Blisstree » Karen Weideman

Please Vote in the New Poll

Karen Weideman — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:47:25 +0000

If you’re a regular reader, then you know that Mary Emma and I have only been writing for this site for about a month. Today I was looking at the site and noticed that the poll was a few months old!

Please take a moment to answer the poll in the right sidebar. Do you have children? If so, what are their ages? If you have children in different ranges, please feel free to refresh the page and vote again.

We’d like to learn more about our audience. This will also help us to write articles of interest to you. Thanks. We appreciate your feedback.

Post from: Blisstree

Please Vote in the New Poll

You’re Never Too Young for a Good Book!

Karen Weideman — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:56:20 +0000

Post from: Blisstree

You’re Never Too Young for a Good Book!

Try Dollar Tree for Your Book Needs

Karen Weideman — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:01:00 +0000

I was shopping in Dollar Tree earlier this month and I was really impressed with their book selection. Check out these pictures I took while shopping.

They have Bible story books, books about nature, books on cd, coloring books, workbooks, novels, and more. Their selection does vary from week to week, but sometimes you can find some great stuff in there. You have to admit, the price is right!

Have you found any book deals in your dollar stores?

images by Karen
Works for Me Wednesday at Rocks in My Dryer

Post from: Blisstree

Try Dollar Tree for Your Book Needs

Have Fun with a Nature Station

Karen Weideman — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:06:52 +0000

This week’s theme at Camp Weary Parent is nature. With a Nature Station, kids can explore plants by creating a mini-ecosystem. They can see how the earth works through plants, lights, water, soil, and air.

This kit includes a self-watering tray, germination trays, dome covers, seed packets, and an illustrated activity booklet. This item can be purchased through Amazon for $20.95 or if you want, you can come to my yard sale and get it for $5. lol

For more nature ideas, consider checking out these books from the library:

Good Earth Art: Environmental Art for Kids (Bright Ideas for Learning)

Nature in a Nutshell for Kids: Over 100 Activities You Can Do in Ten Minutes or Less

Do you have any nature activities or books to share?

image by Karen

Post from: Blisstree

Have Fun with a Nature Station

Happy Father’s Day!

Karen Weideman — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 13:28:37 +0000

Happy Father’s Day to all you dads out there.

We hope you have a fun, stress free, and relaxing day! Take a few minutes to read your kids a book. What a great way to relax and have a good time together.

image by Karen

Post from: Blisstree

Happy Father’s Day!

A View from Our Windows

Karen Weideman — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 04:22:08 +0000

The Lifestyles Channel has already given you a glimpse inside their world by sharing where they blog and now they’re sharing another intimate part of life by sharing the views from their windows.Some have taken a very creative approach and painted a portrait with words as they stroll through windows of time, life and their spiritual growth, while others share actual images of what they see on a day-to-day basis.

We do hope you’ll enjoy this month’s gift to our readers. Now push open the shutters and experience the world in the way we see our world . . .

——————–

Mary Emma Allen at One Book Two Book shares a view from her window that entertains and delights her grandchildren.

Also at One Book Two Book, Karen shares the sweetest view of her kids playing on the deck and how the two youngsters deal with the heat. I’m thinking they’ve got the right idea!

Kelly from Thrifty Mommy tells us about the view from her window and reminds us to slow down and to take time for ourselves.

Linette, one of our resident super bloggers is sharing views on three blogs. The first is a beautiful view of her back yard that she’s sharing on She Knows Parties – it looks inviting – the only thing missing is my lawn chair and a cold iced tea. Next, on Robust Cooking she shares a photo of her window herb garden – solid proof that she takes her cooking very seriously. Last, on Mother Earth’s Garden she shares a beautiful view from her front porch. Truly an images that makes you feel right at home.

Mary Emma Allen, at Quilting and Patchwork, tells us how she was influenced by her mothers’ view from a kitchen window, as well as suggesting views for quilters.

Marye at Baking Delights shares details of some of her favorite views throughout time and from some of her favorite windows in her massive farmhouse where she lives now. Check out the veggie garden she has in her front yard.

