Excellent Resources for your Kindergartner

I was a first time mom back in the late 80's so that brought kindergarten into my life around 1995 and it was everything that I recalled.  It was a place to learn your ABC's, tie your shoe and write your name.  I had no idea that what happened in 1995 to 2008 was a cross over to prepare for med school.  Well, not really but times sure did change!  Even though with my first child, I did have her counting to 100, writing her full name, already knew how to tie her shoe and so forth, I didn't place as much emphasis on my six year old which I regretted.  Due to her diagnosed condition in June of 08, Benign Rolandic Epilepsy, I was just coming to terms of the condition and the new pulmonary condition the then one year old was diagnosed with within two week's of each other.  Consequently, that summer was spend shuttling between various military and civilian doctors trying to determine the exact diagnosis, the correct medication and learning to live with two chronic medical conditions.  I had no time to even think about school besides, that was their job right?  Wrong! 

After spending the year struggling with the medications and the correct dosing, first time separation from her mom and memory issues, she did well but wasn't up to par as most children attend daycare and preschool if not both now.  Needless to say, they requested she repeat kindergarten to counter her immaturity and inability to stay on top of things whether it was due to the condition or the medication or both.

As a concerned parent, I bought numerous items to help reinforce the subjects she needed to learn and spent countless hours to bring her up to speed.  One way that I found to keep her motivation up was to purchase a white board.  The white board was customized per month and for doing her homework, she received one star.  If she did extra work, she received another star and for anything additional such as chores, she received yet another star.  On Fridays, after school, she was able to cash in her stars for a toy at Target.  Sometimes it was $5 and sometimes it was up to $20.  It was a great incentive to keep her on track with homework completion.

I also bought her all the various workbooks to spend extra time with.  Those were fun for her as it was a challenge to complete them and provide them to her "mom teacher."  I purchased Hooked on Phonics and even though it looked like a great program, it was too much for her to handle.  She liked it but could only handle it for a little while at a time.

One of the better purchases were the little books full of sight words.  Those were fun for her to read because she was able to read them.  It inspired her so much she wrote her own book that was published.  The key to her motivation is to tap into her creative side. 

Need some extra resources for your little one?

This site has excellent samples to print all in themes.  http://www.lovetowatch.com/http://www.lovetwoteach.com/FREEBIES.htmhttp://www.lovetwoteach.com/FREEBIES.htm breaks it down to nice packages of motivational learning.

October for example is full of great pictures to cut out and utilizes math, writing and reading which are all geared towards kindergarten and even teachers.

http://www.jmeacham.com/ also has great worksheets and themes to choose from.

http://www.kinderteacher.com/ has a variety of activities and themes to print off to provide that little extra to your child outside of school.  It's also nice to be able to bring you up to speed on what they really are needing to know so you can improve their chances of success.

http://first-school.ws/preschool/printable-activities/index.htm has more great resources to print.

Counting money was another task she found difficult and with the new sizes of quarters, it's hard to teach.  This is a good resource for helping with counting and identification:  http://www.moneyinstructor.com/inp/inpcoinamtmatch.asp

This site has math problems and more:  http://www.primarygames.com/math.htm


As I noted in an earlier post, Post It Notes has all the sight words in print form.  It's a great, fun way to learn since you can put them anywhere for quick practice!

Take a Vet to School Day & History.com Resources

Anyone ever heard of Take a Veteran to School Day because I haven't and I should considering I'm an Army wife?  History.com has a host of information for this day in October to include a school curriculm and planning guides from K through 12th grade.

They include a guide in Spanish, oral history guides, African Americans in WWII and much more.  Not sure if my daughter's school is participating so I just e-mailed the PTO President to find out.

Within the sample lesson plans is a letter written by a Civil War soldier to his mother.   Below is an excerpt of a letter written in 1862 by Union soldier Tilton C. Reynolds to his mother. Reynolds had enlisted as a seventeen-year-old six months earlier, and would serve until the end of the war, despite spending several months in a Confederate jail, a result of being captured a month after writing this letter. Though light and humorous in tone, there seems to be an underlying angst in the words of this young soldier as he prepares to confront a growing Civil War.

