Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Help make a difference - Vote for Imagination
Library to improve school readiness in the Aviva Community Fund competition to
make positive changes in our communities. http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf13862#.UGuUZ6U_vD8.email
The
Imagination Library is a fantastic program.
For many years my sister Jeanne has been on the board of Kids Can Fly (http://www.kidscanfly.ca)
who supports the program. I volunteer at
various events to support the programs run by Kids Can Fly. One of the big events supporting Imagination
Library is the StoryBook Breakfast where I take pictures of the kids with their
favourite Storybook characters. If this idea wins, the funding through Aviva would
go a long way to expand the program.
There
are two ways kids can be part of the program - by sponsorship or by applying
(donation). Under the sponsorship program
packages are available to purchase which you can do as a general donation or to
a specific child. My parents gave a gift
for Alex to receive books under the program. He LOVES books and LOVES going to the mailbox
to check for his book each month. The
other method is where someone applies to Kids Can Fly for the child to be part
of the program. Right now, the demand
far exceeds the available funding. Ideally, Kids Can Fly wants to provide this
program to ALL kids under 5 years of age in the county of Brant. Yes, all kids no matter what. Wouldn't
this be awesome if we can make it happen.
Although
Brant may not be your home county it sure feels good to help any kids no matter
where they live. Let's hope as the
Imagination Library program continues to grow and expand it becomes available
in our own communities to benefit as many children as possible.
Below is
some more information regarding the program as posted on the Aviva Community
Fund website. I found some of the statistics
quite startling. But what amazes me the
most is the act of simply reading to or with a child can have such a huge
impact on their whole life. I sure
cherish those times where Alex grabs a book then shuffles in backwards to plop down
on my lap to read him a book. I love not
only the cuddling time (because this is usually the extent of his cuddling),
but also to see how much he learns and develops each time we read a book
together. It is truly inspiring to want
to help other children have the same experience. One of their mottos says it all : "We believe that if you change the BEGINNING of the story, you change the WHOLE story."
Please show the kids your support by voting for Imagination Library. It is very easy to do through the link at the top of the page - especially if you register through Facebook. You can vote once per day to a maximum of 15 votes per qualifying round. I put a reminder in my Outlook Calendar to go in each morning to register my vote. It only takes seconds to do but can have a lifelong impact on a child. This is the first qualifying round so please don't delay in getting your votes in towards the count.
To read
more about Imagination Library follow the link to the Kids Can Fly website : http://www.kidscanfly.ca/programs/imagination-library/
Link to Aviva Community Fund for Imagination Library
The Imagination Library is a program that puts free age-appropriate quality children’s books into the child’s home
via monthly mail delivery. Dolly Parton founded Imagination Library in 1996
with a goal of helping children secure strong reading and literacy skills as
well as nurturing their creativity and imaginations. As a child she did not
have the opportunity to have many books in her home and as an adult she became
very aware of how important this is. Early Literacy became her passion.
While it sounds simple, regular reading to young children is the single most important thing that adults can do to boost them towards success in education. It not only builds language and vocabulary but contributes to their overall development. The physical closeness of sitting on a parent’s lap, reading, talking, singing together helps stimulate brain development through sensory connections.
While it sounds simple, regular reading to young children is the single most important thing that adults can do to boost them towards success in education. It not only builds language and vocabulary but contributes to their overall development. The physical closeness of sitting on a parent’s lap, reading, talking, singing together helps stimulate brain development through sensory connections.
Research confirms that 25% of young
children are not ready when they start kindergarten and, in Brant, 27% do not
graduate high school. This is a frightening correlation. Research also shows
that for every dollar you invest in early learning, you save up to $17 in the
future on health care, additional resources in school and on the judicial
system. Some states even forecast prison spaces in the future on grade 3
reading scores. This proves how critical it is to have children ready to begin
kindergarten.
Ideally, we would like to have all 5600 children that are under 5 in our community on the Imagination Library. We currently have 580 children registered and have a waiting list of over 100 children. It costs $5 month per child to put them on the program. We believe that if you change the BEGINNING of the story, you change the WHOLE story.
Ideally, we would like to have all 5600 children that are under 5 in our community on the Imagination Library. We currently have 580 children registered and have a waiting list of over 100 children. It costs $5 month per child to put them on the program. We believe that if you change the BEGINNING of the story, you change the WHOLE story.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
We all love getting together with our family and friends to
celebrate Thanksgiving. Lots of action,
food, laughter and fun. Most of the work
for this gathering falls onto the hosts.
