May 7th, 2010
Thanks to Team Mom, my husband and I spent our 15th Anniversary at the Celtic Woman concert at Verizon theatre in Grand Prairie,
It was entertainment at it’s finest. We were lucky to have floor seats where we could not only feel the music in our bodies but have a closer view of the magic that happens when you bring this group together on stage. It was powerful, mystical and yet spiritual at times. I found myself screaming “yeah” and then within minutes crying because I was so taken away by the music.
The band is superb, they are all united in their rhythm, and it is evident that there is a sort of family here which not only loves to entertain, but puts their whole breath and depth into the music. Celtic Woman, Songs from the Heart, was filled with cover tunes, Celtic favorites and spiritual favorites such as, “You raise me up.”
The audience was ecstatic and it was a totally packed house at Verizon that evening. The musicians should be put right up there with the ladies in standing ovations, as they are a true treat with their multitude of interesting instrumental pieces. Wind chimes are used and lighting which is a true theatrical production. We felt as if we were in a play, much more than a concert, and I can honestly, say you will spend two hours being swept away to far away rolling green Isles.
My favorite part was the music throughout the show from Mairead; she is the best violinist by far. She is ethereal and yet a powerful petite package. She made me smile every time she took the stage. If you haven’t seen Celtic Woman, I encourage you to do so now. They are touring our Nation over the next few months and then they will likely take a well-needed break. It’s something you must experience. And bring the kids if need be, we saw several of them and they seemed to enjoy the show just as much! http://www.celticwoman.com/trellis/US-New-map/
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Celtic Woman’s Sounds from the Heart
February 23rd, 2010
Hey Music lovers, what are you listening to these days? In a world of hustle and bustle it is a joy and a heart-warming family friendly occasion to have Music Moms send us Celtic Woman’s Songs from the Heart to review.
We found the Songs from the Heart CD, filled with heavenly melodies from an all female ensemble. It’s a bit of a modern twist on the Celtic sound, with hits like Sting’s “Fields of God” and Billy Joel’s “Goodnight My Angel.” The group is all over the billboard charts and has had seven sold-out U.S. tours.
A cool side note: The First Daughters are apparently big fans of the group as well.
It’s a relaxing group of songs which can really help you to unwind on a stressful day. I find it a great vehicle to “quiet time,” in having the children listen to when they have been overly stimulated from games or extra-curricular activities. My boys enjoy it and call it, “heavenly music.” I would peg it as an ensemble of ethereal music which lends itself as “melodies with spirituality.”
They’ve performed on MC’s favorite show, Dancing with the Stars and have a PBS special which is also available on DVD. The group continues to delight fans moving seamlessly between Irish classics, contemporary covers and original compositions.
Check out what everyone is talking about at: www.celticwoman.com
Stay tuned for our review of the actual concert in May!
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MC Book reviews
February 2nd, 2010
Audrey Penn Makes Difficult Things Easier
by Lisa Barker
The following books by Audrey Penn are touching, heartwarming and perfect for little ones dealing with two different difficult situations. In “The Kissing Hand” we find a special way to stretch the bond of mother and child for the very first day of school. In “Chester Raccoon and The Acorn Full of Memories” we discover a way to ease the heartache of a loved one’s passing.
Chester and his mother quickly resonate with the young reader especially in their dialog where Mother Raccoon is soothing and reassuring, wise and nurturing. Both books are full of warmth and wisdom and are a pleasure to share with you.
“The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn
(c2006, Tanglewood Press; ages 4-8)
It’s Chester’s first ‘night’ of school and he’s nervous and wants to stay home with mother where everything is comforting and familiar. Mrs. Raccoon shows him a special way to keep ‘in touch’ with her throughout the night by teaching him about the kissing hand.
Book review: As a mother I was very touched by “The Kissing Hand.” This is an idea mothers can share with their little ones and easily implement creating both confident kiddos and childhood memories to treasure.
The illustrations are wonderful and remind me of the old Golden Books. Filling the page, detailed and comforting, they underscore the warmth of the narration.
Reader relevance: This is the perfect gift for a child starting school! Little one’s will relate to Chester’s feelings and love the concept of the kissing hand.
“Chester Raccoon and The Acorn Full of Memories” by Audrey Penn (c2009, Tanglewood Press; ages 4-8) Chester comes home from school one day with news that his friend has passed away. Confused and aching he turns to Mother Raccoon who comforts him and teaches Chester and his friends how to make memories to honor remember their beloved friend.