Susan at Play Library shares a view from her car window as she and her husband go out to dinner for their anniversary. Susan happens to live close by Disney World and is doing a fine job at making me jealous.

Trench – our resident Superhero on who spends his time tracking down crime both on the internet at My Crime Space and crimes of passion in the real world at Psycho for Love shares a figurative view of what life looks like from his windows.

Marcie at A Child Chosen shares a glimpse through the “types” of windows in her life as an international adoptive mother and more.

Peggy at Junk Creation shares an adorable image of Goslings on Parade as they waddle their way by Peggy’s window.

Our newest Lifestyles member Rachel comes on board her first channel carnival with an adorable detailed view of her new window with her fur baby, Louie. Stop over and say hello at Drinks After Dark.

Lastly, Gayla shares a beautiful sunset in rural Indiana as it rests on full display behind the farm across the road on MomGadget. It’s one of her favorite parts of living in the country.

Thanks to Gayla for putting together this month’s blog carnival for us. How’s your view?

image by Karen

Post from: Blisstree

A View from Our Windows

Fun with The Berenstain Bears

Karen Weideman — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:36:15 +0000

It is scorching hot here today. I confess that I’m not much of an outdoors person, especially when it is blazing hot outside. As Mary Emma mentioned, Char and Christine are hosting Camp Weary Parent. Their goal is to provide summer activities for children to keep the parents and kids sane during the summer. Since I’m not much of an outdoors person, I decided to give you all a fun indoor activity. After all, there will be days this summer when it will be raining or it will be just too hot to venture outdoors.

When I was a child, The Berenstain Bears were one of my favorites. I have fond memories of my mom going to the local hobby shop. I would sit on the floor near the rack of Berenstain Bear books and read until she was ready to go. Their books always have such good lessons on working together, getting along, telling the truth, and other positive character traits.

This week, I was pleased to find that The Berenstain Bears has their own website filled with activities for children!!! While at their site you can read from the interactive storybook, dress up the bears, create your own coloring book, view videos, downloads cursors and screen savers, send an email to the bears, send an e-card to someone, explore the art gallery, and so much more!

You’ll want to bookmark this site for loads of summer fun!

image from Berenstain Bears printables

Post from: Blisstree

Fun with The Berenstain Bears

View From My Window

Karen Weideman — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 04:40:17 +0000

Each month, the b5 Lifestyles bloggers have a monthly theme day. This month’s theme is View From My Window.

Yesterday the kids were playing outside and I thought I’d share my view with you. I’m so blessed to have a great deck where the kids can play outside of my kitchen while I work.

Our larger pool had a leak and then the pump quit working, so we’re making due with this little pool. The kids enjoy it and the cool water is refreshing on these hot southern days.

The cat dreams of getting outside and catching fleas. She actually escaped today when one of the kids opened the door. Bad kitty!

In case you’re interested, last month’s theme was Summertime. How is your view?

Post from: Blisstree

View From My Window

Win a Children’s Book!

Karen Weideman — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:25:45 +0000

Tree Hugging Family (another a b5 Media site) is giving away two copies of Think Green. The copies will also be signed by the author.

Think Green, written by Jeanine Behr Getz, teaches simple, everyday ways kids and adults can lessen their impact and make the world a greener, safer place. The book is packed with lots of fun and vibrant illustrations by Jenny Nightingale.

Take a quick peep inside Think Green by clicking on the slideshow!

The contest ends June 22. Stop by Tree Hugging Family for a chance to win!

image: Kids Think Big

Post from: Blisstree

Win a Children’s Book!

Reading Transition Song

Karen Weideman — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 03:00:39 +0000

Sometimes young children have difficulty transitioning from one activity to another. Here is a song that my daughter’s preschool class sings at the end of reading time.

tune of Clementine

Put your books away. Put your books away.
Put your books on the shelf.
Put your books away. Put your books away.
Put your books on the shelf.

Are you ready? Are you ready?
Are you ready for a good time?
Are you ready? Are you ready?
Are you ready for a good time?

author unknown

When songs such as this one are added to a regular routine, children know what to expect. Over time, there will be less confusion and resistance to ending activities.

Post from: Blisstree

Reading Transition Song