There is plenty of cleaning, coordinating, making dinner, more cleaning
... all done in the midst of the commotion in the house. By the end of the day weariness is sure to settle
in. Here are some great ways to help the
hosts and show your appreciation for hosting Thanksgiving dinner
Offer to bring a dish or dessert
If you are not a cook but want to
bring a dish, select a nice prepared dish.
More and more grocery stores are adding a variety of dishes at the Deli
or Hot/Cold counters - from basic to gourmet.
Most are easy to put in your own dish - no one will ever need to
know! Although most family members will
guess it was store bought if you're known for not cooking. You can also find appetizer recipes that are
simple but look like you spent ages making them. One of my must bring appetizers are water chestnuts
wrapped in bacon (include recipe). Over
the years I've tried turkey bacon, played with the ingredient proportions but
always go back to the original recipe with the wonderful flavour of real bacon. Another option and get way to support your
local farmer's market is with a dessert made from the fresh fall harvest. For those crunched for time finding a local
market selling fresh baked pies or cakes is a perfectly yummy solution.
Offer to help with the pre-cleaning or post cleanup
Likely the post clean up is the
bigger task. Make sure your host is
reassured that you will help with the clean up and schedule your time
accordingly. We all have stories of over
or under cooked turkey, ovens breaking down or late arrivals. Plan for extra time since very rarely does the
timing of meals of this size go off as planned. This way you won't been seen as shirking your
commitment to catch your ride home.
Offer to bring a centrepiece
With the focus on coordinating the
meal and meal preparation, the table setting is usually left to the last
minute. A centrepiece is a great way to
showcase the meal and add a special touch to the decor for the host. There are many options here from DIY flowers,
candles or fall harvest produce. A great
way to use some of those fancy serving dishes not pulled out of the cupboard
very often. Think three tiered serving
dish, candy dishes or even candle sticks topped with gourds.
Offer to bring some wine
The host will be sure to appreciate
the offer to bring wine. Check with the
host on what type to bring to best match the meal or crowd. If the crowd is large, consider bringing more
than one bottle. If wine is not their
beverage of choice just substitute it with what they would prefer.
Bring a Gift Basket
There are a wide variety of gift
baskets available to thank your host or show your appreciation. Quite often these can be used as centerpieces
or double as snacks or dessert contributions too like Autumn-Leaves from
www.AGiftBoutique.com. This basket includes leaves that are made from poured
milk chocolate then hand painted. Sure to please the host as a centerpiece and
dessert.
Enjoy
your day with your family and friends for it is a special day where we unite in
giving thanks for all that we have and for those with whom we share our
lives.
Catherine
Water Chestnuts Wrapped in Bacon
1/2 t ginger
(fresh if available)
1/4c brown
sugar
1/4c soy
sauce
1/2t garlic
salt (or just fresh garlic if available)
1/4c vegetable
oil or other of your choice but not Olive Oil
1 can water
chestnuts packed in water (whole or sliced)
1 pkg bacon
(more if using slices)
toothpicks
The water chestnuts need to marinade between 8 and 24 hours so best to make
the marinate the day before.
Marinade
:
In a zip lock bag or container add
ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic and oil.
Stir until combined. Drain the
water chestnuts. Add to the bag or
container. Stir to coat all the water
chestnuts. Place in the fridge for 8 to
24 hours. Every so often give the bag or
container a shake to help coat all the chestnuts.
Assembly
:
If using sliced water chestnuts, cut the bacon strips into thirds, otherwise
in half. Using scissors is the easiest
method to cut the bacon. Place the
chestnut at one end of the bacon and roll it to wrap around the bacon, insert a
toothpick to secure the bacon. Place on
a baking tray (line with foil for easy cleanup - they are messy). Cook at 350⁰F until the bacon is cooked or in
the microwave on a bacon microwave tray until the bacon is cooked. If cooking in the microwave, loosely cover
with paper towel to prevent splatter. When serving, leave the toothpicks in for
easy handling. Set out a separate dish
to dispose of the toothpicks.
- These will be HOT when they come out of the oven or microwave - warn your guests who are trying to steal one before the cool down
- Remove the toothpicks for the little ones
- Watch out for those nephews who only eat the bacon and put the chestnut in the napkin
- You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon but it won't be as yummy
- Adjust your water chestnut and bacon quantity depending on the size of the crowd using the same proportions for the marinade.
- Don't tell the kids the center is a water chestnut just focus on the bacon!
