It Is Amazing What Can Be Fun!

My son's new favorite activity is role playing that he is driving our car. In Florida, right now, the weather is good and he can get up in the SUV and pretend he is driving, without moving the gear shifter. He has also convinced my husband to let him move the gear shifter when we get into the drive way, parked. He gets out, climbs up front, and puts the car in park. He knows what all the letters mean and can tell you how Mommy holds the gear shifter and Daddy holds it- he is very observant!

Role playing is great for kids to pretend they are something else- even if it is Mommy and Daddy- since those are the most favorite people in the world. Make sure your child has opportunities to role play- just maybe not out in the car (like we will be avoiding when the weather gets too hot!).

Birthday Cupcake Ideas- Alphabet Cupcakes

Family Fun.com has some adorable cupcake ideas that are so simple! There are themed birthday ideas and a cupcake alphabet selection with each idea beginning with a new letter of the alphabet.

What a fun way to learn the alphabet! Invite some friends and have a party each week. A group of moms can share the creative aspect and have a great time and a fun play group!

Mortgages and the Economy

Here in the United States, the housing market has been struggling over the past few months. Here in Florida, there are probably more houses for sale than I ever remember. The good thing is that if you are in the market for a new home, there are plenty of choices. And the prices are coming done enough so that Mortgages are not as scary as they were a few years ago.

Tonight at the gym, we were just talking about how many people got over their heads with a mortgage that was way over of reach. With the many foreclosures and short sales that have taken place, some could be fearful of taking on a mortgage. However, most mortgages are less than rent! And you are building equity with a mortgage.

When you are looking to get a mortgage, be smart about it. Don't become house poor. The way the economy is right now, prices may drop further and you don't want your mortgage to be higher than the value of your home. Borrow what you can afford, even if you get a pay cut next year. Do you research and find a reputable mortgage lender before you sign on the dotted line.

Preschool Contest- Share Your Thoughts!

Another Preschool Activities Contest! All those that enter will be eligible to win a free book from Barefoot Books.

You can enter by commenting on this blog or posting on your blog and leaving the link in the comment section. If you comment, please make sure I have an email address to contact you.

For the contest:
What is the funniest thing your child has ever done? Is it something that made you roll over laughing or roll over in embarrassment? This can be a child of any age... but not your husband!

Share with us your funny stories and win a free book!

Food Lovers Networking

I am involved in a few social networking groups, but none of them are for food lovers. www.foodconnect.com has a wide variety of networking opportunities for those that love food and wine. They have an extensive selection of member shared recipes that are available even without signing up. It actually gives you the nutritional information for the recipes too. That alone is enough reason to submit them- not to mention, a community to share with and to learn from. I love that the recipes are broken down into categories with a title to review before seeing the actual recipe. Definitely worth the time to check out.

www.foodconnect.com is the ultimate tool for every foodie.

What makes foodconnect.com so great? These and many other features:

- Free nutritional analysis, for all recipes on the site and every recipe you submit.
- Share your recipes with your friends and other foodies.
- Discuss recipe ideas and techniques.
- Plan your meal and easily print off your shopping list.
- Create the perfect dinner party

All of this and much more and best of all its all free. Get to foodconnecct.com to get started today.

Checking the Calendar

For some reason, my sons school was closed today. They said it was a teacher work day, but March 3 seems a weird day for a teacher work day! Needless to say, I did not remember that there was no school and drove up in the parking lot. The lights were off. So my son got to spend the day with his aunt instead of going to school. He was thrilled! Always remember to check the calendar!

Self Publishing Resource

I know that many moms could be great writers! With all of the exposure to stories for children and ideas of stories that children need to hear, moms can be great writers!

If you are interested in writing and are looking to self publish, you should do some research on Author House Book Publishers. The have a AuthorCentric Self-Publishing Process that can help you reach the goal of being a published author. They help with marketing too to help you be successful. Now is the time to start reaching for that goal and write that story you have been creating in your head! A perfect work at home job for a creative mom.