glass Cinderella slippers at home. Colored sweat pants and sweat shirt with hood make an easy costume. Bright yellow with a pair of sun glasses and you have a sun. Sew strips of fabric, yarn, or ears on a hood and you have a lion or a rainbow…Be creative!
6. Eat a healthy dinner before leaving the house. 
7. Go early with young children…before it gets dark.
8. If your child has dietary restrictions, no problem. Let them collect the candy and sell it to you afterwards. Items with peanuts get 5 cents each. A whole bar is 25 cents.  Assign different values for different types. Kids love this exercise and will spend hours sorting the candy into their value group. Take your child to their favorite store and let them spend their candy money on a treat! You can also carry 2 bags. One for the candy that seems OK upon first inspection and one bag that parent carries for “no go” candy. This can eliminate meltdowns over candy later.
9. All that candy! Too much candy for one family? No problem. Let your child select a handful and leave the rest at the foot of the bed for the Halloween Fairy! If the fairy likes the candy, she will take it and leave a surprise gift in its place.

Stress Free Kids founder Lori Lite has created a line of books and CDs designed to help children, teens, and adults decrease stress, anxiety, and anger. Ms. Lite’s books, CDs, and lesson plans are considered a resource for parents, psychologists, therapists, child life specialists, teachers, and yoga instructors. Lori is a certified children’s meditation facilitator and Sears’ Manage My Life parenting expert. For more information visit  Stress Free Kids and for daily advice follow Lori on Twitter and Facebook. 

(Holiday tips are my favorite! Lots more in STRESS FREE KIDS: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Build Self-Esteem, Manage Stress, and Reduce Anxiety in Children http://amzn.to/16VwUlw )

Children can be active participants in creating fun and relaxation! Introduce stress and anger management techniques to your child with the Indigo Dreams CD. Anger management is easy with Angry Octopus, also available in Spanish. 

Stacey Rourke's "The Conduit's" New Cover Released

Brand New Cover! Take a look and get the Award Winning Author Stacey Rourke's first book of the Gryphon Series! www.amazon.com/Conduit-Gryphon-Series-Stacey-Rourke-ebook/dp/B007H7UMR0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383140522&sr=8-1&keywords=the+conduit+gryphon+series

L.P. Dover;s Reign of Ice Cover Reveal

COVER REVEAL ~ REIGN OF ICE (Forever Fae, #4)

by bestselling author L.P. Dover!!
Release Date: November 11th
With model Laura Duvall! Makeup by Laura DuVall Makeup Artistry!!

Synopsis:
Two courts to four is what needs to be … to save the land so shall we see.
The scroll has been found and now the fae know how to defeat the dark sorcerer, to end his evil existence in the Land of the Fae. However, the only thing standing in the way is the one bond that must be formed; the one that will empower all four courts together and make them invincible. Ariella and Brayden’s bond will not come easily, for Ariella is mischievous and head-strong with a heart full of love, while Brayden is strong and loyal with a heart made of ice.
What do you do when the fate of your land rests upon your shoulders because of the bond you must form to save it? How are you supposed to do that when the one man to help you fulfill the prophecy is the one who doesn’t believe in love?
With all four princesses bound together as one, will they be strong enough to save the life of Ariella, who is destined to be the one who ends it, the one who will sacrifice everything to save the people she loves? In this final installment of the Forever Fae series you will see how the bonds of love and all the sacrifices it takes to truly conquer the evil once and for all.
Add it to your TBR:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17188654-reign-of-ice

Destined for Darkness Cover Reveal

****Cover Reveal ****

"Destined for Darkness"

 by Lucian Barnes, 

 edited by There for You

 releasing through Anchor Group in November. 

Synopsis:

Frank Mancini had suffered with his abusive mother for many years, until the day that he snapped. After telling his friend, Johnny, about the incident, his friend encouraged him to leave Misty Hollows. Taking his advice, Frank journeyed across the country to California hoping for a fresh start.

Shortly after his arrival, he met a beautiful woman. He was determined to hide his dark past from her, especially after finding out that she was a psychic, able to see both the past and the future of anyone she came into contact with. He managed to hide his secrets from her until several years after they'd gotten married and started a family. Fearing that she would turn him in to the police, he killed her. Not realizing that his son, George, witnessed this act, Frank decided to take him back to Misty Hollows.

How would the memory of his mother's death effect young George? Would he follow in his father's footsteps? Journey through the years, from infancy to adulthood, with George to see if he can resist the inner darkness!

ARV-3 Coming Soon

Title: ARV-3
Author: Cameo Renae
Genre: YA Apocalytic/Dystopian
Cover Design by Regina Wamba at Mae I Design and Photography
Blurb:
June 6, 2014: The beginning of the end. The Apocalypse.

