April 2015 – Concert Katie

Throwback Thursday – Ben Jelen New Haven, CT 05/10/04

Katie April 30, 2015 0 Comments

Headliner: Ben Jelen
Opener(s): Michael Greenburg, Lourdes
Cost: $10

Setlist: None

Recap: This show was at Toad’s Place but they took my ticket from me upon entry so I doctored up this mock one from a ticket that I had won to see Ben at Webster Hall a few days later (but I didn’t end up going) I was very close for this show and had a pass to meet Ben afterwards.

Where Are They Now:

I have no idea what any of these guys are up to now. Ben had joined another band last I had heard from him – but that was years ago.

Book Review

Book Review: Stand Tall!

Katie April 29, 2015 0 Comments

Stand Tall is a book about integrity. It teaches children to do what they want to do by how they feel and not by what others are telling them to do. That they should make good choices and make up your own mind to do what is right and not follow what the others are doing if you don’t think it is right. It teaches children to help others and let them depend on you and to act how you want others to act towards you.

At the end of the book are ways to reinforce the ideas presented in this book with your children.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Integrity is an important trait for children to develop—especially as they grow, learn, and have more opportunities to make choices for themselves. With this encouraging book, support children in knowing right from wrong, making positive decisions, keeping promises, and staying true to themselves. Back matter includes advice for teaching integrity at home, at school, and in childcare.

ABOUT THE SERIES:
From the author of the popular Learning to Get Along® books comes a one-of-a-kind character-development series. Each of the first six books in the Being the Best Me! series helps children learn, understand, and develop attitudes and positive character traits that strengthen self-confidence and a sense of purpose. Each book focuses on a specific attitude or character trait—optimism, self-esteem, assertiveness, resilience, integrity, and forgiveness. Also included are discussion questions, games, activities, and additional information for adults. Filled with diversity, these social story books will be welcome in school, home, and childcare settings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed., has her master’s degree in elementary education and gifted education. A former first-grade teacher, she has taught education classes at Utah State University and has supervised student teachers. Cheri and her husband, David, have six children and enjoy the company of their lively grandchildren. They live in Laurel, Maryland.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Elizabeth Allen is an artist and professional illustrator of children’s picture books as well as a former songwriter and jazz musician. She has exhibited her art in galleries in the Midwest and on the East Coast. Elizabeth lives on a river running through a forest near St. Paul, Minnesota.

Book Review

Book Review: Forgive and Let Go

Katie April 29, 2015 0 Comments

Forgive and Let Go is a children’s book to teach them about forgiveness. The story tells you that people will make mistakes and it is best to just forgive them and let go. It also teaches you to say I am sorry and to be kind to others and how to forgive others even if they don’t apologize to you.

At the end of the book there are ways to reinforce the ideas if you are trying to teach them to your children.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

For young children, learning to forgive—when they’ve been let down or had their feelings are hurt—can take time. Help children develop their forgiveness skills and learn how to accept an apology and move on without holding grudges. At the same time, encourage children to let go of disappointment and to accept when things don’t go the way they hope. Back matter includes advice for teaching forgiveness at home, at school, and in childcare.

ABOUT THE SERIES:
From the author of the popular Learning to Get Along® books comes a one-of-a-kind character-development series. Each of the first six books in the Being the Best Me! series helps children learn, understand, and develop attitudes and positive character traits that strengthen self-confidence and a sense of purpose. Each book focuses on a specific attitude or character trait—optimism, self-esteem, assertiveness, resilience, integrity, and forgiveness. Also included are discussion questions, games, activities, and additional information for adults. Filled with diversity, these social story books will be welcome in school, home, and childcare settings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed., has her master’s degree in elementary education and gifted education. A former first-grade teacher, she has taught education classes at Utah State University and has supervised student teachers. Cheri and her husband, David, have six children and enjoy the company of their lively grandchildren. They live in Laurel, Maryland.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Elizabeth Allen is an artist and professional illustrator of children’s picture books as well as a former songwriter and jazz musician. She has exhibited her art in galleries in the Midwest and on the East Coast. Elizabeth lives on a river running through a forest near St. Paul, Minnesota.

