By Low Jeremy
Barbie is a well known brand of dolls that have revolutionized the idea of the way little girls view and play will dolls. Barbie is a product of an American company called Mattel but interestingly enough, its inspiration came from Europe.
In times before Barbie came, little girls had dolls only as replica of infants. Barbie however was manufactured initially as a teenaged fashion model. Later on though, Barbie's were made with different personas to symbolize different facets females.
Barbie is actually named after a little girl called Barbara who served as the means to inspire her mom to think up the idea of Barbie. In the onset, traditional toy makers that worked for Mattel did not think that the concept of Barbie would sell but its immense success proved them wrong.
There probably isn't a single person who does not know what Barbie is. Barbie has become a household name and an inspiration to little girls since its launch at the American International Toyfair in 1959. Since then, Barbie has undergone many transformations and personas, from teacher to rock artist.
There is a Barbie for each little girl's fantasy. The joy of Barbie is in the fact that you can dress her up and match her clothes with accessories sold separately. Barbie's hair is also another attraction as it comes long and pliable so that little girls can arrange and decorate her hair as they please.
Since Barbie has continued to grow in success throughout the years, she has become the ideal of every little girl. Barbie the brand has spread its reach and branched out into other lines like actual clothing for girls, video games, books and other items in a whole range of applications. Barbie has become such a culture icon but it hasn't been rosy all the way.
At some point, interest groups have begun claiming that Barbie is a poor and misleading icon, which can cause mental anguish to little girls who play with her. There has been incredible attention and urgent calls to Barbie's unrealistic physical proportions. It said that if Barbie was to be enlarged into human proportions, her ultra svelte figure would be unrealistic. Therefore, the image of Barbie and little girls' association with her caused them to have an unrealistic body image.
Whether this is true or not, Barbie is a true historical icon and probably will remain to be the most successful toy ever made that garnered success worldwide.
Low Jeremy maintains http://barbie.articlesforreprint.com/. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Your Muscles - Made to Move!
By Diana Chaloux
Jumping, running, swimming, biking, climbing, twirling and skipping! What do all of these things have in common? First, they are all fun! Second, they are all types of exercise, and third, each of these activities requires you to use your muscles!
Muscles are what make it possible for you to move your body. If you didn�t have muscles you wouldn�t be able to move at all! When your muscles are strong and in good shape, it makes it so you can do things such as running, swimming, jumping or playing sports and games more easily.
There are over 600 muscles located right within your body! These muscles come in three different types. Did you know that your heart is a muscle? That�s right! It is called a cardiac muscle. You don�t have control over this type of muscle, it works without you even thinking about it! Your body also has smooth muscle. Just like your heart, these muscles work completely on their own! Your stomach has smooth muscles in it, and so do your eyes! The third and most familiar type of muscle is called skeletal muscle. You can actually see many of your skeletal muscles moving underneath your skin.
Let�s take a moment and locate one of the most familiar skeletal muscles, the biceps (bye-seps). This muscle is located on the front side of your arm. First, hold your arm straight out to your side, keep your palm facing up towards the ceiling. Now look straight down your arm and you will see the biceps muscle right between your shoulder and your elbow. Make a fist and bend your elbow in, as you do this you will see the biceps muscle working! When your muscle is working and tightening like this it is called a contraction, when you stretch your arm back out your biceps lengthen and relax. Do this movement a couple of times, use your opposite hand to feel the biceps muscle contract (or tighten) and relax. You may even think it feels like there is a small egg or baseball right in your arm!
Muscles come in all different shapes and sizes. Some of your largest muscles can be found in your legs. These muscles spring into action anytime you stand or sit, walk or run, swim, skate or jump and so much more! You have muscles all over your body. There are muscles in your hands which help you to write, your shoulders which help you to raise your hand during class, in your neck to help you turn your head to the side and even in your face to make it so you can smile!
It is important to keep ALL of our muscles strong and fit. Not only will we be able to move our bodies more easily, but our bodies will also stay healthy. When we don�t take care of our bodies they can get sick and weak, when that happens they don�t move well and that is not fun at all! The best way to keep your muscles in shape is to use them and exercise every day! There are so many different and fun ways to exercise. Whether you choose to jump rope, go swimming, go for a walk or run, play a sport or play a game of tag with your friends, you will be working your muscles and keeping your body healthy. So what are you waiting for? Choose the activity that you enjoy the most and start moving your body today!
Diana Chaloux is the co-founder and owner of Destined 2 Be Fit (www.destined2befit.com). Diana is also a certified personal trainer through ACE, AFAA and FPI, a certified Fitness Coach through Wellcoaches, Lifestyle Management Nutrition Specialist, NPC National Level Figure Competitor (www.dianachaloux.com) and Fitness Model. Diana also has her own personal training studio located in San Antonio, Texas allowing her to work with clients and members both online and in person! For more information on how you can work with Diana visit www.destined2befit.com or write to her at contact@d2bfit.com
Jumping, running, swimming, biking, climbing, twirling and skipping! What do all of these things have in common? First, they are all fun! Second, they are all types of exercise, and third, each of these activities requires you to use your muscles!
Muscles are what make it possible for you to move your body. If you didn�t have muscles you wouldn�t be able to move at all! When your muscles are strong and in good shape, it makes it so you can do things such as running, swimming, jumping or playing sports and games more easily.
There are over 600 muscles located right within your body! These muscles come in three different types. Did you know that your heart is a muscle? That�s right! It is called a cardiac muscle. You don�t have control over this type of muscle, it works without you even thinking about it! Your body also has smooth muscle. Just like your heart, these muscles work completely on their own! Your stomach has smooth muscles in it, and so do your eyes! The third and most familiar type of muscle is called skeletal muscle. You can actually see many of your skeletal muscles moving underneath your skin.
Let�s take a moment and locate one of the most familiar skeletal muscles, the biceps (bye-seps). This muscle is located on the front side of your arm. First, hold your arm straight out to your side, keep your palm facing up towards the ceiling. Now look straight down your arm and you will see the biceps muscle right between your shoulder and your elbow. Make a fist and bend your elbow in, as you do this you will see the biceps muscle working! When your muscle is working and tightening like this it is called a contraction, when you stretch your arm back out your biceps lengthen and relax. Do this movement a couple of times, use your opposite hand to feel the biceps muscle contract (or tighten) and relax. You may even think it feels like there is a small egg or baseball right in your arm!
