ENTER Your Sitter in Sittercity Searches for America's Top Sitter Contest

Sittercity Contest Searches for America’s Top Sitter

Is your sitter out-of-this-world amazing? Sittercity wants to hear about her! Starting, April 21, Sittercity is hosting their second annual America’s Top Sitter contest, where you can nominate your caregiver to win the title of America’s Top Sitter and a $5,000 cash prize. Yes, you read that right, a $5,000 cash prize!

Here’s how it works. Visit Sittercity on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sittercity. Click on the “America’s Top Sitter,” icon, then the “Enter Contest” tab (if you have any questions before you start, check out the “Contest Details” tab). Then, fill out all the required information and agree to the official rules.

Now here comes the fun part. Sittercity wants you to brag like crazy about you sitter by answering a series of questions that will highlight his/her experience and knowledge, dependability, creativity, and commitment and flexibility.

You have from April 21, 2014 to May 2, 2014 to submit an entry: Sittercity's America's Top Sitter 2014 Contest: Sittercity’s America’s Top Sitter: Nominate Your Sitter Today, deadline: May 2, 2014

Once the entry period has ended, a panel of expert judges will select 10 finalists from the nominations. The judges are Jill Smokler, New York Times bestselling author of Confessions of A Scary Mommy(April 2012) and Motherhood Comes Naturally (And Other Vicious Lies) (April 2013) as well as the owner all things Scary Mommy; Lyss Stern, founder and CEO of divamoms.com, a luxury lifestyle company catering to influential and trendsetting moms; Jeremy Hilton, 2012 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year and co-founder of the #KeepYourPromise Alliance; Jessica DiVanno, last year’s winner of America’s Top Sitter; Cindy Mattioli, working mom who nominated last year’s winner.

After 10 finalists have been selected, it’s up to Sittercity’s Facebook community to vote for the winner. From May 12-19, their Facebook fans can vote for their favorite sitter once a day, everyday.

On May 20 Sittercity will announce the winner of America’s Top Sitter 2014!

If your sitter has what it takes to be the next America’s Top Sitter, then nominate them today! Sittercity’s America’s Top Sitter: Nominate Your Sitter Today, deadline: May 2, 2014

**FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase.

$25 Cash Giveaway and Wunderkind Family Children's Book Blog Tour Starting Monday May 5th

Please come back on Monday, May 5th and ENTER to win $25 cash giveaway and I hope you will also check out my newest Wunderkind Family children's book - Josh and the Gumshoe News Crew 'The Super Secret', which will be released on the same day! For more information please visit http://www.melissaproductions.com

  

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Teaching Kids Sportsmanship When Parents Fail To Lead By Example

Kids learn sportsmanship through parents and coaches. And this past weekend, during and after an all day fast pitch tournament, I witnessed many parents and coaches failing their children.

There was an incident where a fast pitch coach was yelling at a parent. The umpire had call time out as the coach yelled and used gestures that expressed her anger. It was embarrassing. The parent and coach should have been asked to leave. Then there was another incident where several parents accused a larger sized nine year old girl of knocking one of their smaller sized eleven year old players to the ground on purpose. Emotions were high and some tears flowed, when the umpire called her safe. And she was safe. What the parents failed to recognize was the age of the child, her skill level, and the size of both girls. The girl who knocked the catcher over was twice her size. And bitterness continued onto the field. As the kids lined up to shake hands, the losing team slapped the winning teams hands really hard. It was heartbreaking that they didn't congratulate them and wish them well in the next game. 

Kids need to be taught that one team is going to win and another will lose. There will be bad calls and mistakes made. That's part of the game. And coaches and parents need to lead the kids by example.

Below are my suggestions to sideline parents and coaches on how to teach kids about sportsmanship. It starts with their behavior!

• Put yourself in the umpire and coaches shoes. It's not an easy job, especially dealing with sideline parents who many think they can do better.
• Umpires and referee's will make bad calls. They are human. And sometimes a bad call may cost you the game. Let it go. Getting angry isn't going to change their call and make your child feel any better.
• Most coaches are volunteers. They aren't getting paid and some are learning the game as they coach. I've been a coach many times and it's not easy. Especially dealing with parents.
• After the game, put your game face smile on, pat your child's back and tell them they did a great job. Parents are a lot harder on their kids and sometimes don't have a perfect perspective of how they really played. I'm guilty of it. I expect a lot more from my kids, then other kids. Take a deep breath and think about your child's feelings. Kids want to please their coaches and parents. They aren't on the field trying to miss a ball or strike out. Remember that during and after the game.
• Coaches need to help calm the parents down.
• Coaches should communicate to the parents at the beginning of the season the code of conduct and what they expect.
• Acknowledge good plays on both sides of the field.
• Cheer your team and make sure your kids are being good sports in the dug out.
• Shake the other teams hands after every win and loss with a smile.
• Bullying, no matter what, is not acceptable and action should be taken if a parent (and coach) bully's an umpire, coach or child.