Camp near Yorktown, April 16, 1862


Dear Mother


I am going to write a few lines to tell you about a little fun we had about Col Corbet our Lieut Col. When the Regt went out on Picket he was going round to see where the Picket Posts was when he came to the Rebel Picket lines. It being after night he had missed our lines & got too far off. He rode up & asked what Regiment that was & One of them told him It was the 24th Virginia. This Scared Col Corbet Considerable & he turned his horse the other way & Started for the Picket lines of Co. C who was Posted first. The Rebels fired at him Several times but did not hit him. He jumped off his horse when he come to the Co & told them to hold his horse & he took down though the woods toward Camp Double Quick. This is the Story I heard I expect they made It a little worse than It was but he was Badly Scared that I know.


There was a little Scirmish to day that our Artillery had with the Rebels. They killed one of our men & Shot the legs of an other below the knees. I guess the[y] made the Rebels git though. They are trying to Drive them out of their little Batteries & I guess they are doing It. The Adjt & Uncle John is well. I was up to the Adjts office a little while ago he is going to write tomorrow. But I must close this for I have nothing to write about. The mail goes out in the morning. We have no drill any more Excep a little Bayonet Exercise & that is easy work. I am going to draw a new pair of Pants in a few days. Mine is pretty good yet but they are a little too Small & as we are Entitled to new ones I thought I might as well get them. But now I must close. Give my love to all & except my Sincere love for yourself and believe me to be your affectionate Son.
 
There are many really good historical references so even if your school doesn't participate or if you homeschool, check it out!
 
History.com is also raising awareness on supporting our veterans through many ways:

• Armed Services YMCA http://www.asymca.org/ - Supplies vets with access to rehabilitation facilities, job training, and other services.
• The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund http://www.fallenheroesfund.org/ - Dedicated to helping severely injured American veterans and their families.
• America's VetDogs http://www.vetdogs.org/ - Helping those who have served our country honorably to live with dignity and independence whether they are visually impaired or have other special needs, by using guide dogs, service dogs, and innovative technologies

Gilt Group Specials: iRobot, 3.1 Phillip Lim Girl's & More

The Gilt Group has Dr. Brandt Skin Care, iRobot, 3.1 Phillip Lim Girl's (although almost all are already in member's carts), Cole Haan and many more in their boutiques.

Some of Dr. Brandt's products:

• V Zone Neck Cream priced at $30 (normally $60 retail)
• Poreless Purifying Mask at $20 (normally $40 retail)
• Vitamin C Gel at $45 (normally $90 retail)
• Lineless Essential Kit at $32 (normally $65 retail)

3.1 Phillip Lim Girl's:

• Shrunken Trench Coat at $105 (normally $275 retail)
• Cashmere Pom Pom Sweater at $105 (normally $275 retail)

iRobot:

• 8 Piece Roomba 560 Set Vaccuum Cleaning at $365 (normally $520)

Rue La La Cuisinart Sale: Hurry! >3 Days Left

I already missed out on the deep fryer...waahhhh!

Hurry to Rue La La for a great sale on Cuisinart products!  Sell started at 11 EST and will run until Monday.

Other great sales going on include Calvin Klein, Devi Kroell and Stitch's.

Losing Weight: I Lost 15 Pounds To Date!

I started a weight loss program in July by watching what I eat and using the Wii Cardio Gym and Jillian Michael's games.  I officially started the Quick Weight Loss Center's home program in August and to date, I've lost 15 pounds (as of yesterday). 

I'm keeping track of my weight loss and program in a separate journal entry (widget on the side) and in an effort to help others who might be interested, am trying to get sponsorship for a Get Fit Giveaway starting October 1 and running until January 1, 2010.