Muscles come in all different shapes and sizes. Some of your largest muscles can be found in your legs. These muscles spring into action anytime you stand or sit, walk or run, swim, skate or jump and so much more! You have muscles all over your body. There are muscles in your hands which help you to write, your shoulders which help you to raise your hand during class, in your neck to help you turn your head to the side and even in your face to make it so you can smile!
It is important to keep ALL of our muscles strong and fit. Not only will we be able to move our bodies more easily, but our bodies will also stay healthy. When we don�t take care of our bodies they can get sick and weak, when that happens they don�t move well and that is not fun at all! The best way to keep your muscles in shape is to use them and exercise every day! There are so many different and fun ways to exercise. Whether you choose to jump rope, go swimming, go for a walk or run, play a sport or play a game of tag with your friends, you will be working your muscles and keeping your body healthy. So what are you waiting for? Choose the activity that you enjoy the most and start moving your body today!
Diana Chaloux is the co-founder and owner of Destined 2 Be Fit (www.destined2befit.com). Diana is also a certified personal trainer through ACE, AFAA and FPI, a certified Fitness Coach through Wellcoaches, Lifestyle Management Nutrition Specialist, NPC National Level Figure Competitor (www.dianachaloux.com) and Fitness Model. Diana also has her own personal training studio located in San Antonio, Texas allowing her to work with clients and members both online and in person! For more information on how you can work with Diana visit www.destined2befit.com or write to her at contact@d2bfit.com
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Cry In Africa
By MR Gooding
Boseli stands 10 feet tall and weighs about 12,000 pounds. He is an African elephant and the largest land animal in the world, but today he is just another expectant father pacing nervously back and forth swinging his trunk and looking worried.
"Brother, why do you pace?" Boseli's younger sibling, Ambos, questioned his more experienced brother.
"For the last time, I am not pacing, Ambos!" Boseli's deep voice trumpeted.
"Forgive me brother, you are right," Ambos admitted, "You are stomping." He smiled at Boseli to ease the tension.
"Boseli," his brother turned serious, "You know this nervous pacing and intense trunk swinging will not hasten the birth of your calf. Let us go for a walk and leave the females to their duties." Boseli knew young Ambos was right. "All right Ambos," he sighed heavily. "I need to bathe with the wet dirt to cool myself and it may occupy my thoughts." The two brothers wandered off to bathe in the mud hole but Boseli kept his ears open for the mother's cry of relief.
There were plenty of elephants already at the mud hole when the two brothers arrived. "Hey, Boseli! One elephant tooted, "my female's calf is a healthy 250 pound male! He's almost two hours old! Boseli waved his trunk, "Congratulations, you and Nami must be very proud!" My Savannah is still with the matriarch and she won't let me near her yet!" Boseli said with disappointment.
The matriarch was the leader of the herd of females. It was her responsibility to teach the other females about survival and to care for the young as a group for safety. Not even Boseli could disregard her guiding principles.
Boseli slid down the sloped embankment and into the soothing sludge. Ambos started in after him when he heard Savannah's proud call. Boseli turned to Ambos. He had heard her as well. Boseli reached his long muddy trunk upward to Ambos and he pulled his big brother up the slippery mud embankment.
Together, they charged back to where the matriarch and other females were gathered. They stopped suddenly when they glimpsed a large shadow nuzzling a smaller one. Slowly they came closer to the two plump figures and ambos, respecting his brother and his place in the herd, stopped and nudged Boseli forward. "She's exhausted, Bosei," the matriarch said firmly, "don't be long." She patted his shoulder with her trunk to show her approval and headed for the relaxing mud hole.
Savannah waved her trunk to her mate. "Come see our calf, Boseli," she whispered. "It will be as many as five years before we can have another. "He is going to need a name you know." She reached out her trunk and affectionately ran it up and down Boseli's. He winked at her and lowered his voice, "I know that his mother must have spent the entire 11 months of pregnancy thinking of one for him." "Well, she said with a playful smile, "I was thinking of a strong warrior name like 'Chad'. What do you think, Boseli?" Staring down at his new calf sprawled on the ground he didn't look like any warrior Boseli had ever seen. Still, he knew that when a name was given, usually, sometimes without knowing it, you would live up to your name. Boseli wanted his young male to be strong and perhaps become leader of the bachelor herd someday like himself. "I think you have chosen the perfect name for our offspring," he nodded. "I will announce his name to the others immediately while you get your much needed rest." Boseli stroked little Chad with his trunk.
Savannah laughed softly, "Our little Chad will bring us much amusement in about four months when he tries to control all of those 40,000 muscles that make up his trunk." "He will indeed," Boseli chuckled. Goodnight Savannah." "Goodnight Boseli."
MR Gooding
http://www.royalribbon.blogspot.com
Boseli stands 10 feet tall and weighs about 12,000 pounds. He is an African elephant and the largest land animal in the world, but today he is just another expectant father pacing nervously back and forth swinging his trunk and looking worried.
"Brother, why do you pace?" Boseli's younger sibling, Ambos, questioned his more experienced brother.
"For the last time, I am not pacing, Ambos!" Boseli's deep voice trumpeted.
"Forgive me brother, you are right," Ambos admitted, "You are stomping." He smiled at Boseli to ease the tension.
"Boseli," his brother turned serious, "You know this nervous pacing and intense trunk swinging will not hasten the birth of your calf. Let us go for a walk and leave the females to their duties." Boseli knew young Ambos was right. "All right Ambos," he sighed heavily. "I need to bathe with the wet dirt to cool myself and it may occupy my thoughts." The two brothers wandered off to bathe in the mud hole but Boseli kept his ears open for the mother's cry of relief.
There were plenty of elephants already at the mud hole when the two brothers arrived. "Hey, Boseli! One elephant tooted, "my female's calf is a healthy 250 pound male! He's almost two hours old! Boseli waved his trunk, "Congratulations, you and Nami must be very proud!" My Savannah is still with the matriarch and she won't let me near her yet!" Boseli said with disappointment.
The matriarch was the leader of the herd of females. It was her responsibility to teach the other females about survival and to care for the young as a group for safety. Not even Boseli could disregard her guiding principles.
