Happy Halloween!

Halloween has really changed since I was kid in more ways than one.  How many of you remember walking around the neighborhood filling bag after bag FULL of candy?  Not having to have parents with you, making your own costumes and actually saying "Trick or Treat" and "Thank You"?  

When I was a kid preparing for Halloween began when school started.  This meant making a decision about what I wanted to be and then mom and I thinking about outfits, props - the planning was way more than 3/4 of the fun.  We would hit the goodwill and find clothes that could be used to make up a scarecrow, a witch, a gypsy lady (can you tell I was a reader?), or whatever else I could come up with.  I know one year my brother was an "old lady", Mike "the refrigerator" (I think his name was Mike - he was a Cornhusker, of course - nope, I just looked it upline, he was actually William Perry).  

I know over the years that we never went to a costume store or a halloween prop store.  Actually I doubt they were around at that time.  I thought I'd share with you a few of Usborne's Make & Do Books and Kid Kits that would help with planning that special Halloween costume.

Fairies?  Fairies can be fairy godmothers or evil fairies like in your favorite storybook.  Which would you be?

This enchanting book is teeming with delightful projects. Follow the simple step-by-step instructions to make pictures, pretty little bags, a tooth fairy purse, fairy pillows and lots more. Even if you’ve never sewn anything before, you’ll be able to follow the instructions for sewing different stitches, and attaching sparkling sequins and shimmering beads.  Big Book of Fairy Things to Make and Do  or Fairytale Things to Make and Do

Wizard?  Wander into the wonderful world of wizards in this magical activity book. By following the simple steps, you can create spellbinding wizards, enchanted castles, a bubbling cauldron and warty toads. You’ll also find out how to make magic wands and wizard hats, creepy cats and bouncing bats. With over 250 silvery stickers to add extra magic to everything you make.  Wizard Things to Make and Do

Princess?  What little girl hasn't dreamed about being a princess?  This kit includes Little Princess Treasury book, simulated diamond tiara, jeweled bracelet, as well as 10 innovative and fun stick-on body jewels with cosmetic glue (adult supervision recommended), and suggestions for creative princess activities.  Princess Jewelry Kid Kit, Princess Things to Make and Do, Princess Handbook

Monsters - What kind of monster would you like to be?  A Scarrrrry Monster?  A cute furry little monster like Elmo? Or maybe an Alien Monster from Mars?  You’ll find monsters lurking in every corner of this fantastic activity book – they’re hiding in cupboards, swimming in the sea, flying in the air and squelching around in a swamp. Follow the simple steps to make monster finger puppets, wobbling monsters, pop-up cards, dangly monsters and lots more. You can also make a monster mask and hands, so that you can look like a monster too! There are over 400 stickers for you to stick onto the things you’ve made.  Monster Things to Make and Do

Be a Pirate! You can be Blackbeard, Jack "The Sparrow",  or any other pirate you want to be!  Take a leap into the swashbuckling world of pirates as you tackle the projects in this exciting kit. Make a shining sword, a treasure chest, a moneybag, coins, an eye patch, a treasure map, a pirate hat and lots more. Kid Kit includes: Pirate Things to Make & Do book, pirate stamp (Jolly Roger Stamp), pirate stamp pad (black ink), shiny silver material for pirate sword, glue stick, scissors, black construction paper, white crayon, black felt and elastic cord for pirate moneybag, and heavy art paper for treasure chest & other projects.  Pirate Things to Make & Do Kid Kit , Pirate's Handbook

Thanks go to....

Prayer request: Please keep Teresa & her husband of A Baby Changes Everything in your prayers.  Her husband had a stroke in the last 10 days while he was travelling and she is really sick with what sounds like the Upper Respiratory Crud that's going around. I sounds like he's at the hospital where they live now but you all know how hard it is to keep going when something like this has happened - but now she's really sick on top of everything.