I plan to utilize my knowledge I've learned and my success in encouraging others to join me in getting a jump start on your New Year's resolution!

Interested?  Let me know! 

Feeding America Campaign Sponsors

More than 35 million people, 12 million of those are children, go to bed hungry in America alone.  Here are some on-going campaigns to join in the fight against hunger.  With the economy and the holidays, what better reason to reach out to your neighbors?  Join Feeding America to find out what you can do whether it's donating to them directly or finding your local food bank.  Start raising awareness and give your school a suggestion for sponsoring a local food bank if they aren't already.

• Macy's in their latest advertisement has a coast to coast fundraiser to help feed 10 millon meals for Feeding America.  Present the insert to the Come+Together kiosk at Macy's and receive a booklet filled with special offers and inspiring ideas.  A $10 free gift card is included. Available 9/16 through 9/17/09.    Macy's "Come Together" campaign is a community-centered initiative to raise 10 million meals for Feeding America. The campaign asks the public to host dinner parties in their homes and to have guests donate to Feeding America in lieu of bringing a host gift. Macy's will match dollar for dollar until the collective goal of 10 million meals is reached. Macy's customers can also donate $1 at the register at all Macy's stores, as well as to Shop for a Cause on Saturday, October 17. To support the effort, Macy's will launch an awareness campaign that includes a new star-studded TV commercial, dinner parties hosted by world-renowned chefs from Macy's Culinary Council at select stores, fashion nights, and a one-stop party planning destination at www.macys.com/cometogether that will feature recipes, dinner party fashions, evites, themes, recommended playlists and other special content to create the perfect gathering.
• Lunchables will donate a free lunch to a child in need when you write a note on their website for Feeding America.
  Sign Uncle Ben's journal and they will donate money to Feeding America.
• The Cheesecake Factory: The Cheesecake Factory's "Drive Out Hunger" Tour kicks off on August 31 in Los Angeles with David Arquette and will visit 30 cities in 30 days, ending in Washington, D.C. on October 1. For the entire month of September, Feeding America and The Cheesecake Factory hope to engage thousands of Americans by asking guests to donate 2 cans of food to The Cheesecake Factory local event site, and in turn, receive a slice of the new Stefanie's Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake. Over 32,000 employees from all 146 Cheesecake Factory restaurants across the country are also collecting cans of soup during the month to benefit the food banks in their communities. On September 30, for every guest that brings in two cans of soup, The Cheesecake Factory will be donating 10% of their guest check to local food banks. The "Drive Out Hunger" Tour is part of The Cheesecake Factory's "Share the Spirit" campaign. Through July 29, 2010, with every purchase of a slice of the Stephanie's Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake, The Cheesecake Factory will donate 25 cents to Feeding America -- and $1 per order online. Through this entire campaign, The Cheesecake Factory expects to raise over $400,000 for Feeding America.
• On October 13, Bob Dylan will be releasing a new Christmas album with all royalty proceeds being donated to Feeding America.
• United Airlines: The "official airline of Hunger Action Month," United Airlines will run an in-flight video PSA during September, along with a print version of this PSA in their in-flight magazine, Hemispheres, to help encourage passengers to log onto www.feedingamerica.org/united to join in the fight with cash donations or miles. Transportation for Hunger Action month awareness events is provided by United Airlines.
• Kraft Foods will match dollar to dollar any donate you give to Feeding America.  There is a cool calculator that shows how many bowls of food will be bought with your donation.
• Sony Pictures Animation's "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs:" Sony Pictures Animation and Feeding America have teamed up to create a hunger awareness campaign involving their new movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, which hits theaters nationwide on September 18. Ad Council PSAs featuring characters from the movie will run in theater as movie trailers encouraging kids to become Hunger Helpers by teaching them that 1 in 6 children in this country don't know where their next meal will come from.
• Microsoft: In addition to donating media on MSN.com, Microsoft is extending their Browser for the Better campaign through the month of the September in honor of Hunger Action Month. The Browser for the Better campaign is about making it easy for people to make a difference. For each free download of Windows Internet Explorer 8 via www.browserforthebetter.com, Microsoft will donate the financial equivalent of 8 meals to Feeding America. Also, as an added incentive, Microsoft will double their donations for all users who are running Internet Explorer 6 and who upgrade to Internet Explorer 8 from the www.browserforthebetter.com site.
• "Rock a Little, Feed a Lot" concert: Some of the best musicians will gather in Los Angeles' Club Nokia on September 29 for what is aiming to be the year's largest hunger-relief concert, a benefit for Feeding America and the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank. Details about the "Rock a Little, Feed a Lot" concert will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com.
  