A nuclear fallout wiped out every living thing on the planet, except for a few thousand of us who took shelter in underground bunkers across the globe. Now, after thirteen long years, we were finally able to return to the topside to begin to rebuild.
We thought we were alone. We were never more wrong.
Before the fallout, scientists had worked on creating an anti-radiation vaccine (ARV). The first two attempts failed, but despite the incomplete tests and results, the government approved and distributed the third serum to the masses in an effort to aid those who had no shelter.
It worked, keeping those who remained on the topside alive, but it also altered and mutated them. This new and infectious threat had completely outnumbered us. Now, we not only had to rebuild our planet. We would have to fight for it. My name is Abigail Park. I’m seventeen, and this is my story.

 

Author Cameo Renae

Wonderful Reviews of "Thimble Kisses"

I bought this wonderful book for my great-niece. I read it when I got it, and it is beyond amazing! I just know this is going to be one of her new favorites! It is sweet and touching and just a wonderful story of the innocence of children's love!! I recommend it to anyone who has children! I even plan on getting my niece a thimble to go along with the book. I just can not say enough about this heart-warming story! A MUST have - simply put!~Darlene K.

With Thimble Kisses, Crystal Clifton gives young children a thoughtful Christmas story. Six-year-old Andy watches his mother sew. He wants to give her a special present and asks his father to take him to the fabric store.When Andy's mother cries, he thinks she doesn't like his gift. But it is with tears of joy she shares her thimble kisses.This tender story helps children find thoughtful ways to express their love. ~ Jean Tracy, author of Character Building: Divorce Stories and Strategies to Help Your Child Heal

 This book is just adorable. I wasn't quiet sure I'd want to read it now, it seems more Holiday themed. However, I must say-its mommy themed. Its all about the love one boy has and shared with his mom, and his family. It showcases the family values you can truly instill in your children, the love you can share forever on, and that sometimes the simplest of gifts are the best. Way to go Andy! And good job mommy passing them off as each child left (tears-I never want that day to come!).The illustrations are hand-drawn, which adds an element to the book that newer styles don't have, and it certainly increases the value of the story. I also love the way the words were chosen, the format, and the details (especially at the store). 5 star quality all around.This really is an adorable book, all families and children will love it! Can't wait for my boys to review. <3
Can't wait to read more from Crystal Clifton.~ Candice C.

Being a Grandma

I have been so blessed with so many things in my life. Being A Grandmother would have to top it all off. I have 6 Grand children 4 boys 2 girls that are so awesome and wonderful and I Love them all so very much. They inspire me to write as my kids did when they were little. I love to watch them grow and putting them in my stories is such a great way to place imagination in their lives as well as many other children. These are my six grand children

Steven

Brayden

Brooklen

Isabella

Corey

Jeffrey
These are the Blessings God Gave me <3

My Pride

Pride - pleasure or satisfaction taken in something done by or belonging to oneself or believed to reflect credit upon oneself:

That pretty much sums this picture up for me other than my kids and grnd kids I would have to say this book is my pride for sure.

Christmas is around the corner

I am an avid Christmas Lover and I can't wait for it every year. As a child I had wonderful Christmas times  and all very memorable. I remember waking up and sitting in my dads lap in front of the fire waiting for everyone else to get up so we could all unwrap our gifts and play with what we got. My parents were a big presence in our lives while we were growing up and they made sure Christmas was special even when we didn't have much money. I miss times like that and wish things were that simple today.

Michigan Love

Well it is Sunday and we are already half way through the month of October and Halloween is getting very close. Although I love the fall the Winter is my absolute favorite time of the year .Christmas is my favorite holiday and I am blessed to get to spend a second Christmas in Michigan with my son, daughter in law and my awesome Grand daughter Bella. She is such a joy to be around and makes me laugh all the time. She is growing so fast and is so smart I am totally amazed by her every day. I Thank God daily for allowing me to spend this time with her.

Michigan is an awesome state yes it gets extremely cold in the winter and for the most part not to hot in the Summer. So I am loving it here I call it Michigan Love.

Adorable

My 16th - 5 Star Review

Adorable!,

October 11, 2013

By 

Cameo Renae

This review is from: Thimble Kisses (Paperback)

Thimble Kisses was the sweetest children's stories I've ever read! I actually read it to my grandson, who is 2 years old. His attention span is very small, but he sat on my lap and listened to the whole story, pointed at the pictures, had me explain each thing in every picture, and when it was over he said, "Again, mama!!!"
Those words thrilled my heart, and because of that, this is a definite 5 stars, and a keeper for the kid!!! <3

*****COVER REVEAL*****
LEE RYDER

It all began with a war… Jess’ life was turned upside down when the plagues came and destroyed her family. The cities are surrounded by immense graveyards that are inhabited by dangerous gangs that rule the cities and hold the inhabitants under their thumbs. It’s a game of life and death and only the strong survive to live another day.