Boseli slid down the sloped embankment and into the soothing sludge. Ambos started in after him when he heard Savannah's proud call. Boseli turned to Ambos. He had heard her as well. Boseli reached his long muddy trunk upward to Ambos and he pulled his big brother up the slippery mud embankment.
Together, they charged back to where the matriarch and other females were gathered. They stopped suddenly when they glimpsed a large shadow nuzzling a smaller one. Slowly they came closer to the two plump figures and ambos, respecting his brother and his place in the herd, stopped and nudged Boseli forward. "She's exhausted, Bosei," the matriarch said firmly, "don't be long." She patted his shoulder with her trunk to show her approval and headed for the relaxing mud hole.
Savannah waved her trunk to her mate. "Come see our calf, Boseli," she whispered. "It will be as many as five years before we can have another. "He is going to need a name you know." She reached out her trunk and affectionately ran it up and down Boseli's. He winked at her and lowered his voice, "I know that his mother must have spent the entire 11 months of pregnancy thinking of one for him." "Well, she said with a playful smile, "I was thinking of a strong warrior name like 'Chad'. What do you think, Boseli?" Staring down at his new calf sprawled on the ground he didn't look like any warrior Boseli had ever seen. Still, he knew that when a name was given, usually, sometimes without knowing it, you would live up to your name. Boseli wanted his young male to be strong and perhaps become leader of the bachelor herd someday like himself. "I think you have chosen the perfect name for our offspring," he nodded. "I will announce his name to the others immediately while you get your much needed rest." Boseli stroked little Chad with his trunk.
Savannah laughed softly, "Our little Chad will bring us much amusement in about four months when he tries to control all of those 40,000 muscles that make up his trunk." "He will indeed," Boseli chuckled. Goodnight Savannah." "Goodnight Boseli."
MR Gooding
http://www.royalribbon.blogspot.com
Friday, May 25, 2007
Is Money A Necessity?
By Christina Hue
Have we ask ourselves this question; how much money does one need?
Money is always and has been a big deal in our society. It buys us what we need and what we want. It defines who we are.
Most teenagers depend primarily on their parents for support in terms of their house, food and even clothes. No matter where your money comes from, it�s a necessity need to get through the day.
It�s easy to overlook how much you spend during an ordinary day on things you don�t even think about � a can of coke, bus fare, and food. Little things add up; if you think about it you might find that you spend more than you realize.
We the teenagers occasionally think about what it would be like to move out of Mom & Dad house and get a place of our own. Wouldn�t it be great! A little apartment somewhere far from your parents place with nobody tell us what to do, to clean up our room and what time we need to be home and best of all to what we want.
Maybe life on our own is fantastic but it would be super expensive. What are the expenses we will incur if we support ourselves?
RENT - Take a look at the classified advertisement in the newspaper and find the section that lists properties (house & apartment) for rent. You will read something such as �2R 1 bath apt fully furnished for rent. Rental � $700.� Sounds cool, right. You can look for somewhere cheaper and but the place might not be so desirable.
FURNITURE - Assuming you wouldn�t want to rent with a fully furnished apartment. You�ll need a furniture. Like a sofa, couple of chairs, a coffee table and maybe a TV. Of course you need a bed. All this will cost a thousand dollars. Fortunately there are a lot of used shops so you can get everything for maybe a Thousand.
PHONE & CABLE TV �Unless you want to walk to a pay phone, you need a telephone or a handphone. Cable TV is great but expensive. Figure about $50 a month for a basic package plus $100 to install it.
Electricity and water- Usually this is not included in the rent, we need to add this cost of living.
OTHER STUFF �Sheets and blankets for the bed, towels, a couple of lamps, dishes to eat from, silverware, pots and pans, some glasses, toilet paper, toothpaste� you need a lot of stuff and it will cost money.
These are only some of the cost if you live on your own. There are other important to think about like food, clothing, entertainment, etc.
Now, think about it and ask ourselves does it cost us a lot if we live on our own?
Your teen financial consultant
Christina
Have we ask ourselves this question; how much money does one need?
Money is always and has been a big deal in our society. It buys us what we need and what we want. It defines who we are.
Most teenagers depend primarily on their parents for support in terms of their house, food and even clothes. No matter where your money comes from, it�s a necessity need to get through the day.
It�s easy to overlook how much you spend during an ordinary day on things you don�t even think about � a can of coke, bus fare, and food. Little things add up; if you think about it you might find that you spend more than you realize.
We the teenagers occasionally think about what it would be like to move out of Mom & Dad house and get a place of our own. Wouldn�t it be great! A little apartment somewhere far from your parents place with nobody tell us what to do, to clean up our room and what time we need to be home and best of all to what we want.
Maybe life on our own is fantastic but it would be super expensive. What are the expenses we will incur if we support ourselves?
RENT - Take a look at the classified advertisement in the newspaper and find the section that lists properties (house & apartment) for rent. You will read something such as �2R 1 bath apt fully furnished for rent. Rental � $700.� Sounds cool, right. You can look for somewhere cheaper and but the place might not be so desirable.
FURNITURE - Assuming you wouldn�t want to rent with a fully furnished apartment. You�ll need a furniture. Like a sofa, couple of chairs, a coffee table and maybe a TV. Of course you need a bed. All this will cost a thousand dollars. Fortunately there are a lot of used shops so you can get everything for maybe a Thousand.
PHONE & CABLE TV �Unless you want to walk to a pay phone, you need a telephone or a handphone. Cable TV is great but expensive. Figure about $50 a month for a basic package plus $100 to install it.
Electricity and water- Usually this is not included in the rent, we need to add this cost of living.
OTHER STUFF �Sheets and blankets for the bed, towels, a couple of lamps, dishes to eat from, silverware, pots and pans, some glasses, toilet paper, toothpaste� you need a lot of stuff and it will cost money.
These are only some of the cost if you live on your own. There are other important to think about like food, clothing, entertainment, etc.
Now, think about it and ask ourselves does it cost us a lot if we live on our own?
Your teen financial consultant
Christina
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Stylish Plus Size Prom Dress for Your Big Night
By Rob Buenaventura
Plus sized girls used to have to stay home for prom, or if they went, they were doomed to wear unattractive dresses in loud prints or grandma styles. The fashion industry is starting to wise up, though. They're realizing that curvy girls have a right to be beautiful and enjoy their prom night as much as the skinny ones. If you know where to shop, you can get a flattering, well-fitted prom dress that will make you feel like a queen. Special websites and prom dress retailers offer gowns for girls up to size 44, so you'll always find something in your size. One in five teens is a plus size now, and you deserve a great prom night, wearing a beautiful dress.