Trident Gum is launched a campaign on A Little Piece of Happiness which details news and stories on funny or nice things to make you smile. If you click around, there is a coupon for $1.00 off.

Trendy Prints Photo Cards & Invitation Review

I received a sample photo invitation today from Trendy Prints Photo Cards & Invitations.  The invitation is light weight but has a great glossy appearance.  It's in an aloha theme so the flowers in the background glisten differently from the rest of the card providing an extra quality in the printing.  Since we used to live in Hawaii, sending the Aloha version was a plus as I'm partial!

If you aren't familar with Trendy Prints, you can create and preview online, all cards ship in 1-2 days and the unbelievable part is, all cards are .99 each!  They cover all the important aspects of life:

• First birthday invitations
• Photo birthday invitations
• Photo birth invitations
• Baby shower invitations
• Christening invitations
• Save the Date cards
• Bridal shower invitations
• Holiday photo cards
• Valentine birth announcements

All cards are printed on 100 lb cardstock with their unique matte finish and have envelopes included.  They are color corrected and adjusted by a professional artist before printing.  How many times have you ordered a personalized photo product to only be disappointed due to the quality?  That extra feature will ensure you are getting a high quality product every time you order.

They have a 100% gurantee and as a bonus, they donate a portion of proceeds to charity.

MagneticMessenger.com Invitations and More Review

I received these very cute samples of invitations and thank you cards from MagneticMessenger.com today.   I received three but these two were my favorites as I liked the simple picture of the doggie with the personalized photo option.  I also like the matching thank you cards to touch up a nice theme.

The cards are a nice card stock that aren't too heavy and have a slight gloss feel and appearance.  You can choose many types to include magnetic invitations that have a small strip on the back that doesn't weigh it down and it's the perfect reminder for the party to be.  What grandparent or loved one wouldn't want a darling picture of their little one on the refrigerator?

The great feature of MagneticMessenger.com is they have products that cover any event from bridal showers to save the date to birth to christening to birthday to holiday cards with much more!

All products are customizable and are digitally printed.

The Save the Date magnets are full postcard size and come with envelopes for mailing.  There is a beautiful, elegant variety to choose from.

They have a wide assortment of birth announcements with magnets on the back and envelopes to mail.

The prices are extremely reasonable and come in a full 3.75" x 5.75" postcard size.

You receive your proof back in about 24-48 hours which is important since sending out your announcement is vital to any new mom!

Added Bonus:  A portion of proceeds benefit a Woman's Place Ministries whose mission is to protect and PRESERVE the sanctity of all life.

Light Up Your Child's Mind by Renzulli and Reis Book Review WINNER

Congratulations to

JanetFaye, LuvDayLilies, Margeret & Civ05, Your Information Was Received & Books Should be Coming Soon!

JDaniel4's Mom, please contact me by end of day today! Thanks!

I had the great opportunity from The Product Review Place and Hachette Book Group to read Light Up Your Child's Mind by Joseph Renzulli, PhD and Sally Reis, PhD.  I took an interest in reading this book mostly because I have three children at home.  They range in ages from 2 to 21 so I wanted to see if there was anything I could have done differently to invoke some creativity in the oldest one's mind.  I've grown myself since those early days with her so I can look back and reflect on what I can offer and provide both from a more mature level as well as from a resource perspective. 