Goodies Box

Love With Food March

Katie April 28, 2015 0 Comments

We invited Megan Roosevelt, Found of Healthy Grocery Girl and plant-based Registered Dietitian, to offer us a little advice. The result, this amazing box! Junk free? You bet. And if that isn’t enough to make your day a bit brighter, remember that every box purchased helps feed needy children. We’ll snack to that!

If you’d like to receive your own Love With Food box monthly, please use my referral link!

Moringa organic tea by miracle tree
Who doesn’t love a quick pick me up? This tea is delicious, nutritious, and I love that it is USDA Organic ensuring high quality standards.

At the time of writing this is the only item I haven’t tried.

Choco Chews by Trujoy Sweets
Here’s a candy everyone can enjoy. Chocolate chewiness that’s vegan, gluten free and organic – no artificial flavors either!

A bit chewey but very tasty!

Annie’s Chocolate Bunny Grahams
Made with organic whole wheat, these crunchy snacks contain 8 grams of whole grains per serving. A handful will put a little hop in your step.

First thing that I tried when the box came! Really good.

Lightly Salted Plantain Chips by Turbana
Sure they’re great on their own, but what about adding a couple to your next homemade trail mix?

Mom snagged these and enjoyed.

Hemp Hearts by Manitoba Harvest
Three tablespoons of hemp hearts provide 10 grams of plant-based protein! I love to add these hemp seeds to a salad, wrap or sandwich!

Mom snagged these as well and rolled her morning banana in them. She was impressed.

Roasted Chickpeas with Sea Salt by the Good Bean
One serving of these chickpeas contains 4 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber and serious crunchy, sea salt enjoyment.

Another one that Mom ate (I Think she ate more of this box than I did this month!) and two thumbs up.

Sea Salt Bops by Good Boy Organics
Be careful. These organic, gluten-free and Non-GMO Project Verified baked potato snacks are dangerously delicious

These were a lot thicker than the usual chips that I eat so I like that. And what’s not to like about something called “BOPS”?

Almond Butter Cacao Truffle by Two Moms in the Bay
Who knew raw, gluten free truffles could taste so indulgent? Clearly, in this case, moms do know best!

Mom tried to grab this one too – “it says Mom on it!” but I snagged it for myself. It looks like it would be gross but it tastes much, much better than it looks. Trust me.

Nutty Rice Bites with Cranberries by 180 Snacks
What happens when you tumble together great tasting real food? Healthy, delicious snack bites with guilt-free munching all day long.

Mom tried these as well and enjoyed them as a snack.

Product Review

Product Review: La Lune Naturals Organic Lip Balm

Katie April 28, 2015 0 Comments

I am the type of person who constantly has to have lip balm on them. There are at least 2 in my purse at any moment, I have one on my desk at work, one on my desk at home, one in my car, one on my nightstand, one in the bathroom – well you get the idea, I don’t like to be without lip balm! I’m always looking to try new brands and new flavors – and La Lune Naturals was a new brand with FOUR flavors for me to try. The flavors I received are Peppermint, Raspberry, Asian Pear and Vanilla Bean. The lip balms are made using only safe, organic ingredients like beeswax and coconut oil to ensure that you get the most natural experience.

I have to say that I think vanilla bean is my favorite, with raspberry in a close second. That’s not to say the other 2 flavors are bad, they aren’t! Each balm is a different color so I can easily pick out which one I want to use based on the color – should I decide to keep them all together and not spread them out in various locations to make sure that I am never without!

I received a product in exchange for an honest review.