Enjoy sharing in your child's love of sports. And help them learn sportsmanship by being a good role model yourself.


10% Off New Arrivals for New Customers at Tea Collection
New Arrivals for Kids and Babies at Tea Collection
Tea Collection New Digital Catalog Now Live

FREE Children's eBook from May 2 - 5th!

Jake's Adventures: Secret of the Shark Tooth Crab Claw

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Sale Alert: Tea Collection's Friends and Family Sale: 20% Off Everything

Tea Collection's Friends & Family Sale: 20% Off Everything
**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Nothing better than spreading love to friends and family, and that is just what Tea Collection is doing! For just two days only (4/22 and 4/23) you can receive 20% off everything on Tea Collection during their Friends & Family Sale. Take advantage of the sale and pick up twirly dresses, colorful Tees and sweet baby items for summer. Also check out Tea's new sporty selection of swimsuits for your little water bug. Feel free to tell your friends and family, because there is always enough Tea Collection love to go around.

$25 Giveaway and Book Blast: Noah Zarc Children's Book by D. Robert Pease

 

About the Noah Zarc Books

I personally read the first book in the Noah Zarc trilogy and found it an adventurous read! Time travel, robots, spaceships and more! I became a huge fan of the main character, an amazingly courageous twelve year old 'paraplegic' boy named Noah whose disability never stopped him from doing anything he set his mind too. The author's ability to connect multiple time periods and his amazing ability in making you feel like you actually are part of the story will make this a fun read for any kid.

Book 1

Title: Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble (Book #1) Author: D. Robert Pease Publication Date: July 22, 2013 Publisher: Evolved Publishing (2nd Edition) Number of pages: 214 Recommended age: 9+ Summary: Noah lives for piloting spaceships through time, dodging killer robots and saving Earth’s animals from extinction. Life couldn’t be better. But the twelve-year-old time traveler learns it could be a whole lot worse. His mom is kidnapped and taken to Mars; his dad is stranded in the Ice Age; and Noah is attacked at every turn by a foe bent on destroying Earth… for the second time.

Amazon | iTunes | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

Amazon (Audiobook) | iTunes (AudioBook) | Audible

 

Book 2

Title: Noah Zarc: Cataclysm (Book #2) Author: D. Robert Pease Publication Date: July 22, 2013 Publisher: Evolved Publishing (2nd Edition) Number of pages: 234 Recommended age: 9+ Summary: Noah becomes embroiled in a mission that could cause the greatest cataclysm in the history of the solar system. Will his name, Noah Zarc, be forever linked to the most devastating crime in humanity’s existence, all because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time?

Amazon | iTunes | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

Amazon (Audiobook) | iTunes (AudioBook) | Audible

   

Book 3

Title: Noah Zarc: Declaration (Book #3) Author: D. Robert Pease Publication Date: November 1, 2013 Publisher: Evolved Publishing Number of pages: 226 Recommended age: 9+ Summary: As battles rage across the solar system, Noah must work to join together a rag-tag bunch of miners, farmers, and scientists who would rather just live in peace. With only a time-traveling ship full of animals and a general from the history books, the Zarc family has to stand against the full might of the Poligarchy. Will the truth about what really happened a thousand years in the past be enough to stop total war, or will Noah and his friends need to find another way to bring down a dictator?

Amazon | iTunes | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

   

Special Omnibus Edition

Title: Noah Zarc: Omnibus (Special Edition) Author: D. Robert Pease Publication Date: November 2, 2013 Publisher: Evolved Publishing Number of pages: 630 Recommended age: 9+ Summary: FEATURES ALL 3 BOOKS IN 1 SPECIAL EDITION & INCLUDES 22 PENCIL ILLUSTRATIONS BY THE AUTHOR In a future where Earth has been wiped clean of all life, and humanity has moved on to other worlds, twelve-year-old Noah Zarc and his family have embarked on a quest, in a time-traveling spaceship called the ARC, to retrieve two of every animal and repopulate a dead world.