I encourage the creativity in my children mostly because I'm creative myself or at least I like to think I am!  Talking to my dad today, I learned that I got it from him and they got it from me most likely.  My middle child is currently pursuing writing, acting and many other artsy type hobbies.  She's a natural and where she lacks in memory (I think due to epilepsy medications), she gains in having a wonderful ability to create almost anything.

What I liked about the book is what many parents, I would think, don't realize and that is that schools are so busy building, teaching and sticking to assigned schedules and requirements that they don't have the time to tap into each child's unique interests and desires.  This is by no means the fault of the schools but as parents, we have the ability to show our children the way through many opportunities.  It provides direction in how to guide your child versus pushing and directing their interests.  It gives suggestions on how to spark an interest and how to pursue the interests.

I think we all remember the kid in school that had the most incredible looking projects and you knew their parents helped if not created the entire project.  This method advocates tapping into the source by instilling excitement and interest without pushing.

I highly recommend this book as a great way to educate yourself on how to spur creativity in your child.  It's a great resource to teach both you and your children on how to tap into the hidden passions and carry forward in a healthy, productive manner.

The Giveaway

Hachette Book Group is offering this wonderful opportunity to allow five of my readers a chance to receive their own copy.

All you have to do to enter, is leave a comment.

For extra entries:

• Follow my blog
• Blog about the giveaway
• Tweet the giveaway

Leave an extra comment after each activity to let me know you did.

Giveaway ends September 30, 2009.

Guess Purses, Sports Items, Watches & More - 50%~ at BeyondtheRack.com

BeyondTheRack.com has Guess purses at around 50% off but hurry as the sale ends in three days! 

Here is just a sample of what they have:

Sports fan?  Great deals on SIGNED merchandise.  I want the Peyton helmet!!!

Here is a sample:

Puma watches are 50% off too!

Many great deals so check them out!

Marc Jacobs, Central Park West, Kowalski and more coming!

Gap Outlet Semi-Annual Baby Sale starts Sept. 11 and Sept. 24

Gap Outlet Semi-Annual Baby Sale starts September 11, 2009 and September 24, 2009!

Style!  Value!  Savings!

Buying children's clothes can be expensive since they grow so quickly especially if you have more than one!  Some of the best ways to save money is to use the old dreaded hand me down process or you can save a lot of money, have stylish children and get great values by using your local Gap Outlet.

The Gap Outlet store has so many great selections and savings that you can't afford to pass up the specials.

If you want top of the line fashion for your little one at value prices and shopping, shop the Gap Outlet.  They have stylish clothes for those children under five.  This is my favorite place to shop for my two year old and has been a favorite for all my children.

Find your local Gap Outlet here.







Click here for an exlusive 10% off purchases at the Gap Outlet sale at
TwitterMoms Exclusive: Gap Outlet Semi-Annual Baby Sale Savings!


Join the TwitterMom's Discussion and hurry to spread the word to save!

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Better Bake Sale House Party Host!

I'm so excited as I was chosen as one of the Better Bake Sell House Party host sponsored by I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!

On September 26th, my party invitees will bake many delicious recipes using I Can't Believe It's Not Butter and sell the yummy goodies at a bake sale.  Now I just have to decide who to donate the proceeds to:

• Military Family Readiness Group
• Local School
• Local Church that feeds homeless people

Anyone have any great recipes you want to post?

Military Walt Disney World and Busch Offers

Great Military Offers by Disney and Busch


Walt Disney World Salutes the Men and Women Who Serve


Save up to 40% on rooms

Special deal for eligible members of the U.S. Military: Save up to 40% on rooms at select Disney Moderate Resorts!* For stays most nights January 4 to December 23, 2009, except not available at all 5/22-5/24/09, 6/11/09, 6/14-6/18/09, 6/22-6/25/09, 8/18-8/21/09, and 11/24-11/27/09.