Book review: My jaw dropped when I opened this book. From the start the illustrations enfold the reader and sweep you right into an expertly written story that is as tender and touching as it is consoling and healing. The prose is always only soothing and motherly and not the least bit syrupy or patronizing.
The story line is remarkable in that it offers children a practical means to work out their mourning; something constructive to do when a little one feels helpless. The full-page illustrations really underscore the soothing tone of the story while dealing with a somber subject and offering hope.
Reader relevance: I think this is a book that little ones will appreciate, giving them an outlet for their emotions and something to create and hang onto with regard to their deceased loved one.
LISA BARKER reviews children’s books for ages 0-12 BiblioReads.com. For book reviews, author interviews, content for your website/publication and advertising please contact Lisa at BiblioReads.info@gmail.com.
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Don’t get stuck in the past: Update your social media techniques today
January 21st, 2010
One of the largest mistakes companies who utilize social media are making is not integrating social media marketing into existing activities. What are you doing already that you can integrate social media into? Let’s get real; it’s 2010 and it’s now necessary to have a mobile device that lets you accomplish what your computer can. Think about how much more media- productive you would be if you had a mobile device that let you update Twitter, Facebook and check your e-mail while sitting in rush hour traffic or standing in line at Starbucks?
Social media can be hugely overwhelming, but now’s the time to jump right in. You can no longer afford to not participate. It’s shocking, but true; companies that do not use social media to engage the public are quickly becoming idle. Americans are largely reliant on social media to get information and updates about various industries and companies, and if you aren’t linked in you are missing out on a massive portion of your client base. Many underestimate the power social networking has to build real, working relationships with their clients.
· 60% of Americans regularly interact with companies on a social media site
· 43% of consumers say that companies should use social networks to solve the consumers’ problems
· 41% believe that companies should use social media tools to solicit feedback on products and services
Social media is still often referred to as “new media,” however it isn’t; it is media. Think about the last major news story and how you found out about it? I think it’s safe to assume that the majority of you did not read it in a newspaper. You probably got an e-mail update from an online news source or saw someone’s status or post on Facebook or Twitter. We no longer look for the news; the news finds us. (Social Media Revolution, video, YouTube.com)
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It’s all Good! Customers rave over All Good Goop, organic healing balm
December 14th, 2009
Elemental Herbs® “All Good Goop” Organic Skin Balm Captures Essence of Healing Herbs
It’s “All Good” for everything - from climbers’ calloused hands to baby’s tender bum
On occasion, Caroline Duell, president and founder of Elemental Herbs, can still be found in the kitchen mixing up a batch of “All Good Goop™” healing skin balm, considered a medicine-cabinet staple, and an alternative to petroleum jelly-based formulas. As Elemental Herbs’ premiere product, it put the company on the map nationally in 2006 as a manufacturer of organic herbal-based healing formulas.
These days, All Good Goop is made at a solar powered community center facility near Duell’s headquarters in Morro Bay, CA, and she still likes to keep her finger in the pot, so to speak, overseeing everything from sourcing the highest medicinal quality herbs to making additional batches when necessary to fill customer demands for the
exceptional healing ointment.
I personally used the product for a month on both my sons eczema. It not only keeps them from itching as much, but it healed all their bumps and scratches from countless episodes of scratching. My husband also swears by it on his rough cracked hands.
With an unparalleled combination of herbs and botanicals, All Good Goop’s popularity stems from the fact that its all-natural, organic formula benefits literally most any skin condition. For example, the balm can be used for:
· rough, dry hands, whether a climber or construction worker
· minor burns, cuts and scrapes
· diaper rash and other skin reactions
· chapped lips
· cracked heels and other skin irritations, including bug bites
Duell initially created the balm using well-known healing herbs grown in her garden - herbs relied upon for centuries for their skin-healing properties. The formula includes all organic calendula, comfrey, lavender, plantain and yarrow, which are infused in organic extra virgin olive oil with pure beeswax, vitamin E and lavender essential oil. It is free of artificial fragrances and preservatives.
All Good Goop is available at retailers nationwide or at www.elementalherbs.com. MSRP- $ 8.50 for one-ounce and $13.50 for two-ounce jars.
Founded in November 2005, Elemental Herbs inspires people to live in balance with nature by offering organic herbal-based healing formulas including All Good Goop™ healing balm, All Good Lips™ lip balms, Herbal Cool™ pain relief spray and Sunscreen Sport™.
The products are available at 300 retailers nationwide, including health food stores, outdoor sports shops and high-end gift shops. The company donates one percent of its revenues to environmental organizations through 1% for the Planet and tests only on humans. For more information, visit the website at www.elementalherbs.com
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