Amazon | iTunes | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

 

The Buzz About the Noah Zarc Books

Book 1: "Pease's strength as a storyteller lies in his ability to connect multiple time periods imaginatively, as well as Noah's excited, fast-paced narration." ~ Publishers Weekly

Book 1: "If I had read this book at age 10, I think it would have made me love SF just as much as reading Asimov did. If you like the non-stop action and humor of Rick Riordan's Olympians books, I think you'll also like Noah Zarc." ~ Sher A. Hart, book blogger and author

Book 2: "This is another great mind-bender. The wild time jump details are fabulously thought out and cause some unexpected results." ~ Michelle Isenhoff, Children's Author

Book 2: "A well-written, adventurous read for young readers and even adults, Noah Zarc blasts through space and into your imagination." ~ TKristufek, Amazon Reviewer

Book 3: "I was completely captured by the characters, the action and the issues and questions: set in fantasy but integrating concepts and engaging readers with a fun tale that teaches as it entertains." ~ Gaele, Amazon Reviewer

 

About the Author: D. Robert Pease

D. Robert Pease has been interested in creating worlds since childhood. From building in the sandbox behind his house, to drawing fantastical worlds with paper and pencil, there has hardly been a time he hasn't been off on some adventure in his mind, to the dismay of parents and teachers alike. Also, since the moment he could read, books have consumed vast swaths of his life. From The Mouse and the Motorcycle, to The Lord of the Rings, worlds just beyond reality have called to him like Homer's Sirens. It's not surprising then he chose to write stories of his own. Each filled with worlds just beyond reach, but close enough we can all catch a glimpse of ourselves in the characters he brings to life.

Website | Newsletter | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Google+

 

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: May 20, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, D. Robert Pease and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Billy and the Monster Who Ate All The Easter Eggs Children's Book Blast and $50 Giveaway

About the Book

Title: Billy and The Monster Who Ate All The Easter Eggs | Author: David Chuka | Publication Date: March 23, 2013 | Publisher: Pen-n-a-Pad Publishing | Pages: 32 | Recommended Ages: 3 to 8 Summary: Join Billy and Monster in this third episode of the series titled Billy and the Monster who Ate All the Easter Eggs. Billy and Monster love all the holidays as they get to spend quality time together. However, their best holiday is Easter as they get to eat their favorite food...CHOCOLATE! This year, they're spending Easter with Grandma Chocalicious who loves Chocolate even more than Billy. She's an expert at making chocolate cake, chocolate waffles and even chocolate pasta. This year Grandma Chocalicious has made a pyramid of Easter eggs for her party on Easter Sunday. Billy and Monster want one of the Easter eggs but Grandma says they have to wait till Easter Sunday. What happens when Billy and Monster tip toe downstairs and the pyramid of Easter eggs comes falling down? Get your copy of this funny book for kids of all ages that is not only full of laughs but also has a lesson weaved in that you'll love sharing with your loved ones.  

Book Trailer

Purchase

* Print copy includes FREE coloring book inside *

Amazon (Print) | Amazon (Kindle)

 

The Buzz

"Experience is the best teacher as Billy and his "purple shadow" learn a sweet lesson in Billy and the Monster Who Ate All the Easter Eggs. Beautifully illustrated, nicely formatted, this quick, easy story will be read over and over again." ~ 5 Star Review, Julia B., Amazon

"My daughter has really been enjoying David Chuka's Billy and Monster books. This is another fun addition to the "family." As always, the story has a lovely moral (this time teaching the value of moderation - definitely the biggest word in the book)! It's based on the very realistic theme of overindulging in chocolate/sweets, which virtually anyone can relate to and which kids find a lot of fun. And, awesome pictures as always. Definitely recommend it." ~ 5 Star Review, Renee B., Amazon

 

"I really like the little monster in this book and how they get into trouble together. What child hasn't snuck into the cache of candies that their parents have hidden? Cute story with a lesson for the little ones in your family!" ~ 5 Star Review, Patricia T., Amazon

"This is a cute story about a little boy Billy and his funny friend Monster. They love chocolate so much that they forget about obeying to older. At night, they sneaked to the chocolate egg pyramid, started eating the chocolate eggs and made a big mess. On the morning, they not only got in a big trouble, but they also got a bad stomach pain. They both had to learn a lessons about MODERATION. Nice illustrations, book well written." ~ 5 Star Review, OPV, Amazon

"Billy and his monster friend enjoy lots of fun in this book, filled with great pictures and a cute story. It shares a lot about celebrating holidays, and intertwines humor and family love throughout the story. Hidden in the story is a nice message about eating in moderation, a well needed lesson in our culture of over-eating. Billy ends up being proud of himself and makes good decisions by the end of the book, while all the while sharing some adventures with his cute monster friend. Great read to share with your children or grandchildren year round, not just for the Easter holiday." ~ 5 Star Review, Katie W., Amazon

 

About the Author: David Chuka

David Chuka lives in London with his lovely wife and two adorable children. His family are usually the first people to hear his funny and quirky tales. He was inspired to write his first book, 'If You See a Doctor' after he struggled to find a book for his daughter who was a beginner reader.

