Summer Memories

Celebrate the art of photography this summer by taking some of your best photos ever.

Taking pictures like the pros is what we all aspire to, but it can be really frustrating when our pictures don't look anything like the ones in magazines. So to boost your confidence as a photographer, here are a few general guidelines for taking a fantastic photo. Source: LDS Living

Go by the rule of thirds. Divide your photo into thirds both horizontally and vertically - the subject should usually be placed near the intersecting lines.

Lighting is key. The best times of the day for outside photography are dawn and dusk, when lighting is softer. Try to avoid pictures in the middle of the day, as the lighting is harsh and will wash out your subject. Cloudy days work best.

The flash is your friend. Most people use the flash only while indoors. In reality, using the flash outdoors will help diminish shadows.

Experiment with angles. Add some dynamics to your photo by tilting the camera at a 30 degree angle. This technique looks especially good in action photos.

Get close. Move to an equal plane with whatever you're photographing. For a bold image, move in close and fill the whole screen with the subject. It's a great way to capture an image from a whole new perspective.

Children Summer Reading

As parent, one of the challenges I face during summertime is how to entertain my son for at least two and a half months. I have so much things on my mind and it is overwhelming. He is still too young to read a book since he is barely five year old. He cannot read yet, but he loves books. A day will never pass without me reading a book with him. I read different kinds of books, from his favorite bible stories to his favorite cartoons characters. I want to instill on his mind positive attitude and its importance as he grows up.

It is good to know that there is a book out there that I can read to him that teaches this kind of thing to my son. Since my son started watching fantasy video, I am pretty sure he will have the fun listening while I read Chin and the Magic Stones to him. And as the author of the book said: And I quote: “Through this delightful tale children can learn that if they trust themselves, visualize positive outcomes, and keep a positive attitude the results can be most unexpected, positive, and satisfying”; isn't it great?

I, myself would like to read this book; will surely bought a copy for the whole family to read and learn. When I went to the site, I read a lot of nice and positive things about this book and that is enough why it should be included in our collection of good books. If you want a copy of this book for your family, go to amazon.com; and for more detail, you should visit www.chinandthemagicstones.com.

Quiz: What's Your Discipline Style?

I took this test from American Baby.com/Parents.com and this the result:

You're a Moderate Mom

You pay attention to the parenting books -- and you cut your kids some much-needed slack when necessary. Here are some ways to encourage even better behavior. 1. Let them help. Little kids are more likely to be cooperative when they feel as if they're part of the game. If your toddler is underfoot while you're preparing dinner, have him fold some napkins and place them on the table. 2. Foster empathy. A child who understands that others have feelings similar to his own will learn to treat people the way he wants to be treated. If a sibling has a cold, you could say, "Emily feels bad because she has a cold. What can we do to make her feel better?" 3. Be kind. Kids copy everything you do, and they want to be just like you. Small acts of kindness -- an extra smile for the mailman, or holding the door for someone -- will inspire your child to do the same.

If you want to try this test, just click here.

Father's Day Celebration at Branson!

Father's Day will be celebrated this Sunday. Going to church is definitely on the plan. Aside from that I don't have any plan yet, but invite our Filipino friends over for lunch or dinner as my husband requests. I will definitely do that. I also need to do some shopping for that day tomorrow while he is asleep. Saturday on the other hand will be a dinner date for us. How about you? What's your plan for Father's Day? How about a weekend getaway at Branson, Missouri? This is a great place for the entire family to have the fun and enjoyment. Playing golf at new Payne Stewart Golf Club would be a perfect treat for fathers, followed by a dinner date in one of the many restaurants in town. I am sure the kids will have so much fun at the National Kid's Fest at Silver Dollar City. On Sunday, it would be nice to bring fathers to Father's Day Salute for this special day. Then, what about taking Dad's on the 49 live entertainment? After all the activities and excitements, a stay in either of the two famous hotel would be great! Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel are located at in the heart of the entertainment capital and are famous for their exceptional services, luxury bedrooms and suites and more. Guests have access with all shops, boutiques, restaurants, and a river walk. So what are you waiting for? Book you reservation now by calling 1417-336-5500 or 1417-336-5400 or through their website.

June is "Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month"

To all veggie lovers, good news for you. Here are some ways to add more fruits and vegetables to your everyday meals.

Start the day off right with a glass of 100% fruit or vegetable juice. You also might try storing chopped fruit in a blender pitcher every night and then quickly buzzing it into a smoothie in the morning. Then, top your cereal with sliced bananas or strawberries, or whole blueberries.

Add a salad to your lunch and enjoy carrot sticks as an afternoon snack. A sliced apple with two tablespoons of peanut butter is also a delicious way to get fresh fruit and protein at the same time.

Store fruit and vegetables at eye-level in the fridge, or in a bowl on the table. You'll be more likely to eat something if you can easily access it.

Buy only seasonal fruits and veggies! It will help decrease the cost that fresh produce can incur, and they'll be sweet and ripe. Some of the best summer fruits are cherries, peaches, nectarines, blueberries, plums, and watermelon. Great summer veggies include corn, green beans, tomatoes, and zucchini.

Source: LDS Living

Are You Prejudiced?

You Are Not Prejudiced

Not only are you color blind, but you're also ethnicity blind, gender blind, and sexual orientation blind. You don't judge someone until you truly know them. And even then, you're probably reluctant to judge. You try to treat everyone equally. Everyone has a fair chance with you. Good job - there's not a prejudiced bone in your body.

Are You Prejudiced?

Mommy Moments - Outdoor Fun

I am back finally with blogging :-); here is my entry for this week's theme, Outdoor Fun which my son likes. Anyway, have a great weekends everyone!

Pictures are taken at the mall, swimming pool, park and Chuck E Cheeses.

Food Storage: Why, What, and How?

For years leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have counseled members to have a year's supply of food and other essentials, but why? What should we store? How can you afford to? If I do, should I share with others during an emergency? Find the answers to these, and many other questions in the following articles.

Why Food Storage?

Why should we have a food storage? Why should we be prepared for emergencies? Here are a few of the main reasons why we should have a food storage program. Read more... Why Food Storage?"

What to Store in a Food Storage:

If having a food storage is so important what should we store? Read more... What to Store in a Food Storage

How to Afford Food Storage:

When planning a food storage we often ask ourselves, "Where do I get the money for food storage?" But maybe a better question to ask would be, "Can I afford not to have a food storage?" Read more... How to Afford Food Storage

Should I Share my Food Storage?

Sometimes we wonder if we should share our food storage in times of need with those who have not saved. Find out what Latter-day leaders have taught. Read more... Should I Share my Food Storage?

Source: Rachel Woods