The first step to getting a flattering look is to consider your figure. The dress that looks great on a tiny classmate with no curves is going to bunch and look unflattering if you have them. Shop styles designed with your body in mind, not just sized up from the standard line. If you know what sort of shape flatters your body, you can get the best dress for your prom. Apple shapes look good in empire styles. Hourglasses are flattered by styles with a definite waist, but not by straight sheath shapes. Pear shapes do well in dresses with full skirts that flare from the hips. If you're small busted, consider a dress with decoration at the top to draw attention to your upper half. If, on the other hand, you'd prefer to minimize your bust, avoid things like bugle- beaded and plunging necklines.
To ensure the success of your prom look, make sure you're wearing the right foundation garments. A badly fitted bra or a visible panty line can spoil an otherwise great look. Consult with salespeople to find out what's best for you. At specialty shops, you can be measured for a bra that will fit and flatter, unlike most of the regular lines. This way, your dress will fit right over a solid foundation that smooths out your lumps and bumps, leaving only beautiful curves. Draw attention to your best features with a flattering gown that goes with your shape, and wear the right foundation, and you'll get a great look.
Don't skimp on your makeup and hair. The right hairstyle can make you glamorous. The wrong one can add fullness to your face and draw attention just where you don't want it. Consult with your stylist about what hairstyle will go best with your dress. Updos this year are tending towards messy, rather than severe. Little tendrils trailing out of your style can give it a fun, casual look. Always pick a style that goes with the mood you want to project, though. If you take care to think about your look and how it will go with your body, you'll get the glamorous prom look girls dream of. Plus size girls don't have to be content with frumpy dresses for prom. Choose your best look at a specialty prom retailer.
Find more prom dresses and prom accessories at PromInsider.com
Plus sized girls used to have to stay home for prom, or if they went, they were doomed to wear unattractive dresses in loud prints or grandma styles. The fashion industry is starting to wise up, though. They're realizing that curvy girls have a right to be beautiful and enjoy their prom night as much as the skinny ones. If you know where to shop, you can get a flattering, well-fitted prom dress that will make you feel like a queen. Special websites and prom dress retailers offer gowns for girls up to size 44, so you'll always find something in your size. One in five teens is a plus size now, and you deserve a great prom night, wearing a beautiful dress.
The first step to getting a flattering look is to consider your figure. The dress that looks great on a tiny classmate with no curves is going to bunch and look unflattering if you have them. Shop styles designed with your body in mind, not just sized up from the standard line. If you know what sort of shape flatters your body, you can get the best dress for your prom. Apple shapes look good in empire styles. Hourglasses are flattered by styles with a definite waist, but not by straight sheath shapes. Pear shapes do well in dresses with full skirts that flare from the hips. If you're small busted, consider a dress with decoration at the top to draw attention to your upper half. If, on the other hand, you'd prefer to minimize your bust, avoid things like bugle- beaded and plunging necklines.
To ensure the success of your prom look, make sure you're wearing the right foundation garments. A badly fitted bra or a visible panty line can spoil an otherwise great look. Consult with salespeople to find out what's best for you. At specialty shops, you can be measured for a bra that will fit and flatter, unlike most of the regular lines. This way, your dress will fit right over a solid foundation that smooths out your lumps and bumps, leaving only beautiful curves. Draw attention to your best features with a flattering gown that goes with your shape, and wear the right foundation, and you'll get a great look.
Don't skimp on your makeup and hair. The right hairstyle can make you glamorous. The wrong one can add fullness to your face and draw attention just where you don't want it. Consult with your stylist about what hairstyle will go best with your dress. Updos this year are tending towards messy, rather than severe. Little tendrils trailing out of your style can give it a fun, casual look. Always pick a style that goes with the mood you want to project, though. If you take care to think about your look and how it will go with your body, you'll get the glamorous prom look girls dream of. Plus size girls don't have to be content with frumpy dresses for prom. Choose your best look at a specialty prom retailer.
Find more prom dresses and prom accessories at PromInsider.com
Monday, May 21, 2007
Creative Kids Can Design Their Own Jewellery
By James Rivier
Imagine the situation: you have a party next week, you have stunning little black and pink cocktail dress prepares but no jewellery to go with it, you search the shops high and low for a little something to go with your outfit. Everything that you find is either too expensive or not what you're looking for, it's almost as if you have the perfect image in your head of what this piece of jeweller should look like, right down to the colour and the shapes of it.
This is where LoveBites and Bruises steps in. LoveBites and Bruises is an innovative idea whereby young designers, both children and adults alike, are able to design their own acceroise and jewellery using any imagine software on their compuaters. They are then able to email in their designs to the LoveBites and Bruises team, where is will be lasercut onto lucite, acrylic or glass.
They customer service is weak, it takes quite a while to get back to emails, but with their recent bouts of internet fame this is hardly surprising, as they are now quite famous amongst the scene and emo kids of the internet, spreading across popular profiling websites such as Myspace and Livejournal, where many young teenagers pose with their designs in photographs, or sell them in online stores.
Their communications once you get through to their customer based service is brilliant, all customers receive a personal email address once their have paid, where they can track the progress of their items before they are delivered. They are even able to request videos and photographs of their items being made!
A brilliant idea for young people to keep them creative and business minded for their future careers, whether it be in design or jewellery making itself!
Imagine the situation: you have a party next week, you have stunning little black and pink cocktail dress prepares but no jewellery to go with it, you search the shops high and low for a little something to go with your outfit. Everything that you find is either too expensive or not what you're looking for, it's almost as if you have the perfect image in your head of what this piece of jeweller should look like, right down to the colour and the shapes of it.
This is where LoveBites and Bruises steps in. LoveBites and Bruises is an innovative idea whereby young designers, both children and adults alike, are able to design their own acceroise and jewellery using any imagine software on their compuaters. They are then able to email in their designs to the LoveBites and Bruises team, where is will be lasercut onto lucite, acrylic or glass.