He's gone on to write more books including the popular 'Billy and Monster' series, a funny set of books about a little boy and his Monster who get into all sorts of funny situations and learn about moderation, friendship, self control, bravery etc. Young children can relate to Billy and you'll love sharing his adventures with your children, grandchildren and loved ones. As a father himself, he has parents at heart when he writes. He recognizes that bedtime has to be one of the best parts of the day for parents and grandparents as it gives them the opportunity to bond with their little ones. He believes you'll enjoy sharing his stories with your loved ones at bedtime. In David Chuka's books, you can stay rest assured that quality and captivating images will always complement the story to ensure your loved ones are spell-bound as you read to them. Beginner readers will also enjoy discovering new words as they read his books. He has so many stories to tell and can't wait to share them with you and your loved ones.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Google+ | Pinterest | Amazon Author Page

 

Want to win a copy of Billy and the Monster Who Ate All the Easter Eggs?

Enter for your chance to win 1 of 2 print copies of Billy and the Monster Who Ate All the Easter Eggs by David Chuka in a Goodreads giveaway (Open U.S., Canada, Great Britain, Australia; Ends April 17, 2014).

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Billy and the Monster Who Ate All the Easter Eggs

by David Chuka

Giveaway ends April 17, 2014. See the giveaway detailsat Goodreads.

Enter to win

* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *

 

Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: May 13, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, David Chuka and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway




Check Out All of Education.com's Free Easter Worksheets!

Try the Brainzy educational games program FREE today! 

Deal Alert: Limited Edition Camp Combo Packs Are Back From Mabel's Labels

First, I do want you to know that this post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I've used Mabel's Labels and absolutely love them. They are great for identifying yours and your kids belongings, especially at sports activities and camp.

The season for summer camp preparation has begun! By now you're already scrambling to sign your kids up, and soon you'll be sorting through the piles of sunscreen, swimsuits and sneakers. Make their lives a little more organized (and yours a little easier) by picking up some Limited Edition Camp Combo Packs from Mabel's Labels . These UV resistant, waterproof labels and tags are designed for kids camp equipment — clothing, toiletries, swim gear, backpacks and more — and ready to take a summer beating. To complete the outfit of adventure, receive 20% off of an insulated water bottle from Eco Vessel with your Limited Edition Camp Combo Pack purchase.

 
  

Let Mabel's Labels help you to get them sorted, tagged and prepped for a summer they won't soon forget. Plus, save $2 with early bird pricing now through April 30th! Happy Camping!

Tips For Surviving Spring Allergy Season

Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons. But for my family it comes with lots of sneezing, itchy-watery eyes, and a sore throat. A result of pollen.

Below are some tips for coping with spring allergies.

• Continue using your humidifier. It really helps with itchy and irritated sinus and throat problems.
• Use saline nasal spray. Clears the nose and helps with an itchy throat too.
• Invest in a nebulizer to help open those air passages and use early. For one of my son's who has bad seasonal allergies, we start a month or two beforehand.
• Take allergy medicine. We take Zyrtec every so often. I try my best not to give my kids medicine. But sometimes you need it.
• Keeps windows closed so all the pollen doesn't trickle into your house. I know its spring, but during high pollination time, it is worth keeping the windows closed to keep the pollen outside.
• Hose down your porch to wash away all the pollen.
• Wait to mow your lawn and weed. Or even better, delegate it, until the pollen count is lower.
• Don't hang laundry or dry clothes outside.
• If your kids or you played outside, change your clothes as soon as you get home.

For a possible sinus infection, go see your family doctor. I recently just had one and was prescribed an antibiotic.

Check Out All of Education.com's Free Easter Worksheets!

Pre-order a copy now! The fifth Wunderkind Family Children's fantasy chapter book is available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and iTunes!

Sale Alert: 50% off of Tiny Prints Thank You Cards

50% Off Thank You Cards - Tiny Prints Deal of the Day

The weekly Tiny Prints Deal of the Day is 50% OFF Thank You Notes. This sale is good for one day only and expires Friday April 4, 2014 at 8:00am PT. Use coupon code 0403DEAL to save 50%!

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All links above contain affiliate codes. I love Tiny Prints that is why I share their deals, too!