- These will go fast and be a crowd pleaser.
Gift Shopping Just Got a
Whole Lot Easier and More Convenient with the Launch of AGiftBoutique.com
Offering Unique Gifts and Gift Ideas
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada (PRWEB)
September 25, 2012 : Catherine Jacquemain today announced the launch of
her online shopping site, http://www.AGiftBoutique.com, just in time for the upcoming
holiday shopping season. This online gift and home decor retail store is geared
towards busy consumers who are looking for that unique gift, gift ideas, special
present or for their own home decor. To celebrate the launch a special discount
is being offered in addition to free shipping on orders over $150.
"These days we
just don't have the time to run to multiple stores looking for that unique gift
or decorative item." says Owner, Catherine Jacquemain. "This business was
created not only to provide a solution to the time crunched consumer but because
I love it when that perfect gift is given or received. Just the look on
someone's face or reaction to a gift selected just for them is priceless. Our
motto 'for Treasured Gifts & Heartfelt Tokens' says it all."
AGiftBoutique.com
has a large selection of personalized gifts for everyone and for every occasion.
Need something for a Housewarming, Gifts for Men, Pet Lover, Grandma or even the
boss? Look no further. There are gift baskets galore, licensed professional
sports products, adorable kids wear and fabulous travel bags to name a few.
The easy to use
navigation allows shopping by categories - Shop by Occasion, Shop by Person,
Shop by Holiday, Shop for Home Decor, Shop for Corporate Gifts and Shop for Gift
Baskets. There is also a special Gift Ideas section to highlight upcoming
holidays, special events or exciting new products. Gift Cards are also available
or to get personalized help contact us through http://www.AGiftBoutique.com.
Jacquemain says
"We sell products not usually found in large retailers plus you can shop
whenever and wherever you want. We have a huge selection of products and can
provide you with personalized service if needed. Customer service is paramount
to me as a consumer and it is likewise to http://www.AGiftBoutique.com. "
About
AGiftBoutique.com
AGiftBoutique.com is your one stop shop of all things gifts and gift ideas. Unique gifts for life's special occasions - from weddings, new baby, baptism & christening, birthdays, graduations, holidays, corporate gifts and much more. A source for unique home decor and personalized gifts. Keep up with the latest by connecting with us on Twitter and Facebook. You can also sign up through the links on the website http://www.AGiftBoutique.com. While you are there join our newsletter mailing list and subscribe to our Blog.
AGiftBoutique.com is your one stop shop of all things gifts and gift ideas. Unique gifts for life's special occasions - from weddings, new baby, baptism & christening, birthdays, graduations, holidays, corporate gifts and much more. A source for unique home decor and personalized gifts. Keep up with the latest by connecting with us on Twitter and Facebook. You can also sign up through the links on the website http://www.AGiftBoutique.com. While you are there join our newsletter mailing list and subscribe to our Blog.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
I am very pleased to announce the launch of my new business, AGiftBoutique.com. I have always wanted to own a business. The trick was the timing and the right type of business. All of that started to fall into place last spring. After a few more months of research I decided to take the leap into ownership.
AGiftBoutique.com is an online gift and home decor retail store geared towards busy consumers who are looking for that unique gift, special present or for their own home decor. Gift buying can be a daunting task for some people in just trying to decide what to buy. Add to that our busy lifestyles and the stress meter goes up pretty fast. AGiftBoutique.com provides a solution to both these problems.
The easy to use navigation allows you to Shop by Occasion, Shop by Person, Shop by Holiday, Shop for Home Decor, Shop for Corporate Gifts and Shop for Gift Baskets. There is also a special Gift Ideas section to highlight upcoming holidays, special events or exciting new products. If you are still stuck on what to get then Gift Cards are available or you can send an email to ContactUs@AGiftBoutique.com to get personalized help. All this, plus you can shop at your convenience - wherever and whenever you want.
I just love it when I find the perfect gift for someone. Their reaction to that perfectly suited gift is priceless. I wanted the product offering to be large enough to suit many people`s needs but yet be unique gifts not usually found in most large retailers. There is a large selection of personalized gifts, gift baskets galore, licensed professional sports products, adorable kids wear and fabulous travel bags to name a few.
Connect with AGiftBoutique.com through Facebook, Twitter and a newsletter to keep up to date on all the latest and greatest in gift giving, promotions and new products. It is easy to sign up right through the website at the bottom of the page. I look forward to connecting with you.
Happy Shopping !
Catherine
 |
| for all your gift giving needs |
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