They customer service is weak, it takes quite a while to get back to emails, but with their recent bouts of internet fame this is hardly surprising, as they are now quite famous amongst the scene and emo kids of the internet, spreading across popular profiling websites such as Myspace and Livejournal, where many young teenagers pose with their designs in photographs, or sell them in online stores.
Their communications once you get through to their customer based service is brilliant, all customers receive a personal email address once their have paid, where they can track the progress of their items before they are delivered. They are even able to request videos and photographs of their items being made!
A brilliant idea for young people to keep them creative and business minded for their future careers, whether it be in design or jewellery making itself!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Princess Birthday Party - Five Great Games for a Princess and her Court
By Kymberlyn Steel-Fannin
A princess birthday party is nothing short of a magical affair. With a little attention to detail you can create an enchanted event that Her Royal Highness and her court will not soon forget. Here are five games you can play to make your child�s princess party an extraordinary experience.
Musical Thrones- Musical Thrones is the Princess version of musical chairs, the only difference being that one chair is decorated to resemble a throne. The throne can be decorated with silk flowers, ribbons and garlands. You might even want to place a crown on the seat. Just as you would in musical chairs, work through a process of elimination where a chair is removed after each round. Continue doing so until there is only one chair left (the throne)and two participants. The first person to claim the thrown is the Queen of the court.
Jump the Moat- Using a large blanket fold lengthwise in an accordion fashion . Lay the blanket on the ground so that it creates a moat. Have the children line up in the front of the moat, each one taking a turn jumping the moat. With each round, unfold the blanket. As the game progresses the moat should become wider and wider. The game is complete once the blanket is completely unfolded.
Leaping Frog Princess -Divide guests into relay teams, each team having an equal number of players standing in single file lines. Mark a point of reference that will ultimately become a finish line(garage, swing-set, etc). Tell the players that an evil spell has been cast upon them, turning them all into frogs. The only way to remove the spell is to return to the castle(finish line). The first team to reach the castle will resume their human form. The first player of each team will take a running leap. Where ever they land they will remain in a crouched position. The second in line now take a running leap over the first crouched player. Upon landing, the second player takes the crouch position. The first frog now returns to the line and the third player takes a running leap over the second player, then assumes the crouch position. This process continues until one of the teams reaches the castle.
Treasure Quest- Hide a variety of items around your house or yard. Items could include play jewelry, wands or chocolate coins. Tell the children that a thief has stolen the Princess�s jewels and as he fled he dropped much of it throughout the kingdom. Give each of them a �loot bag� and send them off to find the treasure.
Toss the Prince- Divide guests into 2-3 teams. Have each team stand in an evenly spaced line, allowing approximately three feet between players. Give the first member in each line an egg. The egg should be uncooked and treated with extra care. You may choose to decorate each egg with a frog sticker or gently draw a frog face on the egg with crayon. The egg is tossed up and down the line until one player drops the egg. The team who goes the longest without breaking the egg wins.
Planning games and activities for the perfect princess birthday party doesn�t have to be difficult. Just take old favorites and give them a new twist. Your child will have a one-a-kind birthday experience if you just use a little creativity and a whole lot of imagination.
Queen Kymberlyn resides in the Kingdom of Birthday Ballyhoo, where she offers visitors tips on how to throw a perfect princess birthday party.
A princess birthday party is nothing short of a magical affair. With a little attention to detail you can create an enchanted event that Her Royal Highness and her court will not soon forget. Here are five games you can play to make your child�s princess party an extraordinary experience.
Musical Thrones- Musical Thrones is the Princess version of musical chairs, the only difference being that one chair is decorated to resemble a throne. The throne can be decorated with silk flowers, ribbons and garlands. You might even want to place a crown on the seat. Just as you would in musical chairs, work through a process of elimination where a chair is removed after each round. Continue doing so until there is only one chair left (the throne)and two participants. The first person to claim the thrown is the Queen of the court.
Jump the Moat- Using a large blanket fold lengthwise in an accordion fashion . Lay the blanket on the ground so that it creates a moat. Have the children line up in the front of the moat, each one taking a turn jumping the moat. With each round, unfold the blanket. As the game progresses the moat should become wider and wider. The game is complete once the blanket is completely unfolded.
Leaping Frog Princess -Divide guests into relay teams, each team having an equal number of players standing in single file lines. Mark a point of reference that will ultimately become a finish line(garage, swing-set, etc). Tell the players that an evil spell has been cast upon them, turning them all into frogs. The only way to remove the spell is to return to the castle(finish line). The first team to reach the castle will resume their human form. The first player of each team will take a running leap. Where ever they land they will remain in a crouched position. The second in line now take a running leap over the first crouched player. Upon landing, the second player takes the crouch position. The first frog now returns to the line and the third player takes a running leap over the second player, then assumes the crouch position. This process continues until one of the teams reaches the castle.
Treasure Quest- Hide a variety of items around your house or yard. Items could include play jewelry, wands or chocolate coins. Tell the children that a thief has stolen the Princess�s jewels and as he fled he dropped much of it throughout the kingdom. Give each of them a �loot bag� and send them off to find the treasure.
Toss the Prince- Divide guests into 2-3 teams. Have each team stand in an evenly spaced line, allowing approximately three feet between players. Give the first member in each line an egg. The egg should be uncooked and treated with extra care. You may choose to decorate each egg with a frog sticker or gently draw a frog face on the egg with crayon. The egg is tossed up and down the line until one player drops the egg. The team who goes the longest without breaking the egg wins.
Planning games and activities for the perfect princess birthday party doesn�t have to be difficult. Just take old favorites and give them a new twist. Your child will have a one-a-kind birthday experience if you just use a little creativity and a whole lot of imagination.
Queen Kymberlyn resides in the Kingdom of Birthday Ballyhoo, where she offers visitors tips on how to throw a perfect princess birthday party.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
The Hottest Toys for 2007
By Mikey Simms
Year after year more and more toys flood the market, new trends rise, new trends die. Finally a trend comes along that will probably last for a while; Webkinz. Ok I must admit at first glance these look like a total gimmick to suck parents dry of every last dollar this year. However this toy crosses a barrier not many toys have been able to do. Not only are they cool, educational and fun, kids and parents alike seem to love them. Unlike many toy trends this one will last more than 1-2 years and you're about to find out why.