Also, ask about special rates through December 23, 2009 at other select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels.

*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. Savings based on non-discounted price for the same room. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Additional per-adult charges apply if more than two adults per room.

Plus a complimentary 5-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" ticket

Active or Retired Member of the U.S. Military

Through December 23, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military may obtain one complimentary 5-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" ticket with Park Hopper® and Water Park Fun & More options.

This ticket is valid for five days of admission into the four Walt Disney World® theme parks, plus a total of five visits to a choice of a Disney water park, DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions.

Friends and Family

During this offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel (or their spouses, but not both) may purchase up to a maximum of five 5-Day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets (one theme park per day) for $99 per ticket, plus tax, for family members (including spouse) or friends. Although this ticket for family members and friends does not include either the Park Hopper® or Water Park Fun & More options, this ticket can be upgraded to add either such option, or both, for an additional $25, plus tax, per option. Actual prices may be less. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 23, 2009.

Activated members of the National Guard or Reservists (presenting orders showing active status after January 1, 2008) and active or retired members of the United States Coast Guard are also eligible to participate in this offer.

"Disney's Armed Forces Salute" tickets can be obtained only at participating U.S. military base ticket offices (including at the Shades of Green Resort at the Walt Disney World® Resort), or at main entrance theme park ticket windows. Tickets are not valid until activated at the main entrance theme park ticket windows.

*Tickets are not valid until activated at the main entrance theme park ticket windows. Valid military identification will be required to be presented by the service or National Guard member or Reservist (or their spouse) for all ticket transactions (including to activate tickets at the main entrance theme park ticket windows). See your military base ticket office or click here for details. All parties must be present when purchasing or activating tickets at main entrance theme park ticket windows.

Visit your local ITT office for details and to book or get your tickets by December 23, 2009.

Disney Cruise Line offer for Military Personnel

Disney Cruise Line® is pleased to offer special rates for military personnel to experience a Disney cruise vacation. While onboard, you'll experience spectacular shows, fantastic programs, unique rotation dining, legendary Disney hospitality and an unforgettable adventure in paradise at Disney's own private island, Castaway Cay.

To find out the latest military rates call (800) 951-3532 or your Travel Agent. Ask for booking code MTO.

Budweiser Here's to Heroes

Budweiser is honored to salute the men and women of our armed forces and their families. Throughout 2009, members of the military and as many as three direct dependents may enter any one of Anheuser-Busch's SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place parks with a single-day complimentary admission.


For your service and sacrifice, we thank you.

Discovery Salutes Our Military: Free One Day Cruise

Discovery Cruise Line is proud of the military serving our country and would like to wish all of them our best wishes and a safe and speedy return.

We are inviting all Military who have served or are serving in Iraq or Afghanistan on a complimentary one day cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Grand Bahama Island valid until December 31, 2010. Discovery will provide the free one day Bahamas Cruise, including the cost of all buffet meals, all service charges, taxes and Bahamian Departure Fees. There are no additional costs involved.

Military Personnel, simply fill out the form below and we will send you an e-mail entitling you to your complimentary Discovery Cruise.

Reservations will be required along with Military ID.

My Points and USO: Help a GI Call Home

The holidays are approaching and the need to hear your loved one's voices is very comforting during deployments.  My Points and the USO have teamed up to raise funds for phone cards for our great men and women deployed.  As a wife of an Army soldier, I know how much these phone cards mean to them as after awhile, the costs adds up.  Many of the military personnel are also low income and can't afford this commen convenience we have at home.

Support our troops in the best possible way – by helping them call their loved ones back home.

Lonely... tired... half a world away from home and family… the troops defending our freedom around the world ache for the sound of a loved one's voice. That’s why we - the USO - through Operation Phone Home®, buy and hand out thousands of pre-paid phone cards to our men and women in uniform.