Holly at Nap Time surprised me with a bloggy award today!  Thanks Holly!  She has a darling blog filled with Family Challenges, Reviews and More.  Be sure to stop by and say hi sometime soon.

 

Rules for accepting:
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award
2. Share 7 things about yourself
3. Pass this on to 13 other great bloggers
4. Contact the selected bloggers and tell them about their awards


7 Things about Tina "The Book Lady"
1.  I work 30 hours a week at a bank customer service survey company.  I help with the production of surveys which are mailed out and then I type them up when they are returned.
2.  I have 3 blogs that I try and update 2-3 times a week.  I do reviews & giveaways on all 3 and also enter over 60 blog hops/giveaway linkies each week.  My Blogs are:
      a.  Family Literacy and You: http://familyliteracyandyou.blogspot.com
      b.  GivingNSharing: http://givingnsharing.blogspot.com
      c.  Holiday Traditions, Gifts and Recipes:  http://holidaygiftsandmore.blogspot.com
3.  I am the aunt of 12 nieces & nephews - hence #4!
4.  I own my own children's bookstore that I run on the weekends.  Based with Usborne Books & More, I also counsel parents on choosing books for their kids, do bookfairs, reading incentive programs and literacy booths.
Christmas is coming & of course birthdays are always happening - Usborne Books are The Books Kids Love to Read!  http://www.MyUsborneBooks.com
5.  I love to sew.  I don't do much of it anymore (obviously) but I used to make all my own clothes.  Lately I've been making baby quilts from flannel and fleece for my family and friends as their families are growing.  I've been making bookmarks to sell at my booths.
6.  I retaught myself crocheting this year.  It was something that I could take to booths or do while watching criminal minds on Wednesday night (now you know where I'll be in an hour & a 1/2).  I've been crocheting market bags and just finished 1/2 of a set of wristlets (the thumb has been interesting - NOT).
7.  I have fibromyalgia and if you have any friends or family that has a chronic illness please add them to your prayer journal.  Another way you can support them is by referring them to: http://www.facebook.com/fmaware where there is a wonderful support group.  Thank you.


13 bloggers to receive the Stylish Blog Award
These are the blogs that have taught me more about blogging, writing and content than any book could have in the last 3-4 months!  Thanks so much!


1. Anglicious Gifts and More
2. Make More Cookies
3. La Bella Vita
4. Mom of all Trades
5. Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms
6. Lisa's Gluten Free Advice & Healthy Living
7. A Baby Changes Everything
8. Squeaky Clean Reads
9. Biz Mommy
10. OBoy Organic
11. Christie Jordan's Southern Plate
12. Pie Bird Blog
13. Audrey's Give Aways


Please take a moment to visit one or all of these fabulous blogs!

Usborne Books - The Books Kids Love to Read!

Everyone who has ever read an Usborne Book knows Kids Love to Read them!  Why?

• There are Double Page Spreads dedicated to one subject,
• Unlimited Activities designed to keep kids involved in what they're reading, 
• Cut-Away Pictures so you can See Inside things like Castles, Pirate Ships, the Body and more!  
• Bite Size Knowledge provides the answer a kid wants in short distinct paragraphs.  This encourages kids to read and the information is "easily filed" in their brain - thus it's easily recalled.
• Step-By-Step formats enable children to learn a task (such as drawing an animal) in a manner that enables them to succeed.  Children learn to check themselves as they do the work - this is a skill that is better learned now then when they are struggling to complete a difficult math or science concept.

Even children who don't like to read Usborne Books - with a high ratio of picture to text.  Text is broken up by headings and illustrations and kids don't feel overwhelmed when they look at a book.  Many of our books are activity based so kids don't feel they are learning or reading while they are completing a task within the story or book.

You will find many different groupings and themes available for kids at the Usborne Books website.  There are many ways to order the books you want:  Get them FREE through a homeshow or catalog show, your school or church can host a BookFair and receive FREE Books for their Library or classrooms, or you can order them online at:  My Usborne Books