I know you are probably saying to yourself now (yeah right) but webkinz are different than other toys. They seem to come to life and children everywhere can't wait to get home and finish their homework to play with their webkinz online. So what is going to make them last you might ask? Tickle Me Elmo didn't last more than 2 years beanie babies they were great for a short time. Well the answer is simple; creation. When you go online with your webkinz pet you give it life into a game and then build your pet up and earn kinz cash after creating their pet and their world. Think of it as almost role playing a character that you created. Its also an interactive world that has limitless potential as long as Ganz continually updates the enviroment kids will be hooked at the changes. So you build your pet up in a new world and bring it all to life. Sure it could get dull at some point and it will as kids get older they won't want to play anymore, but new recruits can be brought in everyday. Unlike most toys that are just a physical doll or toy this brings entertainment to a new level. You get the physical products and the mental product of going into your own little world.
I see this trend lasting awhile I'd estimate about 5 years. Even after 5 years however it won't be dead it will have life for upwards of 7-8 years before fading out with the next new hot product that takes the world by storm. Webkinz bring a whole new element to the interactive experience that kids have longed for for years that outside of a video game or console system never really existed. Ganz will create new products each year that revolve in the webkinz universe that collectors and kids alike will have to get their hands on. Even as we speak some of the collectors pieces are going for over $200!
The trend will be determined by supply and demand right now supplies are low and eventually supply will meet demand and the trend will level off and fade away. It won't fade away for quite some time however because this product simply has it all. Parents think of it as a way to keep your kids out of trouble and away from violence all while enjoying their own virtual world.
Mikey Simms
buy webkinz pets on line
buy tmx friends elmo ernie cookie monster
buy tmx cookie monster on line
Year after year more and more toys flood the market, new trends rise, new trends die. Finally a trend comes along that will probably last for a while; Webkinz. Ok I must admit at first glance these look like a total gimmick to suck parents dry of every last dollar this year. However this toy crosses a barrier not many toys have been able to do. Not only are they cool, educational and fun, kids and parents alike seem to love them. Unlike many toy trends this one will last more than 1-2 years and you're about to find out why.
I know you are probably saying to yourself now (yeah right) but webkinz are different than other toys. They seem to come to life and children everywhere can't wait to get home and finish their homework to play with their webkinz online. So what is going to make them last you might ask? Tickle Me Elmo didn't last more than 2 years beanie babies they were great for a short time. Well the answer is simple; creation. When you go online with your webkinz pet you give it life into a game and then build your pet up and earn kinz cash after creating their pet and their world. Think of it as almost role playing a character that you created. Its also an interactive world that has limitless potential as long as Ganz continually updates the enviroment kids will be hooked at the changes. So you build your pet up in a new world and bring it all to life. Sure it could get dull at some point and it will as kids get older they won't want to play anymore, but new recruits can be brought in everyday. Unlike most toys that are just a physical doll or toy this brings entertainment to a new level. You get the physical products and the mental product of going into your own little world.
I see this trend lasting awhile I'd estimate about 5 years. Even after 5 years however it won't be dead it will have life for upwards of 7-8 years before fading out with the next new hot product that takes the world by storm. Webkinz bring a whole new element to the interactive experience that kids have longed for for years that outside of a video game or console system never really existed. Ganz will create new products each year that revolve in the webkinz universe that collectors and kids alike will have to get their hands on. Even as we speak some of the collectors pieces are going for over $200!
The trend will be determined by supply and demand right now supplies are low and eventually supply will meet demand and the trend will level off and fade away. It won't fade away for quite some time however because this product simply has it all. Parents think of it as a way to keep your kids out of trouble and away from violence all while enjoying their own virtual world.
Mikey Simms
buy webkinz pets on line
buy tmx friends elmo ernie cookie monster
buy tmx cookie monster on line
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Internet Monitoring - Securing Your Home and Children Against Intrusion
By Crystal Watson
Everyone takes care to lock their homes against intruders, but how many take the time to block access to their homes through the internet? Given the statistics of how many predators, hackers, and identity thefts occur through the internet every day it should be common sense to block access to our homes and children through the internet. It is a sad fact, however, that most people do not give thought to this doorway to their home until it is too late.
Here are some of the most recent statistics on internet crime:
Only 1 in 3 households with internet access have any kind of filtering or monitoring software. 3 out of 4 children are willing to share personal and family information in exchange for goods and services. Only 1 in 4 children who encountered a sexual approach were willing to tell their parents. 1 in 4 teenagers who access the internet say they have had sexual approaches made. 1 in 30 youths have an aggressive approach made. This means asked a young person to meet somewhere, sent money through the mail, and/or talked on the phone with them.
These are just a few of the alarming statistics. Everyone has read or heard the frightening stories of children hurt by predators they have met online. Everyday stings find and take many of these off the streets, but there seems to be an endless supply of predators still visiting chatrooms and finding ways to gain access to your children. Many parents respond to this information by telling themselves they monitor their children well enough that this cannot happen to them, but child predators can be very creative in getting what they want.
The most immediate solution is to have a way of knowing what is going on on the computer at all times. Most people are not aware that for a very affordable price (anywhere from $29 to $99 for more advanced software) they can download a simple to use software to monitor all activity on the computer. Over the past few years this software has acquired many new features and is relatively simple to use and easy to install. First of all, this type of software usually comes in two categories: filtering software, which blocks unwanted sites, chat, etc, and monitoring software, which secretly logs everything that goes on on the computer. Decide which type best suits your needs.
When looking for the right software here are some of the features to look for.
Stealth. Most monitoring software has this feature, which allows the program to monitor and record undetected. This way, others who use the computer are not aware that their activities are being recorded. Keylogger. This feature also is standard for monitoring software. It records everything typed on the computer. All logs are placed and accessed in a secret file which can only be accessed by the user who has the password. Internet messaging (IM). This feature records both sides of the conversation. Chat rooms. Records everything said in the chat room and usually identifies the name of the chat room. email. Makes a record of incoming and outgoing emails. Remote Monitoring. A special feature available on many, but not all, monitoring software. This allows the user to access logs from another computer. This is useful if the child has his or her own computer and internet access. Many versions of software only allow this with a seperate monthly fee. Blocking/filtering. Most monitoring software is just tailored for monitoring. If you have blocking and filtering needs this is usually best done with software designed for that purpose.
Many people now have security software which blocks spyware. If this is the case be sure to change the settings to allow access to your software after downloading it. Be aware that there is much software to choose from so research and find one that best fits your needs.