For our soldiers at the Front, there’s no magic like the music of your child's voice on a Holiday morning... no warmth like the familiar sound of "Happy Birthday" sung by your parents or siblings... and no relief as complete as the chance to chat with a friend when you're really down.

Your $10 donation provides a GI in Iraq with 30 minutes of prepaid calls to the US. A $20 donation buys 60 prepaid minutes. A $100 donation: 300 minutes. Please give as generously as you can, today! Tomorrow could be too late.

To date, over two million phone cards have been distributed to the brave men and women overseas since the program was launched in 2003.

We have 170,000~ men and women serving to protect our freedom so please consider donating!

FREE FOR YOU! PANGEA ORGANICS' SKINCARE DISCOVERY KIT AT ALLURE

FREE FOR YOU! PANGEA ORGANICS' SKINCARE DISCOVERY KIT

Just fill out the form!

Pangea Facial Cleanser, Facial Scrub and Facial Cream.

Supplies at Allure.com are limited and expires 9/30/09!

Electrolux and Kelly Ripa Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Join in this great opporunity to raise awareness and support the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

During September, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Electrolux and Kelly Ripa are holding a "Text-a-Thon for a Cause" to help raise support for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund whose mission is to fund research to find a method of early detection and ultimately a cure for ovarian cancer.

Throughout September, you can donate $5 to the cause by texting "KELLY" to 85944 from your mobile phones (standard text messaging rates apply) - or logging on to http://www.kelly-confidential.com/.

Also, every time you log on to the Web site, you'll be entered for a chance to win an amazing contribution to your home - a luxury front load washer and dryer from Electrolux in Turquoise Sky, the color inspired by the teal ribbon of ovarian cancer awareness.

Also during September, visitors to Kelly Confidential can help spread awareness for this important cause by sending a virtual T-shirt to a friend. For every virtual t-shirt sent, Electrolux will donate $1 to the OCRF. Fashion-forward Moms can also purchase a limited edition T-shirt designed by Ripa; 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the T-shirts will go to OCRF.

Click here to watch what Kelly has to say.

*A one‐time donation of $5 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Standard messaging rates and additional fees may apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the OCRF by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to 85944.

My Review of My Publisher Photo Books Plus Free Book Offer

MyPublisher has these great books you create from your photos.  Once you install their software, which was just upgraded to include new fonts and other features, it's very easy to do. 

MyPublisher has so many choices and features, it's amazing.  You can login and return to projects, check order status, view projects and reorder. 

It's an easy four step process:

1. Choose the photos you want to add to the book size and style.
2. After you click make book, you simply drag the photos to the slot you want them to appear.
3. You definitely have to click on preview to ensure they are appearing where you want them to appear and if you decided to add text, double check to ensure spelling is correct and the text is appearing with the correct photo.  I almost made a mistake by not carefully reviewing the preview before purchasing.
4. Buy the book!

This was our Summer 2009 book that I will purchase for each of the kids as a Christmas gift.  My new family tradition is to create a yearly special photo book to help with the collection of memories.  My last book was a couple of year's ago based on our time in Hawaii so I'm a little behind!

These personalized gifts are great for parents and grandparents too.

The quality is amazing and the shipping is really quick.  I would highly recommend them for anyone on your gift list.  It's so versatile that you can customize it for any subject.  Last year, I put together a book of the military career of my grandfather-in-law during his time in WW2.  That gift was received with tears as my father-in-law was extremely touched by it.

Everything is a click or drag feature unless you add text.  It's so easy to use and another great feature is they alert you if any of the photos are of low quality, if you have misspelled words or blank pages.

Didn't think it could get easier?  Well, it can!  If you want, they will even put the book together for you or they will walk you through screen by screen!

Check out all their products and choices.

• The books come in classic hardcover, deluxe hardcover and paperback pocketbooks. 
• 5x7 Greeting Cards
• 5x7 Post Cards
• 10x13 Calendars

MyPublisher has a great offer of one free book but you have to hurry as it expires 9/28/09!