CD Review

Music Monday: Jeff Gold Simple Treasures

Katie April 27, 2015 0 Comments

Song For Sydney
Prairie Song
First Snowfall
Walking Oz
I Do
Healing Pool
An Eye Towards The Sea
Skating
Simple Treasures
Day’s End
Sweet Dreams
Spring Green

Jeff Gold’s latest CD “Simple Treasures” is a soothing collection of original melodies featuring beautifully arranged acoustic guitars, piano, strings and flutes. The CD is one hour of smooth and melodic music – each song has its own unique sound yet the relaxing tone of the CD remains fluid throughout the entire album. The tempo is ideal for healing and is often used for meditation, massage, reiki and yoga. It’s usually near the top of Amazon’s “Relaxation” list.

Simple Treasures is not a typical CD that I would listen to – but I’m very glad that I did. I often stress myself out needlessly over the number of blog posts I need to work on during any given day. The day I first listened to this CD I had my list made and was feeling a bit overwhelmed as to where to begin. The music immediately relaxed me and I was able to focus on what I needed to get done and do it – rather than spend hours worrying about how I would get everything done. I can also see myself playing this CD on nights that I’m having trouble sleeping to calm and relax me.

Even if you think that instrumental music is not for you – if you are stressed, have trouble falling to sleep or relaxing or maybe you have a special needs child that needs help settling down – I urge you to check out Jeff’s CD. You won’t be disappointed.

If you sign up for Jeff’s mailing list you can get a free download of the song “Tradewinds”: http://www.jeffgoldmusic.com/su_tradewinds

And be sure to check out the video for “Song for Sydney”

I received this CD in exchange for this honest review.

Product Review

Product Review: Gurin Ceramic Flat Iron Hair Straightener

Katie April 26, 2015 0 Comments

I have very thick, frizzy, wavy/curly hair. In the past I’ve tried to straighten it, but it took upwards of 45 minutes to do so I kind of gave up and never bothered with it anymore. Then I became aware that maybe it was the flat iron that I had that was the problem and NOT my hair. So I decided I’d give the Gurin Ceramic Flat Iron a go. The flat iron is 1.25 inches with a carrying case. It can straighten, flip and curl your hair. It provides adjustable temperatures from 240F to 450F to suit all hair times. The ceramic/tourmaline plates create a shinier, silkier finish in lesser time. The 1.25 inch plate width is wide enough for any hair length and types, yet narrow enough for bangs. You can transform frizzy, dull hair into gorgeous straight, sleek locks.

So I woke up this weekend and decided – let’s see what happens. I had washed my hair the night before so it was particularly out of control and unruly when I woke up. (It is recommended to use this on dry hair which is why I did this) I plugged in the straightener, let it heat up, and within 15 minutes or so (not including the time it took for me to take before/after/during/etc photos) I had straightened all my hair. If it is going to be this quick – maybe this is a hairstyle I can start wearing more often!

Sorry for the lack of my face in the photos – but it was the morning and I’m sure you understand 😉 Plus it’s my hair we are caring about anyway!

I received a product in exchange for this honest review.

Product Review

Product Review: Atrico Rapid-Charging 6-Port Desktop USB Charger

Katie April 26, 2015 0 Comments

If you’re anything like me, you have way too many gadgets and not enough USB ports in your computer to charge them all. I’ve tried to buy USB to wall outlet chargers, but even then I end up with not enough room when I am trying to get everything charged up before a road trip. Well, now I am happy to report that I am a proud owner of the Atrico Rapid-Charging 6-Port Desktop USB Charger.

The unique design simplifies your home or office by eliminating messy clutter of chargers and wires. The charge tower combines all your charging needs into one simple neat charging location. The tower also has a strip of rubber built into the base to improve stability. The Atrico Charge Tower has the most current “smart” charging ports which allow you to efficiently charge various combinations of smart phones and tablets. 2 Smart IC ports for any device, 2 ports for Apple iOS devices and 2 ports for any smartphone. The tower can put out a max of 8 Amps and a max of 2.4A per port.