Crystal Watson lives in Arlington,TX. Among her websites is http://www.relationship-free-help.com a resource for those seeking tools for a better marriage or relationship.
A review of different monitoring software can be found at
http://www.relationship-free-help.com/compmon.html
Everyone takes care to lock their homes against intruders, but how many take the time to block access to their homes through the internet? Given the statistics of how many predators, hackers, and identity thefts occur through the internet every day it should be common sense to block access to our homes and children through the internet. It is a sad fact, however, that most people do not give thought to this doorway to their home until it is too late.
Here are some of the most recent statistics on internet crime:
Only 1 in 3 households with internet access have any kind of filtering or monitoring software. 3 out of 4 children are willing to share personal and family information in exchange for goods and services. Only 1 in 4 children who encountered a sexual approach were willing to tell their parents. 1 in 4 teenagers who access the internet say they have had sexual approaches made. 1 in 30 youths have an aggressive approach made. This means asked a young person to meet somewhere, sent money through the mail, and/or talked on the phone with them.
These are just a few of the alarming statistics. Everyone has read or heard the frightening stories of children hurt by predators they have met online. Everyday stings find and take many of these off the streets, but there seems to be an endless supply of predators still visiting chatrooms and finding ways to gain access to your children. Many parents respond to this information by telling themselves they monitor their children well enough that this cannot happen to them, but child predators can be very creative in getting what they want.
The most immediate solution is to have a way of knowing what is going on on the computer at all times. Most people are not aware that for a very affordable price (anywhere from $29 to $99 for more advanced software) they can download a simple to use software to monitor all activity on the computer. Over the past few years this software has acquired many new features and is relatively simple to use and easy to install. First of all, this type of software usually comes in two categories: filtering software, which blocks unwanted sites, chat, etc, and monitoring software, which secretly logs everything that goes on on the computer. Decide which type best suits your needs.
When looking for the right software here are some of the features to look for.
Stealth. Most monitoring software has this feature, which allows the program to monitor and record undetected. This way, others who use the computer are not aware that their activities are being recorded. Keylogger. This feature also is standard for monitoring software. It records everything typed on the computer. All logs are placed and accessed in a secret file which can only be accessed by the user who has the password. Internet messaging (IM). This feature records both sides of the conversation. Chat rooms. Records everything said in the chat room and usually identifies the name of the chat room. email. Makes a record of incoming and outgoing emails. Remote Monitoring. A special feature available on many, but not all, monitoring software. This allows the user to access logs from another computer. This is useful if the child has his or her own computer and internet access. Many versions of software only allow this with a seperate monthly fee. Blocking/filtering. Most monitoring software is just tailored for monitoring. If you have blocking and filtering needs this is usually best done with software designed for that purpose.
Many people now have security software which blocks spyware. If this is the case be sure to change the settings to allow access to your software after downloading it. Be aware that there is much software to choose from so research and find one that best fits your needs.
Crystal Watson lives in Arlington,TX. Among her websites is http://www.relationship-free-help.com a resource for those seeking tools for a better marriage or relationship.
A review of different monitoring software can be found at
http://www.relationship-free-help.com/compmon.html
Monday, May 14, 2007
Computer Education For Kids
By Nicole Munoz
Computers have become a common and needed part of life in today�s society, making computer education imperative for children. Young children will typically begin to show an interest in the home PC by their toddler years. While it is may be a good idea to begin introducing your toddler to the computer in very short sessions, most children can began to learn and understand a computer�s functionality by preschool age.
Preschool age children can learn to turn the computer on by themselves and will quickly learn to operate the mouse. Simple games that teach and reinforce basic school readiness skills are great for this age. Computer education for preschool age children should be limited to short sessions of about 30 minutes a few times a week.
Many childcare facilities offer computer time as part of their weekly curriculum for preschoolers. Structured games and activities give young children an opportunity to explore the way a computer works. Games that require dragging objects across the screen are excellent for building mouse skills in beginner users. Chose age-appropriate software and websites that involve alphabet and color recognition, shapes, counting, or short stories that are read aloud. Activities that feature music are also enjoyable for a preschooler�s computer time.
Kindergartners are normally still exploring the basics of computer use and will probably do best with activities that reinforce simple skills. As children become more comfortable with the computer, more complex games and activities can be introduced. Computer education for kindergartners typically consists of short sessions of no more than an hour, playing games that correlate with their classroom learning material.
By first grade, children have usually gained a good understanding of how to use a mouse and they are learning to use keyboard letters to type. Games like Typing Instructor for Kids can help young children become fast and efficient computer users. Early elementary age children are ready to move beyond simple reinforcement and skill drill activities to the many different functions of a computer.
First through third graders should use the computer as a supplement for their classroom work. A student studying about stars and planets can use the internet to search for pictures and information about constellations. An assignment about Africa can include a search for videos of African animals. Allow your child to work on his own, but stay close by to prevent access to inappropriate content and to answer any questions.
Software programs that allow children to create, like an art or publishing suite designed specifically for kids, can boost creativity along with providing exposure to technology. Grade level skills can also be practiced and enhanced with math, reading, and spelling computer games. There are a number of kid-friendly websites that provide search engines, games, and interaction opportunities.
Computer education for children should also include writing and creative writing activities. First graders are beginning to familiarize themselves with the keyboard and can write short letters or emails. By second and third grade, children can use word processor programs or writing software designed for children to write and publish their own short stories and poems, as well as use email to write to relatives.
For more tips and information about educational toys, check out www.thekidstoystore.com
Computers have become a common and needed part of life in today�s society, making computer education imperative for children. Young children will typically begin to show an interest in the home PC by their toddler years. While it is may be a good idea to begin introducing your toddler to the computer in very short sessions, most children can began to learn and understand a computer�s functionality by preschool age.
Preschool age children can learn to turn the computer on by themselves and will quickly learn to operate the mouse. Simple games that teach and reinforce basic school readiness skills are great for this age. Computer education for preschool age children should be limited to short sessions of about 30 minutes a few times a week.
Many childcare facilities offer computer time as part of their weekly curriculum for preschoolers. Structured games and activities give young children an opportunity to explore the way a computer works. Games that require dragging objects across the screen are excellent for building mouse skills in beginner users. Chose age-appropriate software and websites that involve alphabet and color recognition, shapes, counting, or short stories that are read aloud. Activities that feature music are also enjoyable for a preschooler�s computer time.