About the author:


Lee Ryder is a mother of 3 children and one angel. She currently lives in New England. She started writing small works at an early age and was featured in local publications. She studied theater and vocal performance and was featured in several plays. She believes in love at first sight and married her soul mate at age 19. She also has read reviewed and edited other published works. You can visit her at her blog and on her on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MsLeesFanfiction?ref=br_tf
http://leeryderabfa.blogspot.com/

Coming Soon by Stacey Rourke

Come and visit Stacey Rourkes FB Fanpage and watch for "Ascensions" Book Four in The Gryphon Series release in November.
 https://www.facebook.com/staceyrourkeauthor

Christmas is A Comin

Christmas is right around the corner and this sweet book will put you in the spirit so come over and check out "Thimble Kisses" by Crystal Clifton on
Available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble Links available on sidebar

D. Loves COVER REVEAL of Learning The Lies (The Bailey Trilogy)

Learning The Lies (The Bailey Trilogy) By D. Love
Cover Design: BookFabulous Designs
Image by: Tina's Photography
Coming this Winter

Fourteen hundred miles has separated Bailey Jones, from a tragic heartache. After her first love ends their relationship, Bailey continues forward with her decision to move with her Aunt in Maine. Adjusting to a new home, job, and friends was supposed to be simple but love interests have come knocking on her door. The question is can either of them be trusted? Each of them is harboring secrets but once exposed, will it send Bailey running or will it be her salvation? Amongst the chaos of her love life, a unexpected appearance comes back into her life and could possibly change everything. Bailey is ‘Learning the Lies’ but which will she accept?
Author Website: http://authordlove.blogspot.com/
Author FB Fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/D-Love/460898927326110

Waking with a 3 year old

This really isn't book related but I wanted to let you know the joys of waking at 4 in the morning with Bella.

At 4am Bella wakes me up crying saying where is Papa(Katies dad) and when I told her he was at his home she got upset. So I tried to put her in bed with me and she ran off to her room yelling no no no and hid behind her robe hanging on her wall. When I picked her up she was sobbing and we sat on my bed for a bit and she raised her head laughing saying "Papas at home." I think she was still asleep before. She went back to sleep about 7 and so i kicked back in the recliner and dozed off myself and then decided tog o to my bed since she was asleep. Well I had been laying there about ten minutes when she came in there and said "Nanny why you in you room?" and I jumped up being as she scared the poo out of me and she ran into my arms. That is the joys of waking with Bella at 4 in the morning. I am starting a series of books about some of the things Bella does, hopefully the first will be out in the near future.

Five Star Review from Readers Favorite

I am so very humbled and Excited to receive such an amazing review of "Thimble Kisses" from "Readers Favorite" and to receive my 5 star Medallion

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Thimble Kisses by Crystal Clifton is about Andy and how he makes the effort to give his mother her favorite gift. He needs the help of his father to go to the local store and get things organized to make it a dream Christmas for his mom.

It is a heartwarming and endearing story of love that a child has for his mother. It is a book which every parent will find appealing because Andy touches a chord in their hearts with his lovable act. Love can be expressed in so many ways. In Andy's case, he shows his love by surprising his mom for Christmas. Sometimes it is not the value of the gift that is important, it is the thought that is very touching and important. Andy's mother's emotions have been put down well by the author. That is something every mother feels when their child surprises them with a gift.

Thimble Kisses is a book that everyone will hold close to their hearts. The illustrations are beautiful. It is these illustrations that make the story or any children's story complete because it gives a face and an identity to the characters. The cutest and most adorable part of the book is when Andy tells his father that he wants to buy a kiss for his mom for Christmas. The love between a child and his parents has been expressed beautifully by the author.

It is a beautiful story that every child should read and every parent too. It makes a good bedtime story and for read aloud. 

Those who know me know I love Chocolate, White chocolate mostly but chocolate none the less. I have an amazing Chocolate fairy and today I received these from her. A while back someone in Germany posted a picture of these on Facebook and I so wanted some. I never told anyone really and today I was pleasantly surprised and they are just as good as they look. That being said what is your favorite snack when you are reading or writing?

Hello

Hello I would like to introduce myself I am a mother of 4 and grandmother of 6. I have written and released my first children's book "Thimble Kisses" and have a poem in "Unhappily Ever After Fairytales With a Twist" both through Anchor Group Publishing. I am new at blogging and if you can bare with me I will hopefully get this all figured out. Thanks bunches