The Atrico Tower Charger is also a great travel charger option as it is capable of handling either 110V or 240V. This is a great option when you’re sharing a room that may not have many plugs in it with someone as gadget obsessed as yourself. Plug the tower into one plug, you can each charge 3 items at once and still have another plug available for a hair straightener or hair dryer.

The Charge Tower is manufactured with the safest, most advanced, PCBA on the market for these types of products and the hub uses fireproof composite materials. The Atrico Rapid Charge Tower comes with a 1 Year Limited Warranty.

I received a product in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review

Book Review: Zoo Borns Motherly Love

Katie April 24, 2015 0 Comments

Zoo Borns, Motherly Love, Celebrates the mother-baby bond at the world’s zoos and aquariums. A portion of all proceeds from ZooBorns book sales goes directly to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Conservation Endowment Fund.

If you love animals and especially baby animals (and really, who doesn’t?) you will certainly love this book. It is full of adorable pics of Mommies and their babies.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

An adorable installment in the ZooBorns series, ZooBorns Motherly Love celebrates the special bond between exotic animal mothers and their babies from every corner of the globe: “Animal babies make conservation cute,” raves The New York Times.

ZooBorns Motherly Love is all about mothers and their babies. Photographs that capture the power of a mother’s love consistently attract explosive interest on the wildly popular ZooBorns website, and now, for the first time, they have been collected in this book. ZooBorns Motherly Love explores the special role mothers play in our lives: they do more for us than they do for themselves, worry about us more than we’ll ever know, and love us more than anyone else can…no matter their species. By highlighting these adorable and recognizable moments, from a sea otter cradling her newborn pup to a lioness gently tugging her cub back to her side, ZooBorns connects you to the animals featured here and builds awareness for the challenges these species face in the wild. Remember, these babies are much more than just irresistible furry faces. They are ambassadors for their species, helping educate about conservation while they entertain. In fact, 10 percent of all ZooBorns’ revenue from the sale of these books goes directly to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Conservation Endowment Fund.

This book is sure to put a smile on your face and warm your heart.

Book Review

Book Review: AsapScience

Katie April 24, 2015 0 Comments

ASAP Science contains the answers to the world’s weirdest questions, most persistent rumors and unexplained phenomena. The book answers a lot of questions that I’ve heard before like – does shaving make your hair grow thicker? Are silent farts more deadly? Is Binge watching TV bad for you? (Maybe I haven’t heard that one but I wonder that one since I do it!), Is there a hiccup cure?, Why do we get Pins and Needles?, Why does time feel faster as we age?, Should you use the snooze button? and many, many, more.

The book presents these scientific mysteries in fun and easy to understand ways – and there are even drawings and pictures throughout to help illustrate the points! I found it to teach me a lot and be a lot of fun to read in the process as well. If you’re interested in science or the weird things that we deal with with our body, sex, farting, etc. Definitely check this book out.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

From the creators of the wildly popular and seriously scientific YouTube channel, AsapSCIENCE, comes entertaining, irreverent, and totally accessible answers to the questions you never got to ask in science class.

Why do we get hung over? What would happen if you stopped sleeping? Is binge-watching TV actually bad for you? Why should I take a power nap? In their first-ever book, Mitchell Moffit and Greg Brown, the geniuses behind YouTube channel AsapSCIENCE, explain the true science of how things work in their trademark hilarious and fascinating fashion.

Applying the fun, illustrated format of their addictive videos to topics ranging from brain freeze to hiccups to the science of the snooze button, AsapSCIENCE takes the underpinnings of biology, chemistry, physics, and other hard sciences and applies them to everyday life through quirky and relatable examples that will appeal to both science nerds and those who didn’t ace chemistry. This is the science that people actually want to learn, shared in a friendly, engaging style. And in the spirit of science, no subject is taboo. Amid the humor is great information and cocktail conversation fodder, all thoughtfully presented. Whether you’re a total newbie or the next Albert Einstein, this guide is sure to educate and entertain…ASAP.