Kindergartners are normally still exploring the basics of computer use and will probably do best with activities that reinforce simple skills. As children become more comfortable with the computer, more complex games and activities can be introduced. Computer education for kindergartners typically consists of short sessions of no more than an hour, playing games that correlate with their classroom learning material.
By first grade, children have usually gained a good understanding of how to use a mouse and they are learning to use keyboard letters to type. Games like Typing Instructor for Kids can help young children become fast and efficient computer users. Early elementary age children are ready to move beyond simple reinforcement and skill drill activities to the many different functions of a computer.
First through third graders should use the computer as a supplement for their classroom work. A student studying about stars and planets can use the internet to search for pictures and information about constellations. An assignment about Africa can include a search for videos of African animals. Allow your child to work on his own, but stay close by to prevent access to inappropriate content and to answer any questions.
Software programs that allow children to create, like an art or publishing suite designed specifically for kids, can boost creativity along with providing exposure to technology. Grade level skills can also be practiced and enhanced with math, reading, and spelling computer games. There are a number of kid-friendly websites that provide search engines, games, and interaction opportunities.
Computer education for children should also include writing and creative writing activities. First graders are beginning to familiarize themselves with the keyboard and can write short letters or emails. By second and third grade, children can use word processor programs or writing software designed for children to write and publish their own short stories and poems, as well as use email to write to relatives.
For more tips and information about educational toys, check out www.thekidstoystore.com
Outdoor Kids Activities That Will Keep Them Occupied for Hours
By Nicholas Hurd
There are many benefits to encouraging your child to engage in an outdoor kid activity. Any outdoor kid activity, whether it is just playing outside or engaging in a sport can be beneficial. There are so many activities that you can do with your child, from riding a bike to bird watching to rock hounding so you can make it a family activity.
Play Outside
Whether you are hiking on a trail or just hanging out in the back yard, you can create a fun outdoor kid activity and even learn something along the way. Get a book on plants and learn the names of various plants and trees as you go along. Bring along a camera and take photos of the plants that you identify so that you can make a scrapbook. In your scrapbook add an information sheet from research that you do in books or on the web.
Survivor!
This is a fun outdoor kid activity that you can do just about anywhere. Even if you can't go somewhere to camp, you can pitch a tent in the backyard to create an ambiance. Get a survival book and learn about various survival techniques. Learn how to identify poisonous plants. Create various scenarios and discuss what you would do in each situation, such as lost in the forest, trapped on a deserted island or stuck in the mountains.
Star Light Star Bright
Get a map of the constellations and take a walk outside to look at the sky. Learn how to identify various planets and constellations and talk about the history behind them. This is an outdoor kid activity that the whole family can enjoy. This outdoor kid activity can also take you indoors to the library so that you can learn about the solar system and stars. You may even want to invest in a telescope to get an even better look at the stars above you.
How does Your Garden Grow?
Gardening is an outdoor kid activity that can teach your child how to grow their own food, the responsibility of caring for a garden and the rewards of seeing plants grow as you care for them. You may want to start small with window boxes or containers and then graduate to turning up ground for a garden. Your child will learn how to weed the garden, dig and plant. You will need some flexibility for this outdoor kid activity because it may turn into an excursion to dig to China or an expedition to locate earthworms.
Pick Your own Fruit
This is outdoor fun for the entire family. Although it is seasonal, it can be a lot of fun. Find places where you can pick your own berries, such as blueberries, strawberries and blackberries. There are also places where you can pick apples, peaches and pears. The whole family can get in on this outdoor kid activity. Pick a little, eat a little and go home and make a delicious blueberry cobbler! This outdoor kid activity will not only provide tons of fun, it will also create precious memories.
Copyright 2007 Nicholas Hurd all rights reserved
Nick Hurd is the developer of www.KidsActivitiesandGames.com A place where you can Discover lots of activities for children.
There are many benefits to encouraging your child to engage in an outdoor kid activity. Any outdoor kid activity, whether it is just playing outside or engaging in a sport can be beneficial. There are so many activities that you can do with your child, from riding a bike to bird watching to rock hounding so you can make it a family activity.
Play Outside
Whether you are hiking on a trail or just hanging out in the back yard, you can create a fun outdoor kid activity and even learn something along the way. Get a book on plants and learn the names of various plants and trees as you go along. Bring along a camera and take photos of the plants that you identify so that you can make a scrapbook. In your scrapbook add an information sheet from research that you do in books or on the web.
Survivor!
This is a fun outdoor kid activity that you can do just about anywhere. Even if you can't go somewhere to camp, you can pitch a tent in the backyard to create an ambiance. Get a survival book and learn about various survival techniques. Learn how to identify poisonous plants. Create various scenarios and discuss what you would do in each situation, such as lost in the forest, trapped on a deserted island or stuck in the mountains.
Star Light Star Bright
Get a map of the constellations and take a walk outside to look at the sky. Learn how to identify various planets and constellations and talk about the history behind them. This is an outdoor kid activity that the whole family can enjoy. This outdoor kid activity can also take you indoors to the library so that you can learn about the solar system and stars. You may even want to invest in a telescope to get an even better look at the stars above you.
How does Your Garden Grow?
Gardening is an outdoor kid activity that can teach your child how to grow their own food, the responsibility of caring for a garden and the rewards of seeing plants grow as you care for them. You may want to start small with window boxes or containers and then graduate to turning up ground for a garden. Your child will learn how to weed the garden, dig and plant. You will need some flexibility for this outdoor kid activity because it may turn into an excursion to dig to China or an expedition to locate earthworms.
Pick Your own Fruit
This is outdoor fun for the entire family. Although it is seasonal, it can be a lot of fun. Find places where you can pick your own berries, such as blueberries, strawberries and blackberries. There are also places where you can pick apples, peaches and pears. The whole family can get in on this outdoor kid activity. Pick a little, eat a little and go home and make a delicious blueberry cobbler! This outdoor kid activity will not only provide tons of fun, it will also create precious memories.
Copyright 2007 Nicholas Hurd all rights reserved
Nick Hurd is the developer of www.KidsActivitiesandGames.com A place where you can Discover lots of activities for children.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
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